Private Internet Access (PIA) attracts 1.3 million visits each month due to its low cost, strong privacy features, and open-source apps. During my Private Internet Access review, I found its streaming support for Netflix impressive, although its US jurisdiction and slight internet speed loss might concern some users. However, the privacy policy and transparency PIA offers are commendable.
In my other VPN reviews, I noticed PIA’s customizability stands out, with adjustable encryption, split tunneling, and advanced network settings. The speed tests I conducted showed decent results, though speed retention could improve. Despite this, PIA’s affordability, unlimited simultaneous connections, and vast server network make it a solid choice.
Key Takeaways:
- Affordability: PIA is among the most affordable VPNs, especially with its two-year plan costing $2.03/month.
- Server Network: Offers 35000+ servers in 84 countries, providing extensive coverage.
- Security Features: Includes a kill switch, ad-blocker (MACE), split tunneling, and robust encryption protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard.
- Performance: Adequate speeds for most users, though faraway servers may experience lags.
- Streaming and Torrenting: Successfully unblocks significant streaming services like Netflix and Hulu and supports P2P activities.
- Ease of Use: User-friendly apps with high customization options.
VPNRanks’ Verdict – Private Internet Access Review:
In this Private Internet Access review, I learned that this is a really solid choice for a VPN with great security features, making it a top contender in these areas. While its speeds may not be the fastest, it offers many features, powerful tools, and the capability to unlock popular TV streaming services.
With robust apps for various platforms, an audited no-logs policy, and comprehensive privacy tools, PIA provides great value for money and is one of the best VPN services available.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Verified as zero logging with an audited no-logs policy
- Unlimited simultaneous connections and devices
- Reliable and excellent kill switch
- Highly configurable with plenty of features
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Excellent for content unblocking, including Netflix and BBC iPlayer
- Great value for money
- Open source apps
- Servers in more than 100 countries
Cons
- Below-average WireGuard speeds
- Apps can be intimidating and aren’t always easy to use
- No significant updates to the apps in over a year
Latest Updates of Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) has recently enhanced its service with several key updates. Its Android app now has Google’s MASA certification, ensuring adherence to best practices in security and privacy. PIA has also passed a second no-log audit by Deloitte, reaffirming its commitment to user privacy.
The server network has expanded to 84 countries, and the simultaneous connections policy now allows unlimited devices. Small app tweaks include the option to use system DNS on Android. Improved unblocking capabilities now include 10Play access.
Despite a slight drop in WireGuard and OpenVPN speeds and a monthly plan price increase to $11.99, PIA remains a robust, secure, and feature-rich VPN option.
Pricing Plans – How Much Does PIA VPN Cost?
Private Internet Access (PIA) offers fair pricing with its monthly plan at $11.99. While it has phased out its annual and three-year plans, it now provides a six-month subscription for $7.50 per month and a more affordable two-year plan at $2.03 per month, including four extra months for free.
Plan Duration | Monthly Cost | Total Cost |
---|---|---|
1 month | $11.99 | $11.99 |
6 months | $7.50 | $45 |
2 years | $2.03 | $56.94 |
While exploring the VPN features in each subscription plan for my Private Internet Access review, one standout feature is PIA’s dedicated IP service, available as a $5 per month add-on. Dedicated IPs are offered in Australia, Canada, Germany, Singapore, the UK, the US, Japan, and Switzerland.
A PIA free trial is also available on Android and iOS apps for 7 days. However, since you can only make the most of its service on desktop apps, I highly recommend sticking to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Moreover, the VPN supports various payment methods, including credit cards, gift cards, cryptocurrencies, and bank transfers. For those seeking extra privacy, payments via Bitcoin are accepted, along with card or PayPal options and region-specific methods like Amazon Pay.
Security – Is Private Internet Access Safe?
Yes, PIA offers a robust VPN service with advanced network and privacy tools. In my Private Internet Access review, I tested its protocols and found that it provides strong privacy features like AES 256-bit encryption, a reliable kill switch, and multi-hop for enhanced security. My tests showed no DNS leaks, and the kill switch effectively protected my IP address during disruptions.
