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Private Internet Access (PIA) is a fifteen-year veteran of the VPN industry, and has carved out a niche as a privacy-focused VPN with tons of customization. Tech vets and power users will appreciate this, certainly, but PIA also nails the basics, making it a solid pick for beginners.

Admittedly, PIA isn't as feature-rich as its closest competitors, and can't keep up with the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark when it comes to releasing new, innovative tools. It's still one of the cheaper VPNs on the market, though, with a 3-year plan coming in at just $2.03 per month.

Keep reading, and I'll dig into PIA's spread of features, speed testing results, and unblocking power. How does it stack up against today's top contenders? Let's find out.

Features

Comparing PIA against its closest competitors, like NordVPN, you might think that it falls short when it comes to features. However, we think that it's a matter of quality over quantity - especially when you consider how many of PIA's tools can be tweaked on a granular level.

Its split-tunnel feature lets you differentiate between apps, IPs, and whether VMs are covered by the tunnel, alongside separate options for forcing DNS requests through PIA’s in-house encrypted DNS servers even if you’re not using the VPN tunnel.

PIA gives you access to some automation rules that you can use to force the VPN to activate (or deactivate) when you’re connecting to certain networks, making it just that little bit easier to work PIA into your daily routine.

Plus, it also uses its own encrypted DNS servers, which keep your browser requests hidden from your ISP. This also allows it to offer Mace, which is a built-in ad, tracker, and malware blocker. By blocking requests to known malicious URLs using their DNS server, Mace keeps unwanted content from being sent to your machine. It’s a good idea, but our testing suggests it shouldn’t be your only defense against ads.

There are some pretty strong obfuscation settings on offer from PIA too, giving you the choice between Shadowsocks and a SOCKS 5 proxy. Both will wrap your VPN connection inside a separate TLS tunnel, making it appear to anyone monitoring your data as though you’re just sending normal encrypted browsing traffic.

While Shadowsocks is a little outdated compared to the obfuscation ExpressVPN offers, it’s still one of the best solutions if you’re being blocked from creating VPN connections by a network administrator.

Shadowsocks is also the foundation for PIA's attempt at multihop. Since its multihop solution is more a part of its obfuscation capabilities than an individual feature, PIA's solution isn't entirely simple. What's more, it's only compatible with OpenVPN, and you won't be warned that multihop will stop should you switch back to WireGuard.

Features score: 8/10

Server network

PIA's servers are spread across 91 countries and 152 locations, including coverage in all 50 US states. Some of the American servers are virtually hosted, however, but PIA is still one of only a handful of VPNs with this kind of presence in the US. Only NordVPN even comes close in terms of North American locations, but with only 17 locations to choose from in the US, it still doesn’t hold a candle to PIA.

Unfortunately, the server network is less impressive on an international scale. PIA lacks coverage across Asia, in particular, lagging behind our other top-rated VPNs. The same can be said for Africa, the Middle East, and Oceania, but this is a rather grim constant across the industry.

Pivoting back to PIA's virtual servers, I was pleasantly surprised to see that PIA doesn't try to hide them away or pretend they don't exist. On the PIA site, they're called "geolocated servers", and you can see at a glance where they're really located.

This honesty is refreshing, but it does highlight just how many virtual locations PIA offers - more than 80, which is more than half of PIA's total location count.

If you're looking for a rock-solid choice for America, with plenty of Stateside coverage, PIA is a stellar choice. If you have your eye on more far-flung corners of the globe, however, the provider just doesn't have the same reach as the likes of NordVPN.

Server network score: 7/10

Apps

PIA has apps for virtually every platform, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. They're well-designed and simple, and we found that feature parity is consistent between them. This is a nice change from the norm – a lot of VPNs leave their Mac and Linux users underfed, after all.

The desktop experience is straightforward. Check under the hood, however, and you'll find a roster of handy tools. The quick-connect bar lists different locations, split between your favorite servers and the last server you connected to. It's a handy timesaver if you find yourself frequently swapping between a handful of locations.

(Image credit: Future)

There are two different ways to set up the client dashboard. The first is a basic interface that just gives you the connect button, the location selector, and a reminder of what your home IP and VPN IP are. It’s everything the average user needs to see at a glance, but if you’re interested in all of the techy stuff you can hit the dropdown button and you’ll be presented with a wealth of information, including in-depth details on your connection performance, session statistics, and all the choices you’ve made about how your VPN protocol is set up. It’s all very efficient in how it’s presented, wasting minimal space in the app window.

There’s also a VPN snooze timer that lets you turn the connection off for a few minutes. It’s rare that I’m turning off my VPN regularly enough to remember that there’s a feature to turn it off for a few minutes at a time, but it works and it’s convenient.

