Surfshark vs PIA: Why is PureVPN a Better Alternative?

Prepare for a VPN clash of titans: Surfshark vs PIA. However, there is a twist in this tale – PureVPN enters the fray.

In our journey through these three options, you will find out the unique attributes of each, helping you choose the VPN service that aligns with your specific requirements.

Surfshark vs PIA vs PureVPN – Speed

Baseline speed: 1 Gbps

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Private Internet Access
Average download speeds	291 Mbps	310 Mbps	256 Mbps
Average upload speeds	269 Mbps	284 Mbps	237 Mbps

In our recent speed test, we opted for the WireGuard protocol and connected to servers across the US, UK, and Canada. During this test, we meticulously gauged the upload and download speeds of all three VPNs.

For download speeds, Surfshark emerged as the frontrunner, showcasing an average of 310 Mbps. PureVPN held its ground with a consistent average of 291 Mbps, while Private Internet Access secured an average of 256 Mbps.

Related Read: How to Increase VPN Speed
In terms of upload speeds, Surfshark maintained its strong performance with an average of 284 Mbps. PureVPN followed closely with an average of 269 Mbps, and PIA delivered an average of 237 Mbps. 

Who tops this category? Based on our tests, Surfshark delivered the fastest upload and download speeds, followed by PureVPN.

Surfshark vs PIA vs PureVPN – Server Locations 

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Private Internet Access
Servers	6,000+	3,200+	Undisclosed
Countries	65	100	84

Surfshark boasts a robust network of 3,200+ servers (some of which are virtual) spread across an astonishing 100 countries, providing users with a diverse array of server locations to cater to their every need. 

Private Internet Access takes pride in its widespread coverage, offering servers in an impressive 84 countries. While the exact number remains undisclosed, their commitment to delivering a vast network ensures users can enjoy reliable and secure connections.

PureVPN stands strong with a staggering network of 6000+ servers spread across 65 countries, offering users a vast selection of global virtual locations for unmatched access to content and superior browsing speeds.

Who tops this category? PureVPN may cover slightly fewer countries, but it offers the most extensive server fleet. Surfshark is second.

Surfshark vs PIA vs PureVPN – Security

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Private Internet Access
Encryption used	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit	AES 256-bit
Protocol selection	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, IPSec	OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard	OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPSec
Private DNS	Yes	Yes	Yes
RAM-based servers	No	Yes	Yes
Quantum-resistant	Yes	No	No

Surfshark provides strong security by implementing strong encryption with AES 256-bit. It offers multiple protocols to choose from, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. Surfshark also utilizes private DNS servers to enhance privacy and operates RAM-based servers for added security. 

Private Internet Access uses AES 256-bit encryption to safeguard user data from potential threats. Users can pick from OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IPSec as their desired protocol option. With a private DNS network and the use of RAM-based servers, it minimizes the risk of data exposure. 

PureVPN boasts robust security measures, employing AES 256-bit encryption. It lets you choose from a diverse range of protocols, including OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, and IPSec. While PureVPN uses its own network of DNS servers, it does not provide RAM-based servers. However, the VPN service is quantum-safe!

Who tops this category? While Surfshark and PIA have the advantage of RAM-only servers, PureVPN compensates with its use of quantum-resistant encryption keys. It is a three-way tie!

Surfshark vs PIA vs PureVPN – Privacy 

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Private Internet Access
Base of operation	British Virgin Islands	Netherlands	United States
Audited no-logs policy	Yes	Yes	Yes
Always on-audit	Yes	No	No

Surfshark operates out of the Netherlands, a country that is part of the Nine Eyes alliance surveillance network. However, Surfshark has a Deloitte-audited no-logs policy, ensuring that it does not store any user data or activity.

Private Internet Access is based in the USA, a part of the Five Eyes alliance, which raises privacy concerns for some users. However, PIA maintains an Deloitte-audited no-logs policy, assuring users that their online activities are not monitored or stored.

PureVPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, ensuring a favorable privacy environment. It follows a Well known audit firm-audited no-logs policy, affirming that it does not retain user activity logs. What distinguishes PureVPN is its implementation of an always-on audit mechanism, providing an additional layer of transparency and accountability.

Who tops this category? PureVPN takes this round due to its always-on audit structure.

Surfshark vs PIA vs PureVPN – Unblocking

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Private Internet Access
Netflix	Yes	Yes	Yes
Hulu	Yes	No	No
Max	Yes	Yes	Yes
BBC iPlayer	Yes	Yes	No
Disney+	Yes	Yes	Yes

Surfshark makes streaming an enjoyable experience, unblocking Netflix, Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. While Hulu remains inaccessible, the rest of the options ensure a wide variety of content.

Private Internet Access shines in unlocking Netflix and Disney+, granting users access to a diverse range of shows and movies. While PIA doesn’t unblock Hulu or BBC iPlayer, its compatibility with Max offers an excellent option for streaming enthusiasts.

PureVPN boasts impressive unblocking capabilities, ensuring seamless access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. With a wide range of supported platforms, PureVPN lets users enjoy their favorite content without any geo-restrictions.

