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Pia VPN review: Let’s learn all you need about it
In the competitive world of virtual private networks, Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN that has gained popularity due to its privacy-focused features and affordable price. But is it really worth it? In this post, we take an in-depth look at PIA VPN: Reviews, strengths, weaknesses, technical features and usage experience. By the end, […]
In the competitive world of virtual private networks, Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN that has gained popularity due to its privacy-focused features and affordable price. But is it really worth it? In this post, we take an in-depth look at PIA VPN: Reviews, strengths, weaknesses, technical features and usage experience. By the end, thanks to our Pia VPN review, you’ll have a much more complete picture of this VPN and will be able to decide whether it’s suitable for your needs.
Where does PIA VPN come from?
PIA VPN was founded in 2010 and is based in the USA. The company behind PIA is Kape Technologies, a well-known company in the field of cybersecurity. One issue of concern for some users is precisely its location, as the USA is part of the Five Eyes Surveillance Alliance.
What’s this? An intelligence cooperation agreement between the USA, the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Its main objective is to share intelligence and collaborate on global surveillance activities, especially in matters related to national security, terrorism and espionage. The alliance allows countries to exchange data and conduct joint intelligence operations. Despite this, PIA VPN maintains a strict policy of not keeping logs of user activity, and this has been backed up by external audits and independent reviews.
Another aspect that makes PIA VPN reliable is its “Open Source Transparency”. This means that your software is publicly available for anyone to review, verify and audit. This allows users, developers, and security experts to verify that no hidden vulnerabilities or malicious codes exist, enhancing trust in the service’s privacy and security. In addition, this practice promotes transparency and accountability of the company towards its users, ensuring that the service is safe and reliable.
What does PIA VPN include?
PIA offers a range of features designed to protect your privacy and provide a fast and stable connection. Its main features include a no-logs policy, AES-256 encryption, a kill switch to protect the connection in case of interruptions, and compatibility with security protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard.
It also allows simultaneous connections on an unlimited number of devices and is compatible with routers. It includes DNS leak protection and ad and malware blockers, offering a complete package for safer and more private browsing.
Below is a summary of its technical characteristics:
| Feature | Detail |
| Number of servers | more than 29,000 server in 91 countries |
| Security protocols | OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec, WireGuard |
| Encrypted | 256-bit AES, one of the most secure today |
| Off switch | Yes, immediately block the connection if the VPN is interrupted unexpectedly, so that your data isn’t leaked. |
| No-logs policy | Verified, doesn’t keep records of online activity |
| Ad blocker | Yes, PIA’s “MACE” is a DNS-based ad blocker that protects against online ads, trackers and malware. |
| Simultaneous connections | Unlimited, with a single subscription |
| Speed | High, especially with the WireGuard protocol |
| P2P support | Servers optimised for torrents |
| Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, routers, smart TVs |
Here we explain some of the features of PIA VPN in more detail:
- Customer service and support: PIA VPN offers customer service that includes 24/7 live chat support in English, French, German and Romanian, allowing users to resolve issues quickly. It also has a FAQ section and a wide range of guides available on its website. This allows you to configure and troubleshoot independently. While it doesn’t offer telephone assistance, its chat support is valued for its speed and effectiveness.
- Dedicated IP: PIA VPN offers the option of obtaining a dedicated IP, i.e. an exclusive IP that isn’t shared with other users. This is useful for accessing services that require a fixed IP or to improve security and stability on specific connections.
- Unlimited number of devices: PIA VPN allows you to use its service on an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription. You can connect all your devices at once without restrictions, perfect for those with multiple devices or sharing the VPN with others.
- No logs policy: This ensures that the company doesn’t collect, store or share information about the online activities of its users. Therefore, they don’t record details such as the websites you visit, your IP address or any network usage data. This policy is essential to protect the privacy and anonymity of users, and has been verified by independent audits.
- Router support: This means that you can set up the VPN directly on your home or business router. This ensures that all devices connected to that network, whether phones, computers or game consoles, are protected by the VPN. It’s ideal for those who want complete protection without the need to install the application on each device individually.
What are the pros and cons of PIA VPN?
PIA VPN, like any VPN service, has its strengths and areas for improvement. Key benefits include a strong no-logs policy, open-source transparency, compatibility with a wide range of devices and routers, and unlimited device connections.
As points for improvement, some users mention that in certain locations the speed may not be as consistent. Moreover, while it’s affordable, it lacks some of the advanced features offered by other VPNs in the same price range.
Below is a table with the main pros and cons based on user experience:
| PIA VPN pros | PIA VPN cons |
| No-logs policy | The fact that it’s based in the USA makes some users suspicious |
| E-mail violation scanner | Dedicated IP is an add-on that requires an additional payment |
| Compatible with a wide range of devices | Variable speed: Depending on the chosen server, there may be drops in connection speed |
| Excellent for torrents and P2P | The interface may be less intuitive or attractive compared to other VPNs |
| Offers ad and malware blockers | Limited streaming blocking: It isn’t always reliable to unblock all streaming platforms. |
| Competitive prices |
Experience of using PIA VPN
Overall, the experience of using PIA VPN is positive, with an easy-to-navigate interface on both mobile devices and computers. Installation and configuration is quick and easy, making it an ideal choice for users with varying levels of experience. PIA VPN stands out for its strong performance in standard connections and offers high customization in settings, allowing users to adjust security and speed according to their needs.
