Private Internet Access (PIA) has always been the “cheap but surprisingly capable” VPN — but in 2026, cheap isn’t the flex. In this video, I tested whether PIA is still a smart pick for privacy and security, or if it’s mostly riding an old reputation. Because it’s US-based, I focused on the real concerns people have: logging, data access, and what actually happens when your connection drops or switches networks. I break down PIA’s security fundamentals (AES-256 plus WireGuard/OpenVPN), but the big takeaway is simple: the Advanced Kill Switch is the setting that makes or breaks your protection. With it enabled, PIA blocks all internet traffic unless the VPN is connected — which is exactly what you want on public Wi‑Fi, during sleep mode, and while hopping between networks. I also cover leak protection (DNS/IPv6/WebRTC), PIA’s privacy track record (audits, transparency reports, real-world no-logs history), and the “PIA identity” tools that still matter in 2026 like RAM-only servers, open-source apps, and MACE. From there, I go through daily-use performance: solid local speeds, mixed long-distance results, and strong stability. I also test streaming and P2P reliability, highlight the massive server spread (91 countries, 140+ locations, all 50 US states), and explain who should use PIA in 2026 — and who should skip it.