Latest news with #PrivateInternetAccess
Gizmodo
31-07-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
This Popular VPN Just Got a Huge Price Drop: Pay Less Than a Coffee a Month
Looking for massive VPN savings this summer? This Private Internet Access VPN deal might quench your thirst. The VPN's massive summer sale promises a whopping $254 discount and practically pays for itself. Is there a catch? Well, perhaps the deal's length. We're unsure how long it'll last, but if you're reading this, chances are you still have time. So, what are you waiting for? Click below and save over $254 on PIA today. Get PIA VPN at $254 Off Private Internet Access is the best affordable VPN option. While it was never expensive, this deal reinvents the affordable VPN category. Once you're on the site, you'll notice a gleaming biennial plan with two free months. It says it's $2.19 monthly and 82% off. We'll let you do the math; however, the regular monthly price is $11.99. Imagine spending that much for 26 months. How much is it? Now, add an 82% discount, and you'll drop $254.80 off the initial price, bringing the package to just $56.94 for the initial period, with a quirky bonus. Private Internet Access has teamed up with pCloud, delivering 500 GB of free cloud storage for an entire year! As you likely know, pCloud is likely the best online storage available. PIA cleverly thought of everything. Best of all, PIA is risk-free, as it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you find it insufficient, contact its 24/7 support and it'll issue a refund the same day. It's a foolproof solution! This discount surely makes it more than special. However, Private Internet Access is one of the oldest VPNs, or OGs, as many love to call them. The VPN boasts over 30,000 servers in 90+ countries and is among the rare VPNs with an unlimited connection allowance. This makes it excellent for limitless protection on all devices. Private Internet Access uses powerful RAM servers backed by 256-bit GCM encryption. The VPN's privacy stems from a no-log policy verified in court many times. Streaming enthusiasts love PIA for its speed and reliability. Its P2P servers and port forwarding make it ideal for torrenting. It's a jack of all trades, with modern features like Multi-Hop, ad-blocking, and a kill switch. Pair this with excellent compatibility, timely customer support, and unlimited bandwidth, and free VPNs will seem like a bad idea. Besides, PIA's price already makes free VPNs obsolete. It costs less than an espresso! Are you not sure it's the right VPN for you? Perhaps this PIA VPN review from our experts will help you decide. Save 82% on PIA VPN Now
Evening Standard
28-07-2025
- Business
- Evening Standard
Best VPNs to protect your cybersecurity: UK surge
New customer bonus: None Offering no-fuss security, Private Internet Access does exactly what it says on the tin. The company urges users to "take back control" of their online freedom, connecting subscribers to servers situated around the planet and boasting lightning-fast speeds that are ideal if you're a serial streamer or share files. If offers all the usual defences, including ad and malware blocking and encryption settings that you can customise if you wish, plus round-the-clock live support, so if you run into trouble, help is always at hand. PIA also prides itself on offering 100 per cent open-source VPN apps with source codes that are publicly available, boosting its transparency. As with its peers, the longer you sign up for, the cheaper things get. The one-month plan costs £9.99pm, but sign up for a year, and the monthly cost drops to £2.71. If you're happy to commit to three years of its service though, you can enjoy online security, antivirus features and a dedicated IP for as little as £1.67pm across unlimited devices.
