Private Internet Access VPN Review 2023

Last updated: January 17, 2024
William Sams
William Sams
Private Internet Access continues to be counted as one of the best VPN options thanks to its secure encryptions and support for torrenting. But has this fame finally started counting against it with its loss of ability to unblock Netflix and China?

In this Private Internet Access VPN Review we will evaluate each and every option provided by the VPN. Operating in the United States since 2010, Private Internet Access, or PIA, is a well-established VPN provider known for its excellent budget-friendly services. Catering to a diverse user base, PIA stands out for its affordability without compromising quality, making it an attractive option for users seeking reliable online privacy solutions.

Independently audited and committed to transparency, PIA assures users of its dedication to security through regular reports on operations. With robust security features, including industry-standard encryption and a strict no-logs policy, PIA provides users with a trustworthy shield against potential cyber threats, ensuring a secure and private online experience.

Beyond security, PIA one of the best VPNs, supports seamless streaming and torrenting experiences, catering to users with diverse online activities. Whether you’re a movie enthusiast or an avid downloader, PIA’s network is optimized for high-speed streaming and secure torrenting.

PIA’s commitment to user convenience is evident in its user-friendly apps for various devices, ensuring a hassle-free and accessible VPN experience across different platforms. Users can enjoy both security and convenience with PIA’s comprehensive package.

In this Private Internet Access VPN Review we will not only evaluate the features of the service but also try to answer questions like is Private Internet Access free? to eradicate the doubts of PIA users


Private Internet Access VPN Review – Features and Specifications

Discover the robust features and specifications that make Private Internet Access a standout VPN choice, offering a comprehensive suite of tools to enhance online privacy and security. Explore the cutting-edge technology and user-centric design that sets PIA apart in the crowded VPN landscape.

Features  Short Description
Jurisdiction Private Internet Access operates under the jurisdiction of the United States, a factor to consider for users mindful of privacy laws.
Plans and Pricing PIA VPN stands out as one of the most cost-effective choices, priced at just $3.33 per month, and it comes with the assurance of a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Security Features PIA VPN provides a range of compelling features, including a kill switch, split tunneling, and an ad-blocker, enhancing user safety and security during online activities.
Privacy Policy Private Internet Access emphasizes user privacy, maintaining a transparent privacy policy that users can review for clarity on data handling practices.
Server Network Having an extensive server network exceeding 35,000 servers, PIA VPN surpasses the server count of most competitors in the VPN market.
Speed and Performance Private Internet Access is known for its reliable speed and performance, ensuring a seamless and efficient VPN experience for users.
Streaming While utilizing its local servers, we encountered no streaming; however, the more distant servers exhibited occasional lags.
Torrenting Private Internet Access facilitates secure and efficient torrenting, catering to users who engage in peer-to-peer file sharing.
Device Compatibility Supporting all major operating systems, devices, gaming consoles, and streaming sticks, PIA VPN ensures compatibility and ease of use across a wide range of platforms.
Customer Support With responsive customer support, Private Internet Access prioritizes user assistance, addressing queries and concerns promptly for an enhanced customer experience.

Private Internet Access VPN Review – Pros & Cons

Pros
  • Connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously with PIA VPN.
  • Enjoy excellent value for money with this VPN service.
  • Benefit from split tunneling for personalized online traffic management.
  • Access servers in over 80 countries, ensuring global connectivity options.
  • Successfully unblock major streaming platforms with PIA VPN.
  • Rest assured with a no-logs policy, independently audited for added transparency.

Cons
  • No complimentary version is available.
  • Apps lack recent updates.
  • User-friendliness may vary for some individuals.


Jurisdiction: Where is PIA Based?

Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, USA, Private Internet Access (PIA) operates under US jurisdiction, subject to local laws and regulations, including those regarding data retention and surveillance. Despite this, PIA maintains a stringent no-logging policy, ensuring user data remains private and has never been disclosed to the government.

While some users may express concerns about the Fourteen Eyes alliance, of which the USA is a part, PIA explicitly asserts its commitment to user privacy. It does not share any user data with the government, even in response to legal requests, establishing itself as a VPN with a trustworthy history of safeguarding user privacy.

