This is a pretty good deal for a well-regarded VPN service. Normally 1 year of access is $US39.95, and previous deals have gotten down to about $US32, so this works out to $US30 a year.
Privateinternetaccess.com 2-Years PIA VPN Service for USD $59.95
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Strongly considering buying the two years, anyone got any other VPNs they'd choose over this?
I've been doing a bit of research in this too - and a number of people have said to stay away from US based VPN's since they can get hunted down by the NSA and co. I'm a bit dubious about it as well and might stick with European or Asian based ones.
http://privitizevpn.software.informer.com/
Free, works well. Justmake sure to do the custom install so you can untick the adware/bloatware.
If it's free, you're the product. Wouldn't risk that especially with a VPN.
It's the one recommended by The Pirate Bay - they don't want to exploit you.
Don't be so presumptuous.
When you use a VPN service, you're trusting a third party not to monitor or manipulate the traffic you route through them. When you pay for that service, you have consumer protection laws on your side, and the companies are held to certain standards. Using these free services when there are far superior options available so cheap, is simply a bad idea. This option in particular is regularly considered adware due to the apps it chooses to bundle with.. It's also been detected as malware by multiple AV in the past.
If the company resides outside of Australia (which 99% of them do) then consumer laws do not apply at all.
I'm not talking about the specific "consumer protection law" in Australia, but normal consumer protections that are in place all over the world.
@GStone: To which they will flat out ignore, only need to look on places such as reddit etc to show how little to no protection they get against companies.
Besides with US based (or anywhere thats part of the 5eyes pact) is they can and do already collect data on connections, they just dont let on that they do it.
@GStone: Oh dear, you're using a private company to do your "sensitive" websearching…I am disappoint.
If it's banking, credit cards…anything of that nature, it is woeful of you to use a VPN anyway.
What do you need to pay for a VPN to hide? I only use it on very rare occasions, no issues whatsoever when I have used it.
It has nothing to do with the sensitivity of the data you're using, it's the ability for monitoring / manipulation that makes free options a bad idea. You open yourself up to manipulations such as code injection etc. I could care less what you choose to do, but you're recommending a dangerous option to people on a public forum.
As for the uses of VPN, the most common is to secure traffic over an untrusted network (like a public wifi hotspot), in which case you want a provider you can trust with any of your traffic. The fact that you yourself don't trust the provider your suggesting with anything but the most limited of traffic kinds of proves the point about free providers doesn't it?
Any providers at all, really. They all have access to your data, just because they allow you the "privilege" of paying for it, telling you you must or you're not protected from the internet badmans does not make it so, though.
Try it first for a couple of days. Then invest for the 2 year package. It didn't work for me properly, very slow. PIA is crap IMHO.
This guide covers most of the common VPNs from the privacy perspective - http://torrentfreak.com/which-vpn-services-take-your-anonymi…
I've found PIA to be the best VPN I've tried so far, but you do need to play around with the settings and servers to find something that works for you. I didn't find speed "out of the box" to be great, but it was improved significantly after playing with the settings.
I find if I get slow speeds on one PIA server changing to an alternative gets me decent speeds.
Hi guys! I am going to China soon for work and was wondering if this VPN can still unblock sites such as Facebook, YouTube and Google. I heard that this service was just recently blocked by the great firewall of China.
Yes VPN will
if PIA supports openvpn over SSL or SSH then it should.
it works, but it is very slow and unstable, mostly near dial up speed (and Israel location is the only location that you can connect to reliably). I have this service, and if you considering using it in China, you should look for another VPN.
That must be the case in China, as in Australia I find this fine for streaming through YouTube, etc.
in Australia it works fine, but not in China.
Best to ask people living there now on whatever blogs you find since China's cracking down heavier now.
E.g.
http://www.bestvpn-china.com/blog/12142/5-best-vpns-china-ma…
Apparently working again - Android app to load up and will get you pass Great FW of China to the FB's, Youtubes etc. Also avail via Android store.
Hi mate I regularly travel to China and the vpns tend to be in and out as they get blocked by the govt frequently. Pandapow (Google it) was good when I was there not long ago it works, has geographically spread servers and decent speeds (relatively speaking, international speeds are garbage in China). Make sure u buy before u leave.
How are your speeds affected when connected to the VPN?
A pretty significant hit especially if you're on a crappy ADSL2+ connection like us. Normally we get about 9Mbps but running the "torrent" friendly servers gets us a max of 3Mbps but it's generally a bit lower. We are with PIA also and the service is fantastic along with the product but you need to expect a pretty big drop in speed so it does help if you're on a much better connection.
Just as an FYI for anyone who uses Getflix, their latest newsletter said that they were releasing a VPN service this month with no additional cost to their DNS service which is pretty awesome pricing combined with the DNS service.
