Private Internet Access (PIA)

Overview

Private Internet Access, commonly known as PIA, is one of the longest-running VPN services, operating since 2010. Now headquartered in Denver, Colorado, and owned by Kape Technologies (which also owns ExpressVPN and CyberGhost), PIA offers the largest server network in the VPN industry with over 35,000 servers spanning 91 countries. This massive infrastructure provides users with extensive geographic coverage and helps distribute load to maintain consistent performance.

PIA distinguishes itself through its commitment to open-source transparency. All client applications — Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android — have their source code published on GitHub, allowing anyone to inspect the code for vulnerabilities or backdoors. The service supports unlimited simultaneous connections and offers a comprehensive feature set that includes port forwarding, SOCKS5 proxy, and granular encryption settings.

Privacy and Security

PIA's no-logs policy has been tested in the most rigorous way possible: in court. On at least two documented occasions, the FBI served subpoenas demanding PIA hand over user connection data, and on both occasions, PIA demonstrated that it had no logs to provide. This court-tested verification arguably carries more weight than voluntary third-party audits, as it proves the policy holds up under genuine legal pressure.

The US jurisdiction is, however, a legitimate concern. The United States is a founding member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance and has broad surveillance powers under legislation such as the PATRIOT Act and FISA. While PIA's proven no-logs policy means there should be no data to collect, the jurisdictional risk remains a factor for users with heightened threat models. Encryption options include AES-128 and AES-256, with users able to choose their preferred balance of speed and security. The MACE feature provides DNS-level blocking of ads, trackers, and malware domains.

Performance

PIA's speeds using WireGuard are generally good on nearby servers, with 78-88% of baseline speeds typical on local connections. The sheer size of the server network means users can usually find a lightly loaded server nearby. However, speed consistency can vary, particularly on long-distance connections, where some servers perform significantly better than others. The ability to switch between WireGuard and OpenVPN provides flexibility for users who need to optimise for specific network conditions.

Streaming performance is adequate but not PIA's strongest suit. The service can access Netflix US and some other regional libraries, but unblocking is less consistent than dedicated streaming-focused VPNs. Torrenting is where PIA excels, with port forwarding support on WireGuard connections, a SOCKS5 proxy for torrent clients, and unlimited bandwidth on all servers. The split tunnelling feature allows users to route only specific applications through the VPN.

Verdict

PIA offers a compelling package for technically minded users who value open-source transparency, court-proven privacy claims, and extensive customisation options. The unlimited connections, port forwarding, and massive server network add practical value, while the aggressive long-term pricing makes it one of the cheapest premium VPN options available. The US jurisdiction and Kape Technologies ownership are legitimate concerns that each user must weigh against the service's proven track record. For torrent users and Linux enthusiasts in particular, PIA remains one of the strongest choices in the market.