Comparison

VPN by Private Internet Access vs CISA Smart Access

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

VPN by Private Internet Access

Enhance your online privacy and security with a robust VPN service. Enjoy fast, secure connections, ad blocking, and the ability to stream content without limitations. Protect all your devices with a single subscription.

Highlights
  • Ultra-fast 10-Gbps servers
  • Independently audited no-logs policy
  • Built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker (MACE)
  • Smart Kill Switch
  • Split Tunneling
  • Wireguard protocol for speed and security
  • Open-source applications
Features
Read full description

PIA VPN puts you in control of your online experience with unparalleled privacy features and ultra-fast servers. Trusted by Tom's Guide, TechRadar, and millions of users worldwide! Why PIA VPN Is a Top Choice For The USA? ▶ 7-Day Free VPN Trial Test PIA risk-free for seven days and explore the full feature set with our 30-day money-back guarantee. ▶ Stream Sports Without Limits Catch every game, race, and match with lightning-fast 10-Gbps servers across all 50 US states and 90+ countries. Enjoy lag-free sports streaming in UHD, no matter where you are. ▶ Advanced Privacy with No-Logs Policy Stay private with PIA’s independently audited no-logs policy. Your browsing history and online activity are never tracked or stored. ▶ Block Ads With MACE Enjoy faster, safer browsing by blocking ads, trackers, and malware using PIA’s built-in MACE feature. ▶ One Subscription, Multiple Benefits Protect your phone, tablet, laptop, and more with one PIA subscription. Works on iOS, macOS. Top Features to Enhance Your Online Freedom: ■ Transparent and Open Source PIA’s apps are 100% open-source, so you can trust and verify the code that protects your privacy. ■ Smart Kill Switch Automatically block internet traffic if your VPN connection drops, ensuring your data stays protected at all times. ■ Split Tunneling Customize your VPN use by routing certain apps through the VPN while others connect directly to the internet. ■ Better Speed & Security Our Wireguard protocol ensures faster VPN speeds and more secure connections. ■ Download PIA VPN Today Join millions of satisfied users and experience the ultimate blend of privacy, speed, and security. Privacy Policy https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/privacy-policy Terms of Service https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/terms

About

CISA Smart Access

Features
Read full description

CISA Smart Access is the app that allows you to access your hotel room, residence or workplace with your smartphone. To obtain the digital key, simply click on the link you will receive from the facility manager. The digital key is securely stored within the app and once downloaded it can be used to open a door even without an internet connection. With the app you can access any type of gate, from the parking lot, to the entrance to the room, office and service areas. To use the key, simply approach the gate and click the padlock image that appears on the main screen. You can download digital keys for more than one facility at the same time and check the list of authorized doors at any time. CISA, a brand of Allegion, is one of Europe’s leading providers of security and access control systems. Since its foundation in 1926, it plays a primary role in satisfying the security requirements of any type of building with dedicated electro-mechanical solutions, which enable real-time access control and management. Whether it’s residential homes or business centers, schools or health and hospitality facilities, safety is our main concern. For more, visit cisa.com; YouTube; LinkedIn and Facebook.

Screenshots

VPN by Private Internet Access4 screens
CISA Smart Access4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is in-app purchases: CISA Smart Access at none against VPN by Private Internet Access's 10. VPN by Private Internet Access's advantage is update cadence (every 10 days vs every 3 months) and chart position (#97 vs unranked). On price, ads and iOS requirement there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. VPN by Private Internet Access sells 9 in-app purchases, starting at $6.99 per month. CISA Smart Access asks for nothing beyond the download.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

VPN by Private Internet Access ships an update every 10 days, CISA Smart Access every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on November 11, 2026 and November 7, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard4 real differences · 7 level
VPN by Private Internet Access versus CISA Smart Access: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterVPN by Private Internet AccessCISA Smart Access
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.7 (150K ratings) — better—
Positive reviews87.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings150K — better—
Update frequencyEvery 10 days — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesYesNo — better
MonetizationFree with in-app purchases—
Best chart rank#97 — better—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPod, Mac, Apple TV — betteriPhone, iPod
Requires iOS15.014.0 — better
Further details — not scored
Size62 MB28 MB
Age rating4+4+
DeveloperPrivate Internet Access, Inc.CISA S.p.A.

Bugs and requests

VPN by Private Internet Access

Reported bugs

3 issues
  • Inability to connect or stay connected
  • Inconsistent performance across devices
  • Broken features after recent updates

Requested features

4 requests
  • Dark mode option
  • Improved server selection and location information
  • Automatic reconnection when network changes
  • Better integration with other apps and services

CISA Smart Access

Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.

In-app purchases

9 purchases

VPN by Private Internet Access

Subscriptions6
  • Month of VPN Service$6.991 Month
  • Month of VPN Service$9.991 Month
  • Month of VPN Service$11.991 Month
Show 3 more
  • Year of VPN Service7 Days trial2 variants$39.991 Year
  • 12-month plan7 Days trial$47.991 Year
  • Year of VPN Service7 Days trial$49.991 Year
One-time3
  • Month of VPN Service$6.99
  • Month of VPN Service$9.99
  • Year of VPN Service$39.99
None

CISA Smart Access

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is VPN by Private Internet Access free?
VPN by Private Internet Access is free to download, with in-app purchases available.
Is CISA Smart Access free?
CISA Smart Access is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do VPN by Private Internet Access or CISA Smart Access have ads?
Neither VPN by Private Internet Access nor CISA Smart Access shows ads.
Which is updated more often, VPN by Private Internet Access or CISA Smart Access?
VPN by Private Internet Access ships an update every 10 days, and CISA Smart Access every 3 months. Most recently, VPN by Private Internet Access was updated on November 11, 2026 and CISA Smart Access on November 7, 2026.

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