Sometimes, choosing the right VPN can be a daunting task with so many options available in the market. In this showdown, we will compare two popular VPNs – Surfshark and Pia – to help you make an informed decision.
From features to speed and security, we will delve into every aspect to determine which one comes out on top. So, let’s dive in and find out which VPN reigns supreme.
- ✔ Connect Unlimited Devices Devices
✔ 3000+ Servers in 50 Countries
✔ 100% No-Logs Privacy
✔ 79% off + 2 Months Free
- ✔ Connect Up-To 6 Devices
✔ Thosuands of Servers in 60 Countries
✔ 100% No-Logs Privacy
✔ 67% off 2-Year Plans and UberEats Voucher
- ✔ Connect Up-To 10 Devices
✔ Thosuands of Servers in 70+ Countries
✔ High-speed VPN for Gaming or Streaming
✔ 50% off 2-Year Plans
Introduction to Surfshark
Surfshark is a relatively new VPN service that was launched in 2018. Despite being new to the market, it has quickly gained popularity due to its powerful features and affordable pricing.
Introduction to Pia
Pia or Private Internet Access has been around since 2010 and is considered one of the pioneers in the VPN industry. It is known for its advanced security features and high-speed connections.
Features Comparison
When it comes to choosing a VPN, one of the key factors to consider is the features it offers. Let’s take a closer look at what Surfshark and Pia have to offer.
Number of Servers
The number of servers a VPN provides is an essential feature as it determines how many options you have when choosing your virtual location. It also affects speed since more servers mean less congestion and better performance.
Surfshark boasts an impressive network of over 3200 servers in 65 countries. This number is continually growing as they add new servers regularly. On the other hand, Pia has a network of over 3300 servers in 45 countries. While Pia has a larger number of servers, Surfshark’s servers are spread out across more countries, giving users a greater variety of options. However, for those actively traveling to or currently residing in South Korea, it is imperative to have a reliable Korea VPN to ensure secure and unrestricted internet access.
Simultaneous Connections
The number of simultaneous connections allowed is an important factor to consider, especially for users who have multiple devices or want to share their VPN with family and friends.
Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, which means you can use one account on any number of devices. This feature is excellent for families or small businesses who want to protect all their devices under one subscription. On the other hand, Pia allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, which is still a generous amount but not as flexible as Surfshark.
Streaming and Torrenting
For many users, streaming and torrenting are the main reasons for using a VPN. Both Surfshark and Pia support streaming and torrenting, but let’s see how they compare in terms of performance and features.
Surfshark offers unlimited bandwidth on all its servers, making it ideal for streaming and downloading large files. It also has dedicated servers for streaming that are optimized for popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Surfshark boasts a built-in ad blocker and supports P2P file sharing on all its servers.
On the other hand, Pia also allows P2P file sharing on all its servers. However, it doesn’t offer dedicated servers for streaming. Users have reported mixed results when trying to access geo-restricted content on platforms like Netflix with Pia.
Cross-Platform Compatibility
In today’s digital world, most users have multiple devices that they use on a daily basis. Therefore, cross-platform compatibility is another crucial feature to consider when choosing a VPN.
Both Surfshark and Pia are compatible with major operating systems such as Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. They also offer browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. However, Surfshark goes a step further by providing apps for Fire TV, Apple TV, and gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation. However, it’s important to note that obtaining a UK IP Address is not a foolproof method for accessing region-locked websites, as there are other factors at play such as VPN restrictions and geo-blocking techniques.
Advanced Features
Apart from the basic features, both Surfshark and Pia offer some advanced features that enhance their overall performance and security.
Surfshark has an impressive feature called Camouflage Mode, which hides your VPN usage from your internet provider, making it almost impossible to detect. It also offers split tunneling, which allows you to choose which apps use the VPN and which ones don’t. It has a kill switch feature that disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops suddenly.
Pia also offers advanced features such as DNS leak protection, IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. It also has an ad blocker called Pia Mace that blocks ads and trackers while browsing.
Speed Comparison
Another critical factor to consider when choosing a VPN is its speed. A slow VPN can be frustrating and defeat the purpose of using one in the first place. Therefore, let’s see how Surfshark and Pia perform in terms of speed.
According to independent speed tests conducted by various sources, both Surfshark and Pia have fast connections with minimal speed loss. Some reports show that Surfshark outperforms Pia when it comes to download speeds, but the difference is not significant enough to make a definitive conclusion.
However, one thing worth mentioning is that Surfshark offers unlimited bandwidth on all its servers while Pia doesn’t. This could affect speed if you are using Pia during peak hours or on congested servers.
Security Comparison
A VPN’s primary function is to provide secure browsing by encrypting your internet traffic and keeping your personal information safe from hackers and prying eyes. Let’s see how Surfshark and Pia compare in terms of security.
