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OpenVPN vs Private Internet Access VPN Comparison

Last updated:

OpenVPN

4.4(315 reviews)

Starting at $75 /Month

  • Freelancers / Consultants
  • Large Enterprises

OpenVPN is an open-source software application that implements virtual private network (VPN) techniques for creating secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged configurations and remote access…

Private Internet Access VPN

4.5(8,097 reviews)

Starting at Contact for pricing

  • Freelancers / Consultants
  • Small Business

Private Internet Access VPN service offers you more security and privacy. This VPN software protects your Internet connection and helps to hide your personal information, identity, IP address. It also encrypts all of you…

Private Internet Access VPN leads on user satisfaction with a 4.5-star rating across 8,097 reviews.

SpotSaaS Analysis

OpenVPNPrivate Internet Access VPN

The core difference between OpenVPN and Private Internet Access VPN lies in their target user base and complexity; OpenVPN is ideal for organizations needing customizable and secure VPN solutions, while Private Internet Access VPN caters to smaller teams seeking straightforward and reliable internet connectivity. OpenVPN is best suited for businesses with IT teams capable of managing complex setups, whereas Private Internet Access VPN is perfect for freelancers and small businesses prioritizing ease of use and strong privacy.

- Best for secure, customizable VPNs - Strong SSL/TLS encryption - Suitable for small businesses and large enterprises - Ideal for remote workforce or site-to-site connections - Requires medium complexity setups - Priced at $75

- Best for small teams needing reliable connections - Focuses on fast and secure internet access - Suitable for 1-200 employees - Ideal for freelancers and small businesses - Emphasizes strong online privacy and encryption - Offers a simple setup and user-friendly interface

OpenVPN vs Private Internet Access VPN — at a glance

FeatureOpenVPNPrivate Internet Access VPN
Rating4.4 / 54.5 / 5
Reviews3158,097
Starting price$75 /MonthContact for pricing
Free trial No No
Free version No No
Best forFreelancers / Consultants, Large Enterprises, Medium BusinessFreelancers / Consultants, Small Business
CategoryVPN SoftwareVPN Software
PlatformsSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - MacSaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac
APIAvailable
Support modesBusiness Hours, OnlineOnline
CertificationsGDPRGDPR
Data residencyGlobal

Key differences between OpenVPN and Private Internet Access VPN

  • Pricing: OpenVPN starts at $75 /Month. Private Internet Access VPN pricing is not publicly listed.
  • User satisfaction: Private Internet Access VPN scores higher with a 4.5-star average.
  • Deployment: OpenVPN supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac; Private Internet Access VPN supports SaaS/Web/Cloud, Mobile - Android, Mobile - iOS, Installed - Windows, Installed - Mac.

OpenVPN vs Private Internet Access VPN — find the better fit before you commit.

01

Which tool fits your team best

02

Which is actually cheaper for your team size

03

Where each product wins, per real buyers

Most VPN Software tools look identical on paper. This comparison cuts to the differences that matter — pricing structure, team fit, and what real buyers found after signing up.

OpenVPN - VPN Software
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Biggest differences

Start here before you go deeper into features.

OpenVPN

Best for secure, customizable VPNs with strong SSL/TLS encryption.

Choose if
  • You need secure remote workforce or site-to-site VPN connections.
  • Your IT team can handle medium complexity setups and configurations.
  • You want an open-source VPN that supports NAT and firewall traversal.
Consider alternatives if
  • You require a plug-and-play VPN for non-technical users.
  • You need extensive built-in compliance and enterprise process management.

Private Internet Access VPN

Best VPN for small teams needing reliable, fast, and secure internet connections.

Choose if
  • You are a freelancer or small business prioritizing strong online privacy and encryption.
  • You want a VPN with a simple setup and user-friendly interface for quick deployment.
  • You need a VPN that maintains internet speed without noticeable slowdowns during use.
Consider alternatives if
  • You require advanced VPN features and extensive customer support for enterprise needs.
  • You depend on VPN compatibility with all streaming platforms and cryptocurrency services.

OpenVPN: Best for secure, customizable VPNs with strong SSL/TLS encryption. Private Internet Access VPN: Best VPN for small teams needing reliable, fast, and secure internet connections.

Description

OpenVPN is an open-source software application that implements virtual private network (VPN) techniques for creating secure point-to-point or site-to-site connections in routed or bridged ... Read More about OpenVPN

Private Internet Access VPN service offers you more security and privacy. This VPN software protects your Internet connection and helps to hide your personal information, identity, IP ... Read More about Private Internet Access VPN

Entry Level Pricing

  • Starts from $75
  • Not Available

Free Trial Availability

  • No free trial
  • No free trial

Spotsaas Score

What's this? ↗

9.2/10

9.6/10

User Ratings

Based on verified Spotsaas reviews

Best Company Size

Small BusinessLarge Enterprises
1-50 employees51-200 employees
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Software Demo

Demo

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How do OpenVPN and Private Internet Access VPN Compare on Features?

