What We Like
What Could Be Better
Introduction to Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) has built a loyal following among technical users and privacy advocates due to its unparalleled level of customization and a no-logs policy that has been verified not just by audit, but in actual US court proceedings. Now under the ownership of Kape Technologies, PIA continues to offer a powerful, feature-rich service at a very competitive price point. For 2026, it stands as the go-to choice for users who want to fine-tune every aspect of their VPN connection, from encryption cipher to handshake algorithm.
Speed and Performance Analysis
PIA's performance is highly dependent on user configuration. With its default WireGuard settings, speeds are excellent, rivaling top competitors. The massive network of over 35,000 servers ensures you can always find a low-load option. For users who delve into the advanced settings, choosing older protocols like OpenVPN can impact speed but may be necessary for specific compatibility reasons. Overall, PIA provides robust and reliable throughput suitable for torrenting, streaming, and gaming, especially when leveraging its next-gen WireGuard infrastructure. The 10 Gbps network backbone on many servers handles high-bandwidth tasks with ease.
Privacy and Security Features
PIA's privacy credentials are arguably the strongest in the industry from a legal standpoint. Its no-logs policy has been tested and upheld in US federal court on multiple occasions when the company was unable to provide user data because it simply did not exist. Technically, it offers advanced security features like customizable encryption levels (AES-128 or AES-256), multiple VPN protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2), and a reliable kill switch. The integrated MACE feature is an effective DNS-level ad, tracker, and malware blocker. This combination of proven policy and deep technical control is unmatched for the privacy-focused power user.
Streaming and Capability
Streaming support has historically been a weaker area for PIA, but the service has improved significantly. In our 2026 tests, it reliably accessed US Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, though it sometimes required trying a few different servers from its vast pool. It may struggle more consistently with niche or aggressively anti-VPN services like Hulu or BBC iPlayer. For users whose primary goal is effortless streaming, other providers are more turnkey. However, for the user who values configurability and proven privacy above all, and is willing to do occasional server selection for streaming, PIA represents an outstanding value.