While the Android app used to look fairly outdated compared to the rest of the PIA line, a recent update brings the Android app in line with its desktop counterparts as well as the iOS version. The update hasn’t just given it a slick new UI, as you’ve also got access to a new dark mode and some advanced configuration options that let you get the most out of the multi-hop, DNS, and automation features you’ll be familiar with from the desktop version.

Apps score: 9/10

Ease of use

PIA is a great choice for VPN newbies and anyone else who wants a sleek experience. However, we do think it's possible to get lost in the weeds if you toggle over to the "detailed" view of the app. This customizability is one of PIA's biggest selling points, though, and power users will relish the chance to tweak the provider down to the last detail.

The simplified app lets users hit the big "Connect" button and, after a moment, enjoy rock-solid VPN protection. This minimalist approach to a VPN gives PIA serious crowd-appeal, and we like that the options in the settings menu are all explained with a handy tooltip, too. Despite its reputation, PIA doesn't require you to have a degree in cybersecurity to make the most of its functionality.

Ease of use score: 8/10

Speed and performanceHow we perform speed tests

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

We have two virtual computers: one in the UK, and one in the US. We test the service's speeds across OpenVPN and WireGuard multiple times per day over multiple speed test sites, giving us an idea of the average speeds. If you have any questions, you can find out more about our VPN testing methodology.

Testing VPN speeds is a key part of our review process, and we use a freshly upgraded 10 GB line and a local UK-based server in our process.

Private Internet Access isn't a certified speed demon. When we connected to a nearby Dublin server and put its WireGuard protocol to the test, we saw speeds of 419 Mbps. It marks an unfortunate drop from our latest test, which recorded over 600 Mbps. What's more, the very fastest VPNs, such as PrivadoVPN and Mullvad, are now achieving in excess of 2000 Mbps.

Still, we've never experienced any major slowdown or sluggishness when using PIA in our day-to-day browsing. These average speeds are also more than quick enough to keep up with traditionally bandwidth-intensive activities, like HD streaming, online gaming, and torrenting.

Switching to OpenVPN, we recorded results of 129 Mbps. OpenVPN speeds tend to be slower than their WireGuard-based equivalents because it's just not as well optimized for speed. That said, this marks yet another drop from our prior testing, this time down from 244 Mbps. This is far slower than most other VPNs, with the fastest OpenVPN speeds we recorded this time being over 1000 MBps.

Speed and performance score: 6/10

Unblocking

One of the biggest, most thorough tests we put today's top VPNs through determines how well they can access popular streaming platforms from around the world. After all, these services regularly geo-restrict their content libraries and often detect VPN usage, requiring you to switch off your VPN to enjoy your favorite shows or sports.

They do this by blocking IP addresses known to belong to VPNs, which means that only VPNs that invest in their IP pools and frequently refresh them can reliably access streaming content.

Unfortunately, PIA's streaming unblocking capabilities have fallen off hugely in recent months. Our latest tests showed it failed to unblock YouTube in every region aside from the UK, and Prime Video everywhere aside from the UK and Australia. Disney+ also failed to unblock when we tested it in Canada. If you're a keen Netflix watcher, there is some good news, as PIA unblocked all Netflix regions without issue.

PIA is thankfully a capable torrenting VPN. Its speeds aren't chart-topping, but it does offer port forwarding – whereas plenty of its competitors don't.

Port forwarding allows you to accept incoming connections to your VPN’s IP address, so you can communicate with more peers in a P2P network.

Unblocking score: 6/10

Privacy and security

Private Internet Access has built a sturdy reputation as one of the most security-focused services on the market – and it delivers, for the most part.

Browsing traffic is protected by industry-standard AES-256 encryption and today's two most popular VPN protocols: OpenVPN and WireGuard. Both are widely accepted as secure, reliable technology, though you'll want to stick with OpenVPN if airtight privacy is your main goal, whereas WireGuard is more suitable for day-to-day browsing, or times when you want to balance security with speed.

Admittedly, PIA lacks the extra features offered by the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark, but it does boast all of the core tools a VPN needs.

There’s a kill switch on all its apps, which automatically blocks internet traffic if the VPN connection drops, ensuring that your data remains secure at all times. There are no DNS leaks here either. PIA’s own encrypted DNS servers route all of your domain requests, which prevents your DNS queries from being exposed to your ISP or a third party on the network.

PIA is committed to a strict no-logs policy. This has been independently verified by Deloitte with three separate audits.

The most recent of which was conducted in early 2026. According to the audit, PIA’s systems log zero user activity, meaning there is no way to trace online actions back to specific individuals. However, the full audit report is only available to PIA customers. While it’s good to see that PIA has undergone independent verification, making these reports publicly accessible, as ExpressVPN does, would bolster trust even further.