PIA’s open-source apps provide transparency, allowing anyone to scrutinize the source code. The company’s commitment to transparency was also evident in a Reddit AMA hosted by senior staff. Additionally, PIA covers the sales tax for cryptocurrency purchases, reducing the collection of potentially identifying information.PIA’s privacy policy, independently audited by Deloitte, confirms its no-logging claims. Being based in the US—a Five Eyes nation—might concern some, but Deloitte’s audit found no evidence of logging, providing reassurance about PIA’s privacy practices.
Here is a screenshot that confirms this:
The service’s security features include DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and MACE for blocking ads, trackers, and malware. PIA’s Chrome extension adds privacy features like blocking location access and third-party cookies.
For this Private Internet Access review, I fired up my browser to test this feature and tried loading a page while switching servers. The good thing was that the page didn’t load until I was successfully connected to the VPN server. That’s how I learned that the kill switch was working.
Encrypted Wi-Fi:
PIA encrypts all internet traffic and communication from your device, making your data absolutely unreadable by ISPs, government authorities, network administrators, and other third parties.
Its encrypted Wi-Fi feature makes PIA a standout VPN service from its competitors. When you use PIA VPN on your Wi-Fi, it protects the device through WPA protocol first. Therefore, you must provide an authentication key before using the VPN on Wi-Fi devices, making your connection sessions more secure.
Does PIA VPN have SOCKS5?
Yes, PIA offers SOCKS5, which is far superior to SOCKS4 as it includes IPv6 support, UDP, and authentication. In addition, it provides an appreciable connection speed compared to other protocols.
This makes SOCKS5 suitable for purposes such as downloading and streaming. The widespread usage of the protocol involves downloading torrents because it usually results in faster speeds.
In short, if you desire to boost your security and privacy, PIA’s SOCKS5 proxy is the right option. However, on its own, a VPN is ten times better than a SOCKS5 proxy. If you combine the two, you’ll get increased security and speed. That’s why I recommend you use PIA VPN with SOCKS5 proxy instead of the proxy alone.
Private Internet Access Block Ads & Malware
Private Internet Access has a propriety ad and malware-blocking technology called MACE. The service works at the DNS level and blocks pesky ad trackers that trace you online, compromising your privacy. This is an excellent additional feature alongside the core VPN protection functionalities.
I tested this feature by visiting a popular news website in the United States. You can see in the image below that PIA successfully blocked the ad appearing at the top of the news site:
But please note that the feature won’t remove every ad on all sites. While testing, it didn’t block any advertisements on YouTube. I hope this answers your ‘Is PIA VPN safe?’ query.Handshake Naming System (HNS)
The US-based VPN service has added another feather to its cap by adding the Handshake Naming System” technology to its armory. Hence, you can change the selected Name Server from the PIA VPN DNS (Domain Name System) server to any Handshake Name System (HNS) server if you use Mac, Linux, or Windows devices.
Once you have changed the settings, you can surf the web securely and anonymously from anywhere. Here is what you can do to enable HNS in your PIA settings:
- You should right-click the PIA VPN system tray icon from your Private Internet Access settings window.
- You must left-click on settings; the settings window will appear on the screen.
- Go to the Network tab and change PIA DNS to Handshake” from the drop-down menu.
- Connect to the PIA server to enforce the name server change effectively.
Speed – How Fast is PIA VPN? Private Internet Access Review
Private Internet Access isn’t the fastest VPN to exist. In 2023, PIA had a 23% average download speed loss, but in January 2024, this increased to 49.35%. This makes PIA less ideal for tasks like uploading large videos or hardcore gaming, but it works well for casual use like streaming and browsing with a fast internet connection.
Per my PIA VPN speed tests, the fastest speeds were from US (New York) servers, with a 20% speed loss. WireGuard performance was lacking, with better results from OpenVPN. On Windows, OpenVPN had a 30.08% speed loss, while WireGuard showed a 17.18% loss. MacOS tests indicated improved upload speeds with PIA, possibly due to ISP throttling.
PIA speeds on OpenVPN | PIA speeds on WireGuard |
---|---|
Tests with a 1 Gbps connection in the UK and US showed WireGuard averaging 75 Mbps and OpenVPN at 72 Mbps. Connection times were quick, averaging 2 seconds with WireGuard and 2.5 seconds with OpenVPN.
