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Neither VPN is the universal winner. Private Internet Access (PIA) is the stronger fit if router configuration, P2P support across its servers, or port forwarding matters to you. Surfshark may suit you better if you want its broader set of add-on security products and tools. Choose based on the features you will use, your devices, independent test results, and the live price and renewal terms—not a headline offer alone.
Surfshark vs. PIA at a glance
| Decision point | Surfshark | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|---|
| Device connections | Not stated in the cited material. | PIA advertises unlimited device connections. |
| Router configuration | Not stated in the cited material. | PIA documents router configuration. |
| P2P | Not stated in the cited material. | PIA says P2P is supported on every VPN server. |
| Port forwarding | RTINGS reports it is not available. | RTINGS identifies it as available. |
| Feature range | Features include split tunneling, MultiHop, IP Rotator, NoBorders, static servers and a separate dedicated-IP purchase; availability varies by operating system and browser extension. | Features include split tunneling, WireGuard, OpenVPN and MACE ad, tracker and malware blocking. |
| Current price | Check the live checkout; a comparable current price is not established here. | Check the live order page for current offers and renewal terms. |
Feature details come from the Surfshark feature information and PIA feature page; port-forwarding comparison comes from RTINGS’ comparison, updated July 30, 2026, using Methodology v0.11. “Not stated” means the cited material does not establish the comparison point, not that a service definitively lacks it.
Which service fits your use?
Choose PIA if you need router setup, P2P or port forwarding
PIA’s documented router configuration can be useful if you want VPN coverage through a compatible router rather than relying only on individual apps. PIA also says P2P is supported on every server, and RTINGS’ July 2026 comparison identifies port forwarding as a PIA differentiator. Those are practical reasons to favor PIA when they match your setup; they do not establish that it is faster or more private for every user.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsConsider Surfshark if its extra tools match your needs
Surfshark lists tools such as CleanWeb, Bypasser (split tunneling), Kill Switch, Dynamic MultiHop, IP Rotator, NoBorders and static servers. Dedicated IP is a separate purchase. Surfshark says most features require a base subscription and some additional products require One or One+. Check the feature details for your operating system or browser extension before buying, since availability varies.
#1 Best Overall
- 【Rapid OpenVPN & Wireguard speed】Wireguard VPN and OpenVPN speeds both up to 680Mbps, giving you complete control over your gaming, streaming and working bandwidth. Actual speed may differ depending on internet service provider, network environment, VPN server location, VPN service provider, etc.
- 【AdGuard Home Supported】Enabling the use of a DNS server for blocking unwanted tracking and offers a convenient web interface for filtering selected digital advertisements. Users can take full control of their online experience and enjoy a clutter-free browsing environment with ease.
- 【Mass device connectivity】Experience enhanced online connectivity with our higher storage capacity, catering to over a hundred devices and fulfilling the requirements of DIY users seeking to install additional plugins. Enjoy stable and reliable connections, ensuring seamless performance and accommodating a wide range of digital needs.
- 【Easy Setup】Follow the Initial Set-up video tutorial on Amazon or Connect BE9300 to your computer via Ethernet cable to access the web Admin Panel, easy connect to wireless internet.
- 【MLO Technology】Flint 3 represents the future of wireless technology, delivering ultra-fast speeds, significantly reduced latency, and improved connectivity in high-density environments through cutting-edge innovations like Multi-Link Operation (MLO), enhanced OFDMA, 4K QAM, and preamble puncturing.
Account for devices and operating systems
PIA lists native apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android and iOS, and advertises unlimited device connections. Treat the connection limit as PIA’s own claim, and confirm the current account terms. The cited material does not establish a directly comparable Surfshark connection limit, so compare the live terms if simultaneous device coverage is decisive.
What do independent tests say about privacy and security?
Audits and logging statements have defined scope
Surfshark Support says online activity is not logged, while disclosing temporary server connection information: “Our servers store information about your connection to a particular VPN server (user ID and/or IP address and connection time stamps). Still, this information is automatically deleted within 15 minutes after the termination of your session.” This is Surfshark’s statement in a support article updated December 28, 2023; it describes specified connection data and its deletion period, not an independent guarantee about all future operations. See Surfshark’s logging explanation.
Rank #2
- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.*Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【Easy Setup】Please refer to the User Manual and the Unboxing & Setup video guide on Amazon for detailed setup instructions and methods for connecting to the Internet.
- 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
- 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports, ideal for lots of internet plan and allow you to connect your wired devices directly.
- 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
Surfshark’s trust center lists Deloitte no-logs assurance reports from 2023 and 2025, and a 2026 Cure53 assessment of its infrastructure and Dausos protocol. The listed assessments cover their stated scope and dates; they are not a blanket guarantee of future conduct or every app and configuration.
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TechRadar reports that PIA’s no-logs policy was independently verified by Deloitte in three audits, with the most recent in early 2026. At the time of TechRadar’s review, the full report was available only to PIA customers. See TechRadar’s PIA review. An audit is evidence about the scope and period examined, not proof that no risk can arise later.
