• expired

VPN - Private Internet Access US $50.96 / 2 Years (~AU $70) - New Customers Only @ StackSocial

1990
PIA15
This post contains affiliate links. OzBargain might earn commissions when you click through and make purchases. Please see this page for more information.

PIA is quite popular here, ~35 AUD/year looks like the lowest price I could find (e.g. better than Black Friday deal).

  • No traffic logs
  • Up to 5 devices
  • SOCKS5 Proxy
  • Kill switch
  • DNS Leak Protection
  • Bittorrent friendly

Protocols: OpenVPN, PPTP, L2TP/IPsec

Terms

  • All sales final
  • Instant digital redemption
  • Offer good for new Private Internet Access customers only.

Server Locations: Australia, Canada, Djibouti, France, Germany, Hong Kong, SAR, China, Israel, Japan, Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, United States

*** UPDATE ***
Decided to test speed since a lot of people here are concerned about this.

Melbourne: 12 ms PING - 115 Mb/s DOWN - 227 Mb/s UP
Hong Kong: 128 ms PING - 36 Mb/s DOWN - 36 Mb/s UP
Los Angeles: 157 ms PING - 38 Mb/s DOWN - 166 Mb/s UP
Switzerland: 333 ms PING - 20 Mb/s DOWN - N/A ?

Referral Links

Referral: random (93)

$10 credit for the referrer and referee.

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closed Comments

  • +1

    How much is it normally?

    • +17

      USD $39.95 per year if paid annually.

  • +10

    Bummer…got it renewed for 59.95 USD for two years yesterday.

    • +2

      Same!

    • +2

      Contact them, they'll do a refund.

      • +3

        I sent an email to PIA.They cancelled my account and refunded me in full. Immediately bought this.It never hurts to ask. cheers

    • +2

      But it says "New Customers Only"…

      • +1

        My VPN got expired last week so I just bought it again. Here I think New customer refers to stack social not PIA.

        • With these I've always found you get a gift card which there never seems to be a way to apply to your existing account. So I always have to just keep creating new accounts. Anyone know if a way to apply it to an existing account? A few years back PIA support just told me no, they did not have that functionality and just to make a new account so I've just kept doing that every 2 years.

    • +1

      Bummer…

      In

      Djibouti

      • Sheik Djibouti!

    • +4

      I wonder why you guys need VPN.

      I have been using PIA for two years. I wanted it to dodge geo-based content lock on Netflix, which has stopped working since last year. I also wanted it to get fast access to web contents (geo locked or not locked) in China, which failed big time when I found out they didn't have a server in China, mind you, they still haven't until this day, the description is wrong regarding that. Another reason I wanted VPN was to break through the wall while in China, which has been a hit or miss for the last two years.

      So basically, for me, my two year subscription was money down the drain.

      • +8

        I started using VPN ever since Dallas buyer club won the case.I dont want my isp to know what I am doing with my internet.And also to use with geo locked contents from US like hulu and amazon prime video.

      • +2

        did you ever find a VPN that could access China based content? I have the same challenge

      • +5

        The current reason you should definitely want one is the govt deadline for collecting metadata passed the other day, so your ISP is now tracking you unless you use a VPN.

        • I understand if you are downloading illegal content. But is that it? Or what else do people not want the government to see? Honest question.

        • +2

          @OldBugger: Sorry for the slow reply! The current scope of the law is that in criminal cases the police etc can get your metadata (sites you've visited, people you've emailed, etc) with a warrant. But already the govt is pushing to increase that scope to civil cases, and beyond that we just don't know yet.

          The kind of scenario you should be worried about is life insurance being denied because they have your metadata showing you were Googling for symptoms without notifying them etc.

          You might have nothing to hide, but you're still entitled to your privacy (the same reason most people don't want to be seen naked).

        • @OldBugger:
          Easy one here is the Tax Dept.
          Your exact internet usage according to their calculations. Did you claim any for work?
          Although I cannot imagine any Govt department putting this data through automatic analysis and robo billing.

          The VPN will not help you for the mandatory near time phone movement tracking though.

          Of course if you have nothing to hide, there are a few details I would like from you…

    • Damn that's horrible when that happens. Would be nice of they allowed a few days leeway for people who just signed up.

  • Can you buy at this price today and commence the 2 year period a few months later (once current VPN subscription expires)?

    • +8

      License deadline: redeem within 30 days of purchase

      • +1

        important! missed this point last time :(

      • What annoys me is I bought a 2-year voucher from SS a couple of days ago as the offer was "about to expire" - I still have about 6 weeks left on my current PIA subscription but decided I could wear the overlap and just create a new account with the voucher at the end of the 30-day redemption deadline. It's annoying that they've now extended the offer.