PIA is a reputable VPN with a strong track record in privacy protection. However, users with heightened concerns about data retention and surveillance might explore VPNs based in countries with more privacy-friendly regulations.


Plans and Pricing – How Much Does PIA VPN Cost?

Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN provides users with flexible subscription plans tailored to varying needs and budgets. The monthly plan is priced at $11.95, offering a pay-as-you-go option for those seeking short-term VPN access.

For users looking for a more economical commitment, the yearly plan comes at $3.33 per month, billed annually, providing a significant cost reduction. Additionally, PIA offers a long-term 3-year + 3-month plan at $2.03 per month, billed every three years, offering the lowest monthly rate for users committed to an extended VPN service.

Features Subscription Monthly Subscription
1 Month $11.95 $11.95
1 Year  $39.95 $3.33
3 Year + 3 Months  $74.95 $2.03

In addition to these standard plans, PIA introduces a dedicated PI service as an optional add-on. This specialized service can be selected during the checkout process and incurs an extra cost of $5 per month, regardless of the chosen subscription plan.

This add-on option provides users with enhanced features or services beyond the standard VPN offerings, catering to those with specific needs or preferences for additional functionalities. PIA’s diverse pricing options and add-on services contribute to its commitment to providing users with flexibility and a tailored VPN experience.

Does PIA Have a free trial?

Certainly, PIA extends a free trial period exclusively for its mobile apps on both iOS and Android platforms. This 7-day free trial provides unrestricted access to all features within PIA’s robust suite, encompassing its high-speed VPN network, unlimited data usage, and access to every PIA server across 91 countries.

To initiate the PIA free trial, simply Private Internet Access download the app from either the App Store or Google Play Store, and complete the account creation process. Importantly, no payment information is required during this step. Once your account is set up, you can connect to any PIA server, ensuring private and secure browsing.

Following the conclusion of the 7-day trial, your subscription will automatically renew at the monthly rate. To avoid any charges, it’s essential to cancel PIA Subscription in USA before the trial period concludes. PIA provides an extra layer of assurance with a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans, allowing users to explore the service for up to a month and receive a full refund if dissatisfied for any reason.

What Payment Methods Can Be Used with PIA VPN?

PIA VPN supports a diverse range of payment options, welcoming major credit cards, PayPal, and Amazon Pay for users seeking conventional payment methods. For those prioritizing privacy, PIA accommodates more discreet transactions through various cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, BitPay, Litecoin, and Bitcoin Cash.

PIA goes a step further by accepting third-party gift cards from popular retailers like Starbucks, Walmart, and Best Buy. This extensive array of payment choices emphasizes PIA’s commitment to catering to the preferences and privacy concerns of a broad user base.


Security – What Security Does PIA Offer?

Private Internet Access (PIA) prioritizes robust security measures to ensure user privacy. PIA employs AES-256 encryption, an industry-standard encryption method, providing a high level of security for user data. The use of OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols further enhances security, offering users a choice between two reliable and widely recognized protocols to suit their preferences and requirements.

In addition to strong encryption and protocols, PIA includes essential security features. The kill switch function adds an extra layer of protection by disconnecting the internet if the VPN connection is compromised, preventing any accidental exposure of sensitive information. Split tunneling allows users to selectively route their internet traffic through the VPN, providing flexibility in managing online activities.

For users opting to use the Chrome VPN extension, PIA extends privacy features beyond traditional VPN capabilities. This includes the blocking of ads, trackers, and third-party cookies, enhancing the overall online privacy and security experience for users utilizing the extension on the Chrome browser.

PIA’s comprehensive security approach ensures that users have a wide range of tools to safeguard their online activities and personal information effectively.

Encryption and Protocols

Private Internet Access (PIA) uses a variety of encryption technologies to protect user data, including:

  • AES-128-GCM: This is the default encryption algorithm used by PIA. It is a very secure algorithm that is used by governments and militaries around the world.
  • AES-256-GCM: This is an even stronger encryption algorithm than AES-128-GCM. It is recommended for users who need the highest level of security.
  • ChaCha20-Poly1305: This is a newer encryption algorithm that is designed to be faster and more efficient than AES. It is also very secure.

PIA also uses a variety of other encryption technologies, such as perfect forward secrecy and HMAC authentication. These technologies help to protect user data from a variety of threats, including eavesdropping, man-in-the-middle attacks, and replay attacks.

