PIA

Private Internet Access (PIA) VPN Review By Tom Spark, VPN Expert Overall Score: 58.75/93.5 (C Tier) After extensively testing Private Internet Access (PIA) for the past several months, I've found it to be a capable but somewhat middling VPN service that excels in some areas while falling short in others. Let me break down exactly why PIA earned a C-tier rating in my comprehensive evaluation system. Comprehensive Overview PIA is one of the older VPN providers, operating since 2010 and now owned by Kape Technologies. They maintain a network of over 30,000 servers across 84 countries, which is one of the largest server networks in the industry. While PIA offers solid core functionality and some advanced features, it struggles to compete with top-tier providers in key areas like streaming performance and user interface design. Deep Dive into Scoring Categories Features (12.25/15) PIA impresses with its feature set, offering: - WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols - Kill switch on all platforms - Split tunneling - Port forwarding - SOCKS5 proxy - Dedicated IP options (additional cost) - Ad/malware blocking (MACE) The implementation of these features is generally solid, though I've noticed occasional reliability issues with the kill switch during my testing, particularly on Windows. Speed & Performance (8/10) In my testing across multiple locations: - Local speeds (same country): 85-90% of base speed - International speeds: 60-75% of base speed - WireGuard performance: Consistently better than OpenVPN - Average latency increase: 5-15ms local, 80-120ms international These results put PIA in the upper-middle tier for performance, though not quite matching the speeds of top providers like ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Privacy & Trust (11/16) PIA maintains a strict no-logs policy that has been proven in court multiple times. However, their acquisition by Kape Technologies (formerly Crossrider) raises some concerns given the company's history with adware. Key privacy features include: - No-logs policy (verified) - RAM-only servers - Perfect forward secrecy - AES-256 encryption - Multiple protocol options The jurisdiction (US) is not ideal for privacy, though their proven no-logs policy helps mitigate this concern. Pricing & Value (5/10) PIA's pricing structure is: - Monthly: $11.95 - 1-year: $3.33/month - 3-year: $2.03/month While these prices are competitive, especially for longer terms, the value proposition is diminished by: - Limited streaming capabilities - Basic interface - Inconsistent performance - Few premium features Customer Support (5/5) Support is surprisingly strong: - 24/7 live chat - Detailed knowledge base - Quick response times (typically under 2 minutes) - Knowledgeable agents - Active community forums Streaming Performance (7.5/15) This is where PIA notably struggles: - Netflix: Works with US library, inconsistent with others - BBC iPlayer: Frequently blocked - Disney+: Limited success - Amazon Prime: Works but requires frequent server switching - Hulu: Generally reliable Technical Testing Results During my extensive testing, I observed: - DNS leak tests: No leaks detected - IPv6 leak tests: Properly blocked - WebRTC leak tests: No leaks - Average connection time: 2-4 seconds - Server stability: Generally good, occasional disconnects - Port forwarding functionality: Reliable but requires manual setup Security Features PIA offers robust security options: - Custom DNS settings - Multi-hop configurations (beta) - Network automation rules - Encryption customization - Identity protection features However, they lack some advanced features found in premium providers: - No double VPN - Limited obfuscation options - No Tor over VPN GUI and User Experience (2.5/10) The interface is arguably PIA's weakest point: - Dated design - Unintuitive settings layout - Limited customization options - Clunky mobile apps - Inconsistent performance indicators Torrenting Capabilities PIA performs well for P2P: - All servers allow P2P - Port forwarding available - Good speeds for torrenting - SOCKS5 proxy included - No bandwidth limits Missing Features and Weaknesses - Limited obfuscation options - No multi-hop (except beta) - Basic interface - Inconsistent streaming performance - US jurisdiction - Limited advanced features - No independent security audit Who Should Use PIA? PIA is best suited for: 1. Budget-conscious users seeking basic VPN protection 2. Torrent users who need port forwarding 3. Users primarily focused on US servers 4. Those who prioritize proven no-logs policies 5. Users who need simple, straightforward protection It's less suitable for: 1. Heavy streamers 2. Users in highly restrictive countries 3. Those seeking premium features 4. Users wanting a polished, modern interface Conclusion PIA is a serviceable VPN that offers solid core functionality at a competitive price point. While it excels in areas like torrenting support and basic privacy protection, its dated interface, streaming limitations, and lack of advanced features keep it from reaching the top tier of VPN providers. For basic VPN needs and torrenting, it's a decent choice, especially given the competitive long-term pricing. However, users seeking a premium experience or reliable streaming capabilities should consider alternatives like ExpressVPN or NordVPN. The service's proven no-logs policy and long-standing reputation provide confidence in its privacy promises, despite the US jurisdiction and Kape ownership concerns. While PIA may not be the most exciting or feature-rich VPN on the market, it delivers reliable core functionality at a reasonable price point, making it a viable option for users with basic VPN needs who prioritize privacy over premium features.