Private Internet Access (PIA) may not be one of the fastest VPNs, but it still offers decent speeds that cater to most online activities. In our recent speed tests, PIA showed a 24% average speed loss, with WireGuard averaging a 15% speed loss and OpenVPN averaging a 33% speed loss. Despite not being among the top three in speed, PIA stands out for being an affordable VPN provider, offering unlimited simultaneous connections and excellent privacy. With a subscription cost of $12 per month, $40 per year, or $80 every three years, PIA is one of the most budget-friendly options in the industry.
On the other hand, IPVanish displayed greater inconsistency in speed, with a 58% speed loss connecting through OpenVPN from the US and a 19% speed loss from Budapest. The app’s Quick Connect feature didn’t consistently connect users to the fastest possible server, leading to fluctuating speeds in various locations. While WireGuard speeds were better, dropping speeds by only 14.5% on average, the inconsistent nature of IPVanish’s speeds and unreliable Quick Connect performance put it out of the running for the fastest VPN. IPVanish costs $13 per month, $54 for the first year (then $90 annually), or $80 for the first two years combined (then $90 annually), which is on the expensive side for a VPN.
Proton VPN also presented issues with inconsistency in its speeds, with peaks reaching 328 Mbps and drops to 3 Mbps in the same round of testing. This resulted in an average 36% speed loss, which is unimpressive compared to other VPN providers. Proton VPN’s pricing, at $10 per month, $72 per year, or $120 every two years, falls in the middle of the road compared to its competitors.
While PIA, IPVanish, and Proton VPN all have their individual strengths and weaknesses in terms of speed and pricing, it is essential for users to weigh their specific needs and preferences when selecting a VPN. From affordable rates to fast and consistent speeds, each provider showcases distinct qualities that cater to various users. Ultimately, the choice of VPN provider will depend on the user’s priorities, whether it’s speed, affordability, or a balance of both.
