Private Internet Access vs ProtonVPN
A detailed comparison to help you choose between Private Internet Access and ProtonVPN.
Private Internet Access Open-source VPN with proven no-logs policy backed by court records. | ProtonVPN Swiss privacy-first VPN | |
|---|---|---|
| Rating | 4.3 (121 reviews) | 4.5 (15000 reviews) |
| Pricing Model | paid | freemium |
| Starting Price | From $2.03/mo | From $0/mo |
| Best For | Best for users seeking reliable VPN protection for online privacy | Best free VPN and privacy-first option |
| Free Tier | ||
| API Access | ||
| Team Features | ||
| Open Source | ||
| Tags | — | — |
Private Internet Access
Pros
- + Published Deloitte no-logs audit reports
- + Open-source apps on GitHub
- + WireGuard and OpenVPN support
- + Split tunneling and multi-hop options
- + Port forwarding available in supported regions
- + Quarterly transparency reporting
Cons
- - US jurisdiction may not fit strict threat models
- - Port forwarding not available on all locations
- - Streaming access can be inconsistent by platform
- - MACE is limited versus full browser ad blockers
ProtonVPN
Pros
- + Open-source VPN apps with public code
- + Repeated independent no-logs infrastructure audits
- + Unlimited data on the free plan
- + Stealth protocol and alternative routing for censorship
- + Secure Core double-hop routing option
- + Port forwarding support on paid plans
Cons
- - NetShield ad/tracker blocking is paid-only
- - Tor over VPN is only on paid plans
- - Exact pricing hard to cite without JS account page
- - Real-world speeds vary by route and server load
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