In terms of performance, PIA VPN offers fast and stable connections on most servers. Users may experience good speeds for everyday tasks such as streaming or web browsing, although some servers may have more variable speeds in remote locations. Additional features like the kill switch and P2P support enhance security and privacy. Customer support is efficient, offering 24/7 live chat and a comprehensive knowledge base.
What alternatives are there to PIA VPN?
While PIA is a solid option, there are other VPNs that offer similar or even more advanced features. Here are some popular alternatives to PIA VPN:
Express VPN
ExpressVPN is one of PIA’s main competitors. Although its price is higher, it stands out for its excellent speed performance. It also has a no-logging policy and is based in the British Virgin Islands, which makes it more attractive to privacy-conscious users.
ExpressVPN has a better ability to unblock streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime in multiple regions, being more reliable than PIA VPN in this regard. In addition, it has live chat, which also improves the experience compared to PIA VPN.
NordVPN
NordVPN is another of the most competitive brands on the market, with several advantages over PIA VPN. For example, in speed, Nord VPN uses the NordLynx protocol, which is more efficient and faster, especially for tasks such as streaming and online gaming. In turn, its server network is larger, with more than 6,000 servers in 111 countries.
CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost is one of the most known VPNs on the market. Like the previous ones, it has a number of advantages over PIA VPN. As such, it offers a more user-friendly interface for novice users, while PIA is a bit more technical. Another aspect in which they differ is location. PIA is based in the USA (within the jurisdiction of the Five Eyes), while CyberGhost is based in Romania.
Which VPN do we recommend?
Although the VPN market is very competitive and there are many alternatives, at Holafly we recommend using ExpressVPN for several reasons. For starters, unlike PIA VPN, it’s based in the British Virgin Islands. It’s therefore outside the Five Eyes alliance, which gives users more security.
Another reason we choose ExpressVPN is its Lightway protocol, which guarantees maximum speed without compromising security. This makes it the best VPN for uninterrupted streaming and gaming. Additionally, this protocol makes it an ideal choice for digital nomads or remote workers, ensuring a stable and fast connection in places like cafés, airports, or co-working spaces.
Another aspect that makes Express VPN stand out from other brands is its ability to unblock geo-restricted content on platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. This makes it especially reliable in regions with strict censorship. Its extensive network of servers in more than 100 countries ensures seamless global access, even in countries such as China.
PIA VPN: Users’ reviews
Below, we’ve compiled some opinions from users who have used PIA VPN in different situations:
For remote working
“I use PIA VPN to securely connect to my company’s networks while working from home. The connection is fast and stable, allowing me to work without interruptions.” – Javier M., developer.
“PIA VPN has allowed me to work securely from home, connecting to public networks without security issues. I use it every day to keep my information secure, especially when accessing remote work platforms – Sofía G., web developer.
PIA VPN reviews: Entertainment
“I love using PIA VPN to watch Netflix content from other countries. It works smoothly and I can access my favourite series anywhere I go.” – Laura S., streaming user.
“I use PIA VPN to access Netflix catalogues in other countries and it has worked very well, with no buffering issues or interruptions during streaming.” – Andrés T., film lover.
PIA VPN reviews: Like digital nomads
“I travel constantly for work and I need a VPN that allows me to access my bank accounts securely. PIA VPN has been an excellent option to keep me protected on public networks – Sofia R., digital nomad.
“As a digital nomad, I need a reliable VPN to connect securely in every country I travel to. PIA VPN has been key to protecting my data while using public Wi-Fi in cafes and accommodation. It also allows me to access banking services securely and to work seamlessly on geographically restricted platforms. It’s easy to use and gives me peace of mind as I move from place to place.” – Marcelo D., digital marketing strategist.
VPN VPN to travel abroad
“During my travels in Asia, PIA VPN allowed me to connect to public Wi-Fi networks without worrying for security. In addition, I was able to access sites that were blocked in the region.” -Juan G., international traveller.
“On my travels, I’ve used PIA VPN to bypass geo-restrictions and access local content securely. The connection is stable and fast in most of the countries I have visited.” – Carlos M., digital nomad.
Important: If you are a frequent traveler and want to stay connected without worrying about expensive roaming or looking for a new SIM at every destination, Holafly’s subscription plans are for you. With a single eSIM, enjoy internet in more than 170 countries for a fixed price and no surprises on your bill. travel without limits and connect easily and securely! 🚀🌍
Frequently Asked Questions about PIA VPN
PIA VPN may find it difficult to overcome censorship in China. While some users have been able to connect through specific servers, it is not as reliable as other VPNs in this regard.
Yes, PIA VPN works in Cuba, although the quality of the connection may be affected due to government restrictions on the use of VPNs.
No, PIA VPN doesn’t offer a free plan. However, it does have a 30-day money-back policy, allowing you to try the service risk-free. If after this period the VPN didn’t meet your expectations, you can ask for a full refund.
PIA VPN offers several subscription plans:
– One month: $11.95
– Three years plus three months free: $2.03 per month
– One yearplan: $3.33 per month
As you can see, their prices are competitive with other VPNs, especially for long-term subscriptions.
In addition to the standard service, PIA VPN offers other optional features. We’re talking about the possibility of having a dedicated IP and an anti-virus. With the former, you can bypass CAPTCHAs, circumvent block lists and access IP-sensitive services. With the anti-virus, you’ll have a file and website scanner, maximum security protection against threats and detailed threat reports.
