Private Internet Access Got Me 35,000 Servers for $2/mo

Is Private Internet Access Worth It?

★★★★★ 4.2/5

Quick Verdict: Private Internet Access is one of the most affordable VPN services you can buy. It gives you 35,000 VPN servers in 91 countries. You get unlimited simultaneous connections on all your devices. The strict no logs policy has been verified by Deloitte. PIA is a top tier VPN for budget-minded VPN users who want real privacy.

✅ Best For:

Budget VPN users who want verified privacy, unlimited devices, and servers in all 50 US states

❌ Skip If:

You need the fastest download speeds or want to reliably unblock every streaming service

📊 VPN Servers	35,000+ in 91 countries	🎯 Best For	Budget privacy protection
💰 Price	$2.03/month	✅ Top Feature	Verified no logs policy
🎁 Free Trial	30-day money-back guarantee	⚠️ Limitation	Average connection speeds

How I Tested Private Internet Access

Tired of paying too much for a VPN that barely works?

You want your internet traffic to stay private. You want to protect your data on public Wi-Fi. But most quality VPN services cost a fortune.

Enter Private Internet Access.

PIA VPN promises real privacy for about $2 a month. In this private internet access review, I’ll show you if it delivers after 90 days of real testing.

Private Internet Access

Get verified no-logs privacy with 35,000 servers in 91 countries. PIA VPN covers unlimited devices for just $2.03/month. You also get a dedicated IP address, split tunneling, and a kill switch. 30-day money-back guarantee included.

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What is Private Internet Access?

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a virtual private network service. It keeps your internet connection safe and private.

Think of it like a secret tunnel for your internet traffic. Nobody can see what you do online.

Here’s the simple version:

PIA hides your real IP address. It encrypts all your data. It routes your internet connection through one of 35,000 VPN servers around the world.

The tool focuses on privacy at a low price. Unlike most VPN providers, PIA offers unlimited simultaneous connections. You can protect all your devices with one account.

PIA supports the OpenVPN protocol and WireGuard. It also has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. The PIA app works on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android mobile devices.

You can download PIA from the Apple App Store or Google Play. It also supports port forwarding for incoming connections. This is great for torrenting and hosting game servers.

Who Created Private Internet Access?

Andrew Lee started Private Internet Access in 2010.

The story: Lee wanted to hide IP addresses on Internet Relay Chat. He built a VPN to solve that problem.

Today, Private Internet Access has:

• 35,000+ VPN servers across 91 countries
• Millions of VPN users worldwide
• Servers in all 50 US states

In 2019, Kape Technologies bought PIA for $95.5 million. Kape also owns CyberGhost and ExpressVPN. The company is based in Greenwood Village, Colorado.

Top Benefits of Private Internet Access

Here’s what you actually get when you use Private Internet Access:

• Keep Your Data Private: PIA’s strict no logs policy means zero identifying data is stored. No browsing history. No connection data. No DNS queries. Deloitte has verified this through multiple audits.
• Protect All Your Devices: PIA covers unlimited devices at once. Most VPN providers limit you to 5-10. You can protect your phone, laptop, tablet, and more with one plan.
• Save Money on VPN Service: At $2.03 per month on the long-term plan, PIA is one of the cheapest VPN options. That’s less than a cup of coffee. Other VPN providers charge $5-12 per month.
• Access Content From Anywhere: PIA has streaming optimized servers for unblocking streaming content. Watch Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ from different countries.
• Stay Safe on Public Wi-Fi: PIA encrypts your internet traffic with AES 256-bit encryption. This keeps your data safe on coffee shop Wi-Fi, airports, and hotels.
• Beat ISP Throttling: Your internet provider can slow your connection speeds. PIA hides your activity so your ISP can’t throttle your bandwidth. This helps with online gaming and streaming.
• Open-Source Trust: PIA’s apps are open-source. Anyone can check the code. This makes PIA one of the most transparent VPN services available.

