Private Internet Access – The Self-Proclaimed Best

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a top-rated VPN service known for its numerous servers, more than 35,000, and competitive pricing. PIA uses powerful encryption protocols to bypass restrictions and give users access to any content they wish. The high-speed server network allows easy browsing and streaming. PIA upholds a strict no-logs policy, ensuring user data is never recorded. Key features include a dedicated IP address, split tunneling, ad blocking, and a kill switch, providing an extra layer of protection for your digital identity.

Impressive Speeds but Poor Latency

Private Internet Access presents decent speed performance, with the US servers showing the highest download speeds. Despite distance-related speed fluctuations, upload speeds remain consistently strong. However, PIA’s latency is higher with servers located farther from the testing site. Comparatively, its speed is respectable, though not the fastest. Its streaming performance is somewhat mixed, successfully unblocking US Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, but encountering difficulties with Hulu and BBC iPlayer.

Local Speed Test without PIA

• Download Speed: 100Mbps
• Upload Speed: 100Mbps

Local Speed Test with PIA

• Download Speed: 95Mbps
• Upload Speed: 93Mbps

The short-distance speed tests for Private Internet Access were excellent with just a 5% fall in download speeds and a 7% drop in upload speeds.

When performing tests using a range of servers, the results were inconsistent, but general very impressive:

As can be seen from the above results, speeds did decrease with distance. However, even the speeds in Australia were fast enough to ensure fast downloads and uploads.

The one area of concern was the ping speeds. For example, it was 213ms using the Australian server. This latency may cause issues for gamers. However, for all other purposes, it is an excellent choice of VPN.

A Huge Global Server Network

Private Internet Access (PIA) offers an extensive network of servers, boasting more than 35,000 servers spanning over 84 countries worldwide. The VPN’s servers include 12 countries from the Americas, 42 countries from Europe, 17 from Asia Pacific and 12 from Africa and the Middle East. PIA is available in all 50 US states and offers a 10 Gbps network with unlimited bandwidth for its users. This vast server network allows PIA to provide reliable VPN services globally, ensuring users can find a server location that suits their needs.

A Proven No-Logs Privacy Policy

Private Internet Access is based in the United States, a country that is part of the Five Eyes intelligence-sharing network. Despite this, PIA has been transparent about its privacy practices and maintains a strict no-logs policy, which has been proven in court when they were unable to comply with a court order to provide logs.

PIA ensures robust security measures, including DNS leak protection by using PIA’s DNS servers and a kill switch that prevents your real IP address from being leaked in case the VPN connection drops. The service encrypts your internet connection with strong AES-256 encryption, providing a secure tunnel for your data.

Excellent Security Features to Ensure Privacy

Private Internet Access VPN offers an array of security features. It provides multi-factor authentication for enhanced account protection. PIA employs secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard and strong encryption ciphers, including 128-bit and 256-bit AES. It offers DNS leak protection, a kill switch feature, and a 100% strict no-logs policy, securing your digital identity by encrypting internet traffic, hiding locations, and obscuring browsing activities. Other features include advanced split tunneling and a VPN router. Speeds are generally good, particularly in the US, and streaming performance is satisfactory, although it may not work with all services.

Multi-Device Support with Native Apps

Private Internet Access is compatible with a wide range of devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux systems, making it accessible to a broad user base. PIA even provides detailed setup tutorials for routers and other platforms, extending its functionality beyond conventional devices. Additionally, it has native apps for all major operating systems, enabling an easy-to-use, intuitive experience. Furthermore, it offers browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera. This wide compatibility ensures that users can benefit from PIA’s security features, irrespective of their device or operating system.

Extremely Affordable Pricing

Private Internet Access offers its customers three separate packages: a monthly, yearly, and three-year package. The three-year package also has three months free for users. The prices vary, depending on which package you select, ranging from $11.95 monthly to $3.33 per month for a year and $2.03 for a three-year subscription. The yearly package comes to $39,95 in total, while the three-year package costs $79.

Round the Clock Customer Support

Private Internet Access offers 24/7 live chat support to its users, making it a reliable choice for immediate help and queries. This round-the-clock support service ensures that users can get assistance whenever they encounter issues or have questions about the service. Reaching the VPN provider via email is also possible, although it may be slower than instantly chatting with a live agent. The customer service team supports a number of languages, including English, French, German and Romanian.