Private Internet Access Review: 10 Gbps Speeds, Open-Source, But US-Based
7.2Good
Open-source and feature-rich, but US jurisdiction and Kape ownership are real concerns.
✓Best for: Power users who want open-source apps and granular control ✗Not for: Users concerned about 5-Eyes jurisdiction or Kape Technologies ownership
Private Internet Access VPN is a high-speed, low-cost option with a range of secure features and benefits.
Using 100% open-source apps and RAM-only servers, with an independently verified no-logs policy and a semi-annual transparency report, Private Internet Access has worked hard to prove its commitment to being a trustworthy VPN provider. Is it a practical VPN?
We examined its features, pricing, performance, its privacy policy, and more.
✓Kill switch·✓Split tunneling·✓ Dedicated IP ($5.00/mo) ·✓ Open source
✓ What we like
✓ 100% open-source VPN apps
✓ Fast network speeds of 10 Gbps
✓ 100% RAM-only servers in all 50 US states
✓ Built-in ad blocking
✓ Dedicated IP address (available as an add-on)
✗ What could be better
✗ Based in a Five Eyes country
✗ Complicated manual installation for routers
✗ Additional cost for antivirus features
Best for: Torrenting power users - port forwarding support, SOCKS5 proxy, and no bandwidth limits on dedicated P2P servers
Not ideal for: Users concerned about parent company reputation - PIA is owned by Kape Technologies
📊Key Stats
Private Internet Access by the Numbers
Our Take
Servers across 90 countries with unlimited simultaneous connections. PIA doesn't disclose exact server counts, but the network is extensive. 100% RAM-only servers across all 50 US states give American users excellent domestic coverage.
Private Internet Access Feature Scores
Scored across 5 dimensions we test
Private Internet Access Market Average (29 VPN providers)
How we score
Speed
Based on our speed testing: Very Fast = 9, Fast = 7, Moderate = 5, Slow = 3.
Coverage
Number of countries with servers: 100+ = 10, 60+ = 9, 45+ = 7, 30+ = 5, 15+ = 3.
Value
Best available monthly price (inverted): $2/month = 10, $5 = 6, $10+ = 3.
PIA's 2-year plan is among the cheapest premium VPNs available. The base plan covers everything most users need. Dedicated IP and antivirus are available as paid add-ons. Good value if you don't need the add-ons.
Private Internet Access offers three different VPN subscription lengths:
1-month plan – $11.95/month
3-year plan (+ 3 months free) – $2.03/month, billed instantly at $79 per three years
1-year plan – $3.33/month, billed instantly at $39.95 per year
All Private Internet Access VPN subscription lengths provide the same features, regardless of which you choose. This includes unlimited simultaneous connections and its in-built ad blocker.
For additional fees, you can choose to add Private Internet Access’s antivirus and/or a dedicated IP address as extras. The price of these is also dependent on how long you choose to subscribe for (and this can be a different length to the VPN plan you choose).
Free Trial
Private Internet Access offers a free seven-day trial for iPhones and Android phones through their respective mobile and iOS apps. The trial can only be used on your mobile device.
You will need to download the relevant app for your device, from either the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Money-Back Guarantee
Private Internet Access offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for all its subscriptions (within the first 30 days of the last payment). This has to be done by submitting a support ticket on Private Internet Access’s website or by email to [email protected].
You will need to provide both:
the email address you entered during account registration.
the Private Internet Access Order number (found in your payment confirmation email).
74+ retail gift card brands accepted (Target, Walmart, Best Buy + 71 more) via PayGarden. No refunds on gift card payments.
Availability may vary by region. Last verified March 2026.
📺Streaming
Streaming TV & Movies With Private Internet Access
Our Take
PIA unblocks Netflix US and several other streaming platforms, but isn't as consistent as the top-tier streaming VPNs. No Smart DNS feature, which limits options on devices that can't install apps.
Private Internet Access VPN provides full access to well-known streaming services.
It can sometimes be difficult to access streaming sites via a VPN, as they are often blocked. However, Private Internet Access has dedicated server locations designed exclusively to bypass these blocks, so you can stream while continuing to use a VPN for privacy and security.
And with speeds well over the 15Mbps that Netflix recommends for 4K streaming, you should experience streaming with no buffering.
