Choosing a VPN with the right features can make or break your online privacy. This review of Private Internet Access covers two of its most important capabilities: advanced split tunneling and a strict no logs policy. We’ll break down how these tools work, why they matter, and whether PIA is the right choice for your needs.
- How PIA’s split tunneling gives you granular control over your traffic
- What its no logs policy really means for your privacy
- How it compares to other leading VPNs on security and usability
What Is Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access, often abbreviated as PIA, is a long-standing VPN provider known for its strong commitment to user privacy and technical flexibility. With servers in over 90 countries, dedicated apps for all major platforms, and a range of customization options, it appeals to both everyday users and tech-savvy individuals. Its standout features include advanced split tunneling, a proven no logs policy, and support for WireGuard® and OpenVPN protocols.
Advanced Split Tunneling: Control Your Traffic Your Way
Split tunneling lets you decide which apps or websites use the VPN connection and which bypass it. PIA takes this a step further with advanced split tunneling, offering both app-based and IP-based routing. This means you can exclude specific applications (like your banking app) from the VPN, or even define custom IP addresses to route outside the encrypted tunnel.
Why does this matter? Maybe you want to stream geo-restricted content on Netflix through the VPN while accessing local news sites directly for faster speeds. Or perhaps your work requires accessing a local network printer while keeping your browser traffic private. PIA’s split tunneling feature puts you in control without needing to constantly toggle your entire connection on and off.
How to Set Up Split Tunneling in PIA
Configuring split tunneling in PIA is straightforward. In the app settings, navigate to the split tunneling menu. From there, you can choose between allowing only selected apps to use the VPN or excluding specific apps from the VPN. You can also add IP addresses to bypass the tunnel entirely. It’s user-friendly, with clear toggles and search functionality to quickly find the apps you want to manage.
No Logs Policy: Trust, But Verify
PIA operates under a strict no logs policy, meaning it doesn’t collect or store information about your online activity. This has been validated through independent audits and real-world tests. In 2016, when the FBI subpoenaed PIA for user data related to an investigation, the company had nothing to provide—confirming that they truly keep no identifiable logs.
Their privacy policy is transparent: no traffic logs, no connection timestamps, and no IP address storage. Combined with RAM-only servers that wipe data on every reboot, PIA ensures your browsing history stays private, even from them.
Performance and Speed
Thanks to its widespread server network and support for the WireGuard® protocol, PIA delivers consistently solid speeds suitable for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. In our tests, connecting to nearby servers resulted in minimal speed loss, often under 10%. Even long-distance connections remained usable for HD video and large downloads.
Its unlimited bandwidth and lack of throttling make it a reliable choice for data-heavy activities. Whether you’re working from home, gaming online, or binge-watching shows, PIA keeps up without frustrating lag or buffering.
Security and Encryption
PIA doesn’t cut corners on security. It uses AES-256 encryption, the same standard trusted by governments and security experts worldwide. You can customize your encryption level and protocol in the settings, choosing between OpenVPN and WireGuard® for optimal balance between speed and security.
Additional features include a built-in ad and malware blocker (MACE), IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch that halts internet traffic if the VPN connection drops. These tools work together to keep your data safe from prying eyes, whether you’re on public Wi-Fi or your home network.
Pricing and Plans
PIA offers flexible subscription options, including monthly, yearly, and multi-year plans. The longer commitments come with significant discounts, making it one of the more affordable premium VPNs on the market. All plans include the same features: unlimited bandwidth, support for up to 10 simultaneous connections, and access to all servers.
If you’re unsure, take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee to test it risk-free. This lets you experience its split tunneling, no logs policy, and overall performance before fully committing.
How PIA Compares to Other VPNs
While PIA excels in customization and transparency, other top VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN offer stronger streaming unblocking capabilities or simpler interfaces. NordVPN, for example, provides specialized servers for streaming and extra security tools like Double VPN. ExpressVPN is renowned for its speed and reliability across all devices.
That said, PIA stands out for users who want fine-grained control over their VPN experience without sacrificing privacy. Its proven no logs policy and advanced split tunneling are hard to beat in this price range.
Who Should Use Private Internet Access?
PIA is ideal for privacy-conscious users, torrenters, and anyone who values customization. Its split tunneling is perfect if you frequently switch between local and encrypted traffic, and its no logs policy ensures your activities aren’t recorded. Tech-savvy users will appreciate the protocol options and configurable settings, while beginners can stick to the defaults for solid protection.
It may not be the best fit if your primary goal is accessing region-locked streaming content from stubborn platforms, or if you prefer a completely hands-off, minimalist VPN experience.
Private Internet Access delivers where it counts: strong privacy protections, flexible traffic routing, and consistent performance. Its advanced split tunneling and audited no logs policy make it a standout choice for users who want both control and confidence in their VPN. Ready to take charge of your online security?
Best VPN this month: NordVPN – offering a blend of speed, security, and streaming access.
Take control of your privacy today—try Private Internet Access risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Join the discussion
Have a question or a fix to add? Share it below.