Tunneling Protocols

Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN offers support for the following tunneling protocols:

  • WireGuard
  • OpenVPN (UDP/TCP)
  • IKEv2/IPsec (iOS only)

WireGuard

WireGuard is a newer VPN protocol that is designed to be faster, simpler, and more secure than older protocols like OpenVPN. WireGuard uses state-of-the-art cryptography and is more efficient than other protocols, which results in faster speeds and better performance. WireGuard is also easier to configure and manage than other protocols.

OpenVPN

OpenVPN is a mature and well-established VPN protocol that is known for its reliability and security. OpenVPN is a good choice for users who need a VPN protocol that can bypass geo-restrictions or who need a more reliable protocol than WireGuard.

IKEv2/IPsec

IKEv2/IPsec is a VPN protocol that is designed for mobile devices. IKEv2/IPsec is good at quickly reconnecting to the VPN after losing connection, which is important for mobile users.IKEv2/IPsec is also a secure protocol, but it is not as fast as WireGuard or OpenVPN.

Kill Switch

Private Internet Access (PIA) offers a kill switch feature on all of its supported platforms. A kill switch is a security feature that prevents your device from connecting to the internet if the VPN connection is dropped. This helps to protect your privacy and anonymity, even if the VPN connection is interrupted for a brief period of time.

If the VPN connection is dropped, the kill switch will automatically block all internet traffic from your device. This will prevent your IP address from being leaked and your online activity from being monitored.

The kill switch is a valuable security feature that can help protect your privacy and anonymity when using a VPN. It is especially useful for users who engage in sensitive online activities, such as torrenting or accessing geo-blocked content.

Here are some of the benefits of using a kill switch with PIA VPN:

  • Protects your privacy: If the VPN connection is dropped, the kill switch will prevent your IP address from being leaked. This means that your online activity cannot be tracked back to you.
  • Prevents data leaks: If you are using a VPN to download torrents or access geo-blocked content, a kill switch can help prevent accidental data leaks. If the VPN connection is dropped, the kill switch will block all internet traffic, preventing your device from sending any data over the unprotected internet connection.
  • Improves security: A kill switch can help to improve the security of your device by making it more difficult for attackers to gain access to your network. If an attacker is able to compromise your VPN connection, the kill switch will block all internet traffic, preventing the attacker from accessing your device or network.

Split tunneling

Private Internet Access (PIA) introduces split tunneling, dividing online traffic into secure VPNs and public, unencrypted tunnels. Users can strategically route specific traffic through the VPN for encryption while directing others through the unencrypted network. This flexibility benefits users by optimizing performance, accessing local resources, or circumventing geo-blocks.

PIA VPN extends split tunneling functionality across all its desktop applications (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and its Android app. With split tunneling, users gain the flexibility to designate which applications or websites utilize the VPN and which ones operate without it.

PIA VPN provides an alternative to standard split tunneling by offering inverse split tunneling. This feature allows users to specifically choose which apps, websites, or services will utilize the VPN tunnel for enhanced privacy and security.

Open Source Apps

Private Internet Access (PIA) distinguishes itself through a strong commitment to privacy and transparency, notably exemplified by its embrace of open-source practices. The entirety of PIA’s applications adheres to open-source principles, allowing anyone to examine the software’s source code.

This transparency builds trust by ensuring alignment with PIA’s claims and guarding against potential security vulnerabilities—an unusual and commendable stance in an industry often lacking such openness.

PIA’s open-source approach goes beyond industry norms, providing users with a distinctive level of insight into the VPN service’s inner workings. This not only enhances accountability but also empowers users to independently verify the software’s integrity.

PIA’s decision to make its applications open-source reflects its core values of delivering a dependable and privacy-focused solution, setting a commendable standard within the VPN industry.


Privacy – How Much Privacy Does PIA Offer?

Private Internet Access (PIA) prioritizes privacy through a robust no-logs policy, assuring users that no activity logs are collected, and safeguarding sensitive information like browsing history and connection timestamps. This commitment instills confidence in users regarding the protection of their online activities.

Despite operating in a jurisdiction associated with the 14 Eyes alliance, PIA actively challenges information requests and restricts data disclosures to mitigate privacy risks.

