Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN Review 2024

Often praised as one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, Private Internet Access (PIA) stands out not just for its price but also for its extensive features. PIA provides strong privacy protections and excellent support for streaming and torrenting, making it a reliable choice for many users. During my research, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that PIA’s apps are completely open-source, a rarity among VPN providers. This level of transparency is only matched by a few other VPNs in the industry.

In my detailed review of Private Internet Access VPN, I thoroughly examined several critical aspects to determine its quality. I evaluated its safety and security features by analyzing encryption protocols and running tests for DNS and IP leaks. Additionally, I conducted numerous speed tests across different servers to assess performance. To gauge its streaming capabilities, I tested its ability to unblock services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. Finally, I looked into its open-source nature, which is a rare feature among VPNs. 

Keep reading to find out if Private Internet Access is worth your investment or if you should consider other options.

Private Internet Access overview

Best PIA alternatives

1. NordVPN

   Best Atlas VPN alternative of all time
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Cheap and fast alternative for Atlas VPN
   9.5

Private Internet Access VPN review – key takeaways

Private Internet Access VPN stands out as an affordable yet feature-rich service. It offers competitive pricing starting at $2.03/month per month for a three-year subscription. Despite its low cost, it boasts reliable performance with 29300 10-Gbps servers across 90 countries, providing fast and stable connections suitable for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

In terms of privacy and security, PIA excels with strong encryption options, a strict no-logs policy audited by Deloitte, and open-source software for transparency. RAM-only servers further enhance security, while features like split tunneling and ad blocking offer additional customization and protection. For streaming and torrenting, PIA effectively bypasses geo-restrictions on platforms like Netflix and Hulu, ensuring smooth experiences without compromising speed or security.

Private Internet Access speed test

After testing PIA speed with my in-house speed test tool, I found that PIA isn’t ideal for more demanding jobs, such as uploading large videos to YouTube or hardcore gaming. Although, at the same time it works well for casual use like streaming videos and web browsing. Generally, the fastest speeds are achieved when you connect to a VPN server closest to your location. Personally, I experienced the highest speeds when connecting to the US East server from New Jersey, while speeds decreased when connecting to servers in more distant countries like Japan or Germany.

Speed Test Results by Country

For testing with different devices and tunneling protocols, I got varied results. Using the WireGuard protocol, the speeds on both my Windows and Mac computers were significantly higher compared to using the OpenVPN protocol.

Speed Test Results by Protocol

When I tested it, streaming Netflix on my MacOS with the WireGuard protocol was smooth and buffer-free. Speeds were well above Netflix’s recommended minimum of 15 Mbps for a single 4K video stream. However, the performance dipped slightly when using OpenVPN, with occasional buffering during peak times.

In conclusion, the speed you experience with PIA will also depend heavily on your internet connection. If your baseline internet speed is slower, the VPN speed will proportionally decrease. For streaming services, platforms typically recommend specific speeds, which is worth checking based on your needs for streaming beforehand. Overall, while PIA may not be the top choice for speed-intensive tasks, it offers adequate performance for everyday online activities.

PIA servers

Private Internet Access VPN used to show exactly how many servers they have across the globe. Sadly there’s no information about it anywhere on the website, and the support couldn’t provide an estimate when I contacted them for answers.

What I know based on my research is there are a lot of them, primarily located in the US. As for the overall globe coverage, PIA VPN covers an impressive number of countries – 90 countries across all continents.

When comparing PIA to other VPN providers, PIA’s coverage surpasses that of IPVanish, which has servers in approximately 51 countries, and ProtonVPN, which covers around 110 countries. However, it lags behind NordVPN, which boasts servers in 118 countries. This makes PIA a strong contender in terms of server distribution, although not the leader. 

So to sum it up, PIA VPN offers extensive server coverage in Europe and North America, providing users in these regions with ample options for secure and reliable connections.

However, if you’re located in Asia, Africa or South America you may encounter fewer server choices, as the provider’s presence in these areas is comparatively limited. While the service spans across various countries globally, the concentration of servers is notably higher in Europe and North America. This discrepancy in server distribution implies that users in these regions may experience more optimal performance and accessibility compared to those in other parts of the world.

Most of the hardware is bare-metal, meaning they are located in the country you can connect to. What’s left is virtual, in regions where having physical hardware could be dangerous due to data retention laws, like e.g. India.

