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Private Internet Access Review
Speed
Very Fast Connecting to Nearby Servers
We measured our connection speeds before and after connecting to a Private Internet Access server in London, close to our physical location.
Here are the results:
Local Speed Test results before using Private Internet Access:
- Download Speed: 100Mbps
- Upload Speed: 92Mbps
- Ping: 2ms
Local Speed Test results with Private Internet Access:
- Download Speed: 98Mbps
- Upload Speed: 86Mbps
- Ping: 13ms
Download speed loss when Private Internet Access is running: 2%
We recorded a percentage speed loss of just 2% — an incredibly fast result. This is the type of performance you can expect if you’re connecting to a US server from within the US.
EXPERT TIP:
To get the fastest speeds, connect to a server using the ‘Choose Automatically’ option.
International Speed Test Results
Long-distance connection speeds were less impressive, but still fast enough for most activity
We connected to servers in the US, Australia, Germany, and Singapore from our London office, measuring our speeds before and after.
Here are our latest long-distance speed test results:
- USA (New York):
- Download: 66Mbps (34% slower)
- Upload: 38Mbps (57% slower)
- Germany (Munich):
- Download: 97Mbps (8% slower)
- Upload: 72Mbps (19% slower)
- Japan (Tokyo):
- Download: 26Mbps (74% slower)
- Upload: 9Mbps (90% slower)
- Australia (Melbourne):
- Download: 54Mbps (46% slower)
- Upload: 10Mbps (89% slower)
As expected, the servers located furthest from our office in the UK recorded the largest speed losses.
We recorded an average speed loss of 74% when connected to Japan and 34% when connected to Singapore. This level of speed loss is not unusual for long-distance connections, though, but it’s not up to the standard we expect from PIA.
More positively, we found that PIA’s speeds are consistent and reliable.
We did not experience any unexpected drops in performance and found that connection times were consistently quick.
If you want the speediest option, find the fastest VPNs in 2024 in our dedicated guide. In short, if you are planning on using a VPN primarily for long-distance connections, it might be worth considering ExpressVPN or Hotspot Shield.
All our VPN reviews use the same scientific speed-testing process, and we always use the VPN’s fastest protocol to keep tests fair and consistent.
Privacy
Proven No-logs VPN Service
PIA VPN’s privacy policy states outright that all user activity is “NOT recorded, logged or stored at all.”
This commitment to privacy makes it a rare outlier among competing services that often collect some form of connection data.
Private Internet Access does collect your email address and payment details at sign-up, which is standard practice.
Excerpt from the no-logs PIA Privacy Policy.
Regular Transparency Reports
PIA also releases regular transparency reports that detail the number of requests for data it has received from government agencies.
Server Seizures
As we mentioned above, the VPN’s no-logs policy has been externally verified on several occasions.
The FBI subpoenaed PIA in a 2016 court case, but despite receiving an official data request, PIA simply had no information to hand over.
The Russian government also seized PIA servers in 2016 but did not find any retained connection or activity data.
PIA subsequently removed all of its servers from Russia in protest to this incident. A bold move we want to see more VPN service providers follow.
While there is no independent audit to verify PIA’s privacy and security offering, these court cases are real-world tests supporting the company’s logging claims.
Based in Privacy-Unfriendly USA
PIA is headquartered in the United States, which is widely considered to be one of the worst places to base a VPN company.
The US is a founding member of the Five Eyes (FVEY) intelligence alliance, which has automatic systems in place to collect and share surveillance data with Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK.
The Patriot Act also gives US authorities sweeping powers to collect and retain data, especially through the use of National Security Letters.
We typically discourage using a VPN based in a Five Eyes country like the US. However, a verified no-logs policy can offset most issues posed by an invasive government.
After multiple real-world verifications, we are confident that PIA’s privacy policy and logging practices can withstand its privacy-unfriendly jurisdiction, and you can trust this VPN with your data.
Who’s Behind Private Internet Access?
In November 2019, Kape Technologies acquired Private Internet Access from London Trust Media Inc. (LTMI), a company with an established history in creating privacy tools, including PIA VPN in 2010.
At the time, the acquisition of PIA garnered a some controversy.
The bulk of the backlash stemmed from Kape’s past activities in the advertising space when it was known as Crossrider. We discuss more about this in our CyberGhost VPN review.
