Proton VPN vs. Private Internet Access: Which VPN should you choose?
Published on: 2025-06-11 12:00:17
Maria Diaz/ZDNET
Proton VPN has finally caught up to Private Internet Access (PIA), thanks to rapid changes over the last few years. Some things remain the same, like PIA being the cheaper virtual private network (VPN), and Proton VPN offering the best free service. I compared both services to see if one is better than the other.
Also: The best VPNs we've tested
I've reviewed both Proton VPN and Private Internet Access for ZDNET. And when doing my research for this story, I found comments from Reddit users who say they've switched to Proton VPN on a whim due to PIA's middling speeds. While that may be the case, many factors, including the VPN app settings, can affect its performance. PIA has the upper hand when it comes to adaptability.
To make the right pick, you need to determine what your expectations are for the VPN. Your response to that will help to guide you to a better choice. Based on my experience with both services, I can point you in the right direction.
Specifications
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