Surfshark vs. PIA — which VPN is better?

Surfshark vs. PIA: summary

Both Surfshark and PIA offer a premium VPN experience. PIA offers 10 simultaneous connections, while Surfshark doesn’t limit them at all. Surfshark also has servers in more countries and more additional features, while PIA is the slightly cheaper option, although you need to get a 3-year plan for the best price.

Speed 

Speed will always be the biggest marker for a top VPN platform. But how does each service compare? It’s Surfshark vs. PIA in the ultimate need for speed.

We tested each platform, using the United States, Brazil, and Switzerland as our jumping-off points. We also focused on WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols and measured our results in Mbps (megabits per second). Here’s what we found. 

Note: the speed test results are the average for each provider

Surfshark vs. PIA speed test results (WireGuard)

Surfshark vs. PIA speed test results (OpenVPN)

Surfshark speed was consistently faster on both WireGuard and OpenVPN, while PIA came in slightly faster in Brazil but slower in the USA and Switzerland.

That said, a bunch of different factors can affect your internet speed. While the above metrics were displayed for me, you may see different results according to your region, Wi-Fi, operating system, connection, etc.

Features

Let’s unpack some added features designed to enhance your digital life.

Ad blockers

Surfshark’s CleanWeb ad blocker prevents malicious ads, pop-ups, trackers, or dangerous websites from accessing your information. The feature is included in all subscriptions and is available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.

PIA’s MACE feature provides a similar service by blocking ads, trackers, and malicious websites. The feature is part of a monthly subscription and runs on Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows.

Antivirus

Surfshark’s lightweight antivirus app will give you real-time online protection. Available for Windows, Mac, and Android, the feature scans your system for viruses and malware while analyzing unknown files to stop zero-day attacks. Moreover, the app won’t take up too much space or slow down your device as multiple antivirus programs would.

PIA has its own in-house antivirus that will scan your PC and protect your account from online attacks. Both platforms have data breach monitoring tools and the ability to hide your IP address and physical location. 

Double VPN

Surfshark’s Dynamic MultiHop double VPN feature will hide your online activity by routing your traffic through two different VPN servers instead of one. With a double VPN, your onsite data will be encrypted twice, giving you an added layer of protection and potentially faster processing speeds. Currently, PIA doesn’t offer this service. 

Split tunneling

Both platforms have a built-in split tunneling feature where you can choose which data you’d like to encrypt. Split tunneling protects sensitive information (banking details, passwords, etc.) by using multiple IP addresses to separate files.

You can access split tunneling on both PIA’s and Surshark’s desktop and mobile apps, although Surshark’s is called Bypasser. 

Search capability

Surfshark has a built-in private search feature where you can pull up organic results specific to your region on Google and Bing. Surfshark Search will never track your activity and will never display onsite ads. Currently, PIA doesn’t have its own incognito search tool.

GPS override 

Using GPS Override on Surfshark’s Android app will make your device appear in a different location or time zone, meaning you can ensure your online privacy and personal data aren’t tracked by unnecessary apps. At this time, PIA offers minimal GPS spoofing capabilities. 

Cookie pop-up blocker

Surfshark’s cookie pop-up blocker removes all cookie pop-ups, meaning you’ll never have to deal with annoying banners and consent requests when browsing online. PIA doesn’t have such a feature at the moment.

Alerts and notifications

PIA’s Identity Guard tool allows you to check if your email addresses have been compromised in a data breach. However, it won’t alert you to suspicious activity in real time.

Surfshark, on the other hand, actively monitors your personal information with Surfshark Alert and notifies you in real time if your email address, banking details, password, or any other sensitive information has been breached.

Privacy and security 

Brace yourself as we tackle privacy and security. At this point, things can get a little…hazy. Jargon takes over, descriptions get tricky, and your eyes may start to glaze over. But never fear! We’ll make it easy for you to follow.

Below is a list of the privacy and security features available at Surfshark and PIA.

Encryption

Both platforms run AES-256, which is the single strongest encryption standard in 2023. AES splits incoming data into blocks and applies different cryptographic keys for each protocol.

Simply put? It’s virtually impossible to hack your data using brute-force methods since, using current computing technology, AES-256 would take a lifetime to hack.

Moreover, both platforms use RSA 2048 encryption keys which are nearly uncrackable.

Surfshark and PIA use WireGuard and OpenVPN for authorization, authentication, and encryption. Both are industry-leading open-source protocols known for their breakneck download speeds, stable connections, and advanced data security. For mobile, PIA offers IPsec (for iOS), while Surfshark uses IKEv2.

Cloaking technology

Surfshark and PIA have top-notch cloaking features to hide your digital footprint. Surfshark has a built-in obfuscation tool (called Camouflage mode) that hides the fact that you’re using a VPN and makes your connection look like regular traffic. Especially useful in regions with restrictive internet laws or for bypassing geoblocking websites.

PIA has its own obfuscation tool (ShadowSOCKS) that disguises your VPN data as regular, run-of-the-mill traffic while hiding all metadata.

Surfshark goes a step further with its NoBorders mode. This feature lets you browse in restricted regions and bypass government censorship.

