Private Internet Access Got Me 35,000 Servers for $2/mo

Is Private Internet Access Worth It?

★★★★★ 4.2/5

Quick Verdict: Private Internet Access is one of the most affordable VPN services you can buy. It has 35,000 servers in 91 countries. PIA VPN gives you unlimited simultaneous connections and a strict no logs policy verified by Deloitte. It’s a top tier VPN for budget-minded users who want real privacy. But download speeds drop about 49%, so it’s not the fastest vpn provider out there.

✅ Best For:

Privacy-focused vpn users who want an affordable vpn with unlimited Geräte and open-source apps

❌ Skip If:

You need the fastest connection speeds for bandwidth-heavy streaming or online gaming

📊 VPN Servers	35,000+ in 91 countries	🎯 Best For	Privacy on a budget
💰 Price	2,03 €/Monat	✅ Top Feature	Strict no logs policy
🎁 Free Trial	30-Tage-Geld-zurück-Garantie	⚠️ Limitation	49% average speed loss

How I Tested Private Internet Access

Tired of paying too much for a virtual private network?

Most vpn services charge $10 or more per month.

And half of them still can’t keep your data private.

Enter Private Internet Access.

I tested PIA VPN for 90 days straight. In this private internet access review, I’ll show you everything — the good, the bad, and whether it’s worth your money in 2026.

Privater Internetzugang

Get a verified no-log VPN with 35,000 servers for just $2.03/month. PIA offers unlimited simultaneous connections, open-source apps, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. One of the cheapest vpn deals you’ll find.

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Was ist privater Internetzugang?

Privater Internetzugang (PIA) is a vpn service that hides your real ip address and encrypts your internet traffic.

Think of it like a secret tunnel for your internet connection.

When you connect, all your browser traffic goes through an encrypted vpn tunnel.

No one — not your ISP, not hackers, not anyone — can see what you do online.

PIA covers all your devices with one account.

It works on Windows, Mac, Linux (including a command line app), iOS, Android, and even mobile devices like tablets.

PIA also has browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Wondering how many servers PIA has? Over 35,000 across 91 countries.

Unlike most vpn providers, PIA supports the OpenVPN protocol and WireGuard for flexible vpn protocols.

The private internet access vpn keeps your dns requests safe. It also blocks ads with a built-in tool called MACE.

Wer hat den privaten Internetzugang erfunden?

Andrew Lee started Private Internet Access in 2010.

The story? He used Internet Relay Chat (IRC) and hated that it revealed ip addresses to anyone.

So he built a vpn to fix that problem.

In 2019, Kape Technologies bought PIA for $95.5 million.

Today, Private Internet Access has:

• 35,000+ vpn servers across 91 countries
• Millions of vpn users worldwide
• Servers in all 50 US states

The company is based in Denver, Colorado. PIA’s current CEO is Ted Kim.

Die wichtigsten Vorteile eines privaten Internetzugangs

Here’s what you actually get when you use Private Internet Access:

• Keep Your Data Private on Any Network: PIA encrypts your internet connection on public Wi-Fi. Hackers can’t steal your identifying data or connection data — even at coffee shops or airports.
• Connect Every Device You Own: PIA offers unlimited simultaneous connections. Protect all your devices — phones, laptops, tablets — with one account. Most other vpn providers limit you to 5-10.
• Save Money on Your VPN: The three-year plan costs roughly $2.03 per month. Private Internet Access deals make it one of the cheapest vpn options available. PIA doesn’t raise prices on renewal either.
• Proven Privacy You Can Verify: PIA has a strict no logs policy verified by Deloitte audits. Their apps are open-source. Anyone can check the code. They publish quarterly transparency reports too.
• Watch Content From Anywhere: PIA has streaming optimized servers that can unblock Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. You can access streaming services blocked in your area.
• Block Ads and Trackers Automatically: The built-in MACE feature blocks ads at the dns level. It stops trackers before they even load. No extra software needed.
• Stay Safe Without Slowing Down Your Workflow: The split tunneling feature lets you route some apps through the VPN. Other apps use your normal internet connection. Power users love this flexibility.

Best Private Internet Access Features

Let me walk you through the features I tested PIA for during my 90 days of use.

1. Richtlinie zur Nichtprotokollierung

This is PIA’s biggest selling point.

Private Internet Access makes zero logs of your activity. No browsing history. No connection timestamps. No dns queries. No bandwidth logs.

