PIA vs Surfshark: price and which to choose
Quick verdict
Both allow unlimited devices and refund within 30 days. PIA covers all 50 US states (55 regions, 32 geo-located), has open-source apps and port forwarding outside the US, but is a US company. Surfshark is in the Netherlands, lists 24 US locations with none marked virtual and bundles identity theft coverage on One+ (not for New York State residents).
Option A
$11.95/moPIA VPN
Official price before tax: $11.95
Price checked
Private Internet Access price and plans
Option B
We compare plans with a similar purpose, whose features may differ; prices before sales tax; prices for other plans and periods are in the reviews.
Feature comparison
| Criterion | Private Internet Access | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | USA (Five Eyes) | Netherlands (EU) |
| US coverage | 55 regions, all 50 states | 24 locations |
| Marked virtual (US) | 32 regions | None |
| Port forwarding | Not on US servers | No |
| Devices | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Money-back | 30 days, new subscribers | 30 days |
PIA and Surfshark are the two VPNs here with no device limit. The differences are jurisdiction, US map and what comes with the plan.
If you don’t want to read further
A specific state or port forwarding abroad — PIA. EU jurisdiction, only physical US locations or identity coverage bundled — Surfshark.
What really sets them apart
In each row, the last sentence matters most — what the difference means for you.
Where is the company?
Private Internet Access
USA — inside the Five Eyes.
Surfshark
Netherlands — EU.
If you’d rather avoid US jurisdiction, Surfshark.
US coverage?
Private Internet Access
55 regions covering all 50 states; 32 geo-located.
Surfshark
24 locations; none marked virtual.
PIA for state choice; Surfshark for physical servers.
Port forwarding?
Private Internet Access
Yes — but not on US servers.
Surfshark
No.
Only PIA, and only abroad.
What comes with the plan?
Private Internet Access
One VPN plan; antivirus and a dedicated IP are add-ons; an email breach monitor is included.
Surfshark
Starter, One (antivirus, alerts) and One+ (Incogni, identity theft coverage).
Surfshark bundles more in its tiers.
Open source?
Private Internet Access
PIA’s apps are 100% open source.
Surfshark
Surfshark points to its audited no-logs policy instead.
If public code matters to you, PIA.
Linux?
Private Internet Access
64-bit desktop app with split tunneling; ARM too.
Surfshark
App with Kill Switch (Debian 11, Ubuntu 20.04, Mint 20 and newer).
Both cover Linux – check your distribution.
TV apps?
Private Internet Access
Fire TV and Apple TV apps.
Surfshark
Apple TV, Android TV and Fire TV apps.
No app for your TV? A VPN router covers it.
Where they don’t differ, even though it seems they should
This part is often more useful than the list of differences — it saves money for anyone who was about to pay for an imaginary advantage.
Unlimited devices
Neither has a device limit.
30-day money-back
Both refund within 30 days (PIA: new subscribers).
2025 audits
Both had an independent no-logs audit in 2025.
Which one fits whom
| Your situation | What to choose | On what condition |
|---|---|---|
| You need a particular state | PIA | All 50 states. |
| You want EU jurisdiction | Surfshark | Netherlands. |
| You want identity theft coverage | Surfshark One+ | Not for New York State residents. |
| You want to inspect the code | PIA | Open-source apps. |
- PIA’s price list doesn’t say whether tax is added; Surfshark notes that VAT may apply.
- Surfshark’s price list doesn’t show the renewal price.
- PIA is under US jurisdiction.
- App store purchases follow the store’s refund terms with PIA.
Where the facts come from
Sources: PIA’s and Surfshark’s US price lists and server lists. Prices are in the price blocks on each service’s page.
Facts in the text checked: .
FAQ: Private Internet Access or Surfshark
Other comparisons
The same products against other competitors, and other comparisons in the “VPN services” category.
Where their scores differ
Only criteria we’ve checked for both services and where the scores differ. Equal criteria and criteria without data aren’t shown here, because they add nothing to the decision.
If what matters most is — port forwarding: Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access: yes (5,0/5) · Surfshark Starter: no (1,0/5)
If what matters most is — modern protocol: Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access: on all major platforms (5,0/5) · Surfshark Starter: on some platforms (2,5/5)
If what matters most is — jurisdiction: Surfshark Starter
Private Internet Access: US or Five Eyes (1,5/5) · Surfshark Starter: EU (3,5/5)
If what matters most is — free way to try it: Surfshark Starter
Private Internet Access: refund within 30 days (3,0/5) · Surfshark Starter: free trial: 7 days (4,0/5)
If what matters most is — price now: Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access: 1,89 USD/mo before tax (5,0/5) · Surfshark Starter: 2,49 USD/mo before tax (4,6/5)
The scores and their weights are the same as in the reviews of both services. How we calculate
Comparison text updated: