PIA vs. Surfshark: Which Is the Best VPN for U.S. Privacy in 2023?
In the U.S., your online privacy is under siege. ISPs can legally sell your browsing history, and surveillance laws like the PATRIOT Act give the government a backstage pass to your digital life. It’s no surprise that finding the best VPN for U.S. privacy is a top priority for many. Two standout contenders—Private Internet Access (PIA) and Surfshark—promise to shield your data from prying eyes. But which one comes out on top? Let’s dive into their privacy features, performance, and value to find out.
Why Privacy Matters More in the U.S.
Picture this: every click, every search, every late-night streaming binge—tracked and sold to the highest bidder. In the U.S., ISPs have the green light to monetize your data, while agencies can snoop without a warrant under laws like the PATRIOT Act (CNET VPN Privacy Guide). A reliable VPN is your first line of defense, masking your activity with encryption. So, how do PIA and Surfshark measure up for U.S. privacy? Let’s break it down.
Privacy Features: Where the Rubber Meets the Road
Privacy is the name of the game, and both VPNs pack a punch. Here’s a head-to-head look:
- Encryption: PIA and Surfshark both use AES-256 encryption—the same unbreakable standard trusted by banks and militaries (TechRadar PIA Features). They support WireGuard for speed and OpenVPN for security.
- No-Logs Policy: PIA’s no-logs promise was proven in a 2017 audit by Leviathan Security Group (Leviathan Security Audit). Surfshark passed a 2020 Cure53 audit but hasn’t had a recent follow-up (Cure53 Surfshark Audit).
- U.S. Server Coverage: PIA offers over 100 servers across five U.S. cities—think New York, LA, and Chicago (PIA Server List). Surfshark has a solid U.S. network but keeps the exact count under wraps (Surfshark Server List).
- Extras: PIA brings a kill switch, split tunneling, and private DNS (VPNMentor PIA Review). Surfshark counters with CleanWeb (ad blocking) and multi-hop routing for double encryption (TechRadar Surfshark Features).
Here’s a quick comparison table:
| Feature | PIA | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | AES-256, OpenVPN, WireGuard | AES-256, OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2 |
| No-Logs Policy | Audited in 2017 | Audited in 2020—no recent update |
| U.S. Servers | 100+ in 5 cities | Multiple U.S. locations (unspecified) |
| Extra Tools | Kill switch, split tunneling, private DNS | Kill switch, CleanWeb, multi-hop |
PIA’s audit-backed no-logs policy is a big win for trust, while Surfshark’s multi-hop feature adds an extra layer for the paranoid. Tough call!
Speed Test: Privacy Without the Slowdown
A VPN that tanks your speed isn’t worth the hassle. Here’s how they perform stateside:
- PIA: Clocks in at 850 Mbps on U.S. servers—plenty for 4K Netflix or lag-free gaming (Tom’s Guide VPN Speed Tests).
- Surfshark: Pushes 920 Mbps, giving it a slight edge for speed demons (Tom’s Guide VPN Speeds).
Both are blazing fast, but Surfshark’s extra oomph could tip the scales if you’re streaming or downloading big files. Either way, you’re not sacrificing speed for privacy here.
Ease of Use: Privacy for Everyone
You shouldn’t need a PhD to stay secure. Here’s the user experience scoop:
- PIA: Simple apps across all devices, backed by 24/7 live chat with a solid 4.2/5 Trustpilot rating (Trustpilot PIA Reviews).
- Surfshark: Sleek, beginner-friendly design with 24/7 support and a 4.3/5 Trustpilot score (Trustpilot Surfshark Reviews).
Surfshark’s interface feels a bit more modern, but PIA keeps things straightforward. Both make locking down your U.S. privacy a breeze.
Price and Location: The Tiebreakers
- Cost: PIA’s 2-year plan is $2.03/month, undercutting Surfshark’s $2.19/month (PIA Official Site, Surfshark Official Site).
- Base: PIA’s U.S. headquarters (Five Eyes alliance) might spook some, despite its no-logs proof (Forbes Kape Acquisition). Surfshark’s Netherlands base (Nine Eyes) benefits from EU privacy laws (CNET VPN Jurisdiction Guide).
PIA’s U.S. location is a potential red flag, but its audit eases worries. Surfshark’s EU base is a plus, though its older audit leaves room for doubt.
Who Wins the Crown for U.S. Privacy?
So, which is the best VPN for U.S. privacy? It depends on you:
- Pick PIA if you want a proven no-logs policy, tons of U.S. servers, and the lowest price. It’s a privacy workhorse with audit cred.
- Choose Surfshark if you crave extras like multi-hop and ad blocking, plus a base outside Uncle Sam’s reach. It’s the feature-rich contender.
For most U.S. users, PIA’s verified privacy and wallet-friendly price make it a standout. But Surfshark’s bells and whistles could steal the show if you want more than the basics.
Ready to take back your privacy? Try PIA VPN for audit-backed peace of mind or get Surfshark VPN for next-level features. Boost your security with Bitdefender—because your data deserves the best!