Deloitte independently verified this through multiple audits. PIA also provides quarterly transparency reports showing they hand over no user data when asked by authorities.

PIA’s privacy policy clearly states it does not collect your actual ip address or any identifying data.

2. Dedicated IP Address

Most vpn services give you a shared IP. That means hundreds of people use the same address.

PIA offers a dedicated ip address just for you. This helps with unblocking streaming content and avoiding CAPTCHAs.

It also helps with incoming connections if you run a server or need port forwarding. A dedicated ip address is great for online gaming too.

3. Antivirus

PIA doesn’t just protect your vpn connection. It also protects against viruses and malware.

The built-in antivirus scans your files in real time. It catches threats before they damage your device.

PIA also provides data breach monitoring through its Identity Guard service. It alerts you when your email appears in a breach.

4. VPN-Router

Want to protect your entire home network? PIA supports VPN routers.

Set it up once on your router. Every device that connects gets VPN protection. Smart TVs, game consoles, IoT gadgets — everything.

This is how PIA covers all your devices, even ones that don’t support vpn apps directly.

5. Datenschutz

PIA uses AES 256-bit encryption over the openvpn protocol. It also supports ChaCha20 using WireGuard.

The encryption level is military-grade. Your internet traffic stays hidden from ISP throttling and snooping.

PIA supports multi-hop connections too. This routes your traffic through two vpn servers for extra safety. Great for user privacy when you need maximum protection.

6. DNS Leak Test

DNS leaks can expose your real ip address even when your VPN is on.

PIA runs its own private dns servers. Your dns requests never go through your ISP.

The built-in DNS leak test tool lets you check for dns leaks anytime. I tested PIA multiple times — zero leaks every time.

7. Email Leak Test

Your email can reveal your identity if it leaks outside the vpn tunnel.

PIA’s email leak test checks if your email address is exposed. It’s a simple one-click test inside the pia app.

I ran it several times. My email stayed hidden every single time.

8. Split-Tunnelbau

Not everything needs to go through the vpn tunnel.

PIA’s split tunneling feature lets you choose. Send sensitive apps through the VPN. Let other apps use your normal internet connection.

PIA supports excluding specific IP addresses and apps from the vpn connection. This keeps your connection speed fast for apps that don’t need privacy.

PIA also lets you adjust encryption protocols and settings. You can switch between OpenVPN and WireGuard right inside the app.

PIA also has Automatisierung rules. These can trigger the VPN to connect or disconnect based on the network you’re using.

Private Internet Access Pricing

PIA offers three simple plans. No hidden costs. No paywalled features.

Kostenlose Testversion: No free trial. But you get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Geld-zurück-Garantie: Yes — 30 days, no questions asked.

📌 Notiz: Private Internet Access does not raise prices when you renew. That’s rare among vpn providers. Most cheap vpn services bump your price after year one.

The monthly plan at $11.95 is slightly above average. Most vpn services charge $10 to $15 per month. But the three-year plan at $2.03/month? That’s one of the cheapest vpn deals in the market.

PIA’s annual plan costs $39.96, which breaks down to $3.33 per month.

Is Private Internet Access Worth the Price?

For the price? Absolutely.

You’re getting 35,000 vpn servers, unlimited bandwidth, and unlimited devices for about $2/month. That’s hard to beat.

You’ll save money if: You want a cheap vpn that still has real privacy features. The long-term plans offer great value. PIA is budget-friendly with plans often starting under $2.20 per month.

You might overpay if: You only need a VPN for a month or two. The monthly price of $11.99 isn’t the best deal.

Can You Trust Private Internet Access?

Sicherheit matters with a vpn service. Here’s what you need to know about PIA:

Verschlüsselung: PIA offers AES 256-bit encryption over OpenVPN and ChaCha20 on WireGuard. Both are top-level vpn protocols. You can even adjust the encryption level in settings.

Datenschutzrichtlinie: PIA’s privacy policy states it does not collect browsing history, connection timestamps, bandwidth logs, dns queries, or your actual ip address. It only collects your email and payment info.

Audits: Deloitte has independently verified PIA’s no-logs claim through multiple audits. PIA’s servers don’t store identifying data.

Open Source: PIA’s apps are open-source. Anyone can inspect the code. That’s a level of transparency most other vpn providers don’t offer.

Company Location: PIA is based in Denver, Colorado, USA. The US has no mandatory data retention laws for vpn services. But it is part of the Five Eyes alliance. PIA’s no-logs policy means there’s nothing to hand over anyway.