Tom's Guide
14-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
ExpressVPN launches servers in every US state – here's why you should care
ExpressVPN has upgraded its server network to include one in every US state. There are now 62 server locations across the country, up from 24. ExpressVPN is one of the only providers on our best VPN list that can claim this title. Private Internet Access (PIA) – also owned by Kape Technologies – is the only other VPN we recommend that has a server in every US state. Operating servers in every US state means faster speeds for ExpressVPN users. There can be a wider distribution of server load – the number of people using a particular server at one time – but users are also physically closer to them. The launch of the new servers has seen ExpressVPN increase its US server count by 38, with multiple servers in the high-demand areas of Los Angeles and New Jersey. All of ExpressVPN's servers are physical, but there won't necessarily be a physical server in every state. A proportion of locations are virtual servers and your traffic is routed through a physical server nearby. Regardless of this, your IP address will always match that of your chosen state. The new servers run on ExpressVPN's TrustedServer technology. This is RAM-only and wipes all data every time it reboots – a reboot cycle is completed every week. Fast speeds will also be delivered thanks to ExpressVPN's unique Lightway Turbo protocol. In our latest round of testing, we saw ExpressVPN hit speeds of 890+ Mbps, which makes it one of the fastest VPNs. Shay Peretz, Chief Information Officer at ExpressVPN said the provider wanted to "meet users where they are." "People want privacy that works with the rest of their lives. They want tools that match the digital environments around them, without friction. Our goal is to make that possible without sacrificing security or speed," he added. ExpressVPN has servers across all of the US, covering 62 locations and 50 states. How does this compare to its competitors? In the grand scheme of things, having a server in every US state isn't crucial. Major locations such as New York, Texas, Florida, Chicago, and California will always be covered. For those connecting from outside the US, state-specific servers aren't normally required. But for those living in the US, there may be a need to connect to a server in a certain state. The US has state and federal governments, meaning laws can differ from state to state. Websites can be blocked or restricted in certain states and you may want to connect from another state to access them. Bypassing broadcasting blackouts can be another reason you may need a server in every US state. Sports broadcasting has a history of blackouts, and certain agreements may result in a game not being broadcast for some viewers. Ticket sales, distance from the ground, and exclusive rights deals are all reasons blackouts may occur. You should ensure you're not breaking any laws or terms and conditions before using a VPN to access restricted content. Finally, as mentioned above, having geographically closer servers can improve speeds and help distribute server load. We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
Gizmodo
09-07-2025
- Business
- Gizmodo
Best Private Internet Access Alternatives of 2025
Private Internet Access has long been the go-to VPN for power users who love tweaking settings, running scripts, or protecting every device they own. But even the most loyal fans have started noticing the cracks, like inconsistent streaming access, clunky UI, and a lack of real innovation, while other VPNs sprint ahead. PIA still has its strengths (unlimited devices is no joke), but in 2025, it's far from the only serious player. In fact, a growing number of users are switching to VPNs that offer faster servers, better streaming reliability, and smarter features without the configuration gymnastics. And they're not alone. VPN users tend to switch providers over time, most citing speed or app experience as their main reason. So if you're thinking of jumping ship, you're in good company. In this guide, we've picked four top-tier Private Internet Access alternatives that do more and do it better. Whether you're in it for streaming, speed, simplicity, or privacy, these VPNs prove that upgrading doesn't mean losing control. Table of Contents Private Internet Access still has plenty going for it: unlimited device support, open-source transparency, and a reputation for rock-solid privacy. But in a VPN market that's evolving faster than ever, sticking with 'good enough' often means missing out. Streaming Needs More Than Servers: PIA technically works with Netflix, but 'technically' doesn't make it the best VPN for streaming in 2025. Buffering, random blocks, and the absence of optimized servers for platforms like Hulu, Max, or BBC iPlayer can make streaming a gamble. That's where NordVPN pulls ahead, with very effective servers and SmartPlay built in to handle geo-blocks effortlessly, no tinkering required. Speed isn't just a Bonus: While you get decent speeds with Private Internet Access, its network hasn't kept pace with services that now use 10 Gbps servers and proprietary