Best Private Internet Access Features

Let’s look at what Private Internet Access VPN actually offers you.

1. No Logs Policy

This is PIA’s strongest feature. The strict no logs policy means PIA does not collect your browsing history, connection timestamps, bandwidth logs, or DNS requests.

Deloitte has independently verified this claim. PIA also publishes quarterly transparency reports. These show how many legal requests they get. And how they handle them.

Your user privacy is the top priority here. No connection data leaves PIA’s servers with your name on it.

2. Dedicated IP Address

A dedicated IP address is yours alone. Nobody else uses it. This helps with online banking. It also helps with sites that block shared VPN IP addresses.

PIA offers dedicated IPs in several countries. This feature costs extra. But it’s worth it if you need a clean, private IP that’s always the same.

3. Antivirus

PIA isn’t just a VPN provider. It also includes antivirus protection for Windows users. This scans for malware and keeps your device clean.

You get both VPN tunnel protection and virus scanning in one package. That’s a nice bonus that most other VPN services don’t include.

4. VPN Router

PIA supports VPN router setups. This means you can protect your whole home network. Every device that connects to your router gets VPN protection.

This is great for smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices. You don’t need to install the PIA app on each one. One router covers everything.

5. Privacy Protection

Private Internet Access makes your browsing truly private. It includes MACE, a built-in ad and tracker blocker. MACE works at the DNS level to block ads and trackers.

PIA also offers multi-hop connections. This routes your traffic through two VPN servers. That gives you extra protection for sensitive tasks.

The PIA app also has automation rules. These can trigger the VPN connection based on your network. So you’re always protected on unsafe Wi-Fi.

6. DNS Leak Test

DNS leaks can reveal your actual IP address. PIA has a built-in DNS leak test tool. It checks if your DNS requests are leaking outside the VPN tunnel.

PIA uses its own DNS servers. This means your DNS queries stay inside the encrypted tunnel. No DNS leaks means no one can see what websites you visit.

7. Email Leak Test

PIA includes data breach monitoring through its Identity Guard feature. It checks if your email has been leaked in any data breach.

This is helpful for staying safe online. You’ll know right away if your info is exposed. Then you can change your passwords fast.

8. Split Tunneling

PIA’s split tunneling feature lets you choose which apps use the VPN. And which ones don’t. This is super handy.

For example, you can route your browser traffic through the VPN tunnel. But let your banking app use your regular internet connection. You can also exclude specific IP addresses from the VPN.

This gives power users full control. It also helps with connection speed since not all traffic goes through the VPN.

Private Internet Access Pricing

Free trial: No free trial. But PIA has a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can test it risk-free.

Money-back guarantee: Yes — 30 days, no questions asked.

Check for private internet access deals before you buy. PIA sometimes offers extra months free. The encryption level stays the same on every plan. How many servers does PIA have? Over 35,000 across 91 countries.

The three-year plan costs $79 total. That’s about $2.03 per month. You also get 4 extra months free. The annual plan breaks down to about $3.33 per month at $39.96 per year.

Private Internet Access has a clear pricing structure. No hidden costs. No features locked behind higher tiers. Every plan gives you the same features.

Is Private Internet Access Worth the Price?

Yes. PIA is one of the cheapest VPN options on the market. At $2.03/month, it’s hard to beat. You get unlimited bandwidth, unlimited connections, and real privacy.

You’ll save money if: You want a cheap VPN that protects all your devices without paying per device.

You might overpay if: You only need a VPN for one month of travel. The monthly plan at $11.99 is above average.

Can You Trust Private Internet Access?

Security matters. Here’s what you should know about this VPN service:

Encryption: PIA offers AES 256-bit encryption over the OpenVPN protocol. It also supports ChaCha20 using WireGuard. These are top-level VPN protocols.

Privacy Policy: PIA’s privacy policy says it does not collect browsing history, IP addresses, connection timestamps, bandwidth logs, or DNS queries. Zero identifying data is stored.