Private Internet Access is compatible with all major devices and platforms, such as:
Private Internet Access Streaming Compatibility
Service
Last Tested
Source
✓ Netflix (US)
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due)
PIA confirmed
✓ Netflix (UK)
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due)
PIA confirmed
✓ Amazon Prime Video
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due)
PIA confirmed
✓ Disney+
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due)
PIA confirmed
✓ Hulu
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due)
PIA confirmed
✓ HBO Max
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due)
PIA confirmed
✓ Paramount+
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due)
PIA confirmed
✓ Peacock
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due)
PIA confirmed
✓ Apple TV+
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due)
PIA confirmed
✓ BBC iPlayer
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due)
PIA confirmed
✓ ESPN+
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due)
PIA confirmed
✓ YouTube TV
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due)
PIA confirmed
? DAZN
Re-test scheduled
Not yet independently tested
✓ Sling TV
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due)
PIA confirmed
✓ Fubo
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due)
PIA confirmed
✓ DirecTV Stream
28 Mar 2026 (re-test due)
PIA confirmed
? Crunchyroll
Re-test scheduled
Not yet independently tested
Streaming compatibility tested by VPNTesting.com. Results may vary by server and region.
Mobile and Desktop Apps
Private Internet Access has apps for almost every platform it’s compatible with. You’ll need to check your system requirements though, which are shown below.
All of Private Internet Access’s apps come with a built-in ad blocker, called “MACE” (see more below in the “Features” section). This is included with the VPN subscription, so you won’t have to pay extra.
Ease of Use
Once you have a Private Internet Access subscription, you can access its VPN services via an app, regardless of what platform or device you’re using. The app is simple to use, with a clear interface and easy-to-access options.
The apps are also very similar to each other, so you should be able to easily switch devices without having to relearn all the VPN settings.
And if you want to use Private Internet Access’s advanced features and controls, it has a comprehensive guide on its website support pages which walks you through them all.
30daysMoney-back guarantee - cancel anytime, no questions asked.
Streaming on TV & Other Devices
Here are some of the streaming devices that are compatible with Private Internet Access VPN:
Smart TVs and Amazon Fire TV
Private Internet Access doesn’t have dedicated apps for smart TVs. Instead, it has a Smart DNS feature that can be used for smart TVs and other devices that might be incompatible with VPN apps.
Smart DNS is a VPN alternative that lets you change your virtual location directly through your TV, without rerouting your traffic or encrypting your data. As a result, your connection speed remains unaffected.
Smart DNS can be used on most smart TVs and devices, including Apple TV, LG Smart TV, Samsung TV, and Roku TV.
It can also be used on the following Amazon Fire TV devices:
Xbox & PlayStation
Using a VPN while gaming creates a secure and private connection between your gaming device and the internet.
This prevents other players from being able to hit you with DDoS attacks (when someone purposefully overloads your server to disrupt or crash your game). It also stops your internet service provider from restricting your bandwidth when it sees you connecting to gaming sites.
Private Internet Access doesn’t have a dedicated app for individual gaming consoles. You’ll need to install the VPN on your router, and then any connected consoles (even via Wi-Fi) will automatically be protected. This includes:
⚡Speed
Performance & Speed
Our Take
WireGuard and OpenVPN both available with competitive speeds. 10Gbps server infrastructure keeps performance strong. Not the fastest, but solidly mid-to-upper range across most server locations.
Buffering
Streaming content online uses a lot of data – you need a fast internet connection speed to keep up, otherwise, your video will lag and pause to catch up (known as buffering).
Private Internet Access has “next-generation” VPN servers that have been optimized for 10Gbps connection speeds. To put this in perspective, it’s generally accepted that you’ll need around 0.025Gbps speeds for HD streaming – so Private Internet Access offers 400 times that!
VPNs can sometimes slow down your internet connection because they’re encrypting your data and rerouting your traffic through another server. But Private Internet Access offers a Smart DNS setting, which claims your speed won’t be affected and you receive buffer-free streaming.
In addition, Private Internet Access offers WireGuard as an encryption protocol. As one of the newest available, Wireguard is believed to be one of the fastest.
Bandwidth
Private Internet Access offers unlimited bandwidth with no data restrictions. This means you can stream as much as you like without any speed reduction.
