Private Internet Access (PIA) has been a staple in the VPN market for over a decade, known for its strong privacy stance and budget-friendly pricing. In this hands-on review, we'll break down whether PIA lives up to its reputation in 2024 for speed, streaming, and security.
Private Internet Access: Key Takeaways
- Proven no-logs policy – Court-verified in 2016 and 2018 cases
- 10,000+ servers – One of the largest networks, now fully owned by PIA
- Budget pricing – Starts at $2.03/month with our exclusive deal
- Open-source apps – Rare transparency for a commercial VPN
- Mixed streaming results – Works with Netflix US but struggles with BBC iPlayer
Speed & Performance
In our tests across US and European servers, PIA delivered:
- 85-92% of base speed on nearby connections (under 300 miles)
- WireGuard protocol (NextGen) outperformed OpenVPN by 40%
- Consistent latency – Under 120ms for gaming on US servers
While not the fastest VPN we've tested (that title goes to NordVPN), PIA's speeds are more than adequate for HD streaming and browsing.
Streaming & Unblocking
PIA's streaming performance varies by platform:
- ✔ Netflix US – Reliable access via East Coast servers
- ✔ Disney+ – Works consistently with WireGuard
- ✖ BBC iPlayer – Failed in 3/5 attempts during testing
- ✔ Amazon Prime Video – Success with Dallas and Seattle servers
For dedicated streaming, these VPNs performed better in our tests.
Privacy & Security
Where PIA shines:
- No-logs policy verified in two separate court cases (2016, 2018)
- RAM-only servers implemented across entire network (2023 upgrade)
- Open-source apps – GitHub repositories available for audit
- Advanced features – Includes split tunneling and multi-hop on all plans
The only privacy concern is PIA's US jurisdiction, though their court record suggests this hasn't compromised users.
Pricing & Refund Policy
| Plan | Price | Savings |
|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $11.95 | – |
| 1 year | $3.33/month | 72% |
| 3 years | $2.03/month | 83% |
All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee. We confirmed refunds process within 5 business days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is PIA owned by Kape Technologies?
Yes, PIA was acquired by Kape (formerly Crossrider) in 2019. While controversial due to Kape's past, PIA maintains independent operations and its privacy policies haven't changed post-acquisition.
Does PIA work in China?
Sometimes. PIA offers obfuscated servers that occasionally bypass China's firewall, but it's not as reliable as ExpressVPN for this specific use case.
How many devices can use PIA simultaneously?
PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections, matching Surfshark in this regard.
Does PIA support port forwarding?
Yes, but only on Windows and Linux apps. This feature helps with torrenting speeds and certain gaming scenarios.
Final Verdict: Who Should Choose PIA?
Private Internet Access delivers exceptional value for privacy-conscious users who want:
- A proven no-logs VPN with open-source transparency
- Unlimited device connections at a low price
- Advanced features like multi-hop and port forwarding
Streamers and China travelers may want to consider alternatives, but for most users, PIA remains a top-tier choice in 2024.