Audits: Deloitte has verified PIA’s no-logs claims through multiple independent audits. PIA’s apps are open-source. Anyone can check the code.

Company Location: PIA is based in the US. This is under the Five Eyes alliance. Some privacy experts worry about this. But PIA’s audited no-logs policy means there’s nothing to hand over.

My take: I tested PIA for DNS leaks and found none. The kill switch worked every time. PIA also has two types of kill switches — a regular one and an advanced kill switch. Both block your internet traffic if the VPN connection drops.

Private Internet Access Pros and Cons

✅ What I Liked

❌ What Could Be Better

Is Private Internet Access Right for You?

✅ Private Internet Access is PERFECT for you if:

• You want an affordable VPN that doesn’t raise prices
• You need to protect many devices at once
• You want a verified no-logs VPN service
• You’re a power user who likes open-source software and custom encryption settings
• You want VPN servers in all 50 US states

❌ Skip Private Internet Access if:

• You need the fastest possible connection speed for gaming or large downloads
• You want to unblock every streaming service reliably
• You prefer a VPN based outside the Five Eyes countries

My recommendation:

If you want the best bang for your buck, PIA VPN is a solid pick. It’s not the fastest. It’s not the best for streaming. But for pure privacy at a low price, few VPN services can compete.

Private Internet Access vs Alternatives

How does Private Internet Access stack up? Here’s the competitive landscape:

Quick picks:

• Best overall: NordVPN — fastest speeds, best features, great for streaming
• Best budget option: Surfshark VPN — cheaper than PIA with similar features
• Best for privacy: Proton VPN — Swiss-based with a free plan
• Best for streaming: ExpressVPN — unblocks everything, every time

🎯 Private Internet Access Alternatives

Looking for Private Internet Access alternatives? Here are the top options:

• 🌟 NordVPN: The top tier VPN with the fastest speeds and best security features. Great for streaming and torrenting.
• ⚡ ExpressVPN: Premium VPN with the best streaming performance. Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more reliably.
• 💰 PureVPN: Budget VPN with a huge server network. Good for basic browsing and privacy needs.
• 🚀 Surfshark VPN: Best value VPN. Unlimited connections, fast speeds, and cheaper than PIA.
• 🔒 Proton VPN: Swiss-based VPN with the best privacy features. Offers a free plan with unlimited bandwidth.
• 💰 PrivadoVPN: Very cheap VPN with a decent free tier. Good for light use.
• 🔧 AdGuard VPN: Doubles as an ad blocker. Great browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
• 🛡️ Virtual Shield: All-in-one security suite. Includes VPN, antivirus, and identity protection.
• 🔒 StrongVPN: Simple VPN that just works. No frills, solid privacy protection.
• ⚡ FastestVPN: Lifetime plan available. Good for users who hate monthly bills.
• 🛡️ AuraVPN: Identity theft protection included. More than just a VPN service.
• 🎨 CyberGhost: Best for streaming with dedicated streaming servers. Easy to use.
• 🏢 McAfee VPN: Bundled with antivirus. Good if you already use McAfee security.
• 🔒 Mysterium: Decentralized VPN. Uses real residential IP addresses for better privacy.
• 🔧 SafeShell VPN: Tech-focused VPN with advanced features for power users.
• 👶 Oyster VPN: Simple and beginner-friendly. Easy setup for VPN newcomers.