On the whole, PIA VPN has always gone above and beyond to champion digital privacy, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t trust this established VPN.
Equally, Kape is determined to move on from its Crossrider days and is doubling down on its commitments to privacy and internet security. It now operates three trustworthy VPN services, including CyberGhost and Zenmate, with a combined VPN subscriber base of over two million users.
How Private Is Private Internet Access Compared to Other VPNs?
We’ve collected quantitative data on five private VPNs. In the table below, you can see how PIA compares to other VPNs on key metrics, such as logging policy and jurisdiction.
Price & Value
Cost-effective VPN with a 30-day Refund Policy
Three billing options allow you to sign up to Private Internet Access for one month, 12 months, and two years.
Monthly
$11.95/mo
Billed $11.95 every month12 Month(s)
$3.33/mo
Billed $39.95 every 12 months28 Month(s)
$2.03/mo
Billed $56.94 first 28 months and yearly thereafter
As is typical, the best monthly prices are reserved for the longer-term plans. However, these require a more expensive upfront cost.
Payment & Refund Options
Here’s the payment methods that PIA accepts:
American Express
Bitcoin
Bitcoin Cash
Mastercard
PayPal
UnionPay
Visa
You can even use gift cards, which can be purchased anonymously with cash.
30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
While there is no free trial, PIA runs a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee.
To cancel your subscription within the first 30 days, simply open a ticket with the PIA support team and ask for a full refund.
How Expensive Is Private Internet Access Compared to Other VPNs?
Use the table below to compare PIA’s pricing information to other popular VPNs. You’ll find details about each VPN’s cheapest price, refund policy, and free trial period:
Server Locations
Huge Network of Servers
The benefit of PIA’s huge server network is that it minimizes server load and increases the chances you’ll connect to a reliable and close-by server.
You can see how Private Internet Access’ server network compares to other VPN services in the table below:
In turn, this makes PIA one of the fastest VPNs available, with an average speed loss of 3% on local connections. You can read more about the VPN’s speed performance in the dedicated section of this review.
Basic Server Labeling
Every PIA server is labeled by location. This is a very simplistic approach to server locations that can present some problems.
The app should display server load so users can see which locations are congested at any given time.
As it stands, most users will have to cycle through their closest servers to find a location that works for them.
Very Good Worldwide Coverage
PIA’s VPN servers are spread out as follows:
- Europe: 41 countries
- Asia: 18 countries
- North America: 6 countries
- Africa: 5 countries
- South America: 5 countries
- Oceania: 2 countries
Its servers are mostly located in Europe and North America, but the spread elsewhere is very impressive. In practice, this means that wherever you’re located, you’ll be able to connect to a nearby PIA server.
Dedicated IP Addresses
The VPN also introduced an option to get a dedicated IP address.
This IP address is unique to you and remains the same every time you connect. Australia, Canada, Germany, UK, and the US are the only available locations, and it costs an extra $5.00 per month.
Virtual Server Locations
Private Internet Access only uses bare-metal (physical) servers, but 41% of its server locations are virtually located.
PIA clearly labels its virtual server locations with a globe icon.
These servers are labeled in the apps with a globe icon. They can be disabled by toggling off ‘Include Geo-Located Regions’ in the apps’ settings.
A virtual server location assigns you an IP address in your chosen location, even if the physical server is located elsewhere.
They can also improve performance if the physical server is closer to your real location than the IP address you’re assigned. However, if the physical server is much further from your physical location than advertised, performance may also drop significantly.
Using virtual server locations isn’t a problem if done properly. PIA’s clear labeling of these servers, alongside allowing users to disable them entirely, is a welcomed level of transparency.
Rented but Secure VPN Servers
We contacted a PIA representative who confirmed Private Internet Access rents almost all its VPN servers. We were told:
“The majority of our servers, if not all of them, are rented from third parties.”
The representative also informed us that PIA uses a “stringent vetting process” for these third parties.
Most VPN companies rent some of their servers from data centers around the world. This helps provide users with access to a global network, but means you are forced to trust an additional party with the responsibility for your data.
Generally speaking, rented servers are not an issue if the VPN provider takes the time to audit all installed hardware along with the network environment it is operating in.
We asked PIA to explain their vetting process and how they can guarantee compliance from third parties. Sadly, PIA chose not to respond.