You can either connect to: 

• Standard servers – great for regular online activities, like browsing and gaming
• Streaming-optimized servers – located in the US, Japan, UK, Denmark, Sweden and Italy

What’s more, the infrastructure is slowly being upgraded to 20 Gbps servers. It is excellent news for those seeking reliable performance. Even with increased traffic on the overall network, your speeds technically shouldn’t be dropping below average. In my experience, the upgrade to 10 Gbps servers already made a noticeable difference. 

When I tested PIA’s performance, I experienced significantly faster speeds, especially during peak usage times. For instance, streaming 4K videos on Netflix and YouTube was smooth and buffer-free, even on a US East server. This upgrade ensures that PIA can handle high traffic without compromising speed, making it a reliable option for users seeking consistent performance.

PIA VPN price overview

Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN is considered one of the cheapest VPN services available on the market. Most competitors charge nearly double the price, making PIA a highly cost-effective option. PIA’s most affordable plan costs $2.03/month per month when subscribed to a three-year package, compared to other providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, which often range from $8 to $12 per month for similar long-term plans.

However, while the 3-years + 4 months plan offers significant savings, it may not always be the best choice. Over extended periods, your initially fast and secure VPN could suffer from speed degradation, potential data breaches, or even acquisition by less reputable companies.

Therefore, it might be more prudent to choose shorter subscription periods to retain flexibility and adapt to changing VPN market conditions. To compare, ExpressVPN’s one-year plan is $4.99, and NordVPN’s is $4.59, both of which are more expensive than PIA but may offer different advantages in terms of features and reliability.

All subscriptions come with the same features promised on the package. I’m talking about Unlimited simultaneous connections, standard VPN security tools, the Email Breach Scanner, Boxcryptor license, etc. Everything is protected with the 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a refund if the service doesn’t meet your expectations.

You can also add two premium add-ons for an extra cost:

• PIA Antivirus – real-time protection for $2.00/month for 1 year
• Dedicated IP – for $4.25/month for 1 year

Taking advantage of various PIA coupon codes could potentially net you a better deal. For example, some offer 83% discounts.

Better yet, Private Internet Access finally offers a 7-day free trial for mobile app if you’re interested in testing the service before committing.

The payment options include standard, widely-used methods, and more private ones if you want to keep the purchase a secret, so to say. Selections usually tend to vary from country to country, but you can generally pay with:

• Credit Card
• PayPal
• Amazon
• Google Play (through the Android app only)
• Apple/iTunes
• Crypto (Bitcoin, BitPay, Etherum, Litecoin)
• Paygarden (Supported US Gift Cards)
• Prepaid Visa/Mastercard

Overall, PIA VPN offers subscriptions for a pretty low price. While the service isn’t fully spectacular compared to competitors like NordVPN, it gets the job done.

PIA VPN app performance 

With apps for various operating systems, PIA supports nearly every device you can think of, including Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android/Android TV, iOS/iPadOS, Fire TV, routers, and browsers. You can cover such devices as Smart TVs and Xbox & PlayStation gaming consoles by utilizing the Smart DNS feature as well. 

I tested PIA VPN on my Windows laptop and found the app to be user-friendly and reliable. Additionally, PIA supports devices such as Smart TVs and gaming consoles like Xbox and PlayStation through its Smart DNS feature, expanding its versatility. While PIA VPN does not currently offer a dedicated router app, I successfully configured it on my DD-WRT router following the instructions provided on the provider’s website. Despite lacking official support, I also experimented with manual setup guidelines for Amazon Fire Stick, which worked reasonably well.

PIA’s browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera offered robust functionality and customization options, enhancing my browsing experience. Overall, I found PIA VPN to be highly adaptable across various devices and platforms, ensuring seamless protection and privacy across my online activities, including streaming movies and shows. I fully enjoyed streaming the latest season of Netflix’s US Bridgerton on my Mac PC as well as Android smart TV with no lags of buffering.

There’s no Private Internet Access router applet at the moment. However, you can still run PIA VPN on most router devices, including DD-WRT, pfSense, and Tomato, if you follow the instructions on their site. There are also manual Amazon Fire Stick setup guidelines, although it’s not officially supported.

As for browser extensions, PIA offers full-fledged add-ons for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. Despite being mere proxies, these extensions offer high customizability and exceptional functionality.