        • I'd just renewed my PIA account a week before I saw this. I emailed PiA support telling them that I saw this deal on Stack Social. A day later I got an email from PIA with a full refund. I've now bought this off Stacksocial and also bought one for my parents as well.
          It was about $80 Aus so ended up about $30 less than PIA retail for 2 years.

  • Can this be used with a Chromecast?

    • How do you mean?

      • +1

        My experience is only with Getflix, but basically I could not get the Chromecast to re route. Basically want to ensure that anything streamed to the chromecast will be secure.

        • Also use Getflix and have had no issues. Like that it's Australian based.

        • +1

          No, Chromecast acts usually on its own using its own hardcoded DNS. You cant stream directly through a vpn or DNS hack. The only way around it is to run the VPN on your computer then cast the site to your Chromecast.

        • +6

          @idontalwaysnotlie:

          Or block google dns via your router. Takes 2 minutes to block it via static routes.

          Here is my setup with tplink router (mine says disabled because I dont use it anymore as I no longer have a chromecast or need to block dns). Yours would say enabled.

          http://i.imgur.com/Xmkdr3a.png

        • +1

          @Mijak: This is what I did as well. It works well for me.

        • +1

          @idontalwaysnotlie: you can just get a router with VPN pretty cheaply. I use a netgear with tomato firmware, I can define which devices I want to go through the VPN and I've set up a kill switch so there is no IP leak when the connection drops.

    • +5

      Yes, if the VPN data is added to your Router. Then all traffic will go through the VPN

      • Thanks!

        • +2

          But your router needs to support VPN.
          If you have the VPN client on your phone, Chromecast will not work.

        • You could set up your laptop as a wireless hotspot with PIA running on it, then connect your Chromecast and mobile to that access point. I've done this when travelling.

      • Any guides on adding it to the router? I asked PIA but they didn't understand what I was asking about ?_?

        • +1

          You need a router that runs a custom firmware from what I've read. Alternatively, you can buy one online that is specially flashed to allow for VPN to run off the router itself.

        • I haven't done it myself as of yet, but I found this guide, not sure how accurate it is, as it can depend on the router.
          http://www.instructables.com/id/Configure-VPN-Settings-on-a-…

        • +2

          You'll want a router with a decent CPU if you want to put it on the router otherwise your speeds will be much slower than they should be.

          I use a Netgear R7000 with DD-WRT flashed and it works well.

          https://dd-wrt.com/wiki/index.php/DD-WRT_on_R7000

        • @zductiv: I purchased the same router and have planned to flash to DD-WRT but haven't taken the step yet out of fear of bricking it lol. Was it a relatively easy process? The netgear interface is nice and simple so it's a shame to lose it but I want PIA running through it so I don't have to worry about PIA on separate devices.

        • @paulransom81:

          It's been a while since I did it but I don't remember there being anything difficult in the flashing.

          I remember getting the VPN settings right took me longer than the actual flashing.

        • I've got a cheap Qnap nas which has a built in VPN client that supports network sharing. I just point devices to my Qnap's IP, click connect in my Qnap web interface and all good. Works with anything I've got including Apple TV4, chromecast etc. No need for static routes. If I don't want vpn, I just click disconnect in the Qnap web interface and it automatically routes the devices without the vpn.
          So easy!

    • Not unless they have split tunnel vpn feature.

      On android they only one ive seen was ivacy (but there will be others) with i got via stack social with a self referal for $us29/lifetime.

      Works a treat with bbc iplayer & chromecast (screen mirroring, not the app)

  • +1

    Anyone know what the speeds are like? Have been leaning towards a vpn for sometime.

    • +7

      Entirely depends on what server and how much traffic is currently using that server. It's impossible to give you a realistic speed because it will vary so much.

      If you go here you can see every server and its available throughput.

    • Depends where you connect to. Hong Kong/Japan is quite quick due to the direct undersea cable.

      • +1

        I've been connecting through Melbourne and Sydney and speeds go up and down. Recently it gets unusable. I thought connecting further abroad would exasperate the issue, I guess not. I'll try Hong Kong/Japan next time I experience bad connections.

        • I'm getting quicker speeds connected to Mel than HK/JAP

          Very disappointed, im only getting 4-5mb DL with optus cable.

          If I knew it would be this slow, I wouldn't of made the purchase

        • +1

          @bti_jet: Yeah it used to be fast with normal browsing I wouldn't even notice it on, now it's crap.

