Security Good With Several Customization Options
Private Internet Access has some strong, adjustable security options. It offers multiple encryption levels and protocols that can be mixed and matched. PIA also has split tunneling and a kill switch. The packet size can also be adjusted between large and small, but I usually set it to auto. This only matters when you have unreliable connections, and I never had any connection issues with PIA’s servers.
On top of that, I consider Private Internet Access safe since all of its apps are open-source. This means that third parties can access, test, and update it regularly to ensure its as secure as possible. I also like its Whitehat Security Alert program. This is a bug bounty system, which means it pays people who can find bugs in Private Internet Access. This can be submitted by anyone through its Vulnerability Disclosure forms. So even more people are helping to keep the apps working smoothly. Lastly, PIA passed all of my leak tests
Pia VPN Review: High Value And Lots Of Features
If you click on a link in this article we may earn affiliate revenue.
- Alessandro Mascellino
- 5:52 ET, May 27 2022
INTERESTED in purchasing a new VPN subscription but not sure where to start?
Private Internet Access is a more-than-valid option at a bargain price.
- Private Internet Access VPN, from £1.69 per month – buy here
There are several reasons to use PIA, but if we had to pick one, it would be the customisation options related to network settings.
That being said, you’ll be able to use Private Internet Access even if you’re not a technical user.
In fact, PIA is one of the few VPN services offering clients for less-used operating systems , including Linux – all of them are very straightforward and intuitive to use.
We tested Private Internet Access on Windows 11, but the VPN service is available on most mobile and desktop OS, including Android, macOS, and iOS.
Before we delve into PIA’s features and pricing details, here’s an evergreen article covering the basics of what VPNs are.
We have also written a guide to help you find out if you do need a VPN or not, and one listing the best VPNs for Netflix.
And if you’re already caught up with all that and you’re currently comparing options, be sure to read our Surfshark review, NordVPN review and CyberGhost VPN review.
Pia VPN Passed Dns Leak Tests
To prevent you from using public DNS servers and exposing your IP address, PIA VPN offers a leak protection feature. This feature is enabled by default so you dont have to enable it manually.
To test out if PIA VPNs leak protection feature works as expected, I connected to its Swiss server and ran a quick leak test on ipleak.net. Once the test results showed up, it was clear that PIA VPN is totally leakproof.
Heres a screenshot of the test result:
As you can tell from the screenshot, my original IP address from the Netherlands is nowhere to be seen. Also, all of my network requests are getting routed through Swiss DNS servers. This way, my identity is totally hidden.
To be extra sure, I performed multiple leak tests while connected to other server locations as well. Check out the table below for the test results:
| Countries |
|---|
Overall, PIA VPN passed my leak tests without any issues.
Don’t Miss: Best VPN To Use In Russia
Can I Use Netflix With Private Internet Access
We like to think of VPNs and Netflix as a tug of war. Sometimes the VPN wins, sometimes Netflix wins, but each side is constantly trying to outdo the other.
Although Private Internet Access doesnt restrict access to Netflix itself, Netflix does attempt to block VPNs whenever possible. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that PIA will work with Netflix, although it did work when we tested it. You should, however, be able to torrent files, a nice alternative to Netflix.
DISCLAIMER: Whether youre using a VPN or not, it is illegal to download unsanctioned copyrighted materials over torrent networks.
Private Internet Access Servers And Geoblocking
Private Internet Access have about 34,000 servers in 70 countries, so there is rich opportunity of finding a great connection with high speed in a country where you do not want to get stopped by geo-blocking. When it comes to geo-blocking, Private Internet Access are far ahead since they, despite Netflix strict geo-blocking, still have found a way of accessing Netflix in the US. Moreover, Private Internet Access also gives you access to Disney+, HBO Max, Hulu and Amazon Prime in other countries.
You May Like: How Often Does VPN Change Ip Address
Pia VPNs Browser Extensions
PIA VPN offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. Its browser extensions are super snappy. You can choose different server locations and connect instantly. While VPN browser extensions, in general, are secure, do keep in mind that only the activities you perform from your browser will get encrypted, leaving everything else unencrypted.
Inbrowser Fast Incognito Browsing For Mobile Devices
Private Internet Access also offers its own incognito browser called InBrowser. Its only available for Android and iOS. It can work in conjunction with the TOR network, and it deletes your history, cookies, and session data every time you log off.
It doubled the speeds on my phone . I was surprised with how fast it was. Incognito browsers are usually a little faster because they dont run as many extensions. However, the incognito browser on Chrome is only 17 percent faster on average for me . InBrowser is a nice addition, but you should use it with the VPN. It will only protect your browser and not fully encrypt the device like the VPN will.
Read Also: How VPN Changes Ip Address
A Powerful VPN Service Provider
Private Internet Access, also known as PIA, is a VPN service provider program for Windows users. Once purchased, you can use the tool on up to 10 devices at once. The application features a user-friendly interface and provides a robust list of features and services such as an ad blocker, custom DNS, kill switch, encryption selector, and 24-hour customer support. While the paid program doesnt offer any free trial, it does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Private Internet Access VPN Review: At A Glance
Private Internet Access offers a solid VPN service with an intuitive interface that is the same across different platforms.
It also comes with several advanced network settings, as well as features that are not normally offered by VPN providers .
PIA’s NextGen VPN Network’ has locations in 84 countries across the world – which is a number slightly above average – and connections are consistently fast across the board.
In terms of privacy, Private Internet Access has a publicly available no-logs policy.
The company has not, however, undergone a third-party audit yet, unlike NordVPN for instance.
Finally, the PIA VPN is officially the cheapest one we have tested.
Tested: February 2022, Windows 11
You May Like: Does VPN Work On Netflix
Is Private Internet Access Free
Private Internet Access is a paid application that offers a monthly and yearly subscription model. Irrespective of the plan that you choose, PIA provides you with a one-year subscription of BoxCryptor, an encryption tool for cloud storage. While the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, it doesnt offer a free trial.
Does Private Internet Access Keep Logs No
Private Internet Access doesnt store any information that can be used to identify you. It only retains your email address, payment details, state and zip code , and anonymized data used to improve the service. For maximum security, you can even create a new email address and pay with cryptocurrency. On top of that, it states that it will never rent or sell any customer’s information.
Its privacy policy has been verified in court. In 2016, the FBI requested information about a user, and Private Internet Access couldnt provide any data on their activities because none were stored. The Russian government also seized PIA servers in 2016, but they did not find any identifiable data. After this, PIA took down all of its Russian VPN servers. In 2018, its policy was proven once again when the US government asked PIA to hand over identifiable information about a user, and it had nothing to share.
Recommended Reading: Is Express VPN Billed Monthly
Private Internet Access Streaming Support
PIA is one of the best VPNs for streaming out there, as it consistently works with 30+ streaming services . Streaming is supported on dedicated servers in 5+ countries, including the US, the UK, Japan, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Italy. I like the variety, but I think ExpressVPN has much better streaming support, as it supports streaming on all of its servers and works with 65+ steaming apps.
The provider has great Netflix support, as it works with 5+ Netflix libraries, including Netflix US, Netflix UK, and Netflix Japan. My colleagues in the US and the UK tested PIA with Netflix while traveling abroad, and they had no problem accessing their home libraries. That said, I like ExpressVPN more, as its the best Netflix VPN on the market since it can access 10+ Netflix libraries.
In addition to Netflix, PIA also works with other popular streaming platforms, such as Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. It can also access smaller streaming services, like Ruutu, YLE, FranceTV, and tv4play. Im happy that the provider lists all the streaming platforms it works with in a support article because it provides you with a fast way to find out if the VPN can access a particular site.
I also like how theres a smart DNS, so that you can access streaming sites on devices that dont support VPN apps, like gaming consoles or some smart TVs some top competitors, like ProtonVPN, dont come with a smart DNS.
Pia VPN Offers Awesome Apps
PIA VPN offers easy-to-use apps for all popular devices. I like that its apps are lightweight and designed with beginner VPN users in mind. Speaking of lightweight, when I ran the task manager on my Windows 10 laptop, I noticed that PIA VPN barely hogged any RAM and CPU power.
In terms of design language, both mobile and desktop apps look quite similar. When testing PIA VPN, I found it quite convenient to look up and change different settings. You can change protocols, encryption levels, and other settings with just a couple of clicks and taps.
As far as usability goes, you can quickly connect to a fast server near you by simply tapping or clicking on the giant power button. If you wish to choose servers manually, youll find it quite convenient too as the apps show you the latency across different servers. If you find any server that you like, you can add it to your favorites list.
Overall, youll love PIA VPN apps.
Recommended Reading: Is Norton Secure VPN Good
Os X 108 Mountain Lion
OS X 10.8 Mountain Lion was released on July 25, 2012. Following the release of Lion the previous year, it was the first of the annual rather than two-yearly updates to OS X , which also closely aligned with the annual iOS operating system updates. It incorporates some features seen in iOS 5, which include , support for in the new messaging application, and Reminders as a to-do list app separate from . It also includes support for storing documents in ., which makes its debut in Mountain Lion, is a desktop version similar to the one in iOS 5.0 and higher. Application pop-ups are now concentrated on the corner of the screen, and the Center itself is pulled from the right side of the screen. Mountain Lion also includes more Chinese features including support for as an option for search engine, , and 126.com services for , and , , and are integrated into share sheets.
Starting with Mountain Lion, Apple software updates are distributed via the . This updating mechanism replaced the Apple Software Update utility.
A VPN Connection With The Most Important Features
Private Internet Access is a VPN provider from the US. Private Internet Access were established in 2010 and contain plenty of great features that makes them a particularly attractive VPN provider.
For instance, they have a so-called zero-log policy, which means that Private Internet Access has no data on you when you use their encrypted connection the data is simply unavailable for both curious eyes and the technicians at Private Internet Access. There is maximum security when it comes to protecting your privacy. If one or more of them asks for information on you, Private Internet Access can simply not give it away because they are not in possession of it.
Don’t Miss: Free VPN Server List With Username And Password
Private Internet Access VPN Extras
One of the unique features of Private Internet Access is its open-source transparency, meaning the VPN code can be scrutinized and improved by the community. PIA VPN has an admirable zero-log policy to ensure your anonymity, while theres a DNS-based ad blocker to protect against malware, trackers, and ads. PIA VPN also has split tunneling, so you can select which apps or websites are covered by the VPN, a Smart DNS service, and an internet kill switch if PIA VPN unexpectedly disconnects.
Also Unblocks: Kodi Crunchyroll Peacock And More
Private Internet Access also works with Kodi and Popcorn Time. Kodi is a free app that makes it easier to stream media on all your devices. However, it can also be used to access platforms that have illegal content. My team and I dont condone any illegal activity, so I recommend you only watch copyright-free content on these channels.
Popcorn Time is a popular Kodi add-on that offers P2P streaming. I used it to watch the public domain movie Night of the Living Dead. It took a few minutes to load since there werent many seeders, but it played back perfectly once it was loaded.
I also unblocked Peacock, Paramount+, Crunchyroll, and several other platforms. It even works well with Twitch. After I hopped on the Vegas server, I was able to jump into a livestream of the music producer Decap without any loading times.
Also Check: Can You Add VPN To Roku
Does Private Internet Access Have A Kill Switch
A kill switch, otherwise known as a network lock feature or disconnect protection means that any software or website will shut down automatically if you lose your connection to the VPN. Thus, it stops your internet access from switching to public networks, which would result in your internet service provider seeing your entire browsing history.
For example, if youre torrenting using a VPN and then your VPN suddenly disconnects mid-download, your ISP will see what youre doing. That could get you in trouble. With a kill switch, your torrent session will stop as soon as your VPN disconnects. Were pleased to say that Private Internet Access does provide a kill switch with its software.
Private Internet Access VPN Review
Private Internet Access is great for basic use but falls short when it comes to streaming services.
- Up to 10 simultaneous streams
- Inconsistant local speeds
We are committed to sharing unbiased reviews. Some of the links on our site are from our partners who compensate us. Read our disclosure policies to learn more.
Private Internet Access is the thirteenth VPN weve reviewed on this site, and its absolutely worth considering if youre after a VPN service that ticks most of the right boxes. While it doesnt topple the dominance of our current top threeall-rounder NordVPN, user-friendly ExpressVPN, or speedster Hotspot Shieldits a well-priced contender that supports a great number of simultaneous connections and boasts solid connection speeds.
- Up to 10 simultaneous connections
- Great value annual pricing
- Not great for streaming services
- Basic device support
Were currently revisiting and updating our VPN reviews, but below is our current pick of the best VPN services that we pay the most attention to when cross-referencing features and determining overall value:
You May Like: Is VPN Protection Worth It
Is It Safe To Use Pia
Private Internet Access VPN is considered to be very safe, thanks to all the additional precautions taken by London Trust Media, the apps developer. Unlike other VPNs that rely on public DNS, PIA comes with its own DNS. It does this to make sure that there are no DNS leaks when youre connected. Moreover, the app offers you an option to change the default DNS to another preferred option.
The security tool also features an encryption configuration tool that lets users select between different algorithms. Users can choose between AES-128 and AES-256 or other available encryption options. This high-grade encryption service ensures that you stay protected even when connected to and using a potentially unsafe network or hotspot.
Pia Has A Huge Network Of VPN Servers
Server Locations
The benefit of PIAs huge server network is that it minimizes server load and increases the chances youll connect to a reliable and close-by server. This is one of many reasons its rated as one of the best VPNs for Australia, as the region is often underserved by competing server networks.
You can see how Private Internet Access server network compares to other VPN services in the table below:
In turn, this makes PIA one of the fastest VPNs available, with an average speed loss of 3% on local connections. You can read more about the VPNs speed performance in the dedicated section of this review.
Read Also: How To Use VPN On Iphone To Change Location