What Is Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a Denver-based VPN provider founded in 2010, making it one of the longest-running VPN services still operating. PIA has built its reputation on two core pillars: uncompromising privacy and complete transparency.
In 2019, PIA was acquired by Kape Technologies (which also owns ExpressVPN and CyberGhost), a move that initially concerned privacy advocates. However, PIA has maintained its independent operations and continued publishing open-source code and third-party audits.
What truly sets PIA apart is its court-proven no-logs policy. Unlike most VPNs that simply claim they don't log data, PIA has been subpoenaed by the FBI multiple times and each time proved they had no user data to hand over. This real-world validation is rare in the VPN industry.
✓ Pros
- Fully open-source apps (verifiable code on GitHub)
- Court-proven no-logs policy (FBI subpoenas confirmed)
- 35,000+ servers (largest network we've tested)
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Advanced customization for power users
- Strong encryption with multiple protocol options
- MACE ad/tracker/malware blocker included
- Excellent value at $2.03/month (83% savings)
- Port forwarding available for torrenting
- Split tunneling on Windows, macOS, Android, Linux
✗ Cons
- Based in US (5 Eyes jurisdiction)
- Speeds slower than NordVPN and ExpressVPN
- Inconsistent streaming performance
- Interface can be overwhelming for beginners
- Customer support response times vary
- Owned by Kape Technologies (privacy concerns)
- No phone support available
- No multi-hop/double VPN feature
⚠️ US Jurisdiction Consideration
PIA is based in the United States, a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. While PIA's verified no-logs policy means there's nothing to share, some privacy advocates prefer VPNs outside 5/9/14 Eyes jurisdictions. If this concerns you, consider NordVPN (Panama) or Surfshark (Netherlands).
Privacy & Security: PIA's Strongest Suit
This is where PIA truly excels. Few VPNs can match PIA's transparency and proven track record when it comes to user privacy protection.
Open-Source Apps = Verifiable Security
PIA is one of the few VPNs to make all client applications fully open-source (available on GitHub). This means:
- Security researchers can audit the code for vulnerabilities and backdoors
- Users can verify PIA isn't secretly logging data by reviewing the source code
- The community can contribute improvements and report security issues
- Complete transparency about what the software does with your data
This level of openness is rare in the VPN industry. Most VPNs, including NordVPN and ExpressVPN, keep their client code proprietary and closed-source.
🏛️ Court-Proven No-Logs Policy
In 2016, the FBI served PIA with a subpoena for user data related to a cyberstalking case. PIA's response? They had no data to provide. This happened again in 2018 with another FBI investigation. Both incidents proved PIA's no-logs claims were genuine, not just marketing.
This is the strongest possible validation of a VPN's privacy policy — real-world legal pressure where they demonstrated they don't collect user data.
Comprehensive Security Features
| Feature | Status | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Encryption | ✓ | AES-128/256 (user selectable), ChaCha20 |
| VPN Protocols | ✓ | WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IPSec/IKEv2 |
| Kill switch | ✓ | Advanced kill switch with process-level blocking |
| DNS leak protection | ✓ | Private DNS servers, passed all leak tests |
| IPv6 protection | ✓ | Blocks IPv6 to prevent leaks |
| Split tunneling | ✓ | Windows, macOS, Android, Linux (not iOS) |
| Port forwarding | ✓ | Available on all servers (excellent for torrenting) |
| MACE (ad blocker) | ✓ | Blocks ads, trackers, and malware at DNS level |
| Multi-hop | ✗ | Not currently available |
Advanced Customization Options
PIA's apps include extensive configuration options that power users will appreciate:
- Encryption level selection: Choose between AES-128 (faster) or AES-256 (more secure)
- Authentication method: RSA-2048, RSA-3072, or RSA-4096
- Handshake encryption: ECC or RSA options
- Data encryption: AES-128-GCM or AES-256-GCM
- Small packet sizes: For networks that block VPNs
- Connection automation: Auto-connect rules, kill switch customization
Most users won't need to touch these settings (defaults are excellent), but having the option is valuable for advanced users who want granular control over their VPN connection.
Speed Test Results
We tested PIA from multiple global locations using our standardized methodology. Our baseline connection without VPN: 500 Mbps download / 100 Mbps upload.
Download Speeds (Average % of Baseline)
Overall Speed Score: 82/100 — Solid speeds but not market-leading. Adequate for 4K streaming and large downloads. For comparison: NordVPN (95/100), ExpressVPN (93/100), Surfshark (88/100).