protocols. ExpressVPN's Lightway Turbo protocol consistently delivers faster connections and lower latency worldwide, which is ideal for gamers, streamers, or remote workers who need zero lag. Mobile Experience Still Feels Dated: While the desktop app is packed with customization, PIA's mobile apps often feel stripped down or clunky. Surfshark, by contrast, nails the mobile experience with a sleek UI, fast-connect widgets, and built-in features like GPS spoofing that actually work on Android. It's one of the best mobile VPNs out there. Privacy Is Great, But So Is Smart Security: PIA's no-logs policy and open-source apps are excellent. But in an era of AI-driven trackers and phishing-heavy threats, you need proactive tools. NordVPN (again) takes the lead here with Threat Protection, blocking malicious sites and trackers even when the VPN is off. In short? Private Internet Access is still dependable, but when it comes to streaming, speed, and smarter privacy features, the gap between 'solid' and 'winner' is clearer than ever. If you've outgrown PIA or just want something that's easier, faster, or more streaming-friendly, you've got options. We've tested dozens of VPNs this year, and the ones below fill in the exact gaps Private Internet Access VPN leaves behind. Whether it's speed, simplicity, or feature depth, these are the alternatives doing more with less fuss. If you're switching from PIA and want more than just 'solid basics,' NordVPN is the full package. It's faster, smarter, and better tuned for streaming, privacy, and everyday convenience, without sacrificing the control that power users love. Streaming-Optimized Servers That Work: NordVPN has over 7,400 servers in 118 countries, and they're more than just numbers. We tested US, UK, and EU servers and consistently unblocked Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer without slowdown or detection. NordLynx Protocol for Top Speeds: NordLynx is built on WireGuard but tweaked for privacy and performance. Even on long-distance servers, we saw speeds hold steady at 90–95% of our base connection. That's crucial if you're streaming, gaming, or working remotely with big file transfers or video calls. Threat Protection Runs 24/7: Unlike PIA, NordVPN includes Threat Protection, which blocks trackers, malware, and ads, even outside the VPN tunnel. It's a lightweight, always-on security layer that keeps phishing domains and sketchy pop-ups off your screen entirely. Privacy That's Proven, Not Promised: NordVPN is based in Panama (no mandatory data retention), runs a RAM-only server fleet, and has undergone five independent audits confirming its strict no-logs policy. You can also get a dedicated IP if you want consistent access to services like banking or business platforms that reject shared IPs. Device & App Flexibility: It is available on all major platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV, and Apple TV (yes, it has a proper app now). You can also install it on routers to protect all devices in one go, which is great for households or offices. NordVPN's long-term plan is around $3/month, and with both a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial on Android, it's a low-risk way to try something more powerful than Private Internet Access. Try NordVPN Now Pros Cons If you're ditching PIA because streaming hit a wall or the setup started feeling like a chore, ExpressVPN is the polished upgrade of Private Internet Access. It doesn't overwhelm you with toggles and configs. Instead, it just works, whether you're watching HBO Max on a hotel Wi-Fi or unblocking Hulu from halfway across the world. Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer & More on First Try: ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, and they're constantly refreshed to avoid IP bans. We tested multiple US servers for Netflix, Hulu, and Sling TV, and every one worked on the first attempt. With built-in Smart DNS (MediaStreamer) for devices like consoles, you can also stream on platforms that don't support VPNs natively. Speed and Stability With Lightway: Its in-house Lightway Turbo protocol is engineered for speed and reconnection, like near-instant switching when networks change, which is perfect for mobile users. On average, we retained 80–90% of our original speed, which was more consistent than PIA on longer connections. Apps That Are a Joy to Use: Where Private Internet Access VPN's UI can feel a bit Linux in 2005, ExpressVPN's apps are intuitive, sleek, and consistent across devices. Whether you're on a Mac, Windows, Android, or a router, it's one-click on, no fuss. Privacy Built Into the Hardware: ExpressVPN runs its entire server network on TrustedServer tech (RAM-only), meaning no data is ever written to disk. It's based in the British Virgin Islands and is well out of reach of EU or US surveillance alliances. You'll pay more, as long-term plans start at around $5/month, but you're also paying for simplicity, speed, and streaming reliability that just doesn't quit. If you want a no-hassle upgrade from PIA, ExpressVPN is the closest thing to plug-and-play. Try ExpressVPN Now Pros Cons If Private Internet Access gave you a taste for control but felt a bit