Non-public Web Entry Quick detailsOur ranking: 4.5 stars out of 5
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Non-public Web Entry has been a long-time participant within the VPN area. It has an enormous server fleet that spans throughout 91 nations and provides quick speeds by way of its customizable utility. Supported platforms embrace Home windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Good TVs, and routers.
Whereas its operation within the surveillance-heavy United States could sway some customers, PIA’s stability of safety, velocity, and value make it a robust VPN resolution this yr.
Non-public Web Entry VPN pricing
| Length | Value |
|---|---|
| 1 yr | $3.33 monthly |
| 3 years (+4 months free) | $1.98 monthly |
| 1 month | $11.95 monthly |
| 7-day free trial | Free by way of Android and iOS (account can be utilized in desktop apps after cell sign-in) |
All three subscriptions for PIA include the identical set of options, so that you received’t have to fret about lacking any key options in case you select one plan over the opposite.
PIA VPN’s one-year subscription is one of the best worth at $3.33 monthly and could be very reasonably priced in comparison with different one-year plans supplied by competing VPNs. For instance, ExpressVPN’s annual subscription prices $6.25 monthly, whereas NordVPN’s Starter one-year plan prices $4.59. In fact, these VPNs carry their very own standout options to justify the value, however at face worth, PIA VPN’s one-year plan is a cut price.
The three-year plan can also be very reasonably priced at $1.98 monthly, however the $2-dollar spend might not be value it in case you don’t need the three-year-long time funding. Lastly, PIA VPN’s one-month plan falls alongside the identical value vary as different VPNs and doesn’t present the identical cost-savings as two former subscriptions.
Like most trendy VPNs, PIA provides a 30-day money-back assure for the three plans. Whereas I want that PIA had a full-fledged free model (which might be nice for first-time VPN customers), it offers a seven-day trial by way of its cell utility (iOS and Android).
In my testing, I discovered that I may use the identical account I bought by way of the seven-day cell free trial after which log right into a desktop model of PIA utilizing the identical credentials. Having a devoted desktop free trial is most well-liked, however the workaround for the free trial was painless and simple to arrange.
My advice can be to totally make the most of the seven-day cell free trial and apply it to your desktop or system of selection. This manner, you get some hands-on time with the service with out spending on an preliminary fee.
Is Non-public Web Entry VPN secure?
PIA VPN has two of a very powerful safety protocols in the present day: OpenVPN and WireGuard. This provides customers a superb stability of safety (with OpenVPN) and velocity (with WireGuard). It additionally makes use of 256-bit AES encryption, has a dependable kill swap, and protects in opposition to DNS leaks.
With PIA VPN’s firm background, there are drawbacks. First, PIA operates in the US, which is usually a crimson flag for customers who’re cautious of the nation’s surveillance practices. Subsequent is PIA VPN’s possession. Like CyberGhost VPN, it’s owned by Kape Applied sciences, which acquired PIA in 2019.
Kape (previously Crossrider) had been related to distributing malware and adware earlier than it rebranded and began shifting into the cybersecurity {industry}. PIA itself addressed the acquisition and emphasised that the VPN service operates as a separate entity impartial of Kape.
When it comes to addressing safety considerations, PIA VPN does have a no-logs coverage, which states that it doesn’t preserve information of person IP addresses, looking historical past, session timestamps and the like.
In 2022, this no-logs coverage was independently confirmed and verified by Deloitte. Fortuitously, PIA VPN has continued its dedication to impartial testing because it just lately accomplished a second audit again in April 2024. This audit was additionally carried out by Deloitte and regarded into PIA VPN’s safety infrastructure, which incorporates its server community and community and incident administration programs.
In my opinion, third-party audits are important when selecting a VPN. Whereas suppliers can promise to maintain your information safe, the one actual approach to verify safety claims is thru issues like third-party audits. On this respect, I commend PIA VPN for not shying away from impartial assessments and persevering with to have their service audited. unskippable
As well as, PIA VPN makes use of RAM-only servers, which suggests any doable traces of person information are mechanically erased upon reboot. PIA VPN can also be an open-source service, offering public entry to its supply code and permitting privateness fanatics to identify vulnerabilities within the code themselves.
Lastly, the corporate has a public Transparency Report that outlines court docket orders and requests for logs. It reiterates that as a result of the service doesn’t log any data, it doesn’t hand over any information to regulation enforcement.
