PIA is among the most widely utilized VPN services. It offers consumers a dependable, private, and secure online browsing platform. It is renowned for its respectable number of servers, robust security features, and app version that is accessible for most OS systems.
However, some users reported that the VPN speed could be slower sometimes, and streaming services like Netflix take time to load properly. Plus, many users experienced problems and never got solutions for it, experiencing poor customer support.
Due to these reasons, many people are searching for alternatives. If you’re one of them, you’re at the right place. This post will discuss the best replacements for private internet access available today. Let’s dive in.
Best Alternative to PIA – Quick List
While the top alternative to PIA is ExtremeVPN, we’ve curated a list of some other options for you:
- Surfshark: By circumvention of geo-restrictions, Surfshark enables its subscribers to explore their preferred sites or material regardless of where they are located.
- NordVPN: NordVPN ensures secure and confidential online browsing with its lightning-fast network speed and numerous server choices.
- CyberGhost: While online, CyberGhost protects by encrypting user traffic and concealing their IP address.
- PureVPN: This VPN offers a variety of servers and additional features such as split tunneling and protection from Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN offers consumers reliable safety functions allowing nameless web access without saving their activity records.
- Mullvad: Users are anonymous throughout sign-up by offering an accountless approach.
- Proton VPN: focuses on protecting user privacy by hiding their IP address to keep their data secure while they browse online.
- Windscribe: Its premium plan boasts no data limit and unlimited bandwidth and security features. It also offers a free plan with limitations.
- PrivateVPN: PrivateVPN, a dependable and user-friendly virtual private network (VPN) service, provides exceptional security that safeguards user privacy online.
Reasons to Look for a PIA Alternative
Many user reviews say PIA has bad customer support, and the company charges its users even after they cancel their subscription. Others claim that they have been billed more than the base price. To add more, PIA doesn’t offer a double VPN feature, and some servers take time to connect (slower speeds). All these reasons contribute to why you should try other service providers.
Although the primary function of a VPN is to protect you from internet risks and to secure your online traffic, not all VPN service providers are created equal.
Each one offers a distinct set of benefits and services to customers. If an alternative to PIA offers better performance and faster connections, customers are more likely to consider it. Users anticipate buffer and latency-free gaming, streaming, and browsing. Some VPN providers have invested in state-of-the-art network optimizations and server architecture that make them more appealing to users.
PIA is a trusted VPN provider. Its great market appeal results from the excellent consumer security it offers. However, compared to PIA, many new market players provide better privacy and security, such as ExtremeVPN.
Best Alternatives to PIA – Detailed List
1. Surfshark
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Over 3200 servers | Speed could change |
| Superior security | Terrible customer service occasionally |
| Unlimited connections at once | A sluggish server load |
| Pleasant user interface | Few choices for advanced configuration |
| Multiplatform compatibility | Occasional access issues with certain websites |
| Built-in ad and malware blocker | Only a few audits reports |
| Compatible with popular streaming platforms | All servers do not support peer-to-peer (P2P) file sharing |
When accessing the web, Surfshark offers complete privacy and anonymity. Access to worldwide information is made simple by its 3200+ servers located in more than 100 nations. Customers can access streaming services and websites using Surfshark from anywhere.
Through its no-logs policy, it guarantees to deliver a secure internet experience. Users of Surfshark can browse with confidence because servers are not allowed to save their data. Additionally, users can connect unlimited devices at once with a single account.
The cheapest 2-year subscription for Surfshark costs $2.49 a month. Additionally, it offers additional security by blocking viruses and advertisements to improve user browsing.
2. NordVPN
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Military-grade encryption with a double VPN | Occasionally slower connection speeds |
| A vast network of servers | A little more expensive |
| Quick and reliable connections | Split tunneling is absent on several platforms |
| No-logs policy | Erratic customer service |
| User-friendly interface | Few possibilities for customization |
| Multiple device support | Not all servers allow access to streaming services |
| Geo-restricted content access | Possibly overloaded servers |
NordVPN is renowned for its extensive server network and robust security measures. Over 7,000 servers are located in 118 different nations. Up to ten connections can be active at once.
