Based on my Private Internet Access review in France, PIA stands out as a highly affordable yet privacy-oriented VPN. It gets about 1.3 million visits each month, balancing budget-friendliness with solid features, like streaming support and open-source apps. While it isn’t the fastest, its transparency and ease of use make it appealing.
In this VPN review in France, I found PIA effective for encrypting online traffic and masking user IPs. During my two-month testing period across different devices, it showed good flexibility and usability. Despite some speed issues, PIA’s customization options were a significant plus.
I believe PIA is ideal for those who want an affordable VPN without sacrificing essential privacy features. It worked well across desktops and mobile devices, showing consistent results in DNS security and streaming tests. While some limitations exist, its substantial value and benefits outweigh the cons.
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 France
In this Private Internet Access review in France, I found PIA to be a solid VPN with great security features. Although its speeds aren’t the fastest, it offers many useful tools and can unlock popular streaming services. Here are the pros and cons of this VPN.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
- Verified as zero logging with an audited no-logs policy
- Unlimited simultaneous connections and devices
- It is a 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
How I Tested Private Internet Access in France
First, I looked into Private Internet Access (PIA) to see what’s new. I was already familiar with this VPN, but it has made some big improvements since I last tested it. One major upgrade is that now I only need one subscription for all my devices. Before, there was a 10-device limit, but now I could install PIA on 14 office computers and several mobile devices.
For my main tests, I used these devices:
- Acer laptop with Windows 11
- MacBook Air with macOS 14
- Android 14 smartphone
- iPhone 14 Pro Max with iOS 17
Key Features of Private Internet Access Review in France
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN with essential features like a no-logs policy, kill switch, split tunneling, reliable protocols, and strong encryption. Let’s break down each feature briefly.
- Logging Policy: PIA collects minimal data, like email and payment info, but doesn’t keep logs that compromise privacy. Unlike many VPNs, PIA lets users opt out of connection statistics collection.
- Kill Switch: PIA’s kill switch has two options: regular (activates if the VPN drops) and advanced (activates whenever the VPN is off). The regular option works well for everyday use.
- Split Tunneling: PIA’s split tunneling lets you choose which apps or websites bypass the VPN. It’s flexible and allows excluding specific IP addresses, which is useful for tasks like printing.
- Protocols and Encryption: PIA uses OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols for security and speed. OpenVPN is ideal for computers, while WireGuard works best for fast connections on mobile devices.
PIA provides essential features with significant customization, making it a solid choice for privacy, flexibility, and ease of use.
Pricing Plans – How Much Does PIA VPN Cost in France?
Private Internet Access (PIA) has different pricing plans for other needs. The PIA VPN price for the monthly plan is $11.95, which works if you need it for a short time but is the most expensive in the long run.
The three-year + 3 months plan is the best value because it has the lowest average monthly cost of $2.03/mo. The yearly plan is $3.33 per month, cheaper than the monthly plan but still more expensive than the two-year plan.
If you want the best deal for the long term, the two-year plan costs $2.03 per month and gives you four extra months for free. There is also an 83% off deal on the three-year + 3 months plan, making it $2.03 per month, which is the best deal overall.
But does Private Internet Access have a free trial? Yes, you can get the PIA free trial in France if you subscribe through the Google Play Store or Apple App Store—it’s valid for seven days. However, buying directly from PIA’s website will give you a 30-day money-back guarantee instead.
Security – Is Private Internet Access Safe in France?
Yes, PIA offers a robust VPN service with advanced network and privacy tools. In my Private Internet Access review, I tested its protocols. It provides robust 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 openness 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.
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 in France?, 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 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.
How Does PIA VPN’s Handshake Naming System (HNS) improve privacy?
By utilizing HNS, you can enhance your privacy by avoiding traditional, centralized DNS services that may log browsing activities. Instead, the decentralized nature of HNS prevents tracking from centralized authorities, offering more anonymity and security while you surf the web.
To enable HNS in your PIA settings, follow these steps:
- It would be best to 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 in France?