Despite providing very strong protection, our testing picked up some areas where PIA could improve. We tried running Mace through a gauntlet of phishing URLs to see which ones it’d block. So, with 100 brand new malicious URLs from anti-phishing experts OpenPhish, PIA managed to block… two of them. We think this is because Mace is pulling from a blocklist of known suspicious links, and most of the URLs we’re testing are fresh threat intelligence. Still, it’s notably weak, far below what we’d expect from a top-tier VPN.

Privacy and security score: 8/10

User reviews

PIA's user sentiment is a strange one. The best indicator of this is its subreddit, which has around 14,000 weekly visitors and 135 weekly contributions. Currently, the majority of these contributions surround reduced functionality, lack of development, and general unfixed problems.

PIA's lack of development, while unconfirmed, is something we're monitoring. That said, this hasn't impacted several of its other ratings.

Its Trustpilot score remains around 4.3/5, and its Google Play Store and Apple App Store ratings remain at 4.5 and 4.7 respectively. The only rating that seems to have noticed the lack of development is Chrome, where it rates only 3.2.

Development or otherwise, PIA is a known, trusted VPN, so I find it unlikely these ratings will drop any time soon.

Track record

Private Internet Access has a strong track record of maintaining user privacy and delivering reliable service over the years. The only black mark against it is the acquisition by Kape Technologies in 2019, which caused some serious concern.

Before its pivot to providing VPN brands, Kape’s primary output was browser add-ons, which injected adverts and monetized the browsing data. Although consumer trust in PIA plummeted after this revelation, it's done a lot of work to win back that trust with regular no-logs audits that demonstrate it's not following in Kape’s footsteps.

In fact, PIA has dealt with several court cases where it was legally obliged to turn over user information. It responded by asserting it had nothing to turn over, which is pretty impressive.

PIA has also demonstrated a commitment to transparency by regularly releasing Transparency Reports, which detail the number of legal requests the company receives and how it handles them.

The most recent of these reports came alongside its most recent no-logs audit in 2026. The report showed 30 requests from authorities were received in the final 3 months of 2025, but, as expected, no information was provided by PIA.

Track record score: 7/10

Customer support

PIA's customer support has room for improvement. As you might expect, there's a 24/7 live chat channel and email ticketing system, but we found responses could be sluggish across both of these avenues. Naturally, that's not ideal if you have a more pressing problem.

What's more, attempting to raise a ticket wasn't easy. The link to submit a ticket from the contact us page sent us to a Linux Manual Connections page instead. Switching to the support centre saw us manage to reach a ticket submission form, though it strangely required us to go through email verification steps first. All in all, not a simple process should you be in dire need.

On the other hand, if you prefer doing your own troubleshooting, you'll be glad to learn that PIA has its very own customer forum and knowledge base. The forums are active and packed with experienced users who are (typically) happy to help squash any issues, and the knowledge base is well organized and easy to navigate.

The one quibble we have with the knowledge base, however, is that a lot of the support articles are outdated. The basic information remains solid, but we'd like to see these pages receive an update that adds extra depth and detail.

Customer support score: 6/10

Pricing and plans

Private Internet Access is one of the most budget-friendly VPNs on the market today. In terms of pure value for money, however, it lags behind NordVPN and Surfshark by a heel.

The monthly plan starts at $11.95, which is just a little bit over what you’d expect to pay for a top-tier VPN. Once you start getting into the long-term plans, however, the price drops through the floor. The annual plan only costs $3.33 a month, which is already cheaper than most plans offered by other top VPNs. It gets even better though, as the three-year plan costs as little as $2.03 per month, which also includes three additional months free.

The service includes all core features in its base price, without any hidden costs or paywalled features. The only extra you’d be expected to pay for is the dedicated IP option, which costs another $5 a month. This is understandable, as providing dedicated IPs is inherently expensive for a VPN provider because of the worldwide shortage of IPv4 addresses. Surfshark’s dedicated IPs are a little less costly at $3.75 a month, but if you opt in for a two-year plan PIA’s dedicated IPs drop down to $2.50 making it one of the cheapest around.

PIA also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you ample time to test the service risk-free.

Pricing and plans score: 9/10

Should you use PIA?

PIA is an excellent VPN for the cost. It might not be as fast as Surfshark, offer as many features as NordVPN, or give you as many locations to connect to as ExpressVPN, but if you need a VPN that absolutely nails all of the core things you need to do and don’t want to spend too much, PIA is perfect. It’s also a VPN you can absolutely trust when it comes to privacy and security, and it’s one of the few providers out there that offers a Linux client that’s just as good as the Windows or MacOS client.

