This Private Internet Access VPN review covers its speed, privacy features, and ease of use to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Here's a quick table that shows the most important things about Private Internet Access:
| Website | PrivateInternetAccess.com |
| Location | USA |
| Price | $1.98/mo. |
| Logs | No logs (audited) |
| Servers | 35,000+ servers in 91 countries |
| Support | 24/7 chat; Email |
Private Internet Access, commonly known as PIA, operates under the aegis of Kape Technologies, which acquired it in 2019. Based in the United States, PIA has carved out a niche in the crowded VPN market with its strong commitment to user privacy. This review covers PIA’s performance comprehensively, evaluating its speed, security features, and overall usability. This will help you decide if it is the right VPN for you.
+ PIA Pros
- Large server network provides access to over 35,000 servers in 84 countries
- No-logs policy ensures that your browsing data is not stored or tracked
- Kill switch protects you in case the VPN disconnects for any reason
- Supports unlimited simultaneous device connections with a single subscription
- MACE feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites for improved security
- Advanced encryption options, including AES-256 and OpenVPN, safeguard your privacy
- P2P support allows for secure torrenting and file sharing without bandwidth limitations
- Split tunneling feature enables you to route specific apps through the VPN while leaving others on your local network
– PIA Cons
- Slower speeds on some servers compared to other VPNs
- Based in the United States, which is part of the Five Eyes alliance
- Fewer advanced features compared to competitors like Surfshark or NordVPN
Key Features claimed by PIA
Private Internet Access VPN boasts a plethora of features designed to enhance user experience and security. One of the most impressive claims is its ability to provide access to over 30 streaming platforms, allowing users to enjoy global content without restrictions. This is particularly appealing for those who travel frequently and want to keep up with their favorite shows while abroad.
PIA also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing protection for all devices with one subscription, which is beneficial for households with multiple users or individuals with many gadgets. Users can adjust encryption levels, providing flexible security settings to meet different needs.
PIA includes a built-in ad blocker named MACE. This feature not only blocks annoying online ads but also prevents tracking and enhances browsing speed by stopping ad-related traffic. Additionally, PIA’s server network is vast, comprising 35,000 servers across 91 countries, which promises a reliable and fast connection almost anywhere in the world.
These features contribute to PIA’s reputation as a versatile and user-friendly VPN service. However, the real test lies in how well these claims hold up under practical use, which we explore in the following sections.
Speed tests
When it comes to VPN services, speed is a critical factor. PIA claims to offer competitive speeds, but our tests revealed mixed results.
| Surfshark server location | Download speed (Mbps) | Download speed drop | Upload speed (Mbps) |
| Seattle | 300 | 67% | 58 |
| Los Angeles | 263 | 71% | 57 |
| New York | 500 | 44% | 57 |
| London, UK | 261 | 71% | 56 |
We compared PIA's performance across 4 different VPN server locations with a base speed measuring 900 Mbps. The highest speed we saw was 500 Mbps (44% speed drop from base speed) when connected to the New York server. This still makes it suitable for activities that require high bandwidth, such as streaming and large file downloads, but it's not on par with our top recommendations, NordVPN and Surfshark, which routinely measured above 700 Mbps in our speed tests.
However, speeds varied considerably across different VPN server locations. The nearby Seattle server underperformed, with download speeds reaching only 300 Mbps — a 67% drop from the base speed. The Los Angeles server fared even worse, delivering just 263 Mbps.
The London server, the farthest one tested, had the poorest performance, with speeds dropping to 261 Mbps—a 71% reduction from the base speed.
Despite these speed drops, PIA remains a viable option for users with higher base speeds who prioritize local connections.
Gaming experience
PIA provides a responsive gaming experience with minimal delay on nearby servers. Our tests showed a low ping of 29 milliseconds on a VPN server location in Seattle, ensuring a seamless experience. PIA even features anti-DDoS protection on all servers, which enhances gaming security.
