VPN by Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access has been in the VPN game since 2015 and its iOS app, now at version 3.31.0, reflects that experience. At 48 MB it installs quickly, and the 148,000-plus store ratings averaging 4.69 suggest a broadly satisfied user base. The app bundles an independently audited no-logs policy, a built-in ad and tracker blocker called MACE, and access to servers across 90-plus countries, making it a genuinely competitive option rather than just another generic tunnel app.

MACE Sets It Apart

Most VPN apps at this price point leave ad blocking to a separate tool. PIA builds MACE directly into the app, targeting ads, trackers, and malware at the DNS level. It is not a full content blocker like a dedicated browser extension, but for users who want one toggle to reduce tracking across all apps on the device, it is a meaningful convenience that rivals simply do not match in the same package.

Trust Credentials Hold Up

The no-logs policy has been independently audited, which moves it past a marketing claim into something verifiable. That matters because a VPN asking you to trust it with all your traffic is a significant ask. The 7-day free trial and 30-day money-back window also lower the commitment risk, letting users test real-world speeds on the 10-Gbps server infrastructure before paying anything.

Who Should Actually Use This

PIA suits users who want granular control, such as toggling MACE, choosing specific server regions across all 50 US states, or adjusting connection protocols, rather than a dead-simple one-button app. Casual users who find VPN settings intimidating may feel overwhelmed. Power users and privacy-focused people who have outgrown simpler apps will find the feature depth worth the learning curve.