Leaving Private Internet Access? Here's everything you need
Compare 6 EU alternatives side-by-side. Find the right fit based on migration difficulty, pricing, and privacy features.
Your data may be subject to US surveillance laws
Private Internet Access is headquartered in the US. Under the CLOUD Act and FISA Section 702, US authorities can access your data without your knowledge. Switch to an EU alternative to keep your data protected under GDPR.
All EU Alternatives at a Glance
| Alternative | Country | Pricing | Difficulty | Time Estimate | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ProtonVPNRecommended Proton VPN is a Swiss-based VPN service built by the team behind Proton Mail โ the same CERN scientists who created the world's largest encrypted email service in 2014. With 12,000+ servers across 120+ countries, it offers both a genuinely free tier (no ads, no logs, unlimited bandwidth) and a paid plan with streaming optimization, ad/tracker blocking (NetShield), and advanced routing through privacy-friendly countries (Secure Core). All apps are open source and the no-logs policy is independently audited with public reports. Rated 4.6 on both the App Store and Google Play. | ๐จ๐ญSwitzerland | Free plan available | Varies | Varies | |
Mullvad Free the internet from mass surveillance and censorship. Fight for privacy with Mullvad VPN and Mullvad Browser. | ๐ธ๐ชSweden | Subscription | Varies | Varies | |
NordVPN NordVPN is a virtual private network service provided by Nord Security, a Lithuanian cybersecurity company founded in Vilnius. While registered in Panama for jurisdictional privacy benefits, the company's development team and headquarters are based in Lithuania. NordVPN offers users the ability to secure their internet connection by encrypting online traffic, enhancing privacy and security. Key features include Double VPN, which routes traffic through two servers for added security, and obfuscated servers that help bypass internet censorship. The CyberSec feature provides protection against malware and intrusive ads. NordVPN supports peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing on all its servers and includes an automatic kill switch to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops. Additional features include DNS leak protection, split tunneling for directing specific traffic through the VPN, and an option for a dedicated IP address. NordVPN operates under a subscription-based pricing model, offering various plans to accommodate different user needs. The service benefits from Panama's strong privacy laws, with no mandatory data retention requirements. | ๐ฑ๐นLithuania | Contact | Varies | Varies | |
IVPN IVPN is a robust VPN service designed to protect your online privacy and security. It offers multi-hop VPN connections, allowing users to route their internet traffic through multiple servers for enhanced anonymity. With support for both WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, IVPN ensures fast and secure connections tailored to your needs. Key features include a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your data is never stored or shared, and comprehensive leak protection for both IPv6 and DNS. The service also includes a kill switch functionality to prevent data exposure if the VPN connection drops. IVPN is ideal for privacy-conscious individuals, remote workers, and anyone seeking to safeguard their online activities. With its EU-based data hosting, IVPN complies with GDPR regulations, offering users the benefits of data sovereignty and enhanced privacy protections. The service supports P2P file sharing and offers an optional dedicated IP address for users requiring a consistent online presence. IVPN operates on a subscription-based pricing model, providing flexibility with monthly and annual plans. | ๐GI | Subscription | Varies | Varies | |
Surfshark Surfshark is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service developed by Surfshark, a Lithuanian cybersecurity company that merged with Nord Security in 2022. Founded in Vilnius, Lithuania, the company is registered in the Netherlands for its legal entity. Surfshark is designed to provide users with secure and private internet browsing. It offers over 4500 servers across more than 100 countries, allowing users to connect from various global locations. A notable feature of Surfshark is its unlimited simultaneous device connections, which enables users to protect multiple devices under a single account. The service employs a RAM-only server infrastructure, ensuring that no data is stored on hard drives, and adheres to a strict no-logs policy. Additional features include CleanWeb, which blocks malware and ads, Whitelister for split tunneling, Camouflage mode for stealth browsing, and MultiHop for double VPN connections. Surfshark operates on a subscription-based pricing model, offering various plans to suit different user needs. | ๐ฑ๐นLithuania | Contact | Varies | Varies | |
AirVPN AirVPN, based in Italy, offers a robust VPN service designed to protect your online privacy and security. Utilizing OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, AirVPN ensures secure and reliable connections. The service is ideal for privacy-conscious users, tech enthusiasts, and anyone looking to safeguard their internet activities. Key features include dynamic IP address assignment, port forwarding, and a no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities remain private. AirVPN also supports IPv6 and provides leak protection to maintain your anonymity. With custom DNS servers and a multi-hop VPN routing option, users can enhance their privacy further. The kill switch feature offers additional security by preventing data leaks if the VPN connection drops. AirVPN's servers are hosted in the EU, benefiting from stringent GDPR compliance and data sovereignty laws, providing peace of mind regarding data protection. AirVPN offers flexible pricing plans, catering to different user needs without compromising on service quality. | ๐ฎ๐นItaly | Subscription | Varies | Varies |
Our Top Picks
Best for Privacy
Free the internet from mass surveillance and censorship. Fight for privacy with Mullvad VPN and Mullvad Browser.
Certifications:
Best Free Option
Proton VPN is a Swiss-based VPN service built by the team behind Proton Mail โ the same CERN scientists who created the world's largest encrypted email service in 2014. With 12,000+ servers across 120+ countries, it offers both a genuinely free tier (no ads, no logs, unlimited bandwidth) and a paid plan with streaming optimization, ad/tracker blocking (NetShield), and advanced routing through privacy-friendly countries (Secure Core). All apps are open source and the no-logs policy is independently audited with public reports. Rated 4.6 on both the App Store and Google Play.