However, connecting to distant servers resulted in increased latency and reduced gaming performance. This suggests that while PIA is suitable for gaming on local servers, it may not be ideal for users who need to connect to distant locations.
Security and privacy features
Security is a cornerstone of any VPN service, and PIA offers several robust features in this regard. You can select your preferred level of encryption, ranging from 128-bit to 256-bit AES, with the latter providing optimal security. There's also a choice between the OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IPSec (IKEv2) VPN protocols. This flexibility allows you to balance security needs with performance, ensuring a tailored experience.
PIA’s kill switch is another critical feature, designed to prevent data leaks by halting internet traffic if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. The advanced kill switch can even activate during manual VPN disconnects, offering continuous protection. This ensures that your data remains secure at all times, a reassuring feature for privacy-focused users.
Transparency is key to PIA’s service. It uses RAM-only servers that wipe user data upon reboot and publishes a Transparency Report detailing court orders or data requests, thereby showcasing its commitment to user privacy.
During our tests, PIA successfully passed DNS and WebRTC leak tests, ensuring that user data remains private. What's more, the split tunneling feature lets you manage which apps use the VPN, offering detailed traffic control.
The inclusion of the MACE feature, which blocks ads and trackers, further bolsters PIA’s security offerings. Combined with its verified no-logs policy, PIA provides a comprehensive security suite that caters to users’ diverse needs.
User interface and design
PIA’s apps feature a simple and uncluttered design, making it easy for users to navigate and customize their settings. The warm gray color scheme with bright green accents adds a modern touch, enhancing the overall aesthetic. PIA’s mobile apps as well as the desktop versions are designed with user-friendliness in mind, offering a clean and modern design.
Users can quickly access key features such as server selection, encryption settings, and the kill switch. It’s also easy to personalize the app’s layout, including adding favorite servers for quicker access. Overall, PIA’s user-friendly interface and level of customization make it accessible to a wide range of users.
The following subsections delve deeper into the installation process and initial configuration, providing a step-by-step guide to getting started with PIA.
Installation process
PIA supports a wide range of devices, including Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Fire TV, ensuring comprehensive coverage across various platforms. PIA also supports installation on routers, allowing you to easily secure all devices connected to your home network.
Installing the PIA VPN app is simple and quick. For Windows users, it involves downloading the app, running the installation file, and following the prompts. The process is similarly easy on Mac, with a user-friendly interface. Mobile users will also find the installation quick and hassle-free.
After installation, you can immediately connect to your desired server. The setup allows for automatic connection to a recommended server or manual selection. Having account credentials ready ensures a smooth installation experience.
PIA's server network
One of PIA’s standout features is its extensive server network, which is by far the largest server network among top VPN providers. It includes:
Over 35,000 servers in 91 countries, offering broad global coverage
Reliable servers close to users’ locations, enhancing connection speeds and reducing latency
- Coverage in all U.S. states, providing comprehensive regional access.
Approximately half of PIA's servers are in virtual locations, which can impact speed due to increased distance. However, PIA offers a dedicated IP address option in 25 locations across 10 countries, providing users with the flexibility to choose between physical and virtual servers. This feature is particularly beneficial for users who require a consistent IP address for specific applications.
Unlimited device connections with one PIA subscription make it suitable for households or individuals with multiple devices, ensuring all devices are protected under a single account.
Streaming and torrenting
Streaming capabilities
PIA unblocks various streaming services, enabling global content access. It can unblock over 30 platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Thanks to PIA’s optimized servers, I experienced minimal buffering in my tests.
Moreover, PIA's ability to unblock a wide range of streaming services makes it a versatile choice for users who enjoy diverse content. Whether you're binge-watching the latest series on Netflix or catching up on international shows, PIA’s extensive server network ensures that you can access content from different regions without restrictions. The VPN's optimized servers are specifically designed to handle high-bandwidth activities, providing a seamless streaming experience with minimal interruptions.
Additionally, PIA's commitment to user privacy means that you can stream your favorite shows and movies without worrying about your online activities being tracked. This combination of performance and privacy makes PIA a reliable option for streaming enthusiasts who want to enjoy global content securely.
