VPNs can add a layer of security and privacy to your network, and that is never a bad thing.

For a long time, I have avoided VPNs, I did not see any use for them since I do not torrent or do anything illegal, and it is not like the VPN can hide you from authorities for real if you do. Also, I did not want to have one more party involved in managing my packets since I am a paranoid maniac. Do not tell to anyone but they are after me.

Things have changed in the last decade, VPNs are audited for privacy concerns, and most of them are log-free, using only RAM memory on servers. Legit keeping your traces vaporware. So, giving a chance to one is far less risky than before, except if some government is behind VPNs and they micro scoping everything you do.

But, even if you are hidden by VPN the OSI model and headers still can compromise your anonymity, nevertheless, VPNs still can be useful to hide your traffic from most people.


Recently I wanted to see some web pages and access data that have been geo-blocked for my country so I have decided to give it a shot and I can say right up front it is worth it.

Price and value
 

Like all unemployed bloggers dealing with depression because they need to go on interviews my first concern has been the value for the price.  So after some digging, I have found that PIA is the cheapest value for the price option.
 

For 3 years + 3 months free we paid only $79.00, it is a good deal comparing other VPNs that could go double or triple in price for an even shorter period.  And it comes with a 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee. PIA has over 5000+ servers all over the world and I see no noticeable loss in speed.


 

System support and number of devices
 

PIA is supported for Linux, Windows, Android, and many other devices, and on that, you can use one subscription on an unlimited number of devices. This has been a key feature I needed since I use Linux, Windows, and Android and I wanted to have a clean interface I can run on startup.

Do not get me wrong, I like the terminal, but picking a region and adjusting settings so you can jump on tasks is always better to do the fastest and simplest way you can, plain and simple the GUI interface is just a lifesaver on an everyday basis. And PIA has the app supported for Arch-based Linux, which is not so common among cheaper VPNs.

Supported systems and platforms:

And I can confirm that apps work just fine on Linux and Android, and all apps are open-source so anyone can examine them for any malicious code. 

No Logs

PIA is one of the rare if not only VPNs that have confirmed in court that they keep no log data or any data from their user traffic, as well they have been audited by independent auditors.



They also use RAM-only servers meaning data gets wiped out every time the server is off and do not store data like:

• Your IP address
• Browsing history
• VPN session timestamps

• Bandwidth consumption
• DNS queries
• Connection logs

Geo-Blocking - Watching US-based stream services and VPN leaks 

And finally for what you all have waited for, streaming wars. PIA managed to stream Primevideo, Hulu, Netflix, MAX, Paramount+, and some free content on Youtube available only in the USA. Some servers will not work but PIA has dedicated optimized servers for streaming so look for them, also unoptimized as USA East and West will work too, connect, and play. 




Unlocked content on Youtube.


So much of the content unlocked is totally worth it. Some people even use it to pay less for services, in some countries of South America Youtube is only $7.

Leaks - I have tested PIA on multiple DNS leaks and WebRTC leaks, IP test sites and PIA on all of them performed 100/100, perfect score.




Interface

The interface is slick and easy to use, there are 5000+ servers one click away, and it comes with a dark and light theme. I have no nothing to complain about here, connecting is pretty easy and there is a lot of setting to tinker. You almost forgot you are using VPN. 

There are too many options to get over them all, but you can choose between OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, Smart DNS, and Split Tunnel so just some browsers use VPN and a lot more.

Additional Services and freeware bonuses

PIA also offers dedicated IP and antivirus for an extra fee but I do not find it mandatory since most systems today are well-defended if you do not visit too kinky sites.

After purchase, PIA will offer you "Get 1 Year of FREE Security & Device Care Software with Restoro or Washing Machine " by email which you can claim, and that is a nice detail.




Enjoy your anonymity.