Private Internet Access is a Virtual Private Network that gives your internet traffic added security and privacy. You can connect an unlimited number of devices at once, block ads and trackers, and enjoy private peer-to-peer file exchanging. Of course, it’ll also give you the ability to route around geoblocking to watch American Netflix in Canada (and other U.S. streaming services).
One added feature is that you can pay for Private Internet Access with any store-brand gift card, giving you the ability to subscribe without providing any identifiable personal information. If you're particularly concerned about your personal privacy, this could be of interest to you.
Private Internet Access features
Here's a quick look at what Private Internet Access has to offer:- Ad blocking included
- Antivirus add-on available
- Can pay with cryptocurrency
Private Internet Access product rating: 5.0 stars
Private Internet Access has thousands of servers in 91 countries around the world, which is a staggeringly large network. And the number of devices you can connect simultaneously is unlimited, which is pretty much unheard of in the VPN world. Plus, the ability to pay for your VPN with total anonymity is a nice feature, which may be of value to anyone who is particularly concerned about their personal privacy and security.
Rating methodology
To calculate our Genius Ratings, we compare the features of the account or product in question with other similar products in Canada. We give each feature a score out of 5 based on that comparison. Once we’ve rated all the features, we run them through our proprietary algorithm to produce a final rating out of 5.
Learn more about our rating methodology.
The pros of Private Internet Access
Here are the pros that highlight why Private Internet Access is one of the best VPNs on the market.
Low price
At US$11.95 for a regular monthly subscription, Private Internet Access is one of the most affordable VPNs out there. When you subscribe for longer periods of time, you get even better discounts – like US$1.98 per month for a 3 year subscription. These deals save you over 80% of the price of a regular subscription, making PIA an excellent choice for its price.
Includes ad block
Conveniently, PIA has a built-in adblock that protects you from ads, trackers, and malware. No additional downloads or extensions are required, and with an ad block, you’ll have faster loading times, increased battery life, and if you’re on your phone, you’ll consume less mobile data, saving you money in the long run.
Browser and operating system availability
This VPN is available on almost all browsers (Chrome, Firefox, and Opera) and PC/mobile operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and Apple iOS), making it easy for you to use on your devices.
The cons of Private Internet Access
The cons of using Private Internet Access are minimal, but here’s what to look out for.
No free version or trials
Unlike other VPNs which offer a free trial period or even have a free version for you to sample, PIA unfortunately offers none. Thankfully, the VPN itself is quite affordable, but you’ll still have to pay to be able to access it.
Private Internet Access alternatives
If you’re unsure whether Private Internet Access is right for you, here are some possible alternatives:
| Account | Private Internet Access | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | IPVanish |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Genius Rating | ||||
| Why You Want It | 30-day money-back guarantee + Built-in adblock for extra protection. | Get fast, secure VPN access on your device + 30-day money back guarantee. | Get access to American Netflix and more + A free password manager. | Secure, encrypted, private browsing + Connect all of your devices. |
| Estimated # Of Servers | 35,000 | 6,000 | 3,500 | 2,000 |
| # Of Connections At Once | Unlimited | 10 | 8 | Unlimited |
| Minimum Price Per Month | US$1.98 | US$3.09 | US$5.99 | US$2.19 |
| Maximum Price Per Month | US$11.95 | US$16.59 | US$12.95 | US$12.99 |
| Plan Length Required To Get Min Price Per Month (Years) | 3 | 2 | 2 | 2 |
Show More | ||||
| Apply Now See more Private Internet Access products Compare | Apply Now See more NordVPN products Compare | Apply Now See more ExpressVPN products Compare | Learn More See more IPVanish products Compare |
FAQ
How does Private Internet Access compare to other VPNs?
Private Internet Access definitely holds its own when compared to other VPNs, especially for its affordability and the fact that you can connect unlimited devices simultaneously.
Can you stream with Private Internet Access?
For those wanting to access American versions of streaming services, PIA works with streaming video and unblocks American Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more. It should be noted that speeds may vary for long-distance connections though.
How fast is Private Internet Access?
Those concerned about the speed of their internet service will be relieved to find that Private Internet Access’ speed is fairly average, typically going upwards of 250Mbps.
Editorial Disclaimer: The content here reflects the author's opinion alone, and is not endorsed or sponsored by a bank, credit card issuer, rewards program or other entity. For complete and updated product information please visit the product issuer's website.
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