The service also mitigates bandwidth throttling. This is when some internet service providers (ISPs) slow down activities like streaming to encourage users to upgrade to higher-paid plans. But by hiding your activity with a VPN encryption, Private Internet Access ensures its users continue to receive high-speed streaming and download speeds.
Internet speeds usually decrease when using a VPN, since your traffic is having to be directed through a secure server in another location. Generally, the closer you are to the server location, the less the decrease in speed is likely to be since your data has less of a distance to travel.
Private Internet Access has servers across 90 countries in Europe, Asia Pacific, Central Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas – including in every US state. This means you should never be too far away from one.
By default, the Private Internet Access VPN app will connect you to the fastest server available for you.
The following shows speed tests that were run on different servers, to see how the VPN performed at popular locations.
Speed results without VPN
Atlanta, United States
The United States server ping went up by 788.24%. Download decreased by -34.05% and upload by -62.58%.
London, United Kingdom
The United Kingdom server ping went up by 291.18%. Download decreased by -85.61% and upload by -96.32%.
Tokyo, Japan
Japan’s server ping went up by 211.76%. Download decreased by -42.63% and upload by -6.37%.
Ping is another word for latency, which is the time it takes for data to pass from one point on a network to another. You want your ping (or latency) to be as low as possible.
Download speed refers to how quickly digital information passes from the internet to your computer or device. You want your download speed to be as fast as possible.
🔒Privacy
Privacy & Security
Our Take
USA jurisdiction (Five Eyes) is the elephant in the room. However, PIA's no-logs claim has been tested in court twice - subpoenaed by the FBI and DoJ, and produced no user data either time. 100% open-source apps let anyone verify the code. The Kape Technologies ownership adds complexity.
🔒Private Internet Access's privacy promise
PIA absolutely does not keep any logs of any kind. We firmly believe that it is wrong for a VPN provider to log or store any data.
Last checked: 06/04/2026 · 0 changes detected since 29/03/2026
✓ No policy changes detected since monitoring began (29/03/2026)
No-Logs Policy
Private Internet Access never collects or stores your data. Its VPN service maintains a strict no-logs policy, which has been reviewed in an independent audit and proven twice in court – making PIA one of only four providers whose no-logs claims have been verified under adversarial conditions.
Its privacy policy states that the only pieces of information collected from VPN users are:
an email address, for account management and protection from abuse.
payment data as required by our third-party payment processors (but Private Internet Access notes it doesn’t know or save your full credit card details).
state or territory and zip code for tax analysis.
Private Internet Access will also collect non-personal data needed for product delivery and optimization (server uptime, global number of users, bandwidth capacity, etc), but this is not associated with or linked to any personal data and does not allow for the identification of any person.
Encryption
VPN Protocol
Encryption
Open Source
Windows
macOS
iOS
Android
Linux
WireGuard
ChaCha20-Poly1305
Yes
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
OpenVPN (UDP)
AES-128-GCM
Yes
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
OpenVPN (TCP)
AES-128-GCM
Yes
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
Open-Source Client
✓
✓
✓
✓
✓
The encryption cipher protects your traffic in transit. All ciphers listed here are considered secure by current standards. Open source protocols can be independently audited. The default protocol is what the app uses unless you change it.
VPNs maintain your privacy by hiding your activities, data, and identity through encryption – which, simply put, is the practice of turning normal text into a ciphertext no one can read. Private Internet Access offers its users the choice of 128-bit or 256-bit AES as encryption ciphers.
Both are two of the most secure encryption algorithms in the world, used by other big-name VPN providers like Surfshark and NordVPN. AES-256 is more secure than AES-128, but it requires higher performance requirements and more system resources, so it’ll likely be slower.
Private Internet Access also offers three kinds of protocols: Wireguard and OpenVPN, plus IPsec on iOS. Protocols determine how data will be moved and encrypted over a VPN.
Wireguard and OpenVPN are both open-source protocols, which means anyone can view, audit, and enhance them, making them more secure. Wireguard is newer and lighter, so should be faster, while OpenVPN has a trusted reputation from years of secure performance.
For an even greater level of security, Private Internet Access will let you route your VPN connection through another, additional server location. These are known as proxy servers, with Private Internet Access providing either Shadowsocks or SOCKS5 connections – both secure and popular choices.