        • -1

          @subywagon:

          That's what im doing, normal browsing. this service STINKS. Spewing i wasted $70 on this crap. It's sooooo slooow

        • @bti_jet: Then change to a different exit point and see if it improves

        • @Minotaur: on my Android phone though it seems to run fine. Really weird.

        • @Minotaur:

          I have tried many I can't get more than 6-7mb, not worth $70 imo

        • @bti_jet:

          Where do you have the VPN installed? If it's installed on your router, you might not have a powerful enough router.

        • @zductiv:

          On Mac with wired connection, this shouldn't be an issue since its through the Ethernet

    • +12

      They will be a lot slower normally.

      If you're on a fast connection such as 100Mbit this is a lot less of a problem than if you're using 5Mbit ADSL.

      Although ADSL no longer works in this country as the inevitable results of Turnbull's purchase of Telstra's copper networks comes to bear fruit. That's fruit for Telstra as they get paid to maintain the ADSL network that no longer works that they just sold. Turnbull truly is their most valuable employee and is worth literally billions to Telstra as the (profanity) continues to transfer your money to them and in return you get a non-working ADSL network that your taxes paid for.

      If you're a normal person in an ADSL area still then Turnbull has screwed your internet along spying on you as if you're a criminal.

    • I'm on FTTP, and barely notice any latency when using an Australian server. Overseas servers obviously introduce more latency.

    • I haven't found it to be any slower and I've installed and never tinkered with it. But I don't game either, I hear VPNs are no good for gamers. You Tube is fine though for me.

    • My speeds are so crap its like having dial-up again. I''ve stopped using it, didnt even bother re-installing it after i rebuilt my hdd.

      I mainly used it for torrents and confirmed it was PIA and not the torrent swarm.

      • If you want speed on torrents you'll have to be connected to one of the servers that allows port forwarding.

        Otherwise you will get pretty average torrent speeds.

        Should be reasonably quick elsewhere though.

    • I've found PIA to be great. The ping and speed reduction are neglible through Melb and syd. And I don't even have NBN yet so I can't wait to hopefully have some blazing speeds to utilize streaming.

  • +14

    This comment isn't disputing whether it's a deal or not but it appears that PIA is based in the US. If so, and you include the government in the reasons you don't want to be able to see your "travels" then you may want to think twice about using them. Or am i missing something here?
    https://privacytoolsio.github.io/privacytools.io/#ukusa

    • Thanks for the link.

    • thanks for the link. I was going to jump on this offer to sign up with PIA, but now I will definitely think again. Any comments from all existing PIA customers on OZBargain since it is very popular here? What do y'all think?

      • +3

        I've been with PIA for around 2 years now. Generally it has worked fine for large downloads, streaming, general browsing etc. Switching to a non-US based service has been sitting in the back of my mind for a while and I'll probably do this before my renewal date but otherwise they have been good for the time I've been with them.

      • I use the SOCKS5 proxy PIA provides in my torrent program. My ADSL connection is about 5Mbit, I have no problem downloading torrents at that speed. The SOCKS5 server is located in the Netherlands, I believe.

    • +3

      +1 PIA is within the jurisdiction of the 14 eyes group (USA).

      Using this service is effective as nil if looking to keep private from prying eyes.

      https://thatoneprivacysite.net/vpn-comparison-chart/

    • +5

      They've addressed this themselves. Seems okay to me since they don't keep logs so they can't assist probes by giving them anything, also they're willing to shut down operations to protect users. But take it as you will I guess.

      https://helpdesk.privateinternetaccess.com/hc/en-us/articles…

      • +2

        https://torrentfreak.com/vpn-services-anonymous-review-2017-…
        Intersting read based on the q's they ask and responses with, i assume, is independant analysis.

      • +1

        If the article is correct in saying "This combination allows the government to secretly force companies to grant complete access to customer data and transform the service into a tool of mass surveillance." Then the company not keeping logs is irrelevant if the government already has complete access because they can then just log the traffic themselves, can't they?

        • I think it's good to discuss this but what I find odd about that article is their own link to information on NSLs proves that they can't possibly force the company to do anything other than hand over information, and even the types of information is limited:

          https://www.eff.org/issues/national-security-letters/faq

      • +1

        They're making false claims in that very response.

        "There are several companies who claim they don’t log, but do anyway at the end of the day."

        That's a huge concern.

        If there are mirror switches on either side of the VPN, and they won't know if there are, it won't matter that they don't log unless they use algorithms to randomly add variable delays and padding to traffic and there's sufficient traffic going through to make it impossible to match the data.

        Of course if it's just copyright infringement I wouldn't be that concerned about such things…though I would be a bit worried if the authorities decide to physically seize the servers and run them for a while with logs enabled.

