PIA VPN Review
Final Verdict
Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of the most established VPNs in the world, known for its transparency, affordability, and open-source approach. Founded in 2010 and currently operated by Kape Technologies, PIA has maintained a strong reputation for privacy and reliability.
Its combination of open-source clients, unlimited connections, and audited no-logs policy make it a trusted choice for users who prioritize both transparency and affordability. Despite being based in the United States — a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance — PIA has repeatedly proven in court that it keeps no identifiable user data, reinforcing its credibility as a privacy-first VPN.
Overall Performance
| Category | Rating |
|---|---|
| Overall Rating | 9.0 / 10 |
| Speed | 9.7 / 10 |
| Streaming | 6.1 / 10 |
| Privacy | 9.7 / 10 |
| Security | 9.3 / 10 |
| Server Locations | 9.6 / 10 |
| Torrenting | 9.7 / 10 |
| User Experience | 9.5 / 10 |
| Device Compatibility | 9.5 / 10 |
| Additional Features | 7.7 / 10 |
✅ Pros
- ✔️ Verified no-logs policy for full privacy
- ✔️ Consistently fast connection speeds
- ✔️ One of the highest-rated VPNs for torrenting
- ✔️ Cheaper plans than most top-tier VPNs
- ✔️ Servers available in all 50 US states
- ✔️ Customizable encryption for advanced users
⚠️ Cons
- ❌ Smart DNS feature fails on some streaming apps
- ❌ Can’t access many international streaming services
- ❌ Interface has a small learning curve
- ❌ Dedicated IP is locked behind an extra fee
Private Internet Access VPN Features Overview
Owned Company Name
Private Internet Access (Owned by Kape Technologies)
Geographical Location
Denver, Colorado, United States
Does Privacy Policy Imposed by Govt
Subject to U.S. jurisdiction (Five Eyes Alliance) – but enforces a verified no-logs policy
Countries with Servers
91+ countries & 35,000+ servers
Simultaneous Connections
Unlimited
Streaming Supported
Yes
Torrenting Supported
Yes (P2P-optimized servers)
Works in Russia?
Yes (via obfuscated servers)
Works in China?
Partially (with manual configuration)
Works in the Middle East?
Yes (with WireGuard and OpenVPN obfuscation)
Free VPN Available?
No (30-day money-back guarantee)
Customer Support Available?
Yes, 24/7 live chat & email support
Routers Supported?
Yes
Extensions Available?
Chrome, Firefox, Opera
AdBlocker Available?
Yes (MACE feature)
Dedicated IP Available?
Yes (paid add-on)
PIA VPN Recognition by Privacy and Security Experts
- Independent no-logs audit by Deloitte (2022) confirmed no user data retention.
- Verified court cases (2016 and 2018) where PIA provided no logs to authorities.
- Named Best Low-Cost VPN 2024 by TechRadar and Security.org.
- Praised by PCMag and Tom’s Guide for its open-source commitment.
- Recognized by CNET and AllAboutCookies.org for unlimited device support and privacy compliance.
- Open-source initiative earned positive reviews from cybersecurity experts.
PIA VPN Background Check
Private Internet Access is owned by Kape Technologies, the same company behind CyberGhost and ExpressVPN. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, PIA operates under U.S. law but mitigates data exposure through RAM-only servers and a verified no-logs policy.
Over the years, PIA’s court-proven privacy record, transparent code, and open infrastructure have made it one of the most trusted names in budget VPNs.
PIA VPN for Privacy – Is It the Right Choice?
U.S. Jurisdiction: Why It Matters
PIA operates from the United States, which is part of the Five Eyes Alliance (along with the UK, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand). This means, in theory, that the government can issue data requests.
However, PIA’s verified no-logs policy ensures that even if such requests are made, there is no identifiable user data to hand over.
How This Affects PIA’s Privacy Policy
Because of its zero-log structure:
- PIA keeps no traffic, IP address, or connection timestamp data.
- It operates RAM-only servers, erasing data at every reboot.
- Its policy has been verified by independent audits and legal cases.
- Open-source code ensures total transparency and auditability.
- Users remain protected from surveillance or data retention.
PIA VPN Privacy Policy: What’s Under the Hood?
