Non-public Web Entry VPN Evaluate (2023): Pricing, Execs & Cons

Non-public Web Entry has been a long-time participant within the VPN area. It has a large server fleet that spans throughout 91 nations and gives quick speeds via its customizable software. Supported platforms embody Home windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Sensible TVs and routers.

Whereas its operation within the surveillance-heavy United States might sway some customers, PIA’s stability of safety, pace and value make it a robust VPN resolution this 12 months.

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Non-public Web Entry VPN pricing

All three subscriptions for PIA include the identical set of options, so that you gained’t have to fret about lacking any key options should you select one plan over the opposite.

PIA VPN’s one-year subscription is essentially the most cheap at $3.33 per 30 days. It slots in on the center tier by way of VPN pricing for a yearly plan.

The three-year plan can be very inexpensive at $1.98 per 30 days, however the $2-dollar spend will not be value it should you don’t need the three-year-long time funding. Lastly, PIA VPN’s one-month plan is dearer than many rivals, so it’s greatest to go together with both of the 2 former subscriptions as a substitute.

Like most fashionable VPNs, PIA gives a 30-day money-back assure for the three plans. Whereas I do want that PIA had a full-fledged free model (which might be nice for first-time VPN customers), it does present a seven-day trial via its cellular software (iOS and Android).

In my testing, I discovered that I may use the identical account I acquired via the seven-day cellular free trial after which log right into a desktop model of PIA utilizing the identical credentials. Having a devoted desktop free trial is most well-liked, however the workaround for the free trial was painless and simple to arrange.

My suggestion can be to completely make the most of the seven-day cellular free trial and apply it to your desktop or system of alternative. This manner, you get some hands-on time with the service with out spending on an preliminary cost.

Is Non-public Web Entry VPN secure?

PIA VPN comes with two of a very powerful safety protocols right now: OpenVPN and WireGuard. This provides customers a superb stability of safety (with OpenVPN) and pace (with WireGuard). It additionally makes use of 256-bit AES encryption, has a dependable kill swap and protects in opposition to DNS leaks.

With PIA VPN’s firm background, there are drawbacks. First, PIA operates in the US, which could be a pink flag for customers which can be cautious of the nation’s surveillance practices. Subsequent is PIA VPN’s possession. Like CyberGhost VPN, it’s presently owned by Kape Applied sciences — which acquired PIA again in 2019.

Kape (previously Crossrider) had been related to distributing malware and adware earlier than it rebranded and began transferring into the cybersecurity {industry}. PIA itself addressed the acquisition and emphasised that the VPN service operates as a separate entity impartial of Kape.

When it comes to addressing safety considerations, PIA VPN does have a no-logs coverage, which states that it doesn’t hold information of person IP addresses, searching historical past, session timestamps and the like.

This no-logs coverage has been independently confirmed and verified by Deloitte in 2022. The VPN service additionally makes use of RAM-only servers, which implies any potential traces of person information are routinely erased upon reboot.

Lastly, the corporate has a public Transparency Report that outlines court docket orders and requests for logs. It reiterates that as a result of the service doesn’t log any info, it doesn’t hand over any information to regulation enforcement.

In my view, whereas PIA’s possession and US operations are legitimate considerations, the service has executed sufficient to point out that it’s a secure and viable VPN service in 2023.

Key options of Non-public Web Entry VPN

PIA VPN comes with each industry-standard and distinctive VPN options for potential VPN patrons. Let’s check out a few of PIA’s spotlight options.

Spectacular server fleet

Determine A

PIA VPN gives servers unfold out throughout 91 nations, giving customers a broad vary of places to select from. As well as, whereas PIA doesn’t promote the precise server rely it has, it reportedly has round 10,000 to nearly 35,000 servers.

These are very spectacular numbers, particularly since prime VPN rivals solely have round 3,000-5,000 servers. The excessive server rely will profit customers who plan on unblocking geo-restricted content material or need a high quality server close to their location for sooner speeds.

PIA additionally just lately introduced that it now has 50 servers in all 50 U.S. states.

Determine B

In the event you’re a US citizen, it is a helpful value-add that may let you watch blocked sports activities or information applications or entry geo-restricted accounts and providers solely out there in particular states.

Customizable VPN expertise

PIA permits customers to customise their VPN expertise in a number of methods. A technique is thru its automation characteristic, which lets you set automated actions for the VPN at any time when it connects to a given community.

Determine C

For instance, you may set PIA to activate the VPN in case your machine connects to an Open or unsecure community or have it turned off should you join through an ethernet cable.

PIA VPN additionally permits customers to bookmark or pin sure elements of the appliance to seem on prime.

Determine D

It is a easy and handy usability characteristic that enables for larger customization, particularly if customers wish to hold monitor of sure options or stats over others.

Limitless system connections

PIA now permits a limiteless variety of simultaneous system connections with one subscription. The service previously had a 10-device restrict, and whereas that was within the higher vary of allowed system connections, the improve to having limitless connections is welcome nonetheless.