    • +1

      Those "eyes" can see tens of thousands of connections in and tens of thousands of connections out of PIA servers but without access to the server or logs, there is no way to match the incoming connection to the outgoing one.

      Are you aware of any court cases where PIA logs have been used as evidence? If not, I think it's a very, very remote chance that of their millions of customers, you'll be the first.

      • +3

        Again, according to the article, "…use of National Security Letters (NSLs) and accompanying gag orders, which forbid the recipient from talking about the request." So what are the chances of us actually hearing about PIA logs?

        • +2

          Unless it's a national security related offence, the evidence would be presented in court. So that's exactly when you would hear about the logs.

          If the claim is that PIA is not good for people engaged in the sort of activity that would lead to a NSL, that's potentially a different argument but I didn't think that was relevant to the use cases being discussed here.

    • +2

      From my research, many good VPNs all have jurisdiction in one of the eye groups. The only I found that didn't was PureVPN (based in HK IIRC) but I wasn't able to trial it so I didn't go ahead with purchasing their service.

      • Yeah I'm using PureVPN, it's good. Yep it is based in HK.

      • +1

        So now China can view your traffic.

        Lesser of 2 evils?

        • Well assuming the VPNs don't log your site visits, they shouldn't be able to trace it back to you right?

          I never really understood how the eyes work, do they get information on you even if there is no logs or do they just see that the servers are accessing certain sites?

        • @ProjectZero: I'm uncertain how the eyes work if they don't have access to the logs. Perhaps they have equipment hooked/piggybacked in the ISPs or backbones or something…

          Perhaps they have backdoor access to all the major switches/routers/firewalls which don't log their access…

    • I would definitely be interested in another option other than PIA as yes it's definitely compromised. But are there any that the Gov doesn't have back door access too? What would you recommend? (About to read article)

    • Thanks for the link.

  • PIA IPs have been blocked by some sites.

    • I have to disconnect to use carsales.com.au

    • Yup. Tried watching 7+ when I was overseas one time. Didn't work. Didn't try SBS or ABC though.

      • Really? I was streaming the Australian Open final this year on the 7 app from abroad and had no issues.

        • I was on the browser (playing it on my laptop to my TV). I'll try the browser thing again, but the app sounds like a good alternative.

  • +1

    OP please put this in the original post:

    Offer good for new Private Internet Access customers only.

  • +1

    I might be going blind, but where to enter the promo code?

    • +2

      before you enter card details / paypal, apply coupon on the right

    • +1

      Only works for new members, OP didn't mention that.

  • nordvpn also has a 2 year deal. Think it lasts until end of the month. Coupon is 2YSpecial2017 for $79usd…so more expensive.
    I never liked PIA….seems….too vanilla or something. Havnt used nord or PIA…can anyone comment that has used both? I think i have more "trust" in nord.

    I am a bit concerned how are people using these VPNS?
    If its for torrents i recommend justseed it seedbox service, and just pull the files down over https from them.

    Or is it just because of the uncertainty of the data being collected by the guv and want to have it on full time?
    How does google see this? Does drive/gmail/other services flip out that your ip is Romanoa?? Yes this data collection crap is a bit scary.

    I dont use VPN full time, but thinking about it.

    I have been using brave browser on android - really awesome - make ssure you turn on the fingerprint protection. And also on windows, pretty nice experience but just a tad uncomfortable to use, im so used to chrome.

    Does anyone use QubesOS/Whonix, TOR or i2p. So i guess….they will log when you use these now and so will just assume you're a (profanity) criminal? Meantime we should use windows and let our backdoors be violeted???

    (profanity) paranoid i am. Why does the guv want to know when im using some chat service or something..what the (profanity) is beng collected EXACTLY…we dont know.

  • +5

    Maybe worth noting for some: Netflix detects this VPN so it can't be used to access USA Netflix.

    • Yep, this was my main reason for getting PIA in the first place. Got shut down on US Netflix a few months later so had to move on. TBH I was a bit disappointed in PIA on this matter. It seemed as though one of the points of their sales pitch was to circumvent geoblocking, and whilst I admit I have no idea on the intricacies of how their operation works, it seemed as though as soon as Netflix did their thing, PIA just rolled over.

      • +5

        it's a neverending cat and mouse game.
        no VPN supplier is exempt from this. not PIAs fault

        only way is to DIY VPN.

      • Some VPNs give you the option of a fixed IP address. PIA doesn't, but that's because a fixed IP defeats the purpose of anonymity.

  • Signed up just the other day (damn!). Have been very happy so far. Apps are dead simple, and speeds have been pretty good so far.

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