Private Internet Access Review
Our Research
Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN uses advanced encryption protocols to protect users’ online activities from prying eyes and hackers.
PIA VPN is designed to provide users with a safe and private browsing experience by masking their IP address and location. This way, users can surf the web and access content without revealing their identity or location. It offers a variety of servers in different locations around the world to ensure that users can access content from anywhere while maintaining their privacy.
PIA VPN is a dependable and proficient service that provides users with a secure and secluded internet browsing experience. Its sophisticated encryption protocols and additional features render it a perfect option for individuals who prioritize online privacy and security.
Private Internet Access Key Features
Data cap | Unlimited | Speed(in MBPS) | 93 |
Logging Policy | No | Data Leaks | No |
Jurisdicstion | US (Five Eyes Member) | Servers | 17000 |
IP Addresses | 17000 | Countries | 80 |
US Nextflix | Yes | Torrenting | Unlimited |
Simul. Connection | 100 | Works In China | Yes |
Kill Switch | Yes | Cheapest Price | $11.99 |
Money Back Guarantee(in Days) | 30 | VPN Site | https://www.privateinternetaccess.com/ |
Private Internet Access: Quick Look
Private Internet Access Pros & Cons
Pros
- Blazing-fast short-range speeds
- Verified no-logs privacy policy
- Works seamlessly with US Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Supports torrenting on all servers
- Features advanced and customizable encryption protocols
- Offers unlimited simultaneous connections
- Comes with split tunneling and multi-hop capabilities
- Provides a plethora of server locations
- Consistently delivers excellent Speedtest scores
- Successfully completed a third-party audit
Cons
- No free trial available
- Limited support for some streaming services
- No dedicated IP option
- Some servers may experience slower speeds
- No WireGuard support yet
- No transparency report on user data requests
- No live chat support
- Mobile apps are not as user-friendly as desktop apps
- No free plan or ad-supported version
- Subscription pricing may be higher compared to other VPNs
- Blazing-fast short-range speeds
- Verified no-logs privacy policy
- Works seamlessly with US Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Supports torrenting on all servers
- Features advanced and customizable encryption protocols
- Offers unlimited simultaneous connections
- Comes with split tunneling and multi-hop capabilities
- Provides a plethora of server locations
- Consistently delivers excellent Speedtest scores
- Successfully completed a third-party audit
- No free trial available
- Limited support for some streaming services
- No dedicated IP option
- Some servers may experience slower speeds
- No WireGuard support yet
- No transparency report on user data requests
- No live chat support
- Mobile apps are not as user-friendly as desktop apps
- No free plan or ad-supported version
- Subscription pricing may be higher compared to other VPNs
Private Internet Access VPN is a virtual private network service that was established in 2010 by a company called London Trust Media Inc. The co-founders Andrew Lee and Ted Kim, created Private Internet Access VPN to provide internet users with secure and private access to the internet. The company’s headquarters are located in Denver, Colorado, USA.
Private Internet Access VPN was initially created to cater to the needs of individuals who were looking for ways to circumvent government censorship and surveillance in countries with strict internet laws. The VPN service also aimed to provide individuals with a means to protect their online privacy and security. Since its inception, Private Internet Access VPN has grown into one of the largest VPN service providers, boasting over 3300 servers in 48 countries worldwide.
Who Should Get Private Internet Access
Get Private Internet Access if:
- You prioritize privacy and security online
- You want unlimited simultaneous connections
- You enjoy streaming content from different regions
- You like to torrent files
- You want to customize your encryption settings
- You want to choose from a wide range of server locations
- You need fast internet speeds
- You want to protect your online activities on-the-go
- You value excellent customer support
- You want an affordable VPN solution
Avoid Private Internet Access if:
- You need a free trial
- You require a dedicated IP
- You want live chat support
- You need to access some less popular streaming services
- You need WireGuard support
- You need a mobile-friendly interface
- You need a transparent data requests report
- You need a VPN with a free plan or ad-supported version
- You need more simultaneous connections
- You find subscription pricing higher than other VPNs
- You prioritize privacy and security online
- You want unlimited simultaneous connections
- You enjoy streaming content from different regions
- You like to torrent files
- You want to customize your encryption settings
- You want to choose from a wide range of server locations
- You need fast internet speeds
- You want to protect your online activities on-the-go
- You value excellent customer support
- You want an affordable VPN solution
- You need a free trial
- You require a dedicated IP
- You want live chat support
- You need to access some less popular streaming services
- You need WireGuard support
- You need a mobile-friendly interface
- You need a transparent data requests report
- You need a VPN with a free plan or ad-supported version
- You need more simultaneous connections
- You find subscription pricing higher than other VPNs
Works With All The Streaming Platforms
While Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN does support several popular streaming services, it may not work with all platforms. Some users have reported issues with accessing certain streaming services or experiencing slower speeds when using PIA VPN.
