VPN · Head to head
Surfshark vs Private Internet Access: which is better?
Short answer
Private Internet Access costs less in the first year ($29.88 vs $24.36). Pick Surfshark for cheap VPN with unlimited devices; pick Private Internet Access for VPN with unlimited simultaneous devices.
| Fact | Surfshark | Private Internet Access | Edge |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Cheap VPN with unlimited devices | VPN with unlimited simultaneous devices | — |
| Free plan | No | No | Tie |
| Entry plan | Starter: $2.49 / mo | 1 Year: $3.99 / mo | Surfshark |
| Mid plan | One: $2.49 / mo | 3 Years + 3 Months: $2.03 / mo | Private Internet Access |
| Top plan | One+: $3.99 / mo | 3 Years + 3 Months: $2.03 / mo | Private Internet Access |
| 1st year | $29.88 | $24.36 | Private Internet Access |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Firefox extension | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension, Firefox extension | Private Internet Access |
Edge = the better published number or limit; we do not test the tools hands-on.
Which is cheaper, Surfshark or Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access costs less in the first year ($29.88 vs $24.36).
| 1st year | Surfshark | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Entry | $29.88 | $47.88 |
| Mid | $29.88 | $24.36 |
| Top | $47.88 | $24.36 |
Which has the better free plan, Surfshark or Private Internet Access?
Neither stands out: Surfshark: No; Private Internet Access: No.
Should you pick Surfshark or Private Internet Access?
Pick Surfshark if
- you want cheap VPN with unlimited devices
- you can pay $2.49 / mo from day one
Pick Private Internet Access if
- you want VPN with unlimited simultaneous devices
- you can pay $2.03 / mo from day one
Sources
| Vendor page | URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Surfshark pricing | surfshark.com/pricing | 27 Oct 2026 |
| Private Internet Access pricing | privateinternetaccess.com/buy-vpn-online | 27 Oct 2026 |
Prices in USD as published by each vendor, billed yearly where offered. How we compare