Does Private Internet Access have a warrant canary?

No, Private Internet Access: PIA does not have a warrant canary.

Does Private Internet Access keep logs?

No, PIA maintains a strict no-logs policy.

Does Private Internet Access have a free plan?

No, Private Internet Access does not offer a free plan.

Yes, Private Internet Access: PIA is secure. It offers AES-256 encryption, has undergone security audits, and supports secure VPN protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard.

Is Private Internet Access easy to use?

Yes, the usability score for Private Internet Access: PIA is reported as "good."

Is PIA easy to cancel?

Yes, PIA allows for easy cancellation.

What's the company location of Private Internet Access?

Private Internet Access: PIA is based in the USA. The USA is part of the Five Eyes alliance, which involves extensive data sharing with other member countries. However, PIA maintains a strict no-logs policy.

Does Private Internet Access support torrenting/P2P file sharing?

Yes, Private Internet Access: PIA supports torrenting/P2P file sharing.

Does Private Internet Access block ads and malware?

Yes, Private Internet Access: PIA includes an ad and malware blocker.

Does Private Internet Access have a kill switch?

Yes, Private Internet Access has a kill switch feature.

What encryption standards does Private Internet Access use?

Private Internet Access uses AES-256 encryption, which is the industry standard for secure communications.

Private Internet Access (PIA) Review

5 / 10Fair

Last updated at 03.11.2023 21:15

Editorial Team of BestVPN.fyi

PIA in 2024: How Does It Stand Out Among Other VPNs?

"Constantly updating its offerings and continually enhancing its technology, Private Internet Access boldly positions itself in the race for the best VPNs in 2024. Its capabilities to bypass geographical restrictions, combined with robust privacy protection, make it a prime choice for anyone seeking both performance and security."

Pros & Cons

Strong encryption standards
Wide platform support
Unlimited concurrent devices
24/7 customer service with live chat
35,000 servers in 84 countries
Based in the USA, a Five Eyes jurisdiction, which may concern some users
Doesn't offer a free plan
No support for TOR over VPN

Quick facts

📱Devices (up to): 101
🖥️Servers: 35000
🌍Available countries: 84
📍Company location: USA
🔒Logging policy: No logs
🎥Streaming: no
🌊Torrenting: Yes

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1.79EUR / month

Coupon codes are not applicable

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Subject to additional terms and conditions of Private Internet Access: PIA.

Summary

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN provider that has established its position in the market through a staunch focus on privacy and an array of features designed to ensure user anonymity. The service is based in the USA, with an extensive server base of 35,000 servers spread across 84 countries

PIA's strongest selling points include a proven no-logs policy, a robust selection of servers, and an attractive pricing model. It's also notable for its simple, user-friendly interface that makes it accessible to beginners and experts alike. However, like any other service, it comes with its own set of trade-offs. One of these is inconsistent speed across different servers, with performance varying based on location, time of day, and other factors. While the speeds are generally adequate for everyday browsing, streaming, and downloading, PIA falls short of being the fastest VPN on the market.

From a security perspective, PIA implements a range of protocols including OpenVPN, Wireguard, L2TP/IPsec, and PPTP to ensure data safety, complemented by a strict no-logs policy that enhances user privacy. Moreover, PIA has been lauded for features such as WireGuard on all devices and additional security layers through Multi-Hop and Stealth VPN.

Despite being headquartered in the United States, a member of the Five Eyes alliance, PIA has managed to build trust among its users with its stringent privacy policies. However, it's not without its shortcomings. The VPN provider's lack of innovation and the fact that it's not consistently fast on all servers might leave some users wanting more.

In terms of usability, PIA's minimalist and compact apps have been both praised and critiqued. While some users appreciate the straightforwardness, others may find it lacking in depth. Moreover, PIA's customer service has been described as perfectly adequate, though not exceptional.

Despite its limitations, PIA remains a strong contender in the VPN market, offering an attractive balance of features, privacy, and affordability that makes it a viable choice for many users. As we delve further into the specifics of this service in our comprehensive review, we'll be weighing these strengths and weaknesses to provide a balanced perspective on the overall value that PIA brings to the table.

