How to Get a Private Internet Access Free Trial Account (2024)

Reading time: 12 min

Private Internet Access (PIA) is worth trying due to its huge network, customizable encryption, and MACE ad, tracker, and malware blocker. Since it has a free trial and a money-back guarantee, you can easily test it for free. Unfortunately, PIA’s free trial is limited to iOS and Android devices and only lasts for 7 days.

I prefer to test a VPN out using a money-back guarantee and PIA guarantees a full refund within 30 days of purchase. This allows you to download PIA onto all your devices and gain unlimited access to every feature, no limitations.

I’ve tested the whole process from sign-up to refund, and you can find the step-by-step guide below. It’s easy and hassle-free. I just sent a message via live chat, and the support agent processed it the same day. My money was refunded in just 4 days. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Try PIA for free for 30 days

Quick Guide: 3 Easy Steps to Try Private Internet Access for Free

  1. Download PIA. The 2-year + 4 months subscription offers the best value, all PIA plans are covered by the 30-day money-back guarantee.
  2. Connect to a PIA server. Connect to a server to start streaming, torrenting, and browsing safely and anonymously.
  3. Request a refund. Contact customer support to request a refund before the 30-day period is complete.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Get a Private Internet Access Free Trial

I recommend trying PIA for free with the money-back guarantee, as its free trial is only applicable to mobile devices. Plus, it’s only for 7 days, which I find is not long enough to test all of PIA’s features to see if it’s suitable for me. This guide will show you how you can use PIA for free for 30 days with its money-back guarantee:

  1. Go to the PIA website. Click on “Get PIA VPN.”
    Screenshot of PIA's homepage
  2. Choose a plan. All plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
    Screenshot of PIA's pricing options on its website
  3. Download the PIA app. Once subscribed, you can download the app directly from the website or get a link to your chosen app store in the Client Control Panel. You can also purchase PIA with third-party gift cards and cryptocurrency, but gift card purchases are non-refundable.
    Screenshot of links to PIA apps on the control panel
  4. Sign in with your username and password. These login details will be sent to you through the email address you entered when subscribing to PIA.
    Screenshot of the login panel on PIA's app
  5. Choose a PIA server and click to connect. You can access the server menu by clicking the arrow on the “VPN Server” section. The 3 dots in the top-right corner will take you to the Settings menus.
    Screenshot of server connection process on PIA app
  6. To request a refund, contact customer support through the 24/7 live chat. I tested the process, and the agent was polite and helpful, arranging my refund quickly. I had my money back in just 4 days.
    Screenshot of requesting for a refund via PIA's 24/7 live chat

Helpful Tip: It’s hassle-free to get a refund if you sign up to PIA on its official website, as the money-back guarantee is included with every plan and device. However, I can’t vouch for the Google Play or App Store’s refund policies, as you’ll be subject to each store’s Terms and Conditions should you create your account through them.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Alternative Guide: How to Claim a Private Internet Access 7-Day Free Trial

If you want to give its 7-day free trial a go, it’s only available for Android and iOS devices. However, the process is similar for both platforms, so you can follow these steps:

  1. Open the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
  2. Look for Private Internet Access VPN.
  3. Download and launch the app.
  4. Subscribe to the 2-year + 4 months plan — it’s only $2.03 a month.
  5. Select a server and hit the power button to connect.
  6. Cancel your subscription through the app store before the 7 days are up.

Why Choose Private Internet Access?

Key Features:

  • Huge global network with more than 35,000 servers in 91 countries
  • Military-grade encryption, data leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-log policy
  • Allows unlimited device connections
  • Support available 24/7 via live chat, email ticketing, online FAQs, and knowledge base
  • 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back guarantee

Works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, and Disney+

PIA has optimized streaming servers in selected countries, including the US, UK, Australia, and more. Our international team tests PIA with popular streaming platforms globally, and we can confirm PIA works reliably with Netflix US, Disney+, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video. I tested it’s speeds out, and from my base speed of 115Mbps, PIA’s servers never dropped below 68Mbps, which is more than enough for UHD streaming.

Screenshot of the Irishman playing on Netflix PIA is while connected to a server in the US
PIA made it easy to stream Netflix and more

Unfortunately, it doesn’t work with DAZN or 10 play. If you’re a big streaming fan, ExpressVPN is a better option for 10 play and DAZN (Canada, US, Germany, and Japan libraries).

Massive Global Network With 35,000+ Servers

PIA’s impressive global network size means you can always connect to the nearest server for fast connections. In fact, PIA has the largest server number of all the best VPNs on the market. It even has virtual servers in countries like China and Turkey, where physical servers are not viable or where data regulations restrict VPNs.

Strong Privacy and Security Features

Like many VPNs, PIA allows you to choose between the WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols. However, it goes one step further by letting you select the encryption standard as well. I use AES 256-bit when paying bills for extra security and AES-128 for faster speeds while streaming. For iOS, PIA offers IPSec/IKEv2 for its swift reconnection and reputation for speed.

Additionally, PIA secures your data with:

  • Military-grade encryption — protects your online activity from hackers with a cipher that’s almost impossible to crack.
  • Built-in leak protection — makes sure your traffic stays within the encrypted tunnel as long as you’re connected to PIA.
  • Ad and malware blocker called MACE — gives you the privacy you need from trackers and advertisers looking to gain information about you.
  • Kill switch — blocks the internet if the VPN connection is interrupted.
  • No-log policy — ensures none of your personal information is sold or shared to third parties.
  • Open source apps — shows that PIA has nothing to hide by letting anyone analyze its code for security vulnerabilities.

