VPN review
Private Internet Access review
PIA supports unlimited simultaneous connections, desktop and mobile apps, WireGuard and OpenVPN. Dedicated IP is an optional paid add-on.
By VPNTrends · Updated 2026-10-21
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Our assessment
Unlimited connections with desktop routing controls
PIA’s unlimited simultaneous connections can suit a household with many devices. Split tunneling is documented across Windows, macOS, Linux and Android; confirm the relevant platform rather than relying on a generic feature label.
Key capabilities
PIA supports unlimited simultaneous connections, desktop and mobile apps, WireGuard and OpenVPN. Dedicated IP is an optional paid add-on.
Limitations to check
Official purchase data now confirms the long-term first charge and its separate 36-month renewal. Dedicated IP remains a paid add-on.
See platform support ↓
PIA privacy and its no-logs design
Private Internet Access has a no-logs policy and a history of external infrastructure reviews. Its third Deloitte Audit Romania assessment covered the VPN configuration, operating controls and dedicated-IP design. The dedicated-IP implementation uses a token-based approach intended to separate account information from the assigned address.
For an individual buyer, this is privacy context rather than evidence of a particular download speed. It is also separate from the information a website learns when you log in or make a purchase. PIA can change the network exit used by traffic inside its tunnel; it cannot make an account that identifies you cease to identify you.
Unlimited connections across a mixed household
PIA’s unlimited simultaneous connections can be useful when several people keep multiple devices online. Instead of budgeting a fixed number of connections, you can compare whether the available apps and their controls suit the household. The lack of a fixed connection cap still does not increase the total capacity of the home internet connection.
The current platform coverage includes Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and Android. Router support depends on the device and its VPN configuration. A router can be part of a household setup, but buying PIA does not establish compatibility with an arbitrary modem-router or reproduce the full feature set of a desktop app.
Where PIA’s split tunneling is useful
PIA’s split-tunneling support is established here for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android. That makes it a relevant candidate for someone who needs desktop routing controls across more than one operating system. The iOS app listing alone should not be treated as proof of identical split-tunneling support.
A practical use is to leave a specific application on the direct internet connection while other traffic uses the VPN. Decide whether your requirement is to include only selected apps or to exclude them, and check the app’s exact behaviour. Local-network access, work requirements and a browser-only task are different routing problems even when they all sound like an exception to the VPN.
Reading PIA’s advertised long-term price carefully
The official purchase data now confirms USD 79 for 39 initial months, followed by USD 79 every 36 months. A separate EUR order shows EUR 70 for the same initial period and EUR 70 per 36-month renewal. These are provider quotes, not monthly-rate multiplication or our currency conversion.
This is important because multiplying an advertised rounded rate by a long term can produce the wrong charge. Use the actual checkout total when deciding whether a longer commitment is worthwhile. Dedicated IP is also a paid add-on, so compare the VPN subscription on its own unless a stable personal address is an explicit part of your purchase.
When PIA is a strong comparison candidate
PIA deserves consideration for a household with many connected devices or for users who specifically need split tunneling on supported desktop platforms. Linux routing requirements are a particularly useful point of comparison because app availability alone is not enough to describe that workflow.
Compare another option if you need a verified iPhone routing feature that is not established here, or if the current checkout offers a different promotion from the documented plan. The meaningful comparison is the usable app control plus the exact payment—not an advertised monthly number divorced from its term.
Plans, first payment and renewal
Introductory offers and renewals are different billing periods. Compare the actual charge and included months, not only an advertised monthly equivalent.
| Plan | First payment | Monthly equivalent | Renewal |
|---|---|---|---|
| PIA — monthly | USD 11.95First 1 months | USD 11.95Introductory equivalent | USD 11.95Every 1 months |
| PIA — 1 year | USD 47.88First 12 months | USD 3.99Introductory equivalent | USD 47.88Every 12 months |
| PIA — 3 years + 3 months | USD 79.00First 39 months | USD 2.03Introductory equivalent | USD 79.00Every 36 months |
| PIA — EUR 1 months | EUR 11.69First 1 months | EUR 11.69Introductory equivalent | EUR 11.69Every 1 months |
| PIA — EUR 12 months | EUR 41.88First 12 months | EUR 3.49Introductory equivalent | EUR 41.88Every 12 months |
| PIA — EUR 39 months | EUR 70.00First 39 months | EUR 1.79Introductory equivalent | EUR 70.00Every 36 months |
Verified USD 79 first payment for the 39-month introductory offer, renewing at USD 79 / 36 months. A separate EUR quote has EUR 70 / 39 initially and EUR 70 / 36 thereafter; EUR annual 41.88 and monthly 11.69 are also documented. Quotes are provider supplied, not converted by VPNTrends.
Features and platform support
Support can differ between apps and operating systems. Platform coverage and limitations are shown below.
- Windows
Native app available.
- macOS
Native app available.
- Linux
Native app available.
- iOS
Native app available.
- Android
Native app available.
- WireGuard / WireGuard-based protocol
Supported protocol. Native app support explicitly lists all five; minimum OS versions apply.
Verified platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.- OpenVPN
Supported protocol. Official configuration generator explicitly lists all five; manual OpenVPN client configuration may be required. Configuration compatibility is not guaranteed for every third-party client.
Verified platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.- Kill switch
Advanced Kill Switch available. Desktop kill switch documented; Android uses OS settings; current iOS product page lists its Kill Switch. Platform behavior and iOS limitations differ.
Verified platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android.- Router support
Compatible router configuration supported.
- Split tunneling
Documented on Windows, macOS and Linux. Dated September 2026 support guide covers desktop macOS including extension approval, Windows and Linux. Android per-app split tunneling is documented separately. iOS not included.
Verified platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android.- Dedicated IP available
Optional paid add-on, not included in base VPN price.
Paid add-on; excluded from VPN price
Questions about Private Internet Access
How many devices can connect simultaneously?
Unlimited simultaneous device connections.
Is the introductory monthly equivalent the renewal price?
No. It divides the exact first payment by its initial service period. Renewal is shown separately with its own charge and period; an unknown renewal is never inferred from the introductory offer.
Does a supported platform include every feature?
No. Protocols, split tunneling and kill switches can have different platform support. Use the feature descriptions above to check the app you intend to use.
Why is a PIA long-term offer excluded from price sorting?
Its advertised monthly equivalent does not establish the exact first payment. The comparison only sorts prices calculated from a verified upfront total and its actual initial period.
Does PIA’s unlimited allowance include a dedicated IP?
No. Unlimited simultaneous connections and a dedicated IP are different benefits. Dedicated IP is a paid add-on.
Before you choose
Regional offers, taxes and purchase channels can change the amount billed. Paid add-ons are identified separately, and unavailable pricing remains marked as not verified.
We have not conducted hands-on speed, streaming or app tests for this review. No numerical ratings or test badges are assigned.