Torrenting and P2P performance
While PIA supports P2P file sharing on all its servers, it also offers dedicated servers for torrenting. This flexibility is a significant advantage for users who frequently download and share files. PIA enables high download speeds for torrenting, making it a reliable choice for P2P activities.
PIA offers dedicated IP addresses, which benefit users who want to torrent with a consistent IP address, enhancing internet connection reliability and speed for P2P activities. Port forwarding, available on all PIA servers except those in the US, can further enhance torrenting speeds. However, random port assignment can be frustrating. Despite this, PIA offers fast and reliable connections for torrenting.
Customer support
One of PIA’s highlights is its 24/7 live chat support, which connects users to representatives quickly, typically in under a minute. The representatives are noted for their friendliness and technical expertise, making it easier to resolve issues efficiently.
In addition to live chat, PIA maintains a comprehensive knowledge base that covers a wide range of topics, from billing inquiries to troubleshooting and platform-specific features. This resource is invaluable for users who prefer to find solutions independently. The knowledge base is well-organized and easy to navigate, ensuring users can find the information they need without frustration.
While PIA does not offer phone support, the quick response times and effectiveness of the live chat option make up for this limitation.
PIA pricing
PIA VPN has multiple pricing plans to suit various budgets. The monthly plan costs $11.95, whereas the 1-year plan offers better value at $3.33 per month. The most economical option is the 3-year plan at $1.98 per month, including 4 free months.
PIA provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on subscriptions, letting you try the service risk-free. It supports payment via credit cards, PayPal, and cryptocurrencies for added flexibility.
Overall, PIA presents an affordable VPN option with robust features and excellent value for money.
PIA vs. other top VPNs
| Private Internet Access | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | NordVPN | |
| Nr. of servers | 35,000+ | 3,000+ | 3,200+ | 6,400+ |
| Nr. of server countries | 91 | 105 | 100 | 111 |
| Diskless servers (RAM-only) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Simultaneous connections | Unlimited | 8 | Unlimited | 10 |
| Router support | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| No-logs policy | Independently Audited | Independently Audited | Independently Audited | Independently Audited |
| Customer support | 24/7 live chat, email | 24/7 live chat, email | 24/7 live chat, email | 24/7 live chat, email |
| Starting price (per month) | $1.98 | $6.67 | $2.19 | $3.09 |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
Comparing PIA with other top VPNs such as NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN reveals both strengths and weaknesses. PIA is often highlighted as a cost-effective option, offering fast speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections. In contrast, ExpressVPN, while more expensive, boasts a more expansive server network spanning 105 countries compared to PIA’s 91 countries. Both PIA and ExpressVPN support strong VPN protocols, providing flexibility based on user preferences.
NordVPN is another major competitor, known for its Double VPN feature, which routes traffic through two servers for added security. NordVPN also offers a Threat Protection feature that blocks ads and malicious websites. However, NordVPN's pricing is generally higher than PIA, and it limits simultaneous connections to 10 devices.
Surfshark, on the other hand, is closer to PIA in terms of pricing and features. Surfshark offers unlimited device connections, similar to PIA, and includes features like CleanWeb, which blocks ads and trackers. Surfshark also provides a NoBorders mode for bypassing internet restrictions in restrictive regions. However, PIA has a larger server network which gives it an edge in connection reliability.
Overall, each VPN has its unique strengths. ExpressVPN excels in speed and security audits, NordVPN offers enhanced security features, and Surfshark provides excellent value with its unlimited connections and ad-blocking capabilities. PIA stands out for its affordability, flexibility, and robust feature set, making it a well-rounded choice for a variety of users.
Final thoughts on PIA
Private Internet Access VPN offers a comprehensive range of features that cater to a wide range of users. Its robust security protocols, extensive server network, and user-friendly interface make it a strong contender in the VPN market. The VPN’s commitment to user privacy and transparent policies further enhance its appeal.