Not-Aus-Schalter: PIA provides two types of kill switches — a regular one and an advanced kill switch. If the vpn connection drops, the kill switch blocks all internet traffic sofort. Your data stays secure even if the vpn connection drops.

My take: I ran DNS leak tests, checked for IP leaks, and tested the kill switch multiple times. PIA passed every single test. As of 2026, PIA remains a trusted choice for user privacy.

Private Internet Access Pros and Cons

✅ What I Liked

❌ What Could Be Better

Is Private Internet Access Right for You?

✅ Private Internet Access is PERFECT for you if:

• You want an affordable vpn that won’t break the bank
• You need to protect all your devices with unlimited simultaneous connections
• You care about user privacy and want a verified no-logs vpn provider
• You’re a power user who wants open-source apps and custom vpn protocols
• You’re in the US and want pia’s servers in all 50 states

❌ Skip Private Internet Access if:

• You need the fastest download speeds for heavy streaming or online gaming
• You want guaranteed access to every streaming service worldwide
• You’re uncomfortable with Kape Technologies ownership

My recommendation:

If you want a quality vpn that costs less than a cup of coffee per month, PIA is a no-brainer. The privacy features are top-notch. The speed isn’t the best, but it’s good enough for casual use like web browsing and streaming. I recommend it for anyone who wants solid privacy on a budget.

Private Internet Access vs Alternatives

How does PIA stack up against other vpn services? Here’s the landscape:

Quick picks:

• Best overall: NordVPN — fastest speeds and best security features
• Best budget option: PIA — cheapest vpn with no renewal price hikes
• Best for beginners: Surfshark — simple interface and unlimited devices
• Best for privacy purists: Proton VPN — Swiss-based with a free tier

🎯 Private Internet Access Alternatives

Looking for private internet access alternatives? Here are the top options:

• 🌟 NordVPN: The most popular vpn provider with 6,000+ servers, great speeds, and top-tier security features like Threat Protection.
• 🚀 ExpressVPN: Fastest VPN in speed tests with servers in 105 countries. Premium pick for streaming and reisen.
• 💰 PureVPN: Budget-friendly with 6,500+ servers. Good for streaming and basic privacy needs.
• 👶 Surfshark: Easy to use with unlimited devices. Great for families and VPN beginners.
• 🔒 ProtonVPN: Swiss-based with a free plan. Best for privacy purists who want open-source code.
• 💰 PrivadoVPN: Generous free tier with 10GB per month. Cheapest paid plans start at $1.11/month.
• 🧠 AdGuard VPN: Built-in ad blocking with a unique protocol that disguises VPN traffic as regular browser traffic.
• 🏢 Virtueller Schild: All-in-one security suite with antivirus, identity protection, and VPN bundled together.
• ⚡ StrongVPN: Simple and reliable with good speeds. No-frills vpn service for basic users.
• 🚀 FastestVPN: Lifetime plan option at a one-time fee. Good for budget users who want a permanent VPN.
• 🔧 AuraVPN: Part of a larger digital safety platform with identity theft protection included.
• 🎨 CyberGhost: Best streaming-focused VPN with dedicated server locations for Netflix, Hulu, und mehr.
• 💰 McAfee VPN: Good if you already use McAfee antivirus. Bundled VPN included in premium plans.
• 🔒 Mysterium: Decentralized VPN with residential IPs. Unique approach to privacy using blockchain.
• ⚡ SafeShell VPN: Streaming-focused with subtitle translation and game mode for low-latency gaming.
• 👶 Oyster VPN: Simple VPN with lifetime access plans. Good for basic privacy needs on a budget.

⚔️ Private Internet Access Compared

Here’s how Private Internet Access stacks up against each competitor:

