2026

PIA VPN vs Proton VPN

PIA VPN and Proton VPN compared side by side: protection, performance, pricing, and features. Which antivirus suits you better?

PIA VPN

8.7

/ 10

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a proven VPN provider with fully open-source apps and a court-proven no-logs policy. PIA offers unlimited simultaneous connections, a large server network, and advanced configuration options. The software targets technically savvy users who want maximum control over their VPN settings.

1st Year PriceCHF 56.90 RenewalCHF 119.90 PlatformsWindows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad

Protection 9.1

Performance 8.6

Best for 8.4

First-year price 9.3

Key features 8.9

Support 8.0

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Proton VPN

8.7

/ 10

Proton VPN comes from the team behind ProtonMail and is based in Switzerland – under the protection of strict Swiss privacy laws. The software is fully open source and independently audited. Proton VPN offers Secure Core servers that route traffic through multiple countries, and a strong free tier with no data limit. Ideal for users who prioritize maximum transparency and privacy.

1st Year PriceCHF 79.90 RenewalCHF 79.90 PlatformsWindows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad

Protection 9.7

Performance 8.8

Best for 8.7

First-year price 8.0

Key features 8.8

Support 8.0

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Our Verdict

PIA VPN and Proton VPN are evenly matched.

Both products are evenly matched – the decision depends on your personal requirements.

Our verdict

PIA VPN and Proton VPN come out tied at 8.7 out of 10 in our rating. The decision should not hinge on overall score but on your concrete needs.

On price, PIA VPN currently sits at CHF 57 in year one, Proton VPN at CHF 80. Watch the renewal price closely: both are transparently listed in the table above and matter more long-term than the introductory price.

Strength profiles: PIA VPN scores highest on price-performance, Proton VPN on protection. If you care most about one of those dimensions, the choice is clear. For all-round needs, either product is a safe pick.

Feature-by-feature comparison

Criterion	PIA VPN	Proton VPN
Real-time protection	Yes	Yes
Built-in VPN	No	No
Password manager	No	No
Anti-tracking / anti-phishing	No	No
Parental controls	No	No
Identity protection	No	No
Low system impact	No	No
Platforms	Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad	Windows, Mac, Android, iPhone / iPad
Number of devices (standard licence)	999	10
System impact in daily use	Moderate	Moderate

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Frequently asked questions about PIA VPN vs Proton VPN

Which scores higher on protection, PIA VPN or Proton VPN?

Both reach top scores in AV-TEST and AV-Comparatives – the differences are small. The exact scores are in the comparison table above.

Which is cheaper in year 1 and on renewal – PIA VPN or Proton VPN?

Look at the price columns above: year-one price and renewal price are stated transparently side by side. The renewal delta is often the bigger cost factor over 3 years.

Which is better for families, PIA VPN or Proton VPN?

Both offer family plans for 5–10 devices. What matters: does the product have a dedicated parental-controls mode, screen-time management and a smooth setup. Details in the feature table.

Do I get better Mac/mobile support with PIA VPN or Proton VPN?

Platform support is listed in the comparison above. Generally: macOS performance is best with Bitdefender and Intego; Android protection is most mature with Bitdefender, Norton and Kaspersky.