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Comparison

Private Internet AccessvsProton VPN

Scored by our methodology · Pricing last verified May 12, 2026

Our pick

Proton VPN

DuelStack Score 6.1/10 vs Private Internet Access 5.3/10

Try Proton VPN

Or evaluate Private Internet Access — full comparison below.


Private Internet Access

Rating4/5
Starting Price$1.59/mo
Modelpaid-only

Proton VPN

Rating4.5/5
Starting PriceFree
Modelfreemium

Feature Comparison

FeaturePrivate Internet AccessProton VPN
Ad blocker
Browser extension
Dedicated IP
Free plan
Kill switch
Multi-device support
No-logs policy
P2P support
Server count 5000+
Speed optimization
Split tunneling
Streaming unblock

Private Internet Access

Pros

  • +Unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • +Proven no-logs policy audited and court-tested
  • +Strong torrenting support with port forwarding

Proton VPN

Pros

  • +Audited no-logs policy and open-source apps
  • +Unlimited data free plan with no ads
  • +Excellent streaming and torrenting support with port forwarding

Why we landed here

Proton VPN takes this one with a DuelStack Score of 6.1/10 vs 5.3/10.

How we score this comparison

The DuelStack Score (1–10) weights feature breadth (25%), pricing value (25%), pros/cons ratio (20%), tier flexibility (15%), and maturity + user rating (15%). Last updated June 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Which is better, Private Internet Access or Proton VPN?

Based on our analysis, Proton VPN is the better pick. Proton VPN takes this one with a DuelStack Score of 6.1/10 vs 5.3/10.

How much does Private Internet Access cost vs Proton VPN?

Private Internet Access starts at $1.59/month. Proton VPN offers a free plan.

Does Private Internet Access have a free plan?

Private Internet Access does not offer a free plan, but pricing starts at $1.59/month.

Does Proton VPN have a free plan?

Yes, Proton VPN offers a free plan with limited features.