I'm still seeing around 80mb/s downloading torrents through the US California servers with PIA. Browsing webpages feels slower, which I put down to the increased lag, but downloading isn't changed at all.
Lucky you in that case because generally people see a pretty large drop in connection speeds. Do you download at that same speed when not connected also? Also, any reason you use a US based server for torrenting when they are usually the ones last on people's lists for many reasons?
TBH, rather then torrent through a VPN connection, you should be looking at a seedbox setup, much faster and its a direct download then.
Also, PIA (aka this VPN in the bargain) is US based, so is in a country that is part of the 5eyes program, so whilst they do not keep 'logs' higher ups can monitor the connection directly from the source.
You want a non US based VPN (some areas of Asia, sections of Europe) that is not part of the 5eyes program.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_Eyes
As for the US not being part of any kind of data retention, it more then likely does retain metadata/data, its just not so much public knowledge.
@Copie: I know how it all works cheers Copie and as for using a seedbox, that's not a viable option for me.
Fair enough, but TBH torrenting (in any form) is asking for trouble. There are other much more secure ways to access content (cough cough usenet)
@Copie: off topic, but seems to be impossible to get an answer whenever I ask
Is direct download better? I rarely download, mostly use the link sites e.g.tvmuse and watch on the browser? how does that compare?- A US based VPN service means no metadata retention laws, and coverage from consumer protection laws. This is important if your services primary selling point is no logging. This is not to say that data isn't being captured at some point other than the VPN provider, it just doesn't matter if it is, because…..
- PIA uses shared IPs for the outbound traffic. So monitoring the connections upstream would simply show an encrypted connection going in to PIA and an 'anonymised' mix of traffic from multiple users coming out. They don't keep logs, so even if someone upsteam identified your traffic because you connected to Facebook in cleartext, there is no way to prove that any of the other traffic on that IP is from you.
- Although PPTP is regarded as insecure at this point, PIA is based on OpenVPN which is still considered unbroken.
80Mb/s, you must be on NBN!
I only have a 3mbps connection (NBN aaany day now, then I'll be laughing!), and I set up a VPN using just a linux VPN which I already use for other things (web server, etc) from digitalocean. It's just running openvpn, pretty simple setup. To west coast USA I get about 180 ping, and still download at about 3mbps. However I only use this to make netflix better, as Australian netflix's range is shit. I wouldn't advise setting up your own VPN if you're going to do anything illegal.
You need to play around with the selection of servers, the connection type and the remote port.. I find that using UDP / port 53, I can still get almost 14Mbps on some of the servers. I've tried probably a dozen different services, and have found PIA to be the best.
EDIT: Just ran a speed test on US West / UDP / 53 and got 12.7Mbps down. My home connection sits between 12 - 14 without VPN.
Yep, got that Getflix newsletter too - check out their site as some locations are already running the VPN service in Beta form. I'm using it on my Win 8.1 PC but even when connecting successfully to their Tokyo server via the VPN service dnsleaktest says i'm in Perth. I'm not sure they are routing all traffic or i've set it up wrong?
Terrible speeds.
I used PIA for a while but the slow speed was unbearable. Got a refund.
There is a drop but the connection is still pretty reasonable, i just ran two tests with my connection in silicon valley (3.82Mbps down and 0.45MBps up)and no VPN (10.46 Mpbs down and 0.86 Mbps up) (i'm on ADSL2+). I have never had trouble with any of the connections in different countries, but just figure i'll mix it up a bit so use a different one every week or two.
Overall with their price and service make this a great deal.
Maybe they might do us all a bulk deal for sign ups, particularly if they are good?
Can someone who has signed up do a speedtest when connected, and when disconnected to the VPN? Cheers.
No VPN: Down 8.6Mbps Up 0.87Mbps
VPN Sydney: Down 4.2Mbps Up 0.75Mbps
VPN US West: Down 1.8Mbps Up 0.4Mbps
VPN Netherlands: Down 2.6Mbps Up 0.5MbpsThey do have 30 or so servers to choose from though.
http://www.gizmodo.co.uk/2014/03/the-best-vpn-service/
It was written a year ago, but about a 50% drop in speed.
No VPN
Results Test run on 03/04/2015 @ 06:12 PM
Your Line Speed 5.91 Mbps (5,906 kbps)
Your Download Speed
738 KB/s (0.72 MB/s)VPN auto ( US California)
Results Test run on 03/04/2015 @ 06:14 PM
Your Line Speed 5.08 Mbps (5,080 kbps)
Your Download Speed
635 KB/s (0.62 MB/s)VPN Sydney
Results Test run on 03/04/2015 @ 06:16 PM
Your Line Speed 5.52 Mbps (5,519 kbps)
Your Download Speed
690 KB/s (0.67 MB/s)
Edit, how reliable, and would they be around in 2 years time?