It is not unusual for a VPN service to rent its hardware. That said, given its security-focused reputation, we expected PIA to be more transparent about its server ownership and its vetting process.
Security
Strong Security, Encryption and Open-Source Apps
| Protocols | Available in Private Internet Access |
|---|---|
| IKEv2/IPSec | No |
| OpenVPN (TCP/UDP) | Yes |
| WireGuard | Yes |
| Encryption | Available in Private Internet Access |
|---|---|
| AES-128 | Yes |
| AES-192 | No |
| AES-256 | Yes |
| Blowfish | No |
| ChaCha20 | No |
| Security | Available in Private Internet Access |
|---|---|
| Diskless Servers | No |
| DNS Leak Blocking | Yes |
| First-party DNS | Yes |
| IPv6 Leak Blocking | Yes |
| Supports TCP Port 443 | Yes |
| VPN Kill Switch | Yes |
| WebRTC Leak Blocking | Yes |
| Advanced Features | Available in Private Internet Access |
|---|---|
| Ad Blocker | Yes |
| Dedicated IP | Yes |
| Double VPN | No |
| SOCKS | Yes |
| Split Tunneling | Yes |
| Static IP | No |
| Tor over VPN Server | No |
| Tracker Blocker | No |
PIA supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec protocols with the option to choose between UDP and TCP connections.
The default setting protects your connection with AES 128-bit encryption, but we recommend you select the AES-256 cipher in the settings interface.
There is built-in protection against IPv4 and IPv6 leaks, DNS leak protection, and a VPN kill switch on all platforms.
Our tests detected no IP, DNS, or WebRTC leaks in any application.
Private DNS Servers
PIA also owns and operates its own private DNS servers, which means your DNS requests are resolved by Private Internet Access rather than your ISP. The apps are flexible, too – the Windows client can also be set to use any custom DNS of your choice.
For extra security, PIA controls its own network of DNS servers.
Highly Customizable Encryption
Unlike a lot of VPN services, PIA gives you detailed control over the algorithms and protocols used to encrypt your data.
Adjusting your encryption settings is useful for optimizing performance and configuring the VPN to suit your security needs.
The default settings protect your connection with OpenVPN and AES 128-bit encryption. You can step up the encryption type to AES-256 (CBC or GCM) in the settings menu.
You can also choose the encryption level used for data authentication and the VPN handshake. These processes allow your device and the server it is contacting to verify the authenticity of the connection and the data being transmitted.
The default settings are for RSA-2048 and SHA-256, but you can go all the way up to RSA-4096 and SHA-384.
The PIA app allows you to fine-tune your encryption and security settings.
In short, PIA offers the strongest encryption available along with the option to choose the settings that work best for you.
The most secure settings aren’t selected by default, though, so we recommend changing them to the following configuration:
- VPN Protocol — OpenVPN UDP
- Data Encryption — AES-256 (GCM)
- Handshake — RSA-2048
Advanced Security Features
Private Internet Access also comes with a range of advanced security features designed to improve your web experience.
PIA’s advanced features include a VPN kill switch, split tunneling, an ad-blocker, a private browser, and SOCKS5 encrypted proxy. Here’s what all that means:
VPN Kill Switch
A kill switch prevents your IP address from leaking in the event of a dropped connection. This is an essential feature for any premium VPN service.
PIA’s kill switch works on all of its platforms including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Many top iOS VPN apps don’t feature a kill switch, which makes PIA a rare exception.
There are three separate kill switch modes: Off, Auto, and Always. The “Auto” setting will block outside traffic when the VPN is on, while “Always” prevents you from connecting to the internet prior to the VPN app launching. Sadly, the “Always” option is only available on Windows and macOS.
Split Tunneling
Split tunneling allows you to exclude certain websites and applications from the encrypted VPN tunnel.
You can therefore give let certain services continue using your standard internet connection. This helps retain functionality with devices on your home network, such as your printer or Smart Home.
Split tunneling is available on PIA’s Windows, Mac, and Android apps, and it’s located in the ‘Network’ section of the desktop app’s settings. It’s not available on iOS at all.
PIA’s split tunneling feature worked in all of our tests.
We tested PIA’s split tunneling setting by using apps that break if they don’t have access to the local network. We selected some apps to ‘Bypass VPN’ while all other apps were configured to ‘Use VPN’, and everything worked well.