PIA also has split tunneling, which is useful if you want to encrypt traffic from just 1 app, without securing your whole device. This worked well during my tests, keeping me anonymous while P2P file-sharing and letting me play an online game locally at the same time.

Screenshot of split tunneling feature in PIA app

Split tunneling lets you choose certain websites and apps to bypass the VPN

Device Compatibility and Ease of Use

Besides being one of the best VPNs for Windows, PIA also has native apps for macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. It even offers Chrome, Firefox, and Opera extensions, which users can download directly from the respective web stores. Although it doesn’t have apps for smart TVs, gaming consoles, and streaming boxes, PIA can be set up directly on your router.

It also supports unlimited simultaneous connections, which means you can keep all your devices protected at all times. You won’t have to keep disconnecting and reconnecting any device you want to use.

Excellent 24/7 Customer Support

Customer support is available through several channels, including 24/7 live chat, email support, and an online knowledge base. I was pleased with its live chat system, as it took less than 1 minute to connect to an agent. Besides answering my questions, the agent sent me relevant PIA articles to help me further.

When I asked for a refund using the money-back guarantee, the live chat support staff asked if they could troubleshoot any issues for me. I declined, and they quickly processed my refund. After that, I was asked to complete a short voluntary survey about my experience with PIA. I had the money back in my account in just 4 business days.

What’s Better: Money-Back Guarantee, Free Trial, or Free VPN?

There are a few key differences between a money-back guarantee and a free trial:

  • Duration — PIA’s free trial is limited to 7 days, while the money-back guarantee is valid for 30 days.
  • Accessibility — The free trial is only available through the Apple App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android), but PIA’s money-back guarantee has no restrictions.
  • Price — Both the free trial and money-back guarantee require payment details.

I recommend using the money-back guarantee. You’re not restricted by app store policies that may limit some features, and you have full 30 days to test the service. In my experience, 7 days just isn’t long enough to fully explore a VPN and determine whether it’s a good fit, so if you can afford to put some money down knowing you can get it back easily, it’s worth it.

What About Free VPNs?

There are some secure free VPNs out there, but they have limitations. While your data won’t be at risk, you only have access to a small number of servers, and your data will be capped. You’ll also experience slow speeds due to server congestion, leading to lag and interruptions while you’re online.

Unfortunately, some free VPN providers have been caught recording user data and then exploiting it for financial gains. Many of them explicitly state this in their privacy policies. This not only violates your privacy but has to potential to exposes you to fraudulent activities if your data falls into the wrong hands. Some free VPNs even contain malware that can pilfer sensitive information without your knowledge.

Free Period Premium Security No-Log Policy All Servers Unlimited Data Simultaneous Connections
Free VPN Unlimited Depends 1
PIA Free Trial 7 days 1 (Android or iOS)
PIA Money-Back Guarantee 30-day money-back guarantee unlimited

FAQs About Private Internet Access

Does PIA have a free trial?

Yes, PIA has a free trial that you can claim. Unfortunately, it’s only applicable to iOS and Android devices and lasts for 7 days. If you forget to cancel before the free trial ends, you’ll be automatically charged as a subscriber. It’s better to sign up from PIA’s website and use the 30-day money-back guarantee. When I tested it, I got my money back in only 4 days.

Can I use PIA on multiple devices?

Yes, you can use PIA on unlimited devices. This is very generous considering the industry standard of 5-8 simultaneous connections. You can download the PIA app onto all major devices and operating systems, including Windows, Android, Mac, iPhone, iPad, Amazon Fire Stick, and more, and connect them all at once.

How much does PIA cost?

You can get it for as little as $2.03 a month with the 2-year + 4 months plan if you choose PIA to secure your online activities. PIA often has discounts and coupon codes available, so you can get big savings on a subscription.

Additionally, PIA is one of the best monthly VPNs available. But as with all short-term plans, the cost per month is higher. Still, it’s not a bad idea if you’d rather pay month-by-month until you’re ready to commit long-term.

On which devices can I use the PIA free trial?

You can claim PIA’s 7-day free trial on iOS and Android devices. However, once you register for the free trial from a mobile device, you can use the same login credentials with PIA apps on all other compatible platforms. If you find 7 days inadequate, it’s best to use PIA for free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. After you’re done, just cancel your plan and ask for a refund.

Try Private Internet Access for Free Today!

PIA’s top-tier service includes a range of advanced security and privacy features, excellent customer support, and a vast server network. While PIA does have a free trial for iOS and Android, it’s only available for 7 days. This wasn’t long enough for me to test all its high-quality features thoroughly.

If you want to try PIA for free for 30 days, take advantage of its money-back guarantee. If you’re not totally satisfied, just ask for your money back. I tested the policy myself, and it was hassle-free; I had my money back in full in 4 business days.


Summary — The Best VPNs in 2024 With Free Trials and Money-Back Guarantees

Top Ranked Top Choice
ExpressVPN
$4.99 / month Save 61%
Find Out More
CyberGhost VPN
$2.03 / month Save 84%
Find Out More
Private Internet Access
$2.03 / month Save 83%
Find Out More

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research, and also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Rosemary S Siluvai Anthony
Rosemary S Siluvai Anthony is a Content Writer & Editor at WizCase. She specializes in VPN, proxy servers, and private search engines. Rosemary regularly tests cybersecurity products and has written many reviews, how-to manuals, and comparisons. When she’s free, Rosemary reads about the inner workings of the products she recommends to bring clarity to others. Before joining WizCase, Rosemary was a content and copywriter in the automotive, R&D, and financial industries for 17 years. Her work in the banking sector led to a deep interest in fraud investigations and online security. If she’s not working on the next article for WizCase, Rosemary is hiking or planning her next trip. Otherwise she’s in front of the TV, succumbing to Netflix.
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