barebones in the streaming department, Surfshark steps in with all the perks and throws in unlimited device support to sweeten the deal. It's sleek, speedy, and surprisingly stacked for a VPN that starts at just a little over $2 per month on long-term plans. Access More, Block Less: Surfshark is built to bypass restrictions. It works flawlessly with Netflix, Hulu+, Prime Video, and region-specific content like HBO Max or ITV Hub. With 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, you're almost never too far from a working node. And unlike PIA, Surfshark consistently unblocks even niche catalogs like Netflix Japan or Canada. Unlimited Devices: This is the ace up Surfshark's sleeve. No limits. One account, all your devices: phones, laptops, smart TVs, even your in-laws' tablets if you're feeling generous. It's ideal for families or anyone who's tired of counting logins. Streaming and Speed, Hand in Hand: Thanks to the WireGuard protocol, Surfshark delivers consistently high speeds with minimal setup. We streamed 4K on a shared office connection with zero buffering, and the VPN adapted quickly even when switching networks or devices mid-session. Built-In Smart Tools: It's not just a streaming VPN. It comes with CleanWeb, which blocks ads, malware, and trackers across all browsers and apps. You also get Camouflage Mode, which hides VPN usage completely (perfect for regions or networks that block VPNs), and NoBorders Mode for accessing content in restrictive countries. If you want streaming freedom without the high price tag, and love the idea of protecting everything you own without limits, Surfshark is a great alternative to Private Internet Access. Try Surfshark VPN Now Pros Cons If you're walking away from PIA because you're done paying for features you barely use (or just want a rock-solid free VPN), Proton VPN is the rare option that won't sell you out. Built by the folks behind ProtonMail, it puts privacy first while still offering real utility for streaming, browsing, and protection. Truly Free, Truly Private: Unlike most free VPNs that cap your data, slow your speeds, or sneakily log your activity, Proton VPN's Free plan offers unlimited bandwidth on secure servers in the US, Netherlands, and Japan. You won't get global coverage, but for casual users or those looking to protect their connection while abroad, it's the most private free ride in town. Premium When You Need It: Proton VPN's paid tier offers 13,000+ servers in 120+ countries, including support for high-speed streaming, P2P, and Secure Core, which is a unique double-hop feature that routes traffic through hardened servers in privacy-friendly countries. If PIA's advanced features felt like overkill, Proton strikes the perfect balance between security and simplicity. Open-Source and Audited: Everything is open-source and independently audited, from its apps to its no-logs policy. You're not taking Proton's word for it, you're trusting verified proof. That's a major leap over many services, especially in the free tier category. Great for Occasional Streaming: Even without the premium plan, Proton VPN's free servers handled Netflix US during off-peak hours in our tests. It's not built for heavy binge sessions, but if you're in a pinch or traveling abroad, it gets the job done. Proton VPN is for users who care about transparency and trust. If Private Internet Access VPN felt like a jack-of-all-trades but master of none, Proton knows exactly what it wants to be and excels at it. Try ProtonVPN Now Pros Cons Private Internet Access still holds its ground as a privacy-focused VPN, but if you've outgrown its limitations, it's time to level up. Each of the VPNs we've covered here offers something PIA doesn't: more speed, better unblocking, or simply a smoother ride. NordVPN stands out as the strongest upgrade overall. From blazing-fast connections to native streaming features like SmartPlay and 7,400+ servers worldwide, it nails the balance between power and simplicity. If you're serious about making the switch, NordVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee makes that first step easy and risk-free. Still deciding if it's time to move on from PIA? Here are some frequently asked questions that go beyond the basics. Most top-tier VPNs offer similar functionality, but not directly. You'll need to manually reconfigure split tunneling rules or DNS preferences. Fortunately, these apps make setup easy with intuitive dashboards and guides. Absolutely. You can have multiple VPNs installed on your device; just don't run them at the same time. They'll conflict and potentially break your internet connection. Test the new VPN, then uninstall Private Internet Access once you're satisfied. Yes. Canceling auto-renewal is separate from uninstalling the app or not using it. Log into your PIA account dashboard and disable renewal to avoid being charged again, especially if you're moving to a new provider. Only if you're still within the 30-day refund window. Otherwise, you can cancel to stop future payments, but your current term will continue until it ends. Some alternatives, like Surfshark or NordVPN, also offer money-back guarantees, making the switch risk-free to test.
