Pros
- Largest server fleet with 35,000+ servers across 91 countries
- Fully open-source applications verified by community and auditors
- Built-in MACE ad blocker blocks ads, trackers, and malware
- Supports port forwarding for torrenting and self-hosting
Cons
- Owned by Kape Technologies which also owns ExpressVPN and CyberGhost
- Interface can be overwhelming for VPN beginners
- Based in the United States, a Five Eyes country
Private Internet Access (PIA) operates the largest server network in the VPN industry with over 35,000 servers spanning 91 countries. All PIA applications are fully open-source, allowing independent verification of its security claims. PIA has a proven track record of protecting user privacy, having been subpoenaed multiple times by law enforcement and demonstrating in court that it maintains no user logs.
Key Features
- MACE Ad Blocker: PIA’s built-in DNS-based ad blocker that blocks advertisements, trackers, and malware domains at the network level across all apps and browsers on your device.
- Open Source Apps: Every PIA application is fully open-source and published on GitHub, allowing security researchers and the public to audit the code for vulnerabilities or privacy concerns.
- Port Forwarding: PIA supports port forwarding on select servers, which is essential for optimal torrenting speeds, running game servers, and hosting services behind the VPN.
- Multi-Hop and Obfuscation: Supports routing traffic through multiple servers and obfuscation to bypass VPN detection in restrictive networks and countries.
- Customizable Encryption: Advanced users can choose between different encryption levels and protocols, balancing speed and security based on their specific needs and threat model.
- Unlimited Devices: PIA recently upgraded to unlimited simultaneous device connections, allowing every device in your household to be protected under a single subscription.