Total Features

6 Features

8 Features

Unique Features

No unique features

No unique features

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Compare OpenVPN and Private Internet Access VPN on pricing

Review starting price, plan structure, and free-trial access side by side so you can see which option fits your budget and buying process.

Pricing Option

      Starting From

      • $75
      • Not Available

      Pricing Plans

      • Not Available
      • Not Available

      Pricing Page

      OpenVPN pricing
      Private Internet Access VPN pricing

      Other Details

      Organization Types supported

      • Large Enterprises
      • Medium Business
      • Small Business
      • Freelancers
      • Individuals
      • Large Enterprises
      • Medium Business
      • Small Business
      • Freelancers
      • Individuals

      Platforms Supported

      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - Android
      • Mobile - iOS
      • Installed - Windows
      • Installed - Mac
      • Mobile - Windows
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Browser Based (Cloud)
      • Mobile - Android
      • Mobile - iOS
      • Installed - Windows
      • Installed - Mac
      • Mobile - Windows
      • Browser Based (Cloud)

      Modes of support

      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online
      • 24/7 (Live rep)
      • Business Hours
      • Online

      API Support

      • Available
      • Not Available
      Get help choosing
      Get help choosing

      Security & Compliance

      Certifications, data handling, and security controls for IT and compliance evaluators.

      HIPAA

      ✗ No

      GDPR

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      Single Sign-On (SSO)

      ✓ Yes
      ✗ No

      Multi-Factor Auth (MFA)

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      Data Encryption

      ✓ Yes
      ✓ Yes

      Audit Logs

      ✓ Yes
      ✗ No

      Data Residency

      🌐 Global

      OpenVPN User Reviews & Rating Comparison

      User Ratings

      Rating Distribution

      102

      40

      7

      1

      0

      3247

      85

      30

      33

      140

      Spotsaas Editor’s POV generated by AI

      Buyer sentiment

      Overall positive sentiment highlights OpenVPN's strong security, ease of deployment, and cross-platform compatibility, with some concerns about technical complexity.

      What buyers like

      • Ease of setup
      • Security and encryption
      • Cross-platform compatibility

      Common complaints

      • Technical complexity
      • Limited compliance features

      Buyer sentiment

      Overall, users express strong satisfaction with PIA's reliability, speed, and security, though some note support and compatibility limitations.

      What buyers like

      • Reliability
      • Speed
      • Ease of use

      Common complaints

      • Customer support responsiveness
      • Service compatibility issues

      Pros and Cons

      • Simplicity in setup and deployment

      • Robust security with SSL/TLS encryption

      • Compatibility across multiple operating systems and devices

      • May require technical knowledge for optimal configuration

      • Limited out-of-the-box compliance features

      • Reliable and consistent VPN connection with strong security features

      • User-friendly interface with minimal setup effort

      • Maintains internet speed without noticeable slowdowns

      • Customer support can be difficult to reach with occasional delays

      • Compatibility issues with some services like cryptocurrency exchanges

      Positive Reviews

      No reviews available for the product

      No reviews available for the product

      List of Customers

      Customers

      No Customers information available.

      Forbes

      Forbes

      Business Insider

      Business Insider

      Wired

      Wired

      Media and Screenshots

      Screenshots

      2 Screenshots

      No screenshots available.

      Videos

      video-0

      3 Videos

      video-0

      1 Videos

      Top Alternatives to OpenVPN and Private Internet Access VPN in 2026

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      Disclaimer: This research has been collated from a variety of authoritative sources. We welcome your feedback at [email protected].

      Frequently asked questions

      Which is better, OpenVPN or Private Internet Access VPN?
      Private Internet Access VPN edges out the other on user ratings (4.5 vs 4.4). That said, the best pick depends on your use case — use the comparison tables above to evaluate each dimension.
      Do OpenVPN and Private Internet Access VPN offer a free trial?
      Neither OpenVPN nor Private Internet Access VPN currently lists a free trial.
      What is the starting price of OpenVPN vs Private Internet Access VPN?
      OpenVPN starts at $75 /Month. Private Internet Access VPN starts at Contact for pricing.
      What are the top alternatives to OpenVPN?
      Top alternatives to OpenVPN include PureVPN, FastestVPN, NordVPN, Private Internet Access VPN, PrivateVPN.
      What are the top alternatives to Private Internet Access VPN?
      Top alternatives to Private Internet Access VPN include TunnelBear, PureVPN, CyberGhost VPN, FastestVPN, OpenVPN.

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