In an additional effort to fortify its privacy measures, PIA undergoes independent audits, offering users an extra layer of assurance concerning the safeguarding of their personal information. These audits underline PIA’s transparency and underscore its unwavering commitment to upholding a high standard of privacy for its users.

No Logs Policy

PIA asserts a zero-logs policy on its website, supported by a Transparency Report. Despite facing legal scrutiny twice, PIA has had no data to provide, reinforcing its commitment to user privacy and transparency.

Private Internet Access (PIA) places a strong emphasis on security and transparency by adopting an open-source approach for all its apps, allowing users to scrutinize the code for trustworthiness.

Our thorough testing reinforces the reliability of PIA’s features, notably the kill switch, which swiftly disconnects internet access in the event of a VPN connection failure, ensuring user privacy is consistently maintained.

Independent audits by Deloitte further validate PIA’s efficient system management and confirm its strict adherence to a no-logs policy, providing users with solid assurance regarding the protection of their sensitive data.

The Chrome VPN extension from PIA enhances privacy with features like ad and tracker blocking, along with preventing third-party cookies. While the open-source policy has room for improvement, Deloitte’s extensive auditing underscores PIA’s credibility, emphasizing the company’s unwavering commitment to user privacy and overall security.

DNS Leak Protection

Private Internet Access (PIA) incorporates robust DNS leak protection to safeguard user data during online activities. In our thorough testing using a DNS Leak Test Tool, we specifically examined the server’s performance and found no instances of information leakage.

This highlights PIA’s effective implementation of protective measures to prevent DNS leaks, ensuring that users’ sensitive information remains confidential.

DNS leaks can pose a significant threat to user privacy by exposing their online activities. PIA’s proactive approach to preventing such leaks adds an extra layer of security for users. The positive result from our DNS Leak Test Tool reaffirms PIA’s commitment to providing a secure and private online experience, demonstrating the effectiveness of its DNS leak protection mechanisms.

For users, the absence of DNS leaks means that their online activities are shielded from potential exposure, enhancing the overall privacy and security provided by PIA’s VPN service. The comprehensive testing and verification of the DNS leak protection contribute to PIA’s reputation as a reliable choice for those seeking a VPN with strong privacy safeguards.


Server Network – Where are PIA’s Servers Located

PIA VPN consists of an extensive network of over 35,000+ servers across 91 countries globally, establishing itself as one of the industry’s largest server networks. With strategically located servers in major cities and regions worldwide, users benefit from a diverse array of options.

In addition to its vast server network, PIA offers specialized servers catering to various needs:

  • P2P servers: Optimized for efficient peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing.
  • Shadowsocks servers: Engineered to circumvent censorship, particularly in countries like China and Iran.
  • Dedicated IP servers: Providing users with a dedicated IP address, is beneficial for specific online activities like gaming and streaming.

The combination of PIA’s expansive server infrastructure and the availability of specialty servers makes it a versatile choice, catering to users with diverse VPN requirements. The following table details the top 10 countries with the highest number of PIA VPN servers.

Regions Servers
United States 10,000+
United Kingdom 2,000+
Canada 1,500+
Australia 1000+
France 500+
Germany  500+
Netherlands  500+
Singapore   500+
Japan  500+

In addition to its extensive server network, PIA VPN extends its coverage to various countries worldwide, encompassing multiple servers in Argentina, Brazil, China, India, Indonesia, Italy, Mexico, Russia, South Africa, Turkey, Spain, Sweden, South Africa, and numerous others.

Servers in Virtual Locations

PIA has 130 virtual server locations in 70+ countries. These virtual servers are located in a variety of regions, including:

Regions Servers
North America 20 countries
South America  12 countries
Europe 38 countries
Asia  15 countries
Africa 5 countries
Oceania 1 country

These virtual server locations are strategically employed in countries where local regulations or infrastructure limitations hinder the implementation of PIA’s no-logs policy or fail to meet their stringent security and performance standards.

Despite being labeled as virtual, these servers are physically situated in a neighboring country, ensuring users experience swift connections with low latency.