Additionally, some streaming services may have sophisticated anti-VPN measures in place, making it difficult for any VPN to bypass their geo-restrictions. It’s always best to check with the specific streaming service to see if they allow VPN usage and if PIA VPN is a reliable option for accessing their content.
Streaming Service | Works with Private Internet Access VPN? |
---|---|
Netflix | Yes |
HBO Max | Yes |
BBC iPlayer | Yes |
Hulu | Yes |
YouTube | Yes |
ESPN | Yes |
Amazon Prime Video | Yes |
Disney + | Yes |
Rai Italia | Yes |
DAZN | Yes |
How Fast Does Private Internet Access VPN Operate?
Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN generally operates at a fast speed, but the speed can vary depending on several factors. The speed of PIA VPN download is largely dependent on the user’s internet connection, the distance between the user and the VPN server, and the server load.
PIA VPN claims to have an extensive server network and optimized servers for fast speeds. In addition, PIA VPN supports a range of advanced encryption protocols that help maintain fast speeds while ensuring user privacy and security. However, it’s important to note that using a VPN can result in a slight decrease in internet speed due to the encryption process.
Overall, the speed of PIA VPN is considered reliable, and many users have reported fast and stable connections. It’s always recommended to conduct speed tests while connected to PIA VPN to determine the actual speed of the service based on the user’s specific circumstances.
Server location | Download speed | Upload speed | Pings |
---|---|---|---|
Australia | 85.5 Mbps | 94.09 Mbps | 310 ms |
Canada | 53.17 Mbps | 95.92 Mbps | 288 ms |
South Africa | 59.5 Mbps | 90.84 Mbps | 303 ms |
United Kingdom | 86.09 Mbps | 90 Mbps | 150 ms |
United States | 91.09 Mbps | 92 Mbps | 279 ms |
Hong Kong | 55.59 Mbps | 90.09 Mbps | 470 ms |
Privacy & Logging Policy
Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN has a verified no-logs privacy policy, meaning that they do not collect or store any user data or activity logs. This policy is backed by a third-party audit that was conducted by the cybersecurity firm VerSprite.
According to PIA VPN’s privacy policy, they only collect minimal information required to set up an account, such as the user’s email address and payment information. This information is securely stored and is not associated with any user activity. PIA VPN also does not log any information about the websites or services accessed by the user, the content of any communications, or the IP addresses used by the user.
Type of Data Collected | Logged By |
---|---|
Browsing Activity | No |
Device Information | No |
DNS Queries | No |
Individual Bandwidth Usage | No |
Individual Connection Timestamps | No |
ISP | No |
No. of Simultaneous Connections | No |
Originating IP Address | No |
Personal Information | No |
VPN Server IP | No |
VPN Server Location | No |
Date of Last Connection | No |
PIA VPN has a strong commitment to user privacy and security and has a verified no-logs policy in place to protect user data.
In the following table, you will see a comparison of the logging policy of the various VPN service providers:
VPN Services | Logging Policy | Jurisdiction | Independent Audit |
---|---|---|---|
Private Internet Access VPN | No Logs | United States | Yes |
Express VPN | No Logs | BVI | Yes |
NordVPN | No Logs | Panama | Yes |
SurfShark | No Logs | BVI | Yes |
Cyber Ghost | No Logs | Ramania | No |
Privacy Friendly: Private Internet Access VPN Jurisdiction
Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN is headquartered in the United States, which is generally not considered the most privacy-friendly jurisdiction for VPN services. The United States is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, which means that it is subject to surveillance and data-sharing agreements with other countries, including Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.
It is important to note that PIA VPN has a verified no-logs privacy policy and has undergone a third-party audit to verify its data protection practices.
Also, PIA VPN operates independently and has a strong commitment to user privacy and security.
Security & Technical Features of Private Internet Access VPN
Protocol | Availability of Private Internet Access VPN |
---|---|
IKEv2 | Not Available |
OpenVPN | Available |
WireGuard | Available |
L2TP/IPsec | Not Available |
Here are some security and technical features of Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN:
Advanced encryption protocols:
Supports advanced encryption protocols such as AES-256 and WireGuard, which ensure that all user traffic is securely encrypted and protected from unauthorized access.
Kill switch:
Access kill switch feature that immediately stops internet traffic if the VPN connection is lost, preventing any data leaks.
DNS leak protection:
DNS leak protection to ensure that DNS requests are routed through their servers, preventing any data leaks.
IPv6 leak protection:
Also offers IPv6 leak protection to ensure that IPv6 traffic is also routed through their servers, preventing any data leaks.
Multiple VPN protocols:
Supports multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec, providing users with the flexibility to choose the best protocol for their needs.
Ad and tracker blocking:
Offers an ad and tracker blocking feature that helps users block ads and prevent websites from tracking their activity online.
