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Private Internet Access alternatives: 5 apps ranked by verified data

Facts checked Oct 25, 2026AppBreakup editorialHow we rank

Common reasons people leave Private Internet Access: monthly plan is expensive compared with long terms, and busy interface for beginners. We ranked 5 alternatives by how directly each one replaces Private Internet Access, then by reviews, real visits and how recently each app's facts were checked against its own website. Surfshark currently ranks first.

Quick comparison

#AppPricingOpen sourcePlatformsVerified factsScore
1Windscribe logoWindscribeFree plan + paidYesWindows, macOS, Linux +35 of 562.6
2Proton VPN logoProton VPNFree plan + paidYesWindows, macOS, Linux +35 of 559.6
  1. Windscribe logo

    1. WindscribeTop pick

    Best for: Budget users who want a decent free plan or to pay only for the locations they use

    Free plan + paidOpen sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension

    62.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Private Internet Access

    Similar power-user settings plus a free plan and pay-per-location option.

    Pros

    • Free plan with a monthly data allowance
    • Build-a-plan pricing per location
    • Customisable ad and tracker blocking

    Cons

    • Free plan has limited data and locations
    • Smaller network than the biggest providers
    • Interface style can feel cluttered
    Visit Windscribe Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.387
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Windscribe a good Private Internet Access alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Pro monthly price
    $9/month
    Checked Oct 25, 2026windscribe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Pro yearly price
    $69/year
    Checked Oct 25, 2026windscribe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Build A Plan
    $1 per location per month
    Checked Oct 25, 2026windscribe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Server countries
    69+
    Checked Oct 25, 2026windscribe.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Desktop app licence
    GPL-2.0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026github.com(opens source in a new tab)
  2. Proton VPN logo

    2. Proton VPN

    Best for: Privacy-focused users, and anyone who needs a free VPN they can trust

    Free plan + paidOpen sourceWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Browser extension

    59.6

    score / 100

    Why switch from Private Internet Access

    Open-source and audited, with Swiss jurisdiction and a free tier.

    Pros

    • Free plan with no data cap and no ads
    • Open-source, audited apps on every platform
    • Secure Core multi-hop routing on paid plans

    Cons

    • Free plan allows only one device and fewer locations
    • Full price is high without a long commitment
    • Some streaming and P2P features are paid only
    Visit Proton VPN Details and reviews
    How this score is calculated
    Editorial fit ×0.377
    Reviews ×0.363
    Clicks (90 days) ×0.150
    Freshness ×0.1585
    Votes ×0.150

    0 counted reviews, 0 up and 0 down votes. Full formula

    Is Proton VPN a good Private Internet Access alternative?

    Verified facts

    5 of 5 verified
    Free plan
    Yes, $0
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Free plan limits
    1 device, no data cap, no ads
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Devices on VPN Plus
    10
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Money-back guarantee
    30 days
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)
    Open source
    Yes, apps open source and audited
    Checked Oct 25, 2026protonvpn.com(opens source in a new tab)

The best Private Internet Access alternative for…

The highest-ranked app in this list for each need.

Surfshark logo

Best Private Internet Access alternative for most people

Surfshark

Also covers unlimited devices, with a simpler interface.

Windscribe logo

Best Private Internet Access alternative for a free plan you can upgrade

Windscribe

Similar power-user settings plus a free plan and pay-per-location option.

Proton VPN logo

Best Private Internet Access alternative for open source

Proton VPN

Open-source and audited, with Swiss jurisdiction and a free tier.

Mullvad VPN logo

Best Private Internet Access alternative for Mac

Mullvad VPN

Simpler flat pricing and anonymous accounts.

IVPN logo

Best Private Internet Access alternative for Windows

IVPN

Privacy-first provider with anonymous accounts and open-source apps.

Surfshark logo

Best Private Internet Access alternative for Linux

Surfshark

Also covers unlimited devices, with a simpler interface.

Surfshark logo

Best Private Internet Access alternative for iPhone and Android

Surfshark

Also covers unlimited devices, with a simpler interface.

Private Internet Access alternatives: common questions

What is the best alternative to Private Internet Access?

Surfshark ranks first right now. Also covers unlimited devices, with a simpler interface. Windscribe and Proton VPN follow it in our ranking.

Is there a free alternative to Private Internet Access?

Yes. Windscribe (free plan + paid) and Proton VPN (free plan + paid) have a free option. Check each app's verified facts for current plan limits.

Is there an open-source alternative to Private Internet Access?

Yes: Windscribe, Proton VPN, Mullvad VPN and IVPN.

Which Private Internet Access alternatives work on Linux?

Surfshark, Windscribe, Proton VPN, Mullvad VPN and IVPN run on Linux.

Why do people switch from Private Internet Access?

The complaints we hear most: monthly plan is expensive compared with long terms; busy interface for beginners; owned by a group that also runs several rival brands.

How is this list ranked?

Every app is scored with the same published formula: how directly it replaces Private Internet Access, reviews (weighted by verification), visits from AppBreakup, how recently its facts were checked against its own website, and reader votes.