Verithiathe honest score on any app
Updated July 2026 · real, multi-region App Store reviews
Head-to-head

VPN by Private Internet Access vs X-VPN

VPN by Private Internet Access 4.7★ · Free + IAP 75
Winner VPN by Private Internet Access
X-VPN 4.7★ · Free + IAP 65

Choose VPN by Private Internet Access for better reliability and support.

Full reviews: VPN by Private Internet Access · X-VPN

VPN by Private Internet Access offers a more reliable service with better user support compared to X-VPN. While both apps have their share of positive and negative reviews, PIA stands out for its consistent performance and customer satisfaction.

Head to head

features edge: VPN by Private Internet AccessR1R3R31R63
VPN by Private Internet Access Users appreciate the variety of features offered by PIA, although some mention bugs and the need for improvements.
X-VPN X-VPN users frequently complain about the misleading free service and frequent disconnections.
ease of use edge: VPN by Private Internet AccessR3R11R28R66
VPN by Private Internet Access Many PIA users find the interface easy to navigate, although some have reported bugs.
X-VPN X-VPN users often mention issues with ads and connection stability, impacting usability.
reliability edge: VPN by Private Internet AccessR1R4R10R64
VPN by Private Internet Access PIA users report inconsistent connections but generally find it reliable over time.
X-VPN X-VPN users frequently experience disconnections and unreliable performance.
price/value edge: VPN by Private Internet AccessR3R48R63R88
VPN by Private Internet Access PIA is seen as a good value for its features, with many users satisfied with their premium subscription.
X-VPN X-VPN is criticized for misleading pricing and frequent ads in the free version, leading to dissatisfaction.
support edge: VPN by Private Internet AccessR10R31R78R91
VPN by Private Internet Access PIA users express frustration with the support process, but some have received help.
X-VPN X-VPN users report poor support experiences and lack of responsiveness.
Pick VPN by Private Internet Access if

you want a VPN with a better reputation for reliability and customer support.

Pick X-VPN if

you are looking for a free option and are willing to tolerate ads and limited functionality.

Evidence note: The reviews for both apps show a mix of satisfaction and frustration, but PIA's users generally report a more reliable experience compared to the frequent issues noted by X-VPN users.

Frequently asked

Is VPN by Private Internet Access worth the subscription fee?
Yes, many users find that VPN by Private Internet Access provides good value for its features and reliability, with premium subscriptions around $6 per month being seen as worthwhile by many R3R48.

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. [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
  3. [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.
  4. [R63] 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!
  5. [R11] VPN by Private Internet Access 4/5 · US Top VPN: Generally most reliable and easy to use
  6. [R28] VPN by Private Internet Access 2/5 · GB Meh…: Fine when it works. But can block internet entirely. Still very buggy. Will have to delete and reinstall often. Yawn!
  7. [R66] X-VPN 3/5 · US Terrible: turns off really fast and too many adds
  8. [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
  9. [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
  10. [R64] X-VPN 1/5 · US Don’t recommend at all: Not reliable, constantly cutting connection!!!!
  11. [R48] VPN by Private Internet Access 5/5 · US PIA VPN: UNBELIEVABLE SERVICE AT AN UNBELIEVABLE PRICE!!!!! AAAA++++
  12. [R88] X-VPN 1/5 · US Your system services now days are very , this is not free service I am using I am paying for that???: Your system services now days are very , this is not free service I am using I am paying for that????
  13. [R78] X-VPN 3/5 · GB Vpn works time to time: The help center is terrible! They almost don’t bother to take care of you! When I complaint about the help desk, the person just said: you are welcome!!! Seriously, who runs the help center in this company???
  14. [R91] X-VPN 2/5 · US Poor support for none mobile devices: Very nice if you only want to use it for iOS or android only. Not recommended for macOS

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