Private Internet Access (PIA) lets you choose how you protect your Android. You can switch to 128-bit encryption to boost speeds with basic security, which is especially useful for torrenting. However, I advise using the 256-bit mode for maximum protection. This option is easy to find in PIA’s settings under “Connection Preferences”.
Your data is kept safe with a combination of security and privacy features. This includes a kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. I was relieved to find out you can rely on this when I tested PIA with a leak detector; it passed with zero leaks. On top of this, it adheres to a strict no-logs policy, which was proven in 2 court cases.
OpenVPN protects your Android by default, but WireGuard is also available. It’s highly secure and also gives you alternative port options, which helped whenever I encountered a connection issue. Otherwise, you can use the WireGuard protocol, which is optimized for speed and security. In any case, you’ll be able to use your Android safely and anonymously.
Port options allow you to maximize speeds, which I found very helpful for torrenting
It has lightning-fast servers, so PIA is a great option for streaming, gaming, and torrenting. I tested this by using its New York server to download Night of the Living Dead (again) from Legit Torrents. It only took 26 minutes to finish and my average speeds were only 16% slower than my base connection. With speeds like these, you can use your Android without interruption.
The Android app is easy to download from the Google Play store. However, you don’t get the built-in ad and malware blocker (PIA MACE) if you download it from there. I was happy to see that the MACE blocker is included if you download the APK file from PIA’s site — it’s just as easy to install it that way.
One small con I noted is that PIA didn’t work consistently with Netflix or Hulu. I had no issue accessing Netflix Germany and the US library. However, when I tested it in Brazil and Mexico, I was blocked. For this reason, I’d suggest ExpressVPN or CyberGhost if you want to stream Netflix on your Android. On the other hand, PIA worked great with HBO Max and BBC iPlayer, so you’ll still get access to tons of content.
PIA gives you flexible payment options and better deals with long-term subscriptions. For instance, if you commit to a 2-year plan, you can get PIA for as little as $2.03/month. It accepts most payment forms, including BEAM — a form of confidential cryptocurrency.
You can also try Private Internet Access out on your Android first using its 30day money-back guarantee. I tested this after 23 days by contacting a live customer service representative. We had a 4-minute chat before my refund was approved; I received my money in 5 days.
