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Private Internet Access

Best Open-Source VPN — Court-Proven Privacy

8.8

out of 10

Founded: 2010

Jurisdiction: United States

Private Internet Access (PIA) is the only fully open-source premium VPN, with its no-logs policy proven in court. Its massive 35,000+ server network and port forwarding support make it a powerhouse for privacy-focused UK users.

Best for: Privacy advocates, open-source enthusiasts, and torrent users

Detailed Ratings

Speed

8.7

Privacy

9.2

Streaming

8.5

Value for Money

9.4

Ease of Use

8.3

Chrome Extension

8.0

Full Review

Private Internet Access (PIA) holds a unique position in the VPN market as the only premium provider with 100% open-source applications. Every line of code in PIA's desktop and mobile apps is publicly available for audit on GitHub, providing a level of transparency unmatched by any competitor.

PIA's no-logs policy is not merely audited — it has been proven in court. When US authorities subpoenaed PIA for user data on multiple occasions, the company demonstrated that it had no logs to provide. This real-world verification carries more weight than any third-party audit.

With over 35,000 servers across 91 countries, PIA operates the largest server network by raw count. UK servers are located in London, Manchester, and Southampton, all running on 10 Gbps connections and optimised for streaming. PIA is one of the few VPNs that supports port forwarding, a feature essential for torrenting, gaming, and running home servers.

The Chrome extension functions as a proxy with servers in 44 locations across 27 countries. It includes MACE, PIA's built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker that operates at the DNS level for network-wide protection.

PIA's pricing is extremely competitive, especially on the three-year plan at approximately £1.63 per month. It supports 10 simultaneous connections and offers WireGuard as its default protocol for optimal speed and security.

The main consideration for privacy-focused users is PIA's US jurisdiction. While the company has conclusively demonstrated it keeps no logs, the United States is a Five Eyes member, which may concern some users despite PIA's proven track record.

Features at a Glance

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Servers

35,000+

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Countries

📱

Simultaneous Connections

🔐

Encryption

AES-256

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Protocols

WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2

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Money-Back Guarantee

30 days

✅Kill Switch

✅Split Tunnelling

✅No-Logs Policy

✅Ad Blocker

✅Chrome Extension

❌Free Tier

Pros

✅100% open-source — every app is fully auditable
✅No-logs policy proven in court (multiple times)
✅Largest server network by count (35,000+)
✅Port forwarding support (rare among premium VPNs)
✅Very affordable on long-term plans
✅MACE ad/tracker/malware blocker

Cons

❌US jurisdiction (Five Eyes alliance member)
❌Chrome extension has fewer server locations than full app
❌Interface can be overwhelming for beginners

Special Features

100% Open SourceMACE Ad BlockerPort ForwardingCourt-Proven No-LogsDedicated IP10 Gbps UK Servers

UK Servers

Servers in London, Manchester, and Southampton (10 Gbps, streaming-optimised)

Streaming Support

●Netflix UK & US
●BBC iPlayer
●Disney+
●Amazon Prime Video

How to Set Up Private Internet Access

Getting started with Private Internet Access is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. Begin by visiting the official Private Internet Access website and selecting the plan that suits your needs. The 3-year plan at £1.63/mo (£58.68 total) plan offers the best value. Complete the sign-up process with your email address and preferred payment method.

Once your account is created, navigate to the Chrome Web Store and search for the official Private Internet Access extension. Click "Add to Chrome" to install it. After installation, click the Private Internet Access icon in your browser toolbar, sign in with your account credentials, and select a UK server or your preferred location. The extension will begin encrypting your browser traffic immediately. For full device protection, you can also download the desktop or mobile application from the Private Internet Access website.

We recommend enabling the kill switch feature in the settings to prevent data leaks if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. If you experience any issues, Private Internet Access's support team is available to help, and their 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try the service risk-free.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Private Internet Access good for streaming BBC iPlayer from abroad?

Yes, Private Internet Access is an excellent choice for streaming BBC iPlayer. With a streaming score of 8.5/10, it reliably unblocks UK streaming services including Netflix UK & US, BBC iPlayer, Disney+. The servers in london, manchester, and southampton (10 gbps, streaming-optimised) ensure fast, buffer-free streaming. Simply connect to a UK server and navigate to iPlayer as normal.

Does Private Internet Access keep logs of my browsing activity?

No, Private Internet Access operates a strict no-logs policy, meaning it does not record, store, or monitor your browsing activity, connection timestamps, or IP addresses. Based in United States, Private Internet Access benefits from favourable privacy laws. This policy has been independently verified, providing genuine assurance that your online activity remains private.

How many devices can I use with Private Internet Access simultaneously?

Private Internet Access supports 10 simultaneous device connections on a single subscription. This means you can protect your laptop, phone, tablet, and other devices at the same time without needing to disconnect from one before connecting another. If you need more connections, some providers like Surfshark and IPVanish offer unlimited simultaneous connections.