Out of everything that PIA could do better, speeds are at the top of the list. That’s not to say it’s a laggy VPN. It’s still light-years ahead of most VPNs you could pick, but it’s just outclassed by alternatives like Proton VPN or Surfshark. It’s also starting to lag behind in innovation compared to the likes of NordVPN.

Total score: 74/100

3. Private Internet Access – from $2.03 per month Packed with features and advanced tools
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a battle-tested provider with its very own built-in ad-blocker—and one that'll handle trackers and malware, too. PIA is jam-packed with customizable features that advanced users will love and unlimited simultaneous connections. So, you can cover all of your gadgets with one plan, and enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee.View Deal

PIA alternatives

Not sure if PIA is the right fit for you? Here are our top alternatives you can currently pick up, all of which you can test with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

1. NordVPN – from $3.49 per month
The best VPN overall
NordVPN sits at the top of our rankings with a virtually unbeatable spread of features and some of the quickest, most reliable speeds we've ever tested. All of its apps, across platforms, are sleek and clutter-free, and you can even add built-in ad and tracker blocking to your plan. Plus, NordVPN is one of our favorite VPNs for streaming, thanks to its ability to access platforms from all corners of the globe. Interested? See how NordVPN compares to Surfshark with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.View Deal

2. Surfshark – from $2.49 per month
The best cheap VPN (and also the fastest)
Surfshark is a budget-friendly option that doesn't pull punches when it comes to speed, security, or simplicity. It always aces our testing, especially when it comes to unblocking streaming content from all over the world, and its blistering performance means that you won't be slowed to a crawl when checking out HD movies or going about your day-to-day social media scrolling. Plus, with unlimited simultaneous connections to play with, you can protect all of the gadgets in your home with just one plan. Take Surfshark for a test drive today with a 30-day money-back guarantee.View Deal

3. ExpressVPN – from $3.49 per month
The best VPN for beginners
ExpressVPN might not rule at the top of our overall rankings anymore, but it's still our top recommendation to anyone on the hunt for a beginner VPN. Its apps are nice and easy to set up and use, regardless of your skill level, and it's jam-packed with security-boosting tools designed to keep snoopers at bay. While ExpressVPN is on the pricey side, you can sweeten the pot with a nifty 30-day money-back guarantee.View Deal

Frequently asked questionsDoes PIA log user activity?

No, Private Internet Access has a strict no-logs policy, which has been independently verified by Deloitte through multiple audits. This means that PIA does not track or store any data related to your online activities while using the VPN.

Can PIA unblock Netflix and other streaming services?

PIA is more than capable of accessing in-demand streaming platforms – Netflix included. During our testing, we found that PIA had no trouble unblocking content libraries in the US, UK, and Japan. Plus, it works like a charm with other sites, like Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.

Is PIA suitable for torrenting?

Yes, PIA is a stand-out choice for torrenting and P2P activity. All of its servers support P2P traffic and there aren't any bandwidth caps to worry about. Plus, PIA is one of only a handful of reliable services to offer port forwarding.

• KnowBe4 finds 55% of UK workers admit to using unapproved AI tools
• Only 16% believe they're effectively managing safe AI
• 27% supplement corporate AI with more suitable tools

More than half (55%) of UK employees admit to using unapproved AI tools at work, with as many as one in 10 knowingly sharing sensitive company information with these unauthorized tools, new research has warned.

The new report from KnowBe4 serves a purpose of defining shadow AI as unapproved AI, not AI use that goes under the radar, because the number of UK cybersecurity decision-makers identifying shadow AI as the biggest risk is nearly matched (58%), implying they're well aware of the challenges.

However, little seems to be being done, because only 16% believe their organization is effective at managing AI's safe use at the moment.

Shadow AI is an ongoing challenge

Nearly half (46%) have implemented targets to improve AI agent safety over the next 12 months, but with one in five (19%) already reporting that AI agents take autonomous action across multiple workflows with limited human oversight, the risks remain clear.

"UK businesses are embracing AI to drive productivity [but] many employees are still under pressure, using unapproved tools and regularly facing (and fearing) sophisticated threats such as deepfakes and phishing," Lead CISO Javvad Malik wrote.

Shadow AI doesn't necessarily mean that employees are turning their backs on enterprise-grade tools, with 27% admitting to occasionally sourcing their own tools on top of the tools they're given, indicating that companies are failing to provide the right tools that workers need.

So while governing AI's use with clearly defined policies is one area for improvement, simply providing workers with the tools they're demanding could go a long way to reducing shadow AI's impact on any organization.

