Private Internet Access: Pricing, Features & Alternatives

Configurable VPN with open-source apps, WireGuard support, split tunneling, and a large server network.

Overall Score44/100

2.5Editor Rating

Market Signal 52

#6 of 6 in Location Testing Tools by Overall Score

What Is Private Internet Access?

Private Internet Access provides VPN applications with support for protocols including WireGuard and OpenVPN, plus configuration controls for users who want more network options than a basic connect button. Features include split tunneling, a kill switch, DNS controls, multi-hop routing, dedicated IP availability, and apps for major desktop and mobile operating systems.

Best for: Privacy-conscious users who want configurable VPN settings, open-source apps, and broad operating-system support.

Private Internet Access provides split-tunnel rules so selected traffic can take the normal network path while other applications use the tunnel. Port forwarding is offered only on supported VPN gateways, which means availability depends on the chosen connection location. Its MACE blocking feature works at the domain level and does not inspect individual web-page elements the way a browser extension can.

2.5

out of 5

Editor Rating

Calculated from facts we verified on Private Internet Access's own website, using published thresholds. Nobody can pay to change it. Together with Market Signal it makes the Overall Score of 44 that orders our lists.

Pricing transparency1.5
Entry costNot scored
Free access1.5
Platforms & API5.0
Support2.0
IntegrationsNot scored
Security & compliance4.0

Dimensions without verified data count as a neutral 2.5. Facts checked October 12, 2026. How the rating works

Moderate

Market Signal

Real data

Computed from Ahrefs + Semrush data about Private Internet Access's own website. Not an assessment of the product itself. How this works →

Market Strength

Where it stands today

Momentum

38 Declining ↓↓

Where it’s heading

Data Confidence

Medium

How much to trust it

Traffic Strength
51
Search Visibility
52
Authority
60
Brand & Market Presence
72

Tick mark = category average.

Compared with 21 tracked VPN & Privacy tools. Data through September 2026, pulled October 12, 2026.

Who Is It Best For?

Desktop users selecting which applications bypass the VPN
Privacy-conscious households using encrypted public-network connections
Advanced users configuring VPN port forwarding

Who Should Avoid It?

Teams needing per-request rotating web proxies
Businesses requiring managed browser-identity accounts

Use Cases

Apply per-application split tunneling
Connect through encrypted VPN servers
Configure supported port forwarding
Block certain ads and trackers

Private Internet Access Features

WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols
Split tunneling
Advanced kill switch
Multi-Hop routing
Dedicated IP option
Open-source VPN applications

Private Internet Access Pricing

Pricing changes over time. Check Private Internet Access' website for current plans, limits and promotional offers.

Private Internet Access Integrations

No major integrations documented.

Customer Support

Live chat

Private Internet Access at a Glance

Headquarters: Denver, United States
Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome Extension
Languages: English, German, Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian, Polish, Romanian, and 19 more

Private Internet Access Alternatives

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Proton VPN

Overall Score81/100

4.4Editor Rating

Market Signal 76

From $9.99/mo (1-month plan; longer plans cost less)Free plan

Why choose it: Privacy-minded individuals and small teams that want an audited, open-source VPN with protocols built for censored networks.

Strengths

• Open-source apps with published third-party audit results.
• The Stealth protocol disguises VPN traffic to get past censorship and VPN blocking.

Limitations

• Split tunneling requires a paid plan and isn't available in the iOS app.
• On most platforms split tunneling can't run together with the kill switch.

Read Review Visit Site

NordVPN

Overall Score71/100

3.4Editor Rating

Market Signal 81

From $14.99/mo

Why choose it: Freelancers and small remote teams who want a privacy VPN with built-in scam blocking and the option of a static IP that isn't shared with other users.

Strengths

• Apps cover Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android, with up to 10 devices per subscription.
• The Pro malware protection scans downloads and works without an active VPN connection.

Limitations

• No free plan or free trial.
• Split tunneling works only on Windows, Android and Android TV; Linux uses a port and subnet allowlist.

Read Review Visit Site

Surfshark

Overall Score61/100

2.9Editor Rating

Market Signal 76

See pricing

Why choose it: Households and individuals who want to cover many phones, laptops and tablets under one VPN account.

Strengths

• One subscription allows unlimited simultaneous device connections.
• Bypasser can exclude both apps and websites on Windows, macOS and Android.

Limitations

• Support pages list no Bypasser, Dynamic MultiHop, CleanWeb or NoBorders for the Linux app.
• On iOS, Bypasser can exclude websites only, not individual apps.

Read Review Visit Site

IPVanish

Overall Score50/100

3.4Editor Rating

Market Signal 42

From $3.89/mo (annual billing, first-year price)

Why choose it: Individuals who want a multi-device VPN with configurable connection and privacy controls.

Read Review Visit Site

More tools like Private Internet Access

Windscribe
VPN and privacy service pairing desktop apps, browser extensions, firewall controls, and configurable blocking.
ExpressVPN
Consumer VPN built on its own open-source Lightway protocol and RAM-only TrustedServer infrastructure.
CyberGhost VPN
Consumer VPN with specialty servers for streaming, torrenting, gaming, and broad device coverage.
Mullvad VPN
Privacy-focused VPN with WireGuard, multihop and DAITA.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Private Internet Access have a free trial or free plan?⌄

Private Internet Access doesn't currently offer a free plan or free trial.

How much does Private Internet Access cost?⌄

Private Internet Access doesn't publish a starting price. Check its pricing page for current plans.

What are the best alternatives to Private Internet Access?⌄

Commonly considered alternatives include Proton VPN, NordVPN, Surfshark and IPVanish. The Alternatives section on this page shows what each one is best at and its starting price.

Last updated: October 12, 2026Details checked: October 7, 2026Pricing checked: September 28, 2026