Smart DNS

Smart DNS allows you to unblock geo-restricted sites and services through your smart TV or gaming console. You’ll be able to access the free web without installing a VPN.

You can activate SmartDNS for Surfshark through your account dashboard, while SmartDNS for PIA will need to be set up through the site’s client control panel.

Kill switch

Each VPN has its own kill switch that will disconnect you from the internet if your connection drops. A kill switch ensures your privacy is always protected and your data is never compromised.

PIA vs. Surfshark VPN: audits

We want to know that we’re dealing with a reputable VPN service. The best way to find out is through an independent audit.

PIA audit

In 2022, PIA’s internal server infrastructure was audited by Deloitte. One of the Big Four auditing companies found that PIA doesn’t log any details that could be used to identify their users or pinpoint their activities.

Surfshark audit

In 2018, Surfshark was independently audited by Cure53. The company found that Surfshark’s browser extensions had no serious flaws and that all security protocols were up to global standards. Surfshark addressed any recommendations and published the results.

In 2021, Cure53 audited Surfshark’s entire VPN infrastructure. Again, no serious issues were discovered, and all recommendations were addressed. 

In 2023, Surfshark’s no-activity-logs statement got verified by Deloitte — even more evidence of Surfshark sticking to its privacy policy and promises.

Pricing and plans 

How much is Surfshark VPN compared to PIA? Straight off the bat, you’ll see that both products are evenly matched and remain two of the most affordable VPN services on the market, with PIA just nudging ahead.

Pricing

PIA offers slightly cheaper 1-month and 1-year plans but doesn’t offer a 2-year plan, so you have to commit to the service for 3 years if you want to get the best pricing. Surfshark’s cheapest option costs $2.49/month, which is comparable to PIA’s cheapest option, but only requires you to subscribe for 2 years.

Payment methods

Both Surfshark and PIA offer quick, safe, and reliable banking methods, including credit/debit cards, e-wallets, and some leading cryptocurrencies. Depending on the method, payment processing can take anywhere from an hour to a day, and you’ll get an email confirmation as soon as your service is active.

Surshark has 17+ banking methods, including 8+ cryptocurrencies. Both sites work with well-respected crypto payment platforms like CoinGate and CoinPayments (for Surfshark), and BitPay (for PIA).

Refund policy 

What if your VPN subscription isn’t all you’d hoped for? Not to worry. Both platforms have a 30-day money-back guarantee. You’ll need to reach out to either site’s customer support team via email or live chat, and you will get a full refund within 30 days of purchasing the subscription.

Seven-day free trial 

When comparing Surfshark vs. PIA, both platforms offer a 7-day free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS.

To activate your 7-day free trial on either platform, download the app, add your banking details, and choose an appropriate plan (i.e., 12, 24, or 36 months). 

When your trial is up, you’ll get a reminder email. If you miss the notification and get charged, you can contact customer support and get your money back.

Server locations

A quick Surfshark review shows 3200+ dedicated servers in 100 countries, while Private Internet Access servers have around 10,000+ locations in 84 countries. At first glance, PIA seems to be the outright winner. But look closer, and you’ll see that most server locations are dotted throughout the United States. What about the rest of the world?

Below is a list of server locations per platform, including available countries.

Both providers are neck and neck when logging in from The Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacifics. Surfshark edges ahead with four more locations in Europe and 11 more countries on offer. PIA wins by a landslide in terms of localization, with tailored servers in all 50 states. That said, they do hold less sway in South and Central America, with 11 locations.

Lastly, further points go to the server speed. Surfshark is actively upgrading servers from 1 Gbps to 10 Gbps, and this alone puts them far ahead of PIA, which still has a way to go in terms of overall speed and localized precision.

Customer support 

No one wants to feel like they’re shouting into an empty void whenever a simple question pops up, and the right customer support team can make all the difference between liking and loving a service. We need to know that questions never go unanswered and that there is always a good solution just around the bend.

While both sites have a solid onsite knowledge base and FAQ section, Surfshark takes the lead. Their Youtube tutorials (Surfshark Academy) are ideal for short sharp info bursts and cover everything from antivirus and password protection to top features. 

You can also search for help directly on Surfshark’s homepage, while PIA can only direct you to the best sources from their help center.

The summary

While PIA holds the upper hand (for now) in terms of its lower subscription costs and range of servers, Surfshark shows no sign of slowing down.

Surfshark proves itself to be a fast, affordable, and viciously effective VPN service, while PIA has a strong set of unique features, leading protocols, and some affordable pricing plans. At the end of the day, it’s for you, the customer, to decide who your favorite is.

FAQ

Can Surfshark VPN be trusted?

Yes. Surfshark is one of the market’s safest and most reliable VPN service providers. Key safety features include a built-in Kill Switch, split tunneling, and AES-256-bit encryption.

Do Surfshark or Private Internet Access offer any deals?

Yes, both PIA and Surfshark offer special deals; Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, and the most price-friendly plan is a two-year subscription for $2.49/month. Be on the lookout for Surfshark coupons as well.