Private Internet Access (PIA) Review [2025]: Power Features & Proven Privacy?
Private Internet Access, often called PIA, has long been a favorite among privacy advocates and tech-savvy users. Known for its highly customizable apps, commitment to open-source, and historically proven no-logs policy, it offers a feature-rich experience often at a very competitive price point. But how does it perform for everyday users in [2025]?
PIA aims to deliver strong security and privacy controls, making it a solid choice for those who like to tinker with settings or simply want a VPN with a trustworthy background. Let’s explore its current offerings.
Private Internet Access (PIA) Highlights:
- Strong Privacy Focus: Open-source apps, a court-proven and recently audited no-logs policy, and RAM-only servers.
- Highly Customizable Apps: Offers more granular control over encryption and connection settings than many competitors.
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections: Like Surfshark, PIA allows use on unlimited devices under one account.
- Good Security Features: AES encryption, WireGuard/OpenVPN protocols, reliable Kill Switch, MACE (ad/tracker/malware blocker).
- Excellent P2P Support: Torrenting is allowed and well-supported across its large server network.
- Competitive Pricing: Very affordable long-term subscription plans.
- Large Server Network: Extensive network spanning numerous countries.
Customization & Control
One of PIA’s defining characteristics is the level of customization offered within its apps. Users can adjust encryption levels (AES-128 or AES-256), choose different connection ports, enable advanced kill switch features, and configure split tunneling. While this might be slightly daunting for absolute beginners, it’s a significant plus for users who want fine-grained control over their connection.
The apps are open-source, allowing for public scrutiny of the code, which adds an extra layer of trust for the privacy-conscious.
Privacy & Security: A Strong Track Record
PIA has a long-standing reputation for prioritizing user privacy:
- No-Logs Policy: Famously proven multiple times in real-world court cases where PIA could not provide user data because it didn’t exist. They have also completed a recent independent audit by Deloitte.
- Encryption & Protocols: Uses strong AES encryption and supports modern protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN.
- Kill Switch: A robust kill switch prevents data exposure if the VPN connection drops.
- MACE: PIA’s built-in system blocks domains associated with ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level.
- Based in the US: While based in a Five Eyes country (which raises theoretical concerns for some), their proven no-logging practice mitigates much of this risk.
Performance & Speeds
PIA generally delivers good speeds, especially with WireGuard. Connections are typically fast enough for streaming, torrenting, and general browsing without significant slowdowns. However, performance can sometimes be less consistent than the absolute top-tier providers, with speed results varying more depending on the server chosen. Using the customizable settings (like switching protocols or ports) can sometimes help optimize speeds.
Streaming & Torrenting
PIA supports P2P traffic on all its servers and is a popular choice for torrenting due to its privacy focus and good speeds.
Streaming performance is decent but can be less consistent than dedicated streaming VPNs. While it often works with US Netflix and some other services, accessing multiple international libraries or niche platforms might require trying different servers. It’s capable, but unblocking isn’t its primary strength compared to others like ExpressVPN or Surfshark.
Value & Unlimited Connections
Similar to Surfshark, PIA’s move to unlimited simultaneous connections significantly boosts its value proposition. Combined with its very affordable long-term plans, PIA offers a lot of features for the price, making it an excellent budget-friendly option for securing many devices. They also provide a standard 30-day money-back guarantee.
Any Potential Drawbacks?
- US Jurisdiction: Being based in the US concerns some highly privacy-focused users, despite their proven no-logs policy.
- Streaming Unblocking: Can be less consistent for accessing a wide variety of global streaming libraries compared to top competitors.
- App Complexity: While powerful, the number of settings might intimidate VPN beginners.
- China Performance: Not considered a reliable option for use within China.
The Verdict: Who Should Choose PIA?
Private Internet Access remains a strong contender, particularly for privacy-conscious users, torrenters, and those looking for advanced customization options on a budget. Its proven no-logs history, open-source apps, and shift to unlimited connections make it highly compelling.
We recommend PIA for:
- Users who value privacy and transparency (proven no-logs, open source).
- People who primarily use VPNs for torrenting or general security.
- Tech-savvy users who appreciate detailed connection settings.
- Users needing to cover unlimited devices affordably.
While its streaming performance might not be class-leading for every service, and beginners might prefer a simpler interface, PIA offers a powerful, secure, and highly customizable VPN experience at an excellent price point.