Current PIA customer of 2 years here. See no reason why they won't still be around in another 2 years time.
Been with PIA since 2013. They're fast and reliable and have multiple exit points. My subscription's just coming up for renewal so I've got no hesitations signing up for another 2 years.
I've had them for a couple of months, speeds do vary and for now the speeds are the same as when I'm not on the vpn
Have had them for a few years now and apart from few occasions their service has been impeccable. Has never slowed my connection, speeds are identical to what they are without a VPN (usually get around 10-15Mbps).
I don't have confirmation on this, but when using their client from the site and selecting the AUTO server connect option gets you onto the server with the least load hence most speed. Again, not 100%, just a hunch from experience.
Just signed up, Can I cancel my 2 yearly auto payment and still retain access for the next 2 years or do I need to cancel the auto payment in 2017?
As long as you have paid once then I don't see why not.
I have done exactly this. You do get an email with a subject line of "your service has been cancelled", but open up the email and it is clear it wont stop until the end of the 2 year period.
TorGuard VPN also have 50% off - $30 USD / Year with code: TGLIFETIME50
Do people prefer Privateinternetaccess or TorGuard? Heard mixed things about both :/
TorGuard has more countries to choose from.
PIA, however, has no restriction on what any server on any country can be used for. TorGuard has certain restrictions (see point 6 in link below), normally not a problem unless you're tunneling your whole connection at the router and you want an Australian server to minimise delay for time sensitive applications (TorGuard put restrictions on Australian servers presumably due to expensive bandwidth cost compared to other countries).
http://torrentfreak.com/which-vpn-services-take-your-anonymi…TorGuard 50% off is a lifetime discount; when it's time to renew you'd still get 50% off. To get the lowest rate, you need to prepay 1 year for TorGuard & 2 years for PIA.
Actually, it seems TorGuard may have dropped its server restrictions:
http://torrentfreak.com/anonymous-vpn-service-provider-revie…
VPNs wouldn't be necessary if the filthy ALP and Libtards had not sold us out to America and started spying on everyone as well as blocking sharing sites. These politicians should all be rounded up and packed off to Gulags.
Blocking sharing sites?
They haven't done it yet, but they plan to, don't they?
Not sure, I havent heard about this, if anyone has information on this then please share.
@lancedefrance: It's been pretty widely discussed, here is just one link of the many I am sure are out there…
http://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2014/dec/10/copyri…
Vote Green next election. Nothing else will work with these retards.
Agreed time to support the minor parties or independent candidates. This was taken from the guardian's feed
"Voting in favour: the Coalition; Labor; PUP senator Dio Wang.
Against: Greens; David Leyonhjelm; Jacqui Lambie; Glenn Lazarus; John Madigan; Nick Xenophon; Ricky Muir.
The bill has been resolved in the affirmative."
LibLabLast
Is that the bill to force collecting of metadata, or the changes to enable blocking of sites hosting copyright material? I suspect the former. I don't think the latter has been voted on yet. I'm more concerned about the latter than the former.
I've got a Telstra cable modem. Is there any way to set the DNS on the modem rather than each individual device?
The problem is i can't use chromecast with Netflix because you can't set the dns settings on the chromecast.You don't need a VPN for that, you only need a DNS service like Getflix, Uflix or Unotelly. I have no idea whether you can access those advanced settings on your particular modem though sorry.
Yeah, u can't set those advanced settings on chromecast
Yeah I have a couple set up at home, I was saying it would depend on whether your Telstra modem allowed you to access the advanced settings to input and block particular DNS servers.
Hey i have a telstra cable modem too, the netgear one. From memory you could access the dns, but i had troubles - it would never stick/would get thrown off. My work around was a $30 TP link router WR841n and bridge with the modem. Then you put the dns settings into the router - runs Netflix (through getflix dns) for all devices in the house, including sony smart tv. You could use almost any router, but i'm cheap and went for the most budget 300mbs wifi router i could find. If you're not sure how to bridge, it's actually very simple and only a quick google away.
I don't think you can change the DNS on those modems. The easiest thing for you to do would be to get a third-party router that supports an open firmware and then bridge it with your modem, or the more complex option is to 'root' the chromecast (just warning you that with the latter option you risk bricking your chromecast if you don't know what you're doing)
gatin, Netflix on the Chromecast is hardcoded, so you can't just change the DNS addresses to fool it. You need a router that can be dd-wrt'd so you can change the iptables and redirect traffic to a VPN.
On the other hand, Netflix has launched in Australia now, so you don't need to do that anymore. You should be able to watch Netflix on your chromecast without resorting to changing DNS settings anymore.
