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.
All Private Internet Access alternatives
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 alternativesPros
- 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 / LicensePaidProprietaryCategoriesExpressVPN 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 alternativesPros
- 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 / LicensePaidProprietaryCategoriesSurfshark 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 alternativesPros
- 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 / LicensePaidProprietaryCategoriesProton 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 alternativesPros
- 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 / LicenseFreemiumOpen sourceCategoriesMullvad 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 alternativesPros
- 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 / LicensePaidOpen sourceCategoriesCyberGhost 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 alternativesPros
- 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 / LicensePaidProprietaryCategoriesWindscribe 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 alternativesPros
- 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 / LicenseFreemiumProprietaryCategoriesIVPN 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 alternativesPros
- 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 / LicensePaidOpen sourceCategories
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.
| App | Pricing | Platforms | Built-in ad blocker | Kill switch | No-logs policy | Split tunneling | Streaming unblocking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PaidOpen source | Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension | ||||||
| Paid | Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension | ||||||
| Paid | Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension | ||||||
| Paid | Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension | ||||||
| FreemiumOpen source | Windows, Mac, Linux, iPhone, Android, Browser extension | ||||||
| PaidOpen source | Windows, 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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