Private Internet Access vs Surfshark Port Forwarding and Unlimited Device Plans Compared

Choosing the right VPN often comes down to specific features that match your needs, and for many users, port forwarding and unlimited device plans are at the top of the list. Private Internet Access (PIA) and Surfshark are two major players that offer these capabilities, but they implement them in very different ways. This comparison cuts through the marketing to show you exactly how their port forwarding works, what “unlimited” really means for your household, and which service is the better fit for your specific tasks like torrenting or hosting a game server.

What you’ll learn:

• The crucial difference between how PIA and Surfshark handle port forwarding.
• What “unlimited simultaneous connections” actually looks like in daily use.
• Which provider offers the best value for power users and large families.

Port Forwarding: A Quick Refresher

Before we dive into the comparison, let’s quickly demystify port forwarding. In simple terms, it’s a networking technique that allows devices from the internet to connect to a specific device on your private home network. Think of your router as a secure apartment building; port forwarding is like giving a delivery driver the exact apartment number to drop off a package.

For VPN users, this feature is essential for a few key activities. It significantly improves download speeds for peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing and torrenting by making your client fully accessible to other peers. It’s also necessary for hosting game servers, remotely accessing your home security system or network-attached storage (NAS), and using certain types of online gaming that require an open NAT type. Without port forwarding, your connection can be “firewalled,” leading to slower transfers and connectivity issues.

How Private Internet Access Handles Port Forwarding

Private Internet Access has long been a favorite among torrenters and power users specifically because of its robust port forwarding support. PIA allows you to forward a specific port, which you can then configure in your torrent client or application for optimal performance. This dedicated port remains consistent as long as you’re connected to a supporting server, giving you a stable and reliable setup.

However, there is a key caveat: not all of PIA’s servers support port forwarding. The company maintains a list of specific servers where the feature is enabled, primarily to manage abuse and maintain security. You’ll need to connect to one of these designated servers to use the feature. For the privacy-conscious, it’s worth noting that PIA’s port forwarding is dynamic and doesn’t require a static IP, which helps protect your anonymity.

How Surfshark Handles Port Forwarding

When it comes to Surfshark, the story is much simpler: it does not offer port forwarding on any of its servers. The company has made a conscious decision to disable the feature across its entire network, citing security reasons. Their stance is that by closing all inbound ports, they reduce the attack surface and prevent potential vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors.

This means that if your primary VPN use cases involve hosting game servers, maximizing P2P download speeds, or any other activity that requires an open port, Surfshark will not be a suitable option. While its other features are excellent, the lack of port forwarding is a definitive deal-breaker for a specific segment of users.

Unlimited Device Plans: What “Unlimited” Really Means

Both providers advertise the ability to protect all your gadgets, but it’s important to understand the practical implications of their “unlimited” policies.

Surfshark’s Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

Surfshark’s flagship feature is its truly unlimited simultaneous connections. You can install the VPN on every device you own—your phone, laptop, tablet, smart TV, and even your router—and use them all at the same time under a single subscription. This is a massive benefit for large families, individuals with a lot of smart home devices, or anyone who doesn’t want to constantly worry about logging out of one device to use another.

Private Internet Access’s Unlimited Device Policy

Private Internet Access also offers an unlimited device policy on a single subscription. Like Surfshark, you are not restricted to a specific number of devices. In practice, both services allow you to cover an entire household’s worth of internet-connected devices without hitting a cap. The real-world performance is comparable; the main differentiator here is not the number of devices, but the performance and features available on each connection.

Direct Comparison: PIA vs. Surfshark for Port Forwarding

Let’s put their key differences side-by-side in a clear table.

Which VPN Should You Choose?

Your choice between Private Internet Access and Surfshark ultimately boils down to one question: do you need port forwarding?

Choose Private Internet Access if…

You are a power user whose activities depend on port forwarding. If you are an avid torrenter looking for the fastest possible speeds, if you host game servers like Minecraft or Valheim for your friends, or if you need remote access to a home server, PIA is the clear winner. Its dedicated support for this feature makes it the more technically capable option for these specific use cases.

Choose Surfshark if…

You prioritize a simple, secure, and feature-rich VPN for everyday use and do not require port forwarding. Surfshark is an outstanding choice for securing a large number of devices, streaming geo-blocked content thanks to its excellent unblocking capabilities, and maintaining general online privacy. Its CleanWeb feature, which blocks ads and trackers, is also a significant bonus for a cleaner browsing experience.

Final Verdict

When comparing Private Internet Access and Surfshark, the decision is remarkably clear-cut. Private Internet Access is the undisputed champion for anyone who requires the advanced functionality of port forwarding. It caters to a niche of users who need to host services or maximize P2P efficiency. Conversely, Surfshark is the superior all-rounder for the vast majority of users, offering a seamless, unlimited device experience packed with modern features, albeit without the technical depth of port forwarding.

Identify your primary need. If an open port is non-negotiable, your path is clear. Ready to make your choice? Explore our detailed VPN reviews for deeper insights into each provider’s performance and security features.