Private Internet Access (PIA VPN)
Private Internet Access (PIA VPN) is a tool for secure data transmission and internet connection protection. Use of the program must comply with the laws of the Russian Federation, including Federal Law No. 149-FZ and Federal Law No. 276. The service does not provide access to prohibited resources. The user is responsible for the legitimacy of VPN application. The Russian infrastructure can be integrated with the FGIS if necessary and operates in accordance with the regulations of Roskomnadzor.
Service private internet access One of the most well-known open-source VPN providers with over 35,000 RAM-only servers in 91 countries and a verified no-logs policy. Below you will find a detailed article on features, pricing, and legal use cases, based on analytics from THG.ru, Ciroapp, Several.com, VPNReactor, SafetyDetectives and VPNScannerRussia.
What is Private Internet Access and who is it for
PIA VPN is a virtual private network that helps change your IP address, protect data on public Wi-Fi, provide corporate remote access, and create VPN without restrictions traffic. Thanks to OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPSec (iOS) protocols, the solution is suitable for both beginners and administrators who need to fine-tune encryption settings or use Shadowsocks obfuscation.
Key features
- 35,000+ servers in 91 countries — a large geographical spread reduces load and increases speed.
- Before 10 devices on one subscription: PCs, smartphones, routers, set-top boxes.
- Open source and annual transparency reports.
- 256-bit AES encryption, DNS / WebRTC leak protection, Kill Switch.
- Multi-Hop and Split Tunneling for flexible routing.
- PIA MACE ad and tracker blocker.
- Dedicated IP and port forwarding for P2P, game servers, and financial services.
- Browser extensions — private internet access extension for Chrome, Firefox, Opera.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pros
- Officially confirmed no-logspolicy: in US courts, the provider has twice demonstrated the absence of logs.
- High speeds according to tests by THG.ru and SafetyDetectives thanks to NextGen servers.
- P2P support on all nodes, advanced Kill Switch, and obfuscation.
- Russian-localized applications and 24/7 live chat support.
- Wide compatibility: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, private internet access on PC, Smart TVs, and browsers.
Minuses
- US jurisdiction (5/9/14 Eyes) — for some users, this is a psychological factor.
- Sometimes slow response from support for Russian-language tickets (according to VPNReactor).
- Does not always reliably unblock certain streaming libraries like Disney+ and BBC iPlayer.
Free vs Premium tariffs
| Parameter | "Free" (30-day trial/money-back guarantee) | Premium 1 month / 1 year / 3 years |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $0 (upon refund) | $11.95/month, $3.33/month, or $2.03/month |
| Access to all servers | Yes | Yes |
| Number of Devices | 10 | 10 |
| PIA MACE blocker | Yes | Yes |
| Dedicated IP | No | Option + $2/month |
| PIA Antivirus | No | Option + $1/month |
| Priority Support | Limited | 24/7 chat |
How to install Private Internet Access on different devices
- Go to the official PIA website and click "private internet access download".
- ". private internet access extension Select your platform (Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android) or
- for the browser.
- Install the client, log in with the credentials received after payment.
Press the large "ON" button to activate the VPN; if necessary, configure the protocol, encryption level, or Split Tunneling list.
Comparison with nearest competitors
For routers, NAS, and consoles, step-by-step guides are available on the support portal; typical setup takes 5-10 minutes. PIA VPN
Legal aspects of VPN use in Russia
surpasses most services in the number of servers (35,000+) and code transparency, but falls behind ExpressVPN and NordVPN in universal streaming unblocking. In terms of price, the three-year PIA subscription is cheaper than Surfshark and CyberGhost. The ability to connect 10 devices makes it more cost-effective than the 5-connection limit of many premium providers. In accordance with Article 15.1 and 15.3 of Federal Law No. 149-FZ, the user is obliged to verify that the VPN does not lead to resources prohibited by Roskomnadzor.
This material is for informational purposes only; before connecting, ensure that VPN use is legal in your region.
FAQ - popular questions
- Is it legal to use a VPN in Russia?
PIA is suitable for legal scenarios: protecting online banking, secure work on public networks, remote access to corporate resources, and development and DevOps tasks that require an encrypted channel. - Does PIA have a free plan?
There is no permanent free plan, but a 30-day money-back guarantee is available — effectively a trial version to evaluate the service. private internet access free. - Does PIA VPN support streaming?
The service works reliably with Netflix US/UK/AU and Amazon Prime; access to Disney Plus may be occasionally limited. - How to set up private internet access for PC?
Download the installer for Windows or Linux, log in, and click the "Connect" button. Upon first launch, the client will suggest an optimal server with the lowest ping. - How reliable is PIA MACE?
According to measurements by SafetyDetectives, the filter blocks up to 95% of banners and malicious domains, accelerating website loading by 20-30%.
Conclusions
Private Internet Access combines an open architecture, an advanced network infrastructure, and an affordable price. If you need a reliable tool for 256-bit AES traffic encryption, unlimited vpn along with speed and flexible configuration, PIA VPN deserves attention. The service is not optimal for some streaming platforms, but overall it offers the best value in the premium VPN segment, confirmed by real private internet access reviews on Trustpilot (4.5+/5) and independent reviews.
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