Ariel Hochstadt
Ex-Google, International tech speaker
Buffered VPN and Private Tunnel have a number of commonalities which set them apart from Private Internet Access (PIA). Neither has a built-in kill switch and they share a similar number of servers and server countries. PIA does include a kill switch and brings a significantly higher number of servers, stretching well into the thousands, rather than just a few hundred. All three are easy to install and use, however it’s worth noting that Buffered VPN does not have a native mobile app.
Additionally, whilst it can still be used on a range of devices, it can be tricky to setup for the less tech-savvy. PIA is very competitively priced and generally comes in cheaper than both Buffered VPN and Private Tunnel, however the latter allows you to buy certain quantities of data which can be used at any time, rather than a fixed monthly, bi-annual, or annual plan.
Features
8.6
Pricing
6.0
Ease of Use
8.8
Reliability & Support
8.4
Features
9.7
Pricing
8.0
Ease of Use
9.6
Reliability & Support
9.8
Features
8.2
Pricing
6.0
Ease of Use
8.8
Reliability & Support
8.6
Rating
Features
8.6
9.7
8.2
Pricing
6.0
8.0
6.0
Ease of Use
8.8
9.6
8.8
Reliability & Support
8.4
9.8
8.6
Reviews
Review by our expert
Katie Kasunic
Technology Researcher
8.2
Update: Buffered VPN merged with Encrypt.me. We have thoroughly tested Encrypt.me, and you can find everything you need to know in our review.
Buffered VPN has a lot to offer due to its user-friendly interface, fast connection speeds, and reliable security. One thing it can't do is unblock Netflix, you'll need a premium vendor like NordVPN for that.
In addition to dedicated apps available for a...
I considered a number of VPN's before going with Buffered which I find excellent.No issues in any aspect, On the rare occasions that I required assistance (in the initial set up stage), the Help Desk was outstanding. Would highly recommend Buffered to anyone considering using a VPN
Latest negative user review
Trev
2.0
They are no moreAfter being a customer for more than 2 years and paying a premium price for a good service. THEY DON'T EXIST ANYMORE.. No warning, just logged in one day and my app doesn't work and they have changed their website name. STAY AWAY, sounds dodgy.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of the most popular VPNs on the market. True to its name, this provider is best known for its strict no-logs policy and commitment to user privacy.
Is PIA truly as trustworthy as they claim when it comes to protecting user privacy and anonymity? How does it perform in other categories like streaming, torrenting, and safety?
We tested PIA ourselves to fin...
I have been using PIA for years and have been very happy with the service so far.I've been using PIA VPN for many years and have been very happy with it. Just took advantage of the holiday 3 year special to save even more money off the yearly plan I was on previously. I signed up years ago thinking I would only keep it for a short time but ended up using it ever since. I travel and live abroad so it comes in handy sometimes since my ISP here in Asia throttles lots of things.
Latest negative user review
Emiel Israel
2.0
Ignoring and not existing serviceHave the same not working on my win 7 they simply don't reply like I do not exist! Unfortunately, I paid already, I requested a refund but is the same as talking to deaf ears. Shame on them.
Only 1 star and tell my Facebook friends to stay away from PIA.
Alex (Shurf) Frenkel
Ex-Hacker and Technical Researcher
8.0
Private Tunnel helps secure and protect your personal data and information while you surf the web anonymously. We were disappointed to find that it can't unblock Netflix. If you're looking for a VPN for streaming, NordVPN is a safer bet. It has a super-fast global server network and it can unblock 140+ streaming services.
With Private Tunnel, you can connect no matter where you are, and you can...
Do they keep logs?They seem unclear on that one no peer to peer for my needs makes it less worrisome.The low amount of servers is a minus,and for a time it had a Turkish name as where the location was last year. Speed is decent,do they keep logs?If you want net freedom no VPN should. Useless with BBC too.
