Surfshark vs Private Internet Access
Choosing a VPN isn’t just about flashy features or bold claims—it’s about finding a service that fits your daily habits, digital lifestyle, and long-term needs. Today, we’re diving into two well-known names in the privacy space: Surfshark and Private Internet Access (PIA).
Both have built solid reputations over the years—Surfshark for its modern, user-friendly interface and innovative features, and PIA for its open-source approach and unbeatable pricing for unlimited connections. But which one really makes more sense for you?
In this breakdown, we’ll highlight where each provider shines, how they stack up in terms of speed, security, streaming, and usability—and where Shellfire VPN might quietly outshine them both in ease and accessibility.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- Surfshark is a top pick if you want modern features, excellent streaming access, and strong censorship bypassing capabilities.
- PIA is ideal if you’re looking for a low-cost VPN with unlimited device support and open-source transparency.
- There’s another VPN option that’s ideal if you want something simple, fast, and beginner-friendly—especially thanks to its plug-and-play setup.
Quick Comparison: Surfshark vs Private Internet Access
| Feature | Surfshark | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price (2-year) | $2.19/month | $2.03/month |
| Servers | 3,200+ in 100 countries | 3,300+ in 84 countries |
| Simultaneous Devices | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Speed | Excellent (up to 790 Mbps) | Very good (up to 750 Mbps) |
| Streaming Access | Excellent (Netflix, Disney+, etc.) | Good (limited libraries) |
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-256-GCM |
| Ad/Malware Blocking | CleanWeb (built-in) | MACE (optional) |
| User Interface | Clean, minimalistic | Highly customizable |
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands (outside 14 Eyes) | USA (inside Five Eyes) |
Surfshark and PIA are both strong contenders. Surfshark offers excellent streaming access, a cleaner interface, and more global server coverage—great for users who want fast, hassle-free browsing. PIA is better for advanced users who like customization, though its U.S. jurisdiction may be a drawback for privacy-focused users.
If you’re looking for simplicity and stronger privacy, Shellfire VPN is a smart alternative. With its no-logs policy, German-based servers, and the Shellfire Box for full-home protection, it covers what Surfshark and PIA miss—especially for users who want security without the complexity.
Server Coverage & Infrastructure
| Aspect | Surfshark | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Total Servers | 3,200+ | 3,300+ |
| Countries Covered | 100+ | 84 |
| Specialized Servers | Static IP, MultiHop, NoBorders | P2P optimized |
| RAM-Only Servers | ✅ Full implementation | ⚠️ Partial (in select regions) |
Surfshark maintains a wide, evenly distributed network, making it a great option for users who want to access localized content or maintain low latency worldwide. It also offers innovative server types like NoBorders (great for censorship) and MultiHop, adding an extra layer of security.
PIA doesn’t offer the same variety in specialty servers but holds strong with a reliable infrastructure and a large footprint. It’s particularly appealing to users who want solid performance without the bells and whistles.
Speed & Protocol Performance
| Metric | Surfshark | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Average Download Speed | ~670 Mbps | ~560 Mbps |
| Upload Speed | ~400 Mbps | ~300 Mbps |
| Latency (Ping) | ~36 ms | ~44 ms |
| Protocols Supported | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 | WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2 |
Surfshark, thanks to its use of the WireGuard protocol, consistently delivers impressive speeds across both short and long-distance connections. It’s a strong performer for streaming, gaming, and large file transfers.
PIA also supports WireGuard and offers similar results for basic usage, but its performance tends to vary more depending on the server load and your location.
If you’re looking for something simpler that just works right out of the box with stable performance across all activities, Shellfire VPN offers pre-configured simplicity with a free plan to get started.
Streaming & Content Unblocking
| Platform | Surfshark | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix | 15+ regions unlocked | Some libraries only |
| Disney+ | ✅ Works globally | ⚠️ Intermittent access |
| BBC iPlayer | ✅ Consistent access | ❌ Rarely works |
| Amazon Prime | ✅ Stable | ⚠️ Inconsistent |
| Smart DNS | ✅ Built-in | ❌ Not available |
Surfshark is designed for entertainment. It unlocks a wide range of global content libraries and consistently delivers smooth playback—even in UHD. Its Smart DNS feature also helps with devices like smart TVs and consoles.
PIA, while capable of unblocking some services, often falls short with platforms that use aggressive geo-blocking. For casual streaming, it’s fine—but for streaming enthusiasts, Surfshark is the better bet.
Looking for reliable streaming access across all devices?
Our Shellfire Box is designed to provide consistent access to your favorite streaming platforms, which can be a helpful solution if you’re experiencing issues with other VPNs.
Security & Privacy
| Feature | Surfshark | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256-GCM | AES-256-GCM |
| Kill Switch | ✅ Yes (on all apps) | ✅ Yes |
| Ad/Malware Blocking | ✅ CleanWeb | ✅ MACE |
| RAM-Only Servers | ✅ All servers | ⚠️ Limited regions |
| Multihop (Double VPN) | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Logging Policy | No logs | No logs (court-tested) |
| Independent Audits | ✅ Passed (2023) | ❌ Not recent |
| Jurisdiction | Netherlands | USA |
Surfshark prioritizes privacy with full RAM-only server infrastructure and audited no-logs policies. Being based in the Netherlands also gives it a regulatory edge in avoiding global surveillance networks.
PIA is one of the few VPNs that has proven its no-logs claim in court—multiple times. However, being based in the U.S. (a Five Eyes country) raises concerns for more privacy-conscious users.
