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Private Internet Access alternatives

Top VPN like Private Internet Access

The most popular alternative to Private Internet Access is NordVPN. Other great alternatives to Private Internet Access are ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, and Mullvad VPN.

Most alternatives to Private Internet Access are in the VPN category, compared here by price, platform and features.

Private Internet Access alternatives
AllFreeOpen source
8 apps

All Private Internet Access alternatives

  1. NordVPN is a paid VPN service from Nord Security with servers in many countries, apps for all major platforms and an audited no-logs policy. Its NordLynx protocol is built on WireGuard, and extras include Threat Protection against ads, trackers and malware, Meshnet for linking your own devices, dark web monitoring, split tunneling and a kill switch.

    10 NordVPN alternatives

    Pros

    • NordLynx protocol based on WireGuard keeps connections fast
    • Large server network that works well with streaming services
    • Meshnet and Threat Protection go beyond a basic VPN

    Cons

    • Renewal prices are much higher than introductory deals
    • Apps and checkout push bundled add-ons and upgrades
    • Closed source apps, unlike some privacy-focused rivals
    Cost / License
    PaidProprietary
    Categories
  2. ExpressVPN is a subscription VPN with servers in many countries and apps for desktop, mobile, routers and browsers. It uses its own open source Lightway protocol, runs its servers from RAM only (TrustedServer) and has had its no-logs policy audited. Features include the Network Lock kill switch, split tunneling, ad and tracker blocking, and servers that work with popular streaming services.

    10 ExpressVPN alternatives

    Pros

    • Open source Lightway protocol designed for speed and reliability
    • RAM-only servers and an audited no-logs policy
    • Works with popular streaming services across many countries

    Cons

    • Priced higher than most rival VPN services
    • Simplicity means fewer advanced settings than some rivals
    Cost / License
    PaidProprietary
    Categories
  3. Surfshark is a paid VPN service that allows an unlimited number of devices on a single subscription, which suits households with many devices. Apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android and browsers, with WireGuard, a kill switch, split tunneling (Bypasser) and CleanWeb ad and tracker blocking. Higher tiers bundle data breach alerts, antivirus and a private search engine.

    10 Surfshark alternatives

    Pros

    • Unlimited devices on a single subscription
    • CleanWeb blocks ads and trackers across devices
    • Apps for every major platform, including Linux and browsers

    Cons

    • Renewal prices are higher than the first-term deals
    • Antivirus and breach alerts require pricier tiers
    • Closed source apps, unlike some privacy-first VPNs
    Cost / License
    PaidProprietary
    Categories
  4. Proton VPN is the VPN service of Proton, the Swiss company behind Proton Mail. Its apps are open source, its no-logs policy has been independently audited, and the free plan has no data limit and no ads. Paid plans unlock servers in many more countries, streaming support, NetShield ad and malware blocking, Secure Core multi-hop routing and more devices.

    11 Proton VPN alternatives

    Pros

    • Free plan with no data cap and no ads
    • Open source apps and an audited no-logs policy from a Swiss company
    • Secure Core multi-hop routing on paid plans

    Cons

    • Free plan offers few locations and no streaming support
    • Paid plans cost more than many mainstream VPNs
    • Free servers can slow down at peak times
    Cost / License
    FreemiumOpen source
    Categories
  5. Mullvad VPN is a Swedish VPN service that asks for no email or personal details: you get a random account number and can even pay in cash or cryptocurrency. Its open source apps use WireGuard and include a kill switch, split tunneling, DNS-based ad and tracker blocking and multihop, all for a single flat monthly price with no tiers or long-term plans.

    9 Mullvad VPN alternatives

    Pros

    • Anonymous account numbers with no email or personal details required
    • One flat monthly price with no tiers or long-term commitments
    • Open source WireGuard apps with multihop and DNS-based blocking

    Cons

    • No free plan and no discounts for longer subscriptions
    • Not designed for unblocking streaming catalogs
    • Port forwarding is not supported, a drawback for torrenting
    Cost / License
    PaidOpen source
    Categories
  6. CyberGhost is a paid VPN service based in Romania, with simple apps for Windows, macOS, iOS and Android and a command-line client for Linux. Servers are labeled by use, such as streaming, torrenting or gaming, and the apps include WireGuard, a kill switch, split tunneling and a content blocker for ads and trackers. Subscriptions come with a long money-back period.

    7 CyberGhost VPN alternatives

    Pros

    • Servers labeled for streaming, torrenting and gaming
    • Simple apps that suit VPN beginners
    • Long money-back period on subscriptions

    Cons

    • Linux client is command-line only
    • Lowest prices require committing to multi-year plans
    Cost / License
    PaidProprietary
    Categories
  7. Windscribe is a Canadian VPN service with a free plan that includes a monthly data allowance and a choice of locations, along with paid plans and a build-your-own option billed per location. Its apps include a firewall that acts as a kill switch, split tunneling, WireGuard and R.O.B.E.R.T., a customizable DNS blocker for ads, trackers and malware.

    10 Windscribe alternatives

    Pros

    • Free plan with a monthly data allowance and several locations
    • R.O.B.E.R.T. offers customizable DNS blocking of ads and malware
    • Build-your-own plan lets you pay only for the locations you need

    Cons

    • Free data allowance is too small for heavy use
    • Many options and some jargon can confuse newcomers
    Cost / License
    FreemiumProprietary
    Categories
  8. IVPN is a Gibraltar-based VPN service focused on privacy and transparency: accounts need no email, you can pay in cash or Monero, the apps are open source and the no-logs policy has been audited. It offers WireGuard, multi-hop connections, a firewall-based kill switch, split tunneling on some platforms and AntiTracker for blocking ads and trackers, and runs no affiliate program.

    8 IVPN alternatives

    Pros

    • Signup needs no email and accepts cash or Monero payments
    • Open source apps and an independently audited no-logs policy
    • Multi-hop routing and AntiTracker blocking are built in

    Cons

    • Smaller server network than the big commercial VPNs
    • No free plan is available
    • Not designed for unblocking streaming catalogs
    Cost / License
    PaidOpen source
    Categories

Private Internet Access vs its alternatives at a glance

Pricing, platforms and the key features of Private Internet Access, compared with its most popular alternatives.

Private Internet Access vs its alternatives at a glance
AppPricingPlatformsBuilt-in ad blockerKill switchNo-logs policySplit tunnelingStreaming unblocking
Private Internet AccessPaidOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension
NordVPNPaidWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension
ExpressVPNPaidWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension
SurfsharkPaidWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension
Proton VPNFreemiumOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension
Mullvad VPNPaidOpen sourceWindows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android

Private Internet Access alternatives: frequently asked questions

What is the best alternative to Private Internet Access?

The most popular alternative to Private Internet Access is NordVPN: Subscription VPN with NordLynx, Meshnet and built-in threat protection. Other great alternatives are ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, and Mullvad VPN.

Is there a free alternative to Private Internet Access?

Yes, 2 alternatives are free or have a free plan, including Proton VPN and Windscribe.

Is there an open source alternative to Private Internet Access?

Yes, 3 open source alternatives are listed, including Proton VPN, Mullvad VPN, and IVPN.

Is Private Internet Access free?

No, Private Internet Access is a paid app.

Compare Private Internet Access with its alternatives

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