Private Internet Access just threw down a challenge to the VPN industry
The US-focused VPN is now offering servers in all 50 states
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Private Internet Access (PIA)users based in the US can now safely and locally browse the internet no matter in which state they are.
One of thebest VPNservices around, PIA has launched its 50 Servers in 50 States campaign in an effort “to provide increased convenience and online privacy to citizens” across the country.
The provider is now offering at least oneIP addressfor each state in the US, whether these are running via a physical server orvirtual location. “We’ve even included a separate server in D.C., for a grand total of 51.”
“Everyone in the US should have the right to privacy, both online and off, regardless of their state. Unfortunately, the laws that protect your right to privacy in the real world don’t quite extend to the digital one,” wrote the provider in anofficial statement.
This isn’t just aboutdata privacy, though. Being able to connect via a local IP also means unlocking sporting events nationwide by evading blackouts, enjoying local programs when you travel, and even getting better hotel prices for your vacation.
Is PIA any good?
AVPNprovider that we see improving test after test, PIA is a safe bet if you’re after a secure software that can fulfill all your needs. All its apps are open-source so that everyone can check their safety.
With more than 10,000 servers dotted across 84 countries, it’s a good choice for safely browsing internationally too. It comes packed with hefty privacy features like a kill switch and useful browser extensions, together with strong security protocols including the industry standardWireGuard.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
Its recently added SmartDNS feature makes it ideal as a goodstreaming VPN, too. We managed to unlock US Netflix,AmazonPrime Video and Disney+ last time we checked. Unfortunately, though, it failed to do so with BBC iPlayer and other overseas Netflix catalogs.
Ranking 4th in our rundown of the top providers, it’s a safe bet if you’re looking to get acheap VPN. It can’t quite match up to the likes ofExpressVPNandNordVPN, but in terms of value for money it’s well worth considering atjust $2.19 a month.
Chiara is a multimedia journalist committed to covering stories to help promote the rights and denounce the abuses of the digital side of life—wherever cybersecurity, markets and politics tangle up.She mainly writes news, interviews and analysis on data privacy, online censorship, digital rights, cybercrime, and security software, with a special focus on VPNs, for TechRadar Pro, TechRadar and Tom’s Guide. Got a story, tip-off or something tech-interesting to say? Reach out to chiara.castro@futurenet.com
Should your VPN always be on?
3 reasons why PIA fell in our best VPN rankings
Phishing attacks surge in 2024 as cybercriminals adopt AI tools and multi-channel tactics
