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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
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Better options than

VPN by Private Internet Access alternatives

Users often seek alternatives to VPN by Private Internet Access due to persistent connection issues, app instability, and difficulty with refunds. Alternatives like NordVPN and Betternet offer varying degrees of reliability and features, catering to different user needs.

Why users look for alternatives to VPN by Private Internet Access

The alternatives

VPN
4.6★ · 2,068,901 ratings · Free

There are no specific reviews for an app named 'VPN' to provide a detailed pitch. This name is too generic to distinguish from the main app or other alternatives.

Better for: It is not possible to determine who this alternative suits better due to a lack of specific reviews.

Head-to-head: VPN by Private Internet Access vs VPN
NordVPN
4.7★ · 686,268 ratings · Free

NordVPN is generally seen as simple to set up and provides a sense of online protection across multiple devices R64. Some users find it more effective than other VPNs R52R60.

Better for: NordVPN suits users who prioritize ease of setup and a general sense of security across various devices R64. It may also be preferred by those who have had negative experiences with other VPNs R52R60.

Head-to-head: VPN by Private Internet Access vs NordVPN
X-VPN
4.7★ · 598,441 ratings · Free

X-VPN is praised by some users as a very good VPN app and the best they have found R66R69R75R77.

Better for: X-VPN is better for users seeking a straightforward VPN experience who have struggled to find a reliable option R66R69R75R77. However, potential users should be aware of reports of unreliability and connection issues R68R70R76.

Head-to-head: VPN by Private Internet Access vs X-VPN
VPN Proxy Master
4.6★ · 309,657 ratings · Free

VPN Proxy Master is described by some as very fast and useful, with some users able to connect instantly and use it for free R86R90. It has also been noted for helping phones update more effectively R80.

Better for: This alternative is better for users looking for a potentially free and fast VPN solution, especially if they experience issues with phone updates R80R86R90. However, users should be cautious about reports of billing issues, non-functionality after payment, and excessive ads R79.

Head-to-head: VPN by Private Internet Access vs VPN Proxy Master
Betternet
4.5★ · 238,333 ratings · Free

Betternet is considered easy to navigate, reasonably priced, and effective for specific uses like accessing apps in restricted regions R94R97. Some users appreciate its free version R99R101.

Better for: Betternet is suitable for users who need an easy-to-use and potentially free VPN, particularly for accessing social media apps like TikTok in countries with restrictions R94R97R99R101. However, users should be prepared for frequent ads in the free version and potential billing issues with premium trials R96.

Head-to-head: VPN by Private Internet Access vs Betternet
Stick with VPN by Private Internet Access if

You should stick with VPN by Private Internet Access if you have found it to be reliable and fast, as many long-term users praise its consistent performance and consider it the best VPN they have used . It is also a good choice if you appreciate its affordability and easy-to-use interface .

Evidence note: The alternative 'VPN' has too few specific reviews to provide a meaningful assessment.

Frequently asked

Why do users switch from VPN by Private Internet Access?
Users often switch from VPN by Private Internet Access due to persistent issues like unreliable server connections, especially on iPads and open WiFi R1R10, and the app frequently glitches or fails to work R7R12R15. Some also report that the kill switch does not function correctly, leading to data leaks R13.
Is NordVPN a reliable alternative?
NordVPN is considered reliable by some users who find it simple to set up and effective for online protection across multiple devices R64. However, some users report it can slow down WiFi connections significantly R53 and may not work for specific streaming services or in certain countries R51R61R63.
Are there free VPN alternatives available?
Yes, some alternatives like VPN Proxy Master and Betternet offer free usage options R90R99R101. However, users of free versions, particularly Betternet, report a high volume of ads R96.
What are the common issues with X-VPN?
Common issues with X-VPN include unreliability, constantly cutting connections, and failing to connect at all R68R70R76. Some users also feel the app is dishonest about being free, as it often requires a subscription after a trial for $11.99 a month R67.
Does VPN Proxy Master work in China?
According to one user, VPN Proxy Master does not work in China R81.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 106 real reviews (foreign ones translated). Superscripts jump to the quote here. Apple has no per-review links, so [ref] opens that app's reviews on the App Store.

