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I’ve spent the past two years testing VPNs across hundreds of scenarios, and the Surfshark vs PIA matchup is one I get asked about constantly. Both are affordable, both have solid no-logs track records, and both support unlimited devices. But in my hands-on testing, the differences are real — and they matter depending on what you actually need a VPN for.
The short version: Surfshark is my top recommendation, especially on the Surfshark One plan. PIA is a genuinely solid VPN that earns its place — particularly for power users who want deep customization — but it trails Surfshark in speed, streaming reliability, and overall feature value.
Let me break down exactly why.
Surfshark vs PIA: Quick Comparison
| Feature | Surfshark | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Best long-term price | $1.99/mo (2-year) | $1.59/mo (3-year) |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| Server countries | 100 | 91 |
| Simultaneous devices | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Speed retention (my tests) | ~95% | ~85% |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
| No-logs audit | Deloitte (2025) | Deloitte (2024) |
| RAM-only servers | Yes | Yes |
| Ad blocker | CleanWeb | MACE |
| Port forwarding | No | Yes |
| GPS spoofing (Android) | Yes | No |
| Data jurisdiction | Netherlands | United States |
| Ownership | Nord Security | Kape Technologies |
My Overall Verdicts
Best Overall Value
Surfshark — My #1 Pick
The fastest VPN I’ve tested, with the best balance of speed, streaming performance, privacy features, and value. The Surfshark One plan is my top recommendation for most people.
- ~95% speed retention in my testing — genuinely the fastest VPN I use
- Unlimited devices on every plan
- Reliably unblocks Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more
- Surfshark One bundles antivirus, CleanWeb, Alternative ID, and breach alerts
- Based in the Netherlands — GDPR-friendly jurisdiction
- Deloitte no-logs audit completed in 2025
- No port forwarding support
- Some advanced features locked behind higher-tier plans
Best for Power Users
Private Internet Access — Solid, But Second Place
A genuinely capable VPN with excellent customization options, open-source apps, and the deepest US server coverage I’ve seen. Best for technical users who want granular control.
- Servers in all 50 US states — unique coverage for regional unblocking
- Port forwarding support (great for torrenting)
- Open-source apps — independently verifiable code
- Unlimited devices
- Deloitte no-logs audit (2024) and court-proven twice
- Based in the US — Five Eyes jurisdiction
- Owned by Kape Technologies (also owns ExpressVPN, CyberGhost)
- Slower speeds than Surfshark in my tests (~85% retention)
- Inconsistent streaming unblocking on some platforms
Pricing: Surfshark Wins on Value, PIA on Monthly Flexibility
Both VPNs pitch themselves as budget-friendly, and they’re right — but the fine print matters.
| Plan | Surfshark | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly | $15.45/mo | $11.95/mo |
| 1-year | From $3.19/mo | $3.33/mo |
| Best long-term deal | $1.99/mo (2-year) | $1.59/mo (3-year) |
| Commitment required | 2 years | 3 years |
| Money-back | 30 days | 30 days |
PIA’s 3-year plan is marginally cheaper per month, but that requires a longer commitment. Surfshark’s 2-year plan at $1.99/mo hits the sweet spot of low price without locking you in for three years. For monthly use, PIA is the better deal at $11.95/mo vs Surfshark’s $15.45/mo.
Where Surfshark really pulls ahead on value is the Surfshark One plan — it bundles the VPN with antivirus protection, Alternative ID (alias identity creation), and real-time breach alerts for only a few dollars more. PIA has no comparable bundled security suite.
Speed Testing: Surfshark Is Noticeably Faster
Speed is where the gap between Surfshark and PIA becomes very clear. In my own testing, Surfshark consistently retained around 95% of baseline speeds on WireGuard, while PIA came in at around 85%. That’s still usable — but when you’re streaming 4K or doing large torrent downloads, you feel the difference.