Rank #3
- Tri-Band WiFi 6E Router - Up to 5400 Mbps WiFi for faster browsing, streaming, gaming and downloading, all at the same time(6 GHz: 2402 Mbps;5 GHz: 2402 Mbps;2.4 GHz: 574 Mbps)
- WiFi 6E Unleashed – The 6 GHz band brings more bandwidth, faster speeds, and near-zero latency; Enables more responsive gaming and video chatting
- Connect More Devices—True Tri-Band and OFDMA technology increase capacity by 4 times to enable simultaneous transmission to more devices
- Unique Design, More RAM, Better Processing - A unique housing design provides optimal heat dissipation, combined with a 1.0 GHz dual-core CPU and 512 MB High-Speed Memory, the AXE75 is designed for long-term reliability and performance.
- EasyMesh-compatible - Extend network range even more by adding EasyMesh-compatible routers, extenders, or wireless powerline adapters for a seamless, whole-home connection. Eliminate dead zones, drops, and lag as you move across your home.
RTINGS found limitations in its tested scenario
In its July 30, 2026 comparison, RTINGS reported no IP or DNS leak for either service in its testing, but reported a leak for both during a system reboot. It also found neither service had a functional kill switch in the tested scenario. That differs from vendor feature descriptions: interpret it as a result for RTINGS’ test configuration, not a universal finding about every version, device or setting. If kill-switch behavior is essential, verify it on the exact app and device you plan to use.
Will either VPN work with your streaming services?
Streaming access changes as services detect and block VPN addresses, and results vary by region. In TechRadar’s early-2026 PIA tests, Netflix access worked across the regions tested. The same test found YouTube access only in the UK among tested regions, Prime Video access only in the UK and Australia, and Disney+ access in Canada. Those observations describe that test window and configuration; they are not a promise about your region or future catalogs. Check the services and locations you actually use rather than treating any VPN’s streaming claims as permanent.
Rank #4
- 【DUAL BAND WIFI 7 TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU, AU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 688Mbps (2.4G)+2882Mbps (5G); Dual 2.5G Ethernet Ports (1x WAN and 1x LAN Port); USB 3.0 port.
- 【NETWORK CONTROL WITH TOUCHSCREEN SIMPLICITY】Slate 7’s touchscreen interface lets you scan QR codes for quick Wi-Fi, monitor speed in real time, toggle VPN on/off, and switch providers directly on the display. Color-coded indicators provide instant network status updates for Ethernet, Tethering, Repeater, and Cellular modes, offering a seamless, user-friendly experience.
- 【OpenWrt 23.05 FIRMWARE】The Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) is a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 travel router, built with OpenWrt 23.05 (Kernel 5.4.213) for maximum customization and advanced networking capabilities. With 512MB storage, total customization with open-source freedom and flexible installation of OpenWrt plugins.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Slate 7 automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 100 Mbps (OpenVPN); 540 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【PERFECT PORTABLE WIFI ROUTER FOR TRAVEL】The Slate 7 is an ideal portable internet device perfect for international travel. With its mini size and travel-friendly features, the pocket Wi-Fi router is the perfect companion for travelers in need of a secure internet connectivity on the go in which includes hotels or cruise ships.
How should you compare prices and renewal terms?
Do not rely on an old review price as today’s offer. PIA Support’s October 2, 2026 page lists monthly, annual, two-year and three-year website subscriptions, says website subscriptions renew automatically, and notes that plans and special offers may vary. It directs customers to the live order page for applicable prices and renewal terms. See PIA’s subscription information.
A comparable live Surfshark checkout price is not established here. Before paying for either service, compare the total amount due now, the term length, the renewal amount and interval, and the cancellation or refund terms shown for your country and payment route. A low introductory rate is not the same as the recurring price.
Best Value
- New-Gen WiFi Standard – WiFi 6(802.11ax) standard supporting MU-MIMO and OFDMA technology for better efficiency and throughput.Antenna : External antenna x 4. Processor : Dual-core (4 VPE). Power Supply : AC Input : 110V~240V(50~60Hz), DC Output : 12 V with max. 1.5A current.
- Ultra-fast WiFi Speed – RT-AX1800S supports 1024-QAM for dramatically faster wireless connections
- Increase Capacity and Efficiency – Supporting not only MU-MIMO but also OFDMA technique to efficiently allocate channels, communicate with multiple devices simultaneously
- 5 Gigabit ports – One Gigabit WAN port and four Gigabit LAN ports, 10X faster than 100–Base T Ethernet.
- Commercial-grade Security Anywhere – Protect your home network with AiProtection Classic, powered by Trend Micro. And when away from home, ASUS Instant Guard gives you a one-click secure VPN.
A practical way to make the choice
- List your must-haves. Decide whether router configuration, P2P, port forwarding, specific operating-system support, simultaneous connections or particular streaming services matter.
- Check the exact app and setup. Confirm each needed feature for your device, operating system and region; do not assume a feature works identically across apps.
- Weigh evidence by scope. Use audit dates and stated assessment scopes, and treat lab findings as results from the tested setup rather than guarantees for every configuration.
- Compare checkout terms. Check today’s price, subscription duration, automatic renewal, renewal amount and cancellation terms before subscribing.
Security.org’s comparison, updated August 17, 2026, provides additional company and jurisdiction context, but its price examples are dated publisher examples rather than verified live checkout prices: Security.org’s Surfshark–PIA comparison.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