Is PIA good for streaming?

While many VPN providers like NordVPN and Surfshark allow streaming on any server, Private Internet Access (PIA) relies on “optimized for streaming” servers instead.

During my testing, I discovered that PIA performed well with several streaming platforms. I had no issues streaming Netflix US, YouTube TV, Hulu, and HBO Max. The speeds were fast enough to support HD and even 4K streams without stuttering or buffering, both on PC and mobile devices. However, accessing foreign streaming platforms proved more challenging.

I tested various servers and found that connecting to Netflix US and Hulu was straightforward, with no significant issues in streaming quality. Additionally, I could access Sky Sports and CBC Gem via the Canada Ontario server. However, PIA struggled with UK-only services like BBC iPlayer and other European streaming platforms. Despite trying different locations, including the UK, Germany, and Japan, I couldn’t unblock regional Netflix libraries in those countries.

For device compatibility, PIA offers apps for Android TV and Fire TV, allowing you to cover all devices connected to your home network by installing PIA on your router. This setup can be particularly useful if you want to stream content on Amazon Fire TV or Fire Stick.

In summary, while PIA is a solid choice for streaming popular US-based platforms, it may not be the best option for accessing a wide range of international content. If unblocking foreign content is crucial for you, consider using other VPN providers like e.g. NordVPN, which offer more extensive server networks and better support for various streaming services.

Is PIA good for torrenting?

Private Internet Access supports torrenting and is definitely not the worst choice for P2P action. European and North American users will find the speeds decent, and the security features are sufficient.

During my testing, I found that Private Internet Access (PIA) offers robust support for torrenting, making it a viable option for P2P activities. European and North American users can expect decent speeds, coupled with sufficient security features. One notable feature is the port forwarding capability, which is advantageous for users needing to seed on torrent trackers. However, it’s essential to exercise caution when using this feature, as it may increase device vulnerability.

There’s also the port forwarding feature, which is great if your torrent tracker demands that you seed. However, use it at your own risk because it increases your device’s vulnerability.

Unlike some other VPN services, PIA doesn’t limit P2P traffic on the network – you can torrent on any server. Additionally, users can take advantage of the free SOCKS5 proxy. This allows you to secure traffic at the VPN app level, thus potentially saving some valuable bandwidth.

Private Internet Access customer support

Private Internet Access has multiple customer support options. These include:

• Self-help resources – knowledgebase, guides, news, community
• Support tickets – can be submitted via Contact Us
• 24/7 live chat

I tried out both the live chat and support ticket options offered by PIA VPN. The addition of 24/7 live chat support was particularly welcome, enhancing the overall support experience. While it operates based on US time zones, it still significantly reduces wait times compared to traditional support tickets.

However, the live chat option proved to be somewhat inconsistent in its responsiveness. While some inquiries received prompt and polite responses, others required extended waiting periods for an agent to address them. Additionally, it’s worth noting that PIA VPN does not offer phone support, which may be a drawback for users who prefer direct communication channels.

I welcome the most recent addition, the 24/7 live chat option, as it truly makes for a much more streamlined experience. Sure, it works according to the US time zones, but it’s still way better than waiting at least half a day before someone sees your support ticket.

Still, this option is a bit of a hit or miss. Sometimes the responses were prompt and polite, other times, I had to wait for an agent to answer me for quite a while.

Is Private Internet Access safe?

Yes, Private Internet Access (PIA) is considered safe. It uses strong encryption standards, has a strict no-logs policy, and offers features like a kill switch and DNS leak protection. Additionally, PIA has undergone independent audits to verify its security claims, providing users with confidence in their privacy and data protection while using the service.

Encryption and tunneling protocols

PIA uses strong encryption – namely, AES-128 and AES-256. In the past, you could pick between CBC and GCM, but now the latter is only available as it is newer, faster, and more secure. 

The app offers more cryptographic choices than are commonly available. You can pick:

• Data encryption
• Transport (UDP or TCP)
• Remote Port (Default, 8080, 853, 123, or 53)
• Local Port
• MTU (Auto, Large Packets, or Small Packets)

During my tests, I discovered that the app provides a wider range of cryptographic options compared to many other VPN services. You have the flexibility to choose various parameters such as data encryption, transport protocol (UDP or TCP), remote port (Default, 8080, 853, 123, or 53), local port, and MTU (Auto, Large Packets, or Small Packets).

