Private Internet Access (February 2026)
PIA is a veteran VPN service that offers a well-rounded product
Overall Rating
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Having been around for over a decade, Private Internet Access is able to provide a more streamlined and refined offering than many. Combined with a broad feature-set and competitive pricing, Private Internet Access instantly becomes a solid choice for anyone looking to re-gain a slice of freedom online.
Pros
- Expansive server network
- Support for P2P file sharing across all servers
- Solid privacy track-record
Cons
- Based in United States
- Hit or miss geo-blocking circumvention
Accessibility
Right off the bat, PIA offers a server network more expansive than most. While a number of its purported 29,650 servers are ‘virtual’ locations, this is still significantly more than most. It is important to note though, that these servers span across just over 80 countries – still respectable, but less than many market leaders.
Users of PIA will be able to maintain up to 10 connections simultaneously, with access afforded across a variety of browser extensions, and all the major operating systems (Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux).
For heavy media consumption, PIA works well. Not only does the service support split-tunnelling to route only specified programs through the VPN, it does not impose any bandwidth caps on usage. Combined with P2P file sharing support on every server, and geo-blocking removal capabilities, PIA becomes a top contender for accessing media online.
Security Features
In todays day and age, any VPN worth its salt will boast a functional kill switch, and at least AES-256 encryption. PIA hits the mark here, a takes it a step further by offering both port forwarding, and access to a dedicated IP – the latter of which is an add-on service available for an additional $3.75/mth fee.
Finally, PIA has taken an open-source approach to its software, allowing for developers, users, and enthusiasts at large to verify and contribute to the security of the code behind the service.
Add it all up, and PIA is solid all-around when it comes to security. Not many VPN services rely on an open-source approach, which allows for PIA to stand out.
Privacy
PIA indicates that it boasts a strict no-logs policy – something that has been tested no less than 21 times as a result of various court orders and subpoenas. PIA notes that in all instances, due to its policies and use of RAM only servers, it was unable to provide any data even if it wanted (which it doesn’t).
Now that the good is out of the way, here is the rest. PIA is based in the United States, which means that it is operating within a founding member of the 5 eyes alliance, explaining the mounting number of subpoenas. No, PIA has never produced any logs for the warrants and subpoenas it has received, but it has still received them, highlighting the risks of a VPN company doing business in the United States.
Furthermore, the company has yet to undergo an audit of its services from a third-party. While not producing any logs in court is definitely a positive sign, an audit would help it stand shoulder-to-shoulder with other top offerings in the sector that have already done so.
Beyond its geographical location, no-log policy, and track record, there are a couple of features built in to PIA that allow it to boast strong privacy. These include RAM only servers, in addition to a baked in ad/tracker/malicious website blocker.
Performance
When it comes to performance, Private Internet Access falls behind competitors such as IPVanish and CyberGhost. This is not to say the service is slow though. For all but the most discerning user, speeds on offer by PIA should suffice.
When looking at supported protocols, PIA offers the two most trusted and popular around in Wireguard, and OpenVPN. Those prioritizing speed may look to Wireguard, while those looking for an option that trades a sliver of speed for security should try out OpenVPN.
A feature which sets PIA apart from many of its competitors is support for SOCKS5 proxies. This feature can have a two-fold effect which boosts both anonymity, and speeds of P2P traffic (torrenting).
Purchasing
For those interesting in purchasing PIA, the company makes the process easy by accepting a variety of payments, including,
- Credit card
- PayPal
- Amazon Pay
- MINT
- Digital Assets (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, BitPay)
Subscription costs range from $2.03/mth on a 39mth plan, up to $11.95 on a month to month basis.
Notably, there is one feature on offer that is only available for an additional $3.75/mth – Dedicated IP. This approach is shared by various VPN service providers like PureVPN, as a dedicated IP is a niche requirement.
Conclusion
Overall, Private Internet Access is a solid option for anyone looking to ‘take back control’ of their online privacy.
The company has great accessibility, strong security features, and has made purchasing a breeze. While download speeds may not be the fastest around, they should be plenty sufficient for streaming services.
Our only real hesitation with the service is its home-base being located within the United States, and the lack of a third-party audit on its logging practices. With that being said, the company indicates that on the various occasions it has been asked for client logs, it has been unable to do so as a result of its no-logging practices. If this is not of great concern to you, then PIA deserves real consideration as a well-rounded, flexible, and feature packed VPN offering.