One of PIA’s main strengths is its affordability. With subscription plans starting as low as $1.98 per month for long-term commitments, it presents an economical choice for budget-conscious users. Additionally, PIA’s vast server network, including servers in every U.S. state, makes it ideal for travelers and expatriates from America.
However, PIA is not without its limitations. Users may experience reduced speeds when connecting to distant VPN servers, and some streaming services like Amazon Prime Video may not work consistently. Despite these challenges, PIA’s implementation of the WireGuard protocol provides quick connections, making it suitable for frequent mobile users.
Overall, PIA is a versatile and affordable VPN that offers excellent value for money. It is particularly well-suited for users who prioritize online security and need to connect multiple devices simultaneously.
FAQs about PIA
How secure is PIA VPN?
PIA VPN is highly secure, offering customizable encryption levels (AES-128 and AES-256) to suit different security needs. It includes advanced security features like a kill switch and RAM-only servers to prevent data leaks and enhance privacy. PIA also maintains a verified no-logs policy, ensuring that user data is not stored or tracked.
In addition to these features, PIA VPN employs the WireGuard protocol, known for its high-speed performance and modern cryptographic techniques, which further bolster security and efficiency. The VPN also supports OpenVPN, a widely trusted protocol that provides robust encryption and is highly configurable. This dual-protocol support allows VPN users to choose the best option based on their specific requirements, whether they prioritize speed, security, or compatibility.
Is PIA VPN good for streaming?
Yes, PIA VPN is effective for streaming, as it can unblock over 30 streaming platforms including Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Users have reported positive experiences with minimal buffering on PIA’s optimized servers, and it worked great in our tests too.
Can I use PIA VPN for torrenting?
Yes, PIA supports P2P file sharing on all its servers, making it a good choice for torrenting. Users can expect high download speeds, and port forwarding is available on all servers except those in the US to enhance download performance. However, the port forwarding feature may be frustrating to use due to random port assignment.
How does PIA VPN compare to other top VPNs?
Private Internet Access (PIA) competes well with top VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark, though it differs in key areas.
ExpressVPN is known for its superior speed and streaming capabilities, while NordVPN offers excellent performance with its NordLynx protocol. Surfshark delivers good speed at a budget price, and PIA, though fast on nearby servers, may not consistently match the speeds of ExpressVPN or NordVPN on longer distances. In terms of security, all four provide strong encryption, but ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer extra features like RAM-only servers, while PIA stands out for its transparency and strict no-logs policy.
Feature-wise, ExpressVPN offers a premium service at a higher price, while NordVPN adds advanced options like Double VPN for a more reasonable cost. Surfshark is a great value with unlimited device connections, and PIA, though more affordable, focuses on privacy and customization rather than advanced performance. PIA is ideal for budget-conscious users who prioritize privacy, but ExpressVPN and NordVPN are better for those seeking speed and top-tier security, with Surfshark balancing value and features.
How to install PIA VPN?
Installing PIA VPN is straightforward and quick, typically taking just a couple of minutes. You need to download the app, run the installation file, and follow the prompts to complete the setup. The process is user-friendly across different platforms, including Windows and Mac. After installation, you can connect to a server location immediately and configure your settings for optimal security.
What devices and platforms are compatible with PIA VPN?
PIA VPN is compatible with a wide range of devices and platforms, making it highly versatile for users. It supports major operating systems like Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, ensuring coverage across desktops, laptops, smartphones, and tablets. Additionally, PIA offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, allowing easy integration with web browsing.
For more comprehensive coverage, PIA also works on routers, which enables VPN protection for all devices on your home network. It is compatible with gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox, and smart TVs such as Android TV and Amazon Fire TV. With unlimited simultaneous connections, PIA ensures flexibility in protecting all your devices at once with a single account.
Top alternatives to Private Internet Access
Here are some alternative VPNs you might want to explore (click the name for a full review):
For more VPN choices, explore our list of top-rated services.
This Private Internet Access review was last updated on September 23, 2024.
Leave a Reply