Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN Review 2024: A Top VPN for Privacy
Private Internet Access (PIA) has made a name for itself in the crowded VPN market, and for good reason. With its robust privacy features, affordability, and ease of use, PIA has become a go-to option for many internet users worldwide.
Whether you’re looking for a VPN to protect your online activities or simply access restricted content, PIA claims to offer everything you’d expect from a modern VPN in 2024.
- Affordable Pricing: PIA offers one of the most cost-effective VPN plans, especially for long-term subscriptions.
- No-Logs Policy: PIA has a proven no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t store any data about your online activity.
- Unlimited Device Connections: You can use PIA on as many devices as you like, making it perfect for multiple users.
- Advanced Features: PIA offers port forwarding, split tunneling, and ad blockers, which give users more control over their VPN experience.
- Strong Security: The VPN comes with strong security features like a kill switch and WireGuard support.
- Inconsistent Speeds: While U.S. servers are fast, international speeds can sometimes be slow.
- Limited Streaming Access: PIA struggles with unblocking some popular streaming services, like Disney+ and Hulu.
- Ownership Concerns: Some users are wary because PIA is owned by Kape Technologies, which also owns other VPN providers.
Private Internet Access (PIA) Features
Security and Privacy
Private Internet Access excels when it comes to securing your online presence. One of its standout features is the no-logs policy. PIA has proven in court that it doesn’t store user data, which is critical for privacy-conscious individuals. This means that even if government authorities request information, PIA has nothing to hand over.
In addition to its privacy commitment, PIA offers a system-level kill switch. This feature ensures that your internet connection is completely cut off if the VPN fails, preventing any data leaks. Unlike many VPNs, PIA’s kill switch operates at the system level, meaning it works even if the app crashes.
Another valuable feature is Shadowsocks, which helps users bypass internet restrictions in places like China. PIA also supports the WireGuard protocol, which is known for its speed and security. Users can also configure OpenVPN for a more customizable connection. These features make PIA a solid choice for users in countries with restrictive internet policies.
Moreover, split tunneling is available for Windows and Linux users. It allows you to choose which apps go through the VPN and which don’t. This is especially useful for apps like banking that may block VPN connections.
Streaming Capabilities
PIA is a good option for those who want to access geo-restricted content. It can unblock several streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer. However, it struggles with certain services, including Disney+ and Hulu. This can be a drawback for users looking for consistent streaming capabilities across all platforms.
Despite some limitations, PIA’s Smart DNS feature allows you to access content on devices that don’t support VPN apps, like gaming consoles and smart TVs. Keep in mind, though, that Smart DNS doesn’t provide encryption, meaning your connection won’t be fully secure when using this feature.
Speed and Performance
When it comes to speed, Private Internet Access offers reliable performance for most users, but it isn’t without limitations. PIA uses the WireGuard protocol, known for its speed and efficiency, helping deliver decent download and upload speeds across local servers. For U.S.-based servers, users generally experience fast downloads, making activities like streaming and gaming smooth and lag-free. However, on international servers, performance may dip slightly, especially in regions with fewer server locations.
While it’s not the fastest VPN on the market—compared to competitors like ExpressVPN or NordVPN—PIA holds its own for regular browsing, torrenting, and HD streaming. Speed tests indicate that PIA’s U.S. servers perform particularly well, but international servers can sometimes lag behind. This may be an issue if you frequently connect to distant servers or require ultra-fast speeds for tasks like 4K streaming or online gaming.
It’s worth mentioning that PIA allows users to fine-tune their performance through its auto-connect feature, which selects the nearest server for optimal speed. It also supports port forwarding, which can enhance download speeds, especially for torrenting.
User Interface and Compatibility
One of the advantages of PIA is its user-friendly interface, designed to cater to both beginners and advanced users. The apps are available for a wide variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Whether you’re using a desktop or mobile device, PIA’s apps provide a simple, intuitive experience, allowing you to select servers and adjust settings with ease.
Users can choose between light and dark modes, and the VPN app keeps you informed by displaying the current protocol, server details, and encryption status on the main screen. However, unlike some competitors, PIA doesn’t offer an interactive server map, which might be a downside for users who prefer visual server selection.
PIA also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera, providing additional convenience for users who want to secure their browsing sessions without installing a full VPN client. Additionally, the Smart DNS feature lets you access content on devices like gaming consoles and smart TVs, although it doesn’t include encryption.
Pricing and Plans
| Plan | Duration | Cost Per Month | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monthly Plan | 1 month | $11.95 | $11.95 |
| Yearly Plan | 12 months | $3.33 | $39.95 |
| Two-Year Plan | 24 months | $2.03 | $49.00 |
Private Internet Access is known for its affordability, offering competitive pricing compared to other VPN providers. Users can choose from three main subscription options: monthly, yearly, and two-year plans. The monthly plan is the most expensive, but it provides flexibility for those who may not need long-term service. On the other hand, the two-year plan offers the best value, with the cost dropping to less than $3 per month. This makes PIA one of the most budget-friendly VPNs on the market. However, during Black Friday sale, they offer some extra offers.
All plans come with unlimited device connections, allowing users to protect multiple devices under a single account. Additionally, PIA offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving users a risk-free opportunity to try the service. However, there is no free trial available, which may be a downside for users who prefer to test the service without upfront payment.
Payment options include traditional methods like credit cards and PayPal, as well as cryptocurrency for those who want to stay anonymous. PIA’s pricing structure is straightforward, and there are no hidden fees or complex tiers, making it easy for users to choose the right plan for their needs.
Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q)
Can I trust PIA with my privacy?
Yes, Private Internet Access is trustworthy when it comes to privacy. PIA has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not collect or store your browsing data. This policy has been tested in court multiple times, where PIA was unable to provide any user data due to their no-logs stance. The company also operates fully open-source apps, allowing anyone to inspect its code for potential security issues.
Does PIA work in restrictive countries like China?
Yes, PIA can work in countries with restrictive internet policies, including China. The service uses features like Shadowsocks and obfuscation to help bypass firewalls and censorship. However, it’s recommended to enable TCP port 443 with the OpenVPN protocol to ensure smoother operation in regions with tough internet restrictions.
Is PIA good for torrenting?
PIA is one of the best VPNs for torrenting. It supports P2P traffic on all its servers and offers features like port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxies, which improve download speeds and provide extra security. PIA is compatible with popular torrent clients like BitTorrent, uTorrent, and qBittorrent, making it a solid choice for file sharing.
What are some of the best alternatives to Private Internet Access (PIA)?
CyberGhost VPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark VPN and NordVPN are considered as some of the best alternative to Private Internet Access (PIA)
Will PIA slow down my internet?
PIA’s speeds are generally good, especially on local servers. However, like any VPN, it may cause a slight decrease in speed, particularly when connected to international servers. Using the WireGuard protocol can help improve performance, as it’s designed for faster connections compared to older protocols like OpenVPN.
Wrapping Up
Private Internet Access (PIA) continues to be a solid choice for those who prioritize online privacy and security. Its proven no-logs policy, backed by court cases, ensures users’ data remains private. While it may not be the fastest VPN on the market, it offers reliable speeds for local servers and comes equipped with strong features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and port forwarding.
