Private Internet Access (PIA) has been in the VPN market for over a decade, known for transparency, open-source apps, and a huge server network. But one of its most critical strengths lies in its security protocols — the underlying technologies that determine how your data is encrypted, transmitted, and kept private.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly what protocols PIA offers, when to use each, and how to switch between them for the best balance of speed and security.

What Are VPN Security Protocols?

A VPN protocol is the set of instructions that tells your device and the VPN server how to create an encrypted tunnel. It affects:

• Encryption strength — how hard it is for anyone to read your data.

• Speed — how quickly data can travel through the tunnel.

• Stability — how reliably you can stay connected.

• Compatibility — which devices and networks you can use it on.
  
  

Choosing the right protocol can mean the difference between a fast, smooth VPN experience and one that’s sluggish or unstable.

PIA’s Supported VPN Protocols

PIA supports a versatile lineup of protocols, making it adaptable to a variety of situations. The main ones are:

1. WireGuard®

• Speed: Extremely fast, thanks to its lean, modern codebase.

• Encryption: Uses state-of-the-art cryptography (ChaCha20 for encryption, Poly1305 for data authentication).

• Best For: Streaming, gaming, or when you want maximum speed without compromising on privacy.

• Notes: WireGuard uses fewer lines of code (around 4,000 compared to OpenVPN’s ~400,000), which means fewer potential vulnerabilities and faster audits.
  
  

2. OpenVPN (TCP and UDP)

• Speed: UDP mode is faster; TCP mode is more reliable.

• Encryption: AES-256-GCM encryption with strong handshake algorithms (RSA-4096 or ECC).

• Best For: High-security tasks like online banking, securing public Wi-Fi, or bypassing firewalls.

• Notes: OpenVPN has been around for 20+ years, heavily audited, and is widely regarded as the gold standard for VPN security.
  
  

3. IPSec/IKEv2

• Speed: Quick to reconnect after network changes — ideal for mobile devices.

• Encryption: AES-256-GCM with robust authentication.

• Best For: Switching between mobile data and Wi-Fi without drops.

• Notes: Not as customizable as OpenVPN or WireGuard, but excellent for mobile stability.
  
  

How to Change Protocols in PIA

Switching protocols in PIA is straightforward:

1. Open the PIA App on your device.

2. Go to Settings → Protocol & Encryption.

3. Choose between WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), or IPSec/IKEv2 depending on your needs.

4. Optionally, adjust Port and Remote Port for fine-tuning (helpful for bypassing certain network restrictions).

5. Reconnect to apply changes.

When to Use Each Protocol

Here’s a quick guide to match protocol choice with your activity:

• Streaming or Gaming → WireGuard for top speeds and low latency.

• Public Wi-Fi or Sensitive Transactions → OpenVPN TCP for maximum encryption reliability.

• Mobile Device on the Move → IPSec/IKEv2 for fast reconnections.

• Bypassing Strict Firewalls → OpenVPN TCP with port 443 to blend in with HTTPS traffic.
  
  

Encryption Standards in PIA

PIA doesn’t just give you protocol choice — it also lets you customize encryption strength within OpenVPN:

• AES-256-GCM — highest security, minimal speed loss.

• AES-128-GCM — still very secure, slightly faster.

• Custom Handshake Options — choose RSA-4096 or ECC curves depending on your preference for speed vs. cryptographic strength.
  
  

This level of control is rare among VPNs, and it’s why PIA appeals to more tech-savvy users.

Advanced Features That Work With Protocols

PIA’s protocols integrate with extra privacy features for stronger protection:

• Kill Switch — cuts your internet if the VPN drops, preventing leaks.

• Multi-Hop (via Shadowsocks or Proxy) — routes traffic through an extra hop for obfuscation.

• MACE — PIA’s DNS-based ad, tracker, and malware blocker.

• Port Forwarding — available on select servers for torrenting or hosting services.
  
  

Each of these can be used with WireGuard or OpenVPN for enhanced functionality.

Protocols and No-Logs Policy

PIA’s no-logs policy has been tested in court multiple times — each time, the company was unable to produce user data because it doesn’t store it. Regardless of which protocol you use, your traffic is encrypted end-to-end and your IP is masked.

Our Take

From our perspective, PIA’s approach to protocols hits the right balance between speed, flexibility, and transparency. We use WireGuard for everyday browsing and streaming because it’s incredibly fast, but we switch to OpenVPN TCP when security is the top priority.

The fact that PIA allows full encryption customization means you can tweak it for your exact needs — something most VPNs either hide or oversimplify.

Final Thoughts

If you want a VPN where you can fine-tune your protocols for specific tasks, PIA is one of the best choices on the market. Whether you’re after blazing speeds for gaming, maximum privacy on public Wi-Fi, or rock-solid stability on mobile, PIA has a protocol to match.

By understanding each option and adjusting your settings, you can get the most out of your subscription — and ensure your connection is both fast and secure.