To connect to a virtual server location, users can easily navigate the PIA app, selecting their desired server from the list of virtual options. PIA automatically connects users to the nearest and fastest virtual server, enhancing the efficiency and speed of their VPN experience.


Speed – How Fast are Private Internet Access Servers?

In the competitive realm of VPN services, promises of high speed and reliability abound, but discerning the reality requires rigorous testing. To gauge the true performance of Private Internet Access (PIA), we conducted thorough evaluations, installing its latest Windows app on systems in both a UK data center and a US location, each equipped with a quick and reliable connection.

Connecting to my nearest location, we measured download performance across various speed testing sites and services, including SpeedTest, Cloudflare, Measurement Lab, and more. Notably, PIA demonstrated robust WireGuard performance, averaging 110+ Mbps in the US and similar in the UK.

Server Download Upload Ping
United States 171+ Mbps 168+Mbps 366ms
United Kingdom 140+ Mbps 120 + Mbps 356ms
NewZealand 145+Mbps 132+Mbps 341ms
Australia 83+ Mbps 82+ Mbps 387ms
Japan 77+ Mbps 57+ Mbps 376ms

While these PIA speed test results may fall behind the fastest VPNs in the market, the practical user experience, especially with a download speed of 100+Mbps, is likely to meet the expectations of most users.

It’s essential to highlight that different protocols impact speeds, and PIA’s WireGuard, though not the fastest, is generally sufficient for the majority of users. For those configuring PIA on routers or other devices, OpenVPN may be the protocol of choice.

Testing OpenVPN speeds, PIA showcased impressive performance, reaching an excellent 140+ Mbps in the UK, surpassing some competitors.


Streaming – How Is PIA For Streaming

Platforms  Works or Not
Netflix Working (UK, US, CA, AU, JP)
Prime Working
YouTube Working
iPlayer Working
10Play Working
Disney Plus Working
Hulu Working
9Now Working
All4 Working
ITV Player Working

Certainly, PIA VPN effectively bypasses Netflix restrictions, granting access to six regional libraries. For a broader selection of Netflix content, opting for a premium VPN like ExpressVPN may be a more comprehensive solution.

Our testing involved PIA VPN’s US server, specifically connecting to the Washington DC server. The process proved seamless as we successfully unblocked American Netflix. Subsequently, accessing the entire library and streaming multiple titles posed no challenges, with the complete loading taking approximately a minute.

PIA-unblocks-netflix

Unblocking Netflix with PIA is easy and simple

PIA VPN provides streaming-optimized servers designed to bypass regional restrictions on various Netflix libraries. These specialized servers are strategically located in countries such as Japan, Denmark, Italy, Germany, the US, and the UK. It’s important to note that during testing, the dedicated streaming server for Germany was unable to unblock German Netflix as intended.

PIA VPN effectively bypasses geo-restriction firewalls on various popular streaming services, extending its compatibility beyond Netflix to platforms like Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime. Notably, the barriers posed by these platforms are comparatively weaker than those employed by Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

Our testing revealed that PIA VPN swiftly unblocked Hulu within a minute, showcasing its efficiency in providing access to diverse streaming content.

PIA-unblocks-Hulu

PIA unblocks Hulu without any issues

Disney+ streaming functioned properly, yet we encountered occasional buffering delays, requiring pauses to address the issue. While the service was initiated swiftly and offered excellent visuals, the intermittent buffering interruptions proved to be a source of frustration.

PIA-unblocks-Disney+

We enjoyed unblocking Disney+ with PIA

Accessing Amazon Prime Video proved effortless. My connection to the Seattle server was immediate, and upon selecting my preferred movie, the page loaded seamlessly.

The impressive functionality of Private Internet Access extended to an additional five US servers, a noteworthy feature considering the extensive content catalog housed in the US library, encompassing a significant portion of the world’s most popular books and TV shows.

PIA-unblocks-AmazonPrime

PIA has optimized servers to unblock Streaming platforms


Torrenting – How Good is PIA for Torrenting

Torrenting with Private Internet Access (PIA) is a secure endeavor, thanks to its robust encryption methods, ensuring data is protected and cannot be traced back to the originating device. The VPN supports torrenting on any of its servers, offering users the freedom to choose locations without limitations.

