Head-to-head · Virtual Private Network Software
Private Internet Access vs Citrix Gateway
Private Internet Access leads on 0 checks, Citrix Gateway on 3, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scorePrivate Internet Access · 9.1/10
- Free planonly Citrix Gateway
- Most featuresCitrix Gateway · 2 of 3
Private Internet Access scores higher on our rubric for virtual private network software: 9.1 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.
Citrix Gateway offers free plan; Private Internet Access doesn't. Citrix Gateway offers remote access vpn; Private Internet Access doesn't publish it. Citrix Gateway offers sso support; Private Internet Access doesn't publish it.
Private Internet Access is the better fit for budget-minded users with many devices or P2P needs. Citrix Gateway is the better fit for enterprise SSL VPN and application access.
- Private Internet Access fits best
Budget-minded users with many devices or P2P needs
- Citrix Gateway fits best
Enterprise SSL VPN and application access
Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. We may earn a commission when you click some links. How we rank.
Side by side
| Feature | Private Internet Access 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | Citrix Gateway 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #3 in Virtual Private Network Software | #7 in Virtual Private Network Software |
| Best for | Budget-minded users with many devices or P2P needs | Enterprise SSL VPN and application access |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Docs · 24/7 | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Private Internet Access 0/3 · Citrix Gateway 2/3 | ||
| Remote access VPN | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Site-to-site VPN | Not published | Not published |
| SSO support | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| Specs | ||
| Supported VPN protocols | Not published | SSL VPN, TLS, DTLS, EDT, ICAProxy, clientless VPN (cVPN) |
| Client platforms | Not published | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, HTML5/web |
| Concurrent sessions | Not published | Not published |
| Deployment model | Not published | Hybrid |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
|
|
| Cons |
|
|
| Our verdict | Private Internet Access is a paid VPN subscription for individuals and teams who want to encrypt internet traffic and mask IP addresses across many devices. Its network spans 91 countries, and apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux,… Read the review → |
Citrix Gateway provides remote access to virtual, SaaS, web and on-premises applications and networks. Its full SSL VPN tunnels, clientless browser access and ICA proxying address different corporate access needs, while single sign-on… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
Private Internet Access — where it wins
- Unlimited simultaneous connections across supported devices
- WireGuard, OpenVPN, split tunneling and a kill switch
- P2P support, streaming servers and MACE blocking
Where it doesn't
- The 7-day trial is limited to first-time mobile subscribers
- The 1-month plan costs more per month than annual billing
- Three-year sale pricing is temporary
Citrix Gateway — where it wins
- Offers full SSL VPN tunnels alongside clientless browser and ICA proxy access
- Combines SSO with broad authentication and federation integrations
- Supports endpoint policy controls and active-passive high availability
Where it doesn't
- Sales-led purchasing makes price comparisons less straightforward
- Features are geared to corporate access, not consumer VPN use
- Customer-managed appliance deployments require gateway administration
- Private Internet Access9.1/10 · From $3.99/mo (annual) · 7-day trial
A feature-rich VPN with unlimited connections, P2P support and a low annual entry price.
Visit siteFull verdict → - Citrix Gateway8.5/10 · Free plan · pricing on request
A customer-managed gateway for secure access to enterprise apps and networks.
Visit CitrixFull verdict →
More comparisons
- Proton VPN vs Citrix Gateway
- ExpressVPN vs Private Internet Access
- ExpressVPN vs Citrix Gateway
- Private Internet Access vs Mullvad VPN
- Private Internet Access vs TunnelBear
- Private Internet Access vs OpenVPN Access Server
- Mullvad VPN vs Citrix Gateway
- Windscribe vs Citrix Gateway
All virtual private network software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update





