Both Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN and Proton VPN are strong contenders in the VPN market, each offering unique advantages. PIA VPN stands out with its extensive server network and unlimited device connections, making it a great choice for users with many devices. Proton VPN, based in Switzerland, emphasizes privacy and security with features like Secure Core servers and a strong legal framework. The choice between them depends on individual priorities: PIA VPN for network size and device flexibility, and Proton VPN for enhanced privacy and security.
| Attribute | Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN 2025 | Proton VPN 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Server Network Size and Distribution | — | Over 11,000 servers in over 110 countries, including locations in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. Free users have access to servers in the Netherlands, Poland, Romania, the United States, and Japan. |
| VPN Protocol Options | — | WireGuard, OpenVPN (TCP/UDP), IKEv2/IPsec, and Stealth. Smart selection recommended for automatic choice. |
| Encryption Standards | — | AES-256 encryption with OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPsec. WireGuard uses ChaCha20. |
| Logging Policy | — | Strict no-logs policy. Does not store, collect, or track connection logs, IP addresses, session lengths, or location. Independently audited and verified. |
| Jurisdiction and Privacy Laws | — | Based in Switzerland, which has strong data protection and privacy laws. Switzerland is not part of any surveillance agreements. |
| Simultaneous Device Connections | — | Plus plan supports 10 simultaneous devices. The free plan only allows one connection. |
| Speed and Performance | — | Utilizes the WireGuard protocol and VPN Accelerator technology. Average speed loss is around 21% compared to a non-VPN baseline. |
| Kill Switch Functionality | — | Kill switch feature on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and iPadOS. Advanced kill switch available on Windows and Linux. |
| Specialized Servers | — | Specialized servers for P2P/torrenting and Secure Core servers for enhanced security. |
| Compatibility with Streaming Services | — | Reliably accesses many streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. |
| Price | — | $9.99 per month (Plus plan) or as low as $4.49/month with the 2-year subscription. Free version available. |
| Ratings | — | Performance: One of the fastest VPNs in 2025. |