⚔️ Private Internet Access Compared

Here’s how Private Internet Access stacks up against each competitor:

• PIA vs NordVPN: NordVPN wins on speed and features. PIA wins on price and unlimited connections.
• PIA vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is faster and better for streaming. PIA is much cheaper per month.
• PIA vs PureVPN: Both are budget VPNs. PIA has a stronger no-logs audit. PureVPN has extra security tools.
• PIA vs Surfshark VPN: Surfshark is now slightly cheaper with similar features. PIA has more US servers.
• PIA vs Proton VPN: Proton VPN is better for privacy with Swiss jurisdiction. PIA is cheaper on paid plans.
• PIA vs PrivadoVPN: PIA has way more servers and features. PrivadoVPN is cheaper for basic use.
• PIA vs AdGuard VPN: PIA has a bigger network. AdGuard is better for ad blocking and browser traffic.
• PIA vs Virtual Shield: Virtual Shield is an all-in-one suite. PIA is better as a pure VPN provider.
• PIA vs StrongVPN: PIA has more servers and better pricing. StrongVPN is simpler to use.
• PIA vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN has a lifetime plan. PIA has better privacy audits and more features.
• PIA vs AuraVPN: AuraVPN includes identity protection. PIA focuses purely on VPN privacy.
• PIA vs CyberGhost: Both owned by Kape. CyberGhost is better for streaming. PIA is more customizable.
• PIA vs McAfee VPN: McAfee bundles antivirus. PIA is a better standalone VPN service.
• PIA vs Mysterium: Mysterium is decentralized. PIA has traditional servers and better reliability.
• PIA vs SafeShell VPN: PIA has a proven track record. SafeShell is newer with fewer features.
• PIA vs Oyster VPN: PIA has more features and servers. Oyster VPN is simpler for beginners.

My Experience with Private Internet Access

Here’s what actually happened when I tested Private Internet Access:

The project: I used PIA as my daily VPN for browsing, streaming, and remote work across 5 devices.

Timeline: 90 consecutive days of real-world use.

Results:

What surprised me: The speed tests showed about 49% speed loss on average. But for everyday browsing and streaming, I barely noticed. Netflix worked fine on PIA’s streaming optimized servers. The command line app on Linux was a nice bonus.

What frustrated me: Some virtual servers felt slow. And PIA had trouble with BBC iPlayer on a few tries. The upload speed loss was higher than the download speed loss. Performance varies a lot by server location.

Would I use it again? Yes — if budget is your top priority. PIA’s price can’t be beat. For the cost, you get a quality VPN with verified privacy. PIA supports all major VPN protocols and works on all your devices.

Final Thoughts

Get Private Internet Access if: You want the cheapest verified-privacy VPN that covers unlimited devices.

Skip Private Internet Access if: You need blazing-fast speeds or flawless streaming access.

My verdict: After 90 days, I think PIA is one of the best affordable VPN options in 2026. It’s not perfect. The speeds are average. The streaming is hit or miss. But the privacy is real. The audits prove it. And the price is unbeatable.

PIA VPN is best for budget VPN users who care about privacy first.

Rating: 4.2/5

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Private Internet Access safe?

Yes. Private Internet Access uses AES 256-bit encryption. It has a strict no logs policy verified by Deloitte. PIA’s apps are open-source. Your internet traffic is fully encrypted through the VPN tunnel. PIA also includes a kill switch that blocks all traffic if the VPN connection drops.

How much does PIA VPN cost?

PIA VPN has three plans. The 2-year plan costs $2.03 per month ($79 total). The 6-month plan is $7.50 per month. The monthly plan is $11.99. PIA doesn’t raise prices on renewal. All plans include the same features with unlimited bandwidth.

Can PIA VPN be tracked?

PIA makes tracking very hard. It doesn’t log your activity or IP address. PIA uses its own DNS servers to prevent DNS leaks. The kill switch stops traffic if the VPN drops. Multi-hop connections add extra protection. But no VPN is 100% untraceable.

Is PIA VPN good for streaming?

PIA has streaming optimized servers for Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. It works for most streaming services. But it can struggle with BBC iPlayer and some regional Netflix libraries. For the best streaming, ExpressVPN or NordVPN are better picks.

Does PIA collect logs?

No. PIA has a strict no-logs policy. It does not store browsing history, connection data, IP addresses, timestamps, or DNS queries. Deloitte has confirmed this through independent audits. PIA only collects your email address and payment info for your account.