Private Internet Access (PIA)

What is Private Internet Access?

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a veteran VPN service that has been protecting user privacy since 2010, making it one of the longest-running consumer VPN providers in the industry. Originally founded by London Trust Media and now owned by Kape Technologies, PIA has built a reputation for robust privacy protection, transparent operations, and proven no-logs claims that have been tested in real court cases.

What sets PIA apart is its proven track record on privacy. Unlike many VPNs that simply claim not to log user data, PIA’s no-logs policy has been verified in court multiple times when the company was unable to provide user data in response to legal requests—because no such data existed. This real-world validation provides genuine assurance that other VPNs cannot match.

PIA operates one of the largest VPN networks in the industry with servers in 84 countries, and became the first major VPN to release its client software as open-source, allowing security researchers to verify its claims and audit its code. This commitment to transparency and privacy has earned PIA a dedicated following among privacy advocates and security professionals.

Key Features

• Proven No-Logs Policy: PIA’s no-logs claims have been verified in multiple court cases where the company had no data to provide.
• Open-Source Apps: All client applications are open-source, allowing public code audits and transparency verification.
• Unlimited Devices: Connect unlimited devices simultaneously with a single subscription—no arbitrary device limits.
• WireGuard Support: Full support for the modern, fast WireGuard protocol alongside OpenVPN and IPSec.
• MACE Ad Blocker: Built-in DNS-level blocking of ads, trackers, and known malware domains.
• Split Tunneling: Choose which apps use the VPN tunnel and which access the internet directly.
• Port Forwarding: Unique port forwarding feature useful for torrenting, gaming, and hosting services.
• Multi-Hop: Route traffic through multiple servers for enhanced privacy on sensitive activities.
• RAM-Only Servers: NextGen servers run entirely in RAM, ensuring no data persists after reboot.
• Dedicated IP: Option to purchase dedicated IP addresses for consistent identity when needed.

Latest Updates

PIA continues to enhance its service with new features and infrastructure improvements.

• NextGen Network: Rollout of RAM-only server infrastructure for enhanced security and privacy.
• WireGuard Everywhere: Full WireGuard implementation across all platforms for faster connections.
• Improved Streaming: Enhanced ability to access streaming services while maintaining privacy.
• Unlimited Devices: Removed device limits entirely, allowing unlimited simultaneous connections.
• App Updates: Modernized applications with improved interfaces and better performance.
• Linux GUI: Full graphical interface for Linux users alongside command-line options.
• Smart DNS: Added Smart DNS feature for devices that cannot run VPN applications.
• Enhanced Kill Switch: Improved kill switch functionality with advanced customization options.

System Requirements

Windows

• Operating System: Windows 8.1 or later
• RAM: 1 GB minimum
• Storage: 100 MB available space
• Internet connection required

macOS

• Operating System: macOS 10.13 or later
• Storage: 100 MB available space
• Internet connection required

Linux

• Ubuntu 18.04+, Debian 9+, Fedora 31+, Arch
• Storage: 50 MB available space
• Full GUI application available

iOS

• Operating System: iOS 12.1 or later
• Storage: 50 MB available space

Android

• Operating System: Android 5.1 or later
• Storage: 50 MB available space

How to Install Private Internet Access

Windows Installation

1. Visit privateinternetaccess.com and subscribe
2. Download the Windows installer
3. Run the installer and follow prompts
4. Launch PIA and log in with credentials
5. Configure preferred protocol and settings
6. Click connect to establish VPN
7. Verify connection with IP check

Linux Installation

# Download the installer
wget https://installers.privateinternetaccess.com/download/pia-linux.run

# Make executable
chmod +x pia-linux.run

# Run installer
./pia-linux.run

# Launch from applications menu or terminal
# Log in with your PIA credentials

Mobile Installation

1. Download PIA from App Store or Google Play
2. Open app and sign in or create account
3. Allow VPN configuration permissions
4. Select a server location
5. Tap connect to enable protection
6. Configure automation rules if desired

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Proven Privacy: Court-verified no-logs policy provides real assurance, not just marketing claims.
• Open Source: Publicly auditable code allows verification of security and privacy claims.
• Unlimited Devices: No device limits means protecting everything you own with one subscription.
• Port Forwarding: Unique feature valuable for torrenting, gaming servers, and remote access.
• Excellent Value: Competitive pricing especially on longer subscriptions with unlimited connections.
• Strong Linux Support: Best-in-class Linux application with full GUI and feature parity.
• MACE Ad Blocking: Effective built-in blocking of ads, trackers, and malware at DNS level.

