This article has been just updated: January 17, 2024

Since its launch in 2010, Private Internet Access, commonly referred to simply as PIA, has established itself as one of the most popular VPN service providers and convinced countless privacy-conscientious internet users to try it out. But is really as good as people say or are there better VPN services that you should definitely check out? Continue reading to find out.

 

Private Internet Access Review

Private Internet Access (PIA) was founded in 2010 by Andrew Lee, the official successor to the throne of the House of Yi (Lee). The service is located in the United States, which is one of only a few countries without any mandatory data retention policy. Of course, it’s a well-known fact that the United States National Security Agency collects internet communications from various US-based internet companies, and PIA could be among one without realizing it.

Price

Perhaps the biggest selling-point of PIA is its affordable price. The service starts at just $2.91 a month if you pay for two years of service upfront, but you can also pay yearly or monthly. Even the monthly plan, which costs $6.95, is relatively inexpensive compared with many other VPN services.

Features

  • With a single PIA subscription, you can connect from up to 5 devices at the same time.
  • Private Internet Access app works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
  • You can also download a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
  • PIA supports OpenVPN, as well as the older IPSec and L2TP VPN protocols, and it doesn’t restrict your online activity in any way. You can download torrents, watch movies online, play games, and much more without any limitations whatsoever.

Like many other VPN services today, Private Internet Access comes with a built-in ad blocker to help you enjoy the web without annoying ads and pop-up windows. It would be nice to see a malware filter as well, but it’s hard to complain considering how affordable this VPN service is.

Speed

We went to speedtest.net and tested: US, UK & Asia]

Original location USAprivate internet access vpn

VPN enabled – USA (New York)private internet access

VPN enabled – UK (London)private internet access speed test

VPN enabled – Hong Kongprivate internet access vpn review

Pros: 

  • Affordable
  • Supports P2P file sharing and BitTorrent
  • Global presence
  • Built-in ad blocker

Cons: 

  • Based in the United States
  • No free version
  • Average network performance
 

Private Internet Access is an excellent value-oriented VPN service that offers a broad range of features at an unbeatable price. Some may dislike that it’s based in the United States, but we don’t consider it to be a huge problem because PIA uses strong encryption and doesn’t keep any logs.

 

Top 7 Best Alternatives to Private Internet Access

1. NordVPN

nordvpn vs private internet access

You would be hard-pressed to find a more affordable VPN service than Private Internet Access, but NordVPN is very close. It costs just $2.99 per month if you pay for three years of service upfront, which is just 8 cents more compared with Private Internet Access.

NordVPN works on up to 6 devices at the same time, and the service is available on all popular operating systems. Because NordVPN has a global network with more than 5,000 servers, you can say goodbye to buffering when watching online movies and lag when playing games with friends.

2. ExpressVPN

expressvpn vs private internet access

ExpressVPN has been around for a long time, and it has managed to earn the trust of internet users around the world thanks to its friendly 24/7 customer service, a huge network of 2,000+ global VPN servers optimized for fast connections, 256-bit AES encryption, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, kill switch, split tunneling, and other features.

Unlike Private Internet Access, which is based in the United States, ExpressVPN is located in the British Virgin Islands, a British overseas territory with no data retention laws. ExpressVPN doesn’t care if you use the service to access geographically restricted websites, circumvent internet censorship, or download files from file sharing websites.

3. CyberGhost

cyberghost vs private internet access

CyberGhost was founded in 2011 in Romania, and it currently secures the online activity of over 20 million users across the globe. The people behind the service have a strong background in the IT field, and they’ve used their knowledge and expertise to create a VPN service that’s both highly secure and easy to use.

The CyberGhost app lets you set your own Smart Rules and automate your privacy, but it doesn’t shower you with geeky options that mean nothing to you. In fact, you can connect automatically to the best server depending on your whereabouts with a single click.

4. TorGuard

torguard vs private internet access

At $9.99 per month, TorGuard is much more expensive than Private Internet Access, but the service offers many attractive features that might just make it worth the price. It includes unlimited speed and bandwidth, allows up to 5 simultaneous connections, supports OpenVPN/SSTP/L2TP/IPsec, has servers in over 50 countries, and doesn’t keep any logs whatsoever.

TorGuard is completely risk-free because you can ask for a 100 percent refund within 7 days from your purchase, and you won’t even be asked to give a reason why you’ve decided to cancel.

5. SmartVPN

smart vpn vs private internet access

SmartVPN is a friendly VPN service that offers attractive plans to businesses and home users alike. It supports a variety of protocols to suit your needs and guarantee your right to privacy on any system, including PPTP, OpenVPN, and IPSec in both IKEv1 and IKEv2.

