Surfshark vs Private Internet Access
Head-to-head comparison based on published specifications and independent benchmarks. Pricing and specs verified August 2026.
Tie — both VPNs win in an equal number of categories
Category-by-Category
| Category | Surfshark | Private Internet Access | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | 9.4 | vs | 8.8 |
| Privacy | 9.0 | vs | 9.2 |
| Streaming | 9.3 | vs | 8.5 |
| Security | 9.1 | vs | 9.0 |
| Price | from $2.49/mo | vs | from $2.03/mo |
| Servers | 4,500+ | vs | 10,000+ |
| Devices | Unlimited | vs | Unlimited |
Speed Comparison
Surfshark has a -6% speed drop while Private Internet Access shows -12%. Surfshark takes this category on reported speed figures. Speed data is based on independent benchmarks across multiple protocols and server locations, not our own testing.
Privacy Comparison
Surfshark is based in Netherlands while Private Internet Access operates from USA. Private Internet Access edges ahead in privacy with a stronger overall privacy profile. Scores are based on no-logs policies, audit history, jurisdiction, encryption standards, and leak protection.
Streaming Comparison
Surfshark unblocks 5 streaming services while Private Internet Access unblocks 4. Surfshark wins this category with more reliable streaming access across platforms. Streaming compatibility is evaluated across multiple platforms and server locations.
Security Comparison
Both Surfshark and Private Internet Access offer AES-256 encryption and kill switch protection. Surfshark scores higher in security due to additional features and infrastructure hardening. Security scores are based on encryption, protocol implementation, DNS/IP leak protection, kill switch reliability, and server infrastructure.
Full Specification Comparison
| Feature | Surfshark | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN |
| Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 |
| Kill Switch | Yes | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes | Yes |
| Multi-hop | Yes | No |
| Ad Blocker | Yes | Yes |
| Obfuscation | NoBorders mode, OpenVPN obfuscation | Multi-Hop obfuscation (Shadowsocks) |
| Fire TV App | Amazon Appstore | Amazon Appstore |
| Smart DNS | Not recorded | Smart DNS |
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands | USA |
| Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Server Count | 4,500+ | 10,000+ |
| Country Count | 100 | 90 |
| Speed Drop (reported) | -6% | -12% |
| Lowest Price | from $2.49/mo | from $2.03/mo |
| Plan Length | 27mo plan | 3yr + 3mo plan |
| Streaming Services | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime | Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime |