About Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a veteran VPN provider that has been protecting user privacy since 2010. With the largest server fleet in the industry — over 35,000 servers spread across 91 countries — PIA delivers unmatched flexibility and reliability for users who demand consistent performance and genuine anonymity online.
What truly sets PIA apart is its commitment to transparency. PIA's client applications are fully open-source, meaning the code is publicly auditable by security researchers and the community alike. This level of openness is rare among VPN providers and speaks volumes about PIA's confidence in its security infrastructure. The service has also had its no-logs policy tested and proven in court multiple times, making it one of the most legally verified VPN providers in existence.
PIA offers advanced customization options that appeal to power users. You can choose between AES-128 and AES-256 encryption, select your preferred VPN protocol (WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2), and fine-tune connection settings to optimize for speed or security. The built-in MACE feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware domains at the DNS level, providing an additional layer of protection without needing separate software.
For streaming enthusiasts, PIA reliably unblocks major platforms including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. It also supports port forwarding — a feature that's invaluable for torrenting and running home servers, and one that many competitors have dropped. With the ability to connect unlimited devices simultaneously, PIA offers exceptional value, especially on its long-term plans which bring the monthly cost under $2.20.
Key Features
Pros
- Largest server network with 35,000+ servers
- Open-source client apps for full transparency
- Court-proven no-logs policy
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Supports port forwarding for torrenting
- Very affordable long-term pricing
- Built-in ad and malware blocker (MACE)
Cons
- Based in the US (Five Eyes jurisdiction)
- Interface can feel dated compared to competitors
- Streaming unblocking is inconsistent in some regions
- Customer support response times can be slow
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Private Internet Access safe?
Yes, PIA is one of the safest VPN options available. Its no-logs policy has been proven in multiple court cases where PIA was unable to provide user data because none existed. The open-source codebase allows independent verification of its security claims.
Does PIA work with Netflix?
Yes, PIA can unblock Netflix US and several other regional Netflix libraries. It also works with Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Performance may vary by server, so try connecting to a streaming-optimized server for best results.
How many devices can I use with PIA?
PIA now supports unlimited simultaneous device connections on a single subscription. This means you can protect every device in your household — phones, tablets, laptops, smart TVs, and routers — without any restrictions.
Is PIA good for torrenting?
PIA is excellent for torrenting. It supports P2P traffic on all servers, offers port forwarding to improve download speeds, and has a verified no-logs policy. The kill switch ensures your real IP is never exposed if the connection drops.
What protocols does PIA support?
PIA supports WireGuard (recommended for speed), OpenVPN (UDP and TCP), and IKEv2/IPsec. You can switch between protocols in the app settings and also customize encryption levels between AES-128 and AES-256.
Is PIA based in the US a concern?
While the US is part of the Five Eyes alliance, PIA has a strict no-logs policy that has been independently audited and court-verified. Since no data is stored, there is nothing to hand over to authorities even under legal pressure.
Does PIA offer a free trial?
PIA does not offer a traditional free trial, but it provides a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. This effectively allows you to test the service risk-free and get a full refund if you are not satisfied.
Can PIA bypass censorship in restrictive countries?
PIA includes obfuscation features that can help bypass VPN blocks in countries with internet restrictions. While it is not as specialized as some VPNs for this purpose, its Shadowsocks proxy and multi-hop features provide viable options for users in restrictive regions.
What is MACE?
MACE is PIA's built-in DNS-based ad, tracker, and malware blocker. It operates at the network level, blocking known malicious domains before they load. This provides faster browsing and better privacy without needing a separate ad-blocker extension.
Security & Privacy
Supported Protocols
Supported Platforms
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User Reviews
Community Ratings
Based on 3 user reviews
Kwame Asante
Open source apps and independently audited. Port forwarding support is great for torrenting. Linux app is one of the best I've used. Solid choice for technical users.
Sophie Laurent
Great value with 10 device connections. Proven no-logs policy in court cases. US-based which some may be cautious about, but the track record speaks for itself.
Carlos Rivera
PIA has the largest server network I've seen — 35,000+ servers. The customizable encryption settings are perfect for power users. MACE ad blocker is effective.