VPN Comparison Overview
The online market is flooded with VPN providers all competing for your money. They employ aggressive marketing strategies and frequently use technical terms to promote their services. This makes it challenging for those new to VPNs to tell one from another. Consequently, internet users might find it hard to figure out what each feature means and if the VPN is as great as it claims to be.
Our "vs" articles directly compare popular VPNs to deal with these problems. We explore ten carefully selected categories to assess the performance of each VPN. This allows you to determine which VPN is more dependable, has faster speeds, is more user - friendly, and is more appropriate for streaming. You can utilize the following comparisons to figure out whether Private Internet Access or Surfshark is a better choice for you.
Surfshark and Private Internet Access are both competitively priced VPNs, making them difficult to distinguish based on cost alone.
For a single month, Surfshark is priced at $12.95, while Private Internet Access (PIA) is slightly cheaper at $11.99. Both offer affordable privacy and content unblocking solutions for work trips or vacations.
The longer subscription plans for both VPNs are where they offer the most value. PIA's 3-year subscription includes 3 extra months for free, costing $2.03 per month, totaling $79 for 39 months of VPN access.
Surfshark does not offer a 3-year plan, but its 2-year plan is comparable, priced at $2.39 per month. This plan also includes an extra month for free, for a total cost of $59.76.
Given the close pricing, it's recommended to choose between the two based on their features and attributes to determine which offers better overall value.
PIA Deal: Save 82% with PIA's 3-year deal, including 3 extra months free. This equates to just $2.03 per month.
Surfshark Deal: Save over 80% on the monthly price with Surfshark's 2-year plan, including 1 extra month free. This equates to just $2.39 per month.
Winner: It's a Draw
Given article content: Private Internet Access and Surfshark both offer decent multi-platform support. Each service has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Firesticks, and Linux. Both these VPNs also have browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
In terms of features, Surfshark is an extremely solid all-rounder. Users get a kill switch, strong encryption, DNS leak protection, a choice of protocols (including super-fast Wireguard), split tunneling, ad and tracker blocking, malicious website protection, obfuscation, no-borders mode, and a free smart DNS service. It's extremely versatile.
With PIA, users get a kill switch, a choice of protocols (including super-fast Wireguard), split tunneling, ad blocking, malware filtering, obfuscation, and a SOCKS5 proxy. Port forwarding works with both the OpenVPN and Wireguard protocols.
With PIA you can not only choose between protocols but also opt to either strengthen or weaken the encryption depending on your needs. This allows you to get better speeds in times when the highest levels of encryption aren't strictly necessary.
While this may appeal to some advanced users, it is worth noting that Surfhark provides super-fast speeds while providing full-strength encryption at all times.
When considering streaming international services via a VPN, Surfshark has an edge over Private Internet Access. Surfshark is not only generally faster, which is great for seamless streaming without buffering, but also more dependable when it comes to accessing well - known streaming platforms.
During our tests, Surfshark could access about a dozen different Netflix regions, along with Hulu, HBO Max, Disney +, Prime Video, Crunchyroll, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, ESPN, Peacock, DAZN, and international services in various locations like Japan, the Netherlands, South America, Australia, and many others.
In contrast, Private Internet Access could only access Netflix USA and BBC iPlayer. It was unable to unblock Hulu, Amazon Prime, Sky Go, and ITV. So, it's advisable to test Private Internet Access with your streaming services prior to long - term commitment. Fortunately, you can do this with its 30 - day money - back guarantee.
For those seeking a VPN for streaming, Surfshark is a better choice as it constantly offers access to a large number of streaming platforms.
Surfshark is the winner for streaming
China imposes extensive restrictions on popular Western services and websites. This means that using Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and many other significant websites and services such as news platforms like the BBC and The New York Times is not possible.
Due to this censorship, many people in China, whether visiting or living there, need a VPN to stay in touch with friends or family in the West. However, the Chinese government has set up an efficient and costly firewall that blocks VPNs effectively, and Chinese ISPs collaborate with the government to block VPN websites.
Consequently, subscribing to a VPN in China is difficult, and very few VPNs can bypass the censorship there. How do Private Internet Access and Surfshark compare?
Surfshark offers both obfuscation and a special no - borders mode for bypassing strict firewalls, enabling users to connect while in China.
With Private Internet Access, obfuscation is available on its desktop applications when using the OpenVPN protocol. But there are mixed reports on whether it works in China. So, you might want to test it yourself or just choose Surfshark.
It's highly recommended to subscribe to the VPN before going to China if possible. This ensures the VPN is already installed on your devices, and you don't have to worry about the VPN's website being blocked by Chinese ISPs.
For more information on the best VPNs for China, check out our dedicated article.
Surfshark is the winner for use in China
PIA vs Surfshark Comparison
Getting a subscription and installing both Private Internet Access and Surfshark is a breeze. Just visit the website of either VPN, choose the subscription duration you want, and enter your payment information. After that, you can install the VPN on your different devices.\The VPN apps don't take up much hard drive space. They are installed via a simple wizard that arranges all the essential VPN protocol components correctly on your computer. This means that even the least tech - savvy users can get either VPN up and running.\When it comes to usability, Surfshark is more beginner - friendly. Its apps have a nicer appearance and are preset to offer the highest level of protection by default. In contrast, with Private Internet Access, you can customize the encryption, which makes it a bit more complicated to use. Nevertheless, apart from this, both VPNs are easy to navigate and enjoyable to use.\ The winner is Surfshark
This is great! Now let's rewrite the given article content related to the article 'Private Internet Access vs Surfshark' in the same way.