  1. [R1] VPN by Private Internet Access 2/5 · US Unreliable on iPad: Consistently dropped server connections regardless of protocol.
  2. [R4] VPN by Private Internet Access 1/5 · US Not reliable: It was reliable at first and then gave me out while still being connected, made me lost something tangible I am so pained
  3. [R10] VPN by Private Internet Access 1/5 · US P.I.A. the acronym is self descriptive: This thing never works when I need it to. It works fine on a wireless provider. It never, ever, works on open WiFi. It takes messing with the protocols, several days of back and forth with their support. No refund for your time and money. Buyer beware, get a VPN that works. Dedicated IPs go away during their troubleshooting steps of deleting the app and rein
  4. [R15] VPN by Private Internet Access 3/5 · GB Used to be better: The app used to work better Now itll hallucinate being connected when its not, the button to connect wont work sometimes and they changed it from saying "connected" when it was running to "protected" and around the same update is when it started being worse
  5. [R7] VPN by Private Internet Access 1/5 · US DOESNT WORK AND NO REFUND: Absolute garbage app. Glitches. Won’t allow you to do anything and they won’t refund you for a bad app. AVOID AT ALL COSTS!
  6. [R9] VPN by Private Internet Access 3/5 · GB It’s ok: I have PIA and use it with no issues but the browser that comes with it just crashes every time so I use duck duck go instead. My Starlink app is not compatible with this vpn either..
  7. [R12] VPN by Private Internet Access 3/5 · GB No longer starts on iOS 15 (supported): App no longer starts in ios15.x iPad, despite being supported version. Just hangs with a spinning circle on startup screen and doesn’t load login buttons etc Shame. We had a good run.
  8. [R19] VPN by Private Internet Access 2/5 · GB Bugs go unfixed: There’s along standing bug where the Mac can no longer connect to internet when the VPN is deactivated. This happens even when the kill switch is turned off.
  9. [R13] VPN by Private Internet Access 1/5 · US Doesn’t work: Kill switch is a scam doesn’t work and never has. The service was so bad today the VPN didn’t work and the kill switch made it impossible to get my phone working despite that it never works yet leaks data. I missed a call I waited months for. The app won’t let me enter a support ticket. They have no feature for that. It’s not worth the $6 a month I paid for the service.
  10. [R24] VPN by Private Internet Access 2/5 · GB Falls over support impenetrable: Periodically mine just stops working, asks for deep access to setting with quite worrying dialogue boxes and then won’t recognise my dedicated IP token. I can’t be bothered to ask for help because the suggestions they made last time required degree level network engineering knowledge. Too techy, too flaky. Avoid.
  11. [R26] VPN by Private Internet Access 2/5 · GB Fails to connect every time, second try works: The service is OK, but the apps on iOS and macOS are pretty bad. As well as failing to connect first time, you can't search or filter the country list by typing, and your favourites don't appear at the top or on their own list so that feature is essentially useless. It's such a bad user experience on many levels. Definitely not fully native app, nowhe
  12. [R52] NordVPN 5/5 · US Unlike Vpn super, works well and free: I am totally in Chicago, not on vacation. Totally.
  13. [R60] NordVPN 5/5 · US Say No to Proton: NordVPN is way better than Proton. Say no to fascism!
  14. [R64] NordVPN 5/5 · US I’m no IT guy….: I’m not sure if I can explain this but bc it was so simple to set this VPN up, and like everyone I did so bc I had concerns about my exposure online, I feel safer. I prefer to err on the side of caution and for short money, along with the value based on their reputation, I feel as though I am getting my desired protection on multiple devices.
  15. [R66] X-VPN 5/5 · US Beautiful job: I was having a hard time to find a good VPN app. This one is the best
  16. [R69] X-VPN 5/5 · US It’s the best: I like it
  17. [R75] X-VPN 5/5 · US My review: This is a very good VPN and I hope it works for everyone
  18. [R77] X-VPN 5/5 · US Good vpn: Good vpn
  19. [R80] VPN Proxy Master 5/5 · US This is a pretty good thing: I’m not sure what I would do without it but this is making my phone update more then it usually can
  20. [R86] VPN Proxy Master 5/5 · US The best: Very fast and useful
  21. [R90] VPN Proxy Master 5/5 · US BEST VPN OF MY LIFE: You can use it for free and connect INSTANTLY!!! I'm satisfied!👍 · translated
  22. [R79] VPN Proxy Master 1/5 · US MALÍSIMA, EN UN MES ME COBRAN 4 VECES LA SUSCRIPCIÓN MENSUAL: Muy molesto y me siento estafado
  23. [R94] Betternet 5/5 · US Exactly what I was looking for!: Very easy to navigate and reasonably priced worked very well for what I needed!!
  24. [R97] Betternet 5/5 · US Love it: Great and cute app with many countries to choose from!
  25. [R99] Betternet 5/5 · US Recommend !: Really good especially for free!
  26. [R101] Betternet 5/5 · US My opinion: I think it is really good and it deserves more but am happy with the ads they should do a good job just making it maybe if they add a bonus deal and for a year you will get a month of vpn that would nice but still it is really good till this day
  27. [R51] NordVPN 1/5 · US Did not work in the Philippines.: I pay for Paramount+. I tried to use NordVPN to watch the UFC on Paramount. Did not work in the Philippines.
  28. [R53] NordVPN 1/5 · US Slows down my WiFi connection: Nord VPN slows down my WiFi so bad at times I can’t even use it. I’ve had to disconnect it many times so I could use WiFi on my phone. I’ve switched to different locations, but it doesn’t really make much of a difference! My speeds go from almost 200 down to 15-20! Really considering just removing it from my tv and everything else, because it may be helpful at pr
  29. [R61] NordVPN 1/5 · US Cannot connect in China, no prompt when topping up: Don't buy it · translated
  30. [R63] NordVPN 2/5 · US Doesn’t work with AppleTV: Doesn’t work with AppleTV, AppleTV detects it and doesn’t allow to play live programming. Might good as VPN.
  31. [R96] Betternet 1/5 · US ads: so many ads on the free version. i try to connect? ad. try to disconnect? ad. open the app? ad. do NOTHING? ad. KILL THE ADS ALREADY LEAVE FREE USERS ALONE
  32. [R67] X-VPN 3/5 · US Dishonest: The makers of this app advertise this as being a free VPN… It is not!!! It is simply a free trial and then 11.99 a month. Not good business. Just be honest!
  33. [R68] X-VPN 1/5 · US Don’t recommend at all: Not reliable, constantly cutting connection!!!!
  34. [R70] X-VPN 1/5 · US Nothing is working.: When I connect the vpn, it doesn't even fully connect, that is, I click connect and it doesn't work. I tried TPC and TPC-2, the worst vpn doesn't work.
  35. [R76] X-VPN 1/5 · US Terrible: Nothing loads, it just doesn't turn on · translated
  36. [R81] VPN Proxy Master 1/5 · US It doesn’t work in china 😡😡😡: I hate it doesn’t work in china.Keep sending me policy,I don’t like it,just give me my vpn!

Synthesized from 106 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store