Head-to-head · Virtual Private Network Software
Private Internet Access vs OpenVPN Access Server
Private Internet Access leads on 0 checks, OpenVPN Access Server on 2, and 0 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 2 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 OpenVPN Access Server
- Most featuresOpenVPN Access Server · 1 of 3
Private Internet Access scores higher on our rubric for virtual private network software: 9.1 against 8.4 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #8.
OpenVPN Access Server offers free plan; Private Internet Access doesn't. OpenVPN Access Server offers site-to-site vpn; Private Internet Access doesn't publish it.
Private Internet Access is the better fit for budget-minded users with many devices or P2P needs. OpenVPN Access Server is the better fit for organizations self-hosting managed remote-access VPN.
- Private Internet Access fits best
Budget-minded users with many devices or P2P needs
- OpenVPN Access Server fits best
Organizations self-hosting managed remote-access VPN
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Side by side
| Feature | Private Internet Access 9.1/10 Visit ↗ | OpenVPN Access Server 8.4/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.1 | 8.4 |
| Ranking | #3 in Virtual Private Network Software | #8 in Virtual Private Network Software |
| Best for | Budget-minded users with many devices or P2P needs | Organizations self-hosting managed remote-access VPN |
| Pricing model | Paid | Free plan + paid |
| Starting price | Not published | Not published |
| Free plan | — | ✓ (best) |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Free trial length | 7 days | 14 days · no card needed |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile, Browser extension | Cloud, Self-hosted |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Chrome extension | Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android |
| Support | Email, Live chat, Docs · 24/7 | Tickets, Community, Docs · 24/7 |
| Compliance | 2FA | SOC 2, ISO 27001, GDPR, HIPAA |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market | Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise |
| Features Private Internet Access 0/3 · OpenVPN Access Server 1/3 | ||
| Remote access VPN | Not published | Not published |
| Site-to-site VPN | Not published | ✓ (best) |
| SSO support | Not published | Not published |
| Specs | ||
| Supported VPN protocols | Not published | Not published |
| Client platforms | Not published | Not published |
| Concurrent sessions | Not published | Not published |
| Deployment model | Not published | Not published |
| Our review | ||
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| Cons |
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| 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 → |
OpenVPN Access Server provides remote access to private networks and resources, along with site-to-site VPN networking. It is aimed at organizations that want administrators to manage VPN settings, users, authentication, certificates, and… 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
OpenVPN Access Server — where it wins
- Supports remote-access and site-to-site VPN networking
- Offers varied authentication methods and granular access controls
- Includes PKI, connection logs, clustering, and REST API automation
Where it doesn't
- Self-hosted administration adds operational work
- Free plan allows only 2 simultaneous connections
- Growth pricing scales with simultaneous connections
- 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 → - OpenVPN Access Server8.4/10 · Free plan · paid from $7/mo · 14-day trial
A configurable business VPN for organizations that can manage self-hosted infrastructure.
Visit OpenVPNFull verdict →
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All virtual private network software comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update