By default, Private Internet Access will automatically select the best encryption settings to secure your data, so you don’t need to worry about it. But if you do want to, all of these options can be changed to your preferred choice through the app.
Transparency Reports
Private Internet Access releases a twice-yearly report summarizing recent requests made to their legal department. However, Private Internet Access states it has “nothing to share in response to these inquiries thanks to our ironclad no-logs policy.”
VPNs are mainly used to ensure privacy and safety when using the internet. Private Internet Access VPN provides this by:
VPN Server Technology
All of Private Internet Access’s servers are 100% RAM only. RAM-only servers are more secure as no information can physically be taken from them (should any malicious third-party gain access to them), and all of your session data is deleted on every reboot.
The Private Internet Access VPN app will automatically connect you to the fastest server, which is likely to be the one closest to you. This is why VPN providers need to have servers in many locations. However, you can switch to any server you’d like by simply choosing it in the app.
Regardless of which one you choose, all of Private Internet Access’s servers are equipped with 10 Gbps connection speeds and offer unlimited bandwidth. This is more than enough for the most speed-dependent online activities, such as streaming and gaming.
⚙️Features
What Features Does Private Internet Access Offer?
Our Take
The only major VPN with 100% open-source apps. Built-in MACE ad blocker, split tunneling, port forwarding, and SOCKS5 proxy support. The most configurable VPN app available - you can adjust encryption strength, handshake methods, and DNS settings.
Private Internet Access Feature Comparison
Kill Switch✓
Split Tunneling✓
Dedicated IP✓ ($5.00/mo)
Multihop (Double VPN)✗
Ad/Tracker Blocker✗
Open-Source Client✓
Warrant Canary✗
P2P/Torrenting✓
Tor/Onion Support✓
Smart DNS✗
Obfuscated Servers✗
2FA/MFA✓
Post-Quantum Encryption✗
Custom DNS✓ (MACE)
Developer Tools✗
Simultaneous DevicesUnlimited
What Unique Features Does Private Internet Access Offer?
Having been around since 2010, Private Internet Access has amassed and developed an extensive collection of features, all of which you’d expect from a high-performing VPN provider, plus a few extras. These include:
Simultaneous Connections
A single subscription with Private Internet Access allows unlimited devices to connect to the VPN at the same time, making it a great choice for families.
Open-Source VPN Apps
Private Internet Access offers 100% open-source VPN apps, which means its code is publicly available – anyone can analyze or scrutinize it to verify that the VPN is acting as it says.
An open-sourced code also reduces the risk of vulnerabilities, making Private Internet Access’s service safer.
Dedicated IP Address
When using a VPN, your IP address will change, resulting in some sites thinking you’re a bot, or triggering security warnings and account restrictions. To prevent this, Private Internet Access gives you the option of a dedicated IP address that only you have access to.
A dedicated IP address is unique and anonymous – no one else can access or associate you as the owner of the IP, but it enables a more consistent web browsing experience with fewer interruptions.
Private Internet Access’s dedicated IP address is a premium add-on though, with an additional cost.
Port Forwarding
Port forwarding lets you decide which online channel your internet traffic should use. This can help your traffic move more efficiently (meaning you experience less lag while gaming or streaming). You can also use it to set up your gaming servers to play with friends.
Private Internet Access has a setting to configure port forwarding in its desktop and mobile apps.
Kill Switch
If your VPN connection unexpectedly disconnects, Private Internet Access will automatically cut you off from the internet to prevent any information from being leaked. This can be turned on and off in the app’s settings.
Multi-Hop
Using a multi-hop setting will route your VPN connection through an additional server location, to further obscure the origin of your connection. Private Internet Access provides either Shadowsocks or SOCKS5 proxy servers for this, which you can choose in settings.
Built-in Ad Blocking
Private Internet Access blocks ads, trackers, and malicious websites with its included “MACE” feature. This helps to:
get rid of pop-ups.
prevent advertisers and cyber criminals from tracking you.
block sites containing malware or phishing scams.
improve battery life (as ads and trackers take up system resources).
browse faster while using less data (as ads and trackers take up bandwidth).
Defense Against Malware
Malware is software (like a program or file) that is harmful to your computer and could be used by scammers to steal your data. It’s most commonly acquired by accidentally clicking on infected links or files.
