Proton VPN vs Private Internet Access
Proton VPN leads Private Internet Access by 0.4 points overall (8.7 vs 8.3).
8.7/10, Excellent
8.3/10, Very good
Criterion by criterion
Where each one wins
Proton VPN9.5
Four independent no-logs audits, open-source apps and Swiss jurisdiction.
Privacy & audits
30% weight
Private Internet Access8.0
Independent no-logs audit and transparency reports, though based in the US.
Proton VPN9.0
Secure Core multi-hop, WireGuard, kill switch and NetShield blocking.
Security features
20% weight
Private Internet Access8.0
WireGuard, kill switch and granular encryption settings.
Proton VPN8.0
Unlimited-data free tier; paid plans are mid-priced.
Value for money
20% weight
Private Internet Access8.5
Low long-term pricing with unlimited devices.
Proton VPN8.5
Open-source apps on all major platforms, including Linux.
Apps & ease of use
15% weight
Private Internet Access7.5
Open-source apps on all platforms; many settings can feel technical.
Proton VPN7.5
Ten devices on paid plans, but only one on the free tier.
Devices & flexibility
15% weight
Private Internet Access9.5
Unlimited simultaneous connections.
Published facts
Side by side
| Fact | Proton VPN | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | Yes | No |
| Money-back window | 30 days | 30 days |
| Simultaneous devices | 10 on paid plans; 1 on free | Unlimited |
| Independent audit published | Yes | Yes |
| Company jurisdiction | Switzerland | United States |
| Main platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
Verdict
Which should you pick?
Choose Proton VPN if…
You want something best for privacy-minded users who want a trustworthy free tier.
- + Free tier with no data cap
- + Four independent no-logs audits
- + Open-source apps
Choose Private Internet Access if…
You want something best for tinkerers who want fine control over settings.
- + Unlimited simultaneous devices
- + Open-source apps
- + Highly configurable
Checked 1 Nov 2026.
Questions
Proton VPN vs Private Internet Access: quick answers
Is Proton VPN better than Private Internet Access?
Proton VPN leads Private Internet Access by 0.4 points overall (8.7 vs 8.3). Proton VPN scores higher on privacy & audits, security features, apps & ease of use. Private Internet Access scores higher on value for money, devices & flexibility.
Who should choose Private Internet Access over Proton VPN?
Private Internet Access is best for tinkerers who want fine control over settings. Proton VPN is best for privacy-minded users who want a trustworthy free tier.
How were Proton VPN and Private Internet Access scored?
Both were scored on the same 5 weighted criteria for VPN services, using public information such as published plans and terms. We do not lab-test products.