Tom's Guide
03-07-2025
- Business
- Tom's Guide
Private Internet Access Coupon Codes for July 2025
There are three different Private Internet Access plans at different price points, includingL 3-year plan: $2.03 per month (with 3 months free) 1-year plan: $3.33 per month 1-month plan: $11.95 per month Yes, Private Internet Access offers a free 30-day trial on their web version so customers can try out all their features before they commit to a plan You'll also find 7-day free trials for the iOS and Android versions of the service. You can give the service a go and cancel before your trial period is up to avoid paying any subscription fees, or just leave it be if you're happy to automatically start paying for a plan each month. Yes, if you aren't 100% happy with your service within 30 days of purchasing your plan, you can get in touch with the Private Internet Access customer service team to request a refund. Should you need to contact Private Internet Access, you can reach their team via the Live Chat feature on their website. You can also find them on Facebook, Twitter and Reddit, where you can direct message them to reach a member of the team. Opt for multi-year subscriptions: PIA's best offers are available when you sign up for a longer subscription. For example, the 1-year plan is charged at $3.33 per month (73% off the monthly fee), whilst the 3-year subscription comes with three months free of charge for to a total of $2.03 per month - that's a massive 83% off! If you've got through the free trial and know you like the software, commit to a longer plan and you'll save in the long run. Refer a friend to PIA: PIA runs a refer-a-friend program wherein you and a friend can receive 30 free days of PIA service when you get them to sign up. Once your friend signs up using your referral link, both you and your friend will get 30 days of service for free added onto your plans, saving you a month's fees. Earn with the PIA affiliate scheme: If you run a website and want to make some extra money from your online presence, you can join the affiliate program and earn up to 33% in commission on all sales made through your site's ad. Rest easy with the 30-day money-back guarantee: If you've begun a paid plan and you're not 100% satisfied, you can let PIA know within 30 days and they'll provide you a full refund for your plan costs. Pair this with a free trial and you've got plenty of time to make sure you're happy with the service before you're locked in. 1. Choose one of our Private Internet Access coupon codes you'd like to use and click 'Get Discount'. 2. You'll be taken to the PIA website, where you can choose the plan you'd like to sign up for. 3. Your discount will automatically be added at the checkout. 4. Proceed with your order as normal to redeem your discount. The coupons you'll find on Tom's Guide have been sourced by our dedicated coupons team, who use the web, our relationships with retailers, & our affiliate networks to find the latest codes. The offers on each coupon page are updated every few days to ensure we feature the freshest ways to save, and our commercial team (based in London) also sources exclusive codes and sales info directly from some of the biggest retailers around. All the coupon codes we list on our pages have been tested by our deals & offers teams to check they work as intended before they've been uploaded. You'll find a wide range of coupons on Tom's Guide, including free shipping offers, student discounts, and savings on various kinds of products. To ensure that all listed codes are available to use, we don't include any one-time use or user-specific coupons. We also provide as much information as we can to keep things as clear as possible - any expiry dates or terms & conditions will be listed alongside the code. Look for the 'Terms & Conditions' text - you'll be able to click this to expand this section for more details. We take care to only list tried & tested coupons on our pages, so all codes should be active and confer the listed discount or deal. However, although we keep up to date with expiry dates and any terms & conditions, sometimes retailers change these before we can update our pages. Should a coupon fail to work as expected, check you meet any listed requirements. These can include minimum spends, multibuy offers, or product-specific promotions (i.e. 10% off selected tablets). You can view all associated requirements by clicking 'View terms and conditions' below your code. If this does not solve your issue, you can contact our customer service team by emailing Make sure to let us know which coupon you were trying to use and which page this was listed on, and we'll be in touch to help as soon as possible. Tom's Guide makes money from coupons through a commission-based model. We have agreements in place with each retailer on our site - for every purchase made using one of our coupons or deals, we earn a small percentage of the order total back in commission. Thanks to this model, we can save our customers money without charging them a thing. You won't pay a penny to get the discounts listed on our pages, so whichever code or deal you choose, you'll get exactly what it says on the tin. If you're looking for more information on Tom's Guide coupons, you can also read more about How We Source Coupon Codes and How to Use Them on our dedicated page.