In addition to unrestricted server options, PIA provides a port forwarding feature that accelerates download speeds by allowing incoming connections to bypass the NAT firewall using which the torrenting cannot be tracked back to you. However, users should exercise caution with this feature, as it can pose additional security risks.

While PIA offers these advanced tools, it’s essential to note that the website lacks comprehensive support for users, reflecting the nuanced nature of P2P sharing.

Despite the minimal hand-holding, PIA stands out with its dedicated P2P tools, making it a viable option for torrenting, especially for users with expertise in maximizing the offered features. If you’re comfortable navigating the tools independently, PIA is a capable choice for a secure and versatile torrenting experience.


Device Compatibility -What Devices Can I Use Private Internet Access On

PIA supports a wide range of devices, including:

  • Desktop: Windows, macOS, Linux
  • Mobile: Android, iOS
  • Routers: Most retail routers, including ASUSWRT, MERLIN, and DD-WRT
  • Smart TVs: Some smart TVs, such as Samsung TVs with Tizen OS 2.2 or newer
  • Streaming devices: Some streaming devices, such as Amazon Fire TV and Roku
  • Game consoles: Some game consoles, such as PlayStation 4 and Xbox One

PIA also offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. These extensions allow you to connect to PIA’s VPN network directly from your web browser.

You’ll find decent support for a wide range of platforms on PIA, with mobile VPN apps for Android, and iOS, as well as routers. We installed the Windows version of the app on our computer and it worked fine.

The following table outlines the compatibility of Private Internet Access (PIA) with various device types and the corresponding app types available for each:

Device  App Type
Desktop Native app
Mobile Native app
Router Manual setup
Smart TV Native app
Streaming Device Native app
Game Console Native app
Web Browser Extension

This breakdown indicates the diverse range of devices that PIA supports, from traditional desktop and mobile platforms to routers, smart TVs, streaming devices, game consoles, and even web browsers.

The availability of native apps simplifies the setup process for many devices, while manual setup is required for routers. PIA offers browser extensions for users looking to enhance privacy directly within their web browsers

PIA on Windows

The PIA app swiftly installs, presenting a user-friendly client window. One tap on the ‘Connect’ button links you to the nearest server, while another disconnects. Check the status areas for connection info and view your original and new IP addresses.

PIA-on-Windows

PIA has an intuitive app for Windows users

The location picker in the client is exceptional, featuring countries and city-based locations with corresponding ping times. Sort the list by name or ping time, and easily find servers using the search box and favorites system. The app’s additional functionality is accessible through an arrow at the UI’s bottom, allowing customization of panels like ‘Quick Connect’ and performance graphs.

For added convenience, the Quick Connect and Quick Settings panels can be seamlessly integrated into the standard app display. Panel positions are customizable through a simple drag-and-drop mechanism. You can streamline the interface further by removing the location list if connecting to the nearest location is your primary use. PIA stands out by providing extensive customization options, making it a top choice for users seeking a tailored VPN experience.

PIA on MAC

PIA’s Mac app mirrors the sleek interface of its Windows counterpart. Even VPN novices can easily navigate it, by simply tapping the Connect button for the nearest server or selecting an alternative from the location list.

PIA-on-macOS

PIA offers a simple and attractive app for macOS

For those seeking advanced functionality specifically tailored to their Mac experience, We suggest referring to our detailed manual, ‘PIA on Mac,’ for guidance. It offers a range of powerful features. Users can benefit from a sortable location list, precise ping times, a favorites list for frequently used servers, and customizable interface options such as speed charts and a Snooze option to pause the VPN connection.

Delving into the Settings panel reveals an abundance of useful features, covering everything from theme selection and protocol preferences to startup connections. Mac users enjoy nearly all the advanced features available on Windows, including custom DNS settings, split tunneling, proxy support, Multi-Hop VPN, and a sophisticated rules-based system. While some options may require technical expertise, the app’s sensible defaults ensure a seamless experience for users of all levels.

PIA Android App

PIA’s Android VPN app has a conventional interface, featuring a clean layout with a large On/Off button, chosen region, and IP address. Swiping up reveals additional buttons, icons, and status details, including quick settings links for the kill switch and PIA’s Private Browser, along with flag icons for easy country access. Snooze options allow for automatic reconnection in 60 minutes, and connection status details cover protocol, encryption, and data usage.

