Private Internet Access (PIA) Review 2015

Based in the US, Private Internet Access “PIA” is a very popular, fast growing VPN provider that is managed by London Trust Media, Inc. Private Internet Access boasts a massive client base all over the world, especially within the P2P/sharing community, as they provide optimal online privacy, super speed connections and incredible features at reasonable prices. This smashing VPN service takes their users privacy very seriously, perhaps too seriously, which makes it a favourite among privacy-minded users and distinguishes it from its competitors.

“We like to believe that our application of privacy and security layers is the most effective solution to the problems users, like you and I, face today. The Internet is a powerful tool which, if used for good, produces diverse innovations, new cultures, accelerated education, new technologies, and, in short, prosperity. Historians like to label each time period as defined by the technology which had the most dramatic impact on the peoples of the time period. Our privacy and security are both very important and should be safe guarded in order to maintain integrity and freedom in our society as well as prosperity and diversity.” “Although our service may effectively make you anonymous, this, in effect, keeps you from becoming another statistic; in essence, protecting your rights to uniqueness. Protect your privacy. It’s your right, ” PIA states on their website.

In addition to guaranteeing ultimate privacy and anonymity on the internet, Private Internet Access delivers a sleek performance through their ultra user-friendly client fueled by blazing speeds, thanks to their massive network of servers. PIA is also stocked with a lot of sexy features, including: Kill Switch, IPv6 Leak Protection, DNS Leak Protection, Shared IP System, no logging policy, various payment options, etc.

Private Internet Access “PIA” Features

Check out some of the best features offered by Private Internet Access that we really loved and made us confident to recommend this service to anyone looking for an affordable way to maintain their privacy and security every time they go online.

• Logging and Privacy Policy

Because it is based in the US, where there isn’t a mandatory data retention law, Private Internet Access uses this advantage and doesn’t keep any logs whatsoever.

“We do not log, period. This includes, but is not limited to, any traffic data, DNS data or meta (session) data. Privacy IS our policy.”

This means that a user’s personal data and online activities are not saved, therefore, cannot be traced by third parties, cyber criminals, such as: hackers and spammers, or even the government since they don’t have any valuable data to give to law enforcements. Moreover, Private Internet Access relies on a “Shared IPs” system, making it impossible to track any activity to a certain user.

“We mix clients’ traffic with many clients’ traffic through the use of an anonymous shared-IP system ensuring that our users blend in with the crowd.”

PIA, however, only keeps records of email addresses and payment data. But, the VPN giant recommends using disposable emails and anonymous bitcoins which they accept as payment.

When it comes to technical encryption methods through which PIA operates, they use OpenVPN protocol (128-bit CBC Blowfish) as a standard encryption method, which is not bad, but not so hot either. However, they also offer other encryption protocols like: IPSec/L2TP, PPTP and SOCKS5 (proxy). They also have other solid security features, like: Kill Switch, IPv6 Leak Protection and DNS Leak Protection. PIA recommends using certain protocols to ensure their users’ safety online :

“The most secure VPN connection and encryption algorithm that we would recommend to our users would be our suite of AES-256, RSA 4096 and SHA1 or 256. However, AES-128 should still be considered quite safe. “

• Speed

Private Internet Access manages 3483 in 18 different countries. Although it may not seem like a large network as one would expect from a sturdy service like PIA, but they offer a mix of server locations in important regions of the world with a very low price. PIA succeeds in providing super speedy connections and has scored high on various internet speed tests. This is great if you are using PIA to unblock video streaming services because it killed buffering while using in live streaming TV shows, movies and sports events. So generally speaking, Private Internet Access is an impressively fast VPN and can block all favorite region-optimized streaming services, including: Netflix, HBO Go, ABC Family, BBC iPlayer, Amazon FireTV, Hulu, Pandora, etc.