Several region-locked streaming services, such as Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, BT Sport, etc., are effectively unblocked by it. On a 100 Mbps internet connection, NordVPN produced download speeds of 80.53 Mbps and upload rates of 46.55 Mbps, displaying outstanding performance.
With 256-bit encryption, Double VPN, CyberSec (ad-blocker), NoBorders mode, IP & DNS leak safeguards, and support for IKEv2 and OpenVPN protocols, NordVPN offers online security and protection. The cheapest two-year full-featured NordVPN membership costs $3.09 per month.
3. CyberGhost
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong security and privacy | Limited features in the free version |
| Extensive server network | Unreliable customer service |
| A user-friendly interface | Slower connection on some servers |
| No-logs policy | Restrictions on P2P file sharing |
| Multiple device support | Not every server unblocks streaming website |
| Access to geo-restricted content | Advanced users’ limited configuration options |
| Fast connections | Limits on data usage for the free version |
CyberGhost cares about its customers and values their privacy. To ensure this, it uses strong security features like military-grade encryption and an automated kill switch. It also offers DDoS and IP leak protection.
All these features help you perform your activities smoothly—play games or browse the internet without worrying about your sensitive data.
That’s not just all. Cyberghost has additional tools like ad filtering and virus prevention filters that enhance online security. Users can subscribe to the VPN’s cheapest 2-year plan for $2.19/month.
4. PureVPN
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Wide server network | Mixed results on specific servers |
| Strong security features | Streaming services vary |
| No-logs policy | Fewer available payment methods |
| Multiple devices support | Costly than rivals |
| Split tunneling | Some users complain of connection problems |
| Fast speeds | |
| Good customer support |
PureVPN consists of 6,500 servers spread across 80+ locations in over 65 countries. It offers great user flexibility and allows you to simultaneously connect up to ten devices. You could divide these ten slots among your family members.
The VPN stands out due to its security protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. Plus, it offers P2P server support so that you can do torrenting with ease. PureVPN services also include split tunneling, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection.
PureVPN could be an appealing option for users looking for a customizable and secure VPN solution. Its cheapest two-year full-function subscription costs $2.14 per month.
5. ExpressVPN
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong encryption | Expensive than rivals |
| Wide server network | Few possibilities for customization |
| No-logs policy | On occasion, sluggish server responses |
| High speeds | Limited simultaneous connections |
| User-friendly interface | Fewer advanced features |
| Excellent customer support | Captchas are occasionally needed |
| Compatibility with various devices | Not every server supports streaming websites |
ExpressVPN stands among the top VPN services in the market. It places a strong emphasis on security, speed, and convenience. The VPN has over 3,000 servers in 105 countries worldwide. This allows users to browse anonymously while protecting their digital activities from hackers and third parties.
The VPN has extraordinary speed and strength that makes it ideal for torrenting, gaming, and streaming with little to no buffering or interruptions.
ExpressVPN’s cheapest two-year plan is priced at $4.99/month (+ 4 months free). Moreover, you can connect up to 8 devices simultaneously using one account’s subscription.
6. Mullvad
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Emphasis on confidentiality and anonymity | A small number of server servers |
| Clear pricing structure | Some streaming services are not consistently unblocked |
| No logging policy | No real-time client service |
| Fewer features than rivals |
Mullvad is a reliable VPN service known for its excellent user privacy and security. It does not call for creating an account by entering personal data. The provider has a strict no-logs policy (doesn’t collect metadata or logs). Instead of gathering personal data, it uses a procedure that assigns users an account number.
It has over 700 servers scattered across 49 countries. Mullvad allows up to 5 connections simultaneously. Users can increase the privacy of their transactions by using the Bitcoin payment method.
The VPN has the same pricing for all of its plans—no matter whether you want to get the monthly, yearly, or long-term subscription for a decade, the price is €5.
