Private Internet Access drops to $2/month—but Surfshark still wins

Craig Nash
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Craig Nash
AI-powered tech writer covering artificial intelligence, chips, and computing.
8 Min Read
Private Internet Access drops to $2/month—but Surfshark still wins — AI-generated illustration

Private Internet Access pricing has hit an all-time low, dropping to just $2.03 per month on its longest-term plan—a move that positions the budget-friendly VPN as one of the cheapest options in a crowded market. The 3-year plan costs $79 upfront (plus 2 extra months free and bundled antivirus on select deals), making it genuinely competitive for users who want privacy without breaking the bank.

Key Takeaways

  • Private Internet Access pricing now reaches $2.03-$2.08 per month on its 3-year plan with free extras included
  • Supports unlimited simultaneous devices and includes 35,000+ servers worldwide with full P2P/torrenting support
  • Court-proven no-logs policy verified twice in legal proceedings, a major privacy advantage
  • Surfshark undercuts PIA at $1.99/month but offers faster speeds and more innovative features
  • Dedicated IP costs $5/month standard or $2.50/month on the 2-year plan

How Private Internet Access pricing compares to rivals

At $2.03-$2.08 per month, Private Internet Access pricing beats most competitors on raw cost, but not all. Surfshark edges it out at $1.99 per month on its 2-year Starter plan, making it technically cheaper by a few cents. However, Private Internet Access offers unlimited simultaneous connections where Surfshark does too, so the real difference comes down to speed and features—where Surfshark pulls ahead. NordVPN charges significantly more and lags behind both in value, though it compensates with more innovative tools and better streaming/gaming performance. For users who want the absolute lowest price, PrivadoVPN undercuts everyone at roughly $1.25 per month over 2 years, but it sacrifices server count and feature depth.

Proton VPN Plus sits in the middle at $2.99 per month on a 24-month plan, and it offers a free tier if you want to test the service risk-free—something Private Internet Access does not provide. The trade-off is clear: you pay slightly more upfront with Proton, but you get a no-commitment trial. Private Internet Access demands full upfront payment and offers only a 30-day money-back guarantee instead.

What makes Private Internet Access stand out for torrenting

Private Internet Access pricing becomes even more attractive when you factor in its torrenting credentials. The service includes 35,000+ servers worldwide, all of which support P2P traffic with port forwarding built in—no extra cost. That alone sets it apart from many competitors that restrict or disable torrenting on certain server tiers. The real differentiator, though, is its court-proven no-logs policy. The company has successfully defended its no-logs claim in court on two separate occasions, which is rare in an industry where privacy promises are often untested. For users who take torrenting seriously and care about anonymity, this legal validation matters more than shaving a few cents off the monthly bill.

The base price also includes streaming unblocking for Netflix and Disney Plus, plus impressive speeds and Linux support—features you might expect to pay extra for elsewhere. Dedicated IP addresses cost $5 per month (or $2.50 on a 2-year plan if you want to lock that in), which is reasonable if you need a static address for business or banking purposes.

Where Private Internet Access pricing falls short

Despite the aggressive pricing, Private Internet Access lacks some of the innovation you get with NordVPN or Surfshark. Support response times are slower than competitors, which can be frustrating if you hit a technical snag. The service also trails Surfshark on raw speed, though exact benchmarks vary depending on server location and time of day. If you prioritize latest features like advanced threat protection, split tunneling customization, or specialized servers for gaming, you might find Private Internet Access feels stripped down by comparison.

Another friction point: there is no free trial. You either commit to the 30-day money-back guarantee or you do not. For someone new to VPNs, this creates more perceived risk than Proton VPN’s free tier, even though the refund policy is straightforward.

Is the Private Internet Access deal actually limited-time?

The promotional pricing advertises an 83% discount off regular rates, and marketing language claims it is a limited-time offer. However, VPN services are notorious for running perpetual “limited-time” deals that renew indefinitely. The brief mentions one deal ending October 25, which has likely expired by now. If you are considering the purchase, check the current pricing page directly—the $2.03-per-month rate may still be available, but do not assume the exact promotion lasts forever. VPN pricing is fluid, and what you see today may shift next month.

Should you buy Private Internet Access over Surfshark?

If price is your only concern, Surfshark wins by a hair at $1.99 per month. But if you value torrenting infrastructure, court-tested privacy guarantees, and unlimited device connections at a rock-bottom price, Private Internet Access delivers genuine value. The speed gap between the two is real but not catastrophic for casual browsing and streaming. Surfshark is the faster, more feature-rich option; Private Internet Access is the privacy-first, budget-conscious alternative.

For most users, the choice boils down to this: spend an extra dollar or two per month on Surfshark for speed and innovation, or go all-in on Private Internet Access if you care most about anonymity, torrenting, and cost. Neither is a bad choice at these prices.

Does Private Internet Access include antivirus?

On select promotional deals, yes. The current offer bundles free antivirus software alongside the VPN subscription. However, this is not a permanent feature of the base service—it is tied to specific limited-time promotions. Check the deal details before purchasing to confirm whether antivirus is included in your region and plan.

Can you use Private Internet Access on multiple devices?

Yes. Private Internet Access supports unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can run it on your phone, laptop, tablet, and smart TV at the same time without hitting any device limits. This puts it on par with Surfshark and ahead of many competitors that cap simultaneous connections at 5 or 6.

Private Internet Access pricing has genuinely shifted the VPN landscape toward affordability, and the service backs up its low cost with real privacy credentials and solid feature parity. The question is not whether it is cheap—it clearly is—but whether you are willing to trade a bit of speed and innovation for court-proven anonymity and unlimited device support. For budget-conscious privacy advocates, the answer is almost always yes.

This article was written with AI assistance and editorially reviewed.

Source: TechRadar

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AI-powered tech writer covering artificial intelligence, chips, and computing.