In a recent article by June Wan on ZDNET, the key takeaways of Private Internet Access (PIA) were highlighted. PIA is noted as one of the most affordable premium VPN services, offering a 3-year plan for just $79. The VPN provides open-source apps with customizable security settings and allows for unlimited device connections, making it ideal for smart TVs.
While PIA’s headquarters in the US may raise privacy concerns and the app’s settings can be complex for beginners, it remains a reliable and cost-effective option. With servers in all US states, PIA is suitable for bypassing geo-restrictions and offers customization options for different user scenarios focusing on security or speed.
PIA’s extensive global server network, with over 25,000 servers in 91 countries and 140 locations, is highlighted as a key feature. The VPN even offers servers in China and nearby territories, despite the country’s strict regulations, through virtual servers. These servers boast speeds of up to 10Gbps and utilize RAM-only technology for improved user privacy.
In terms of performance testing, PIA showed excellent connections with minimal speed drops in local servers. However, international server connections experienced up to 45% speed loss, with some regions performing better than others. PIA is suitable for streaming, with access to various platforms, and supports torrenting with SOCKS5 proxy servers for faster connections.
For gaming, PIA offers low latency servers ideal for online gaming, with encryption options and secure protocols available for customization. The VPN’s features, such as encryption levels and protocol options, provide users with the ability to tailor their security and privacy settings according to their needs.