Private Internet Access’s in-built ad blocker (called “MACE”) finds and blocks malicious websites that infect your device with malware at a DNS level. While VPNs can’t always help against malware (as they can’t prevent you from opening links or making downloads), DNS-level blocking prevents you from even being able to access sites where this could occur.
For added protection, you can also add “Antivirus by PIA” for an extra cost. This provides additional security features that scan and protect your device from online attacks 24/7, fix any vulnerabilities on your system, and isolate dangerous files to prevent them from spreading.
Controversies
Over the last few years, concerns have been raised about Private Internet Access’s security and trustworthiness. This has stemmed from two key areas: its country of registration and the company that owns it.
Based in a Five Eyes Country
Private Internet Access is located in the US, which is a member of the Five Eyes jurisdiction. This means it is subject to mass surveillance and intelligence-sharing agreements between all Five Eyes members (US, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada). Citizens within these countries have their online activities monitored, tracked, and shared to help protect national security.
Private Internet Access (and other VPN providers based within the Five Eyes) argue that their stringent practices, like a strict no-logs policy, mean they have no data to hand over. However, history has shown that Five Eyes governments and intelligence agencies have considerable power in pressing companies to record and provide data.
Due to this, users looking for the best VPN are often advised to choose a provider based outside of the Five Eyes.
Kape Technologies
Private Internet Access was bought by Kape Technologies in 2019. Kape Technologies is a UK-based company originally called Crossrider, which produced malware and adware software, founded by an ex-Israeli surveillance agent and a billionaire previously convicted of insider trading.
Crossrider’s transition to Kape signified the company’s change into cybersecurity. However, it continued to use products with questionable reputations and uses (such as Reimage).
Today, Private Internet Access maintains that it’s a trustworthy service, and demonstrates this with its semi-annual transparency reports, open-source protocols, and RAM-only servers.
In 2022, an independent audit by third-party Deloitte found Private Internet Access’s no-logs policy to be true, and that its VPN servers were not designed to identify users or pinpoint their activities.
Split Tunneling
Some programs or websites won’t work well with VPNs.
To get around this, Private Internet Access has a feature called split tunneling. This allows you to choose which information uses the VPN connection (and is therefore encrypted) and which can be transmitted via the standard internet.
Private Internet Access’s split tunneling is easy to use on its app. You simply add applications or websites to a list that you want to bypass the VPN, like music providers (to make them faster) or banking sites (if they need to verify your real location), while everything else remains protected.
VPN Protocols
Private Internet Access uses WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, plus IPsec on iOS.
WireGuard is a relatively new protocol, made up of a fraction of the code as previous protocols. This makes it faster, more secure, and easier to update.
For those who prefer the reliability of a protocol that’s been the industry standard for more than two decades, OpenVPN offers an equally secure alternative.
📱Devices
Which Apps & Devices Are Supported?
Our Take
Apps on all major platforms with deep customization options. The desktop app is powerful but can overwhelm beginners. Unlimited connections means every device in your household is covered. Router setup requires manual configuration.
Private Internet Access VPN is available in various locations and can be accessed from their official website with instructions on how to install it.
How to Install Private Internet Access
Once you’ve purchased a Private Internet Access VPN subscription, its official website has individual download pages for each compatible platform. All you need to do is select your device or software, click “download”, and the installer will take it from there.
For gaming consoles and smart TVs, Private Internet Access has to be installed on your router. This is a little more complicated, as you’ll have to manually download the file and configure the router to support the VPN. Private Internet Access’s Support Portal on its website has a walkthrough guide on how to do this.
Alternatively, you can purchase a FlashRouter that has Private Internet Access already preconfigured – you can just plug and play.
🖥️Server Map
VPN Server Locations
Our Take
90 countries with strong US coverage (all 50 states). All servers are RAM-only. The network is well-maintained, though exact server counts aren't published. International coverage is solid but not industry-leading.
Private-internet-access has servers in
88 countries
across 6 continents.
