Looking for a reliable VPN in the U.S., EU, or UK? Choosing between Private Internet Access (PIA) and Surfshark comes down to one key question: which VPN gives you the best value for your money? Having tested both across multiple locations covering streaming, gaming, and everyday browsing, here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which to buy.
Cheap Long-Term Plans: Compare Costs
Price is often the first factor. Both PIA and Surfshark are affordable, but their long-term cost and pricing structure differ.
Private Internet Access (PIA):
- Two-year plan: $2.19/month (paid upfront), no surprise renewal hikes.
- Monthly plan: $11.95/month.
- Annual plan: $4.99/month.
- Unlimited device connections.
Surfshark:
- Two-year plan + 2 months free: $1.99/month, slightly cheaper than PIA.
- Renewal may rise to $6–8/month after the first term.
- Unlimited device connections.
Cost Takeaway:
- Short-term users (1–3 months) may prefer PIA’s monthly plan ($11.95 vs Surfshark $12.95).
- Long-term users (2+ years) save more with Surfshark if comfortable with upfront payment.
Streaming & Performance: Top VPN for Netflix, BBC, and Disney+
Price is meaningless if a VPN is slow or unreliable. Here’s how PIA and Surfshark compare:
Streaming:
- Both unblock Netflix US, Hulu, and Disney+.
- Surfshark excels in Europe: BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Canal+ are stable without switching servers.
- PIA can unblock BBC iPlayer, but high-traffic times may cause buffering.
- Surfshark offers MultiHop for extra privacy (speed drops ~20%).
- PIA has Split Tunneling, letting you route only selected traffic through VPN.
Speed & Stability:
- PIA: 72–78 Mbps (US), 65–70 Mbps (EU).
- Surfshark: 75–82 Mbps (US), 68–75 Mbps (EU).
- Both support 4K streaming and low-latency gaming (<40ms).
- Surfshark slightly more stable: zero disconnects in 8-hour tests vs PIA two disconnects.
Weak Network Performance:
- Rural users benefit from PIA’s WireGuard protocol (~90% uptime in weak signals vs Surfshark 82%).
Privacy & Security: Protect Your Data
Privacy is critical in the U.S. and EU. Both VPNs follow strict no-log policies.
PIA:
- U.S.-based, audited multiple times by Deloitte.
- No IP, browsing history, or connection logs.
- Built-in MACE blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
Surfshark:
- BVI-based (privacy-friendly).
- No-log policy audited by Cure53.
- Features: Camouflage Mode (hide VPN use from ISP) + CleanWeb (blocks ads, trackers, phishing).
Key Difference:
- Surfshark’s location gives slight privacy edge in Europe.
- PIA audits and transparency reports ensure reliability in the U.S.
Customer Support: Fast Help When You Need It
Support is critical if you run into technical issues.
PIA:
- Technical expertise is strong.
- Peak-hour response slower (~15 min).
- Knowledge base extensive for DIY setup.
Surfshark:
- Fast support (5–8 min average).
- Beginner-friendly, often provides direct links for installation or server lists.
- 30-day refund is hassle-free; PIA sometimes requires follow-ups.
Side-by-Side Comparison: PIA vs Surfshark
| Feature | PIA VPN | Surfshark VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Cost / Month | 2-year $2.19, monthly $11.95, annual $4.99 | 2-year + 2 months $1.99, renewal $6–8 |
| Device Connections | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Streaming | Netflix US/Hulu/Disney+, BBC iPlayer peak buffering | Netflix US/Hulu/Disney+, stable BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Canal+ |
| Speed (avg) | US 72–78 Mbps, EU 65–70 Mbps | US 75–82 Mbps, EU 68–75 Mbps |
| Stability | Occasional disconnects | Stable, no disconnects |
| Weak Network | Better performance (~90% uptime) | Moderate (~82% uptime) |
| Privacy & Security | U.S., audited, MACE ad/malware blocker | BVI, Camouflage + CleanWeb |
| Extra Features | Split Tunneling | MultiHop, Camouflage Mode, CleanWeb |
| Support | Expert, slower at peak | Fast, beginner-friendly, easy refund |
| Best For | Short-term, weak network, transparent pricing | Long-term, Europe streaming, fast support, extra privacy features |
Quick Buy Guide: Which VPN Fits You Best?
Legend: 🟢 = Recommended, ⚪ = Optional, 🔴 = Less Suitable
| User Scenario | PIA VPN | Surfshark VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Short-term use (1–3 months) | 🟢 | ⚪ |
| Long-term subscription (2+ years) | ⚪ | 🟢 |
| Weak or rural network | 🟢 | ⚪ |
| Heavy streaming (Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+) | ⚪ | 🟢 |
| Multiple devices / family use | 🟢 | 🟢 |
| Highest privacy preference (journalist / activist) | ⚪ | 🟢 |
| Fast and beginner-friendly support | ⚪ | 🟢 |
| Budget-conscious (cheap monthly cost) | ⚪ | 🟢 |
| Want extra features (MultiHop, Camouflage Mode) | ⚪ | 🟢 |
| Transparent pricing, no renewal surprises | 🟢 | ⚪ |
Quick Insights:
- PIA is perfect for short-term users, weak networks, or those prioritizing transparent pricing.
- Surfshark is ideal for long-term subscribers, heavy streamers, privacy-focused users, and those wanting extra features with fast support.
Final Verdict: Buy PIA or Surfshark?
Both PIA and Surfshark are top-value VPNs, offering unlimited devices, fast speeds, and strong privacy at reasonable prices.
- Choose PIA if you need short-term use, weak network support, or transparent pricing.
- Choose Surfshark if you plan long-term use, heavy streaming, or want extra privacy features with fast customer support.
For most U.S. and European users, Surfshark slightly edges out PIA for long-term savings, faster streaming, and better support — provided you are comfortable with a multi-year subscription.
