Private Internet Access Reviews

Read unbiased Private Internet Access reviews from 159 verified users to discover if it's the best choice for you. Private Internet Access is currently ranked #4 in the vpn industry with an average star rating of 4.5 and sentiment score of 56%. Keep reading to learn more.

Private Internet Access logo
Private Internet Access
PIA offers significant benefits such as high-speed connections and access to geo-restricted content, making it an ideal choice for streaming and secure browsing. Its target user profiles include privacy-conscious individuals, remote workers, and businesses seeking secure communications.
Founded
2010
Location
Denver, United States
Industries
VPN
Social Links
TrustScore
82
Excellent TrustScore (out of 0 to 100)
Industry Rank
#4
Out of 16 tracked companies
Industry Standing
81.3%
Better than 13 competitors
Sentiment Score
56%
Customer overall sentiment score
Average Rating
4.5
Star rating out of 5
Total Reviews
159
Last updated: 2025-01-26 21:08:31
Industry Comparison - VPN
CompanyRank
TrustScore
RatingSentimentReviews
Market Share
HideMe VPN#1874.670%46
7.2%
PrivateVPN#2844.659%247
7.1%
PureVPN#3824.555%536
7.4%
Surfshark#4824.559%1,819
10.1%
Private Internet Access#5824.556%159
6.6%
IPVanish#6794.353%325
6.7%
Hotspot Shield#7784.059%40
6.0%
TorGuard#8784.252%45
6.0%
ExpressVPN#9784.251%1,745
9.4%
NordVPN#10764.247%2,911
11.4%

In the VPN industry, HideMe VPN leads with the highest trust score of 87%, performing 20.1% above average, while HideMyAss has the lowest trust score of 31%, 57.2% below the industry average. HideMe VPN has the highest sentiment score of 70%, and NordVPN has the most customer feedback with 2,911 reviews.

Industry Average Rating
3.8
Industry Average Sentiment
48%
Industry Total Reviews
8,328

Private Internet Access Trust Score

0
out of 100
Rating Score (40% weighted)4.5 / 5
Sentiment Score (60% weighted)56%

TrustScore is a combination of 1 to 5 star rating (40% weighted) and -1 to 1 sentiment score (60% weighted) to provide an accurate and comprehensive measure of customer satisfaction. Learn more.

Private Internet Access Sentiment Overview

Total Reviews
159
Positive
82%
130 reviews
Neutral
5%
8 reviews
Negative
13%
21 reviews
Private Internet Access Customer Reviews

Private Internet Access customers are most satisfied with Reliability (85%) and Support (78%), while being most critical of Support (45%).

Reviews by Category

Positive Feedback

Support

The pia client is user friendly and supports multiple platforms, including windows, macos, android, and linux.

Reliability

It is a fantastic experience it is a fantastic experience the software, the convenience, the great price, and the reliability.

Security

It doesn t use the official way to connect to a vpn in windos, but i imagine it s beacuse of some security issues.

Negative Feedback

Support

The customer support techs worked with me for multiple hours over multiple days to rectify the problem without success.

Most Recent Private Internet Access Reviews

Positive Reviews

7 Year Subscriber. I've subscribed since May of 2017 and this VPN has accomplished every task faithfully on Windows, Android, and 6 different Linux distributions....

Jim C

is that it. contrary to other VPN services I've tried. allows for servers to function in parallell. I. e. it doesn't hijack the entire network...

Henric

This VPN works perfectly with my LMDE 6…. This VPN works perfectly with my LMDE 6 OS ( Linux Mint Debian Edition ). Plenty of...

jean-claude M.

Negative Reviews

I might be dim but. . . . I might be dim, but flashing 1. 99euro in my face, for me later to realize that...

Søren

Another company which doesn't value…. Another company which doesn't value long time customers. Increasing yearly fee for existing costumer by 25% while offering new accounts...

Martin Ohnenamen

Horrible Service and probably a Scam, Stay away from PIA VPN. I have been a PIA VPN customer for nearly a decade, but in the...

TB

The sentiment analysis above has highlighted customer feedback at scale. The Private Internet Access review below provides an expert take at the features that matter most to help you decide if this company is the right choice for you.