Last updated: 29/03/2026
Private Internet Access has servers in 90 countries across six continents and most major cities throughout the world. This includes:
Frankfurt, Germany
Berlin, Germany
Madrid, Spain
Valencia, Spain
Manchester, UK
London, UK
Southampton, UK
Melbourne, Australia
Sydney, Australia
Perth, Australia
Brisbane, Australia
Adelaide, Australia
Ontario, Canada
Vancouver, Canada
Toronto, Canada
Montreal, Canada
Private Internet Access says it is optimized for use in the US, with servers located in all 50 states. This includes (but is not an exhaustive list):
Chicago
New York
Dallas
Los Angeles
Seattle
Washington DC
Las Vegas
Houston
Atlanta
Miami
Denver
Baltimore
Honolulu
Salt Lake City
Nashville
New Orleans
Boston
Indianapolis
Detroit
Philadelphia
The Private Internet Access official website has a complete list of the cities and countries where it has active servers.
💬Support
Customer Support
Our Take
24/7 live chat and email support. Response quality varies. The knowledge base is comprehensive. Phone support not available.
Private Internet Access provides 24/7 support via live chat, or you can submit a help ticket via email and one of Private Internet Access’s agents will respond as soon as possible.
If you don’t want to speak to someone at Private Internet Access, the website has a Support Portal, containing step-by-step guides, a comprehensive knowledgebase (FAQs), and a community forum where users can make requests and suggestions. There’s also a news section where any service announcements are made.
While some other VPN providers update their help pages more regularly (such as Surfshark), most of the information on Private Internet Access’s Support Portal had been checked within the last year.
🚫Not For
Who Isn’t Private Internet Access Right For?
Based on our testing and research:
5-Eyes jurisdiction (USA) – PIA is incorporated in the United States, a founding member of the 5-Eyes intelligence-sharing alliance. The US lacks a comprehensive privacy law preventing authorities from compelling data disclosure. PIA has a court-verified no-logs policy, but jurisdiction remains a relevant risk factor for high-sensitivity use cases.
Corporate ownership – PIA is owned by Kape Technologies, which also owns ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. Kape was formerly Crossrider, a company with a documented adware distribution history. The same parent company now controls three major VPN brands.
Corporate consolidation – ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and PIA are all Kape products. Users who want a genuinely independent provider should consider Proton VPN, Mullvad, or IVPN – none of which are owned by a larger media or tech holding company.
US government subpoena risk – Despite a proven no-logs policy (PIA twice produced no usable data in US court cases), the jurisdiction means any future policy change, ownership change, or government order could alter the risk profile. Swiss-based Proton VPN or Panama-based NordVPN face materially different legal frameworks.
PIA is the power user's VPN: open-source, deeply configurable, unlimited devices, and court-tested privacy claims. The US jurisdiction and Kape ownership are the trade-offs. If transparency and control matter more than jurisdiction, PIA delivers.
Based on our hands-on testing and data analysis, here is our overall assessment of Private Internet Access.
:methodology-blurb:
❓FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Private Internet Access a good VPN?
Yes. Private Internet Access uses some of the fastest and most secure encryption protocols for online privacy, has 100% RAM-only servers across six continents, and has lightning-fast network speeds of 10 Gbps.
It also has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently verified, plus DNS-level malware blockers to protect your device. It works on almost every platform available, using 100% open-source apps, and can support up to Unlimited connections simultaneously.
Who owns Private Internet Access VPN?
Who Owns Private Internet Access?
Kape TechnologiesIsle of Man / UKLSE: KAPE
Kape Technologies PLC
Private Internet Access was acquired Nov 2019.
Deal value: $126M.
Private Internet Access was founded in 2010 under the parent company London Trust Media Inc., located in the United States. In 2019, it was acquired by Kape Technologies, a UK-based digital security software provider that also owns ExpressVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and ZenMate VPN. As part of its commitment to transparency, Private Internet Access operates under a strict no-logs policy and releases a transparency report twice a year. Its range of apps are all 100% open source, utilizing a global network of 100% RAM-only servers across 90 countries.
Is PIA VPN free?
No, Private Internet Access is not free. It does offer a seven-day free trial for its mobile apps (iOS and Android) and has a 30-day money-back guarantee for all of its plans, so you can download and try it out risk-free.
Free VPN apps are usually untrustworthy and unreliable. They often have to use inadequate system infrastructures that will likely provide slow speeds and can leave you vulnerable to cyber-attacks.