Previously, users could also select the type of Handshake used for VPN server authentication. But because it caused some minor manual connection compatibility issues, the option was removed. Now, PIA uses RSA-4096 as default – the strongest option currently available.

Usually, premium providers offer several tunneling protocols as they’re suitable for different purposes. Private Internet Access includes only two – OpenVPN and WireGuard – across all operating systems. During my tests, I observed that Private Internet Access offers a streamlined approach to tunneling protocols, focusing on the reliability and performance of two key options (the OpenVPN and WireGuard).

OpenVPN, a longstanding protocol, is available in both UDP and TCP versions. I found that UDP offers faster speeds, while TCP provides a more stable connection. In terms of security, OpenVPN delivers robust protection alongside optimal speeds.

On the other hand, WireGuard, a newer and open-source protocol, impressed me with its lightning-fast speeds and lightweight code. Compared to other protocols, WireGuard demonstrated superior performance and enhanced security measures, making it the top choice for users seeking exceptional performance across various online activities.

IP and DNS leak Protection

Private Internet Access has a great kill switch – an important feature to protect from unexpected connection disruptions. This is bolstered through the use of their private DNS to avoid any leaks.

The provider also offers an Advanced Kill Switch. It blocks all connections, thus avoiding data leakage, even when the VPN is turned off. Pretty useful if you want to prevent important info from being visible in all situations.

To see if there are any IP or DNS leaks, it’s best to run a test online. First of all, I connected to Luxembourg and was assigned the IP address 37.46.113.191. After that, I checked if my IP address or DNS queries were leaking:

As you can see, the IP addresses match, which means there is no IP leak.

Above is the result of the DNS leak test: PIA does not leak DNS requests.

I performed the test a couple more times by connecting to servers in Mexico, France, Algeria, and Slovakia. My real location was hidden throughout.

After conducting multiple tests to check for IP and DNS leaks, I found that Private Internet Access offers robust protection against data leakage. Their kill switch feature, which is crucial for safeguarding against unexpected connection disruptions, is further reinforced by the private DNS to prevent leaks.

Additionally, PIA provides an Advanced Kill Switch that blocks all suspicious connections, ensuring data remains secure even when the VPN is turned off. This feature proved invaluable in preventing sensitive information from becoming visible. 

Logging policy

Private Internet Access adhered to stricked no-logging policy, independently audited by Deloitte. The provider maintains a transparent no-logging policy, which has been upheld through various legal cases. In addition to this, PIA was independently audited by Deloitte to reinforce its commitment to user privacy. During a US court case in 2015 and subsequent cases, PIA personnel testified without being able to produce any data useful to the prosecution, further corroborating their no-logging claims.

Furthermore, PIA releases semi-annual Transparency Reports, which I have personally reviewed. These reports provide detailed insights into legal requests received, highlighting the absence of any logs produced in response. As for someone who values online privacy, this assurance is invaluable, knowing that even PIA itself does not retain information about my online activities.

These include information about legal requests sent to the company, such as court orders, subpoenas, and warrants. Next to them, you can see the number of inquiries received and how many produced logs. In PIA’s case, none were ever procured. This should be reassuring to anyone seeking online privacy – you can be certain that not even PIA knows what you’re doing online.

PIA VPN privacy features

Private Internet Access PIA includes plenty of reliable security features. They may not be super-advanced or numerous, but they’re all most users will ever need. These include:

• Military-grade encryption
• IP and DNS leak protection
• Kill switch
• Latest tunneling protocols
• Court-proven no-logs policy

PIA VPN not only offers robust server coverage in Europe and North America but also provides you with a plethora of features and assurances to enhance your online security and privacy. Additionally, PIA’s Whitehat Alert Security and Vulnerability Disclosure programs empower users to submit high-impact bugs, ensuring continuous improvement in security and performance.

Moreover, the provider offers features like PIA MACE for ad and malware blocking, advanced split tunneling, Multi-Hop + Obfuscation for enhanced privacy, Identity Guard for email breach scanning, and a Boxcryptor License for securing cloud storage. What’s more, you can opt for PIA Antivirus for real-time cybersecurity protection and Dedicated IP for added privacy, albeit at an extra cost.