Company Overview

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a Virtual Private Network (VPN) provider known for its robust privacy features and commitment to user anonymity. It has established a strong market presence by offering an affordable, reliable, and secure VPN service with a focus on no-logs policies. PIA leverages advanced technologies such as WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols to ensure fast and safe connections for its users.

Industries

Technology and IT
VPN Services
Internet Privacy

Target Audience

Privacy-conscious individuals
Remote workers and freelancers
Streaming and gaming enthusiasts

Unique Selling Points

A strict no-logs policy independently audited to ensure user privacy.
Advanced encryption standards, including AES-256, for top-tier data security.
Unlimited bandwidth and high-speed servers optimized for streaming and gaming.
Pricing Plans
Monthly Plan
$11.95/monthly
Renews at $11.95/monthly
No Trial
30-day money-back guarantee

The Monthly Plan offers flexibility with no long-term commitment, providing full access to all PIA features. This plan is ideal for users who need a short-term solution or want to test the service.

Best For:
This plan is best for users who need a VPN for short-term use, such as traveling or testing out the service. It is also suitable for those who prefer flexibility without committing to a long-term contract.

What's Included

  • Access to 35,000+ servers in 84 countries
  • No-logs policy
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • 10 simultaneous connections
  • AES-256 encryption
  • WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols
  • Kill switch feature
  • 24/7 customer support

What's Not Included

  • No dedicated IP address
  • No free trial
  • Limited to monthly billing
  • Higher cost compared to longer plans

Hidden Costs

  • Taxes based on location
  • Potential currency conversion fees

Payment & Billing

Payment Methods:
Credit card
PayPal
Cryptocurrency
Currencies:
USD
EUR
GBP
Billing Cycles:
Monthly

Free Extra Features

  • PIA MACE ad blocker
  • Split tunneling
Annual Plan
$39.95/annual
Renews at $39.95/annual
No Trial
30-day money-back guarantee

The Annual Plan offers significant savings compared to the monthly plan while providing full access to all features. It is ideal for users looking for a long-term VPN solution.

Best For:
This plan is ideal for users seeking long-term VPN protection at a lower cost. It is particularly suited for frequent travelers, remote workers, and privacy-conscious individuals.

What's Included

  • Access to 35,000+ servers in 84 countries
  • No-logs policy
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • 10 simultaneous connections
  • AES-256 encryption
  • WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols
  • Kill switch feature
  • 24/7 customer support

What's Not Included

  • No dedicated IP address
  • No free trial
  • Upfront payment required
  • Limited to annual billing

Hidden Costs

  • Taxes based on location
  • Potential currency conversion fees

Payment & Billing

Payment Methods:
Credit card
PayPal
Cryptocurrency
Currencies:
USD
EUR
GBP
Billing Cycles:
Annual

Free Extra Features

  • PIA MACE ad blocker
  • Split tunneling
3-Year Plan
$79.00/3 years
Renews at $79.00/3 years
No Trial
30-day money-back guarantee

The 3-Year Plan provides the best value, offering the lowest monthly cost for long-term users. It includes all PIA features and additional savings.

Best For:
This plan is best for users committed to long-term VPN usage and those looking for maximum savings. It is particularly beneficial for privacy enthusiasts and professionals working remotely.

What's Included

  • Access to 35,000+ servers in 84 countries
  • No-logs policy
  • Unlimited bandwidth
  • 10 simultaneous connections
  • AES-256 encryption
  • WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols
  • Kill switch feature
  • 24/7 customer support

What's Not Included

  • No dedicated IP address
  • No free trial
  • Upfront payment required
  • Limited to 3-year billing

Hidden Costs

  • Taxes based on location
  • Potential currency conversion fees

Payment & Billing

Payment Methods:
Credit card
PayPal
Cryptocurrency
Currencies:
USD
EUR
GBP
Billing Cycles:
3 years

Free Extra Features

  • PIA MACE ad blocker
  • Split tunneling

Private Internet Access is a great choice for users seeking a cost-effective VPN with strong privacy features. It is particularly well-suited for long-term users looking for excellent value and reliable performance.

