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Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

VPN by Private Internet Access vs VPN Proxy Master

VPN by Private Internet Access 4.7★ · Free + IAP 75
Winner VPN by Private Internet Access
VPN Proxy Master 4.6★ · Free + IAP 40

VPN by Private Internet Access (PIA) is the better choice for users seeking a more reliable and consistent VPN experience, despite some recent issues, while VPN Proxy Master struggles with connectivity and aggressive ads, especially for free users.

Full reviews: VPN by Private Internet Access · VPN Proxy Master

VPN by Private Internet Access (PIA) generally offers a more stable and user-friendly experience, with many long-term users returning to it for its reliability, though recent reviews highlight connection issues and app glitches. VPN Proxy Master, while praised by some for its speed and free access, is plagued by frequent connection failures, intrusive ads, and reports of billing problems, making it a less dependable option.

Head to head

Reliability and Connection Stability edge: VPN by Private Internet AccessR1R4R5R7
VPN by Private Internet Access Many users praise PIA for being reliable and consistent, with some using it for years across multiple devices R5R41. However, a significant number of recent reviews report issues with dropped connections, difficulty connecting, and the app not working on specific devices like iPads or after iOS updates R1R4R7R10.
VPN Proxy Master VPN Proxy Master faces widespread complaints about connection failures, with users stating it often doesn't connect, stops working after a short period, or blocks internet access when connected R61. Some users also report it doesn't work in specific regions like Russia or China R61R76R110R114.
Ease of Use edge: VPN by Private Internet AccessR3R11R15R19
VPN by Private Internet Access PIA is generally considered easy to use, with a straightforward interface R3R11. However, some users find certain features, like the country list, not intuitive . There are also reports of the app hanging on startup or requiring reinstallation due to bugs R15R19.
VPN Proxy Master VPN Proxy Master is described as easy to use by some satisfied users . However, many users report issues that hinder usability, such as unskippable ads that prevent app interaction and the need to pay for location features R78R93R100.
Features and Performance edge: VPN by Private Internet AccessR12R13R27R39
VPN by Private Internet Access PIA offers strong protection and allows users to change their location effectively R27R39. Some users appreciate its speed . However, there are complaints about the kill switch not working, the bundled browser crashing, and compatibility issues with other apps like Starlink R12R13. Some users also note that it can block websites .
VPN Proxy Master VPN Proxy Master is praised by some for being very fast and useful . It is noted for working in some restricted regions like Iran . However, many users report that the app itself blocks internet access when connected, defeating its purpose . The free version is heavily criticized for being unusable due to excessive and unskippable ads R78R91R93R100.
Price and Value edge: VPN by Private Internet AccessR3R13R16R41
VPN by Private Internet Access Many users consider PIA a good value, especially for a premium subscription, citing affordable and unbelievable prices R3R13. Some long-term users continue to pay for it R16R41.
VPN Proxy Master VPN Proxy Master is criticized for its pricing model. Some users feel it's only good if you pay for it, while others are frustrated by the need to pay for features previously free . There are multiple reports of users being charged multiple times or paying for a premium subscription only for the service to stop working or remain inaccessible, leading to feelings of being scammed .
Customer Support edge: VPN by Private Internet AccessR7R10R13R31
VPN by Private Internet Access PIA's support receives mixed reviews. Some users report needing to go back and forth with support for days to resolve issues R10. Others find the suggestions too technical or report difficulty even submitting a support ticket through the app R13R31. There are also complaints about no refunds for time and money lost R7R10.
VPN Proxy Master VPN Proxy Master's customer service is described as unhelpful, especially when the VPN stops working after payment, and they reportedly refuse refunds even when the service is non-functional R110.
Pick VPN by Private Internet Access if

You prioritize consistent performance and reliability, are willing to pay for a premium service, and need a VPN that works across multiple devices, even if recent reviews suggest occasional glitches R5R41.

Pick VPN Proxy Master if

You are looking for a free VPN and are willing to tolerate frequent connection issues and intrusive, unskippable ads, or if you are in a region where other VPNs don't work and VPN Proxy Master has a proven track record .