Based on the PIA VPN speed tests in France, Private Internet Access (PIA) has good features, but I noticed some issues with speed. Let’s take a look.
I used a Windows 11 laptop, a MacBook Air, an Android phone, and an iPhone. My internet speed was 300 Mbps, which gave me similar download and upload speeds.
Download Speed Test
I tested the download speeds with and without the VPN, using a server in Australia.
| Devices | Baseline Upload Speed | VPN Upload Speed | Upload Speed Loss |
| Windows | 299 Mbps | 274 Mbps | 8.5% |
| MacBook | 294 Mbps | 278 Mbps | 5.4% |
| Android | 267 Mbps | 242 Mbps | 9.4% |
| iPhone | 252 Mbps | 233 Mbps | 7.5% |
PIA kept the download speed loss below 10%, much better than many other VPNs. For example, UltraVPN had an average download speed loss of 67%. This makes PIA one of the best VPNs for fast speeds.
Upload Speed Test
However, the upload speeds were not as great. Here’s what I found:
| Devices | Baseline Upload Speed | VPN Upload Speed | Upload Speed Loss |
| Windows | 298 Mbps | 250 Mbps | 16.1% |
| MacBook | 283 Mbps | 206 Mbps | 27.2% |
| Android | 259 Mbps | 183 Mbps | 29.3% |
| iPhone | 238 Mbps | 149 Mbps | 37.4% |
The upload speeds were noticeably lower than the download speeds. It was still fine for gaming and uploading to YouTube, but PIA might not be the best option if you have slower internet.
The exception was Windows, where the upload speed loss stayed below 20%. This is why I named PIA the best VPN for Windows in France in my 2024 ranking.
Servers – How Many PIA Servers Are There in France?
Let’s talk about PIA servers. The company doesn’t say exactly how many servers it has, but after checking the PIA VPN servers list For France Users, I found that it has 35000 servers in 84 countries.
Here’s how PIA compares to other VPNs in terms of server locations:
| VPN Provider | Number of Countries |
| NordVPN | 111 |
| ExpressVPN | 105 |
| Surfshark | 100 |
| Private Internet Access (PIA) | 91 |
| Hotspot Shield | 80 |
| PureVPN | 65 |
| UltraVPN | 60 |
PIA’s focus is not just on the number of servers but also their quality.
Quality Features of PIA Servers:
- 10 Gbps Ports: Each server in the Pia server locations has a minimum of 10 Gbps ports. This ensures they can manage large amounts of data without compromising speed, surpassing the usual industry standard of 1 Gbps.
- RAM-Based Servers: The PIA server list includes only RAM-based servers, a new gold standard in the VPN industry. RAM-only servers offer enhanced privacy, as all data is automatically wiped after each reboot—comparable to the measures used by top competitors like NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
- Co-Located Servers: Some of PIA’s servers are owned by the company, even if they are in server farms. This gives PIA more control over privacy and performance.
- Streaming-Optimized Servers: PIA has special servers in countries like Japan, Italy, the U.S., Canada, and Australia that are designed for streaming. However, not all of these servers worked during my tests. For example, Disney+ and Prime Video detected the Japan streaming-optimized server.
If you’re interested in streaming, you might also want to check out my list of the best VPNs for Netflix in France.
Is PIA Good for Streaming in France?
Private Internet Access (PIA) can work for streaming, but it’s unreliable. Based on testing highlighted in the Private Internet Access VPN review, PIA overcame geo-restrictions on specific platforms but showed inconsistent results overall.
Many users want VPNs to access content from different regions, especially streaming libraries that are otherwise unavailable. While PIA sometimes successfully unblocked platforms like Netflix and Crunchyroll, it struggled with others, such as Disney+ and Prime Video.
The Japanese server worked well with Netflix and Crunchyroll but could not access Disney+ or Prime Video. Additionally, when connecting to the Australian server, Netflix detected the VPN, making only international content accessible.
This inconsistency suggests that while PIA can be used for streaming in some cases, it’s not a guaranteed solution for accessing all region-specific content. For more consistent streaming access, you may need to consider other VPN services known for better unblocking performance.