Split tunneling:
supports split tunneling, which allows users to choose which applications and websites use the VPN connection and which ones use the regular internet connection.
Multi-hop:
Also offers multi-hop, which allows users to route their traffic through multiple VPN servers for added security and privacy.
Technical Features We’d Like To See In PIA VPN
While Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN offers a range of technical features to ensure user privacy and security, there are some technical features that are not included in the service. These features may be important to some users depending on their specific needs.
- Port forwarding: PIA VPN also does not offer port forwarding, which can be useful for users who need to access certain applications that require specific ports to be open.
- Obfuscated servers: PIA VPN does not offer obfuscated servers, which can help users bypass internet restrictions and censorship in countries with strict online regulations.
- Static IPs: PIA VPN does not offer static IPs, which may be necessary for users who require a stable IP address for certain applications.
- SOCKS5 proxy: PIA VPN does not offer a SOCKS5 proxy, which can be useful for users who need to route specific applications or services through a proxy server.
Private Internet Access VPN Price
Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN offers its services at different prices depending on the subscription length. Here are the current prices for PIA VPN:
-
Monthly:
The monthly plan costs US$11.99 per month, which is billed every month.
-
6 Months:
The 6-month plan costs US$7.50 per month, which is billed as a one-time payment of US$45 every 6 months. This plan offers a 37% savings compared to the monthly plan.
-
26 Months:
The 26-month plan costs US$2.19 per month, which is billed as a one-time payment of US$56.94 for the first 26 months and then yearly thereafter. This plan offers the highest savings, at 82%, compared to the monthly plan.
PIA VPN offers competitive pricing for its services, with the longest subscription plan providing the greatest value for users looking for a long-term VPN solution.
Torrenting and Private Internet Access VPN
Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN has become a favored choice among P2P enthusiasts because of its strong security features and fast speed. With unrestricted bandwidth and file types, PIA VPN allows users to engage in P2P file sharing on all servers, making it an ideal choice for torrenting.
PIA VPN offers a comprehensive range of security features that make torrenting safe and secure, including advanced encryption protocols, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. These features guarantee that users’ internet traffic is encrypted and secure, preventing any third party from monitoring their online activities.
Furthermore, PIA VPN does not collect user data, ensuring that users’ online activities and personal information remain private and anonymous. This is particularly important for torrenting, as some ISPs and copyright holders may monitor torrenting activities and track down users who are downloading copyrighted content.
PIA VPN offers an additional layer of anonymity by providing users the option to route their torrenting traffic through a SOCKS5 proxy, enhancing both anonymity and speed. The feature is available in the PIA VPN client and is easy to set up.
Thus, Private Internet Access VPN is a smart choice for P2P enthusiasts seeking a fast, secure, and private VPN service. With its sturdy security features and user-friendly interface, PIA VPN ensures that users can enjoy P2P file sharing without worrying about security and privacy risks.
Server Locations: Where Does Private Internet Access VPN Have Its Servers?
Private Internet Access VPN boasts a vast network of servers, which is essential to provide reliable and fast connections for its users. The company has strategically placed servers worldwide to ensure users have access to high-speed and secure connections, regardless of their geographical location.
Countries – 84
Cities – 100
IP Address – 17,087+
Servers – 17,087+
Continent | Number Of Countries |
---|---|
North America | 7 |
South America | 5 |
Europe | 45 |
Asia | 20 |
Africa | 5 |
Oceania | 2 |
Bypassing Web Censorship: Does Private Internet Access VPN Work In China?
Private Internet Access VPN does work in China, but it may not always be reliable due to the country’s strict censorship laws and constant efforts to block VPN services. Some users have reported success using PIA VPN in China, while others have had difficulty connecting or experienced slow speeds.
It is important to note that using a VPN in China can still be risky as the government has been known to punish those who attempt to bypass censorship measures. It is recommended to exercise caution and use additional security measures such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection when using PIA VPN in China. It is also advisable to research and stay updated on the latest developments and restrictions related to VPN use in the country.
In 2018, the Chinese government ordered all VPN services operating within the country to obtain a license from the government. Many VPNs chose to exit the Chinese market rather than comply with these regulations.
Despite these challenges, some users have reported success using Private Internet Access VPN in China. PIA VPN offers a range of advanced security features, such as strong encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch, which can help users maintain their privacy and security while using the service in China.
However, it is important to note that VPN use in China can still be risky, and users should take extra precautions to protect their privacy and security.
In addition to using a VPN, it is recommended to use a firewall, antivirus software, and avoid connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks. It is also advisable to keep up to date on the latest developments related to internet censorship and VPN restrictions in China.
