Private Internet Access review
Highly configurable and open source
Best for users who want to tune every setting themselves.
Last tested: 1 August 2026 · Written by the VPNGuide Editorial Team
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Overview
PIA offers deep configuration options, open-source apps and unlimited devices at a low long-term price.
Pros & cons
- Open-source applications
- Extensive manual configuration
- Unlimited devices
- US jurisdiction
- Interface is less beginner-friendly
Pricing
| Effective monthly price | £1.79/mo |
|---|---|
| Contract length | 36 months |
| Renewal price | £3.99/mo |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days |
| Simultaneous devices | Unlimited |
| Free trial | No |
Prices checked 20 September 2026. All prices in GBP.
Speed tests
Private Internet Access download speed by server location
Latest measured download speed from our London test line.
London, UK: 342 Mbps; Amsterdam, Netherlands: 328.5 Mbps; New York, USA: 310.5 Mbps; Los Angeles, USA: 297 Mbps; Sydney, Australia: 279 Mbps
Last updated 1 August 2026. View testing methodology
Private Internet Access UK speed over time
Monthly London server results, same line and same protocol each time.
Apr: 351 Mbps; May: 346.5 Mbps; Jun: 342 Mbps; Jul: 351 Mbps; Aug: 346.5 Mbps; Sept: 342 Mbps
Last updated 1 August 2026. View testing methodology
Server network
Private Internet Access lists 20,000 servers across 91 countries, including 300 in the UK. Server counts are provider-supplied and checked on 20 September 2026; we verify UK availability directly during testing.
Privacy & security
- Encryption: AES-256 / ChaCha20
- Protocols: WireGuard, OpenVPN
- Kill switch: Yes
- Split tunnelling: Yes
- Multi-hop: Yes
- RAM-only servers: Yes
- No-logs policy: Published
Streaming
In our most recent session Private Internet Access worked with: Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer. Streaming results change frequently and are re-checked with each test round.
Transparency
| Independent audit | Yes |
|---|---|
| Audit year | 2025 |
| Transparency report | Yes |
| Open-source applications | Yes |
| RAM-only infrastructure | Yes |
| Public ownership information | Yes |
Alternatives
- NordVPN — Best Overall, £3.39/mo
- Surfshark — Best Value, £2.19/mo
- ExpressVPN — Best for Beginners, £5.49/mo
Final verdict
Best for users who want to tune every setting themselves.
Affiliate link — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.