Is PIA VPN Good for Torrenting in France?
In my Private Internet Access review, 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 in France 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 in France 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.
Can Private Internet Access Be Installed Easily on Your Device in France?
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 in France?
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 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 in France?
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 in France?
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 in France?
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 the area at the bottom of the screen to open the 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 France?
In my private Internet access review, it works for most iOS devices, with 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 in France
The support representative I spoke with was friendly and knowledgeable, even when asked technical questions. Although PIA doesn’t have phone support, I connected with a rep in under a minute. PIA offers 24/7 live chat and a helpful knowledge base for billing, troubleshooting, and platform issues.
Based on multiple Private Internet Access reviews, PIA’s customer service consistently receives positive feedback for its responsiveness and technical support. Users also appreciate the convenience of the 24/7 live chat and the comprehensive knowledge base, making troubleshooting and resolving issues easier without waiting for prolonged periods.
Comprehensive User Insights and Security Analysis of PIA VPN
This section thoroughly analyzes 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
Based on multiple PIA VPN Reddit review, users share positive and negative experiences. Many appreciate PIA’s affordability and flexibility, while some express concerns about its US jurisdiction and occasional DNS leaks.
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 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 robust 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 its apps’ open-source nature, allowing 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.
Reddit users see PIA VPN as a reliable, affordable option with incredible customizability. Yet, it’s 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 safe?” 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 various 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 seeking a balance between affordability and privacy.
However, some users on Quora expressed concerns about PIA’s US-based jurisdiction, which they believe could 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. At the same time, PIA remains a reliable, cost-effective VPN with strong performance, especially for torrenting and use in restrictive regions. However, 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 Private Internet Access Compared to Other Top VPNs
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 | 135+ 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) | EUR1.8/mo (US$ 2.11/mo) | EUR 4.26/mo (US$ 4.99/mo) - Save 61% With Exclusive 2-Year Plan + 4 Months Free | EUR 2.89/mo (US$ 3.39/mo) - Save up to 70% off on 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee | EUR 2.12/mo (US$ 2.49/mo) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee | EUR 1.73/mo (US$ 2.03/mo) - Save up to 84% with exclusive 2-year plans + 4 months free | EUR 1.87/mo (US$ 2.19/mo) - Save 83% on 2-Year Plan with a 30-day money-back guarantee |
| For More Info | PIA VPN review | ExpressVPN review | NordVPN Review | Surfshark Review | CyberGhost Review | IPVanish Review |
FAQs – Private Internet Access Review in France
What happened to Private Internet Access in France?
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 Kate’s expanding portfolio of privacy-focused brands.
What company owns Private Internet Access in France?
Private Internet Access is owned by Kape Technologies, which manages several other prominent VPN services, including CyberGhost, ExpressVPN, and Zenmate. Kape has grown its presence in the VPN industry through these acquisitions.
Why is my PIA VPN not connecting?
If PIA VPN is not connecting, common issues may involve your network or firewall blocking VPN ports, using an unreliable connection, or using outdated software. To resolve it, try switching VPN ports or protocols, clearing the browser cache, reinstalling the client, and updating to the latest software version to improve connectivity
Is PIA legit in France?
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 in France?
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 in France?
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 in France?
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 PIA faster than NordVPN for gaming in France?
NordVPN is generally faster than Private Internet Access (PIA) for gaming in France, offering lower latency and a more stable connection, making it the better choice for competitive gaming.
Final Verdict – Is PIA VPN Recommended?
Based on my Private Internet Access review in France, PIA is a reliable VPN with affordable pricing, offering excellent customization and ease of use. It has advanced features like a kill switch and inverse split tunneling, which are rare in the industry. With user-friendly apps and strong streaming support, PIA is a good choice for beginners and experts.
However, if you’re looking for the best experience in the US, I recommend ExpressVPN. It provides seamless streaming and top-notch privacy, making it the superior choice. Give ExpressVPN a try today, and share your feedback with me!
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