I also ran speed tests on nine different servers. This is how the speed test results went in my Private Internet Access VPN review:
Server Location | Private Internet Access Download Speed | Upload Speed | Pings |
---|---|---|---|
Australia | 75.52 Mbps | 64.09 Mbps | 310 ms |
Canada | 53.17 Mbps | 51.92 Mbps | 288 ms |
Hong Kong | 55.59 Mbps | 54.09 Mbps | 470 ms |
Israel | 71.84 Mbps | 65.09 Mbps | 210 ms |
Singapore | 74.67 Mbps | 43.5 Mbps | 121 ms |
South Africa | 59.5 Mbps | 55.84 Mbps | 303 ms |
United Arab Emirates | 78.42 Mbps | 63.17 Mbps | 242 ms |
United Kingdom | 66.09 Mbps | 60 Mbps | 150 ms |
United States | 81.09 Mbps | 62 Mbps | 279 ms |
While PIA’s speeds are lower than VPNs like ExpressVPN and Surfshark, they are sufficient for most users. For regular connections and everyday use, PIA provides fast and reliable service.
Servers – How Many PIA Servers Are There?
The PIA servers list For American Users has 35000 servers in 84 countries, outperforming NordVPN, IPVanish, and ProtonVPN, though slightly behind Surfshark and ExpressVPN. This extensive reach makes PIA ideal for travelers.
PIA marks virtual locations in its apps, enhancing transparency. My tests suggest these virtual servers are near their intended regions, like India’s servers being close to Singapore. PIA also includes servers in restrictive countries like Turkey and Vietnam but avoids Russia, opting for servers in Ukraine instead.
PIA has servers in all 50 US states and recently upgraded its fleet to 10Gbps for improved performance. Moreover, it enhances security by preventing data storage on hard disks using diskless or RAM-only servers. Overall, PIA’s transparency and extensive server network make it a reliable choice for VPN users.
Is PIA VPN Good for Streaming?
Yes, PIA is a reliable choice for streaming. Connecting to a server in the right location lets you access geo-blocked websites, including popular TV streaming services.
PIA performed impressively in tests, unblocking Netflix libraries from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan and earning a spot among the top Netflix VPN services.
It also unblocks BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, UK’s ITV and Channel 4, and Australia’s 9Now and 10Play. The geo-restriction firewalls on these websites are weaker than those used by Netflix and BBC iPlayer.
PIA’s ability to unblock 10Play, a tough service to access, marks a significant improvement. This positions PIA alongside leading providers like ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN.
Is PIA VPN Good for Torrenting?
In my review of Private Internet Access, I found that PIA is good for torrenting. Torrenting involves sharing files with multiple people or through direct person-to-person (P2P) transfer. Private Internet Access (PIA) encrypts your data from interception and tracking.
PIA supports torrenting on all its servers without limits or restrictions. It is also the best VPN with port forwarding function to speed up downloads by circumventing the NAT firewall, though this feature should be used by those who understand its risks.
While PIA provides advanced features, support resources are minimal, leaving users to navigate the tools independently. This is typical among VPN providers due to the legal complexities of P2P sharing. I tested PIA for torrenting by connecting to uTorrent and could download a 1.2 GB file within 5 minutes.
Overall, PIA is highly capable of torrenting and offers more dedicated P2P tools than many rivals. It’s ideal for experienced users who can utilize its features independently.
Compatibility – How Many Devices Does PIA Support?
PIA allows you to connect unlimited devices and use unlimited simultaneously with each subscription account. It also works with all popular streaming services, so you get unrestricted access to all your favorite content.
In my Private Internet Access review, it supported all common operating systems and devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS, as well as browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
That’s not all. PIA VPN is officially available on the Amazon App Store so you can easily set up PIA VPN on FireStick. This app is pretty user-friendly and doesn’t require manual configuration.
In addition, users can manually set up PIA VPN on Roku as well as Kodi by using a pre-VPN-configured router. However, the dedicated apps of PIA for desktops and mobile phones offer the best functionality and user experience.
Can Private Internet Access Be Installed Easily on your Device?