Even though Prime Day is over, the big summer sales aren't going anywhere just yet. Currys is keeping its latest Epic Deals event going for just a little longer, giving you more time to save up to 40% on thousands of items. That's a whole lot of tech, so I've searched through the sale and picked out the 18 best deals I'd buy that are actually good offers.

• View the full Currys Summer Epic Deals sale

One of the biggest areas of the sale is TVs, with several displays on offer across a vast range of price points. It's been a popular time to upgrade with the World Cup going on, and if you've felt the need for a bigger and better screen, then consider this Hisense U7Q Pro 55-inch Mini-LED TV for £649 (was £699) — a great price for a TV packed with so many premium features that offers excellent picture quality.

I've gathered up more of the top deals from the Currys Epic Deals sale I recommend below, including discounts on laptops, headphones, appliances, vacuums, and more.

Currys bank holiday sale — quick links

• Appliances: up to 40% off Hotpoint & LG
• Headphones: JBL & Bose from £29.99
• Health & Beauty: up to £150 off Philips & Oral-B
• Kitchen: up to £70 off Tefal & De'Longhi
• Laptops: from £149
• Outdoors: up to 40% off spas & BBQs
• Phones: up to £205 off Honor & Samsung
• Tablets: Lenovo & Samsung from £89
• TVs: from £129
• Vacuums: up to £150 off Dyson & Shark

Currys Summer Epic Deals sale — my 18 top picks

As some of the best noise-cancelling earbuds on the market, it's great to see this £50 price drop on the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds. For the money, you get amazing active noise cancellation and beautifully balanced sound, all topped off with a gorgeous design and impressive 8.5-hour battery life. Altogether, these are some of the best mid-range earbuds available now and are back to a record-low price.View Deal

This deal brings the Hisense U7Q Mini-LED TV, which is a TV with a lot to offer, down to a record-low price. The U7Q supports Dolby Vision and HDR10 Plus formats for more vivid colours and a sharper image, while 4K 144Hz and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro are available for smooth and responsive gaming. There aren't many TVs on the market that come with these features at this kind of price point, so this is a deal worth checking out. View Deal

The Nespresso Vertuo Pop is one of the best entry-level coffee machines around, with one-touch brewing so you can easily heat up in just 30 seconds. Use it with the included pods, and it does all the hard work for you, with the option of different brew sizes depending on how much you want to drink. As well as the Vertuo Pop machine, the bundle comes with coffee pods, mugs, spoons, and a milk frother.View Deal

Display - 14 inches
Processor - Snapdragon X
RAM - 16GB
Storage - 512GB

This is a great price for a relatively modern laptop that comes with a well-performing and efficient Snapdragon X CPU. On top of that, you get 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and incredible battery life of up to 28 hours, which represents good value for money overall. I like it as a light, portable and capable all-around everyday machine.View Deal

A clear party piece or ideal addition to your World Cup viewing party if there ever was one, this PerfectDraft Beer Dispenser connects up to compatible 6-litre kegs of your favourite tipple and pours them like you were just down the pub. The convenient LCD screen shows how much is left and when the beer or cider is at the right temperature, while its compact design and dishwasher-safe components mean it's easy to store and clean.View Deal

Promising simplicity of use, the De'Longhi Magnifica S features an easy-to-use touch control panel that lets you brew two cups simultaneously with minimal effort. It also has a silent integrated grinder with 13 settings, plus a handy milk frother too, so it’s a good all-in-one solution at a very affordable price after this near-£200 discount.View Deal

The Dyson V8 is now older, but it remains one of the top affordable vacuums and also one of the best Dyson vacuums – period. This still more-than-capable vacuum comes with a couple of essential attachments for cleaning around the home. Given its age and basic features, it's a struggle to recommend it at its full price, but now that it's discounted so heavily at Currys, it's an easy recommendation.View Deal

The Samsung S90F is a last-generation display now, but it's still one of the best OLED TVs you can buy — especially in terms of value for money following this discount.. A recipient of a five-star rating in our Samsung S90F review, we praised this display's outstanding picture quality, handy gaming features, and terrific value for money. Altogether, it's a brilliant TV to buy if you've still got some cash to splash on a big and brilliant brand-new display.View Deal

This Ninja Creami ice cream maker has become all the rage as a quick and convenient way to make all of your favourite frozen treats, milkshakes and sorbets at the touch of a button. While it's been a little cheaper over Black Friday, this is still a good price for the appliance that will only be more popular now that the warmer months are on the horizon.View Deal

Samsung's lineup of Crystal UHD TVs is less feature-rich compared to the pricier OLED and QLED displays, but they are a capable and affordable option for general everyday viewing. This 55-inch model is now available at a tempting low price in the latest Currys sale if you don't need all the fancy features of a premium TV. For the money, you get a large and modern TV that supports high-quality 4K resolution and all the most popular streaming apps. Other-sized versions are also available if you want to go bigger or smaller.View Deal

