Private Internet Access (PIA)
Open-source apps, granular protocol settings, unlimited devices
BEST FORTechnically advanced users who want manual control over VPN protocols, encryption ciphers, and DNS settings. PIA exposes more configuration options than any other mainstream VPN, with fully open-source apps.
Reviewed by the Clientele Research Team · Last checked 9 days ago (2026-07-15)
Scores — click any row to see our rationale
Speed & Performance▼6/10
Privacy & No-Logs Credibility▼9/10
Streaming & Torrenting▼5/10
Device Compatibility & Simultaneous Connections▼10/10
Pricing & Subscription Flexibility▼9/10
PROS
✓All apps are 100% open-source — the code is publicly available for anyone to inspect
✓Three Deloitte audits (most recent January 2024) confirmed zero logs. FBI and law enforcement subpoenas have returned zero user data in multiple court proceedings.
✓Manual protocol selection (WireGuard or OpenVPN), encryption level (128-bit or 256-bit AES), and DNS server — more granular control than any other mainstream VPN
✓Unlimited simultaneous connections on all plans
✓3-year plan costs $2.03/month ($79 upfront) — one of the lowest long-term prices of any audited VPN here
✓Port forwarding supported on all plans, improving torrent download speeds
✓MACE ad and malware blocker built in, blocking at the DNS level
CONS
✕Upload speeds collapsed by 82–85% in Gizmodo's UK, US, and Japan tests — poor for video conferencing or large file uploads
✕Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Paramount+ blocked PIA in testing
✕CNET measured a 49% average speed loss in streaming tests — on a 30 Mbps connection you'd have 15 Mbps, right at Netflix's 4K minimum
✕Headquartered in Denver, Colorado — subject to US National Security Letters
✕The configuration settings panel can confuse beginners
✕Customer support quality is rated below NordVPN and ExpressVPN by multiple reviewers
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