Private Internet Access Review 2025: Open Source Transparency

8.4
★★★★☆
Very Good
29,000+
Servers
84
Countries
$2.19
Per Month

Overview

Private Internet Access (PIA) has been a stalwart in the VPN industry since 2010, building a reputation for transparency, affordability, and strong privacy protection. Based in the United States, PIA operates under the jurisdiction of a Five Eyes country, but has proven its commitment to user privacy through court cases and a demonstrated no-logs policy.

With over 29,000 servers across 84 countries, PIA offers one of the largest server networks in the industry. The service is particularly popular among privacy advocates and technical users who appreciate its open-source approach and extensive customization options.

✅ Pros

  • Massive server network (29,000+ servers)
  • Open-source applications
  • Proven no-logs policy in court
  • Very affordable pricing
  • Extensive customization options
  • 10 simultaneous connections
  • Strong encryption and security features
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

❌ Cons

  • Based in the United States (Five Eyes)
  • Inconsistent streaming performance
  • Interface can be overwhelming for beginners
  • Variable speeds across server network

Open Source Transparency

PIA stands out in the VPN industry for its commitment to open-source transparency. All of PIA's applications are open source, allowing security researchers and users to examine the code for potential vulnerabilities or privacy issues. This level of transparency is rare in the VPN industry and demonstrates PIA's commitment to user trust.

The open-source approach means that PIA's security claims can be independently verified, and any issues can be quickly identified and addressed by the community. This transparency extends to regular security audits and detailed technical documentation.

Proven No-Logs Policy

Unlike many VPN providers that simply claim to have a no-logs policy, PIA has actually proven its commitment to user privacy in court. The service has been subpoenaed multiple times by law enforcement agencies, and in each case, PIA was unable to provide user data because it simply doesn't exist.

These real-world tests of PIA's no-logs policy provide concrete evidence of the company's commitment to user privacy, making it one of the most trusted VPN providers among privacy-conscious users.

Security and Privacy

PIA offers robust security features with AES-256 encryption and support for multiple protocols including OpenVPN and WireGuard. The service provides extensive customization options, allowing advanced users to fine-tune their security settings according to their specific needs.

Security Features

  • Kill Switch: Multiple kill switch options including advanced settings
  • DNS Leak Protection: Built-in DNS leak protection
  • MACE: Ad, tracker, and malware blocking
  • Port Forwarding: Advanced feature for P2P users
  • Split Tunneling: Choose which apps use the VPN
  • Multi-Hop: Route traffic through multiple servers

Performance and Speed

PIA's performance can vary significantly depending on the server and location. With such a massive server network, some servers perform excellently while others may be slower or more congested. Local connections typically maintain good speeds, but international connections can be more variable.

The introduction of WireGuard protocol has improved overall performance, and users can often find fast servers by testing different locations within the same country or region.

Streaming and Torrenting

PIA's streaming performance is inconsistent. While some servers can access Netflix and other streaming services, the service isn't as reliable for streaming as dedicated streaming VPNs like ExpressVPN or NordVPN. However, PIA excels for torrenting with its large server network, port forwarding support, and strong privacy protections.

The service allows P2P traffic on all servers and provides features specifically designed for torrent users, making it a popular choice in the torrenting community.

Apps and User Experience

PIA's applications offer extensive customization options, which can be both a strength and a weakness. Advanced users appreciate the granular control over settings, while beginners might find the interface overwhelming. The apps are functional and stable, though not as polished as some competitors.

The service supports 10 simultaneous connections, which is more generous than many competitors. Setup guides are comprehensive, though they assume a certain level of technical knowledge.

Customer Support

PIA provides customer support through live chat and email, though the quality can be inconsistent. The support team is generally knowledgeable about technical issues, but response times can vary. The knowledge base is extensive and includes detailed technical documentation.

Pricing and Value

PIA offers excellent value for money, with some of the most competitive pricing in the industry. The service frequently runs promotions that make it even more affordable:

  • Monthly: $11.95/month
  • 12 Months: $3.33/month (billed annually)
  • 24 Months: $2.69/month (billed every 2 years)
  • 36 Months: $2.19/month (billed every 3 years)

All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee and 10 simultaneous connections, making PIA one of the best value propositions in the VPN market.

Conclusion

Private Internet Access is an excellent choice for privacy-conscious users who value transparency and proven privacy protection. The open-source approach, court-proven no-logs policy, and extensive customization options make it particularly appealing to technical users and privacy advocates.

We recommend PIA for users who prioritize privacy and transparency over streaming capabilities, want extensive customization options, or need a reliable VPN for torrenting. While it may not be the best choice for streaming or beginners seeking simplicity, it offers exceptional value and proven privacy protection for users who understand its strengths.