The excellent XM6s may have superseded these headphones, but the Sony WH-1000XM5s remain a top option when it comes to noise-canceling cans — and are an even better buy at this new record-low price. You can check out our review of the Sony WH-1000XM5 to get all the details, but the main points we love are the fantastic ANC, superior comfort, and top-tier sound quality.View Deal

Display - 14 inches
Processor - Intel Core Ultra 5
RAM - 16GB
Storage - 512GB

This powerful HP laptop has everything you need for business and productivity needs, and is down to a solid price after a £150 discount at Currys. The spec is strong, with an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD all working together to provide excellent levels of power and performance.View Deal

I'll say upfront that you shouldn't expect a cinematic wonderland from an HD TV at this size and price (although it does support HDR, which is nice), but what I really rate here is that it's just a simple smart TV at a great price. The Freely TV interface is easy to use, intuitive, and supports all the key streaming services. So, if you want a small TV that does the job and has all the smart viewing options you could want to watch your favourite shows and movies, here it is.View Deal

Enjoy instant cinema-quality audio with this sound bar from LG, which is now a massive £700 off at Currys. With its 5.1.3 channel setup (including a wireless subwoofer and rear speakers), a whopping 580W power output, and premium Dolby Atmos support, you get a more immersive experience at a much lower price than normal.View Deal

The latest version of Sony's Bravia 8 is an incredible OLED TV that boasts some of the best picture quality to date, according to our review. The display was only released this year and this is the biggest discount yet. Sure, it's still quite the investment, but you do get a picture quality that's bright, vivid, and detailed, with strong in-built sound as well. It's perhaps not the best pick for gamers, though, given it lacks some features compared to the competition.View Deal

Sage makes some of the best coffee machines we've ever tested here at TechRadar, so I definitely want to shout out this offer on its excellent The Barista Express. We awarded it 4.5 stars in our review for its ease of use, bevvy of customisable settings and tasty results. While it's still a pricey machine, it's worth the investment if you really want to get into your coffee-making at home.View Deal

If you need a cheap and cheerful printer, this DeskJet 2910 is a great budget choice that supports wireless printing, scanning, and copying. This bundle also includes three months of HP Instant Ink, so you can save cash on your first few rounds of prints.View Deal

Here's a quality and good value big-screen TV from Hisense. The QLED displays ensure vibrant colours and excellent brightness, even in a brighter room, while 4K resolution support gives you top-tier picture quality. As far as large TVs go, this is one of the better options I've spotted in the Currys sale that balances price and features really well if you're on a tighter budget.View Deal

The Airbnb-style company Swimply said there have been about 275,000 private pool reservations so far this year.

(Image credit: Stephan Bisaha)

Colonial Americans were drinking coffee long before they dumped tea into Boston Harbor or fought a war for independence. The establishments that served it were already brewing revolutionary ideas.

(Image credit: Hulton Archive)

In a test of a new state law, doctors in Eugene went up against a national physician staffing firm seeking to replace them. Their success is getting attention across the U.S. as other states consider similar laws.

(Image credit: sorbetto/Digital Vision Vectors)

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz disrupted shipments of fertilizer and natural gas, a key component in fertilizer manufacturing. It's unlikely to cause major price hikes for U.S. grocery shoppers.

(Image credit: Allison Joyce)

Listen to the best student podcasts about what "life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness" means for young people today.

AFERIY Nomad 1800 Pro: Design

The Nomad 1800 Pro makes a positive first impression as a portable power station. It's compact, easy to carry and has a clean industrial design that looks at home in a garage, campervan or utility room.

Look a little closer, however, and some cost-saving measures become apparent.

The plastics are perfectly functional but don't quite offer the reassuring solidity you'd expect from a premium product. Nothing feels fragile, yet the overall finish lacks the refinement found on more established alternatives.

(Image credit: Future)

The weakest point is the power button. It has a soft, almost hollow action that doesn't inspire confidence, particularly as it's the one control you'll use every time you switch the unit on.

Fortunately, AFERIY makes some smart decisions elsewhere. Using a standard IEC C13 "kettle lead" for AC charging is a welcome choice, eliminating the need for proprietary charging cables. Likewise, the XT60 solar input means compatible solar panels are easy to source without hunting for obscure adapters.

(Image credit: Future)AFERIY Nomad 1800 Pro: Features

Expansion is one of the Nomad's strongest selling points.

