Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access, commonly known as PIA, is one of the longest-running VPN providers, having served users since 2010. Despite being based in the United States, PIA has proven its no-log policy in court on multiple occasions, with authorities unable to obtain any user data during legal proceedings.

PIA's defining feature is its enormous server network — over 35,000 servers across 91 countries. This is by far the largest network in the VPN industry, meaning users rarely encounter congested servers. The sheer number of servers also provides better anonymity, as user traffic is distributed across more endpoints.

All PIA apps are fully open-source, a commitment to transparency that few VPN providers can match. Advanced users will appreciate the granular configuration options, including the ability to choose encryption levels (AES-128 vs AES-256), handshake methods, and DNS settings. The MACE feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level.

PIA supports WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, with WireGuard delivering the best speeds. The service offers dedicated IP addresses in the UK, US, and several other countries, which is useful for users who need a consistent IP for accessing banking or business services.

Like Surfshark, PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it excellent value for households. The price is competitive at £1.69 per month on longer plans, undercutting most premium competitors.

For UK users, PIA provides reliable servers in London and Manchester. While streaming support is generally good, some users report occasional issues with BBC iPlayer detection. The service excels at torrenting, with port forwarding support and dedicated P2P servers. PIA is best suited for technically inclined users who want maximum control over their VPN configuration.