Private Internet Access vs Surfshark: which is better? Comparison 2026
By our public methodology Private Internet Access scores 78 out of 100 and Surfshark scores 73. Below: the factors and facts where they differ, each fact with its source.
Score breakdown
| Private Internet Access | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|
| Privacy & security | 85 | 85 |
| Network & features | 83 | 99 |
| Price & terms | 62 | 11 |
| User reputation | 82 | 82 |
| Transparency | 67 | 84 |
Pros and cons
Private Internet Access
- Highly rated in the App Store
- Low price on long plans
- No-logs policy verified by an independent audit
- Servers in 100+ countries
Surfshark
- Highly rated in the App Store
- No-logs policy verified by an independent audit
- Servers in 100+ countries
- Many devices on one account
Facts side by side
| Fact | Private Internet Access | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| No-logs policy independently audited | Yes privateinternetaccess.com | Yes surfshark.com |
| Any independent security audit | Yes privateinternetaccess.com | Yes surfshark.com |
| Latest independent audit | 2025 privateinternetaccess.com | 2026 surfshark.com |
| RAM-only servers | Yes privateinternetaccess.com | Yes surfshark.com |
| Jurisdiction | United States privateinternetaccess.com | Netherlands surfshark.com |
| WireGuard protocol | Yes privateinternetaccess.com | Yes surfshark.com |
| Open-source apps | Yes privateinternetaccess.com | Not verified |
| Kill switch | Yes privateinternetaccess.com | Yes surfshark.com |
| Server countries | 113 privateinternetaccess.com | 100 surfshark.com |
| Servers | Not verified | 4,500 surfshark.com |
| Simultaneous devices | Unlimited privateinternetaccess.com | Unlimited surfshark.com |
| Split tunneling | Yes privateinternetaccess.com | Yes surfshark.com |
| Best price per month (long plan) | $2.03 privateinternetaccess.com | Not verified |
| 1-month plan | $11.95 privateinternetaccess.com | Not verified |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days privateinternetaccess.com | 30 days surfshark.com |
| Free plan | No privateinternetaccess.com | No surfshark.com |
| App Store rating | 4.7★ apps.apple.com | 4.7★ apps.apple.com |
| App Store ratings | 150,000 apps.apple.com | 133,000 apps.apple.com |
| Transparency report | Yes privateinternetaccess.com | Yes surfshark.com |
| Founded | Not verified | 2018 surfshark.com |
| Company | Kape Technologies kape.com | Not verified |
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