Encryption
Both Surfshark and Pia offer military-grade encryption with AES-256 bit cipher. This is the industry standard and considered unbreakable. They also use OpenVPN, which is a highly secure and reliable protocol.
However, Surfshark goes the extra mile by offering an additional security feature called MultiHop. This feature routes your traffic through two different servers in different locations, providing an extra layer of protection.
Logging Policy
One of the biggest concerns with VPN providers is their logging policy. Users want to ensure that their personal data is not being collected and stored by their VPN service provider.
Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, which means they do not monitor or log any of your online activity. This includes your browsing history, IP address, connection timestamp, etc. They are located in the British Virgin Islands, which has no mandatory data retention laws.
On the other hand, Pia has been involved in some controversy regarding its logging policies. In 2016, it was reported that the company had handed over logs to the FBI for criminal investigations. However, since then, they have revamped their privacy policy and have stated that they do not keep logs of user activity.
Additional Security Features
Apart from encryption and logging policies, both Surfshark and Pia offer some additional security features.
Surfshark provides a cleanweb feature that blocks ads and trackers while you browse. It also has an automatic kill switch that disconnects your internet if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
Pia offers DNS leak protection and IPv6 leak protection to ensure your real IP address remains hidden. It also has an ad blocker called Pia Mace to block ads while browsing.
Pricing Comparison
Pricing is often a crucial factor when choosing a VPN. Let’s see how Surfshark and Pia compare in terms of their pricing plans.
Surfshark offers three different plans – a one-month plan for $12.95, a 6-month plan for $38.94 (equivalent to $6.49 per month), and a 24-month plan for $59.76 (equivalent to $2.49 per month). It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the service.
Pia offers two different plans – a one-month plan for $9.95 and a 1-year plan for $39.95 (equivalent to $3.33 per month). It also has a 7-day money-back guarantee.
Customer Support Comparison
In case you encounter any issues or have questions about the service, it is essential to have reliable customer support from your VPN provider.
Surfshark provides 24/7 live chat support along with an extensive knowledge base that includes tutorials, setup guides, and troubleshooting steps. Even with the convenience of Facebook’s Marketplace, which is exclusively available for local sellers and buyers, some people prefer traditional methods of buying and selling.
Pia also offers live chat support, but it is not available 24/7 like Surfshark’s support team. However, it has an active community forum where users can ask questions and share their experiences.
Final Remarks
After comparing Surfshark and Pia in terms of features, speed, security, pricing, and customer support, it is clear that both are excellent VPN providers that offer powerful features and advanced security measures.
However, Surfshark stands out with its unlimited simultaneous connections, dedicated streaming servers, built-in ad blocker, split tunneling feature, and more affordable prices for long-term plans. It has been consistently improving its service since its launch in 2018.
On the other hand, Pia is a well-established VPN with a strong reputation for its advanced security features and high-speed connections. However, it does have some limitations, such as a lower number of servers and simultaneous connections compared to Surfshark.
The ultimate choice between Surfshark and Pia depends on your specific needs and preferences. Both offer reliable services that will keep your online activities safe and secure. It is recommended to try out both before making a final decision to see which one works best for you.
NordVPN
✔️ Thosuands of Servers in 60 Countries
✔️ 100% No-Logs Privacy
✔️ 67% off 2-Year Plans and UberEats Voucher
ProtonVPN
✔️ Thosuands of Servers in 70+ Countries
✔️ High-speed VPN for Gaming or Streaming
✔️ 50% off 2-Year Plans
Surfshark
✔️ 3000+ Servers in 50 Countries
✔️ 100% No-Logs Privacy
✔️ 79% off + 2 Months Free
How does the pricing of Surfshark and PIA compare?
Surfshark and PIA are both popular VPN providers with competitive pricing. Surfshark offers a slightly more affordable option, with monthly plans starting at $11.95 compared to PIA’s $9.95 per month. However, PIA offers a longer subscription plan of 2 years for only $2.69 per month, making it the better value in the long run. Both providers also offer additional discounts and promotions from time to time, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for potential savings. While Surfshark may have lower initial pricing, PIA offers better value over a longer period of time.
What are the main differences between Surfshark and PIA in terms of features and security?
Surfshark and PIA are both popular VPN services with similar features such as no-logging policy, unlimited simultaneous connections, and a variety of server locations. However, Surfshark offers additional features like multi-hop connections, split tunneling, and ad-blocking while PIA has advanced security protocols like WireGuard. Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands while PIA is located in the US, which may affect their data protection laws.
Can I use both Surfshark and PIA simultaneously for added protection?
Yes, you can use both Surfshark and PIA simultaneously to enhance your online security. Both VPN services offer strong encryption and advanced features that work together to protect your internet activities. However, keep in mind that using two VPNs may affect your internet speed and could potentially lead to compatibility issues. It is recommended to thoroughly research and test the combination before using both simultaneously for added protection.