💡 Speed Optimization Tips
Use WireGuard protocol for best speeds. If using OpenVPN, select UDP over TCP. Enable "small packet sizes" only if your network blocks standard VPN traffic (it reduces speed). Always choose geographically nearby servers for optimal performance.
Streaming Performance
PIA's streaming performance is inconsistent — sometimes excellent, sometimes blocked. This is our main concern with PIA for users who prioritize streaming access.
| Streaming Service | Works? | Performance Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Netflix (US) | ⚠️ | Works on some servers, blocked on others. Trial and error required. |
| Netflix (UK/EU) | ⚠️ | Limited success. Better options available. |
| BBC iPlayer | ✗ | Blocked on most UK servers we tested |
| Disney+ | ✓ | Generally works well |
| Amazon Prime Video | ⚠️ | Inconsistent. Some servers work, many don't. |
| Hulu | ✓ | Good success rate on US servers |
| HBO Max | ✓ | Works consistently |
Verdict: If streaming is your primary use case, we recommend NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or CyberGhost instead. PIA works for streaming, but requires more trial-and-error to find servers that aren't blocked.
Server Network: 35,000+ Servers
PIA operates the largest server network of any VPN we've tested: 35,000+ servers across 91 countries.
Network Advantages:
- All servers support P2P/torrenting — no need to hunt for specific servers
- 10 Gbps connections on most servers for high-speed performance
- Mix of physical and virtual servers (virtual locations clearly disclosed)
- Reduced server congestion — more users spread across more servers
- Better geographic coverage for finding nearby servers
- More IP address options when one gets blocked
However, quantity doesn't always equal quality. We experienced occasional connection drops on some servers, suggesting inconsistent server quality across the massive network.
Torrenting & P2P Performance
PIA is excellent for torrenting — one of its best use cases and strongest advantages over competitors.
🏴☠️ Why PIA Excels at Torrenting
Port forwarding available: Significantly improves download speeds and peer connections
All servers support P2P: No need to hunt for specific torrent-friendly servers
Strong encryption: ISPs can't see you're torrenting
Verified no-logs: Court-proven privacy protection
Kill switch: Prevents IP leaks if VPN drops
SOCKS5 proxy: Optional lightweight proxy for torrent clients
⚙️ Port Forwarding Setup
Note: Port forwarding is no longer available on NextGen servers due to security concerns. Use legacy servers (available in server list) for port forwarding. This feature significantly improves torrenting speeds by allowing direct peer connections.
Pricing & Plans
PIA offers some of the best pricing in the VPN industry, especially on long-term plans with unlimited device connections.
| Plan Duration | Monthly Cost | Total Cost | Savings | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Month | $11.95 | $11.95 | — | 30 days |
| 1 Year | $3.33 | $39.95 | 72% off | 30 days |
| 3 Years + 3 months | $2.03 | $79.00 | 83% off | 30 days |
What's Included in All Plans:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections — protect every device you own
- 35,000+ servers in 91 countries — massive network coverage
- All apps — Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers
- 24/7 customer support — live chat and email assistance
- MACE ad blocker — blocks ads, trackers, and malware
- 30-day money-back guarantee — risk-free trial period
Best value: The 3-year plan at $2.03/month is exceptional value, especially considering unlimited device connections. Compare to competitors: NordVPN allows 10 devices at $3.09/month, ExpressVPN allows 8 at $6.67/month.
Apps & User Experience
PIA's apps are functional but not beginner-friendly. The interface prioritizes customization over simplicity, which can be overwhelming for newcomers.
Desktop Apps (Windows/macOS/Linux)
The desktop apps are compact and feature-rich but can overwhelm newcomers:
- Main window: Server selection, connection status, settings button
- Settings: 10+ categories with 50+ configuration options
- Quick connect: Connect to last server or automatic selection
The default settings work well for most users, but the sheer number of options can confuse beginners. Compare to CyberGhost's "streaming" and "torrenting" one-click profiles — PIA requires more manual configuration knowledge.
Mobile Apps (iOS/Android)
Mobile apps are simplified versions of desktop apps but still maintain extensive settings. The Android app includes split tunneling and automation rules. The iOS app is more limited due to Apple's restrictions but still offers solid functionality.
Browser Extensions
PIA offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. These are SOCKS5 proxies (not full VPNs) that only encrypt browser traffic. They're useful for lightweight browsing but don't provide full device privacy protection.