PIA MACE
PIA MACE is a DNS-based malware and ad blocker found in the ‘Privacy’ section of the app’s settings. This feature blocks access to domains that are commonly known to host ads, trackers, and malware.
But, MACE is not a very good ad blocker. You can’t white list certain domains, or adjust the filter settings: it is simply On or Off.
The Private Internet Access app includes an ad blocker.
The inability to whitelist certain URLs means you have no choice but to keep the feature on, which ends up breaking certain websites.
Our testing also showed that MACE did not block as many ads as other ad blockers we have tested, an issue that has been reported several times by PIA users.
Shadowsocks Protocol
Shadowsocks is an open-source encrypted proxy that can be selected directly from the app’s interface.
Users will require a different username and password to use the SOCKS5 proxy, which can be generated from the Client Control Panel.
Open-sourced Apps
All of PIA’s desktop applications, mobile clients, and browser extensions are open-source.
In simple terms, this means that absolutely anyone can view the applications’ source code, study how the apps are written, and contribute themselves by fixing errors and making code improvements.
There are very few VPN services that have chosen to open-source their apps, with Proton VPN and IVPN being the most notable.
Leak Test Results
PIA comes with built-in protection against IPv4, IPv6, and DNS leaks. DNS leak protection is enabled by default on the macOS app, but has to be manually enabled on the Windows app.
We can confirm that the desktop and mobile apps do not leak. We tested for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, and our real IP address in London was consistently protected.
PIA’s VPN apps concealed our true IP address.
Ease of Use
Well-designed and User-friendly Interfaces
Setting up a PIA VPN connection is instant. You can connect to your nearest server with just one click.
The location menu lists countries and city-based locations, which can be sorted by name or ping time. A search box and Favorites system can help you find the server you need quickly.
Expanding the window reveals a range of other options for connecting to servers in particular countries, viewing real-time performance graphs, usage statistics, key settings, and your subscription status.
You can bookmark each option and add it to your default view, allowing you to customize your experience.
Overall, this is an excellent approach to user experience that helps beginners easily interact with more complex features.
In terms of usability, the new PIA VPN client also offers:
- Light and dark mode
- Settings to launch or connect the VPN on system startup
- Different language settings
PIA’s dark mode is even better on mobile, as the app detects whether your iPhone or Android device is in light or dark mode and sets the PIA theme accordingly.
In the section below we take a closer look at each PIA VPN client so you know what to expect the VPN service.
Device Compatibility
Apps for All Popular Devices
Apps
Private Internet Access can be used on the following platforms:
Windows
Mac
iOS
Android
Linux
Router
There are a few notable differences between each Private Internet Access app that we’ll explain in detail in the following section. For an overview of the features available on each platform, you can use the table below:
PIA for Windows
The Private Internet Access Windows app offers the best balance of performance and features.
It is easy to install and immediately opens with a simple interface from which you can connect to your desired server location, access the settings menu, and view your real and virtual IP address.
More experienced VPN users can click the downward facing arrow to access a wider array of settings. In this expanded view you can see the amount of data transmitted during your VPN session, activate the VPN snooze feature, and measure your VPN’s performance.
The PIA Windows app comes with a ‘Proxy’ tab in the apps settings, which allows you to redirect your VPN connection through one extra location. You can choose between the Shadowsocks or SOCKS5 proxy options, with multiple locations available.
PIA’s Windows app allows you to route your traffic through one additional location.
The app runs in the system tray by default, which means that the client is pinned to the bottom right of your device’s screen. The option to detach the app from the tray is buried in the ‘General’ section of the app’s settings, which is hard to find for most people.
The Windows app does not support any VPN protocol other than OpenVPN and WireGuard, though it does allow you to choose between UDP and TCP. While OpenVPN is the industry-leading protocol in terms of speed and security, we’d like to see Windows users given the ability to choose from other protocols.
PIA for Mac
There are a few minor differences that make the Mac app more frustrating to use than the Windows client.
Firstly, the PIA Mac app launches as a menu bar app by default. This means that the app cannot be conveniently placed in the dock or launched from Spotlight. Even when detached from the menu bar, traditional keyboard shortcuts do not work with the app.