That is an underrated characteristic, particularly for VPN customers who’ve a number of units for work or private use.

Efficiency: Is Non-public Web Entry VPN quick?

All through my testing of PIA, I acquired fairly quick speeds. I used the VPN to look at 4K and 1080p YouTube movies, attend on-line video conferences and do work on Google Workspace apps (Drive, Docs and Hold) — with no noticeable lag or real-world slowdown. PIA VPN additionally carried out nicely by way of obtain and add speeds. Specifically, the add pace I acquired whereas utilizing PIA was one of many lowest drops in pace I’ve recorded to date.

It additionally didn’t fail by way of DNS leak safety. I ran PIA VPN via a public DNS leak instrument a number of instances and didn’t report any leaks after a spherical of assessments with completely different servers.

For in-app efficiency, I discovered that PIA was one of many quickest VPNs I’ve used to date. Specifically, it was one of many quickest by way of switching servers and establishing new connections. Altering servers felt fast and snappy, whilst I related to places that had been farther away.

Sadly, I did expertise one bug that retains PIA’s efficiency from being excellent. The primary time I converted to the WireGuard protocol, PIA couldn’t connect with a server. This occurred even when I switched to servers that had been nearer my location — a stark distinction to the app’s efficiency whereas on OpenVPN. Nonetheless, after restarting the appliance twice, the bug appeared to resolve itself and I used to be in a position to join.

Per my analysis, there are a number of customers who’ve skilled an analogous problem, however it does appear to be a bug that’s been fastened and is now simply resolvable.

Non-public Web Entry VPN servers and places

Whereas PIA VPN presently doesn’t present an actual variety of its server sorts, it has previously declared round 10,000 to 35,000 servers. These servers are unfold out throughout 91 nations. This quantity makes it one of many largest server suites out there right now.

Location-wise, PIA has servers within the Americas, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Center East, Africa and Central Asia. Of be aware, PIA has at the very least one server in all 50 U.S. states — a plus should you’re a U.S. citizen seeking to make the most of servers in several U.S. states.

Sadly, PIA VPN doesn’t supply specialised servers for streaming or torrenting. It does have what it calls PIA NextGen servers. These are colocated servers wholly owned and managed by PIA that run on higher, sooner and safer {hardware}.

General, it’s arduous to argue in opposition to a server suite that reaches the tens and 1000’s, and the 50 servers for 50 U.S. states are additionally helpful. However I do want that PIA had extra specialised server sorts for safety, streaming or torrenting to refine its server community much more.

PIA VPN professionals

• Spectacular 10,000-35,000 server suite.
• Very customizable VPN expertise.
• Servers for all 50 U.S. states.
• Dependable kill swap.
• Quick add and obtain speeds.
• 7-day trial through cellular variations.

PIA VPN cons

• US-based, owned by controversial Kape Applied sciences.
• No free model.
• No specialised servers.
• WireGuard protocol could also be buggy.

How good is PIA VPN?

Non-public Web Entry VPN is a stable VPN alternative in 2023. It has a large server fleet, a customizable VPN app and the power for limitless system connections. Its 50 servers for 50 U.S. states additionally make it a main alternative for Individuals on the lookout for servers particular to the US.

Whereas its U.S. operations and guardian firm might trigger some concern, PIA VPN will get sufficient issues proper to make it a really viable VPN choice right now.

Non-public Web Entry VPN alternate options

Whereas PIA VPN is a high quality VPN service, it might not have the fitting set of options in your wants. We’ve listed related alternate options beneath that will go well with what you’re on the lookout for higher.

Atlas VPN

In the event you’re on the lookout for an inexpensive VPN resolution, Atlas VPN is among the greatest decisions. It has a novel IP-address swapping characteristic, limitless system connectivity and quick speeds. It even has a full-fledged free model if you wish to strive a service with out an preliminary cost.

NordVPN

NordVPN is among the most well-regarded VPNs within the area. It gives constant and quick speeds, a sturdy server fleet and quite a few third-party audits. It additionally options specialised safety features reminiscent of built-in malware safety and an encrypted file-sharing system that make it an all-around safety platform.

Surfshark

Surfshark is one other fashionable VPN choice in 2023. It has an easy-to-use interface fitted to learners, sturdy encryption and 24/7 buyer help. It additionally has a superb fame for unblocking streaming content material.

How we evaluated Non-public Web Entry VPN

My evaluation of PIA VPN concerned an in depth evaluation of its spotlight options, value and real-world efficiency. I additionally had hands-on time with PIA via their Home windows software.

For add and obtain speeds, I examined PIA VPN utilizing Ookla’s public Speedtest. In the meantime, I ran PIA VPN via DNSLeakTest a number of instances to check for DNS leaks.

Lastly, I scored PIA VPN on all the pieces from its protocols to its value based mostly on an inner algorithm to get a score of 4.2 out of 5 stars. This score checked out PIA VPN each by itself and in relation to different VPN providers out there right now.