Migration difficulty data is being enriched for these alternatives.
Detailed Comparison of Each Alternative
Proton VPN is a Swiss-based VPN service built by the team behind Proton Mail โ the same CERN scientists who created the world's largest encrypted email service in 2014. With 12,000+ servers across 120+ countries, it offers both a genuinely free tier (no ads, no logs, unlimited bandwidth) and a paid plan with streaming optimization, ad/tracker blocking (NetShield), and advanced routing through privacy-friendly countries (Secure Core). All apps are open source and the no-logs policy is independently audited with public reports. Rated 4.6 on both the App Store and Google Play.
Free the internet from mass surveillance and censorship. Fight for privacy with Mullvad VPN and Mullvad Browser.
NordVPN is a virtual private network service provided by Nord Security, a Lithuanian cybersecurity company founded in Vilnius. While registered in Panama for jurisdictional privacy benefits, the company's development team and headquarters are based in Lithuania. NordVPN offers users the ability to secure their internet connection by encrypting online traffic, enhancing privacy and security. Key features include Double VPN, which routes traffic through two servers for added security, and obfuscated servers that help bypass internet censorship. The CyberSec feature provides protection against malware and intrusive ads. NordVPN supports peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing on all its servers and includes an automatic kill switch to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops. Additional features include DNS leak protection, split tunneling for directing specific traffic through the VPN, and an option for a dedicated IP address. NordVPN operates under a subscription-based pricing model, offering various plans to accommodate different user needs. The service benefits from Panama's strong privacy laws, with no mandatory data retention requirements.
IVPN is a robust VPN service designed to protect your online privacy and security. It offers multi-hop VPN connections, allowing users to route their internet traffic through multiple servers for enhanced anonymity. With support for both WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, IVPN ensures fast and secure connections tailored to your needs. Key features include a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your data is never stored or shared, and comprehensive leak protection for both IPv6 and DNS. The service also includes a kill switch functionality to prevent data exposure if the VPN connection drops. IVPN is ideal for privacy-conscious individuals, remote workers, and anyone seeking to safeguard their online activities. With its EU-based data hosting, IVPN complies with GDPR regulations, offering users the benefits of data sovereignty and enhanced privacy protections. The service supports P2P file sharing and offers an optional dedicated IP address for users requiring a consistent online presence. IVPN operates on a subscription-based pricing model, providing flexibility with monthly and annual plans.
Surfshark is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service developed by Surfshark, a Lithuanian cybersecurity company that merged with Nord Security in 2022. Founded in Vilnius, Lithuania, the company is registered in the Netherlands for its legal entity. Surfshark is designed to provide users with secure and private internet browsing. It offers over 4500 servers across more than 100 countries, allowing users to connect from various global locations. A notable feature of Surfshark is its unlimited simultaneous device connections, which enables users to protect multiple devices under a single account. The service employs a RAM-only server infrastructure, ensuring that no data is stored on hard drives, and adheres to a strict no-logs policy. Additional features include CleanWeb, which blocks malware and ads, Whitelister for split tunneling, Camouflage mode for stealth browsing, and MultiHop for double VPN connections. Surfshark operates on a subscription-based pricing model, offering various plans to suit different user needs.
AirVPN, based in Italy, offers a robust VPN service designed to protect your online privacy and security. Utilizing OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, AirVPN ensures secure and reliable connections. The service is ideal for privacy-conscious users, tech enthusiasts, and anyone looking to safeguard their internet activities. Key features include dynamic IP address assignment, port forwarding, and a no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities remain private. AirVPN also supports IPv6 and provides leak protection to maintain your anonymity. With custom DNS servers and a multi-hop VPN routing option, users can enhance their privacy further. The kill switch feature offers additional security by preventing data leaks if the VPN connection drops. AirVPN's servers are hosted in the EU, benefiting from stringent GDPR compliance and data sovereignty laws, providing peace of mind regarding data protection. AirVPN offers flexible pricing plans, catering to different user needs without compromising on service quality.
Before You Switch
Export your data from Private Internet Access before you start the migration. This ensures you have a backup and makes the transition smoother.
How to Export
No export needed - cancel subscription
Export Format
N/A
Time Required
N/A
Import Notes
Install new VPN app and login
Settings Path
privateinternetaccess.com โ Account
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best EU alternatives to Private Internet Access?
There are 6 European alternatives to Private Internet Access. ProtonVPN, Mullvad, NordVPN are among the top-rated options. All are GDPR-compliant and store your data in European data centers.
How long does it take to switch from Private Internet Access?
Migration time varies by alternative. Most migrations can be completed in under an hour with our step-by-step guides. We provide detailed migration guides for each alternative.
Can I export my data from Private Internet Access?
Yes. No export needed - cancel subscription The exported data comes in N/A format. Install new VPN app and login
Is switching from Private Internet Access to an EU alternative safe?
Yes, switching is safe when done correctly. We recommend: 1) Export your data from Private Internet Access first, 2) Set up the new EU service, 3) Import your data, 4) Run both services in parallel for a transition period, 5) Update any linked accounts or integrations, and 6) Cancel your Private Internet Access subscription only after verifying everything works.
Why should I switch from Private Internet Access to an EU alternative?
EU alternatives provide stronger privacy protection under GDPR, keep your data in European data centers, and are not subject to US surveillance laws like the CLOUD Act or FISA Section 702. By switching, you gain true data sovereignty and support European tech innovation.