Lantern

VS

Private Internet Access

VPNs Comparison

Lantern vs Private Internet Access: Side-by-Side Comparison

Lantern
Private Internet Access
Rating
★★★★★★★★★★
3.5/5
★★★★★★★★★★
4.4/5
Free Tier
Yes
No
Trial Days
None
30-day trial
Pricing
Free tier with data limits. Lantern Pro from $3.33/month (annual).
3-year plan from $2.03/month. 1-year plan $3.33/month. 1-month plan $11.99/month.
Company
Brave New Software
Kape Technologies
Founded
2012
2010
Best For
Users in China and Iran needing free emergency internet access when other VPN tools fail
Privacy-aware power users wanting open-source audited VPN at the most affordable long-term price

Pros & Cons

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Lantern

Peer-to-peer network designed specifically for circumventing government censorship
Free tier provides limited data for users in censored countries without payment
Works in China, Iran, and other heavily censored countries reliably
No account needed to start using - download and connect immediately
Used as an emergency tool by dissidents and civil society organizations
Free tier data limits are very restrictive for regular browsing activity
Privacy protections weaker than dedicated VPNs due to peer-to-peer architecture

Private Internet Access

35,000+ servers is the largest VPN server network available by raw count
Open-source Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android apps with published audit results
MACE feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level
WireGuard and OpenVPN support gives maximum flexibility for advanced users
10 simultaneous connections on a budget-friendly subscription price
US-based jurisdiction subject to US law enforcement data requests
Interface is less polished than premium competitors for non-technical users

Use Case Analysis

Which is better for Privacy?

Both Lantern and Private Internet Access support Privacy workflows. Private Internet Access has a slight edge with a 4.4 rating and Largest server fleet with 35,000+ servers and open-source audited apps at the most affordable price. If Privacy is your primary use case, Private Internet Access is the safer pick.

Which is better for Streaming?

Both Lantern and Private Internet Access support Streaming workflows. Private Internet Access has a slight edge with a 4.4 rating and Largest server fleet with 35,000+ servers and open-source audited apps at the most affordable price. If Streaming is your primary use case, Private Internet Access is the safer pick.

Which is better for Encryption?

Both Lantern and Private Internet Access support Encryption workflows. Private Internet Access has a slight edge with a 4.4 rating and Largest server fleet with 35,000+ servers and open-source audited apps at the most affordable price. If Encryption is your primary use case, Private Internet Access is the safer pick.

Verdict

Private Internet Access edges out Lantern with a 4.4 vs 3.5 rating. Private Internet Access's main advantage: Largest server fleet with 35,000+ servers and open-source audited apps at the most affordable price. That said, Lantern may still be the better choice if Users in China and Iran needing free emergency internet access when other VPN tools fail.

Try Them Yourself

The best way to choose is to trial both. See full details on each:

Get Lantern Free Visit Private Internet Access
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