For my part, whereas PIA’s possession and US operations are legitimate considerations, the service has carried out sufficient to indicate that it’s a secure and viable VPN service in 2024.
Key options of Non-public Web Entry VPN
PIA VPN comes with each industry-standard and distinctive VPN options for potential VPN consumers. Let’s check out a few of PIA’s spotlight options.
Spectacular server fleet
PIA VPN provides servers unfold out throughout 91 nations, giving customers a broad vary of areas to select from. As well as, whereas PIA doesn’t promote the precise server rely it has, it reportedly has round 10,000 to nearly 35,000 servers.
These are very spectacular numbers, particularly since high VPN rivals solely have round 3,000-5,000 servers. The excessive server rely will profit customers who plan on unblocking geo-restricted content material or need a high quality server close to their location for sooner speeds.
PIA additionally just lately introduced that it now has 50 servers in all 50 U.S. states.
When you’re a US citizen, this can be a helpful value-add permitting you to look at blocked sports activities or information packages or entry geo-restricted accounts and companies solely accessible in particular states.
Customizable VPN expertise
PIA permits customers to customise their VPN expertise in a number of methods. A method is thru its automation function, which allows you to set automated actions for the VPN at any time when it connects to a given community.
For instance, you’ll be able to set PIA to activate the VPN in case your machine connects to an Open or unsecured community or have it turned off in case you join by way of an ethernet cable.
PIA VPN additionally allows customers to bookmark or pin sure elements of the applying to look on high.
It is a easy and handy usability function that permits for larger customization, particularly if customers wish to preserve observe of sure options or stats over others.
Limitless system connections
PIA now permits a limiteless variety of simultaneous system connections with one subscription. The service previously had a 10-device restrict, and whereas that was within the higher vary of allowed system connections, the improve to having limitless connections is welcome nonetheless.
That is an underrated function, particularly for VPN customers who’ve a number of gadgets for work or private use.
SEE: SMB Safety Pack (TechRepublic Premium)
Efficiency: Is Non-public Web Entry VPN quick?
All through my PIA testing, I obtained fairly quick speeds. I used the VPN to look at 4K and 1080p YouTube movies, attend on-line video conferences and do work on Google Workspace apps (Drive, Docs and Maintain) — with no noticeable lag or real-world slowdown.
It additionally didn’t fail when it comes to DNS leak safety. I ran PIA VPN by way of a public DNS leak device a number of instances and didn’t document any leaks after a spherical of assessments with totally different servers.
When it got here to hurry assessments, PIA VPN gave strong outcomes. For downloads, PIA VPN recorded 39.31% slower speeds than my web service supplier. For uploads, it had a 26.9% lower in velocity in opposition to my ISP. Whereas not the quickest I’ve examined, I contemplate any lower of velocity inside the 20-40% vary to be good — particularly since slower speeds are anticipated when utilizing a VPN.
On this case, I give props to PIA VPN for offering first rate speeds for each uploads and downloads, as some VPNs normally present a lot slower efficiency for uploads.
When it comes to server switching, PIA was fast. It had no hassle establishing new connections or switching to new VPN areas shortly. This was true whilst I linked to areas that have been farther away.
Sadly, I did expertise one bug that retains PIA’s efficiency from being excellent. The primary time I converted to the WireGuard protocol, PIA couldn’t connect with a server. This occurred even when I switched to servers that have been nearer my location — a stark distinction to the app’s efficiency whereas on OpenVPN. Nonetheless, after restarting the applying twice, the bug appeared to resolve itself and I used to be capable of join.
Per my analysis, there are a number of customers who’ve skilled an identical subject, nevertheless it does appear to be a bug that’s been fastened and is now simply resolvable.
Non-public Web Entry VPN servers and areas
Whereas PIA VPN at present doesn’t present a precise variety of its server varieties, it has previously declared round 10,000 to 35,000 servers. These servers are unfold out throughout 91 nations. This quantity makes it one of many largest server suites accessible in the present day.
Location-wise, PIA has servers within the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Center East, Africa and Central Asia. Of word, PIA has at the least one server in all 50 U.S. states — a plus in case you’re a U.S. citizen trying to make the most of servers in numerous U.S. states.
Sadly, PIA VPN doesn’t supply specialised servers for streaming or torrenting. It does have what it calls PIA NextGen servers. These are colocated servers which are wholly owned and managed by PIA and run on higher, sooner, and safer {hardware}.
