Surfshark vs Private Internet Access
Surfshark 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
Surfshark8.5
Independent no-logs assessment published, operating from the Netherlands.
Privacy & audits
30% weight
Private Internet Access8.0
Independent no-logs audit and transparency reports, though based in the US.
Surfshark8.5
WireGuard, kill switch, multi-hop and rotating IP options.
Security features
20% weight
Private Internet Access8.0
WireGuard, kill switch and granular encryption settings.
Surfshark9.0
Low long-term pricing combined with unlimited devices.
Value for money
20% weight
Private Internet Access8.5
Low long-term pricing with unlimited devices.
Surfshark8.0
Apps on all major platforms, though the extra features add some clutter.
Apps & ease of use
15% weight
Private Internet Access7.5
Open-source apps on all platforms; many settings can feel technical.
Surfshark9.5
No limit on simultaneous connections on paid plans.
Devices & flexibility
15% weight
Private Internet Access9.5
Unlimited simultaneous connections.
Published facts
Side by side
| Fact | Surfshark | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | No |
| Money-back window | 30 days | 30 days |
| Simultaneous devices | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Independent audit published | Yes | Yes |
| Company jurisdiction | Netherlands | United States |
| Main platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
Verdict
Which should you pick?
Choose Surfshark if…
You want something best for families and anyone with lots of devices.
- + Unlimited simultaneous devices
- + Strong value on longer plans
- + Independent no-logs assessment
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
Surfshark vs Private Internet Access: quick answers
Is Surfshark better than Private Internet Access?
Surfshark leads Private Internet Access by 0.4 points overall (8.7 vs 8.3). Surfshark scores higher on privacy & audits, security features, value for money, apps & ease of use.
Who should choose Private Internet Access over Surfshark?
Private Internet Access is best for tinkerers who want fine control over settings. Surfshark is best for families and anyone with lots of devices.
How were Surfshark 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.