Private Internet Access Review

  • Good privacy and security features - ad blocking included
  • 10 simultaneous connections
  • User-friendly VPN apps
  • 3300+ servers in 32 countries
  • Some servers works with Netflix
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
8.7
Private Internet Access Score

Although they don't have the fastest speed or customer service, PIA still offers an excellent VPN service at an affordable cost.

If you're in search of an honest provider that respects the privacy of users and provides solid security, adblocking, as well as encrypted torrenting, PIA might be an ideal choice. It's also packaged in a very user-friendly interface.

Yet, unreliable speeds and unstable geo-spoofing capabilities make PiA isn't the ideal option for HD streaming or high-bandwidth gaming.

While it is possible to unblock Netflix US, DE, JP, and UK, you can't access Netflix libraries in other countries.

Detailed Ratings

Speed & Performance
8.8/10
Customer Support
7.3/10
Features
9.3/10
Apps
9.2/10
Pricing
8.7/10

Pros & Cons

Overview of advantages and disadvantages

Pros

Cons

Customer Support

Private Internet Access offers a variety of customer support choices for customer support. These include:

  • Self-help tools - knowledgebase, news, guides, forums (Feedback)
  • Support tickets
  • Live chat

We're thrilled with the most recent feature of live chat, which provides a simpler experience. Yes, it's a bit of a compromise to work according to US time zone; however it's superior to having to wait for at least a half-day until someone has a look at the support request and has enough strength within themselves to accept the chat.

Features

Split tunneling

There are many choices for setting up split tunneling in the tab Network of Private Internet Access VPN. It's a great function that lets users choose the applications that use (or do not utilize) VPN connections.

It is a great option to utilize online banking in one browser while browsing on another. Split tunneling isn't only restricted to browsers. You can also add or exclude games and other applications that utilize an internet connection.

Kill switch

PIA has a kill switch feature that protects you from sudden interruptions to your connection. This is made possible by using their DNS, which prevents leaks.

In addition to VPN, there are PIA proxy services that come in the form of Chrome and Firefox extensions and SOCKS5 and Shadowsocks proxy servers. These are fantastic in countries with a high degree of censorship, such as China.

Encryption and tunneling protocols

PIA utilizes strong encryption - specifically, AES-128 as well as AES-256. The application provides more encryption options than are generally available. You can select the level of encryption for data along with the handshake and the standard for authentication.

The principal tunneling protocol utilized in PIA is OpenVPN However, the iOS application also supports IKEv2 for mobile devices compatible with smartphones. It's also good to see it's planning to upgrade its security measures. It is now offering an overview of the WireGuard(r) tunneling protocols to Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS.

No-Logs policy

Private Internet Access has an explicit no-logging policy. This was confirmed in the case of a US legal case from the year 2015 and in a number of other recent cases in which PIA personnel were asked to testify but failed to provide any evidence that would be useful for the prosecution.

It should provide reassurance for anyone who is looking to protect their privacy online. It is a guarantee that nobody but PIA can see what you're doing on the internet. This VPN is among the most well-known and popular services, and you can sign up without worrying about the logs of your internet activity.

Does PIA VPN allow torrenting?

Private Internet Access supports torrenting and is certainly not the ideal option to use for P2P action. However, European and North American users will find good speeds and the safety features adequate.

Port forwarding is useful if your tracker insists to seed. However, it is important to use the feature with caution since it increases the risk of being discovered.

In contrast to other VPN service providers, PIA doesn't limit P2P traffic through the network. You can use any server. Users can also make use of the no-cost SOCKS5 proxy. This lets you protect your traffic at the VPN application level, possibly saving bandwidth.

Apps

You can download and install Private Internet Access VPN applications for the following devices: Windows, Linux, Mac, Android, and iOS. There are also extensions for browsers like Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, which can help when you need to block advertisements.

The apps of PIA are all intuitive and user-friendly. The layout is simple to use, and you can pick between the darker or lighter theme. There are no issues with installation since it's easy and easy to use and doesn't require any prior experience.

But, it seems that the VPN is targeted at advanced users, as the variety of stats might confuse people who haven't used the VPN before.

It's also important to note that all Private Internet Access apps offer OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. In addition, the iOS application also has support for IKEv2/IPsec.

Pricing

The pricing model for a Private Internet Access VPN is straightforward. It offers the same features along with 10 simultaneous connections for each plan. There is only one difference: the length of the subscription, which impacts the price significantly.

The cost will be the lowest when you sign up for the two-year subscription, which is only $2.19 each month, which is $79 for the entire period of the contract. You'll also get two months of additional time for no cost, and also Boxcryptor, the Boxcryptor software for encryption.

The annual subscription costs $3.33 per month, making you $39.95 for the year. The most expensive plan is for a one-month subscription that costs $9.95. Like most plans, their monthly plan is most costly.

There's no free plan as well as a trial version of Private Internet Access VPN. However, you're able to take advantage of their money-back guarantee of 30 days if you discover that PIA isn't an ideal match.

If you pay a little more for a little more, you can get an exclusive IP address as well as an antivirus program.

Anonymous purchase

What we love about PIA is its wide range of choices for anonymous purchases.

Pay anonymously using numerous gift cards from major brands such as Fully Anonymous, Instant Access, Walmart, Best Buy, and many more.

PIA payment options

In addition, there are a variety of options for cryptocurrency: Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, and Zcash, among other ones.

About Private Internet Access

United States
Based in

Private Internet Access