In the fast-paced digital world, protecting your online privacy has become more critical than ever. With the rise of cyber threats and data breaches, using a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) like Private Internet Access (PIA) is a smart choice. In this 2024 review, we delve into the cost, features, and more to help you make an informed decision.
Private Internet Access VPN review 2024
VPN users crave security and privacy, and private internet Access (PIA) goes above and beyond to provide just that. PIA ensures your peace of mind by refusing to collect or store any logs, guaranteeing that your online activities remain private and secure. This commitment to privacy has been put to the test in various court cases and was officially confirmed by a third-party audit in 2022. Plus, only PIA’s trusted infrastructure team has access to its network, ensuring that your data is always in safe hands.
Despite being headquartered in the United States, a member of the intelligence alliance known as the five eyes, Private Internet Access (PIA) understands and addresses consumer concerns about potential government pressure to share data.
While PIA may not be the fastest VPN provider, it compensates with next-generation servers spread across 84 countries and all 50 U.S. states. This extensive server network is perfect for accessing local news stations and sporting event coverage. Additionally, PIA stands out by supporting unlimited simultaneous connections, a feature that many competitors also offer.
On the downside, PIA lacks a central portal for managing multiple business accounts, a feature found in the best business VPNs. However, for individuals and business owners seeking a secure, budget-friendly solution, PIA’s long-term service plans provide excellent value.
Private Internet Access VPN overview and facts
Since its establishment in 2010, Private Internet Access has been steadfast in its mission to protect user privacy. Over the years, it has continually improved its operations and infrastructure, including deploying servers in all 50 U.S. states and upgrading to the advanced PIA NextGen VPN network.
Despite being based in the U.S., PIA’s no-log policy guarantees that authorities cannot access information about individual or corporate online activities. However, some users have expressed concerns since Kape Technologies, formerly Crossrider, acquired PIA in 2019.
To reaffirm its commitment to privacy, Private Internet Access underwent an independent audit by Deloitte in 2022. The audit confirmed that PIA has implemented the necessary safeguards to ensure that no logs are kept on its VPN servers. If you’re considering using a VPN, our Private Internet Access VPN review can help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
Private Internet Access VPN pricing
| Term | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 1 month | $11.95 |
| 12 months | $3.33 |
| 39 months | $2.03 |
PIA simplifies its offerings by providing a single plan, a strategy shared by nine out of the 16 providers on our Best VPNs list. While the monthly payment option is pricier compared to more than half of the providers we’ve reviewed, PIA’s annual billing package shines with its low cost of $39.95 per year, the most affordable among all the VPN providers we’ve evaluated.
For even greater savings, individuals can opt for PIA’s three-year plan. Additionally, Private Internet Access offers bulk pricing for businesses requiring a minimum of three accounts (with 30 devices connected simultaneously). Both individuals and businesses can benefit from significant savings by paying a year or more in advance or by opting for three or more accounts, respectively.
To ensure satisfaction, PIA offers a risk-free 30-day trial period before committing to a one or three-year subscription.
Private Internet Access VPN
When it comes to billing, Private Internet Access (PIA) gives you options. You can choose from three individual billing plans or three bulk account billing packages, all of which come with the same features. Opting for longer payment terms unlocks greater discounts compared to monthly billing.
Business owners seeking three or more accounts can also benefit from bulk pricing. In addition to lower monthly or yearly fees, PIA applies a bulk discount to your purchase. This discount amounts to $1.49 for three accounts, with the option to add up to 1,000 accounts.
For those wanting to test the waters, PIA offers a free trial for select mobile subscriptions. This is a rare offering, as most VPN providers do not provide any type of trial unless they offer a free version or a mobile app. Additionally, users can pay anonymously using prepaid gift cards or cryptocurrency, ensuring privacy every step of the way.
