Our Private Internet Access (PIA) review will help you decide if this popular VPN is the best option for your needs and budget. We’ll take a close look at PIA’s features, Australian pricing, pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.
Summary:
PIA has more than 30,000 servers and offers competitive pricing despite its enhanced features. Private Internet Access offers many valuable features, including a dedicated IP address, split tunnelling, VPN router and a 100% strict no-logs policy. As Australia is a member of the Five Eyes alliance network—which shares intelligence with other nations and can collect data on citizens—many Australians place a premium on VPN privacy, which is where PIA excels. While PIA is headquartered in the US, and the US is a member of the Five Eyes alliance, the US, unlike parts of Europe and Australia, are not required to log and retain data for a certain period of time.
Read More: Best VPNs In Australia
Pros
- Dedicated IP address add-on
- Large amount of servers
- Offers 10 simultaneous connections
Cons
- Transparency report not that detailed
- Pricing for dedicated IP address higher than some competitors
Table of Contents
Featured Partner Offers
1
NordVPN
Plan costs
$7.33 AUD per month or $87.95 for the first year
Number of Servers
5,500
Encryption
AES-256
2
Surfshark
Price
Starting From $3.07 AUD Per Month
Number of Servers
3000+
Encryption
AES with 256 -bit keys
3
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Dedicated IP address
Yes
Number of devices
Unlimited
Encryption
AES-256
What Is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) is a cybersecurity tool that provides users with an extra layer of protection from prying eyes and attackers. A VPN hides your actual IP address and helps you access blocked content by routing your data through a secure and encrypted VPN tunnel to any of its several servers.
Private Internet Access VPN at a Glance
Private Internet Access VPN bypasses restrictions imposed by governments and streaming services to grant you access to any content around the world. It uses strong encryption ciphers, 128-bit and 256-bit AES, and powerful protocols, including OpenVPN and the more sophisticated WireGuard, to deliver the flexibility and protection you need. Also, the VPN’s high-speed NextGen server network makes browsing and streaming easy, with its fast connection and unlimited bandwidth.
Private Internet Access VPN runs on a 100% no-usage-logs policy that prevents the company from recording your data. Features such as kill switch protection and ad blocking also block malicious websites and prevent data exposure.
You can connect up to ten devices and even add more for a fee. And if you need any help, Private Internet Access VPN’s support team is available 24/7.
Privacy
PIA’s priority is enhancing your digital privacy and securing your online freedom. You don’t even need your email address to sign up or pay since the company accepts gift cards and cryptocurrencies. Upon signing up, PIA VPN connects you to a new IP address that you can choose from any of the 30,000 servers in 154 countries. Internet service providers (ISPs) and network administrators won’t see your activities online.
This VPN operates open source customisation and a no-usage-logs policy assuring users that there’s no record of their browsing history or bandwidth consumption. Its strict no-logs policy has been confirmed both by the court and PIA VPN’s semiannually published transparency reports.
Speeds
Private Internet Access uses fast-paced OpenVPN and WireGuard, a performance-optimised protocol that’s faster and more reliable than other protocols to give you a fast and stable connection. Also, PIA has a global network of next-generation VPN servers optimised to produce as much as 10 Gbps connection speeds.
And since there are no bandwidth restrictions, and PIA has tens of thousands of servers in 154 countries alongside the split tunnelling feature, you can browse and stream as much content as you want, with optimum speed.
Pricing and Plans
Private Internet Access offers a range of packages and plans for Australian users, with the pricing listed in AUD.
Monthly plans start from $19.79, while a one-year plan will set you back $65 ($5.42 a month). Private Internet Access is currently running a promotion offering a three-year plan, plus an extra three months, for $109 ($2.79 a month). That’s a discount of 86%.
Regardless of your plan length, you can use the VPN on ten devices, including smartphones, computers and routers.
Each PIA VPN payment plan has lightning-fast connection speeds and 24/7 customer support. You’ll also enjoy dedicated apps for all major operating systems and a free email breach monitor to alert you of security breaches. Private Internet Access VPN also provides add-ons such as dedicated IP Address and Antivirus by PIA for a higher level of privacy and security.
Other Benefits
Bonuses you’ll get for choosing Private Internet Access include:
Dedicated IP Address
Private Internet Access users can use the VPN over an IP address peculiar to them, for an additional fee. The IP address, which also changes each time the user logs on, is suitable for those working from home or running small businesses. That’s because it prevents users from being blocked due to someone else’s actions. You can switch between shared and dedicated IPs.