Independent benchmarks from multiple sources confirm this pattern. On WireGuard (the protocol both VPNs use by default), Surfshark roughly doubles PIA’s download speeds in some tests:
| Protocol | Surfshark Download | PIA Download | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | ~263 Mbps avg | ~124 Mbps avg | Surfshark |
| OpenVPN UDP | ~120 Mbps avg | ~127 Mbps avg | PIA (slight edge) |
| OpenVPN TCP | ~26 Mbps avg | ~33 Mbps avg | PIA |
The OpenVPN TCP results are interesting — PIA edges ahead — but that protocol is rarely used in practice. It’s slower by design and mostly useful when other protocols are blocked. For everyday use, WireGuard is what matters, and Surfshark dominates there.
Server Networks: Different Strengths
Surfshark runs 4,500+ servers across 100 countries. PIA claims 35,000+ servers in 91 countries — though many of those are virtual (geo-located) rather than physical servers in those locations.
| Region | Surfshark | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Total countries | 100 | 91 |
| Total servers | 4,500+ | 35,000+ (many virtual) |
| US coverage | 600+ servers, 19 states | Servers in all 50 states |
| Europe | 46 countries | 42 countries |
| Asia-Pacific | 26 countries | 19 countries |
| RAM-only servers | Yes | Yes |
| 100 Gbps upgrades | In progress | Not yet |
PIA’s biggest infrastructure win is its coverage in all 50 US states. This is genuinely rare. If you need to unblock geo-restricted content at the state level — sports blackouts, regional streaming rights, state-specific services — PIA has a real advantage here. Surfshark covers 19 US states, which is solid but not comprehensive.
For global coverage, Surfshark has the edge with 100 countries. And while PIA’s raw server count looks impressive, Surfshark’s smaller network tends to be faster and less congested in practice.
Privacy & Security: Both Solid, But Different Approaches
Surfshark Privacy Strengths
- Based in the Netherlands — strong GDPR protections, no mandatory data retention
- Deloitte no-logs audit completed in 2025 (most recent)
- Multiple Cure53 infrastructure audits
- MASA security certification for Android app
- Warrant canary maintained
- Dynamic MultiHop — choose your own entry + exit servers
PIA Privacy Strengths
- Open-source apps — anyone can audit the code
- No-logs policy proven in court twice (2016, 2018)
- Deloitte audit (2024)
- Semi-annual transparency reports
- RAM-only servers across its network
- Token-based dedicated IPs for better anonymity
Both VPNs use AES-256-GCM encryption, WireGuard/OpenVPN/IKEv2 protocols, and RAM-only server infrastructure. From a pure technical standpoint, they’re comparable.
Where they diverge is jurisdiction and transparency philosophy. Surfshark’s Dutch base is meaningfully more privacy-friendly than PIA’s US headquarters. The US is a founding Five Eyes member, and American companies can be compelled to log users under gag orders — without being able to tell anyone. PIA has never been caught logging, and its court record is clean, but the legal risk is structurally higher.
PIA compensates with open-source apps — something Surfshark doesn’t offer. If being able to independently verify the code matters to you, PIA has a real edge there. For most users, the audited no-logs policies on both sides are sufficient reassurance.
Streaming: Surfshark Is More Reliable
I test both VPNs regularly against major streaming platforms. Here’s what I consistently find:
| Platform | Surfshark | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix (US) | ✅ Reliable | ✅ Works |
| Netflix (other regions) | ✅ Consistent | ⚠️ Hit or miss |
| BBC iPlayer | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Disney+ | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Inconsistent |
| Hulu | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| HBO Max | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Inconsistent |
| Amazon Prime Video | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Inconsistent |
| ITVX | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| YouTube TV | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
Surfshark is simply more consistent. PIA works well for Netflix US and a handful of other platforms, but I’ve run into failures with Disney+, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video more often than I’d like. Surfshark rarely forces me to switch servers just to get a stream working.
For a dedicated streaming VPN experience, Surfshark is the clear choice. If streaming is a secondary use case for you, PIA is workable — just expect occasional friction.
