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A TASK, TWO SERVICE DOSSIERS

Proton VPN vs PIA: Linux forwarding and privacy evidence

If you need an incoming connection on Linux, start with the supported server, client and assigned port. Then compare the contracting entity and scoped evidence; a country label alone does not settle the privacy decision.

Source-backed comparison. No independent hands-on app, speed, playback or security testing is claimed. Coverage and funding.

An authorized incoming connection on a Linux device

You need a permitted peer to reach an application through a VPN-assigned port. That requires the provider’s supported forwarding path and the application’s correct listening configuration. Installing a Linux VPN app alone does not establish this function.

  1. Check the exact Linux distribution, app or manual workflow against current provider documentation. The table retains documented conditions rather than treating app availability as feature parity.
  2. Choose a server/connection that supports forwarding and follow the provider’s assigned-port instructions. Keep application binding, firewall policy and permission to expose the service separate.
  3. Read the source type and period behind privacy claims. A historic court-related record, a commissioned audit and the current account-data policy answer different questions.
  4. Compare the actual observed term and upfront bill. Our captured options can have different lengths; do not mistake a monthly equivalent for a one-month purchase.

Forwarding and privacy are separate evidence questions.

The Linux forwarding records below have provider-specific conditions. For privacy, compare the current policy, the contracting entity, the owner and the actual legal or assessment record. A past lack of traffic data in one case is not a guarantee about every future request or every account field.

Read the bill and supported paths.

Each column uses the lowest observed USD monthly equivalent across its captured terms, exactly as the editable comparison does with USD and Any observed term selected. The first bill and number of included months can differ. This is not a one-month quote, a same-length package comparison or a cheapest-provider ranking.

Scroll horizontally for both providers. The first column stays visible. Missing evidence means not established, not unsupported.

Dated USD observations and provider-stated feature scope
The decision detailProton VPNPrivate Internet Access
Named paid tierVPN PlusVPN
Observed USD monthly equivalent$3.49 / month equivalent$3.99 / month equivalent
Actual introductory bill and included term$83.76 upfront

24 included months

Renews at $83.88/year

Price observed 2026-11-06. Official source

$47.88 upfront

12 included months

Renews at $47.88/year

Price observed 2026-11-06. Official source

Simultaneous VPN connections10

Proton VPN named plan and billing source (opens in a new tab)

Unlimited

Private Internet Access named plan and billing source (opens in a new tab)

LinuxApp listed

Linux app listed; verify distribution and feature requirements.

Proton VPN feature and platform overview (opens in a new tab)

App listed

Linux app listed; verify distribution and feature requirements.

PIA app directory (opens in a new tab)

RouterManual setup

Manual setup listed; compatible hardware and configuration required.

Proton paid and Free router configuration (opens in a new tab)

Manual setup

Manual setup listed; compatible hardware and configuration required.

PIA compatible router requirements (opens in a new tab)

Port forwardingConditions apply

Paid plans on Windows, macOS and Linux; use a supported connection and configure the assigned port.

Proton paid-plan desktop port forwarding (opens in a new tab)

Conditions apply

Listed on Linux in selected locations; do not assume every server forwards ports.

PIA Linux app and selected-location port forwarding (opens in a new tab)

Base tier and bundle boundaryDocumented

VPN Plus is not Proton Unlimited. Other Proton products may be Free tiers rather than their paid editions.

Proton VPN Plus, Free and Unlimited plan distinctions (opens in a new tab)

Not established

Additional bundle inclusions not established for this named tier.

Declared service operator / locationProton AG

Switzerland · Outside listed 14

Proton terms: Swiss operating company and foundation (opens in a new tab)

PIA Private Internet Access, Inc.

United States · Five Eyes

PIA privacy policy (opens in a new tab) · PIA: United States base (opens in a new tab)

Ownership / group contextProton Foundation (primary shareholder)

Proton identifies the Swiss nonprofit foundation as its primary shareholder. This does not mean the VPN operator itself is a nonprofit foundation.

Proton terms: Swiss operating company and foundation (opens in a new tab) · Proton Foundation: primary shareholder (opens in a new tab)

Kape Technologies PLC

Kape lists PIA as a group brand and identifies its group headquarters in London, UK. PIA and ExpressVPN remain different service operators.

Kape: group brands, including PIA and ExpressVPN (opens in a new tab)

Open the editable comparison

The linked pair opens in memory and does not replace your saved shortlist unless you choose to save it. Change term/currency there; matching billings that are not captured remain unpriced.

Evidence stays attached to its source.

Provider statementCourt recordThird-party researchCommissioned assessmentCompany filingUnresolved

Labels identify the source, not a security rating or independent StealthVPN testing. Read the document scope and limits.

Proton VPN: read the actual scope.

Provider policy

VPN-session claims differ from optional Proton Account login-IP logging and anti-abuse checks.

Proton VPN privacy policy (opens in a new tab) · Proton VPN logging explanation (opens in a new tab) · Proton account privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Assessment selection: Securitum no-logs assessment — Report: 18 August–19 September 2025; on-site work: 18–20 August 2025

Read assessment exclusions, source types and the event timeline

Read expanded publisher summaries on-site

Private Internet Access: read the actual scope.

Provider policy

Denies browsing, DNS, IP, timestamp and bandwidth logs; account/payment information and optional reports remain separate.

PIA privacy policy (opens in a new tab)

Assessment selection: No scoped assessor document curated in this selection; this does not establish that no assessment exists.

Read assessment exclusions, source types and the event timeline

Read expanded publisher summaries on-site

Questions this page does not settle.

Take the next useful step.

Read the other focused comparison · Return to the needs chooser .