Ease of Use & Apps
| Category | Surfshark | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Interface Style | Modern & minimal | Technical & detailed |
| Setup Time | Under 5 minutes | Under 5 minutes |
| Best For | Beginners & casual users | Tech-savvy power users |
| Mobile Experience | Excellent | Good |
| App Stability | ✅ Very stable | ✅ Stable |
| Update Frequency | Bi-weekly | Monthly |
Surfshark offers a frictionless user experience with polished apps and intuitive navigation. It’s great for those who want VPN protection without having to dig into advanced settings.
PIA, in contrast, gives you all the tools—port forwarding, encryption tweaks, connection rules—but assumes you know how to use them. It’s better suited for VPN veterans or techies.
Prefer something even simpler? Shellfire VPN offers one of the easiest setups available—and you can even start with a free plan to try it out.
Censorship & Bypass Capabilities
| Country | Surfshark | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| China | ✅ NoBorders Mode | ⚠️ Unreliable |
| UAE | ✅ Stable connections | ❌ Often blocked |
| Russia | ✅ Consistent access | ⚠️ Inconsistent |
| Iran | ✅ Bypasses restrictions | ❌ Connection issues |
Thanks to its NoBorders mode, Surfshark can bypass even the toughest internet firewalls. It’s one of the few VPNs that still works reliably in China, UAE, and other high-censorship countries.
PIA lacks specialized obfuscation technology, so users in restrictive regions may struggle to connect at all.
Customer Support
| Category | Surfshark | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Live Chat | 24/7, fast replies | 24/7, slower on weekends |
| Help Articles | 900+ | 600+ |
| Email Response Time | ~6 hours | ~12–15 hours |
| Setup Guides | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good |
Both services offer solid support options, but Surfshark is typically faster and more polished in its responses. For new users or less technical audiences, this can make a big difference.
VPN Use Case Showdown: Best Picks for Streaming, Gaming, Torrenting & More
| Use Case | Best VPN | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Streaming | Surfshark | Unlocks more services, better stability |
| Torrenting | Tie | Both support P2P, PIA adds port forwarding |
| Gaming | Surfshark | Lower latency, faster servers |
| Remote Work | PIA | Unlimited devices, highly customizable |
| Budget-Friendly Option | PIA | Lower monthly price for same number of features |
| Censorship Bypass | Surfshark | Obfuscation tools, works in restricted countries |
Here’s how Surfshark and Private Internet Access (PIA) measure up in real-world use cases—so you can decide based on what matters most to you.
Best VPN for Streaming
If binge-watching global shows is your thing, Surfshark is a solid streaming ally. It handles platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer with ease, often without needing to switch servers or adjust settings. Thanks to Smart DNS and its ability to evade VPN blocks, it’s one of the more reliable choices for entertainment fans.
PIA, while competent, tends to be hit-or-miss when it comes to accessing certain libraries. You may need to manually test several locations, especially for trickier platforms like BBC iPlayer or Amazon Prime Video.
| VPN | Supported Platforms | Streaming Quality |
|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Prime, Hulu, Max | Smooth 4K playback, rarely blocked |
| PIA | Netflix (limited), Prime (some regions), Hulu | Good HD playback, but not guaranteed |
Hint: Need a plug-and-play streaming solution for your smart TV or console? Our Shellfire Box delivers consistent access to restricted content across all devices—without fuss.
Best VPN for Torrenting / P2P
Both VPNs support peer-to-peer traffic—but their approach is different. Surfshark routes P2P traffic automatically through optimized servers and doesn’t limit speeds or throttle your activity. With its clean, simple interface, you don’t even need to think about which server to pick—it handles it all for you.
PIA, on the other hand, offers deeper customization, including port forwarding, which can help speed up torrent downloads. It’s a favorite among experienced torrenters who like fine control over how their data flows.
| VPN | P2P Support | Torrenting Features |
|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | Yes (auto-optimized) | Works out-of-the-box, strong privacy |
| PIA | Yes (all servers) | Port forwarding, manual tweaks |
Best VPN for Gaming
Online gamers care about low ping and consistent performance—and Surfshark delivers. It uses WireGuard for quick connections and offers fast, responsive servers that minimize lag even during peak hours. Whether you’re playing Warzone, Rocket League, or Fortnite, Surfshark keeps the action smooth.
PIA holds up well for most casual gaming but can experience slightly higher latency—especially over long distances. Still, its unlimited connections mean your whole gaming squad can be protected under one subscription.
| VPN | Average Latency (Nearby Servers) | Stability During Gameplay |
|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | ~36 ms | Excellent |
| PIA | ~44 ms | Very Good, varies by region |
Best VPN for Remote Work
For digital nomads and remote teams, PIA offers a clear advantage: unlimited devices. This makes it perfect if you need to secure a laptop, phone, tablet, and maybe a family member’s devices too—all under one account.
Surfshark also allows unlimited connections and adds bonus features like IP rotation and dedicated static IPs—useful if you frequently log into secure platforms that flag location changes.
| VPN | Ideal For | Work Features |
|---|---|---|
| Surfshark | Freelancers, travelers | Static IP, IP rotator, kill switch |
| PIA | Remote teams, home offices | Unlimited devices, open-source apps |
Conclusion
Both Surfshark and Private Internet Access are strong VPN choices—each serving a different type of user. If you’re looking for a modern, fast, censorship-resistant VPN that excels at streaming and privacy, Surfshark is the one to beat. It’s a top-tier option for digital nomads, content lovers, and privacy advocates alike.
If you’re more of a budget-conscious power user, or you need to protect dozens of devices affordably, PIA makes more sense. Its open-source commitment and unlimited connections offer unmatched value.
But if your top priority is simplicity, fast setup, and a service that “just works” without tech complications, Shellfire VPN deserves a serious look. It’s beginner-friendly, reliable, and with the Shellfire Box, securing your home network couldn’t be easier.
