Surfshark vs Private Internet Access (PIA) 2024

James Everard

Senior Writer

Private Internet Access (PIA) has a technical and feature-rich app that certainly gives it a sophisticated appearance. Conversely, Surfshark seems fun and quirky with its aquatic branding. But take a closer look, and you’ll find two VPNs with impressive security credentials and an extensive array of features. So, how can you decide between the two before committing to a subscription?

The glaring difference between PIA and Surfshark is the size of their server networks. PIA’s 29,650 servers give it a considerable advantage over Surfshark, with just 3,200. And while Surfshark’s app is impressive, it doesn’t come close to PIA’s feature-rich interface.

If you want to test the winner, PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it for free. If you don’t like it, you can easily claim a refund and test Surfshark instead.

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Streaming — It’s a Draw, Both Are Reliable

Both VPNs are great for streaming. PIA’s streaming-optimized servers offer reliable and speedy connections in Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Italy, the UK, the US, Australia, and Japan. Surfshark was just as reliable, despite the lack of streaming-specific servers.

Listed below are the platforms tested by my global team and me, all within their licensed locations. Here are the results of how reliably each VPN performed with the platforms:

Both PIA and Surfshark are excellent choices for streaming, although they have contrasting limitations. For example, neither service works with DAZN. But they offer fast and reliable connections for popular streaming platforms, including Netflix and Disney+ libraries in multiple regions. They also work with Hulu, Max, and iPlayer.

PIA offers 9 regional specialty streaming servers, but its regular servers also work with many popular platforms

And while PIA works fine with all the popular UK platforms I tested from within the UK, there were a few niche ones it wasn’t reliable with. Specifically, Sky Go and Sky Sports, both of which worked with Surfshark. My international colleagues confirmed they couldn’t stream RTL or RTE from within their licensed regions, either. So, if you use any of these platforms, Surfshark is the way to go.

Surfshark and PIA both offer 4 server locations to watch iPlayer, Channel 4, and ITVX securely in the UK

Winner - draw

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PIA’s streaming servers are easy to use, and its engineers work continuously to ensure they work consistently with popular streaming platforms. On the other hand, Surfshark can stream a few regional platforms that PIA didn't work with at the time of testing.

Server Network — PIA Offers More Servers By a Mile

PIA has a vast global network, particularly in the US, with servers in every state. To put that in perspective, Surfshark’s network is just 10.8% the size of PIA’s.

True, Surfshark covers more countries, but these are less popular locations, so this might only make a difference to a small percentage of users. The extra countries include Azerbaijan, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Brunei, and more (that’s only up to C, but you get the picture). So, if you’re in one of those countries and want fast and reliable speeds, Surfshark could be a good option.

For everyone else, you simply can’t ignore PIA’s staggering number of servers spread across the most in-demand locations. Few VPNs come close, so sorry, Surfshark; this one’s a wipeout.

Winner

If you’re in a country like Uzbekistan that most VPNs don’t usually cover, then Surfshark’s your choice. Otherwise, take advantage of PIA’s 29,650 servers, including locations in every US state, great for nearby servers and fast speeds from anywhere in the US.

Speed — PIA Comes Out on Top in Almost Every Case

For reference, our speed tests were conducted in the UK. PIA proved the winner in 2 of 3 download speed tests, pulling ahead in the UK and US server tests. Although, Surfshark’s Japan server was faster by 6%. That’s the biggest gap between the two services, so download speeds are pretty close.

Upload speeds are where PIA shows it's better than Surfshark. It’s faster across all 3 tests, with Japan being 39% faster compared with Surfshark. That’s enough to make a real difference when making video calls or uploading photos and videos to socials.

Surkshark’s download speeds from Japan were a shade faster than PIA, but its upload and ping were way slower

PIA also lets you switch encryption levels from the standard 256-bit to the faster 128-bit. 256-bit is the regular level that most VPNs offer. While a touch less secure, 128-bit still makes your data virtually untraceable and provides faster speeds.

I tested PIA using 256-bit encryption, but it’s even faster if you drop down to 128-bit

Winner

The key to this victory comes from the previous round. PIA’s huge network means its users are spread across 29,650 servers compared to Surfshark’s 3,200. Another win for PIA.

