Quick Verdict

4.5
★★★★★
out of 5.0

Pros

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Court-proven no-logs policy
  • Open-source apps
  • Highly customizable
  • Affordable long-term plans

Cons

  • US jurisdiction (5-Eyes)
  • Average streaming speeds
  • No dedicated streaming servers
Best For: Privacy enthusiasts, power users, and large households needing unlimited devices with proven transparency.

Table of Contents

Overview

Private Internet Access (PIA) holds the #5 spot in 2025 with its unmatched transparency and customization. Founded in 2010 and now owned by Kape Technologies, PIA operates over 35,000 servers in 84 countries. Its open-source apps and court-proven no-logs policy set the gold standard for verifiable privacy.

In our 200+ hours of testing, PIA unblocked 15/20 streaming services and delivered reliable speeds for torrenting. While it lacks CyberGhost’s streaming focus and Surfshark’s value, unlimited connections and advanced tools make it ideal for tech-savvy users who demand control and proof of privacy.

With RAM-only servers, MACE ad-blocker, and port forwarding, PIA prioritizes configurability over simplicity — perfect if you want a VPN you can truly trust and tweak.

Features & Functionality

PIA delivers power-user tools with full transparency:

🌍

35,000+ Servers

In 84 countries with NextGen optimization.

∞

Unlimited Devices

No connection limits on any plan.

🔧

Advanced Customization

Protocol, encryption, kill switch levels.

🛡️

MACE Blocker

Ad, tracker, malware protection at DNS level.

📥

Port Forwarding

Available on most servers for P2P.

🔒

Split Tunneling

Apps, IPs, or domains (all platforms).

Specialty Features

PIA’s advanced toolkit stands out:

  • Open-Source Apps: Auditable code on GitHub
  • Multi-Hop: Double VPN + Tor over VPN
  • Dedicated IP: Add-on ($5/mo) for static access
  • Automation Rules: Per-network settings, scripts
  • InBrowser: Privacy-focused browser extension

Pricing & Plans

PIA offers competitive pricing with a 30-day refund on all plans:

Monthly

$11.95
per month
  • Unlimited devices
  • All features
  • 30-day money-back
  • No commitment
Get Started

1-Year Plan

$3.33
per month
  • Save 72% vs monthly
  • 30-day guarantee
  • Best value
  • Free email (with promo)
Best Value

3-Year Plan

$2.03
per month
  • Save 83% vs monthly
  • 3 months FREE
  • 30-day refund
  • Long-term savings
Get Started

Important Pricing Notes

Renewal Rates: 1-year renews at $4.99/mo; 3-year at $2.69/mo after promo.

Money-Back Guarantee: 30 days on all plans.

Payment Options: Credit cards, PayPal, Amazon, crypto, gift cards.

Performance & Speed

PIA’s WireGuard delivered consistent results in our 1 Gbps tests:

Speed Retention
78%
Download Speed
680 Mbps
Latency
28ms
Streaming Success
75%

Speed Test Results

Local servers averaged 680 Mbps; transatlantic ~150 Mbps. Great for torrenting, adequate for HD streaming.

Streaming & Gaming

Unblocked Netflix US/UK, Disney+, BBC iPlayer with manual server selection. Gaming ping ~28ms locally.

Ease of Use

PIA’s apps favor function over form with deep customization.

Desktop & Mobile Apps

Compact UI with graphs, server latency, and protocol switching. Mobile supports split tunneling and automation.

Browser Extensions

Chrome/Firefox with WebRTC, tracker blocking, and InBrowser mode.

Router Support

Manual OpenVPN/WireGuard setup; pre-flashed routers available.

Customer Support

PIA provides solid support with detailed resources:

Support Channels

  • Live Chat: 24/7, average 3 minutes
  • Email/Ticket: Replies within 12 hours
  • Knowledge Base: 300+ guides, setup videos
  • Community Forum: Active user discussions

Support Quality

Agents provided specific WireGuard config tweaks for optimal torrenting speeds.

Security & Privacy

PIA leads in verifiable privacy with multiple proofs:

  • No-Logs Policy: Proven in court (2016, 2018)
  • Open-Source Apps: Audited by third parties
  • RAM-Only Servers: Deployed globally since 2021
  • WireGuard, OpenVPN: AES-256-GCM, ChaCha20
  • Perfect Forward Secrecy: Default on all protocols
  • US Jurisdiction: 5-Eyes, but proven no-logs

No leaks in DNS, WebRTC, or IPv6 tests. MACE blocked 100% of trackers in our tests.

How PIA Compares (#1–#4 & #6–#10 in Our Rankings)

PIA shines in transparency but lags in streaming ease:

#1 NordVPN

⭐ 4.9/5

Faster, more servers, better streaming.

Read Review

#2 ExpressVPN

⭐ 4.8/5

Premium performance, simpler apps.

Read Review

#3 Surfshark

⭐ 4.7/5

Unlimited devices, cheaper, extras.

Read Review

#4 CyberGhost

⭐ 4.6/5

Streaming-optimized, beginner-friendly.

Read Review

#6 Proton VPN

⭐ 4.4/5

Open-source, ethical, fewer servers.

Read Review

#7 IPVanish

⭐ 4.3/5

Unlimited connections, US-based.

Read Review

#8 Mullvad VPN

⭐ 4.2/5

Anonymous payments, no-frills.

Read Review

#9 VyprVPN

⭐ 4.1/5

Chameleon for censorship, smaller network.

Read Review

#10 Hotspot Shield

⭐ 4.0/5

Fast Hydra, privacy concerns.

Read Review

Bottom Line

Private Internet Access is the privacy champion — with open-source apps, unlimited devices, and a no-logs policy proven in court twice. While it requires more setup for streaming than CyberGhost and lacks Surfshark’s polish, its transparency and customization make it unbeatable for users who prioritize verifiable security and control.

We recommend PIA if you want: Unlimited connections, open-source code, court-proven privacy, or advanced P2P/torrenting features.

Get PIA (83% OFF)