PIA-on-Android

Android app of PIA has lots of options available

Despite its initially cluttered appearance, the app is highly customizable. Users can easily hide panels they don’t frequently use, tailoring the interface to their preferences. Tapping the current region opens a list of locations, each with latency figures and a favorite system for quick access. The app’s wealth of options includes WireGuard and OpenVPN support, auto-connect on Wi-Fi access, a kill switch, and even split tunneling.

With more options and settings than many desktop VPN clients, PIA’s Android app strikes a balance between power and ease of use. The inclusion of features like WireGuard and OpenVPN support, auto-connect preferences, and vibrating alerts for connection status enhances the overall user experience. Just like its desktop counterparts, PIA’s Android app is well-crafted and recommended for those seeking a robust yet user-friendly VPN solution.

PIA iOS App

PIA’s iOS app mirrors its Android counterpart with a sleek design, an intuitive location picker, and a customizable console. It offers diverse protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, allowing users to tailor their connections with options such as UDP/TCP, custom ports, preferred DNS, encryption controls, and a kill switch for enhanced online security.

PIA-on-iOS

PIA has a userfriendly app for iOS users

The app boasts an impressive array of settings uncommon for iOS, including an Automation pane for designating trusted networks and automating connections. iOS-specific features, such as Siri shortcut support and a Safari content blocker, further enhance its functionality. Overall, PIA’s iOS app stands out as a user-friendly and feature-rich VPN solution, making it a top choice for discerning Apple users.

With its stylish interface, versatile protocol options, and unique iOS features like Siri shortcuts, PIA’s iOS app outshines its competitors. The app’s extensive settings, automation capabilities, and content blocking in Safari make it a standout choice for Apple users seeking a high-quality and robust VPN experience.

PIA Browser Extension

The Private Internet Access apps are user-friendly, yet transitioning between regular apps and the VPN client remains inconvenient. To streamline the process, PIA’s browser extensions for Firefox and Opera enable a one-click VPN connection directly from the browser address bar. While this safeguards only browser traffic, the extensions simplify PIA usage without a learning curve, resembling the app interface.

PIA-Extensions

PIA offers easy-to-install extensions for all major browsers

The browser extensions feature a prominent ‘Connect’ button for quick access, seamlessly connecting to the nearest server. Despite offering a concise Favorites system for personalized location lists, it’s important to note that the extension covers approximately a third of the countries available in the full app. Notably absent from the extension are countries such as Austria, India, and the UAE.

PIA’s Bypass List, a split tunneling feature, allows users to specify websites exempt from VPN use, addressing potential connectivity issues. Additionally, PIA provides bonus privacy tools, preventing access to location, camera, and microphone data, along with thwarting WebRTC leaks and blocking various elements such as Flash, third-party cookies, and more.

While the extension offers simplicity with one-click connections, advanced users can delve into a plethora of settings, discovering an array of features surpassing many other VPN browser add-ons.


Customer Support – What Customer Support Does PIA Offer?

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides comprehensive customer support to assist users with any concerns or inquiries. Their support channels include a user-friendly knowledge base that houses a wealth of articles, tutorials, and FAQs covering a wide range of topics. This self-help resource is designed to empower users with information about installation, troubleshooting, PIA not working and general usage.

For more personalized assistance, PIA offers customer support through a ticketing system. Users can submit their specific queries or issues, and the support team responds with tailored solutions. The ticketing system allows for a more in-depth and individualized approach to problem-solving.

In addition to these channels, PIA also facilitates communication through a live chat feature, enabling users to engage in real-time conversations with support representatives. This direct interaction can be particularly helpful for resolving immediate concerns or obtaining clarification on complex issues.

Overall, PIA strives to offer a multi-faceted customer support system, combining self-help resources, ticket-based assistance, and live chat to cater to the diverse needs of its user base.


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FAQs – Private Internet Access VPN Review

Amazon Prime will prevent your VPN from connecting if the IP address Private Internet Access assigns you are located outside the appropriate broadcasting region. If you’re having trouble connecting to Amazon Prime while using Private Internet Access, removing your Cookie is a smart starting point.

