Secure Surfing on a Shoestring

Thursday 27th of March 2025 16:08:00

Pia VPN Review: A Strong, Affordable Option for Online Privacy

In a world where online privacy is becoming increasingly important, choosing the right virtual private network (VPN) can be a daunting task. With so many options available, it's hard to know which one to trust. That's why we put Pia VPN to the test, examining its features, performance, and value to see if it's a good fit for your online needs.

What is Pia VPN?

Pia VPN, short for Private Internet Access, is a popular VPN service that has been around since 2010. Headquartered in the US, Pia VPN is owned by Kape Technologies, a company that also owns other VPN services like ExpressVPN and Hotspot Shield.

Features

Pia VPN offers a range of features that make it an attractive option for online privacy enthusiasts. Here are some of the key features:

  • Server network: Pia VPN has a large network of over 30,000 servers across 78 countries, making it one of the largest VPN services around.
  • Encryption: Pia VPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is considered to be one of the most secure encryption protocols available.
  • Protocols: Pia VPN supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, and L2TP/IPSec protocols, giving users a choice of connection methods.
  • Split tunneling: Pia VPN offers split tunneling, which allows users to route specific apps or devices through the VPN while keeping others outside of the VPN.
  • Kill switch: Pia VPN has a built-in kill switch that automatically disconnects your internet connection if the VPN connection drops.

Performance

We tested Pia VPN's performance using a variety of methods, including speed tests and streaming tests. Here's what we found:

  • Speed: Pia VPN's speeds were generally fast, with average download speeds of around 100 Mbps. However, we did experience some slowdowns when connecting to servers in Asia.
  • Streaming: Pia VPN performed well when streaming Netflix and other services, with minimal lag or buffering issues.

Value

Pia VPN offers a competitive pricing structure, with plans starting at just $3.33 per month. Here are the plans:

  • Basic plan: $3.33 per month (billed annually)
  • Premium plan: $6.66 per month (billed annually)
  • Family plan: $9.99 per month (billed annually)

Conclusion

Pia VPN is a strong option for anyone looking for a reliable and affordable VPN service. With its large server network, robust encryption, and competitive pricing, it's a great choice for online privacy enthusiasts. While it may not be the best option for those looking for a VPN with a strong focus on streaming, it's a solid choice for anyone else.

Rating: 4.5/5 stars

Recommendation: If you're looking for a reliable VPN service with a strong focus on online privacy, Pia VPN is definitely worth considering. Its competitive pricing and robust features make it a great choice for anyone looking to protect their online identity.