Torrenting: PIA Has the Edge
This is one of the few areas where PIA genuinely beats Surfshark. Both support P2P on all servers, both have kill switches, and both are solid for secure downloading. But PIA adds two features Surfshark doesn’t have:
Port forwarding — this significantly improves upload and download speeds in P2P clients by allowing direct connections from peers. Surfshark simply doesn’t support port forwarding.
SOCKS5 proxy — PIA includes a SOCKS5 proxy option for faster (though less encrypted) torrent connections. Useful if you want maximum speed over maximum security.
If torrenting is your primary use case, PIA is the better tool. For everything else, Surfshark wins.
Features Comparison: Surfshark Has More
| Feature | Surfshark | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Ad + tracker blocker | CleanWeb (cookie blocking too) | MACE (DNS-level) |
| Split tunneling | Yes (Bypasser) | Yes (rule-based) |
| Double VPN | Dynamic MultiHop (custom pairs) | Multi-hop via proxy (pre-set) |
| Obfuscation | Camouflage Mode | Shadowsocks |
| GPS spoofing | Yes (Android) | No |
| Port forwarding | No | Yes |
| Dedicated IP | $3.75/mo, 15 countries | $4.25/mo, 5 countries (token-based) |
| Alternative ID | Yes (alias identity) | No |
| Alternative number | Yes (add-on) | No |
| Data broker removal (Incogni) | Yes (One+ plan) | No |
| Antivirus | Yes (One plan) | Yes (add-on) |
| CLI scripting | No | Yes (piactl) |
| Open-source apps | No | Yes |
Surfshark wins the feature count battle, especially with privacy extras like Alternative ID and Incogni. PIA’s advantages are in the power-user toolbox: CLI scripting, port forwarding, and open-source code. If you’re the kind of person who knows what piactl is, PIA might suit you better. For everyone else, Surfshark’s suite is more immediately useful.
Interface & Apps: Both Good, PIA More Technical
I’ve used both apps extensively across Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Surfshark’s interface is clean and modern — connecting takes a single tap, and features are logically organized. It’s genuinely beginner-friendly without being dumbed down.
PIA’s app is denser. The expanded view shows encryption settings, protocol toggles, and advanced controls right on the main screen. For someone who wants to fine-tune their setup, that’s great. For someone who just wants to hit connect, it can be overwhelming.
Both apps are available on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Fire TV, and browser extensions (Chrome, Firefox; Surfshark also covers Edge).
Customer Support: Both Offer 24/7 Chat
Neither service makes you hunt for help. Both have 24/7 live chat, email support, knowledge bases, and active subreddits. In my experience, Surfshark’s chat agents tend to be faster with concrete solutions, while PIA’s support occasionally redirects you to help articles rather than working through issues directly. Neither is bad — Surfshark is just slightly better.
Who Should Choose Surfshark?
Surfshark is the right call if you want the fastest VPN that also happens to include a full privacy suite. The Surfshark One plan is what I personally use and what I recommend to friends and family. You get the VPN, antivirus, breach alerts, and Alternative ID — all for around $2-3 a month on a two-year plan. It’s hard to beat that combination.
It’s also the better choice for streaming, everyday privacy, and households with lots of devices where ease of use matters more than technical customization.
→ Read my full Surfshark review
Who Should Choose PIA?
PIA makes sense if you’re a power user who wants port forwarding for torrenting, CLI scripting for automation, or open-source app verification. It’s also the better pick if you specifically need US state-level server coverage — no other VPN I’ve tested matches all 50 states.
Just go in knowing the US jurisdiction is a real privacy consideration, and Kape Technologies’ ownership is worth factoring into your trust calculus.
Other VPNs Worth Considering
If neither Surfshark nor PIA fits your needs exactly, here are some alternatives I’d point you toward:
Proton VPN — the best option if privacy is your absolute top priority. Swiss jurisdiction, open-source, and the most audited VPN I’ve reviewed. Slightly pricier, but worth it for privacy purists.
