Private Internet Access Review

Disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy through them, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. We only recommend things we believe are useful. Read our full disclosure.

What it is: VPN service
Best for: Budget, many devices
Price: $2.03/mo on 3-year plan; 30-day money-back, checked October 26, 2026
Prices checked: October 26, 2026

We researched Private Internet Access's official pricing, plan terms, product pages and help documentation. We haven't used Private Internet Access ourselves, so this is a research-based review, not a hands-on test.

Who it’s best for

People who want a cheap long-term VPN.
Households with many devices.
People who value open-source apps.

Who should skip it

Probably not the best fit if you want a free VPN.

How it works day to day

This part draws on Private Internet Access’s own product pages, help center and documentation, read October 26, 2026 (listed under Sources). We haven’t used Private Internet Access ourselves.

Day to day, you connect in the app with one tap or let it connect automatically on untrusted Wi-Fi.

Key features in use

Servers in 113 countries.
Unlimited devices.
Kill switch.
Ad and tracker blocking.
Open-source apps.

Setup and learning curve

You buy a plan, install the app and sign in.

Integrations

PIA runs on Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android and routers.

Support

PIA offers 24/7 support.

Real-world use cases

A family covers every device.
A traveler uses public Wi-Fi.
A Linux user wants a VPN app.

What it costs

Prices checked October 26, 2026, from Private Internet Access’s own pricing page unless noted. Prices change often, so check the official page before you buy.

1 month: $11.95 a month.
1 year: $3.99 a month, billed $47.88 a year.
3 years + 3 months: $2.03 a month, billed $79 every 3 years.
Antivirus and Dedicated IP add-ons cost extra. 30-day money-back guarantee for new subscribers.

What we like

Unlimited devices.
Open-source apps.
RAM-only servers and no-logs policy.
Servers in 113 countries.
30-day money-back guarantee.

What to watch for

Monthly plan is pricey.
Best price needs a long plan.
Add-ons cost extra.

The fine print

Plans renew automatically.
App store purchases follow store refund rules.
Long plans are paid up front.

The main alternative: Surfshark

Surfshark is the alternative with unlimited devices and extra privacy tools.

What it costs: $2.49/mo on a 2-year plan ($67.23 for 27 months), checked October 26, 2026

Read our full Surfshark review

Pick Private Internet Access if you…

want a low-cost VPN.
have many devices.
want open-source apps.

Pick Surfshark if you…

want extra privacy tools.
want an easy app.

Our take

Private Internet Access is a low-cost VPN with unlimited devices and open-source apps. If you want extra privacy tools, compare Surfshark.

Side by side

Company	Best for	Starting price	Trial / refund
Private Internet Access	Budget, many devices	$2.03/mo on 3-year plan; 30-day money-back, checked October 26, 2026	30-day money-back
Surfshark	Unlimited devices at low cost	$2.49/mo on a 2-year plan ($67.23 for 27 months), checked October 26, 2026	30-day money-back

From our company records. Check the official pages for current prices.

What we checked

Private Internet Access's pricing page and plan terms, read October 26, 2026
Surfshark's details: from our existing company record and review, not re-checked on October 26, 2026
Private Internet Access's feature, help and integration pages listed below (links checked October 26, 2026)

Sources

Visit Private Internet Access’s official site

How we review

We read the company's own terms, test the sign-up or booking steps where we can, and compare it with alternatives. A commission never changes what we write. Read our disclosure.