One notable aspect of PIA is its highly customizable and feature-packed apps, catering to tech-savvy individuals with specific security needs. Furthermore, the company demonstrates a commitment to transparency by hosting a Reddit Ask Me Anything session with its Head of Product, Himmat Bains, alongside Senior Engineers John Mair and Juan Docal.

Additionally, PIA covers the sales tax for cryptocurrency purchases, further safeguarding user privacy by not requiring location data. This conscientious approach to privacy and transparency underscores PIA’s dedication to providing a secure and user-centric VPN service.

Privacy Policy

PIA is based in the US, one of the most problematic places for registering a VPN company. It is the founding country of the Five Eyes Alliance, an alliance between several countries for the sole purpose of monitoring their citizens’ activities. Although the pretext is national security and “the greater good,” it’s still invasive and eliminates your rights to privacy.

The United States is also notorious for its seemingly anti-privacy legal climate. Legislation such as the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), The Patriot Act, general government surveillance, including by the NSA, and corporate surveillance by tech and telecommunications companies certainly doesn’t make things better.

Usually, I’m not one to recommend a VPN provider based in regions that don’t shy away from surveillance. With that said, all of these privacy risks are greatly mitigated by PIA’s strong no-logs policy, which is independently audited by Deloitte. As part of this assurance engagement project, Deloitte inspected PIA VPN’s server configuration and examined how the provider maintains a zero-log VPN service.

When it comes to personal information, PIA collects as little personal information as possible. According to the company, they only keep what’s needed to activate your account and allow you to experience their service: your email address and bank details for the payment.

The provider also collects as little anonymized data as possible – only what’s needed to gather overall usage metrics (not user metrics) so they can continue providing and improving their service. It essentially means they don’t collect or store your browsing history, connected content, user IPs, connection time stamps, bandwidth logs, DNS queries, or anything like that. Plus, they collect and retain zero user logs.

Knowing all this, I feel more than assured that my data and online privacy is safe with Private Internet Access, while all of my activities on the internet remain undetected and untracked, too. With a Private Internet Access VPN, I can navigate the internet freely, knowing that my privacy is safeguarded at all times.

Multi Hop

Private Internet Access VPN’s Multi Hop feature enhances user privacy and security by routing internet traffic through multiple VPN servers. This process involves encrypting data multiple times, effectively creating a chain of VPN connections, each with its own IP address. By doing so, Multi Hop adds an extra layer of anonymity, making it even more difficult for third parties to trace users’ online activities back to their original IP address.

This feature is particularly beneficial for users seeking maximum privacy protection, especially when accessing sensitive information or browsing in regions with strict internet surveillance. For instance, I always use Multi Hop to shield my online activities from prying eyes when accessing public Wi-Fi networks or making online payments.

Anonymous purchase

What I like about PIA is its vast options for anonymous purchases.

You can pay anonymously with many major brand gift cards, including Fully Anonymous, Instant Access, 100% Secure Starbucks, Walmart, Best Buy, and many more.

Additionally, there are plenty of cryptocurrency options as well. These include Bitcoin, Litecoin, Ethereum, Beam, and Zcash, among others, thanks to Bitpay. That’s more than enough opportunity to keep Private Internet Access off your balance sheet.

PIA’s Handshake Naming System

In August 2019, Private Internet Access announced a new feature – the Handshake Naming System (HNS). To put it in simple terms, the HNS is a blockchain alternative for the Domain Name System (DNS).

HNS completely decentralizes the domain name system and creates an additional layer of privacy for users. According to PIA, it also works as a tool against DNS-level blocking (something governments use to ban websites and online services).

However, in my experience, its effectiveness in bypassing DNS blocking is comparable to regular PIA DNS servers. Thus, while the HNS offers enhanced privacy and security features, its benefits may be more pronounced for advanced users seeking comprehensive online protection, not common folk.

Other technical features

PIA offers an abundance of features that help users customize their VPN experience:

• PIA MACE
• Identity Guard
• Boxcryptor License
• Split Tunnel
• Multi-Hop and obfuscation

Then there are some minor settings you can tweak. These include port forwarding, allowing LAN traffic, changing your DNS, and automation (which turns on or disables the VPN when you join a particular network).

During my testing, I found that PIA MACE effectively blocks most online advertisements as intended, utilizing regularly updated public blocklists. However, it does not block ads on platforms like Facebook, Twitch, or YouTube, and lacks the ability to whitelist specific domain names.