IPVanish — also US-based like PIA, but with consistently fast speeds (~92% retention in my tests), unlimited devices, and budget-friendly pricing at $2.19/mo. Good alternative if you’re torn on PIA.
NordVPN — fast (~89% retention) and feature-packed, but noticeably pricier than Surfshark. In my testing, Surfshark is actually faster, which makes NordVPN’s premium harder to justify.
PrivadoVPN — the cheapest option at $1.11/mo on a 2-year plan, plus the best free VPN tier I’ve tested. Not as fast or feature-rich, but excellent value if budget is the priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Surfshark better than PIA overall?
In my testing, yes — Surfshark wins on speed, streaming reliability, features, and privacy jurisdiction. PIA has specific advantages (port forwarding, US state coverage, open-source apps), but for most users, Surfshark offers better overall value. The Surfshark One plan in particular is hard to beat at around $2/mo on a 2-year plan.
Which is faster — Surfshark or PIA?
Surfshark is significantly faster. In my testing, Surfshark retains around 95% of baseline speeds, while PIA comes in around 85%. On the WireGuard protocol specifically, independent benchmarks show Surfshark delivering roughly double PIA’s download speeds. For everyday use both are fine, but the gap is noticeable for 4K streaming and large downloads.
Does PIA work with Netflix?
PIA works with Netflix US consistently, but I’ve found it unreliable with other regional libraries (Japan, Germany, Hong Kong, etc.). Surfshark is considerably more consistent across Netflix libraries globally. If Netflix unblocking is important to you, Surfshark is the safer bet.
Is PIA safe to use despite being US-based?
PIA has never been caught logging user data, and its no-logs policy has been proven in court twice — in 2016 and 2018. Deloitte also audited it in 2024. That said, the US Five Eyes jurisdiction does mean US authorities could theoretically compel data collection under a gag order. PIA’s clean track record is reassuring, but if jurisdiction is a dealbreaker for you, Surfshark (Netherlands) or Proton VPN (Switzerland) are stronger choices.
Who owns PIA?
Private Internet Access is owned by Kape Technologies, which also owns ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. Kape’s predecessor (Crossrider) was associated with adware, though Kape itself is a legitimate cybersecurity company today. PIA operates independently with its own team and policies.
Which VPN is better for torrenting — Surfshark or PIA?
PIA is the better torrenting VPN thanks to its port forwarding support, which meaningfully improves P2P speeds. Both support P2P on all servers, but Surfshark lacks port forwarding. If torrenting is your primary use case, go with PIA. If you torrent occasionally alongside other uses, Surfshark is still perfectly capable.
What is the Surfshark One plan and is it worth it?
Surfshark One bundles the VPN with antivirus protection, CleanWeb ad blocker, Alternative ID (alias identity and email generator), and real-time breach alerts — all for around $2.49/mo on a 2-year plan. It’s my top recommendation because it replaces several separate security tools at a price lower than most standalone VPNs. For most people, it’s the best value in the VPN market right now.
Do Surfshark and PIA have free trials?
Surfshark offers a 7-day free trial on iOS, Android, and macOS. PIA offers a 7-day free trial on iOS and Android. Both also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, which gives you a full month to test either VPN risk-free before committing.
Which VPN has more servers — Surfshark or PIA?
PIA claims 35,000+ servers in 91 countries, compared to Surfshark’s 4,500+ servers in 100 countries. However, many of PIA’s servers are virtual (geo-located) rather than physically present in those countries. Surfshark covers more countries overall, while PIA’s raw server count provides more options within its network — including servers in all 50 US states.
87% OFF
Surfshark One — Editor’s Choice
The fastest VPN I’ve tested, now with antivirus, Alternative ID, and breach alerts bundled in.
100 countries
~95% speed retention
Antivirus included
Deloitte audited (2025)
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