Customer Support
PIA's customer support is adequate but not outstanding compared to premium competitors:
Support Channels:
- 24/7 live chat: Available, but often staffed by first-level support with limited technical knowledge
- Email support: More detailed responses but slower (24-48 hours typical)
- Help center: Extensive documentation and setup guides
- Community forum: Active subreddit (r/PrivateInternetAccess) with helpful users
Live chat is good for simple questions but struggles with technical issues. Email support provides better technical assistance for complex problems. The help center is comprehensive with detailed guides for all platforms.
How PIA Compares to Competitors
| Feature | PIA | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price (long-term) | $2.03/mo | $3.09/mo | $6.67/mo | $2.19/mo |
| Speed Score | 82/100 | 95/100 | 93/100 | 88/100 |
| Servers | 35,000+ | 6,400+ | 3,000+ | 3,200+ |
| Device limit | Unlimited | 10 | 8 | Unlimited |
| Open-source | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Streaming | Inconsistent | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent |
| Torrenting | Excellent | Very good | Good | Very good |
| Ease of use | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent | Very good |
Frequently Asked Questions
Private Internet Access - Common Questions
Is PIA safe? Can I trust it?
Yes, PIA is one of the most trustworthy VPNs available. They have a court-proven no-logs policy (FBI subpoenas with no data to provide), fully open-source apps for independent verification, and regular third-party audits.
The main concern is US jurisdiction (5 Eyes), but their proven track record of having no data to share when legally compelled outweighs this concern for most users.
Does PIA work with Netflix?
Yes, but inconsistently. Some US servers work with Netflix, others are blocked. It requires trial-and-error to find working servers, and servers that work today might be blocked tomorrow.
If Netflix is your primary use case, NordVPN or ExpressVPN are more reliable choices with dedicated streaming servers that are actively maintained for Netflix access.
How many devices can I connect simultaneously?
Unlimited. PIA is one of few VPNs offering truly unlimited simultaneous connections. You can protect every device in your household (phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, etc.) with a single subscription.
This makes PIA excellent value for families or users with many devices.
Is PIA good for torrenting?
Excellent. PIA is one of the best VPNs for torrenting due to port forwarding support, P2P on all servers, strong encryption, verified no-logs policy, and kill switch protection.
Port forwarding significantly improves download speeds and peer connections, making it especially valuable for heavy torrent users.
Does PIA keep logs?
No. PIA has a verified no-logs policy proven in court multiple times. When the FBI served subpoenas for user data in 2016 and 2018, PIA had nothing to provide.
This is the strongest possible evidence of a genuine no-logs policy — real-world legal pressure where they demonstrated they don't collect user data.
Is PIA owned by Kape Technologies?
Yes, PIA was acquired by Kape Technologies in 2019. Kape also owns ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and Zenmate. While Kape's past includes controversial ad-tech companies, PIA has maintained independent operations, continued publishing open-source code, and upheld its privacy commitments post-acquisition.
The open-source nature of PIA's apps provides transparency that helps address concerns about corporate ownership.
Final Verdict: Should You Get PIA?
Choose Private Internet Access VPN if:
- You prioritize privacy and want open-source, verifiable code
- You need a court-proven no-logs policy with real-world validation
- You want unlimited simultaneous connections at low cost
- You're a power user who appreciates extensive customization options
- You torrent frequently and need port forwarding for optimal speeds
- You want exceptional value ($2.03/month for 35,000+ servers)
- You value transparency and want to verify your VPN's security claims
Skip PIA if:
- You're a VPN beginner wanting simple, one-click operation
- Streaming is your primary use case (get NordVPN or ExpressVPN instead)
- You need the absolute fastest speeds available (PIA is decent but not leading)
- US jurisdiction concerns you (despite proven no-logs policy)
- You want quick, knowledgeable customer support
- You prefer a more polished, beginner-friendly interface
Our Final Recommendation
Private Internet Access is the best VPN for privacy-conscious users and tech enthusiasts. The combination of open-source apps, court-proven privacy, unlimited devices, and excellent value ($2.03/month) is hard to beat in the VPN market.
While speeds and streaming performance aren't best-in-class, PIA excels where it matters most for privacy-focused users: verified transparency, proven no-logs policy, and extensive customization options. If you're willing to sacrifice some user-friendliness for maximum privacy protection and transparency, PIA is an outstanding choice.
The 30-day money-back guarantee lets you test all features risk-free, including the open-source apps, unlimited connections, and advanced privacy features.