Thanks to its global presence and fast servers, you can bypass content restrictions and lower your international calling costs and still enjoy the same performance as if you connected to the internet directly.

6. My Private Network

my private network vpn

My Private Network is a proud sponsor of the Electronic Frontier Foundation, an international non-profit digital rights group whose purpose is to defend digital privacy, free speech, and innovation.

The service describes itself as the friendliest VPN in the world, and we certainly wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to people who have little to no experience with computer networks.

The cheapest My Private Network plan costs £3.97 a month, and the service offers a 3-day free trial.

7. Doublehop

doubleshop vpn

Doublehop is a no-frills VPN service that accepts Bitcoin and supports Windows, macOS, and Linux. The service encrypts all communication between clients and nodes with AES-256 and RSA-4096 for key exchange and certificates. Doublehop doesn’t keep any log files, so your online activity is guaranteed to remain private even if its servers get raided and confiscated.

 

Conclusion

Private Internet Access is one of the best VPN services in 2024, but compelling alternatives are not hard to find. Only you know what your privacy needs are, so it’s up to you to evaluate the pros and cons of popular VPN services and pick the one that works the best for you.

If you’re on a tight budget, Private Internet Access is a great choice, but you should keep in mind that the service is based in the United States, a country that’s known for its large-scale surveillance programs.

FAQ

Private Internet Access offers a suite of features including strong encryption, multiple VPN gateways, ad and tracker blocking, and no traffic logs. Users also have access to protective protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN, as well as automatic kill switch for heightened security. Additionally, PIA supports P2P file sharing and offers a large network of servers across the globe.

PIA adheres to a strict no-traffic logs policy, ensuring that user activity is not recorded or stored. It uses strong encryption standards, like AES-256 encryption, to protect user data from unauthorized access. Moreover, the company is based in the US, which comes with its own set of legal protections for users against data retention mandates.

Yes, Private Internet Access allows for easy configuration across multiple devices including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. The service enables up to 10 simultaneous connections per account and provides user-friendly applications and browser extensions for a smooth setup and use.

PIA offers customer support through various channels, including a 24/7 live chat option and a ticketing system. Additionally, users can access an extensive knowledge base with guides and FAQs on their official website to quickly resolve common issues.

Private Internet Access offers a large network of servers, with thousands of servers across 70+ countries. This extensive coverage helps users to easily find a server location with good speed and reduced latency.

PIA is capable of unblocking streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and others, though its performance may vary based on server location. Users should connect to a server in the country where they wish to access content for the best results.

The pricing for Private Internet Access is competitive and offers various subscription plans, often including promotional discounts for long-term commitments. Considering its extensive features, PIA can provide good value for money when compared to other VPN options.

PIA does not currently offer a traditional free trial, but it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. This policy allows users to try the service risk-free and get a full refund if they are not satisfied within the first 30 days.

PIA stands out with its open-source software, commitment to privacy, a vast array of servers worldwide, and the ability to support 10 devices simultaneously. Its advanced configuration options also appeal to tech-savvy users who seek more control over their VPN usage.

While using PIA, the impact on internet speed can vary, but it generally provides fast and stable connections. The service uses state-of-the-art protocols like WireGuard to ensure minimal speed loss. Server selection can also greatly affect speeds, with nearby servers typically offering better performance.

Private Internet Access aligns its practices with global data protection regulations such as GDPR, offering features like anonymous payment methods and maintaining a no-logs policy to protect user privacy.

Yes, PIA is a strong choice for torrenting, offering P2P support across all its servers, strong encryption, and a kill switch to protect users in case the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.

PIA works in many countries with internet censorship, but its effectiveness can vary depending on the specific network restrictions in place. Users in highly restrictive regions might require additional steps or configurations to connect successfully.

The PIA VPN software is designed to be user-friendly, offering a simple interface that is easy to navigate for beginners, while still providing advanced settings for experienced users.

Yes, you can use PIA to bypass geographic restrictions on content by connecting to a server in a different country, effectively changing your perceived location.

No, PIA provides unlimited bandwidth and data, allowing users to stream, download, and browse as much as they want without any restrictions.

PIA accepts a variety of payment methods, including credit cards, PayPal, and even some forms of cryptocurrency, offering more privacy for users who prefer it.

PIA regularly updates its VPN client software to introduce new features, enhance security, and improve overall user experience. They also address any identified vulnerabilities promptly.

Yes, Private Internet Access includes a split tunneling feature in its VPN service, which allows users to choose which applications will use the VPN connection and which will use a direct internet connection.

Not necessarily, while PIA includes advanced features for those who want them, the interface and general use are straightforward enough for individuals with less technical experience.

Potential users can sign up for PIA by visiting the official Private Internet Access website and choosing a subscription plan that suits their needs.