PIA’s privacy policy guarantees a strict no-logs framework. The service does not monitor, record, or store browsing activity, DNS queries, or connection timestamps. The provider’s RAM-only infrastructure ensures that no data persists between sessions. All apps are open-source and undergo frequent security testing.
Security Highlights
- AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption
- WireGuard & OpenVPN protocols
- Configurable encryption and handshake algorithms
- Built-in DNS and IPv6 leak protection
- Kill switch (Auto / Always On modes)
- MACE (Ad/Tracker/Malware Blocker)
- Split tunneling & port forwarding
- Dedicated IPs (optional, paid)
PIA VPN Massive Server Network
Private Internet Access operates 35,000+ servers across 91 countries, one of the largest infrastructures in the VPN industry. Its server fleet includes virtual and physical servers, providing extensive coverage across all continents, including full representation in all 50 U.S. states.
Server Infrastructure (2025 Data)
- Total Servers: 35,000+
- Countries: 91+
- Cities: 150+
- Server Type: RAM-only, some virtual for restricted regions
- Dedicated IPs: U.S., U.K., Germany, Canada, Australia
- P2P: Supported on all servers
- Obfuscation: Shadowsocks & OpenVPN over TCP for restrictive networks
PIA VPN’s Speed and Performance
PIA performs well for local connections and general browsing. Using the WireGuard protocol, speeds are competitive, though not always as fast as NordVPN or ExpressVPN on distant servers.
Test Region | Download Speed Loss | Upload Speed Loss | Latency Increase |
Nearby Server (U.S.) | 10–15% | 8–12% | +6ms |
Long Distance (Europe–Asia) | 25–35% | 20–30% | +30ms |
PIA VPN Compatibility
PIA supports all major platforms and devices.
Supported Operating Systems
- Windows 7, 8, 10, 11
- macOS (Catalina through Sequoia)
- Linux (Ubuntu, Mint, Fedora, Debian, Arch)
- Android (v9 and above)
- iOS (v14 and above)
Browser Extensions
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Opera
Router Support
- DD-WRT
- OpenWRT
- Tomato
- pfSense
- AsusWRT / Merlin firmware
Other Devices
- Smart TVs
- Firestick
- Gaming consoles (via router setup)
PIA VPN Security and Privacy Features
- AES-256 / ChaCha20 encryption
- OpenVPN & WireGuard protocols
- Split tunneling
- Kill switch (two modes)
- Port forwarding
- MACE ad/tracker blocker
- RAM-only servers
- DNS & IPv6 leak protection
- Dedicated IP (optional add-on)
- Open-source applications
Streaming & Unblocking Websites with PIA VPN
PIA can successfully unblock Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. Its large server pool ensures minimal congestion, and its Smart DNS feature improves streaming reliability on smart TVs and consoles.
PIA VPN and Torrenting: A Safe and Fast Choice
PIA allows P2P traffic on all servers, with no bandwidth throttling. Port forwarding enhances torrent efficiency. With strong encryption and IP masking, torrenting remains both fast and private.
Pricing Plans and What’s Included
Plan | Duration | Price | Notes |
Monthly | 1 Month | $11.95/month | Cancel anytime |
Yearly | 1 Year | $3.33/month | Billed $39.95 yearly |
3-Year | 3 Years + 3 Months | $2.03/month | Best value plan |
Included Features
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Access to 35,000+ servers in 91 countries
- 24/7 live chat support
- AES-256 encryption
- MACE ad-blocker
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Is Private Internet Access VPN Worth It?
Yes — PIA VPN offers exceptional value for money. It’s ideal for users who want strong privacy, open-source transparency, and a massive server network without high costs. While not the fastest VPN, its overall reliability, affordability, and verified no-logs stance make it a standout choice for most users in 2025.
Conclusion
Private Internet Access remains one of the most trustworthy, affordable, and transparent VPNs in 2025. Its open-source apps, RAM-only infrastructure, unlimited device policy, and audited no-logs framework make it ideal for privacy-conscious users.
While competitors like NordVPN offer more advanced features, PIA’s unbeatable pricing and proven privacy record make it a top-tier VPN for budget-friendly, secure, and private internet access.
Pricing Plans
- 1 month $11.99 ($11.99)
- 6 months $45.00 ($7.50/mo)
- 39 months $79.17 ($2.03/mo)
- Money-Back Guarantee 30 days
- Free Trial 7 days (mobile only)
- 100% Free Plan (No)
