Private Internet Access (PIA) is built for people who want to see and control exactly what their VPN is doing, rather than a simple on/off toggle. Its apps are fully open-source, and it gives you granular settings most other VPNs hide from you.
Private Internet Access Overview
PIA has been around since 2010 and maintains one of the largest server networks in the industry, including an unusually large spread of US city-level servers. Its apps are open-source, meaning the code is publicly auditable rather than a black box.
PIA also maintains one of the largest server networks in the industry, with an unusually dense spread across individual US cities in addition to standard country-level coverage elsewhere, which can help with more precise geo-targeting when needed.
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Pricing
| Plan | Length | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Best Deal | 3 years + 3 months | $1.33/mo |
| 1-year plan | 1 year | $3.33/mo |
| Monthly plan | 1 month | $11.95/mo |
Intro pricing shown above renews at a higher rate after the first term — check PIA’s page for current renewal pricing before buying.
Key Features
- Open-source apps: the code is publicly auditable, not a black box
- Granular controls: detailed settings for encryption level, protocol, and connection behavior most VPNs hide from you
- Server network: a very large spread of locations, including many individual US cities
- MACE: built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocking
- Port forwarding: supported, useful for certain advanced use cases
- Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Good for Power Users
If you want to fine-tune exactly how your VPN behaves — encryption strength, specific protocols, kill switch behavior — PIA gives you more direct control than most competitors, which tend to hide these settings behind simplified apps.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Open-source, independently auditable apps
- Very granular technical controls
- Large server network, especially within the US
- Competitive long-term pricing
Cons:
- Based in the US, which some privacy-focused users prefer to avoid for jurisdictional reasons
- The level of detail in the settings can be overwhelming if you just want a simple on/off VPN
The Verdict
PIA is the right choice if you specifically want control over your VPN’s technical settings and value open-source, auditable software. If you’d rather just tap connect and not think about it, NordVPN or CyberGhost will feel simpler.
Setting Up Private Internet Access
PIA’s apps work fine with default settings out of the box, but the real value shows up once you dig into the settings menu: you can choose between OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, adjust encryption strength, enable or disable the built-in MACE ad blocker, and configure exactly how the kill switch behaves. It takes a bit longer to explore than a simpler app, but nothing is hidden from you.
Speed and Performance
With WireGuard selected as the protocol, PIA’s speeds are competitive with the faster providers on this site. The OpenVPN protocol is somewhat slower but offers broader compatibility with older devices and networks that block WireGuard traffic.
Privacy Policy and a Real-World Track Record
PIA is based in the United States, which is part of the “Five Eyes” intelligence-sharing alliance — a fact some privacy-focused users prefer to avoid. That said, PIA has a notable real-world track record: its no-logs claims have been tested in actual court cases, including instances where law enforcement subpoenaed user data and PIA was unable to provide any, because it genuinely doesn’t keep logs to hand over.
Who PIA Isn’t For
If you want to install an app and never open the settings menu again, PIA’s depth of configuration options can feel like unnecessary complexity. CyberGhost or NordVPN offer a more streamlined experience for that kind of user.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PIA good for beginners?
It works fine with default settings, but its real strength is for users who want to customize their VPN — if you want the simplest experience, CyberGhost may be a better fit.
Why does jurisdiction matter for a VPN?
Where a VPN company is legally based can affect what data it could be compelled to share under local law. PIA is based in the US; if that’s a concern for you, consider NordVPN (Panama) or CyberGhost (Romania) instead.
Does PIA keep logs?
PIA states a no-logs policy and its open-source apps allow independent code review.
Has PIA actually been tested in court over its no-logs claims?
Yes, multiple times, and it has consistently been unable to provide user data to law enforcement because it does not collect it.
Can I use PIA for torrenting?
Yes, P2P traffic is supported on PIA’s network.
How many devices does PIA cover?
Up to 10 devices simultaneously on a standard plan.
Is PIA’s open-source code actually independently reviewed?
Yes, because the source code is public, independent security researchers can and do review it, rather than having to trust PIA’s own claims alone.