Yes, installing PIA VPN was a piece of cake on most devices. The process wasn’t complicated, and the UI was fairly easy to use. The apps also offered customizations for advanced VPN users. For your ease, I’ve described my experience with a few of the PIA VPN apps briefly:
Does PIA work for Windows?
Yes, PIA works on any Windows device. Log in to PIA VPN, and you’ll see that the app has an appealing visual design and comes in both Light and Dark versions, which is pretty cool.
You can choose your preferred server location to connect to from the home screen. You can connect and disconnect by right-clicking the PIA icon on the taskbar without even needing to open the full interface of the app. I think that’s pretty convenient.
You can configure some settings such as VPN protocols, encryption levels, ad-blocker, and Kill Switch from the settings tab. Connecting to a server takes a few seconds, and the process is generally stable, with almost no connection drops. Overall, the PIA VPN Windows app is quite usable.
Does PIA VPN work for macOS?
Yes, PIA VPN works for macOS 10.13 (High Sierra) and above. It also works on Monterey, Big Sur, or any 64-bit Mac. Since the Mac system apps are frequently updated, you shouldn’t face any issues with them. No worries, you’ll get the same VPN features across all macOS versions.
The PIA app for macOS is almost a replica of the Windows app. All the features you get in the Windows version are also available in the Mac app. The connectivity and performance are also impressive, just like in the case of Windows.
Does PIA VPN work for Linux?
Yes, PIA VPN works on most Linux operating systems, including Ubuntu 18.04+ (LTS), Arch, Debian, Fedora, Mint 19+, and many more. It’s also compatible with ARMHF, ARM64, and x86_64 systems.
PIA is one of the few providers that offers a complete GUI-based app for Linux systems, which looks and performs very much like the other desktop apps for Windows and macOS.
This is extremely commendable, and PIA deserves 10/10 for its clean, stripped-down, yet highly configurable VPN apps for desktops and smartphones alike.
Does PIA VPN work for Android?
Yes, PIA VPN works with the latest versions of Android OS 5.1 and up, regardless of your mobile device.
The Android app features a straightforward and highly intuitive design. The home screen consists mainly of white space with a large on and off button that you can toggle with a tap. At the bottom, you will find your currently selected server location and IP address.
To change the server region, tap on the area at the bottom of the screen to open the complete list of available server locations. You may also opt for the Light or Dark mode.The app provides a lot of configurable settings, including UDP and TCP connections, port forwarding, encryption standards, automatic protection in case of connecting to unknown Wi-Fi hotspots, and even Per-App Settings, which essentially offers split tunneling functionality.
Does PIA VPN work for iOS?
In my Private Internet Access review, it works for most iOS devices, having version 12.1 and above on iPads and iPhones. Furthermore, it offers a dedicated macVPN app and compatibility with Apple TV to utilize Smart DNS.
The iOS app looks and behaves the same way as PIA’s Android version. However, it is not as configurable because iOS doesn’t permit low-level tweaking in any app. Nonetheless, it still provides an impressive range of settings that can be changed, such as VPN protocols, Kill Switch, Adblocker (MACE), and more.
Overall, it is a very decent-looking and easy-to-use app.
PIA’s Customer Support:
Private Internet Access (PIA) offers a support center with a web knowledge base that covers troubleshooting, account issues, and technical problems. While not as detailed as ExpressVPN, PIA’s articles provide more than basic descriptions. For instance, the Security Best Practices” article offers accessible technical insights on encryption and authentication methods.
The Guides section includes setup articles and tutorials for all supported platforms, with 12 articles dedicated to Android alone. Searching for keywords usually brings up relevant articles, although sometimes results may appear in a different language. This search functionality has improved over time.
The News page previously offered updates on server additions, app releases, and service issues but hasn’t been updated for several months. Hopefully, this page will be revived soon.
For more direct assistance, PIA provides live chat and email support. My experience with live chat was positive; the agent was fairly knowledgeable and provided actionable advice, although they didn’t offer in-depth technical details. Email support responded within six hours, which is slower than some competitors.
In summary, PIA’s support options include a useful web knowledge base, live chat, and email support, making finding answers easy or getting direct help when needed.
Comprehensive User Insights and Security Analysis of PIA VPN
This section provides a thorough analysis of PIA VPN through user experiences, recommendations, and security assessments from various platforms. Gain insights into its strengths, weaknesses, and overall performance to make an informed decision.
