Private Internet Access vs Surfshark: Pricing and Ratings Compared (2026)
Entry prices and free plans as read on each vendor's pricing page, and user ratings as published on review sites, for Private Internet Access and Surfshark side by side. This page compares data; it is not a hands-on review.
On the data: On the data below, Private Internet Access leads on higher user rating and lower entry price. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
Short on time? Here's the quick answer
Based on published vendor pricing and features and on public review data, here's who should pick what:
Private Internet Access
Secure your online privacy and access content globally with a fast, no-logs VPN service.
Best for you if:
- • You want strong focus on user privacy with a strict no-logs policy
Surfshark
Unlimited devices, all-in-one online security and privacy
Best for you if:
- • You want unlimited simultaneous device connections
| At a Glance | Private Internet Access | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
Starts at | From $1.88/mo, billed monthly 3 Years + 4 Months plan | From $2.49/mo, billed monthly Surfshark Starter plan |
Category | VPN Security | VPN Security |
Rating | 4.6/5 SourceForge 4.6 38 reviews | 4.3/5 Trustpilot 4.3 · Capterra 4.5 · G2 4.0 923 reviews |
Free plan | No | No |
Watch out for | n/a | Identity theft coverage may have caps |
Choose Private Internet Access or Surfshark?
Choose Private Internet Access if
- You want strong focus on user privacy with a strict no-logs policy
- You want open-source applications provide transparency and trustworthiness
- Budget matters ($1.88/mo, billed monthly vs $2.49/mo, billed monthly)
Choose Surfshark if
- You want unlimited simultaneous device connections
- You want comprehensive suite including VPN, Antivirus, and identity protection tools
In-Depth Analysis
Private Internet Access
Secure your online privacy and access content globally with a fast, no-logs VPN service.
Private Internet Access offers highly competitive pricing, especially with its '3 Years + 4 Months' plan at $1.75/mo, which is exceptionally generous for a VPN service.
Strengths
- Pro: Strong focus on user privacy with a strict no-logs policy.
- Pro: Open-source applications provide transparency and trustworthiness.
- Pro: Extensive global server network in 91 countries for broad access.
- Pro: Unlimited simultaneous device connections with one subscription.
- Pro: Includes advanced security features like Kill Switch, Multi-hop, and MACE.
Weaknesses
- Con: No free trial, only a money-back guarantee.
- Con: Antivirus and Dedicated IP are paid add-ons, not included in the base subscription.
Key features
Surfshark
Unlimited devices, all-in-one online security and privacy
Surfshark's pricing is aggressively fair at $2.49/mo for the Starter and One tiers, though the identical feature lists between them is confusing.
Watch out
Identity theft coverage may have caps
Strengths
- Pro: Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Pro: Comprehensive suite including VPN, Antivirus, and identity protection tools
- Pro: Strong privacy with a strict no-logs policy and advanced encryption
- Pro: High-speed servers and modern protocols like WireGuard®
- Pro: 24/7 customer support via live chat and email
Weaknesses
- Con: Dedicated IP and Alternative Number are extra add-ons
- Con: Free trial is limited to 3 devices
Key features
Plans and prices: Private Internet Access vs Surfshark
| Tool | Plans and prices | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Private Internet Access |
| privateinternetaccess.com |
| Surfshark |
| surfshark.com/pricing read Oct 29, 2026 |
Prices as read on each vendor's own pricing page on the date shown. Plans are listed per tool and are not matched against the other tool's plans: a plan name or price in one column says nothing about the same row in the other. Details on Private Internet Access pricing and Surfshark pricing.
Key Takeaways
Private Internet Access
- Higher user rating: 4.6/5 vs 4.3/5
- Lower entry price: $1.88/mo, billed monthly vs $2.49/mo, billed monthly
Surfshark
- Choose if you want unlimited devices, all-in-one online security and privacy
What the data shows
On the data below, Private Internet Access leads on higher user rating and lower entry price. We do not name an overall winner for this pair.
- Private Internet Access has the higher user rating (4.6/5 from 38 reviews for Private Internet Access, 4.3/5 from 923 reviews for Surfshark).
- Private Internet Access has the lower entry price: $1.88/mo, billed monthly (3 Years + 4 Months) against $2.49/mo, billed monthly (Surfshark Starter) for Surfshark.
Criteria: user rating (only above 20 reviews on both sides, gap of 0.2 or more), entry price (only on the same billing basis), free plan. How we rate
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Private Internet Access and Surfshark compare in 2026?
On the data below, Private Internet Access leads on higher user rating and lower entry price. We do not name an overall winner for this pair. Private Internet Access has the higher user rating (4.6/5 from 38 reviews for Private Internet Access, 4.3/5 from 923 reviews for Surfshark). Private Internet Access has the lower entry price: $1.88/mo, billed monthly (3 Years + 4 Months) against $2.49/mo, billed monthly (Surfshark Starter) for Surfshark.
What are Private Internet Access and Surfshark used for?
Private Internet Access: Secure your online privacy and access content globally with a fast, no-logs VPN service. Surfshark: Unlimited devices, all-in-one online security and privacy.
What does Private Internet Access cost vs Surfshark?
Private Internet Access's cheapest paid plan is 3 Years + 4 Months at $1.88/mo, billed monthly. Surfshark's cheapest paid plan is Surfshark Starter at $2.49/mo, billed monthly. Prices read on the vendors' pricing pages, latest check Oct 29, 2026.
What's the main difference between Private Internet Access and Surfshark?
Private Internet Access's main strength: strong focus on user privacy with a strict no-logs policy. Surfshark's main strength: unlimited simultaneous device connections.