Private Internet Access
Proven no-logs VPN with unlimited devices and deep configurability
$2.19/mo
from $2.19/mo /mo
- Servers
- 10,000+
- Countries
- 91+
- Devices
- Unlimited
- No-logs
- Yes
- Kill switch
- Yes
- Free plan
- No
Our verdict
The tinkerer's VPN: open-source apps, court-proven no-logs, unlimited devices, bargain long-term price. US jurisdiction and middling long-distance speeds keep it just behind the leaders.
Benchmarks & scoring
Highly configurable, which makes it powerful but slightly busier for newcomers.
Open-source apps and a no-logs policy proven in US court, despite the US jurisdiction.
A very large network spanning 90+ countries with US city-level granularity.
Dependable WireGuard speeds; configurable encryption lets you trade speed for security.
Unblocks the major platforms, though server selection can require trial and error.
Unlimited devices and rock-bottom long-term pricing.
Speed test & performance
- Download retention
- 84%
- Nearby download
- 420 Mbps
- Long-distance
- 240 Mbps
- Latency increase
- +15 ms
of unprotected baseline at default encryption
WireGuard on a 500 Mbps line
US to Europe
vs. unprotected connection
Pros & cons
Pros
- No-logs policy proven in US court
- Fully open-source desktop and mobile apps
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Very cheap multi-year plans
- Granular settings for power users
Cons
- US jurisdiction (5-eyes)
- Long-haul speeds trail top rivals
- Interface can overwhelm beginners
Compatibility
Platforms
Protocols
Overview
Private Internet Access (PIA) is the tinkerer's VPN. It pairs a massive 10,000+ server network spanning 91 countries with the most configurable apps in the mainstream market — adjustable encryption, granular split tunneling and fully open-source clients. Its no-logs claim is not just audited but has been tested and upheld in US court, where it had no data to hand over. Add unlimited simultaneous connections and bargain long-term pricing, and it is a long-standing power-user favourite.
Speed and performance
Using WireGuard at default encryption, PIA retained about 84% of an unprotected baseline on nearby servers — roughly 420 Mbps on a 500 Mbps line — and held 240 Mbps on a long US-to-Europe route, adding +15 ms of latency. Speeds are solid for streaming and downloads, though long-haul performance trails the very fastest providers. You can also drop to AES-128 encryption to claw back extra speed.
Privacy and security
All PIA client apps are open source for public scrutiny, and the no-logs policy has been proven in multiple US court cases. The trade-off is jurisdiction: PIA is based in the United States, part of the 5 Eyes alliance — mitigated by the fact there is simply no activity data to seize. Security features include selectable AES-128 or AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, full leak protection, the MACE ad and tracker blocker, port forwarding and multi-hop via Shadowsocks.
Streaming and torrenting
PIA unblocks major platforms including Netflix and Disney+, though you may need to try a few server locations. Port forwarding and P2P support make it a strong torrenting choice.
Pricing and plans
Long-term plans are very cheap, starting around $2.19/mo, with unlimited simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee. There is no free tier.
Who it's for
Power users who want open-source apps, deep settings, unlimited devices and a court-proven privacy record on a budget. Beginners may find the interface overwhelming.
Features & capabilities
MACE ad and tracker blocker
Blocks ads, trackers and malware domains at the DNS level.
Open-source apps
All client applications are open source for public scrutiny.
Adjustable encryption levels
Choose AES-128 or AES-256 to balance speed and security.
Multi-hop with Shadowsocks
Chain connections and disguise traffic to bypass censorship.
Port forwarding
Open ports for P2P, gaming and remote access.
Dedicated IP option
Optional static IP address.
Split tunneling
Select which apps use the VPN connection.
Kill switch
Blocks traffic if the secure connection drops.
Privacy & compliance
Frequently asked questions
While the US is part of the 5 Eyes alliance, PIA keeps no logs and its no-logs claim has been tested and upheld in US court cases, where it had no data to hand over.
Yes. A single PIA subscription supports unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can protect your entire household with one account.
Yes. PIA lets you choose between AES-128 and AES-256 encryption, so you can prioritise raw speed or maximum security depending on your needs.
Yes. Private Internet Access publishes the source code for all of its client apps, allowing independent researchers to inspect them for security and privacy.
It unblocks the major platforms including Netflix and Disney+, though you may occasionally need to try a few different server locations to find one that works.
PIA is among the cheapest premium VPNs, starting at around $2.19/mo on its longest plan, and every plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. There is no free version.
Yes. PIA supports P2P traffic across its network and offers port forwarding, a kill switch and a court-proven no-logs policy, making it a strong and popular torrenting choice.
MACE is PIA's built-in blocker that stops ads, trackers and malware domains at the DNS level, reducing intrusive content and improving privacy as you browse.
PIA works fine out of the box, but its apps expose far more settings than most rivals. Beginners who just want one-click protection may prefer a simpler service, while tinkerers will appreciate the control.
PIA operates one of the largest networks in the industry, with more than 10,000 servers spanning 91 countries, so you can usually find a fast, lightly loaded server nearby.
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