7. Proton VPN
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong privacy and security features | The free version’s servers and speed are constrained |
| There is a limited-use free tier available | Higher-priced premium tiers |
| VPN multi-hop connections | Varying speeds between servers |
| Comprehensive support for platforms, including Linux | Streaming services with limited support |
Proton VPN is a well-known supplier in the VPN industry. Its popularity is due to its commitment to user security and privacy. Proton VPN was built by the same team as ProtonMail.
Proton VPN has more than 12,000+ servers in over 110 nations. It allows for up to ten devices to connect at once. Due to their stringent no-logs policy, user activity, connection timestamps, and other sensitive information are not kept or saved on Proton VPN’s servers.
It uses the OpenVPN/IKEV2 protocol and AES-256 encryption for the best privacy. These methods safeguard user data and uphold their right to an anonymous online experience. The most affordable membership option from Proton VPN is the 2-year plan at $4.49/month.
8. Windscribe
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Free and paid choices | On the free plan, there are only 11 servers allowed |
| User-friendly interface | Paid plans might be somewhat pricey |
| Fast connection speed | Inconsistent performance |
| Strict security | Minimal platform support |
Windscribe enables anonymous and secure browsing on the internet. There are both free and paid subscription options. It has an extensive customer base as a result. The VPN uses AES-256 encryption to ensure its users have a secure online experience.
It has more than 500 servers spread out over 69 different nations. The free version might have particular restrictions, whereas the premium version will likely have more features, quicker speeds, and more server locations.
The service also defends against internet assaults and possibly hazardous websites. The one-year plan with the lowest monthly rate is $5.75.
9. PrivateVPN
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Dependable encryption and security | There are few servers |
| Reasonable prices | Variable speeds in some areas |
| Fast connections | Fewer customizable features |
| Thirty-day money-back guarantee | No assistance for some devices |
A great PrivateVPN was unveiled a few years ago. Over 200 servers were provided in 63 locations, establishing an excellent reputation. Every server helps to get around geographic limits. There can be ten connections active at once.
This supplier offers a quick, dependable server connection with unlimited data to see HD or 4K content from Netflix or other streaming services. Along with strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back promise, it offers essential features.
Numerous devices, such as desktop computers, mobile phones, routers, etc., are compatible with PrivateVPN. It can be found in many different app shops. PrivateVPN’s three-year subscription costs $2.00 a month.
So, What’s the Best Alternative to PIA?
The top PIA alternative is ExtremeVPN. Due to its quick connections, robust security, and user-friendly interface, its full VPN service offers clients complete safety and anonymity. The following characteristics help to differentiate it from other choices:
- Single-click login: ExtremeVPN has a user-friendly app that allows users to access the web securely by connecting to a tunnel with a single tap.
- No-logs policy: No information about your activities is stored by ExtremeVPN. Its no-logs policy forbids retaining info, so users may browse freely without worrying about being watched.
- Encryption: You always have the best protection when you connect to the internet, thanks to the standard 256-bit military-grade encryption.
- Vast network of servers: 78+ countries and over 6500 servers are available through ExtremeVPN. With a 10 GBIT connection speed, these servers enable users to view geo-restricted content anywhere in the world.
- Simultaneous connections: An ExtremeVPN account allows connections from up to ten devices.
- Customer support: The customer service staff at ExtremeVPN is ready to help 24/7.
- Leak protection: By avoiding the leakage of your IP address, ExtremeVPN guarantees an entirely anonymous browsing experience with IPv6 leak protection.
- Split tunneling: Customers can select which online activities use the VPN and which stay on their ordinary internet connection with the help of ExtremeVPN’s Split Tunnelling technology.
- Kill Switch: The kill switch protects users by immediately disconnecting the server if their connection is lost.
You will pay $5.42/month for a one-year membership to the cheapest PIA package. However, in contrast, you can enjoy top-notch security and encryption by paying for a one-year subscription to the ExtremeVPN service for only $3.29/month.
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