Latest negative user review
Billy
2.0
Bandwidth package lost, customer service won't help.I had a nice fixed bandwidth package that would have lasted me for years.
Because I accidentally signed up for a trial account, my bandwidth package was removed from my account (they admitted that this is a bug in their website)
They refuse to reinstate my bandwidth package, saying that it is impossible (with all their expertise, I find that hard to believe).
The fact is that they don't want to, they would rather I sign up for a high monthly fee.
Update: Buffered VPN merged with Encrypt.me. We have thoroughly tested Encrypt.me, and you can find everything you need to know in our review.
Buffered VPN has a lot to offer due to its user-friendly interface, fast connection speeds, and reliable security. One thing it can't do is unblock Netflix, you'll need a premium vendor like NordVPN for that.
In addition to dedicated apps available for a...
Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of the most popular VPNs on the market. True to its name, this provider is best known for its strict no-logs policy and commitment to user privacy.
Is PIA truly as trustworthy as they claim when it comes to protecting user privacy and anonymity? How does it perform in other categories like streaming, torrenting, and safety?
We tested PIA ourselves to fin...
Private Tunnel helps secure and protect your personal data and information while you surf the web anonymously. We were disappointed to find that it can't unblock Netflix. If you're looking for a VPN for streaming, NordVPN is a safer bet. It has a super-fast global server network and it can unblock 140+ streaming services.
With Private Tunnel, you can connect no matter where you are, and you can...
I considered a number of VPN's before going with Buffered which I find excellent.No issues in any aspect, On the rare occasions that I required assistance (in the initial set up stage), the Help Desk was outstanding. Would highly recommend Buffered to anyone considering using a VPN
Mark
10.0
I have been using PIA for years and have been very happy with the service so far.I've been using PIA VPN for many years and have been very happy with it. Just took advantage of the holiday 3 year special to save even more money off the yearly plan I was on previously. I signed up years ago thinking I would only keep it for a short time but ended up using it ever since. I travel and live abroad so it comes in handy sometimes since my ISP here in Asia throttles lots of things.
Anonymously
8.0
Do they keep logs?They seem unclear on that one no peer to peer for my needs makes it less worrisome.The low amount of servers is a minus,and for a time it had a Turkish name as where the location was last year. Speed is decent,do they keep logs?If you want net freedom no VPN should. Useless with BBC too.
Latest negative user review
Trev
2.0
They are no moreAfter being a customer for more than 2 years and paying a premium price for a good service. THEY DON'T EXIST ANYMORE.. No warning, just logged in one day and my app doesn't work and they have changed their website name. STAY AWAY, sounds dodgy.
Emiel Israel
2.0
Ignoring and not existing serviceHave the same not working on my win 7 they simply don't reply like I do not exist! Unfortunately, I paid already, I requested a refund but is the same as talking to deaf ears. Shame on them.
Only 1 star and tell my Facebook friends to stay away from PIA.
Billy
2.0
Bandwidth package lost, customer service won't help.I had a nice fixed bandwidth package that would have lasted me for years.
Because I accidentally signed up for a trial account, my bandwidth package was removed from my account (they admitted that this is a bug in their website)
They refuse to reinstate my bandwidth package, saying that it is impossible (with all their expertise, I find that hard to believe).
The fact is that they don't want to, they would rather I sign up for a high monthly fee.
Taking into account the features offered by all three providers, PIA undoubtedly offers better value for money, providing users with significantly better encryption (256-bit rather than 128-bit), more servers, a kill switch and an easy-to-use mobile app. Customers report lightning-fast connection speeds and, the fact that each license allows usage through five devices simultaneously is a big plus. They guarantee to never keep VPN logs and their software is available on Windows, Mac, Android and iOS.
Honesty and transparency – our two core values – make the internet a friendly place. Our reviews are written by users themselves, and are not influenced by VPN companies. When you purchase a VPN, we sometimes earn affiliate commissions that support our work. Here is an explanation of exactly what we do and how to support our work.