Cons

• US Jurisdiction: Based in the United States, a Five Eyes country, which concerns some privacy advocates.
• Variable Streaming: Streaming unblocking is less consistent than some dedicated streaming VPNs.
• Interface Complexity: Feature-rich interface can be overwhelming for complete beginners.
• Kape Ownership: Same parent company concerns as CyberGhost and ExpressVPN.
• Support Quality: Customer support response times can be slower than some competitors.

PIA vs Alternatives

Who Should Use PIA?

PIA is ideal for:

• Privacy Purists: Users who want court-verified, proven no-logs protection they can trust.
• Open Source Advocates: Those who value transparency and the ability to audit security claims.
• Multi-Device Users: Families or individuals with many devices benefit from unlimited connections.
• Torrent Users: People who download torrents appreciate port forwarding and P2P-friendly servers.
• Linux Users: PIA offers the best Linux experience with a full GUI application.
• Advanced Users: Tech-savvy users who want granular control over their VPN configuration.

PIA may not be ideal for:

• Streaming Focused: Users primarily wanting VPN for streaming may prefer CyberGhost or ExpressVPN.
• Complete Beginners: The feature-rich interface may overwhelm those new to VPNs.
• Anti-US Jurisdiction: Privacy extremists avoiding all Five Eyes countries should consider Mullvad.
• Premium Support Needs: Those requiring rapid, comprehensive support may prefer NordVPN.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has PIA’s no-logs policy really been proven?

Yes, PIA’s no-logs policy has been tested in court multiple times. In several FBI subpoenas and legal cases, PIA was unable to provide user data because none existed. This real-world validation is unique among VPN providers and provides genuine assurance that logging claims are true.

Why is PIA based in the US if they care about privacy?

While the US is a Five Eyes country, PIA argues that the US has no mandatory data retention laws for VPN providers. Since they don’t log user activity, they have nothing to hand over regardless of jurisdiction. Their court-tested no-logs policy supports this position.

What is port forwarding and why does it matter?

Port forwarding allows incoming connections to reach your device through the VPN, useful for torrenting (better speeds and seeding), hosting game servers, running web servers, or remote access to your devices. Most VPNs block incoming connections; PIA is one of few offering this feature.

Is PIA good for streaming?

PIA can unblock many streaming services, but isn’t primarily optimized for streaming like CyberGhost or ExpressVPN. Netflix and other services work with some servers, but you may need to try different locations. For streaming-focused use, other VPNs may be more reliable.

How many devices can I connect with PIA?

PIA now allows unlimited simultaneous device connections with a single subscription. This is one of the most generous policies in the VPN industry, allowing you to protect every device you own plus share with family members without additional costs.

Final Verdict

Private Internet Access stands out in a crowded VPN market through its unmatched privacy credentials. The court-tested no-logs policy isn’t just marketing—it’s been proven when it mattered most. Combined with fully open-source applications, PIA offers a level of transparency and verifiable privacy that few competitors can match.

The unlimited device connections and port forwarding feature add practical value that goes beyond privacy. Families can protect every device with one subscription, while torrent users and tech enthusiasts benefit from features typically reserved for more expensive services.

While streaming performance is less consistent than specialized streaming VPNs and the US jurisdiction may concern some users, PIA delivers exceptional privacy protection at competitive prices. For users who prioritize proven privacy, appreciate open-source transparency, and want the flexibility of unlimited connections, Private Internet Access earns a strong recommendation as one of the most trustworthy VPN services available.