General, it’s laborious to argue in opposition to a server suite that reaches the tens and 1000’s, and the 50 servers for 50 U.S. states are additionally useful. However I do want that PIA had extra specialised server varieties for safety, streaming, or torrenting to refine its server community much more.
Non-public Web Entry VPN ease of use
In relation to its desktop interface, there are professionals and cons to PIA VPN. On the optimistic facet, I actually recognize how PIA VPN offers the person management over what they wish to seem on their important dashboard.
Its bookmarking function permits customers to position their most well-liked options, settings, or VPN stats on the high of the applying. Other than bookmarking, PIA VPN additionally helps you to rearrange these sections to your most well-liked order.
On the flip facet, I did discover PIA VPN’s app to be a bit clunky when it comes to person expertise. Particularly, I seen some lag and choppiness at any time when I navigated by way of its menus, browsed the server checklist, or switched to a brand new VPN server.
To be clear, it’s nonetheless very usable, and every thing works as marketed. Nonetheless, I do suppose it makes the entire app expertise really feel much less polished in comparison with different high VPNs like NordVPN or ExpressVPN — whose functions are barely a step above with regards to UX, in my private opinion.
PIA VPN professionals
- Spectacular 10,000-35,000 server suite.
- Very customizable VPN expertise.
- Servers for all 50 U.S. states.
- Dependable kill swap.
- Quick add and obtain speeds.
- 7-day trial by way of cell variations.
- Open-source.
PIA VPN cons
- US-based, owned by controversial Kape Applied sciences.
- No free model.
- No specialised servers.
- WireGuard protocol could also be buggy.
- Desktop app feels a bit clunky.
How good is PIA VPN?
Non-public Web Entry VPN is a strong VPN selection in 2024. It has an enormous server fleet, a customizable VPN app, and the flexibility to make limitless system connections. Its 50 servers for 50 U.S. states additionally make it a primary selection for Individuals in search of servers particular to the US.
Whereas its U.S. operations and dad or mum firm could trigger some concern, PIA VPN will get sufficient issues proper to make it a really viable VPN choice in the present day.
Non-public Web Entry VPN alternate options
Whereas PIA VPN is a top quality VPN service, it could not have the appropriate set of options to your wants. I’ve listed comparable alternate options under that will go well with what you’re in search of higher.
| Mullvad VPN | NordVPN | Surfshark | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning value (annual) | $5.27 monthly | $4.59 monthly | $2.99 monthly |
| Server community | 610+ servers in 48 nations | 6,800+ servers in 111 nations | 3,200 servers in 100 nations |
| Spotlight function | Nameless fee strategies, independently audited, and reasonably priced month-to-month subscription | Encrypted file-sharing function, double VPN, and obfuscated servers | Limitless system connections, constantly quick VPN speeds, and a number of plan choices |
Mullvad VPN
For privateness fanatics, Mullvad VPN is a best choice. It implements an nameless account numbering system that lets prospects buy subscriptions with zero private data handed over. It additionally has an independently audited no-logs coverage, guaranteeing that no person information is susceptible to being leaked to malicious actors.
To study extra, learn our full Mullvad VPN evaluation.
NordVPN
NordVPN is without doubt one of the most well-regarded VPNs within the area. It provides constant and quick speeds, a strong server fleet, and quite a few third-party audits. It additionally options specialised security measures equivalent to built-in malware safety and an encrypted file-sharing system, making it an all-around safety platform.
To study extra, take a look at our full NordVPN evaluation.
Surfshark
Surfshark is one other well-liked VPN choice in 2024. It has an easy-to-use interface fitted to learners, sturdy encryption, and 24/7 buyer help. It additionally has a superb popularity for unblocking streaming content material.
To study extra, take a look at our full Surfshark VPN evaluation.
How we evaluated Non-public Web Entry VPN
My evaluation of PIA VPN concerned an in depth evaluation of its spotlight options, price, and real-world efficiency. I additionally had hands-on time with PIA by way of their Home windows utility.
For add and obtain speeds, I examined PIA VPN utilizing Ookla’s public Speedtest. In the meantime, I ran PIA VPN by way of DNSLeakTest a number of instances to check for DNS leaks.
Lastly, I scored PIA VPN on every thing from its protocols to its value primarily based on an inner algorithm to get a ranking of 4.5 out of 5 stars. This ranking checked out PIA VPN each by itself and with different VPN companies accessible in the present day.