• PIA vs NordVPN: NordVPN wins on speed and streaming. PIA wins on price and unlimited connections.
• PIA vs ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is faster and more reliable. PIA costs less and has more server locations.
• PIA vs PureVPN: Both are budget-friendly. PIA has better privacy audits. PureVPN has more streaming servers.
• PIA vs Surfshark: Both offer unlimited devices. Surfshark is faster. PIA has a bigger server network.
• PIA vs ProtonVPN: ProtonVPN has a free tier and Swiss privacy laws. PIA has more servers and cheaper paid plans.
• PIA vs PrivadoVPN: PrivadoVPN has a free plan. PIA is more established with proven audit history.
• PIA vs AdGuard VPN: AdGuard is better for ad blocking. PIA has a much larger server network.
• PIA vs Virtual Shield: Virtual Shield bundles antivirus and identity protection. PIA focuses purely on VPN privacy.
• PIA vs StrongVPN: Both are reliable and simple. PIA has more servers and better pricing.
• PIA vs FastestVPN: FastestVPN offers lifetime plans. PIA has stronger privacy credentials.
• PIA vs AuraVPN: Aura bundles identity theft protection. PIA is a better standalone vpn provider.
• PIA vs CyberGhost: CyberGhost is better for streaming. PIA has open-source apps and better transparency.
• PIA vs McAfee VPN: McAfee is best bundled with antivirus. PIA is a better standalone cheap vpn choice.
• PIA vs Mysterium: Mysterium uses decentralized tech. PIA is faster and more mainstream-friendly.
• PIA vs SafeShell VPN: SafeShell is streaming-focused. PIA has better privacy features and a larger network.
• PIA vs Oyster VPN: Both are budget picks. PIA has a bigger network and proven no-logs audits.

My Experience with Private Internet Access

Here’s what actually happened when I tested private internet access for 90 days:

The project: I used PIA as my daily vpn service on my laptop and phone. I connected to pia’s servers in the US, UK, Germany, and Japan to test real-world performance.

Zeitleiste: 90 consecutive days of daily use.

Ergebnisse:

What surprised me: The speed tests varied a lot by server location. US servers were solid. But some virtual servers in Asia were slow. PIA’s performance varies based on where you connect. PIA’s upload speed loss is generally higher than download speed loss, so keep that in mind if you upload large files.

What frustrated me: I couldn’t always access BBC iPlayer. Some streaming services block PIA’s ip addresses. The connection speed dropped more than I expected on distant servers.

Would I use it again? Yes. For the price, PIA delivers real privacy. The download speeds aren’t amazing. But PIA’s speeds are generally sufficient for casual use like web browsing and streaming. I’d pick it again for everyday privacy.

Not gonna lie — I didn’t expect much from a $2/month VPN. But PIA proved me wrong on privacy. Every leak test passed. The kill switch worked perfectly. When the vpn connection drops, PIA blocks internet traffic instantly.

PIA also available on the Apple App Store for iOS users. The pia app has a simple design and uncluttered interface. It’s easy to find server locations and connect fast.

Schlussbetrachtung

Get Private Internet Access if: You want a verified no-log vpn connection for under $3/month with unlimited devices.

Skip Private Internet Access if: You need top-tier connection speeds for bandwidth-heavy online gaming or 4K streaming.

My verdict: After 90 days, I’m a fan. Private Internet Access makes protecting your internet connection easy and affordable. It’s not the fastest. But the privacy features, the price, and unlimited simultaneous connections make it one of the best vpn deals in 2026. PIA remains a top choice for vpn users who want real privacy without the premium price tag.

Rating: 4.2/5

Häufig gestellte Fragen

Is Private Internet Access safe?

Yes. PIA uses AES 256-bit encryption and has a strict no logs policy verified by Deloitte. Their apps are open-source, so anyone can inspect the code. PIA provides protection on public Wi-Fi by encrypting all your internet traffic. It includes a kill switch that blocks internet access if the vpn connection drops.

Was kostet ein privater Internetzugang?

PIA offers three plans. The 2-year plan with 4 bonus months costs $2.03/month. The 6-month plan is $7.50/month. The monthly plan is $11.99/month. PIA has a clear pricing structure without hidden costs. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it risk-free.

Can PIA VPN be tracked?

No. PIA doesn’t keep logs of your activity. There’s no record of your real ip address, browsing history, or dns requests. PIA’s no-logs policy has been proven in court — they had no data to hand over. The vpn tunnel encrypts everything between your device and PIA’s servers.

Is PIA VPN good for streaming?

PIA has streaming optimized servers that work with Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video. But it’s not always reliable for every streaming service. BBC iPlayer can be hit or miss. PIA is not ideal for bandwidth-intensive applications due to its 49% speed loss. For basic streaming, it works fine.

Who owns Private Internet Access?

PIA is owned by Kape Technologies, a British-Israeli company. Andrew Lee founded PIA in 2010. Kape bought it in 2019 for $95.5 million. Kape also owns ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. PIA’s current CEO is Ted Kim. Despite the ownership change, PIA maintains its strict no logs policy and open-source apps.