Quick Summary
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a veteran VPN provider that has been protecting users' privacy since 2010. It stands out with its fully open-source apps, allowing anyone to audit the code for security vulnerabilities. PIA's no-logs policy has been verified in court multiple times, making it one of the most trusted VPNs for privacy. With a massive network and highly customizable settings, it's a favorite among tech-savvy users.
Score Breakdown
What We Like
- ✓ Fully open-source VPN apps
- ✓ No-logs policy proven in court
- ✓ Huge server network (35,000+ servers)
- ✓ Highly customizable encryption settings
- ✓ Very affordable pricing
What Could Improve
- ✗ Interface can be overwhelming for beginners
- ✗ Based in the US (Five Eyes country)
- ✗ Streaming support is inconsistent
Features
PIA offers WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols with customizable encryption levels. MACE blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. Features include split tunneling, automated kill switch, port forwarding, and SOCKS5 proxy. The ability to choose between 128-bit and 256-bit encryption gives users control over the speed-security tradeoff.
Pricing
PIA's 3-year plan costs just $2.03/month, making it one of the cheapest premium VPNs. The annual plan is $3.33/month, and monthly pricing is $11.95. All plans include 30-day money-back guarantee and cover up to 10 simultaneous connections.
Usability
PIA's apps are functional but lean toward the technical side. The settings offer granular control over encryption protocols, DNS settings, and connection behavior. While not as polished as ExpressVPN or NordVPN, the interface is logical and well-organized. The Linux GUI app is a notable plus for open-source enthusiasts.
Key Specifications
| Starting Price | $2.03/mo |
| Free Version | No |
| Servers | 35,000+ |
| Countries | 84 |
| Simultaneous Connections | 10 |
| Platforms | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
Final Verdict
PIA is the ideal VPN for privacy purists and technically inclined users. Its open-source transparency, court-proven no-logs policy, and extensive customization options set it apart. While the US jurisdiction and sometimes inconsistent streaming support are drawbacks, the privacy credentials and value proposition are hard to beat.