Output: When it comes to providing data security and privacy, both PIA and Surfshark are reliable. PIA offers some additional functionality by letting you choose between different encryption settings, which may make it more interesting to techy users. However, at their strongest setting (which is how Surfshark is set at all times), both these VPNs offer a similar level of security. We tested both providers for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks that would betray your data privacy, and found both VPNs to be completely secure. You can trust both these VPNs to keep your data safe.
Surfshark and Private Internet Access (PIA) both boast robust no-logging policies, ensuring that your online activities, including the data you transmit, your source IP address, and the servers you connect to, remain private. Neither service keeps records of your online sessions.
However, their geographical locations introduce some distinctions. Surfshark operates from the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction known for its lack of mandatory data retention laws and absence of intrusive government surveillance. This provides an added layer of privacy and security for users.
In contrast, PIA is headquartered in the United States, where the presence of agencies like the NSA, combined with legal instruments such as warrants and gag orders, could potentially compel the company to provide user data without public disclosure.
Despite this, PIA has consistently upheld its no-logs policy, even under legal scrutiny, and there is no record of it betraying user privacy to U.S. authorities. This makes it a reliable choice for most users concerned about privacy.
To further enhance trust, Surfshark has undergone a comprehensive third-party audit, which verified its no-logs claims. PIA, while maintaining a strong commitment to privacy, has not yet subjected itself to such an independent review.
Given these factors, Surfshark emerges as the slightly more favorable option.
The given article content is comparing the features of two VPN services, Private Internet Access (PIA) and Surfshark. The article mentions that both PIA and Surfshark provide access to shared IPs, which can help improve privacy. However, PIA offers the option to purchase a dedicated static IP, which can provide more anonymity than a shared server. Both VPNs also hide the user's home IP, which can help protect against hackers. Additionally, both VPNs offer DNS-based filtering to block trackers, ads, and malicious websites. PIA allows for port forwarding, which can allow access to resources on a home LAN remotely. When it comes to playing multiplayer games online, Surfshark has a larger choice of servers and faster connection speeds, making it a better option for gaming.
Customer Service Comparison
In terms of customer service, both Private Internet Access and Surfshark are quite responsive. Both providers allow you to contact them via email or live chat to ask questions. Private Internet Access has a 24/7 live chat window with agents who can respond in English or other languages using Google Translate. However, we found that Surfshark's agents were more responsive and knowledgeable when we contacted them. Both VPNs have great resources on their websites with FAQs, setup guides, articles, and blog posts about using the VPN and gaining online privacy. In terms of email response times, PIA took 5-10 minutes while Surfshark responded almost instantly.
When comparing the two, Surfshark comes out on top. Surfshark emerged as the superior choice in a direct comparison, excelling in several key areas. These included privacy, customer support, server network and performance, unblocking and streaming capabilities, user interface, functionality in China, and gaming experience. Both services were on par in terms of pricing, features, and security.
Despite being slightly more expensive, Surfshark provides greater value overall. It boasts a larger global server network and significantly faster speeds—more than double those of PIA. The user-friendly apps are equipped with all the essential features needed by the typical home user.
For streaming enthusiasts, Surfshark is the better option, as it can access a broader range of popular international streaming platforms. However, for users who prioritize torrenting, PIA's port forwarding feature may be more appealing.
Both services offer robust security measures, including no-logging policies, AES-256 encryption, kill switches, DNS leak protection, and obfuscation. Nonetheless, we lean towards Surfshark, largely due to PIA's location in the United States, a country known for its extensive surveillance activities.
What is a Netflix VPN and How to Get One
A Netflix VPN is a virtual private network technology designed to bypass geographical restrictions on Netflix, enabling users to access a wider range of content not typically available in their region. By connecting to servers in various countries, a Netflix VPN masks the user's actual location, allowing them to enjoy a more diverse selection of movies and TV shows.
Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?
If individuals are seeking to access region-restricted content on Netflix and finding their current Netflix vpn not working , they may want to consider the SafeShell VPN as a reliable and efficient alternative.
The SafeShell VPN boasts an array of benefits that set it apart from the competition. Firstly, it offers high-speed servers that are specifically optimized for seamless Netflix streaming. This ensures uninterrupted enjoyment of favorite shows and movies without any buffering issues, thanks to the cutting-edge technology that provides lightning-fast connection speeds and high-definition streaming.
Secondly, SafeShell VPN allows users to connect multiple devices at once, supporting a wide range of operating systems. This feature is a game-changer, as it enables seamless connectivity across up to five devices simultaneously. This means users can enjoy their favorite content on any device they choose, be it Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Android TV, or Apple Vision Pro.
In addition to these advantages, SafeShell VPN also offers exclusive App Mode for accessing content from multiple regions at the same time. This feature provides users with the freedom to explore a world of entertainment without restrictions, unlocking a diverse range of streaming services and libraries. With SafeShell VPN, users can say goodbye to Netflix VPN not working issues and enjoy a seamless and unrestricted streaming experience.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Netflix with SafeShell VPN
SafeShell VPN is a reliable and easy-to-use VPN solution designed to provide users with a secure and private internet experience. It offers a wide range of features and tools to enhance online security and privacy, including military-grade encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. The VPN also offers unlimited bandwidth and supports up to 10 devices simultaneously. With SafeShell VPN, you can enjoy a fast and secure internet connection, shield your online activity from prying eyes, and access geo-restricted content from around the world.