PIA’s macOS application is also very slow to load and operate. When running as a windowed app, the Private Internet Access Mac app takes 3 seconds to load — making using it feel like a chore.
These issues aside, the Private Internet Access client for Mac looks great and is easy to use. The app was very stable in our testing and experienced no interruptions or crashes.
PIA for Android
PIA’s Android app is by far the best of its mobile apps, offering advanced VPN features without compromising on simplicity.
The Android app offers a range of configuration options, with more settings than some competing desktop clients.
Most of the screen on the Android interface is simply white space, with a large connection button in the center of the screen.
Tapping your current server location will display a list of other options. Here, a favorites system means your most commonly-used servers will always be at the top of the list.
Android users can choose between TCP or UDP connections, request port forwarding and adjust encryption settings.
The application can be configured to automatically protect you when accessing unknown wireless networks, or turn itself off when you’re using mobile data.
There is also a built-in kill switch, a split tunneling option called Per App Settings, and even an option to set your device to vibrate when you connect to a PIA server.
Due to restrictions enforced by Google, the Private Internet Access app downloaded through the Google Play Store does not come with MACE, PIA’s proprietary ad blocker.
To get PIA MACE on your Android device you have to download the APK file directly from the PIA website, where you’ll also find a simple step-by-step setup guide.
PIA for iOS
The Private Internet Access iOS app is almost identical to the Android version. There’s the same streamlined interface, location list, and large Connect button.
The iOS app has the best choice of VPN protocols of all PIA apps, letting you switch between OpenVPN, WireGuard, IPsec, or IKEv2.
There is also a large selection of configuration options, especially for an iOS app. You can set a custom port, change your DNS server, alter your encryption settings and enable a VPN kill switch.
The home screen allows you to quickly connect to recently used server locations and toggle network management settings, including the ability to automatically permit trusted networks.
There is also the option to use InBrowser, PIA’s private browser for iOS and Android.
PIA’s iOS app allows you to block ads and trackers through its Safari Content Blocker.
Despite keeping the simple and user-friendly design of PIA’s other VPN apps, the iOS app misses out on a couple of features.
Most notably, the iOS app does not offer MACE, PIA’s built-in ad blocker. But, it does come with a Safari Content Blocker, which can be found in your device’s settings menu.
Browser Extensions
Chrome
Firefox
Opera
Private Internet Access has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
These extensions let you connect to a PIA VPN server directly from your browser’s interface, securing your traffic with Squid HTTPS.
Remember that VPN browser extensions only browser traffic, and will not secure the rest of your computer’s activity. If you want to encrypt and protect all your web traffic, use full VPN software.
PIA’s browser extensions come with many settings to explore, and on balance they work very well.
Bonus privacy features include the ability to prevent websites accessing your location, camera, or microphone, block Flash, and bypass particular websites.
You can also block third-party cookies, website referrers, and trackers. If you’re looking to keep it simple, you can also just choose a location and click Connect.
We strongly recommend enabling “Block WebRTC IP Detection” in the PIA Firefox extension. Otherwise, your IP address will leak through WebRTC due to a privacy vulnerability in the Firefox browser.
Customer Support
24/7 Well-trained Customer Support
| Customer Support | Available in Private Internet Access |
|---|---|
| 24/7 Email Support | No |
| 24/7 Live Chat Support | Yes |
| Chatbot | No |
| Yes | |
| Email Support via Online Form | No |
| Online Resources | Yes |
| Tutorial Videos | No |
Private Internet Access is simple to install and easy to use on all platforms, but you could still require some assistance.
Live chat is initiated from the bottom-right corner of the official website. You are then asked to input your account details, like your email and account ID, before connecting to a support agent.
PIA’s verification check allows you to save time and swiftly resolve your query.
By removing the need for a lengthy authentication procedure with the support agent, you get the answer to your query as soon as possible.
PIA’s knowledgable customer support team was able to answer all of our questions.
There is also a large, searchable online knowledgebase with articles covering troubleshooting, account problems, technical complications, and more.
The website’s guides section has articles covering setup and tutorials for all supported platforms. It should cover most general issues you might have with the app.
There is also a news section covering app updates, service issues, and more.
You can also contact a member of the support staff on the website’s ticket request system. While this system does work and users tend to report positive experiences, you won’t always get a fast reply. It’s also only available from 11 am to 7 pm (EST) on weekdays.