Who tops this category? PureVPN is the best streaming VPN that reliably unblocks all major platforms.

Surfshark vs PIA vs PureVPN – Pricing

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Private Internet Access
Monthly	Standard ($10.95), Plus ($16.95), Max ($20.95)	Starter ($12.95), One ($17.95), One+ ($22.95)	$11.95
1-year	Standard ($3.74/month), Plus ($5.82/month), Max ($6.24/month)	Starter ($3.99/month), One ($4.49/month), One+ ($8.29/month)	$3.33/month
2-year	Standard ($1.96/month), Plus ($3.21), Max ($3.85/month)	Starter ($2.49/month), One ($3.49/month), One+ ($6.49/month)	–

Surfshark offers flexible pricing with three tiers that provide different capabilities: Starter, One, and One+. Customers can choose a plan according to their needs, whether it is monthly, 1-year, or 2-year.

The pricing structure of Private Internet Access is quite straightforward, offering monthly and 1-year plans to choose from. While there is no 2-year plan, it does provide a 3-year plan as an alternative.

PureVPN also follows a tier-based pricing structure. The tiers are categorized as Standard, Plus, and Max, having different features and pricing levels. Users can choose from monthly, 1-year, and 2-year plans within each tier.

Who tops this category? PureVPN offers flexible plans at affordable rates, Surfshark takes second.

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Surfshark vs PIA vs PureVPN – Features

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Private Internet Access
Kill Switch	Yes	Yes	Yes
Split Tunneling	Yes	Yes	Yes
Obfuscation	Yes	Yes	Yes
DNS Leak Protection	Yes	Yes	Yes
IPv6 Leak Protection	Yes	No	Yes
Dedicated IP	Yes	Yes	Yes
Port Forwarding	Yes	No	No

Surfshark offers SmartDNS for instant access to geo-restricted content and multi-hop servers that let you connect to two VPN servers at the same time. Besides that, it comes with an antivirus, ad and pop-up blocker (aka CleanWeb 2.0), data breach detector, and a private search engine for an extra price.

Private Internet Access provides features like multi-hop to add an extra layer of encryption and MACE, which is an ad, tracker, and malware blocker. It also gives you access to an antivirus that scans, removes and destroys viruses from your system for an extra price.

PureVPN offers impressive features with its 20 Gbps servers, delivering fast and reliable connections, and VPN over Tor offering enhanced anonymity. Additionally, PureVPN also provides a range of bundled products like a password manager (PureKeep), file encrypter (PureEncrypt), and privacy auditor (PurePrivacy), which can be purchased alongside the VPN service.

Who tops this category? PureVPN because it comes with an impressive feature set and even add-ons like port forwarding. Surfshark is second.

Surfshark vs PIA vs PureVPN – Compatibility 

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Private Internet Access
Available apps	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick	macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, Fire Stick
Browser extensions	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge	Chrome, Firefox, Edge
Multi-logins	10	Unlimited	Unlimited

Surfshark supports macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick, along with browser extensions for Firefox, Chrome, and Edge. What sets Surfshark is the unlimited multi-logins feature, allowing you to connect as many devices as you want under one subscription.

Private Internet Access supports macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Android TV, and Fire Stick. If you are interested in browser extensions, PIA covers Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Like Surfshark, it offers unlimited logins with a single account. 

PureVPN offers broad compatibility with easy-to-use apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, Huawei, Android TV, and Fire Stick. It also provides browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Supporting up to 10 simultaneous multi-logins, PureVPN allows users to connect multiple devices.

Who tops this category? Both Surfshark and Private Internet Access allow unlimited simultaneous connections, so they are tied for first.

Surfshark vs PIA vs PureVPN – Customer Support

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Private Internet Access
Live chat	Yes	Yes	Yes
Email	Yes	Yes	Yes
Knowledgebase	Yes	Yes	Yes
In-app support	Yes	Yes	No

Surfshark provides exceptional customer support via a knowledgebase, email, as well as live chat. Users can also quickly access guidance within the app, ensuring a hassle-free support experience.

Private Internet Access offers great customer support through channels like live chat, email, and a knowledgebase. However, it lacks in-app support, which gives users an additional means of seeking help and resolving issues quickly.

PureVPN’s robust customer support can be availed through live chat, email, and a knowledgebase. Plus, you can conveniently seek assistance from within the app, making it easier to resolve any queries or concerns.

Who tops this category? PureVPN and Surfshark are tied for first place.

Surfshark vs PIA vs PureVPN – Which is the Best?

	PureVPN	Surfshark	Private Internet Access
Pricing	1st	2nd	3rd
Speed	2nd	1st	3rd
Server locations	1st	2nd	3rd
Security	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)
Privacy	1st	2nd	3rd
Unblocking	1st	2nd	3rd
Features	1st	2nd	3rd
Compatibility	3rd	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)
Customer support	1st (Tie)	1st (Tie)	2nd

PureVPN is the best overall VPN service, taking the first spot in many categories. Surfshark is second, excelling in areas like speed, security, etc. Private Internet Access has great compatibility and security, though it could use improvements in some areas.

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