IVPN vs Private Internet Access
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
IVPN is a VPN service built around verifiable privacy claims: it accepts signup with no email address, takes cash and Monero as payment, and publishes public transparency reports and a warrant canary. The service has undergone seven third-party security audits (most recently May 2025) and discloses its ownership and team rather than operating anonymously. Technically, IVPN offers open-source apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android with a kill switch tied into a network firewall, DNS-based AntiTracker blocklists, obfuscation protocols (V2Ray, obfsproxy) for restrictive networks, and a SOCKS5 proxy option. It runs servers across 58 locations in 41 countries, and separates its offerings into standalone privacy services (IVPN, modDNS, Mailx, and Portmaster) that can be purchased individually without linking back to a customer's account ID.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN service with servers in 90 countries, including all 50 US states, built around a no-logs policy that has been independently audited by Deloitte. It supports unlimited simultaneous device connections per subscription, fully open-source apps, and features like multi-hop connections, split tunneling, and a MACE ad/tracker/malware blocker, with strong support for torrenting and P2P traffic.
- Seven completed third-party security audits with public reports
- No email required to sign up; supports cash and Monero payment
- Fully open-source client apps
- Disclosed ownership and 15-year operating history
- Independently audited no-logs policy (Deloitte)
- Fully open-source apps for transparency
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections per account
- Strong, explicit torrenting/P2P support
- No port forwarding support
- Smaller server network (58 locations) than larger VPN providers
- No streaming compatibility guarantees
- Based in the US, a Five Eyes intelligence-sharing country, which concerns some privacy purists
- Best pricing requires a long-term 3-year commitment
- Speeds on some distant servers can lag top-tier competitors per independent reviews
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The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataIVPN offers stronger privacy assurances with multiple audits and cash/Monero payments but a smaller server network, while Private Internet Access provides a larger server footprint, unlimited devices, and torrenting support at the cost of US jurisdiction.
Key differences
- •IVPN has seven independent third‑party security audits; PIA has a single Deloitte audit of its no‑logs policy.
- •IVPN accepts cash and Monero and requires no email; PIA does not list these payment options.
- •IVPN’s server network covers 58 locations in 41 countries; PIA spans 90 countries including all US states.
- •IVPN lacks port forwarding and streaming guarantees; PIA explicitly supports torrenting/P2P and unlimited simultaneous connections.
- •IVPN’s support is email‑only; PIA adds live chat and 24/7 support.
Pricing & value
Both are paid subscriptions; PIA offers unlimited devices which adds value for multi‑device households.
Ease of use / learning curve
PIA provides live‑chat and 24/7 support, making onboarding easier than IVPN’s email‑only support.
Features & depth
IVPN includes seven audits, cash/Monero payments, kill‑switch firewall, and obfuscation protocols not listed for PIA.
Integrations & ecosystem
PIA includes browser extensions and multi‑hop routing; IVPN only mentions router/NAS deployment.
Security & privacy
IVPN’s multiple audits, transparency reports, and cash/Monero anonymity outweigh PIA’s single Deloitte audit.
Support
PIA offers email, live chat, and 24/7 support; IVPN offers email only.
Scalability
PIA’s unlimited simultaneous connections and larger server count support more users and locations.
Choose IVPN if…
Privacy purists needing maximum audit transparency, anonymous payment, and strong anti‑tracking features.
Choose Private Internet Access if…
Users who need many server locations, unlimited devices, and built‑in torrenting/P2P support.
Common questions
Which VPN has stronger privacy audit coverage?
IVPN has completed seven independent third‑party security audits; PIA has one Deloitte audit of its no‑logs policy.
Can I pay anonymously?
IVPN accepts cash and Monero and requires no email; PIA does not list anonymous payment options.
Do they support unlimited devices?
PIA allows unlimited simultaneous device connections per account; IVPN’s device limit is not specified.