Additionally, Identity Guard proved to be a useful tool, allowing me to check if my email address had been compromised by monitoring it for breaches through the Client Control Panel.

The Boxcryptor License, once activated, provided robust end-to-end encryption for securing cloud storage across various services like Dropbox, Google Drive, and OneDrive.
Finally, PIA’s Split Tunnel feature, now available on MacOS post a February 2024 update, enables routing VPN traffic through specific apps only, a functionality that had been rendered ineffective for all VPN providers following Apple’s Big Sur release in 2020.

This comprehensive suite of features enhances privacy and security for PIA users across multiple platforms. Overall, my experience with these features has significantly enhanced my privacy and security online, providing peace of mind while browsing and accessing sensitive data.

How to use PIA VPN? 

1. Go to the official Private Internet Access website and click on Get PIA VPN at the top right corner
2. Pick a subscription plan, select the payment method, and fill in any other necessary information. Once you create an account, you’ll receive an email with your username and password.
3. Download the appropriate PIA VPN client for your operating system. Run the installer and allow it to make changes to your device.
4. Follow the instructions in the installation wizard, and click Finish once the setup is complete.
5. Open the app and log into your account with the credentials you received in the email
6. That’s it – tweak the settings to your liking, connect to a VPN server, and safely enjoy the internet!

Visit Private Internet Access >

After finishing setting up the app, the first step I advise doing is changing the “Dashboard Appearance” from “Attached to Tray” to “Window.” It will make using PIA much easier, as the Tray setting forces the application to vanish from the screen whenever you move the mouse somewhere else.

PIA VPN for Windows and macOS PC

Once you’re connected, you’ll see a simple home screen where you can:

1. Click the large Connect button
2. Choose the server (sortable by country or latency)
3. Enter the Settings screen (button in the top right)

Navigating the server selection screen is intuitive, with expandable location lists in various countries. However, the absence of a visual server map for country selection could detract from the overall user experience.

In the Settings screen, options are neatly categorized for easy access. However, during my tests on both Windows and macOS, I encountered occasional freezes or unresponsive elements. Notably, the Protocols section offers flexibility in choosing between OpenVPN and WireGuard, as well as specifying UDP or TCP transport types and data encryption preferences.

The Network settings allow customization of DNS servers and port forwarding, while the Privacy section offers useful features like the kill switch and PIA MACE. Additionally, the Dedicated IP option provides enhanced security and site speed benefits, albeit with limited country availability.

However, I found the lack of stealth features for bypassing censorship in heavily restricted regions to be a notable omission, potentially limiting the utility for power users in such environments.

PIA VPN for Chrome, Firefox and Opera extensions

You can download PIA browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. These are HTTPS proxy add-ons, and while they are great, keep in mind that only your web traffic will be protected.

I was surprised by the abundance of features and sheer security customizability. First of all, the browser extension looks like a proper VPN application rather than simply an add-on. And you get so much more than other providers tend to offer. The complete list of tools includes:

• Blocking WebRTC IP detection
• Browsing websites using HTTPS
• Disabling network protection
• Tracking protection
• Fingerprint protection
• Disabling website referrer
• Disabling hyperlink auditing
• Removing UTM parameters
• Removing FBCLID parameters
• PIA MACE

The server list is, understandably, more moderate, but it still has good options. Other notable features include the Bypass List and Smart Location. The former acts similarly to split tunneling – you can exclude specific websites from the extension connection. The latter allows you to set a geographic location for a particular page and view the site through it.

PIA VPN for Linux

I tested the PIA VPN Linux app on Dell Precision 5860. Impressively, PIA stands out as the sole VPN provider offering a Linux OS app with a complete graphical user interface. Despite some minor discrepancies, the Linux app mirrors the appearance and functionality of its Windows and macOS counterparts. This consistency across platforms ensures a seamless user experience, regardless of the operating system being used.

Currently, it works on Ubuntu 18.04+ (LTS), Mint, Debian, Fedora, and Arch. Plus, it supports x86_64, ARM64, and ARMHF. The installation process was quick and easy – downloading the file from the website and following the instructions was enough to get everything up and running.

PIA VPN for iPhone and Android

In my testing, I found that both the PIA VPN applications for Android and iOS closely resemble their desktop counterparts in terms of functionality. They offer features such as port forwarding, DNS switching, proxy connections, and IPv6 blocking, providing users with a comprehensive set of tools for enhancing privacy and security. The customizable interface lets you hide unnecessary elements.