Split Tunnelling
Private Internet Access also allows users to route specific traffic through the VPN or directly through the internet, even with the VPN in use. You can therefore access selected content through the VPN while still having the ability to use local network devices.
VPN Router/Corporate VPN
PIA VPN makes this feature available for small businesses looking to configure their entire office network. Using advanced split tunneling, you can also exclude one or more specific devices from your organisation’s VPN connection. That way, you’re in control of the routing for all connected traffic. Users can use the VPN’s advanced split tunneling feature to configure different devices.
Fine Print
While Private Internet Access VPN is top-of-the-line, ranking high on Forbes Advisor VPN reviews, it’s not perfect. The VPN, for example, only offers a seven-day free trial for Android and iOS apps—insufficient time to test it out.
That’s not much of a deal-breaker, though. After all, all plans come with a money-back guarantee allowing users to purchase a plan upfront to test it out for 30 days.
Is Private Internet Access VPN Right for You or Your Business?
Private Internet Access is targeted toward privacy-conscious individual users and businesses seeking a VPN with advanced privacy and security features. PIA also allows customization, so it’s suitable for you if you want some control over your VPN.
If you’re looking for a feature-packed VPN that provides fast speeds, this VPN packs in such value.
Related: Best VPNs in Australia
Featured Partner Offers
1
NordVPN
Plan costs
$7.33 AUD per month or $87.95 for the first year
Number of Servers
5,500
Encryption
AES-256
2
Surfshark
Price
Starting From $3.07 AUD Per Month
Number of Servers
3000+
Encryption
AES with 256 -bit keys
3
Private Internet Access (PIA)
Dedicated IP address
Yes
Number of devices
Unlimited
Encryption
AES-256
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Private Internet Access safe?
Yes, Private Internet Access VPN is super safe. It does not stop at blocking unwanted intrusion into your online activities. Its strict 100% no-logs policy disallows even the company from storing user information, so you can be sure that you’re genuinely safe from prying eyes.
Where is Private Internet Access based?
Private Internet Access is based in the United States. However, it serves many countries with its still-growing 35,000 servers scattered worldwide.
Is Private Internet Access any good?
Yes, as PIA VPN is suitable for anyone who wants the utmost privacy over the internet. You’ll access geo-restricted content and keep off unwanted content on up to ten devices running on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android and others at a reasonable price. PIA VPN uses the strongest encryption protocols to keep you protected.
Can I be tracked while using Private Internet Access?
Yes, but it depends on your activity and your awareness. A VPN, such as Private Internet Access, protects active data transfers while you’re online. If you’ve enabled cookies on websites you visit, advertisers can track your activity (but with a VPN they won’t be able to connect your activity to your IP). Malware is another risk, but a VPN can’t protect you from installing malware.
How do I connect to a VPN?
The process for connecting to a VPN varies, depending on your device and operating system. Generally, you need to download the VPN’s app or software, enter your username and password and select a server. For more detailed instructions, check out the VPN’s website or contact customer service. Some VPNs allow users to register anonymously, as well as pay with gift cards or crypto.
What can I access with a VPN?
VPNs can allow you to access geo-restricted content in other countries. Many customers use them to access international content on streaming services that are not available in their home country. They can also be used to bypass any government restrictions you may have in your region.
Is PIA worth the money?
It depends on how you use the internet and the premium you place on privacy. If you download a lot of content and want a private browsing experience that is water-tight, then PIA is a great option. If you just want a VPN for when you travel, and to secure your internet connection when using public wi-fi, then you may prefer a cheaper VPN that may not offer as many server options but could suit your needs just as well.
Is PIA VPN fast?
Yes, it is most definitely fast. The network of servers is optimised to offer speeds of 10 Gbps, and the company uses OpenVPN and WireGuard, which provides a fast and stable connection.
Does PIA VPN have good reviews?
Private Internet Access (PIA) has been ranked highly by Forbes Advisor Australia consistently, including for its streaming capabilities, low prices, and overall benefits when stacked up against other competitors on the market.
But don’t just take out word for it. More than 10,000 PIA customers have rated the VPN on Trustpilot, giving it a total 4.4 stars.
Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.