Specifications

Capacity

1,024Wh (2,048Wh tested with expansion battery)

Battery chemistry

LiFePO₄

AC output

1,800W

Surge output

3,600W

Solar input

500W MPPT (XT60)

AC charging

IEC C13

Expansion

Up to four batteries (5,120Wh total)

USB-C

1 × 20W, 1 × 140W PD

Weight

11.6kg

The additional battery connects using an impressively substantial cable, and the connector itself is particularly well designed. A push-to-release mechanism combined with a sliding lock prevents accidental disconnection while remaining easy to remove when required.

The expansion system is also future-proofed, allowing multiple batteries to be daisy chained together for significantly increased capacity.

There are a couple of compromises, however.

The expansion battery serves only as additional storage and doesn't provide any extra output ports of its own. More noticeable is the length of the connection cable, which protrudes around 30cm from the rear of both units. Anyone planning to install the batteries beneath a workbench or inside cabinetry will need to account for the extra depth.

Port selection is generally sensible but not perfect.

(Image credit: Future)

USB-C connectivity feels limited, with just one 20W port alongside a single 140W Power Delivery output. Given the growing number of USB-C powered devices, another high-power port would have been far more useful.

The inclusion of several 12V barrel outputs is also difficult to justify. While some specialist equipment still relies on barrel connectors, most modern devices either use USB-C or their supplied AC adapters, making these ports feel like a missed opportunity for additional USB connectivity.

(Image credit: Future)AFERIY Nomad 1800 Pro: Performance

Where it matters most, the Nomad performs extremely well.

The inverter comfortably powers demanding appliances, charging is quick, and overall operation is quiet and dependable. Day-to-day use inspires confidence, with no unexpected behavior during testing.

The integrated LED light is useful enough for finding tools or navigating around a campsite after dark, but it's very much a basic utility feature rather than a dedicated work light. It does the job, but little more.

(Image credit: Future)AFERIY Nomad 1800 Pro: App

The companion app is easily the weakest part of the ownership experience.

Getting started proved frustrating, with registration and login issues complicating what should have been a straightforward setup process.

Once connected, the app is functional but lacks polish. Navigation feels clunky, some menu layouts appear unfinished and there are the occasional interface glitches that suggest the software still needs refinement.

Everything required to monitor and control the power station is present, but the overall experience feels more utilitarian than premium.

For a company still building its ecosystem, improving the software should be a clear priority.

(Image credit: Future)AFERIY Nomad 1800 Pro: Value

Value is where the Nomad 1800 Pro really shines.

Its hardware specifications compare remarkably well with considerably more expensive products, and if purchased during one of the frequent online promotions, it becomes exceptionally competitive.

While there are areas where refinement is lacking, it's difficult to argue with the amount of capability on offer for the asking price.

(Image credit: Future)AFERIY Nomad 1800 Pro: Final Verdict

The AFERIY Nomad 1800 Pro is an impressive portable power station that gets the fundamentals right. Electrical performance is excellent, the expansion system is thoughtfully engineered and practical touches such as the IEC C13 charging lead and XT60 solar input make day-to-day ownership refreshingly straightforward.

At the same time, it's clear that AFERIY is still a relatively young company. The hardware lacks some of the refinement expected at the premium end of the market, the power button feels oddly inexpensive, and the companion app is in need of further development.

(Image credit: Future)

None of these shortcomings undermine what is otherwise a capable and well-priced product. In fact, they're largely overshadowed by the Nomad's excellent value, dependable performance and flexible expansion options.

For buyers willing to accept a few rough edges in exchange for impressive capability at a competitive price, the AFERIY Nomad 1800 Pro earns an easy recommendation—and suggests AFERIY is a brand well worth watching over the coming years.

(Image credit: Future)

Should you buy the AFERIY Nomad 1800 Pro?

Buy it if...

- You want excellent performance without paying premium prices.

- Expandable battery capacity is important.

- You appreciate standard connectors like IEC C13 and XT60.

- You need reliable portable power for home, workshop or camping.

Don't buy it if...

- A polished mobile app is high on your priority list.

- You expect premium fit and finish throughout.

- You rely heavily on multiple USB-C powered devices.

- You prefer the reassurance of a long-established brand.

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Premium portable power stations usually offer a capacity upgrade path by adding battery modules similar in size to the base unit.

Specifications

Battery capacity: 2112Wh

Number of charge cycles: Over 4000 before 20% drop

Output power: 2112W

Fastest charge time: 2 hours

Additional features: Bluetooth, IP65

Operating temperature: -20°C to 60°C

Storage temperature: -10°C to 50°C

Weight: 15kg

Warranty: 5 years

Changing other features, such as the charging rate or the inverter power, is usually impossible. If you eventually need more output power, you need to buy a new unit.