However, there are some distinctions between the mobile apps and desktop versions. Notably, the mobile apps include a Favorite servers tab, a secure InBrowser, a built-in kill switch, and an obfuscation feature for connecting via proxy. Plus, PIA MACE is not available on the mobile apps.

PIA VPN Apple TV

PIA VPN stands out as one of the few VPN providers to offer dedicated support for Apple TV, providing users with enhanced privacy and security while streaming content. I tested its Apple TV app for this review.

Despite some differences compared to its desktop and mobile counterparts, the PIA Apple TV app maintains a user-friendly interface and offers essential features such as server selection and connection settings. However, I noticed some limitations, such as the inability to access advanced settings or configure specific protocols. Nonetheless, the availability of a dedicated app for Apple TV expands PIA VPN’s compatibility across various devices, catering to users seeking privacy protection on their streaming platform. 

Final verdict: Who is PIA VPN good for?

PIA VPN is a good choice, especially if you’re an experienced VPN user who wants to fine-tune their security for a lower price. It comes with solid features, a court-proven no-logs policy, plenty of connection points in the US and Europe, and an excellent price-to-feature ratio. Still, the service has certain drawbacks.

While PIA VPN may not boast the fastest speeds, particularly for activities like hardcore gaming, and occasionally struggles to unblock certain streaming services, it offers competitive pricing and a wide range of features.

PIA’s sleek client interface provides a plethora of features, albeit potentially overwhelming for newcomers. If you’re seeking an affordable VPN subscription that prioritizes security and offers a comprehensive feature set, PIA VPN is a solid choice.

---

You may also like to read:
NordVPN vs PIA
ExpressVPN vs PIA
CyberGhost vs PIA
Windscribe vs PIA
TunnelBear vs PIA

---

FAQ

Is Private Internet Access a good VPN?

Yes, PIA is a trustworthy VPN with strong security and a court-proven no-logs policy. It features an ad blocker, anonymous torrenting, and the largest server fleet globally. It's hard to find a more reliable VPN at such a competitive price.

Why is PIA VPN slow?

While PIA isn’t the fastest VPN, it’s far from the slowest. Speed is influenced by factors such as tunneling protocol, user location, hardware specs, server load, and internet quality.

Does PIA work with Netflix?

Yes, PIA works with Netflix, but it only unblocks the US library. If that’s all you need, it’s good, but if you want to access multiple foreign libraries, you’re better off getting a VPN suited for Netflix.

Does Private Internet Access keep logs?

No, Private Internet Access does not keep any logs. In fact, it’s been proven in a court case that PIA cannot provide any information about user browsing habits. Still, the no-logs policy hasn’t been audited by an independent third party to verify it.

Does PIA work in China?

Private Internet Access has trouble working in China, despite offering the Shadowsocks proxy, which technically should bypass The Great Firewall. If you need a service for this country specifically, I strongly recommend looking at the best VPNs for China that are able to circumvent online censorship.

Does private internet access work with Hulu?

Yes, Private Internet Access (PIA) can work with Hulu, but Hulu actively blocks many VPNs, including PIA. Hence, some users may access Hulu with PIA, while others might face difficulties. PIA optimizes its servers to bypass geo-restrictions, but consistent access isn't guaranteed. Contact PIA's customer support for the latest information on server availability and compatibility.

Is Private Internet Access free?

No, PIA VPN is not free. There is a 7-day free trial, though, that lets you test the service beforehand. It’s only available on Android and iOS – you can download it via the Google Play Store and Apple App Store, respectively.

Does PIA VPN have a free trial?

Private Internet Access only offers a 7-day free trial for mobile app. However, PIA does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee on all subscription plans. This allows you to sign up for a plan and use the service for up to 30 days risk-free. If you are not satisfied with the service for any reason within the first 30 days of your subscription, you can request a full refund. This policy gives you the opportunity to tes

Who owns private internet access?

Private Internet Access (PIA) is owned by Kape Technologies PLC, a company that specializes in digital security and privacy solutions. Kape Technologies acquired PIA in 2019, adding it to their portfolio of VPN services alongside CyberGhost VPN and ZenMate VPN. Kape Technologies is headquartered in Isle of Man and is publicly traded on the London Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol "KAPE."