Private Internet Access Review 2026
PIA operates the largest server network of any VPN with 35,000+ servers across 91 countries. More importantly, PIA's no-logs policy has been proven in court — the FBI subpoenaed PIA multiple times across different cases, and PIA had zero data to hand over because it simply doesn't exist. Every app is fully open-source and has been audited by Deloitte. PIA is one of the few top VPNs that still supports port forwarding, making it a favorite among torrent users. The configurable encryption (AES-128 for speed or AES-256 for security) gives advanced users granular control. At $2.03/month, it's one of the cheapest audited VPNs available.
Private Internet Access at a Glance
PIA earns our #5 ranking with an 8.9/10. What sets it apart is a combination that few competitors match: the largest server network in the industry, fully open-source apps, unlimited simultaneous connections, and court-proven no-logs claims -- all at $2.03/month.
The US jurisdiction raises eyebrows, but PIA has been subpoenaed multiple times by US law enforcement and has consistently demonstrated that it stores zero user data. When the FBI demanded logs related to a bomb threat investigation, PIA had nothing to provide. This is the strongest possible real-world proof of a no-logs policy.
PIA offers deep customization for advanced users -- configurable encryption levels, proxy settings, port forwarding, and manual connection options -- while remaining accessible to beginners with one-click connecting and sensible defaults.
- Privacy advocates who want open-source, court-proven no-logs
- Users who want the largest server network for consistent speeds
- Torrent users who need port forwarding support
- Tech-savvy users who want deep configuration options
- Budget users who want premium features at the lowest price
- Households needing unlimited device connections
Speed Performance
| Protocol | Download | Upload | Ping |
|---|---|---|---|
| WireGuard | 449 Mbps | 35 Mbps | 11 ms |
| OpenVPN (UDP) | 260 Mbps | 22 Mbps | 18 ms |
Privacy & Security
This is PIA's most controversial aspect. The US is a Five Eyes founding member with expansive surveillance laws. However, PIA has proven in federal court -- multiple times -- that it retains zero user data. The company has received subpoenas, FBI demands, and court orders, and has consistently provided nothing because there was nothing to provide. No other VPN has been tested this rigorously by law enforcement.
Streaming & Unblocking
Features & Apps
Pricing & Plans
Pros & Cons
- Largest server network (35,000+ servers)
- Court-proven no-logs policy -- tested by FBI, not just auditors
- Fully open-source apps on all platforms
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Port forwarding support (rare among top VPNs)
- Deeply configurable for advanced users
- One of the cheapest premium VPNs available
- US jurisdiction (Five Eyes member)
- Speeds trail the top 3 VPNs
- BBC iPlayer and Peacock streaming inconsistent
- DAZN blocked entirely
- Interface less polished than NordVPN or ExpressVPN
- Brand less well-known, marketing is minimal
Final Verdict
PIA operates the largest server network of any VPN with 35,000+ servers across 91 countries. More importantly, PIA's no-logs policy has been proven in court — the FBI subpoenaed PIA multiple times across different cases, and PIA had zero data to hand over because it simply doesn't exist. Every app is fully open-source and has been audited by Deloitte. PIA is one of the few top VPNs that still supports port forwarding, making it a favorite among torrent users. The configurable encryption (AES-128 for speed or AES-256 for security) gives advanced users granular control. At $2.03/month, it's one of the cheapest audited VPNs available.
If you want a proven, affordable, open-source VPN with the largest server network and unlimited devices, PIA is an excellent choice. It's not the fastest or the best for streaming, but for privacy at a price point, it's extremely compelling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Builder, tinkerer, privacy advocate. I believe privacy is a right, not a product feature.