• Kill Switch, IPv6 Leak Protection, DNS Leak Protection

With Private Internet Access, you don’t have to bother about your privacy and security compromised if the VPN disconnects abruptly. PIA ensure the continuous maintainability of their users’ privacy even in cases of sudden VPN disconnection or at times of maintenance through 3 defense tools, Kill Switch, IPv6 Leak Protection, DNS Leak Protection.

1) KILL SWITCH

By turning on the Kill Switch feature, it automatically disables the Internet connection if the VPN disconnects for any reason. This is absolutely wonderful for users to stop any potentially sensitive sessions or threats (viruses, malware, etc.), if the connection is lost for any reason, as PIA said:

“Kill Switch : Ensures that traffic is only routed through the VPN such that if the VPN connection is unexpectedly terminated, the traffic would simply not be routed.”

2) DNS Leak Protection

When the DNS Leak Protection is turned on, all DNS requests are routed through the VPN. This brilliant feature delivers the highest from of security and privacy and isn’t provided by most VPN services. So, it is one of the many things we love most about Private Internet Access.

“DNS Leak Protection : This is built in and ensures that DNS requests are made through the VPN on a safe, private no-log DNS daemon.” PIA said in an interview with TorrentFreak.

3) IPv6 Leak Protection

Private Internet Access also provides an IPv6 Leak Protection for those who use IPv6 internet protocol. When turned on the IPv6 Leak Protection automatically disabling user’s IPv6 network address to keep users safe at all times and in all ways possible.

“IPv6 Leak Protection : Protects clients from websites which may include IPv6 embeds which could leak IPv6 IP information,” PIA said in an interview with TorrentFreak.

• PIA Client and Compatibility

It is EASY! We were a little worried that the Private Internet Access would be a pain given the myriad of sophisticated features, but to our surprise it was installed in a BREEZE! The PIA client is clean, simple, light and very user-friendly. “Private Internet Access provides dedicated clients for Windows and OSX, as well as setup guides for manually configuring OSX, Windows, Android, Boxee Box, and DD-WRT routers for PPTP, Android, iOS Windows and OSX for L2TP/IP Sec, and Windows, OSX, Ubuntu, DD-WRT, Tomato, PFSense, and Android 4.0 for OpenVPN (along with the necessary configuration files).”

• P2P and VOIP Support

Peer to peer (P2P) network and voice over IP (VOIP) are both allowed and are available on all subscriptions. Unlike other VPNs which either charge extra for P2P and VoIP support or choose to limit the availability of these features to specific subscription plans, Private Internet Access doesn’t charge extra fees on across-the-board P2P and VoIP support, welcome to club awesome!

• Customer Support

Private Internet Access offers 24/7 Live Chat on the website together with a Support Center run by a well-trained, professional and friendly team. Users can also open Support Tickets if they are still in doubt.

• Pricing and Payment Options

Private Internet Access offers its users 3 all-inclusive plans in which they can enjoy all features and services provided by the company. Subscribers to any of the 3 plans can have fun surfing the web without restrictions or limited bandwidth. Moreover, Private Internet Access offers simultaneous connections which allows users to use the service on up to five devices at a time with a single account all which adds more value to the service.

As for payment, Private Internet Access offers a wide array of payment options, including safe payment methods for users to choose what suits them best. They accept major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover) and Paypal. However, we were thrilled when we found that they also accept bitcoin and gift cards as payment options. Bitcoins and anonymous gift cards are ideal for those who value their security as much as they value their cash.

As for demos and free trials, sadly Private Internet Access doesn’t offer free trials or demos. However, they offer a seven (7) days refund policy if they fail to cater your needs with their service and performance.

Conclusion

Private Access Internet “PIA” is truly a magnificent VPN services and one of, if no the best virtual private network we have reviewed so far! With all the fantastic features they provide, peerless privacy and security protection, affordable pricing plans, Private Internet Access is PURE AWESOMENESS. It isn’t common to find a VPN that truly cares for your safety, comfort and knows exactly what you need.