Is Private Internet Access VPN the Best Bang for Your Buck?

Your internet security matters, as do your expenses. Acquired by Kape Technologies, Private Internet Access (PIA) is a U.S.-based virtual private network (VPN) that comes with robust cybersecurity features, military-grade encryption, and a low price ranging from $2.03–$11.99/mo. Its range is lower than many of its competitors like NordVPN and Surfshark.

Even if you don’t see yourself using all of its features, PIA is a solid choice in cybersecurity because these features come included with all PIA subscriptions. It even offers deals, discounts, and a money-back guarantee.

We’ll break down Private Internet Access VPN’s price, compare its price to other VPN providers, and then discuss why PIA is a worthwhile investment.

How much does PIA cost?

Save 82% on a 2-year subscription + 2 months free

5.0

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On Private Internet Access's website

VPN

Private Internet Access

• More affordable than most other VPNs, including ExpressVPN and NordVPN
• Fast internet speeds and strict no-logs policy
• Unblocks Netflix and other streaming services
• Antivirus and dedicated IP address cost extra

Choosing a VPN can be as important as choosing a computer. And like a computer, the best VPN for you doesn’t have to be the most expensive. The VPN landscape is broad, and each company offers a variety of VPN features. But the right VPN should provide you with similar security features at a comfortable cost.

We’ve made a table comparing Private Internet Access’s pricing alongside other top VPNs to help answer two questions: What is the best price, and are you comfortable with the length of the commitment? The reality is services like NordVPN, Surfshark VPN, and CyberGhost VPN offer lower prices based on how long you’re willing to pay for their services.  

Surfshark and NordVPN are the only services on the list to offer higher-tier plans. But Surfshark One+ and NordVPN’s Complete package also have the highest cost for both monthly plans and two-year plans. The cost of Surfshark One+ for two years is $2.69/mo, whereas NordVPN Complete sits at $7.49/mo (billed annually) for the same duration.

You might be thinking that those prices are fair because of their added features. True, but unless you’re looking for functions like daily end-to-end security, data removal, and file encryption, then that might not be the price that suits you.

CyberGhost and PIA both have an all-in-one cost that sits at a lower cost per month in general, with one little difference that could be a major benefit for you. CyberGhost offers a 2 Years + 2 Months plan for $2.19/mo, whereas PIA is offering a 2 Years + 4 Months plan at $2.19/mo.

Those savings spread over an extra two months could be to your benefit as long as you’re cool with the long-term commitment. If not, then PIA also has the lowest cost on a month-to-month cycle at $11.99/mo.

Price range	$2.03–$11.99/mo	$3.09–$15.99/mo	$2.19–$17.95/mo	$2.19–$12.99/mo
Best value plan	2 Years + 4 Months for $2.19/mo	Standard 2-Year for $3.09/mo (billed every two years)	Surfshark One+ 2-Year for $2.69/mo	2 Years + 2 Months for $3.99/mo (billed every two years)
	View Plans Read Private Internet Access VPN Review	View Plans Read NordVPN Review	View Plans Read Surfshark VPN Review	View Plans Read CyberGhost VPN Review

What plans does PIA offer?

PIA is an all-in-one service where the only difference in cost is marked by the duration of service. Premium features are not held back by a paywall like NordVPN does with its password manager and file encryption features.

Another area of concern may be how many devices you’d be able to connect. CyberGhost may be comparable to PIA’s price, but their service only allows for seven simultaneous connections, whereas PIA gives you an unlimited number of VPN connections across numerous platforms and operating systems.

Having every feature PIA offers for one cost makes your decision to buy easier; you only have to decide on the duration of your subscription. In the table below, we’ve listed the cost of PIA’s subscriptions per month and per year. These values over periods of years may be daunting to look at, but the decreased monthly price for longer subscriptions can help you save on a VPN.

Can I use PIA for free?

Although Private Internet Access doesn’t have a traditional no-cost trial period, there are ways to use the VPN service for free. One way is by using its 30-day money-back guarantee. You’ll still need to pay for a plan upfront, but you can get a refund within 30 days if you’re not satisfied or don’t see the need for the product. Another way is through PIA’s Refer a Friend method. PIA has an option to give a referral to a friend, and in turn, you both get 30 days for free.

PIA also offers student discounts, which is great for college students and younger students. With middle schools and high schools implementing more technology in their curriculum, this extra layer of protection can give parents peace of mind.

When you buy a PIA plan, you’ll also get a free email breach monitor and a discount on its premium add-ons for an antivirus program and dedicated IP addresses.

Why should I buy Private Internet Access?

The reason to highlight Private Internet Access is its commitment to value over time. But what comes in the package? Here’s what’s included with PIA.

• Access to an extensive server network of 64,000+ servers located in 91 countries and all 50 U.S. states
• “Unbreakable” 256-bit AES encryption
• VPN protocols like WireGuard, IPsec, and OpenVPN to ensure your security
• A no-logs policy that has been independently audited
• A split tunneling feature, which allows you to choose which websites get routed through the VPN
• A kill switch feature, which prevents data leaks when the VPN is off
• PIA Mace, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware
• Unlimited device connections
• P2P support, which is good for torrenting safely
• Unlimited bandwidth for streaming, gaming, and torrenting
• DNS leak protection for protecting your ISP identity

As far as compatibility, Private Internet Access is available on Windows, macOS, and Linux operating systems. The service also includes mobile apps for iOS and Android smartphones as well as VPN apps for routers, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more.

One neat feature is having a VPN installed on your Smart TV for streaming region-locked content directly on the TV without an intermediate like plugging in your computer.

PIA’s customer support truly stands out; when you click on PIA’s Support tab, you’re introduced to a page that’s complete with Forums, Guides, and News. At the top of the page, there’s a search bar where you can type in your issue. If you need live support, PIA offers a 24/7 chat box and a Contact Us form that you can fill out to have them email you about any issues regarding their service.

While not having a telephone number to call may seem inconvenient, PIA lays out resources so that you can diagnose the problem yourself with help from customers in the community. And if that’s not your cup of tea or coffee, you can always write a support ticket.

Finally, Private Internet Access’s payment methods include plenty of options, including crypto and gift cards for privacy-focused users. PIA accepts the following:

• Credit cards
• PayPal
• Amazon
• Google Play
• Apple/iTunes
• Cryptocurrencies
• Paygarden

PIA price FAQs

Bottom line

When it comes to price, Private Internet Access sits in that sweet spot: in between free VPNs with bandwidth and server limitations and higher-priced providers like NordVPN that cost more money if you want more protection from them. PIA’s price to performance as well as offering a wealth of customer service tools, make it easier to choose as your VPN.

If you wish to explore other budget VPNs, you can review our list of the best VPN services for cheap.

Save 82% on a 2-year subscription + 2 months free

5.0

AllAboutCookies writers and editors score products based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Editorial Rating

Learn More

On Private Internet Access's website

VPN

Private Internet Access

• More affordable than most other VPNs, including ExpressVPN and NordVPN
• Fast internet speeds and strict no-logs policy
• Unblocks Netflix and other streaming services
• Antivirus and dedicated IP address cost extra

Author Details

Sameer Narain

About the Author

Sameer M. Narain is a freelance writer with a foundation in systems, software, and hardware. With over 10 years of experience in testing various antivirus programs, data encryption programs, VPNs, and drive defragmentation software, he is adept at synthesizing information for the everyday reader and tech enthusiast. He has a special interest in staying secure for big team-related projects where confidentiality is king, therefore his writing often attempts to solve the bigger picture with easily accessible programs.