What does PIA VPN do?
Private Internet Access VPN is a downloadable service that allows users to securely connect to the internet through an encrypted tunnel. This provides users with anonymity and privacy by masking their IP addresses and encrypting their online activity, making it difficult for anyone, such as advertisers or hackers, to track and monitor their data or browser traffic. Private Internet Access also offers additional features such as ad-blocking, malware protection, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions.
How do I use Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN?
To use Private Internet Access VPN, you simply need to download the app for your device from Private Internet Access’s website. Once installed, all you need to do is log in and click connect, and the app will automatically find the fastest server available for you.
When the VPN is active, your IP address and online activity are encrypted, meaning you’re completely anonymous and can’t be tracked online.
What is the difference between PIA VPN and a proxy?
Both a VPN and a proxy will mask your identity by rerouting your online traffic through a remote server, but a VPN tunnel also encrypts user data to make it more secure. This means that, while a proxy will hide your internet activity, it’s still open to being attacked and your private data being stolen.
Private Internet Access VPN will let you use proxy servers like Shadowsocks and SOCKS5 as additional privacy protection, by routing your VPN connection through another server location to further obscure the origin of your connection.
What are the benefits of Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access offers a low-cost plan for industry-standard encryption protocols, a strict no-logs policy, fast connection speeds, 100% RAM-only servers, an in-built ad tracker, and the option to have a dedicated IP address. It has a simple-to-use app and compatibility on almost all platforms, with the ability to connect up to Unlimited devices at a time, and you can buy a router pre-configured with Private Internet Access VPN so you don’t have to manually install it.
What is PIA VPN best for?
Private Internet Access VPN is best for online activities like streaming and gaming – actions that require fast connection speeds and protection but don’t involve highly sensitive data. It’s also ideal for users based in the US who don’t need to bypass geo-restrictions, as Private Internet Access’s network is optimized for use in the US by having servers in every state.
Our Verdict: The Private Internet Access Review
7.2/ 10Good
Open-source and feature-rich, but US jurisdiction and Kape ownership are real concerns.
✓
Best for:
Power users who want open-source apps and granular control
✗
Not for:
Users concerned about 5-Eyes jurisdiction or Kape Technologies ownership
Exceptional - best in class, no significant weaknesses
8 - 8.9
Excellent - highly recommended with minor trade-offs
7 - 7.9
Good - solid choice for most users
6 - 6.9
Adequate - works but has notable limitations
5 - 5.9
Below average - consider alternatives
Below 5
Not recommended
Update history
This page was revised 13 times between June 2021 and April 2026.
Added corporate structure references with links to ownership records.
Money-back guarantee references now pull from verified hub data.
Corrected device limit to unlimited – PIA removed device caps and now allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
Added open-source protocol breakdown (WireGuard, OpenVPN) with per-platform availability, 15-coin BitPay crypto payment options, and all-50-states server coverage matrix.
Added overview section with pros/cons table, VPN specifications table, streaming compatibility details, and buffering explanation to establish PIA\\\\\\\'s key features and performance metrics.
Corrected incomplete sentence about Netflix streaming speeds and removed trailing artifact text.
Fixed typo and corrected spacing issues throughout the article.
Corrected 2 spelling errors and fixed formatting in router compatibility cell.
Corrected spelling error and fixed incomplete list item for BBC iPlayer.
Corrected spelling and fixed typo in supported platforms.
Added image caption, overview section with pros/cons list, detailed specifications table, and streaming compatibility guide.
Corrected \\\\\\\"14 eyes\\\\\\\" to \\\\\\\"5 Eyes\\\\\\\" jurisdiction references and fixed terminology inconsistencies throughout the Privacy section.
Removed outdated 2018 references, updated parent company information, and corrected multiple grammar issues throughout the article.
Run our independent leak test while connected to your VPN and see the results for yourself.
We check for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks in under 30 seconds. Every test adds to our public dataset.
Our testing process involves purchasing each VPN with our own money and installing it on Windows, macOS, and mobile devices. We run a three-stage leak test (IP, DNS, and WebRTC) multiple times across different servers to check for data exposure.
We also test streaming access, kill switch reliability, and split tunneling functionality. All testing is conducted without notifying the provider. Specifications and pricing are verified directly from the provider's website.
