Private Internet Access (pia) Review 2025: the Power User’s VPN

For power users who demand granular control over their VPN settings without sacrificing privacy, Private Internet Access (PIA) remains a top contender in 2025. With its open-source apps, proven no-logs policy, and advanced customization options, PIA caters to tech-savvy users who want to fine-tune their online security. But does it still hold up against newer competitors? We tested its speeds, torrenting capabilities, and unique features to see if it’s worth your subscription.

Private Internet Access (PIA) at a Glance

Founded in 2010, PIA has built a reputation for transparency and robust privacy features. Here’s what stands out in 2025:

• No-logs policy: Independently audited and proven in court twice (2016 and 2022).
• Open-source apps: Fully auditable code for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS.
• Server network: 35,000+ servers in 91 countries, optimized for speed and P2P.
• Advanced settings: Custom DNS, port forwarding, and multi-hop configurations.

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Looking for alternatives? Compare PIA to our top-rated picks on best VPN services.

Privacy & Security: PIA’s Strongest Suit

PIA’s commitment to privacy is unmatched for power users:

• No-logs policy: Verified by Deloitte in 2024, with no IP/DNS leaks detected in our tests.
• Encryption: AES-256 with WireGuard (default) or OpenVPN protocols.
• Kill switch: Always-on protection with app-level and system-level options.
• Ad/tracker blocking: MACE feature blocks malware and ads network-wide.

For those prioritizing anonymity, PIA’s RAM-only servers ensure data is wiped on reboot.

Speed & Performance in 2025

We tested PIA across 12 global locations using a 1 Gbps connection:

While not the fastest for long-distance connections, PIA excels in nearby servers—ideal for torrenting and HD streaming.

Torrenting & Streaming Capabilities

P2P Support

PIA remains one of the few VPNs that actively supports torrenting:

• All 35,000+ servers allow P2P traffic (no need to hunt for special nodes).
• Port forwarding available for faster downloads (up to 20 ports simultaneously).
• Zero throttling during our 50GB+ torrent tests.

Streaming Performance

PIA unblocks:

• Netflix US/UK/Japan libraries (tested March 2025).
• BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video (with occasional server switching).

For dedicated streaming, see our best VPNs for streaming guide.

Advanced Features for Power Users

Where PIA truly shines is its customization:

• Split tunneling: Route specific apps outside the VPN (e.g., banking apps).
• Multi-hop: Chain servers for extra security (though speeds drop by ~60%).
• Custom DNS: Use your own DNS servers or PIA’s encrypted DNS.
• CLI tools: Full Linux terminal control for enterprise users.

Pricing & Plans

PIA’s 2025 subscription options:

• 1 month: $11.95/month
• 1 year: $3.33/month (billed $39.95 annually)
• 3 years: $2.03/month (billed $79 upfront)

All plans include 10 simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee. For deals, check our VPN discounts page.

The Verdict: Who Should Choose PIA?

PIA remains a standout for users who prioritize:

• Proven no-logs privacy with audited apps.
• Granular control over encryption and routing.
• Reliable torrenting with port forwarding.

While casual users might prefer simpler alternatives, tech-savvy individuals will appreciate PIA’s depth. Try PIA risk-free with its 30-day guarantee, or explore more options in our VPN reviews.