Surfshark is an alternative
to Private Internet Access (PIA VPN)
$16.45/mo (Surfshark Starter) vs Private Internet Access (PIA VPN) PIA VPN at $11.95/mo — covering 80% of the 10 compared capabilities.
Same job. Compare the fees.
Comparison scenario
Every cheaper-than claim is tied to a defined scenario — never a bare list price.
single user, unlimited data, monthly billing · USD · prices as observed on official pricing pages.
PIA VPN plan at $11.95/mo, the cheapest paid plan.
Surfshark Starter: 16.45 USD/monthly.
Private Internet Access (PIA VPN) costs $11.95/mo on the PIA VPN plan at single user, unlimited data, monthly billing. Surfshark costs $16.45/mo (Surfshark Starter plan), which is not cheaper than Private Internet Access (PIA VPN) PIA VPN at $11.95/mo in this scenario.
Capability comparison
Surfshark covers 80% of the 10 capabilities compared against Private Internet Access (PIA VPN). ✓ native · ◐ via integration · ✗ not found.
| Capability | Surfshark | Private Internet Access (PIA VPN) |
|---|---|---|
| No-logs policy | ✓ | ✓ |
| Unlimited devices | ✓ | ✓ |
| Server network size | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dedicated IP | ✓ | ✓ |
| Money-back guarantee | ✓ | ✓ |
| Simultaneous devices | ✗ | ✓ |
| Ad & tracker blocking | ✓ | ✓ |
| Split tunneling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Multi-hop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Port forwarding | ✗ | ✓ |
What you give up
Capabilities Private Internet Access (PIA VPN) has that Surfshark lacks.
- Simultaneous devices — Connect a set number of devices to the VPN at the same time.Missing from Surfshark.
- Port forwarding — Forward a network port through the VPN connection.Missing from Surfshark.
Plans & pricing, side by side
Advertised prices in USD as observed on the official pricing pages — per-seat and transaction-fee plans are marked.
| Surfshark Starter | $16.45/mo |
| Surfshark One | $18.95/mo |
| Surfshark One+ | $21.85/mo |
| PIA VPN | $11.95/mo |
Frequently asked
What does Surfshark lack compared with Private Internet Access (PIA VPN)?
Simultaneous devices, Port forwarding — 2 of the 10 compared capabilities.
When were these prices checked?
Private Internet Access (PIA VPN): 2026-10-29; Surfshark: 2026-10-26 — on the official pricing pages.
Who switched
Anonymous: no account, no email, no IP stored. Reports are shown once a switch has 3 or more and never change ranking or order — alternatives are computed from prices and capabilities only.
Sources & freshness
- https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/buy-vpn-online (official_pricing, checked 2026-10-29)
- https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/vpn-features (feature_page, checked 2026-10-26)
- Surfshark data last verified 2026-10-26