Evidence note: Reviews for VPN Proxy Master are heavily skewed negative, with many complaints about non-functionality, ads, and billing issues, even from users who paid for the service. The positive reviews are often very brief and lack specific details.

Frequently asked

Does VPN Proxy Master work in Russia or China?
According to user reviews, VPN Proxy Master generally does not work in Russia or China due to local restrictions, with users reporting it stopped working or never connected in these regions R61R76R110R114.
Are there issues with refunds for VPN by Private Internet Access?
Some users of VPN by Private Internet Access have reported difficulty obtaining refunds for non-working apps or for time and money lost due to service issues R7R10.
Is VPN Proxy Master's free version usable?
Many users find VPN Proxy Master's free version unusable due to an overwhelming number of intrusive and often unskippable ads that prevent interaction with the app R78R91R93R100.

What reviewers actually said

Built only from these 120 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. [R5] VPN by Private Internet Access 5/5 · US Always returning: I have always returned to PIA. I’ll try others but keep returning because I think it’s quite simply the best.
  4. [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!
  5. [R3] VPN by Private Internet Access 3/5 · US Very good vpn: I love the freedom that comes with using this vpn. easy to use interface and worth the premium subscription
  6. [R11] VPN by Private Internet Access 4/5 · US Top VPN: Generally most reliable and easy to use
  7. [R15] 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 1/5 · US Randomly logged out and stopped working: Stopped working just stuck loading
  9. [R12] 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..
  10. [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.
  11. [R27] VPN by Private Internet Access 3/5 · GB Not straight forward: Great protection but not really sure how to make it work in certain countries as it won’t let you use the web at all unless you switch it off which then defeats the object of protection. Great in the uk and Europe
  12. [R39] VPN by Private Internet Access 5/5 · US Very good and strong: I like the way it’s so strong and change my location so good it’s the best I ever use
  13. [R16] VPN by Private Internet Access 1/5 · US Getting pretty fed up with this app: I’ve had the service for over a decade at this point, and it looks like I’ll probably be canceling it because it’s become so shoddy. Doesn’t matter if I’m on my desktop or using my phone, it’s been a constant struggle to get connected and stay connected no matter what settings I use. Today was the last straw. I don’t know what happened, but I lost internet acc
  14. [R41] VPN by Private Internet Access 5/5 · US Plus one for PIA: (Update 07/09/26) Still going great! (Original) I have been using the app for several years (~2018) on Windows, Linux, Android, and now Apple. It started really good, and has only improved from there. Keep up the great service!
  15. [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
  16. [R31] 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.
  17. [R61] VPN Proxy Master 1/5 · US Doesn’t work in Russia: Unfortunately, due to restrictions imposed by Roskomnadzor, it does not work in Russia. I would like to get a refund.
  18. [R76] 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!
  19. [R110] VPN Proxy Master 1/5 · US Scammed into Prime, doesn't work in Russia, no refunds: fraud. I paid for 15 months, it didn't work for a single day. Support only sells, knowing it won't work in Russia. I did everything support told me to, paid the maximum. Result: It doesn't work. They refused to refund my money. · translated
  20. [R114] VPN Proxy Master 1/5 · US Doesn't work in Russia. 🫠 · translated
  21. [R78] VPN Proxy Master 3/5 · GB Killer Advert: The VPN is great. However these past few weeks i’ve been unable to use it due to an unskippable advert
  22. [R91] VPN Proxy Master 1/5 · US Disappointed: I have been using this app for a few years, but now it does not work properly and is not a VPN app but a never ending adds. The subscription costs too much to deal with this nonsense.
  23. [R93] VPN Proxy Master 3/5 · GB Ad makes it unusable: I’ve been using this app for well over two years, and it’s been very reliable and perfect for all of my devices. However, recently there has been this ad that pops up for candy crush that has an “X” close button that is impossible to press. No matter how many times I open the app I always get the same ad, and because I can’t close it I can never use the VPN anymore. Not s
  24. [R100] VPN Proxy Master 1/5 · US Used to work fine: Now it just shoves ads in your face the moment you get in and then tells you it’s not available in your country. brill

Synthesized from 120 recent App Store reviews · updated July 2026 · View on the App Store