Torrenting — PIA’s Huge Network and Fast Speeds are Ideal for Downloads

These are both excellent VPNs for file sharing, but PIA’s vast network gives it the edge once again. A PIA support agent confirmed that all of its servers support torrenting. On the other hand, you need to type "P2P" in Surfshark's server search bar or contact customer support to find out which servers can be used for downloads.

I tested both VPNs downloading a 1.97GB copyright-free file, and PIA was quicker by a small margin (both VPNs were using AES 256-bit encryption). Then, I tried PIA's lower encryption level. Admittedly, the 128-bit version only downloaded around 5% quicker. But, if you’re downloading multiple huge files, it could save you plenty of time in the long run.

Slow downloads? Switch from OpenVPN UDP to TCP, as it’s usually slower but more stable on unreliable networks

Winner

A more extensive network means a lower server load, more options, and a higher chance of nearby locations. Add to that the ability to adjust your balance of speed and security, and torrenting becomes a pleasure with PIA.

Gaming — PIA Provided Lower Latency for Smooth Gameplay

It’s another close fight, but once again, PIA takes the win. The US and UK readings are too close to make a realistic difference, but once we get to Japan, it’s game over.

A ping rate of under 100ms is recommended for a smooth gaming experience, so even PIA’s 264ms isn’t practical. But it gives you some indication of the reach of each VPN. For example, one of PIA’s Toronto servers gave me a ping rate of 88ms, which is acceptable for gaming. By comparison, the 115ms from Surfshark’s Toronto location would make for sluggish gameplay.

Once again, encryption switching is another power-up for PIA. I recommend using a VPN for all your gaming as it prevents DDoS attacks, but 128-bit encryption is more than enough to keep you safe and gives you faster speeds.

If your VPN isn’t fast enough, many online games will drop you out for slowing down the gameplay

Winner

PIA’s large server network gives you less congestion and faster speeds. Plus, its app gives you the versatility to customize your connections.

Security — PIA Wins With Its Wealth of Customizable Features

I’ll start this round with an honorary mention for Surfshark. It offers Rotating IP, which regularly swaps your IP while your location remains the same. MultiHop lets you custom-pick 2 separate servers from the full list for double encryption. And CleanWeb is an effective ad, tracker, and malware blocker. All of which means Surfshark is a highly secure VPN with impressive features.

That said, PIA has the most comprehensive range of security features of any VPN I’ve tested. Its MultiHop routes your data through a VPN as well as a proxy while obfuscating your data. The Advanced Kill Switch works by cutting your internet access until you connect to PIA. Meanwhile, the Protocols panel lets you customize your connections via multiple factors.

Winner

Both these services offer excellent security and a range of powerful features. But when it comes to really taking control of your connections and customizing your security, PIA is the clear winner.

Privacy — PIA Has Proven Its No-Logs Claims on Several Accounts

Both VPNs have headquarters within the 5/9/14 Eyes alliance, with PIA in the US and Surfshark in the Netherlands. Government agencies within these countries have the right to demand that any tech company hand over all user data.

But in PIA’s case, there will be no data to hand over. It doesn’t even keep error logs or debug information and identifies bugs by testing servers on an isolated network, and its no-logs policy has been court-proven on multiple occasions. Conversely, Surfshark does keep error reports, but you can opt-out if you prefer.

Both services have a verified no-logs policy, offering reassurance that they will keep your browsing hidden and private. PIA and Surfshark both proved their no-logs claims by undergoing third-party audits (by Deloitte) in 2022. Previous to this, Surfshark traded with the firm but hesitated to have its no-logs policy audited for 4 years.

Both services accept payments via crypto (PIA via BitPay and Surfshark via CoinGate or CoinPayments). That will prevent either service from storing your credit card details, which some users might not like, although it will be encrypted and inaccessible to anyone looking.

Winner

Both VPNs are within the 14 Eyes Alliance, but PIA’s proactive approach to transparency and court-proven no-logs policy edges out Surfshark once again.

Works in China — Neither Works Reliably

China operates a highly advanced nationwide security network known as the Great Firewall (GFW). It collects all user data and only allows VPNs that have state approval (they log all your browsing and send it to the government).

There are no publicly available cases of a visitor ever being prosecuted for using a VPN in the country. China is constantly updating and improving the GFW, though, so no service can claim to work 100% of the time.