Private Internet Access VPN plans
| Company | Anonymous Browsing | Dedicated IP | Number Of Simultaneous Connections | Browser Extensions | Number Of Service Plan Tiers |
| Private Internet Access | Yes | Add-on only | Unlimited | Yes | 1 |
Although PIA has most VPN features needed for a secure connection, it lacks team management tools and encrypted cloud storage. PIA’s features work well for technical experts, but beginners may face a learning curve when customizing settings.
Private Internet Access plan features
With Private Internet Access VPN accounts, you have the freedom to select industry-standard protocols and connect to servers in 84 countries. Additionally, you can utilize Smart DNS tools to stream movies without worrying about bandwidth restrictions.
However, in our testing, we encountered issues when trying to access Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. Fortunately, switching to PIA’s optimized U.S. servers, whether on the east or west coast, resolved this problem, allowing for uninterrupted streaming.
What makes Private Internet Access stand out is its extensive customization options, allowing you to tailor settings to your preferences. For example, you can utilize advanced split tunneling to specify which programs use your regular IP address and which ones utilize the VPN tunnel. Unlike some competitors, PIA lets you choose your encryption method and server location.
Take advantage of PIA’s split tunneling feature to enable app-specific kill switches. For instance, you can listen to Spotify using your regular IP address while routing business email through the VPN for added security.
Once you’ve installed the PIA VPN, you gain access to features such as:
- Automation: Configure PIA to automatically connect to a VPN when you leave the office and disconnect when you get back.
- Protocols: With one click you can switch between OpenVPN and WireGuard or IPsec on iOS devices.
- Multi-hop: Reroute web traffic thru a Shadowsocks or SOCKS5 proxy so apps can’t see that you’re using a VPN.
Private Internet Access add-ons and optional features
While bundling services can be a money-saving and vendor-reducing strategy, not many VPN companies offer premium add-ons and optional features. Some providers offer more choices in higher-tier packages, with a static IP being the most common option.
Private Internet Access’s single plan does not include a dedicated IP or antivirus tools. However, users have the flexibility to add Antivirus by PIA or a dedicated IP during checkout or directly from the VPN application after subscribing.
A dedicated IP address is a convenient way to secure your IoT devices and ensure a smoother experience when accessing sensitive accounts or streaming services. On the other hand, antivirus software protects your network from threats, and PIA’s affordable 24/7 threat protection service provides added peace of mind.
Antivirus by PIA
Experience real-time protection against malware and ransomware with Antivirus by PIA, which alerts you to any suspicious activity. Priced at $1.49 per month, you can opt for a one-year commitment to reduce the cost to $1.27 per month (billed at $15.20) or prepay for three years, lowering the monthly price to just $1.12 (billed at $40.23).
Antivirus by PIA uses a DNS-based ad blocker to keep potentially malicious ads, trackers, and websites at bay. Its prevention engine identifies vulnerabilities and promptly patches them. Users have the flexibility to configure custom parameters and set up an automated scanning schedule for added convenience.
Leverage PIA’s security reports to gain insights into historical data, enabling you to make informed decisions about data retention. Additionally, you can control what information is sent to the PIA virus database and receive alerts whenever Antivirus by PIA connects to its cloud-based servers.
It’s important to note that Antivirus by PIA is compatible only with Windows devices. If you require protection for Mac, Android, or iOS devices, you may need to consider adding a standalone program.
Dedicated IP
Some applications may not cooperate well with VPNs, causing issues like blocked streaming attempts or frequent bot verification requests. A dedicated IP address, which is exclusively used by you, can help reduce these inconveniences, such as fewer captchas. Private Internet Access (PIA) offers users the option to purchase a dedicated IP address per account, ensuring a smoother online experience.
- Private Internet Access does not link your dedicated IP to your user account. It uses a token mechanism to ensure 100% anonymity.
A dedicated IP address is available for $5 per month, offering consistent access to shared VPNs. For long-term commitments, savings are significant, with the price dropping to $4.25 per month (billed annually at $51) and $3.75 per month with a three-year agreement (billed at $135).
