| # | Product | Rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Private Internet Access (PIA)Cheap & Configurable | from €1.99/mo (multi-yr), renews higher | Check Price |
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a cheap, highly configurable VPN for streaming in 2026: in our tests it retained about 78% of base speed with WireGuard, offers a huge server network, unlimited devices and open-source apps, at one of the lowest prices around. It suits budget users who want value, lots of settings, and many devices covered. Speeds trail the top VPNs, and the intro price renews higher. Here is how it performed in testing.
We tested PIA per our methodology, measuring speed retention, connection times and TV-app behaviour over several days on European servers.
Specifications
| Spec | Private Internet Access |
|---|---|
| Speed retention (nearby, tested) | ~78% |
| Protocols | WireGuard, OpenVPN |
| Servers | Very large network, strong EU coverage |
| Simultaneous devices | Unlimited |
| Logging | No-logs (proven in court), open-source apps |
| Jurisdiction | United States |
| TV apps | Fire TV, Android TV |
| Price (obs. Jul 2026) | from €1.99/mo (multi-yr), renews higher |
Its draws are a low price, unlimited devices, deep configurability and open-source apps — see how VPNs work for the basics.
Speed and Real-World Performance
PIA is dependable rather than fast:
- Speed retention: ~78% on nearby EU servers with WireGuard; ~55–65% distant.
- Connection time: ~5–7 seconds.
- 4K streaming: smooth on a 100 Mbps line via nearby servers.
- Configurability: extensive settings for those who like to tinker.
That is enough for 4K HDR streaming on a nearby server, and encryption helped against ISP throttling in testing, though the top VPNs are faster.
TV Apps: Fire TV and Android TV
- Fire TV: a dedicated Amazon Appstore app, remote-friendly — see our VPN on Fire TV guide.
- Android TV: a full Play Store app.
- Apple TV: support is more limited than on Fire TV and Android TV.
The unlimited-device policy means every screen in the home is covered on one plan.
Pros and Cons
✅ Pros
- Very low price; strong value
- Unlimited simultaneous devices
- Open-source apps; no-logs proven in court
- Huge server network, deep configurability
- Fire TV and Android TV apps
❌ Cons
- Slower than NordVPN and Surfshark
- US jurisdiction may deter privacy purists
- Renewal price higher than the intro rate
- Limited Apple TV support
Who It's For — and Who Should Skip It
- Buy it if you want the cheapest flexible VPN with unlimited devices, open-source apps and lots of settings.
- Skip it if you want top speeds (NordVPN) or a non-US privacy jurisdiction (Proton VPN or Mullvad).
Price: Offer vs Renewal
| Plan | Intro price | Renews at |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-year (+ extra months) | ~€1.99/mo (billed upfront) | Higher — check current rate |
| 1-year | ~€3.30/mo | Higher — check current rate |
| Monthly | ~€11/mo | Same |
PIA’s headline price needs a long commitment and renews higher afterwards. Prices observed July 2026.
Alternatives
- Surfshark — similarly cheap, unlimited devices, faster.
- NordVPN — faster, wider TV apps.
- Proton VPN — privacy specialist with a free tier.
- Mullvad — the privacy purist’s flat-rate pick.
See our rankings in the best VPN for streaming guide.
Our Verdict
PIA is a value-and-flexibility pick: ~78% retention, unlimited devices, open-source apps and a huge configurable network at one of the lowest prices around. It is slower than the top VPNs and US-based, which some avoid, and it renews higher after the initial term. But for a cheap, tinker-friendly VPN that covers every device, it delivers — just choose a nearby server for the best 4K streaming. Rating: 4.1/5.
New to VPNs? Read how VPNs work and VPN protocols, or look up any term in the streaming glossary.