Both VPNs freely admit on their websites that they try to offer a reliable service in China but make no guarantees. PIA’s MultiHop connections have worked in the past, as has Surfshark with its Camouflage mode obfuscation and NoBorders feature. However, both are currently going through periods of downtime, so it’s hard to tell if they work for certain.

There are other VPNs that put more resources into offering a reliable service in China, so I recommend taking a look at those if you’re planning a trip to the country.

Winner - draw

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The government of China doesn’t share data about how it operates the GFW, so it’s not possible to say which VPN will work most effectively in the future.

Installation & Ease of Use — Surfshark’s Apps Are Simpler to Navigate

In terms of installation, there’s nothing between PIA and Surfshark. You can download and set up either within 2 minutes, and the apps are pre-configured to work straight away.

I like that the app shows recently used servers so you can set up one-click connections

Personally, I’m a fan of Surfshark’s UI. It’s clean and modern, and I didn’t have to spend ages looking for the settings I needed. Plus, the indicators for CleanWeb, Kill Switch, and NoBorders in the connection box are shortcuts to the full settings menu, so it won’t take you long to reconfigure the app if you need to.

You can also expand the PIA app with the down arrow to see more information about your connection

One thing that the PIA app has going for it (compared to Surfshark) is that it takes up minimal real estate on your screen, but that’s about it. There are a ton of options that you might need to dive into, and the settings panel has 10 submenus. All this makes it a favorite among techies, but PIA isn’t the best option for VPN newcomers.

Winner

Both VPNs are quick and easy to set up and install. But once you launch the apps, Surfshark is easier to navigate by some distance.

Reliability & Support — PIA Connects You Straight to a Live Agent

Support is another area in which PIA is better than Surfshark. The chat widget is clearly visible on the bottom right of every page on the PIA website, and an agent usually responds within seconds.

It’s not as simple with Surfshark as you have to navigate to a specific web page. On the homepage, click Resources > Help Center, then scroll down and click the Chat with us button. Once you key in your query, a chatbot will try to answer your question. It will then offer to transfer you to an agent. It only takes a minute, but it’s a waste of that minute.

Winner

PIA has some complex features, so it’s reassuring to know that its support is so quick and knowledgeable. Surfshark is fine, but finding the chatbox needn’t be a game of hide and seek.

Tips on Choosing Between Surfshark and Private Internet Access

During my extensive testing process, I rigorously compared both Surfshark and Private Internet Access across various metrics.

• Smooth streaming. Many VPNs don’t work with streaming platforms. Even if they do, they may not have speeds that support reliable streaming. I used different services in my region (like Netflix UK and BBC iPlayer) to gauge this capability. In theory, it’s possible to use a VPN to access a library from abroad. However, doing so may constitute copyright infringement and violate the platform’s terms of use. We don't condone this.
• Fast speeds. High-speed connections are essential for data-heavy online activities like downloading, gaming, video calls, and file uploads. I conducted speed tests by connecting to various servers worldwide throughout the day.
• Server networks. A vast server network ensures you can connect from anywhere, increasing reliability and options and reducing crowding. Plus, more servers means you’re more likely to find a nearby connection for faster speeds.
• Robust security features. Security is paramount when choosing a VPN. I assessed the in-built security features, including encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and kill switches. Both VPNs employ AES-256-bit encryption.
• Respectable privacy practices. Your online privacy depends on the VPN's commitment to keeping no logs. Independent verification ensures trust and means your privacy is protected.
• Easy to use. A user-friendly interface ensures a hassle-free experience. I downloaded and navigated both apps on different devices to gauge ease of use. Your choice will depend on how technical you want your app.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee. You shouldn’t have to commit to a lengthy subscription without testing the VPN for yourself. Surfshark and PIA offer reliable money-back guarantees, so you can get a refund if you’re not happy with your choice.

Surfshark vs Private Internet Access — Reddit Opinions

Reddit posters praise PIA’s reliability, speed, and security. Many users report that Surfshark can become less reliable and that customer support doesn’t always fix fundamental problems with the service. Another common theme I found is that many Redditors prefer Surfshark over PIA for fast and reliable streaming in HD and UHD quality.

Many replies about VPNs on Reddit point to ExpressVPN as the most reliable overall service