Private Internet Access Review

Michael Iaboni Avatar

Written by:

Updated 2:37 pm

Expert Rating

93

Private Internet Access is a pleasant VPN that offers a hearty amount of data encryption features, and astounding leak protection, and it works with streaming services like Netflix. It’s no wonder it is considered to be the best VPN. The price increase is a bit of a letdown, but the features it offers go a long way to justifying the price you’ll pay for it, which is still minuscule. It is one of the best VPNs at that price.

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Why We Like It – Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) has been in the user data protection industry since 2010, making it one of the oldest VPN providers. In the VPN industry, name recognition means a lot. It’s because of this, and their commitment to quality, that PIA offers one of the best VPN services on the market today.

Pros
  • On the speedier side of VPNs
  • Superb Leak Protection
  • Works With Streaming Services Like Netflix
Cons
  • Sometimes iffy Kill Switch
  • Price increase to $9.95 per month
  • Limited “Live Chat” for Customer Support

Performance

Similar to Hotspot Shield, Private Internet Access is shown to be on the faster side of VPNs. Although speed may not be your go-to decision for VPN criteria, it’s nice to know your internet connection won’t suffer when you install it. By establishing the VPN connection quickly, you’re ready to surf the Internet inconspicuously or watch different versions of streaming services without being slowed down. Its security features, like its own ad and tracker-blocking tool—MACE—are superb, as is the leak protection. Use PIA to protect your user data through strong encryption so you can browse the Internet anonymously. The reviews of the kill switch, unfortunately, have been mixed. It offers server locations in 24 countries, which is nice, but VyprVPN has offerings in 50 countries and also pairs particularly well with iOS devices. If your country isn’t supported by Private Internet Access, or you use an iOS device, VyprVPN is a good alternative.

Related: Click our NordVPN review.

Design

Private Access Internet is the type of product where “what you see is what you get.” Nothing much in the way of add-ons, this internet access VPN isn’t going to try and upsell you, which is fantastic. It means you and everyone else are getting the same access features for the same price and nobody is getting more because they’re paying more. Its sleek and minimalistic user interface makes setting it up easy. Much like ExpressVPN, you can access private internet with the push of a button. Yet, ExpressVPN vs PIA might have some challenges to overcome.

Value

For the plethora of security features and server locations, you’re getting it’s hard to argue that the $9.95 per month, $39.95 per year, or the new $69.95 for two years price tag isn’t worth it. However, this does mark a 40% increase from its original price. Combine that with a lack of “live chat” customer service and it’s a little heartbreaking. To get even more info on pricing per month, year, or the two years option; specific access features on plans; and other customer service specs beyond this Private Internet Access PIA VPN review, take a look at PIA’s website. There, you can see the many VPN services PIA offers and the associated benefits of using PIA. If you truly can’t get over the price or are new to VPNs and looking to try one out, SpotFlux is a free VPN (with ads) that overcomes most premium VPNs.

Related: Also, check out a fast VPN in our PureVPN review.

Private Internet Access Wrap Up

When user privacy is the name of the game, use Private Internet Access. It’s a super-fast VPN connection that won’t accidentally leak your information to snoopers, scammers, your government, or your ISP. Thanks to speed tests proving how fast it takes to establish the VPN and Internet connection, you know you’re paying for speed and can access private Internet browsing in a flash. PIA’s many security features, like data encryption and leak protection, help give users peace of mind with their protected user data, making it one of the best VPN providers out there. Its price increase was a bit of a shocking surprise, but Private Internet Access is still on the cheaper side of VPNs. As a bonus, it pairs with Netflix, so you can use different versions of the streaming service from around the world. With Private Internet Access VPN and its many server locations, you can bypass geographic restrictions and watch whatever and whenever you want. Besides the mixed reviews on the kill switch and “live” customer support, PIA’s many other useful features help make it a great VPN provider to consider for protecting your user privacy. If you found this Private Internet Access review helpful, please check out our many other product reviews.

Michael Iaboni Avatar