Total Cost Calculator
Pricing Plan
Cost Breakdown

Monthly Plan Plan

Monthly Cost$12/month

Total Cost over 3 Years

Year 1n/a
Year 2n/a
Year 3n/a
Total after Year 1
n/a
Total after Year 2
n/a
Total after Year 3
n/a

Optional Add-ons

  • Dedicated IP for $5/month

Extra Costs not Included

  • Taxes based on location
  • Potential currency conversion fees
Explore Features

Feature Preferences

Select your feature requirements. Must-have features are essential for your needs, while nice-to-have features are beneficial but not critical.

Hold Ctrl (Windows) or Cmd (Mac) to select multiple features

Monthly Budget Range

Select your preferred budget range. This helps us find plans that fit your financial requirements.

Recommended Plans

Select features to get plan recommendations
Private Internet Access Competitor Comparison

Select the features that are important to you. This will help us match competitors based on your needs.

Adjust how much you want to consider price in the comparison.

Features OnlyBalancedPrice Focused

Competitor Rankings

NordVPN
Best Match

NordVPN is a popular VPN provider known for its double VPN feature and extensive server network. It offers advanced security and privacy features.

Match Score: 0%
NordVPN is slightly more expensive than PIA, especially for long-term plans.
Key Differences: NordVPN includes a double VPN feature for enhanced security, whereas PIA focuses on affordability and simplicity.
When to Choose: Choose NordVPN if you prioritize advanced security features like double VPN.
When Not to Choose: Do not choose NordVPN if affordability and multiple device connections are your primary concerns.
ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN provider known for its lightning-fast speeds and robust privacy features. It is highly rated for streaming and bypassing geo-restrictions.

Match Score: 0%
ExpressVPN is significantly more expensive than PIA, especially for annual plans.
Key Differences: ExpressVPN offers better streaming performance, while PIA is more budget-friendly.
When to Choose: Choose ExpressVPN if you need top-tier streaming performance and speed.
When Not to Choose: Do not choose ExpressVPN if you are on a tight budget or need multiple device connections.
Surfshark

Surfshark is an affordable VPN provider offering unlimited device connections and strong security features. It is a strong competitor in the budget VPN market.

Match Score: 0%
Surfshark's pricing is comparable to PIA, with both offering budget-friendly options.
Key Differences: Surfshark allows unlimited device connections, while PIA limits users to 10 devices.
When to Choose: Choose Surfshark if you need unlimited device connections.
When Not to Choose: Do not choose Surfshark if you prefer a VPN with a larger server network.
User Feedback

Common Praise

Users appreciate the strict no-logs policy, ensuring their data is never stored or shared.
Many users commend the high-speed servers, which are ideal for streaming and gaming without interruptions.
The affordability of long-term plans is frequently praised, offering excellent value for money.

Common Complaints

Some users report occasional connection drops on specific servers.
The lack of a free trial is a downside for potential new users.
Customer support response times can sometimes be slower than expected.

Success Stories

A freelance journalist successfully used PIA to bypass government censorship while working abroad.
A small business owner secured their remote team’s internet connections with PIA, enhancing data protection.
A college student used PIA to access geo-restricted educational resources, improving their academic performance.

Potential Deal Breakers

The absence of a free trial makes it hard for users to test the service risk-free.
Connection speeds can vary depending on the server location.
The upfront payment for longer plans may deter some users.
Final Verdict

Private Internet Access is a reliable and affordable VPN provider offering strong privacy features and a no-logs policy. It is ideal for users seeking a secure and private browsing experience without breaking the bank. While it lacks some advanced features offered by competitors, its affordability and simplicity make it a popular choice.

Private Internet Access Pros

  • Affordable long-term pricing plans.
  • Strict no-logs policy for enhanced privacy.
  • User-friendly interface and easy setup.
  • Supports 10 simultaneous device connections.

Private Internet Access Cons

  • No free trial available.
  • Connection speeds can vary by server.
  • Lacks some advanced features like double VPN.

Recommended For:

PIA is perfect for privacy-conscious individuals, remote workers, and budget-conscious users looking for a dependable VPN solution.

Not Recommended For:

PIA may not be suitable for users requiring advanced features like double VPN or those prioritizing the fastest streaming speeds. It is also not ideal for users unwilling to pay upfront for long-term plans.

Private Internet Access is a great choice for users seeking a cost-effective VPN with strong privacy features. It is particularly well-suited for long-term users looking for excellent value and reliable performance.

Frequently Asked Questions