Private Internet Access (PIA), owned by Kape Technologies, has established itself as a prominent player in the VPN market since its inception in 2010. With nearly 30,000 servers spread across 77 countries, PIA offers a broad range of features designed to enhance user privacy and security. This review delves into the specifics of what makes PIA a competitive choice for VPN users, including its strengths and areas for improvement.
Advantages of PIA
Customizable Encryption Options
PIA stands out by offering flexible encryption settings, allowing users to adjust the level of encryption to balance between speed and security. Users can choose between 128-bit and 256-bit encryption, catering to different performance needs and device capabilities.
Comprehensive Security Features
PIA provides a robust suite of security features to ensure comprehensive protection:
- VPN Kill Switch: Automatically disconnects your device from the internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing data leaks.
- PIA MACE: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
- Proxy Routing: Enhances anonymity by routing traffic through an additional proxy server using either SOCKS5 or Shadowsocks protocols.
- Custom DNS Options: Users can select from PIA’s DNS servers, Google DNS, or Cloudflare DNS to enhance privacy.
- No Logging Policy: PIA explicitly states that it does not keep logs of user activity, providing peace of mind for privacy-conscious users.
Impressive Speed Performance
Despite some variability, PIA generally delivers good speed across different regions, making it suitable for activities like streaming and gaming. The introduction of the WireGuard protocol has significantly improved performance, offering faster speeds compared to the traditional OpenVPN protocol.
Torrenting Capabilities
PIA excels in torrenting, offering unrestricted P2P file sharing on all its servers. This capability, combined with high speeds and robust security features, makes PIA an excellent choice for torrent users.
Extensive Server Network
With approximately 30,000 servers in 77 countries, PIA offers extensive global coverage. This vast network ensures users can find servers close to their location, reducing latency and improving connection speeds.
User-Friendly Interface
PIA’s applications are designed with user-friendliness in mind. The intuitive interface is easy to navigate, even for those new to VPNs. Installation is straightforward across various platforms, including a simple shell script for Linux users, which simplifies the process significantly.
Multi-Device Support
PIA supports up to 10 simultaneous device connections, making it ideal for users with multiple devices or families. Supported platforms include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, along with browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.
Responsive Customer Support
PIA’s customer support is generally quick and effective. While the initial support request process can be cumbersome, the response time is fast, and the support agents are knowledgeable and helpful.
Affordable Pricing Plans
PIA offers competitive pricing, particularly with its 2-year plan, which costs $2.69 per month and includes an additional two months for free. This plan also comes with a free subscription to Boxcryptor, enhancing value for users.
Disadvantages of PIA
Concerns Over Business Practices
The acquisition of PIA by Kape Technologies, a company known for buying various web-based services, raises concerns about potential conflicts of interest and the integrity of reviews and endorsements within the VPN industry.
Moderate Speed Comparisons
While PIA offers decent speeds, it lags behind top-tier competitors like NordVPN and ExpressVPN. Users seeking the fastest possible connections might find other services more suitable.
Netflix Buffering Issues
PIA supports Netflix US, but users may experience buffering when skipping through content. Although this issue is not severe, it can be frustrating for users with high-speed internet connections.
Lack of App Whitelisting
PIA does not offer app whitelisting, which allows specific apps to bypass the VPN connection. This feature is useful for applications that do not function well with a VPN. Users might need to find workarounds or contact customer support for assistance.
Unverified Windows Installer
The PIA Windows installer occasionally triggers security warnings due to its lack of verification. Although this does not indicate malicious activity, it can be unsettling for users.
Conclusion: Is PIA Worth It?
Private Internet Access offers a compelling mix of features, performance, and affordability. Its extensive server network, customizable encryption, and excellent torrenting capabilities make it a versatile choice for a wide range of users. Despite some minor drawbacks, PIA provides substantial value, particularly for those seeking a balance between cost and performance.