Updated on July 2025

PIA VPN Review: Powerful, Private - But Inconsistent on Windows User Experience

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN favorite for privacy-focused users, offering deep customization, solid speeds, and a long-standing no-logs policy. While mobile apps feel modern, the Windows version looks outdated and performance can be hit or miss.

5.8 Our Rate
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UI & UX: Modern Mobile, Dated Desktop

 

  • Mobile apps (iOS, Android, macOS) are sleek, fast, and easy to use.
     

  • Windows app looks like a 2000s-era Winamp player - functional but outdated aesthetically.
     

  • Main sections: General Settings, Protocols, Network, Privacy, Dedicated IP, Automation, Split Tunnel, Multi-Hop, Account Info, Help.
     

  • Latency display (no color-coded status): green = good (<150 ms), orange = slower.
     

  • You get all the settings you need—but casual users may find it overwhelming.
     

Features & Highlights

 

  • Protocols: OpenVPN, WireGuard, SOCKS5 proxy (Shadowsocks).
     

  • Privacy Tools: Kill Switch, Advanced Kill Switch, and PIA MACE (ad/malware blocker).
     

  • Split Tunneling, Port Forwarding, and Multi-Hop for advanced control.
     

  • Dedicated IP:  You can easily create it on their website but will require a separate subscription.
     

  • Doesn’t block gray-area sites like pcapp.store or streaming pages like Soap2Day.
     

  • No-logs policy has held up in court. Based in the US, but privacy protections are proven.

 

Speed & Streaming

 

  • Speeds are solid but not consistent—you may need to switch servers now and then.
     

  • Works with most streaming sites, but performance isn’t always reliable.
     

Pricing

 

  • $11.95/month, or:
     

    • 1 year: $39.95 first year (~$3.33/mo), renews at $49.99/year.
       

    • 3 years + 3 months: $79 (~$2.03/mo), renews annually.
       

  • No free trial, but 30-day money-back guarantee.
     

  • Extras like antivirus and dedicated IP available at additional cost.
     

  • Add-ons: Boxcryptor cloud encryption, antivirus, email breach monitoring.
     

  • Feedback on Add-ons: PIA offers more than just a VPN, but these extras overlap heavily with free or default tools already built into modern systems.

     

Support

 

  • Live chat and ticket support available via the Help section.
     

  • Generally responsive, though can vary by time zone or traffic.
     

Final Verdict

 

Pros:

  • Deep feature set and power-user tools
     

  • Proven no-logs policy
     

  • Unlimited devices
     

Cons:

  • Outdated Windows UI
     

  • Inconsistent speeds
     

  • No free trial
     

  • Renewal prices jump after first term
     

Bottom Line 

PIA is a privacy-first VPN with a lot under the hood. If you don’t mind tweaking settings and can look past the dated Windows design, it’s one of the more honest VPNs around.

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