Intro & Overall Ratings
Our Ratings
Proton VPN and PIA excel in various areas: Proton VPN is based in privacy-friendly Switzerland and scores an 80.8% overall rating while PIA, located in the surveillance-inclined United States, trails behind at 64.8%. Despite lower cost plans and the ability to offer unlimited simultaneous connections, PIA’s rating and jurisdiction pose potential concerns. In contrast, Proton VPN, although more expensive, provides more robust privacy protections due to its jurisdiction, making it a preferable choice from a user’s perspective.
About Our VPN Rating Systems
Our reviews delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Ratings are based on our comprehensive research of 96 VPN companies. Out of 96 VPNs we reviewed, only 11 surpass the 75% threshold in our evaluation, while half of the reviewed services score below average (54.1%).
Why Read Our VPN Guide?
- Our VPN reviews are unbiased and data-driven. We are not affiliated to any of the VPN companies listed on this website.
- Our rating system covers diverse user needs. We delve deeply into each VPN service, scrutinizing aspects such as privacy, customer feedback, pricing, and usability to provide well-rounded insights.
Specifications: Proton VPN vs PIA
| VPN Company | Proton VPN | PIA |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction Country | Switzerland | United States |
| Cheapest Price | $4.99/mo over 24-month subscription | $1.98/mo |
| Monthly Price | $9.99 | $11.95 |
| Money Back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days |
| No Logging Policy? | Yes | Yes |
| Encryption | AES-256, and ChaCha20 | AES-128, AES-256, and ChaCha20 |
| Protocols | OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec | OpenVPN, and WireGuard |
| Servers | 2,970 | 10,000 |
| Servers Countries | 68 | 91 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 devices | Unlimited devices |
| Works in China? | No | Likely |
| Smart DNS | No | Yes |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Browser Extension | Yes | Yes |
| Double VPN | No | Yes |
| Ads Blocking | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Third Party Audit | Securitum | 0 |
| Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat, and Email | 24/7 Live Chat |
| Android App | Yes | Yes |
| iOS App | Yes | Yes |
| Unblock Streaming | Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO | Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and HBO |
| Learn More | Visit Online | Visit Online |
Cruical Features & Key Differences
Plans & Pricing: Tie
Searching for a VPN that marries cost-effectiveness with reliable performance? Both Proton VPN and PIA are priced affordably. Proton VPN costs $4.99/mo for its 24-month plan; while PIA cheapest 36-month plan starts at $1.98/mo. These VPNs exemplify the possibility of obtaining superior online security and privacy without a significant financial outlay. Both services highlight that accessing top-tier VPN features can indeed be budget-friendly
Jurisdiction: Proton VPN Better
For those prioritizing online privacy, the jurisdiction of their VPN provider is a critical consideration. Proton VPN, with its base in Switzerland, offers a substantial privacy edge over United States-based PIA. Not part of the EU or US jurisdiction, Switzerland is known for its neutrality and strict privacy regulations. This provides a robust legal framework that benefits ProtonVPN users.
On the other hand, PIA is based in United States, a member of the 14-Eyes Alliance. The 14-Eyes Alliance, an expansion of the Five- and Nine-Eyes intelligence collaborations, includes countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and several European nations. These member states are known for their extensive surveillance activities, as highlighted by disclosures from figures like Edward Snowden (watch video below). Such surveillance extends to the sharing of collected data among member countries. In other words, company like PIA could be legally obligated to comply with government requests for user data, with the potential for this data to circulate among the alliance members. This surveillance culture not only compromises personal privacy but also raises concerns about digital security.
Comparing the two, ProtonVPN’s Swiss base generally offers a higher level of privacy protection. However, it’s important to consider other factors such as the VPN’s own privacy policy, encryption standards, and track record in handling user data. Both VPNs have their own merits, but for strict privacy considerations, being based in Switzerland gives ProtonVPN an edge.
Servers Count & Geographical Coverage: Tie
Proton VPN and PIA are both noteworthy for their extensive networks. With Proton VPN, users benefit from an expansive server network, facilitating connections from 68 countries and ensuring a smooth and speedy online experience. PIA mirrors this capability, boasting a sizeable server fleet of 10,000 servers spread over 91 countries.
The broad reach of both Proton VPN and PIA means that they are capable of providing dependable and swift connections for users globally, making them top contenders for those in search of a VPN with extensive worldwide coverage.
Money Back Guarantee: Tie
Both Proton VPN and PIA reassures its users with a lengthy money-back guarantee, allowing ample time to test their services thoroughly. These guarantees are more than just policies; they are strong indicators of the confidence that both services have in the quality they offer. This assurance provides users with a risk-free opportunity to immerse themselves in the diverse features of each VPN. From the vast server network of Proton VPN to the advanced security protocols of PIA – you have the liberty to thoroughly evaluate each service before deciding on a long-term investment.
Simultaneous Connections: PIA Better
Proton VPN offers a respectable number of simultaneous connections, capped at 10. This limit typically caters well to individual users or small families.
On the flip side, PIA stands out with its offer of unlimited simultaneous connections. This feature is a significant boon for larger households or business environments, where the number of devices needing VPN protection far exceeds half a dozen. The ability to connect an unrestricted number of devices under a single account with PIA not only offers greater flexibility but also ensures comprehensive coverage for all online activities.
For those managing multiple devices, this unlimited access provided by PIA could be a compelling reason to prefer it over Proton VPN.
Performance in China: PIA Better
Proton VPN faces challenges operating reliably in China due to its stringent online restrictions. In contrast, PIA currently demonstrates a higher likelihood of functioning effectively within China. However, given the dynamic nature of China’s firewall policies, this advantage may not be sustainable in the long term. Users requiring consistent VPN access in China should consider these changing variables when choosing between Proton VPN and PIA.
Double VPN Feature: PIA Better
One of the notable differences between PIA and Proton VPN is the inclusion of a double VPN feature. PIA offers this advanced feature, which routes your internet traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, adding an extra layer of security and privacy. On the other hand, Proton VPN does not provide a double VPN option.
Bottomline
In conclusion, Proton VPN and PIA both provide robust VPN services with extensive worldwide coverage, atractive pricing, and strong privacy measures. However, the decision between the two hinges on specific user needs and considerations such as jurisdiction, simultaneous connections, and performance in restrictive environments like China. Investigating these factors thoroughly allows users to make an informed choice that best suits their needs and ensures their online security and privacy.
About Proton VPN & PIA
PIA
Private Internet Access, established in 2010, is a service of London Trust Media, Inc. While specific details about the founders are not widely publicized, PIA has made a name for itself in the VPN industry. The company is known for its strong commitment to privacy and transparency, offering features like AES-256 encryption and a strict no-logging policy. PIA is compatible with various platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. The company is headquartered in Denver, Colorado, USA.
To learn more, read our PIA review.
Proton VPN
Proton VPN is a virtual private network service operated by Proton AG, a Swiss company renowned for their secure email service – Proton Mail.
Proton VPN and Proton Mail share the same management team, offices, and technical resources, and are operated from Switzerland. The VPN service currently has 2,970 servers in 68 countries. Although ProtonVPN owns and operates some of its servers, the majority are operated by ASNs such as Datacamp Limited. The service is available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as ChromeOS and can be used on smartphones, personal computers, and even installed on a wireless router.
Proton VPN is one of the most secure VPN services available in the market. It utilizes OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols with AES-256 encryption. In addition to this, Proton VPN has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Securitum, a European security auditing company. In October 2022, Proton VPN released their Stealth Protocol that disguises VPN traffic as HTTPS traffic.
To learn more, read our Proton VPN review.