Even with a dedicated IP, you can still access shared VPNs. Private Internet Access’s dedicated IP includes all the benefits of a standard VPN package, such as no usage logs and unlimited bandwidth.
With the option to choose individual servers in Australia, Canada, Germany, the U.K., or the U.S., a dedicated IP ensures uninterrupted service, even during peak usage hours.
Private Internet Access customer support and experience
Private Internet Access offers a high degree of customization, yet beginners will find the VPN setup process straightforward. After downloading the VPN app, simply click the yellow button, which will turn green once connected.
For further assistance, many settings feature an information button, providing a brief overview of the configuration options. Alternatively, you can access an in-app guide for more detailed instructions. Additionally, you have the option to choose between a dark or light interface to suit your preference.
During our review, we also installed and utilized the Chrome extension for Private Internet Access. The installation process was simple, as was configuring the settings. However, the abundance of options may be overwhelming for new users. If you prefer a more streamlined interface, we recommend checking out our Surfshark review, as it is tailored for beginners.
You can easily connect to your VPN directly from your browser by downloading extensions for Firefox, Chrome, or Opera.
One drawback of PIA is that you can’t directly contact customer service from the VPN panel. Instead, you need to log in to your client control panel online. From there, you can submit a support ticket or chat with a live agent on the website.
During our testing, we used live chat during both weekday and weekend hours. Each time, the wait was short, and the agents were able to promptly address our questions. This level of service aligns with user feedback from multiple review sites, where PIA receives high praise for its customer service, affordability, speed, and privacy track record.
Although PIA doesn’t offer phone support, the availability and effectiveness of live chat make up for it. The website also features a searchable knowledge base, step-by-step guides, and a community forum, providing additional resources for users.
Private Internet Access vs. NordVPN
| Company | Number Of Simultaneous Connections | Browser Extensions | Number Of Countries With Servers | Automatic Scans Of Downloaded Files | Number Of Countries With Servers |
| Private Internet Access | Unlimited | Chrome, Firefox, Opera | 84 | Add-on service | 84 |
| NordVPN | 6 | Chrome, Firefox, Edge | 60 | Included with all plans | 60 |
When it comes to VPN services, NordVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) are among the top contenders. Both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee and require payment information to start using their services. However, PIA stands out for its lower cost, larger server network, and support for more simultaneous connections. On the other hand, NordVPN includes antivirus tools and malware detection in its plans, while PIA charges an additional fee for these features.
NordVPN distinguishes itself with its dedicated business VPN services. NordLayer accounts provide a centralized platform for managing network access. In contrast, PIA offers bulk pricing but lacks a dedicated corporate portal.
For users on a budget, we recommend Private Internet Access. However, if you require advanced monitoring of employee usage, NordLayer may be the better choice. Dive deeper into their features in our comprehensive NordVPN review.
Is Private Internet Access VPN right for your business?
For users seeking an affordable, long-term VPN service with customizable features, Private Internet Access (PIA) is an excellent choice. PIA’s split tunneling and feature automation options, along with its allowlists and configuration tools, give you control over which applications connect and disconnect. While PIA is more costly on a monthly basis, it becomes more affordable when you commit to one or three-year plans.
PIA’s user-friendly platform works seamlessly across various devices, including smartphones, gaming consoles, and smart TVs, ensuring private internet access wherever you are. Its ad-blocking tool, MACE, adds an extra layer of security by blocking threats at the domain level.
Users value PIA’s commitment to transparency, evidenced by its open-source software and bug bounty program. Despite being under U.S. legal jurisdiction, PIA has demonstrated its commitment to user privacy by refusing to provide logs in response to court orders, warrants, and subpoenas. A Deloitte audit further confirmed that PIA has the necessary safeguards to uphold its no-log policy.
However, PIA lacks a central console for monitoring business VPNs, which may be inconvenient for those managing multiple employee connections. Additionally, PIA is not the most cost-effective option for short-term usage.