Reddit Insights on PIA VPN: User Experiences and Recommendations
On Reddit, the question arose, Would You Recommend PIA VPN to a Friend?” In this thread, I found users sharing mixed feelings. Some appreciate PIA’s affordability and its ability to support streaming services like Netflix, while others raise concerns about its US jurisdiction and occasional DNS leaks. It’s clear that while PIA offers strong features, it may not meet everyone’s needs.
Another thread, Is PIA Legit?”, sparked a discussion about PIA’s transparency and zero-logging policy. Many users value the open-source nature of its apps, which allows for public inspection of the source code. However, some are still wary due to PIA’s ownership by Kape Technologies, questioning its full commitment to privacy.
Overall, Reddit users see PIA VPN as a reliable, affordable option with great customizability. Yet, its US-based jurisdiction and varied speed retention rates might cause some privacy-focused users to hesitate, highlighting the need to weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Security Stack Exchange Insights on PIA VPN: Is It Safe to Use?
On Security Stack Exchange, the question Is Private Internet Access (PIA) Safe to Use?” prompted a detailed discussion about the security aspects of PIA. Many users agree that PIA is generally considered safe, citing its strong encryption standards and zero-logging policy.
However, the fact that PIA is based in the US raised some concerns among privacy enthusiasts, who worry about potential government surveillance.
The thread also delves into PIA’s open-source nature, with users appreciating the transparency of having the source code publicly available. This allows for independent audits and reassures users about the integrity of the service. Yet, the US jurisdiction remains a sticking point, especially for those who prioritize maximum privacy in their VPN choice.
Overall, the consensus on Security Stack Exchange is that PIA VPN is a solid option for general use, offering robust security features. However, its US-based jurisdiction might be a drawback for those who need absolute privacy, suggesting that users carefully consider their specific needs before choosing PIA.
Quora Insights on PIA VPN: How Secure is It?
On Quora, the question How secure is the Private Internet Access VPN?” led to a variety of opinions from users familiar with VPNs. Many highlight PIA’s strong encryption and anonymous payment options as key security features. These aspects make PIA a popular choice for those looking for a balance between affordability and privacy.
However, some users on Quora expressed concerns about PIA’s US-based jurisdiction, which they believe could potentially compromise user privacy due to government regulations. Despite this, PIA’s zero-logging policy and the fact that its apps are open-source help to alleviate some of these concerns.
Verdict:
In my Private Internet Access review, I found while PIA remains a reliable, cost-effective VPN with strong performance, especially for torrenting and use in restrictive regions, its lack of regular updates and development has led some users to explore other options.
However, its affordability, extensive server network, and solid customer support make it a viable choice for many. Given its strengths, PIA remains an Editor’s Choice for budget-conscious users seeking a reliable VPN.
Comprehensive VPN Comparison: PIA, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost, and IPVanish
When choosing the right VPN, it’s essential to consider key features such as logging policies, server locations, and streaming support. This comparison table provides a clear, side-by-side look at six leading VPNs:
Feature | ||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Logging Policy | Zero-Logging | Zero-Logging | Zero-Logging | Zero-Logging | Zero-Logging | Zero-Logging |
Jurisdiction | United States | British Virgin Islands | Panama | British Virgin Islands | Romania | United States |
Servers | 84+ countries | 105+ countries | 61+ countries | 100+ countries | 100+ countries | 75+ countries |
Simultaneous Connections | Unlimited | 8 | 6 | Unlimited | 7 | Unlimited |
Encryption | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 | AES-256 |
Streaming Support | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ | Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ |
Anonymous Payment Options | Cryptocurrency, Gift Cards | Cryptocurrency | Cryptocurrency, Cash | Cryptocurrency | Cryptocurrency | Cryptocurrency |
Customer Support | 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 Live Chat | 24/7 Live Chat |
Price (Monthly) | $2.11/mo | $6.67/mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free | $3.99/mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free | $2.49/mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee | $2.03/mo - Save up to 84% with exclusive 2-year plans + 4 months free | $2.99/mo - Get 3 Months Extra + Save 77% on 2-year plan |
For More Info | PIA VPN review | ExpressVPN review | NordVPN Review | Surfshark Review | CyberGhost Review | IPVanish Review |
Use this table to quickly assess which VPN best meets your needs, whether you’re looking for strong encryption, unlimited connections, or reliable streaming capabilities. Each of these services offers unique strengths, so take a close look to find the perfect fit for your online security and privacy.
