ROOT VPN vs Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is a genuinely good VPN, and we will say exactly where it wins. Here is an honest, side by side look at price, privacy, protocols and streaming, so you can see which one fits you, not which one we would rather sell you.

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ROOT VPN vs Private Internet Access at a glance

The facts that actually decide it, side by side.

	ROOT VPN	Private Internet Access
Price	Free, then £3.99/mo	From £1.69
Free tier	Yes	No
No activity logs	Yes	Yes
Protocols	WireGuard, REALITY, Shadowsocks, Hysteria2	WireGuard, OpenVPN
Devices	10	Unlimited
Streaming	Good	Mixed
Jurisdiction	Independent, no activity logs	USA

Where Private Internet Access is strong, and where it is not

What Private Internet Access does well

PIA has done the one thing most VPNs only promise: its no-logs claim has held up when courts actually asked for data. The apps are open-source, endlessly configurable, cover unlimited devices and cost very little on a long plan.

Where it falls short

It is US-based, its huge server list is uneven in quality, and streaming can be hit or miss compared with the streaming specialists.

ROOT takes a different route. Instead of the biggest server count or the deepest add-on menu, it focuses on a genuinely free way in, four modern protocols including REALITY and Hysteria2 for networks that fight back, and a plain no-activity-logs promise. Free to start with unlimited data, four protocols including REALITY and Hysteria2 for restrictive networks, and no activity logs.

Who each one is best for

No VPN is best for everyone. Here is the honest split.

Choose ROOT VPN if

You want a genuinely free tier with unlimited data before paying anything.
You connect on networks that block VPNs and need REALITY, Shadowsocks or Hysteria2 stealth.
You want no activity logs and up to 10 devices from £3.99, with a growing server network.

Choose Private Internet Access if

Private Internet Access is best for tinkerers and privacy-minded users who want a proven no-logs record, deep settings and unlimited devices on a budget.
You value a no-logs claim proven in court, open-source apps, deep configurability and very low pricing.

ROOT VPN vs Private Internet Access, answered

Is ROOT VPN better than Private Internet Access?

Neither is simply "better", it depends on what you need. ROOT is the better pick if you want a genuinely free tier, stealth protocols for networks that block VPNs, and no activity logs from £3.99. Private Internet Access is the better pick for tinkerers and privacy-minded users who want a proven no-logs record, deep settings and unlimited devices on a budget.

Is Private Internet Access or ROOT VPN cheaper?

ROOT VPN is free to start with unlimited data, then £3.99 a month for every location. Private Internet Access starts from £1.69, with no free tier, only a money-back window. For starting at zero cost, ROOT wins; compare renewal prices before you commit.

Does Private Internet Access keep logs?

Private Internet Access runs a no-logs policy (No-logs policy proven in US court cases, apps are open-source, based in the USA.). ROOT VPN also keeps no activity logs, so neither records the sites you visit.

Can I try ROOT VPN before switching from Private Internet Access?

Yes. ROOT VPN has a free forever plan with unlimited data and no card required, so you can run it alongside Private Internet Access and see how it performs on your own connection before you decide.

More ROOT VPN comparisons

See how ROOT stacks up against the rest, or read the full list of comparisons and the best free VPNs.

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