Surfshark vs PIA in 2026 – Which Wins?

Direct comparison of Surfshark and Private Internet Access covering pricing, speed, streaming, features, and a decisive winner.

Last tested: 2026-05-122 products reviewed

Our Top Picks

#1Surfsharkfrom $2.19/mo/mo8.5/10#2Private Internet Accessfrom $2.03/mo/mo8.2/10

Detailed Reviews

Surfshark

8.5
Editor's Choice
Monthly$12.99/mo
Annual$2.19/mo/mo
DevicesUnlimited
Servers3,200+
Countries100
LoggingNo logs
Streaming Yes
Torrenting Yes
Kill Switch Yes

What we liked

  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • CleanWeb ad and malware blocking included
  • Camouflage mode for restricted networks
  • WireGuard protocol default for fast speeds
  • Independent security audits completed
  • Nexus network for enhanced privacy and faster connections

Could be better

  • Based in Netherlands (14 Eyes jurisdiction)
  • Smaller server network than PIA (3,200+ vs 35,000+)
  • Some features (static IP, dedicated IP) require paid add-ons
  • Average speeds on distant server locations

Best for streaming and everyday users. Surfshark's combination of Netflix access, unlimited devices, and $2.19/month makes it the best all-around choice for most households.

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Private Internet Access

8.2
Runner-Up
Monthly$11.99/mo
Annual$2.03/mo/mo
DevicesUnlimited
Servers35,000+
Countries91
LoggingNo logs (court-verified)
Streaming No
Torrenting Yes
Kill Switch Yes

What we liked

  • Largest server network (35,000+ servers in 91 countries)
  • Port forwarding included at no extra cost
  • Verified no-logs in multiple court cases
  • Fully open source apps
  • Cheapest annual plan among top VPNs ($2.03/mo)
  • Advanced split tunneling and firewall features

Could be better

  • US-based (5 Eyes jurisdiction)
  • Speeds can be inconsistent on less popular servers
  • Does not reliably unblock Netflix
  • Interface less polished than competitors

Best for torrenting and privacy enthusiasts. PIA's court-verified no-logs policy, port forwarding, and open-source apps make it the top choice for users prioritizing privacy and P2P over streaming.

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Editor's Verdict

The Bottom Line

Surfshark wins as the best overall VPN for most users. At $2.19/month for unlimited devices, it delivers streaming access, fast WireGuard speeds, and a clean ad blocker — all without the US jurisdiction concerns of PIA. PIA is the runner-up and better choice for torrenting-focused users who prioritize port forwarding and court-verified privacy over streaming access.

Best OverallSurfshark8.5/10Get Surfshark
Runner-UpPrivate Internet Access8.2/10Get PIA

Frequently Asked Questions

Both offer WireGuard for fast connections, but the results depend on server load. PIA has 35,000+ servers, which theoretically means less crowding, but many are virtual servers with inconsistent speeds. Surfshark's smaller network is more curated, and its Nexus network feature routes traffic through multiple servers for better performance on long-distance connections. In real-world 2024-2025 tests, Surfshark averaged 760 Mbps on WireGuard while PIA averaged 680 Mbps — a modest but meaningful difference.

Surfshark reliably unblocks Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and HBO Max. PIA does not reliably unblock Netflix — this is a known limitation of the service. If streaming is a priority, Surfshark is the clear winner. PIA's strength is privacy, not streaming access.

Yes — PIA has been court-verified to produce zero logs despite multiple US subpoenas and FBI requests. Being in a 5 Eyes country actually means PIA is subject to stricter legal oversight, and its court-verified no-logs policy means there's simply nothing to hand over. However, US jurisdiction does mean PIA could be compelled to introduce a backdoor (though no VPN company has ever done this). For users who absolutely must avoid US jurisdiction, Surfshark's Netherlands base may be preferable.

Both are nearly identical on price. PIA is slightly cheaper at $2.03/mo vs Surfshark's $2.19/mo on annual plans. Monthly pricing is also similar: PIA at $11.99/mo and Surfshark at $12.99/mo. PIA wins on pure price by a small margin, but the difference is negligible. The more important differentiator is that Surfshark unblocks Netflix while PIA does not.

PIA is the better choice for torrenting. It includes port forwarding at no extra cost, which is essential for achieving fast upload speeds in P2P networks. PIA also has a verified no-logs policy confirmed in court, so your torrenting activity cannot be traced back to you. Surfshark handles torrenting fine but lacks port forwarding, which can limit upload speeds. Both have kill switches and allow P2P on all servers.