The Redodo battery and its supporting system change this paradigm, allowing users to build a power station and later extend the inverter or battery charging capacity.

Redodo’s battery unit delivers 165 Ah at 12V, equivalent to 2 kWh of usable power, and uses LiFePO4 chemistry instead of lithium-ion, providing over 4,000 charge cycles before a 20% capacity drop.

Operating temperature range is -20 to 60 degrees Celsius, with an IP65 water-resistant rating. At 15kg and measuring only 33 cm x 17 cm x 22 cm, the battery is small compared to units offering similar capacity.

(Image credit: Future)Redodo 165 Ah Battery: Price and Availability

The reviewed Redodo 12V 165Ah battery retails for $499 and is usually on special for $370. The companion 40A battery charger adds an extra $260, while the battery monitor costs $100 and improves battery usage.

Without an AC power inverter, the battery can only supply 12V to small appliances such as a portable fridge. Adding a 120V 3000W inverter will cost an extra $570. The highest-capacity battery offered by Redodo is the 48V 5.12kWh model at $1700.

Redodo 165 Ah Battery: Design

The Redodo battery ships in a heavy-duty dual packaging carton box surrounded by high-density foam. The tested battery is a Group 31-class unit, measuring 33cm x 17cm x 22cm and weighing 15kg. The only included accessory is a small card that links to the mobile application.

The battery, housed in an IP65 ABS enclosure, has a single top strap that serves as a handle. The working temperature ranges from -20 to 60 degrees Celcius. Charging, on the other hand, can only happen at 0 degrees Celcius and above. The cells used are LFP EV type with a reliability that can reach 15000 charge cycles or over 10 years of usage.

The 12V 165Ah battery outputs 12.8V with an internal resistance of 40 mOhm, which results in a maximum output power of 2.1kW. The charging current can reach 165A, for a charge time of approximately one hour. To prevent heat buildup, the manufacturer recommends charging the battery at a slower rate of 33A, which increases charge time to five hours. Two M8 bolts built into the case serve as positive and negative terminals and must be tightened to the correct torque.

Several accessories are required to use the lithium battery. Redodo’s battery monitor provides voltage, current, and cell capacity information, and protects against over-discharging with an alarm. The illuminated LCD screen is suitable for reading in dark conditions. The 12V battery charger we tested is a 40A unit that is very noisy and charges slightly above the recommended rate.

(Image credit: Future)Redodo 165 Ah Battery: In Use

Redodo’s mobile app, available on both Android and iOS platforms, connects to the battery via Bluetooth using a QR code. The charge level, output voltage, current, and power are all available in real-time. The unit’s Bluetooth module can be turned off using the app, thereby saving energy. Bluetooth is automatically enabled when the battery is charging.

Installation consists of connecting wires to the battery terminals, charger, AC inverter, and monitor, with all except the latter connected in parallel. The monitor has a low-side sensor that connects in series to the negative battery terminal. The monitor supports up to 500A at its input and features a high-resolution display. Using the monitor is optional, as all critical battery information is also available in the mobile app.

The ideal setup is with solar panels and an AC inverter, which will initially bypass the battery entirely if enough solar power is available to the inverter. Any surplus energy is stored in the battery cells. Conversely, the battery provides additional power if the solar panels are insufficient to power connected appliances. A modular design is advantageous if the user eventually wants to double or triple the output power or change battery capacity.

The Redodo 12V battery uses Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP) chemistry, which offers higher thermal stability than conventional lithium-ion chemistry, reducing the risk of thermal runaway. The 165A BMS enforces over 20 protections, including overcharge, overcurrent, and short-circuit cutoffs, as well as a low-temperature charging lockout at 0°C to prevent cell damage. The IP65-rated ABS enclosure adds water and dust resistance, making it well-suited for marine and outdoor installations.

(Image credit: Future)Redodo 165 Ah Battery: Competition

We tested the LiTime 320Ah battery some time back, and its smaller 165Ah sibling is equivalent to the current Redodo unit under test. The LiTime offering comes with similar Bluetooth connectivity and specifications but costs 10% more.

(Image credit: Future)Redodo 165 Ah Battery: Final Verdict

The Redodo 12V 165Ah lithium battery fits well in a versatile modular power solution, offering exceptional capacity in a compact format.

Backed by an LFP chemistry, a solid BMS, Bluetooth monitoring, and expandability up to 33kWh, it is well-suited for RV, marine, and off-grid applications.

While a full system can be expensive due to inverter and charger accessories, the long cycle life and upgrade flexibility make it a great long-term investment.

Buy the Redodo solution if you expect to increase capacity or power later.

Don’t buy the Redodo solution if you are looking for a turnkey solution.

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