Protect your digital identity, hide your IP address, bypass geo-restrictions, as well as block ads and trackers, all with the help of IPA VPN
It’s often said that the best things in life are free, a saying that most Linux users live by. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with that, there are situations where paying a premium for something is worth it.
That’s exactly the case with PIA VPN, a very good, cross-platform VPN service with apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android (as well as extensions for Opera, Firefox, and Chrome).
What makes IPA VPN different from most other VPN services?
To understand why IPA VPN is arguably a step above most other VPN providers, let’s look at the basics. Private Internet Access Ltd. is a company based in the United States that uses open-source technologies (for transparency reasons, it offers customers the ability to scrutinize the source code), and has over a decade of experience in the VPN industry.
It has high-end services in more than 78 countries, all of which are highly optimized to deliver “lightning-fast speeds” and “unlimited bandwidth” with no speed throttling.
Add powerful encryption, the ability to use the VPN up to 10 devices, a solid privacy and security policy, 24/7 support, the ability to block trackers and ads, and some of the best prices on the market, and, already, there are very few reasons not to try IPA. In short, PIA never records, stores, or sells your data.
Nice-to-have features
PIA uses the latest encryption standards and VPN protocols such as WireGuard, it offers a dedicated IP add-on (for even more privacy and security), a built-in ad-blocker (that works at the DNS level), and a super useful Kill Switch (that automatically blocks your connection in order to prevent data leaks).
In addition, PIA VPN also sports split tunneling. In short, this feature allows you to select which apps or IP addresses can bypass the VPN tunnel.
One of the best aspects of PIA VPN is just how many configuration options it offers you. For instance, you can choose between OpenVPN and WireGuard for your default protocol, choose the local port, the encryption algorithm, as well as the remote port. For DNS, you can either use the PIA DNS, or a built-in resolver, or an existing DNS or create a custom one.
The GUI ticks all the right boxes as well. You can choose between two Light and Dark themes, opt to populate your dashboard with information that’s relevant to you, and tweak various aspects about how the client behaves and where it resides.
Verdict
If you’re really serious about your online privacy and security, a VPN is more often than not one of the best choices. With stylish bespoke apps for all major OSes, modern security technologies, next-gen servers in countries, a very competitive price, and a no-logs/no-tracking policy, IPA VPN should definitely be on your list of VPN services.
It’s too bad that PIA doesn’t offer any sort of trial period for its desktop apps. If you want to try PIA for free, you’ll have to do it either on your iOS or Android devices.
