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Technology · head to head

Google Chrome vs Private Internet Access

Google Chrome logo

Google Chrome

Technology

Fast, secure browser built for the modern web

From
Free
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite
Private Internet Access logo

Private Internet Access

Cybersecurity

Long-standing VPN service with a large server network and flexible multi-year plans

From
$11.99/month
Rated
-
Full reviewWebsite

The short version

  • Only Google Chrome has a free tier, so it costs nothing to try first.
  • Each has a real cost: Google Chrome multiple critical security vulnerabilities requiring frequent updates; 151 security flaws patched in Chrome 151 including 22 critical severities; Private Internet Access monthly plan is priced noticeably higher than the discounted multi-year commitments, penalizing short-term users.
  • They diverge on capability: Google Chrome covers Fast page loading, Private Internet Access covers Split tunneling.

Where they differ

Only the attributes on which Google Chrome and Private Internet Access actually diverge.

Attributes where Google Chrome and Private Internet Access differ
AttributeGoogle ChromePrivate Internet Access
Starting priceFree$11.99/month
Pricing modelUnknownsubscription
Free tierYesNo
PlatformsWindows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Androidwindows, mac, linux, ios, android
CategoryTechnologyCybersecurity
Founded2008Unknown

Identical on both: user rating (Not yet rated).

What each one covers

Drawn from each product's published feature list. An absence here means we hold no record of it - not that the product lacks it.

Only in Google Chrome

  • Fast page loading
  • Extensive extension library
  • Cross-device sync
  • Built-in security
  • Developer tools
  • Incognito mode
  • Password manager
  • Auto-updates

Only in Private Internet Access

  • Split tunneling
  • Kill switch
  • Ad and tracker blocking
  • Dedicated IP add-on
  • Bundled antivirus add-on

What people use each for

The jobs each tool is most often brought in to do.

Google Chrome

  • Web browsingnot Private Internet Access
  • Web developmentnot Private Internet Access
  • Online researchnot Private Internet Access
  • Work applicationsnot Private Internet Access
  • Entertainmentnot Private Internet Access
  • Educationnot Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access

  • Encrypting traffic on public Wi-Fi with a kill switchnot Google Chrome
  • Blocking ads and trackers network-wide via MACEnot Google Chrome
  • Maintaining a consistent connection identity with a dedicated IP add-onnot Google Chrome
  • Committing to a long-term plan for a lower effective monthly ratenot Google Chrome

Where each one falls short

Documented limitations, not opinions. Every one is a constraint you would hit in normal use.

Google Chrome

  • Multiple critical security vulnerabilities requiring frequent updates; 151 security flaws patched in Chrome 151 including 22 critical severities
  • Frequent arbitrary code execution vulnerabilities allow remote attackers to execute code inside sandbox via crafted HTML pages
  • Known use-after-free and integer overflow issues in V8 JavaScript engine and Codecs

Private Internet Access

  • Monthly plan is priced noticeably higher than the discounted multi-year commitments, penalizing short-term users.
  • Dedicated IP and antivirus are paid add-ons rather than included features.
  • Headquartered in a jurisdiction whose privacy reputation some competitors market against, despite audited no-logs claims.
  • App interface is less streamlined than some higher-priced premium VPN competitors.

Pricing, plan by plan

Google Chrome

Free

No published plan breakdown. See the Google Chrome review.

Private Internet Access

$11.99/month
  • Monthly$11.99/month
    • Billed month to month
    • Full server network access
    • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 1-Year$3.1/month
    • Billed annually at $37.19
    • Full server network access
  • 2-Year$2.19/month
    • Lowest advertised rate, billed every 2 years
    • Full server network access

Which should you pick?

Choose Google Chrome if

  • You need fast page loading.
  • You want to start without paying.
  • You work on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.
  • You also want extensive extension library.
Google Chrome review

Choose Private Internet Access if

  • You need split tunneling.
  • You work on windows, mac, linux, ios, android.
  • You also want kill switch.
Private Internet Access review

Questions people ask

Is Google Chrome or Private Internet Access better?
Neither clearly leads. Google Chrome starts at Free and Private Internet Access at $11.99/month, and user ratings are close enough to be indistinguishable. Choose on capability and platform support.
Which is cheaper, Google Chrome or Private Internet Access?
Google Chrome has a free tier; the other does not. Paid plans start at Free for Google Chrome and $11.99/month for Private Internet Access.
Does Google Chrome or Private Internet Access run on more platforms?
Google Chrome runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android. Private Internet Access runs on windows, mac, linux, ios, android.
Can I use Google Chrome for free?
Yes. Google Chrome has a free tier, so you can try it without paying. Private Internet Access starts at $11.99/month.
What is Google Chrome best used for?
Google Chrome is most often used for web browsing, web development, online research, work applications. Of those, web browsing and web development are not what Private Internet Access is typically brought in for.
What can Google Chrome do that Private Internet Access cannot?
Google Chrome covers Fast page loading, Extensive extension library, Cross-device sync, Built-in security. Private Internet Access covers Split tunneling, Kill switch, Ad and tracker blocking, Dedicated IP add-on.

Answered from the vendors’ own pages

Google Chrome: Does Google Chrome have offline browsing capabilities?

Chrome can display cached versions of previously visited web pages offline. Chrome removed the experimental offline mode flag, but can automatically load cached pages when offline for sites you have visited before.

Source
Google Chrome: Is Google Chrome free to use?

Yes. Google Chrome is completely free to download and use. There are no paid tiers or subscription requirements for standard browsing.

Source
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