How to Get Private Internet Access Lifetime Subscription (2024)

We’ve all seen it, “get a lifetime subscription to XYZ VPN with this great deal” and the price tag seems way too good to be true. That’s because lifetime VPNs rarely provide any real value and more often than not end up going out of business before the ‘lifetime’ term is up.

You may see sites offering a lifetime deal for Private Internet Access but trust me, you should steer clear of sites that make these types of claims. Simply put, PIA doesn’t offer a lifetime subscription and according to its site, it has no plans to in the future.

Don’t be disheartened, it’s actually a great thing that PIA doesn’t have a lifetime VPN deal. I’ll explain why, as well as how you can get a safe, long-term subscription to PIA risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process.

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What Is A Lifetime Subscription, Why Do VPNs Offer Them?

VPNs that offer a lifetime subscription take one lump sum payment, usually hundreds of dollars, in exchange for you getting to use the VPN for life. While getting a lot of money right away seems like a great business plan, it usually leads to bankruptcy and the loss of your VPN provider.

Why? Well, VPNs are expensive to maintain if you do it right and require a steady stream of revenue to be sustainable. If too many people choose the lifetime subscription option the VPN destroys any chance at any real long-term stream of revenue.

That means it will eventually need to pay out of pocket for maintenance to servers, upgrades to the service, and security patches; none of which come cheap. Instead of footing the bill for upgrades/updates, most lifetime VPNs simply go out of business or let the service fall into disrepair. That means you could end up without a VPN, out a large amount of money, put your privacy and device security at risk, or all three.

What Are The Problems With A Lifetime VPN?

The good news is most legitimate premium VPNs don't offer a lifetime subscription, including Private Internet Access. It knows that maintenance and new innovative security and privacy features aren't cheap and it would never put its users at risk. While you may be tempted by a lifetime VPN, some major issues come with signing up for one.

Defining A Lifetime

A big issue with lifetime VPNs is that the definition of 'lifetime' can change between services, as there is no set standard. Some lifetime VPNs give users a set amount of years, while others mean the lifetime of the company or user. Without an industry-standard definition of 'lifetime,' you could find out in the small print that your lifetime VPN is only good for 3-7 years. Plus, with most lifetime VPNs going out of service rather quickly, it's unlikely you'll get what you paid for.

Account Cancellation

Another problem with lifetime VPN services is the increased chance of account cancellation if the service suddenly decides to stop honoring the lifetime subscription and change over to a more sustainable business model. There isn't a guarantee that you'll get refunded any portion of the fees you paid for your subscription or be offered a designated amount of free time on the new plan. That means you're out of a VPN and the cost of the initial subscription.

Outdated Service

I touched on this a bit above but the cost to maintain services is a big reason lifetime VPNs aren't sustainable. Paying monthly, yearly, or 2-year fees may seem like a pain but ultimately it's for your benefit. Even general maintenance like upgrading VPN apps is expensive, imagine what it costs to repair, add, and update servers or onboard new and innovative security and privacy features.

Without the regular revenue from monthly/yearly subscriptions coming in, the VPN can become outdated quickly and your device could fall subject to malware, hackers, and viruses.

Compromised Privacy

Malware and phishing attacks are very real, and without regular security, privacy, and overall server updates, holes develop quickly. It’s hard enough to keep DoD attacks and hacking from happening on updated servers, those without regular maintenance are going to be easy to compromise. That means your passwords, browsing data, and real IP address are going to be easier .

What Length Private Internet Access Subscription Should I Get?

The 1 and 2-year subscriptions to Private Internet Access offer the best value, plus each plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. The unique thing about PIA is that it encourages you to use the money-back guarantee to try the service, as well as ask for a refund if you aren’t satisfied. PIA also offers a monthly subscription plan if you only need a VPN for a short time.

Okay, No Lifetime Plan - What Does PIA Offer?

Private Internet Access has three plan options: monthly, yearly, and 2-year, with the most cost-effective being the 2-year subscription, although all rates are reasonably priced given the large number of servers available. During my time in DC, I opted for the monthly plan and was not let down. Regardless of the subscription you choose, unlimited data, speed, bandwidth, and server switching are included.

Is Private Internet Access Worth the Subscription Price?

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Private Internet Access has the largest server numbers of any VPN I’ve tested at just over 29,650 servers worldwide. Its network spans an impressive 91 countries too, so you’re covered practically everywhere you travel.

PIA incorporates MACE, a combination ad, malware, and tracker blocker that prevents access to known malicious domains. By default, PIA utilizes 128-bit AES encryption, but users also have the option to switch to 256-bit AES encryption in the settings. Additionally, PIA supports various protocols, including the industry-standard OpenVPN and WireGuard, which ensures faster streaming capabilities.

PIA gives you Unlimited simultaneous device connections per license, plus it has the power to bypass tough geoblocks to help you access your Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Sling TV accounts. You can also torrent safely due to its strong security features and solid no-logs policy.

It has 24/7 live chat support if you have any questions about installing or using the service, even though the setup and interface are extremely intuitive. Private Internet Access also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can purchase a subscription risk-free.

FAQs

Which premium VPN offers the best value?

Private Internet Access offers great value for a small subscription fee on all of its plans. That said, my favorite in terms of value per subscription is ExpressVPN. Its server network spans over 105 countries and it has strong security and privacy features, as well as innovative options like its new Lightway protocol. You can even purchase a subscription risk-free, as it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

What happens if I request a refund outside the guarantee window?

Feel free to reach out to customer service to inquire whether PIA might be open to offering you a refund beyond the guarantee timeline, but try not to set your expectations too high. Any refunds requested beyond the warranty term are evaluated individually and will typically only be entertained if there is a full breakdown of the application.

Why not just use a free VPN and avoid subscription fees?

Ironically, it’s a bad idea for almost the exact reason that lifetime VPN subscriptions don’t work. Quality VPN services cost money to maintain properly. From software and hardware upgrades to adding new servers, sustainable revenue is a must. While there are a few safe free VPNs, they’re far from unlimited and ultimately exist to get you to purchase the full version of the VPN.

Opting for a secure VPN like PIA with a money-back guarantee is a more secure approach than involving a middleman. This not only enhances your online security, but also allows you to request a refund if the service doesn't meet your needs before the guarantee period ends.

The Bottom Line

Opting for a "lifetime" VPN leaves ample space for potential network disruptions, security vulnerabilities, and privacy hazards. Ensuring the smooth and secure operation of a VPN necessitates a sustainable revenue stream, which lifetime VPNs lack. It is significantly safer to select a premium VPN like PIA that consistently updates its security and privacy features, reinforced by a 30-day money-back guarantee. By doing so, you can confidently acquire the speed, security, and enhanced privacy that you have invested in.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process.