On the other hand, Netflix has launched in Australia now,
Netflix USA has a much larger catalog of movies/tv series.
If you can set 'static routes' in your router then it can be done.
Benefits of a vpn?
Google
Ironically I only ever have problems with Google using proxies (errors due to too many requests per minute?). Somehow most VPNs get around this issue but I haven't googled how they do it yet.
Thanks OP.
Damnit I picked one up 13 days ago… outside of the cancellation period.
I tried many and settled on IPVanish. Works best for me
How come vpns are becoming so popular?
Did i miss something? Are isp's handing out infringements or have there been notable incidents?Welcome citizen ycon.
You will soon live in a police state: http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/senate…
Cheers- I've obviously been under a rock the last while. Being US based, I'd be concerned that one day they get forced to keep logs. But I guess if that happens- we could cancel at any time and get our money back for the remainder?
Well you would hope VPN providers have protected themselves legally so that wont be an issue. Seeing as it destroys their business model I believe many would move their company location.
It should be noted that you do have to trust the VPN provider to some extent. They can do sneaky things on their end and the user will be none the wiser.
Check out potential providers here: https://torrentfreak.com/anonymous-vpn-service-provider-revi…
Its now law that Australian ISPs are required to store customers data, they claim its only metadata but the actual bill is so vague as to what is stored and they can add new data definitions so its best to assume all of your data is stored.
First of all, if you don't have a VPN… GET ONE. Do not consent to the police state that the labor and liberal bastards have forced on this country.
Also its great for watching geo blocked content!
I have a Boxpn account. The yearly fee was similar to this when I signed up, but the exchange rate has gotten drastically worse…
I think PIA may have a better privacy than Boxpn but from what companies put out they both seem equal.
Anyway here are the speeds I got one night:
speedof.me - mbps
No VPN
download 32.63
upload 1Los Angeles
download 7.61
upload 1.95Singapore
download 7.3
upload 1.8Switzerland
download 1.07
upload 1.34Chicago
download 28.79 1.92
upload 3.83 1.82Vancover
download 11.49 7.04 6.66
upload 2.73 1.92 2.83Miamidownload
upload
download 6.44 8.04
upload 1.81 1.81Sydney
download 15.84 26.18 25.89
upload 1.85 2.83 3.64
I hope this helps someone. I know it was horrible to determine the speeds of these services when I was looking. Check out potential providers here: https://torrentfreak.com/anonymous-vpn-service-provider-revi…
Only issue with PIA is that they are a US company, meaning the NSA could force them to keep data on it's users.
I've been using PIA for a couple of years.
The drop in speed is almost always at an acceptable level, often minimal on my slowish ADSL2+ connection and connections are very reliable.
I like the ability to quickly swap to different locations and the ability to use it easily on Android and various Windows devices, up to 5 devices concurrently. Having the app rather than tinkering with settings makes it very easy to use.If you live outside the U.S. what can the US government do to you in Australia if they get your information?
Give it to Australian authorities.
Thanks OP. I signed up last night and have had a play. Mainly tested my usenet connection thus far. When I connect to my usenet provider in Europe, I noticed that I have to select a VPN connection within Europe (such as Netherlands) to get the max speed. My normal usenet speed without VPN is about 1.1MB/s. Connecting through an EU VPN point it drops to about 1MB/s. Connecting through a US VPN it drops to about 600KB/S - which makes sense given the extra routing.
I'm assuming that if I changed my usenet server to the US point that I would obtain better results through the US VPN.
I'm keen to sign up - is it really worth going down the giftcard route to pay so they don't have your card/address details on file and does anyone know if Oz giftcards are valid?
Edit - here's their response:
"It is not recommended to use a non-US gift card to purchase our service. Our gift card payment processor (Paygarden) is only integrated with US gift card networks, and most international gift cards will not work. For more information on what the best options are for customers outside the US, please check out the link below:http://www.paygarden.com/faq/customers/international"
NOTE: Just checked with PIA and giftcards are not compatible with SLickdeals - i very nearly ended up with a "worthless" Walmart giftcard there!
Guys, what is the point of having a vpn? Is it only to protect your IP and remain anonymous when downloading illegal stuff? lol
If you are downloading something illegal then yes, but it is more then that. It can allow you access to contents which are geographically blocked from you. The bigger picture is it completely hides what you are doing in the Internet and allows you complete freedom, for as little as $2.5 a month.
Another encryption layer…..especially if you want to do net banking…..
Is this a temporary special price, or now just the normal regular price?
This is a special price as buying directly through PIA is still $40/year.
Any idea how long the deal is for? NBN is getting installed 21st April, so would prefer to have the 7-day refund period in there to give PIA a try
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just signed up yesterday for the $40 a year plan, cancelled and signed up with this one instead!