If you want to access the US Netflix catalog from outside the country, Private Internet Access is a reliable VPN to use. Other well-known streaming services may also be accessed using the VPN service, including Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO Max.

Unless otherwise specified in this Privacy Statement, the Company will not and does not currently reveal, sell, rent, or transfer any user’s Personal Data to any third party.

Start by logging into your PIA control panel and go to the “Smart DNS Tab” and “Add New Device”

  • Choose your gadget from the menu.
  • Choose the server location from the options provided.
  • Get the IP address of your Smart DNS server. Start Utilizing Smart DNS

Follow these steps to configure PIA with Bittorent:

  • To access these settings, launch the VPN client and navigate to the “Settings” menu, where you may then pick the “Advanced” option.
  • There ought to be a menu item labeled “Port Forwarding” over on the right. Then, after making your selection, click “Enable” and “Save Preferences.”

The goal of PIA’s 50 Servers in 50 States initiative is to improve the quality of life and protect the privacy of Internet users across the United States. We plan to provide some sort of connection—virtual or physical—in each of the 50 states in the United States. With the addition of our server in the nation’s capital, we now have 51.

One Private Internet Access VPN account may support up to ten simultaneous connections, which is twice as many as the industry norm.

Yes! Using our NextGen server design, Private Internet Access is one of the fastest VPNs available, and our network of 84 countries means you can access a wide variety of otherwise inaccessible media, including games.

As far as virtual private networks (VPNs) go, ExpressVPN is your best bet if you want to use Facebook. However, those on a tighter budget may find that PIA is the best option.

All of PIA’s servers solely operate off of RAM, so any data stored on them is deleted once the server is restarted, in addition to PIA’s other usual security features like full DNS leak, a kill switch, and 256-bit AES encryption prevention.

Private Internet Access (PIA) lacks double VPN and Tor over VPN servers. Double VPN services have benefits like increased privacy and security.

With PIA’s new Network Automation feature, customers may set up PIA to automatically establish a VPN connection or disconnect if a predefined event does not occur. The configuration options for automating your network may be found in the program menu.

Private Internet Access (PIA) attempts to serve users in China by employing virtual servers physically situated outside the country, particularly in Hong Kong. This strategic use of virtual locations aims to navigate the challenges posed by the Great Firewall, allowing access to restricted sites like Facebook and YouTube.

However, PIA may face reliability issues in China as it lacks robust obfuscation technology, making it susceptible to detection by the Firewall, impacting its effectiveness in the region.

Private Internet Access (PIA) remains a trustworthy VPN choice, backed by robust security measures and a court-proven commitment to a no-logs policy. With additional features like an ad blocker, support for anonymous torrenting, and the largest server fleet globally, PIA continues to prioritize user privacy and security.

Private Internet Access (PIA) cannot guarantee complete anonymity, as nothing online is entirely untraceable. However, utilizing PIA’s VPN with a robust No Logs policy significantly enhances anonymity, making it more challenging to trace your online activities. While it adds a layer of privacy, users should remain aware that absolute anonymity is not achievable in the digital realm.


Bottom Line – DO We Recommend Private Internet Access VPN

PIA is a commendable VPN with a robust No Logs policy, bolstering user privacy and complicating online activity tracing. Its user-friendly browser extensions for Firefox and Opera offer one-click connections, but the limited country coverage is a consideration.

PIA’s bonus privacy tools, like ad and tracker blocking, add value and comprehensive customer support ensures assistance. Though absolute anonymity is elusive, PIA’s features make it a favorable choice for users prioritizing online privacy and security.

Our Private Internet Access VPN review explains why this VPN is a good choice with its No Logs policy and user-friendly browser extensions. Considerations include limited country coverage in extensions, but bonus privacy tools and comprehensive customer support add appeal. While complete online anonymity is challenging,

PIA stands as a strong contender for users seeking a balance of user-friendly features and privacy safeguards in a VPN service.

Compatible with device: Windows, Android, Apple, Desktop, Chrome, Firefox

One Response to Private Internet Access VPN Review 2023

  1. Mateo says:

    I see that it pia vpn is headquartered in United States. Does it really make a difference? Yes, it does. Because I have been using it since 3 months and whenever I browse the internet I am targeted with my original country’s ads. P.S: I never disconnect my vpn connection.

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