Pricing, Trial, Money Back, Cancellation

PIA does not offer a free plan, but it provides several pricing options based on the length of subscription. Its monthly price starts at $11.69, but discounts are available for longer subscriptions. For example, a yearly subscription reduces the monthly price to $3.10, while a three-year subscription brings it down to $1.79 per month.

All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is a standard offering in the industry. The provider also allows for monthly cancellation, making it a low-risk choice for those unsure about committing long-term.

Features

PIA offers an array of useful features:

Kill Switch: This feature protects your privacy by disconnecting your internet when the VPN connection drops. It’s an essential feature to maintain privacy at all times.
Split Tunneling: PIA also supports split tunneling, which allows you to choose which traffic goes through the VPN and which doesn’t, providing a more flexible browsing experience.
Concurrent Devices: With support for up to 101 concurrent devices, PIA outdoes many of its competitors. This allows users to secure all their devices or even share their VPN with family and friends.
Other Noteworthy Features: These include DNS leak protection, IPv6 leak protection, double VPN for increased anonymity, ad and malware blocking, and dedicated IP. Unfortunately, there’s no support for TOR over VPN or parental controls.

Dedicated IP
Yes: Parental Controls
No: Split Tunneling / Bypassing
Yes: P2P Support
Yes: Ad and malware blocking
Yes: Bandwidth limits and data caps
Yes: Live Chat
Yes: Customer Service 24/7
Yes

Is PIA Secure? Privacy & Logging

As far as security goes, PIA seems to be a reliable option. They offer the industry-standard AES-256 encryption and support both OpenVPN and Wireguard protocols, but not IKEv2, L2TP, or Hydra.

Additionally, PIA claims to keep no logs of user activity, which is a fundamental aspect for any privacy-focused VPN. Security audits have also been carried out, further enhancing their credibility.

However, it’s worth noting that PIA is based in the USA, a Five Eyes country, which might be a concern for the most privacy-conscious users.

Encryption
aes-256: OpenVPN
Yes: WireGuard
Yes: IKEv2/IPsec
No: Hydra
No: Config File Generators
No: Kill Switch Feature
Yes: No Logs Policy
Yes: DNS Leak Protection
Yes: IPv6 Leak Protection
Yes: Double VPN / Multi-Hop Feature
Yes: Server Obfuscation
No: Independent Security Audits
Yes: Warrant Canary
No

About PIA

PIA is a VPN provider known for its extensive server base and robust security measures. Its network reliability and uptime are considered good, and the ease of use is equally praised. PIA provides 24/7 customer service with a live chat option, making it accessible for customers to seek help when required.

Headquarters
USA: Founded in

Apps & Platform Support

PIA platforms

PIA provides wide platform support, with dedicated apps for Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and Linux. Additionally, they also offer a Chrome extension for those who prefer a lightweight solution. Unfortunately, there are no extensions available for Firefox or Edge browsers.

iOS
Yes: MacOS
Yes: Android
Yes: Chrome
Yes: Firefox
No: Windows
Yes: Linux
Yes

Reviews from Elsewhere

PIA has received positive reviews on various platforms. On Trustpilot, they hold a score of 4.5 with 9 reviews. The Android app has a score of 4.1 with over 71,200 reviews, and the iOS app holds a score of 4.7 with 96,800 reviews. These ratings suggest that most users are satisfied with PIA’s services.

Trustpilot Rating
4.5 (out of 9000 reviews): Google Play Store Rating
4.1 (out of 71200 reviews): iOS App Store rating
4.7 (out of 96800 reviews)

Torrenting and P2P Support

PIA supports P2P and torrenting activities, making it a good choice for users who frequently share files online. With its strong security features, users can torrent with confidence.

Payment Methods

PIA offers various payment methods including PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Amex, Bitcoin, and Ethereum. The inclusion of cryptocurrency payment options provides an added layer of privacy. However, it lacks support for some other popular payment methods such as Apple Pay, Google Pay, and wire transfer. This might limit payment flexibility for some users.