FAQs – Private Internet Access Review
What happened to Private Internet Access?
On November 18, 2019, Private Internet Access (PIA) merged with Kape Technologies, the parent company of other VPN services like CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Zenmate. This merger integrated PIA into Kape’s expanding portfolio of privacy-focused brands.
What company owns Private Internet Access?
Private Internet Access (PIA) is owned by Kape Technologies, a company that also manages several other prominent VPN services, including CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Zenmate. Kape has grown its presence in the VPN industry through these acquisitions.
Why do people use Private Internet Access?
People choose Private Internet Access (PIA) for its extensive server network across numerous countries and its strict no-logging policy that protects user privacy. PIA also employs strong encryption and reliable protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard for secure internet usage.
Is PIA legit?
Yes, PIA is a reliable and safe VPN. All PIA VPN apps make use of OpenVPN encryption protocols and WireGuard. You can use AES-128 or a more secure option such as AES-256-bit encryption through OpenVPN. It has a proven no-logging policy and excellent security.
Can PIA VPN be tracked?
No, there’s no way to get tracked while using PIA VPN since its apps don’t store or record users’ data. PIA VPN doesn’t store or log any VPN usage information that may be traced back to you. It claims to hold no records of its users’ browsing activity or bandwidth usage or anything of such sort.
Which VPN is better than PIA VPN?
ExpressVPN is a better VPN than PIA VPN. It provides the fastest speeds, unblocks more Netflix libraries, and has a bigger server network than PIA VPN.
Does PIA VPN sell your data?
No, PIA VPN doesn’t sell your data. It has disclosed in its Privacy Policy that the provider does not or will ever share, rent, sell, or trade the personal data of any of its users to third parties.
Is NordVPN better than PIA?
When it’s between Private Internet Access vs NordVPN, NordVPN generally offers better speeds, advanced security features, and specialized servers than PIA. It provides a more extensive server network and robust privacy protections but lacks some specialized options. Your choice depends on your needs for speed, security, and server options.
Final Verdict – Is PIA VPN Recommended?
Now that I’ve reached the end of my Private Internet Access review, I’d like to mention that PIA is a good VPN with low pricing and useful features. Its extensive configuration options, user-friendly apps, and robust streaming support make it suitable for both experts and beginners.
Moreover, PIA’s extensive server selection, compatibility with various devices, and ability to unblock significant streaming services like Netflix further solidify its position as a strong contender in the VPN market. Despite being a quarter of the price of some top competitors, PIA delivers a comprehensive and reliable service, making it a viable alternative to well-known names like ExpressVPN.
Recent Comments 4
I am using VPN with the internet kill switch activated and recently I have come up with a copyright infringement notice from my ISP. I don’t remember any instance where I had downloaded any torrent or P2P file from anywhere on internet. Though, I watched Suicide Squad last week on an online streaming site and I think it might have caused this. At the moment, I want to know that how can PIA protect me against ISP notices while I stream videos on internet?
Dear Andrew Miller thanks for commenting,
It seems that you have streamed a copyright protected movie on an infringing site. Just like torrenting and P2P, streaming media on pirated sources is illegal and may end you in paying fines or even serving time in prison.
Also, it looks like your VPN doesn’t offers an internet kill switch, as ISP had identified your online activity at the time of DNS leak. When DNS leak occurs, your online activity becomes visible to ISP. To get around with DNS leak, a VPN with an internet kill switch stops the entire internet traffic. This makes ISP unable to spy on your online activates. Currently, PureVPN, ExpressVPN and the above mentioned providers offer internet kill switch. You can choose among one of them for safe & secure streaming.
I have come a long way through testing plenty of VPN services, but found PIA to be the best provider among rest. Reliable service, responsive support system, economical plans and high-speed server speed makes PIA a suitable service for privacy and unblocking needs.
Hi Mariya,
I am glad you are enjoying PIA.