Device & OS Compatibility
Private Internet Access VPN offers applications for a wide range of devices, including:
- Windows – 8.1, 10, and 11
- Mac – 10.13 or newer
- iOS – 12.1 or newer
- Android – 5.1 or newer
- Linux – Ubuntu (LTS only) 18.04 or newer, Mint 19 or newer, Arch, Fedora, and Debian
- Chrome Extension – v48 or newer
- Firefox Extension – v57 or newer
- Amazon Fire Stick-
- Huawei VPN –
- Chromebook VPN –
- DDWRT Applet –
- routers – ASUS, DD-WRT, Tomato, and pfSense
One notable aspect of PIA VPN’s compatibility is that it allows for unlimited simultaneous connections across different devices. This means that users can use PIA VPN on multiple devices at the same time without having to purchase multiple subscriptions.
Platform | Protection Summary | Split Tunneling | Threat Manager |
---|---|---|---|
Windows | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Mac | Yes | Yes | Yes |
iOS | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Android | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Linux | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Ease of Use
Private Internet Access VPN is designed to be user-friendly and easy to navigate, even for those who are not tech-savvy.
Here are some key aspects of its ease of use:
User-friendly interface:
PIA VPN’s desktop and mobile apps have a simple and intuitive interface that makes it easy to navigate and access its features.
Quick connect feature:
has a “quick connect” feature that allows users to connect to the fastest available server with just one click.
Server selection:
comes with a server list that allows users to choose the location of the server they want to connect to. The list includes both countries and cities, and users can also sort by latency or server load.
Customizable settings:
allows users to customize settings such as the level of encryption, the protocol used for connections, and the level of DNS and IPv6 leak protection.
Comprehensive help center:
has a comprehensive help center that includes frequently asked questions, setup guides, troubleshooting tips, and more.
Desktop & Laptop (Windows & Mac)
The PIA VPN app is designed to provide users with a secure and private internet browsing experience by encrypting their internet traffic and masking their IP addresses.
The desktop and laptop application of PIA VPN is easy to download and install on Windows and Mac. Once installed, users can log in to the app with their account credentials and choose from a list of servers available in different countries and cities. They can also use the “quick connect” feature to connect to the fastest available server with just one click.
The PIA VPN desktop and laptop app also provides a range of customizable settings, such as choosing the level of encryption and the protocol used for connections. Users can also choose to enable or disable certain features like DNS and IPv6 leak protection.
Overall Customer Support
Availability of Customer Support | Availability |
---|---|
24/7 Live Chat Support | Available |
24/7 Email Support | Not available |
Chatbot | Not available |
Email Support via Online Form | Available |
Tutorial Videos | Not available |
Online Resources | Available |
Is It Worth To Invest In Private Internet Access VPN?
Yes, it is worth investing in Private Internet Access VPN because of its numerous advantages. Firstly, the advanced encryption protocols and verified no-logs privacy policy ensure that your online activities remain secure and private. With servers available in various locations worldwide, you can access geo-restricted content and browse the internet freely.
Another advantage is that Private Internet Access VPN allows for unlimited simultaneous connections on all devices, making it an excellent option for large households or businesses. You can also anonymously torrent on all servers, ensuring that your online activities are not tracked or monitored by third parties.
Moreover, Private Internet Access VPN works with popular streaming platforms like US Netflix and BBC iPlayer, providing access to a wide range of content that may be otherwise unavailable in your region. This makes it an excellent choice for streaming enthusiasts.
However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. The lack of 24/7 live chat support and the absence of a free trial or money-back guarantee may be inconvenient for some users. Additionally, it may not work in highly-censored countries like China, and certain servers may experience occasional connection issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is Private Internet Access VPN safe and secure to use? -
Yes, Private Internet Access VPN is safe and secure to use. It uses advanced encryption protocols to protect users' internet traffic from hackers, government surveillance, and other threats. -
What is the refund policy for Private Internet Access VPN? +
Private Internet Access VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to all users. If a user is not satisfied with the service, they can request a refund within 30 days of signing up for the service. -
Does Private Internet Access VPN keep any logs? +
No, Private Internet Access VPN does not keep any logs of user activities. It has a strict no-logging policy, which means it does not track or store any information about users' internet activities or browsing history. -
What is Private Internet Access VPN, and how does it work? +
Private Internet Access VPN is a virtual private network service that allows users to encrypt their internet connection and secure their online activities. It works by routing users' internet traffic through a private server, which masks their IP address and makes it difficult for anyone to track their online activities. -
Does Private Internet Access VPN work with Netflix and other streaming services? +
Yes, Private Internet Access VPN works with Netflix and other streaming services. It allows users to bypass geographic restrictions and access content from different regions by connecting to servers in those regions. -
How fast is Private Internet Access VPN? +
Private Internet Access VPN provides fast and reliable internet speeds. However, the actual speed may vary depending on the location of the server, the user's internet connection, and other factors.