Best VPNs for the USA and US IP Addresses (3 Work Well)

Just because we’re talking about a VPN for the USA based in this country doesn’t necessarily mean it should be avoided. However, I still think that going for the one in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction is a better move.

Best VPN for the USA 2023: Our Top 5 Favorite US VPN Services

Having a VPN by your side will increase your level of security and prevent unwanted snooping, copyright trolls, and ISP surveillance. Those who live in the US know that having a VPN is a must due to the government’s privacy-infringing practices.

Being a prime member of the Five Eyes alliance, the United States is known for monitoring its residents, collecting personal information, and not caring about user privacy, making it impossible to enjoy the anonymity you deserve.

A VPN for the USA can help you by encrypting your connection, which makes your online activities invisible to the government and hackers. Furthermore, it can help you bypass geo-restrictions and access local TV channels and the American Netflix catalog when traveling abroad.

The same benefits can be enjoyed by users outside of this country who just want to get an American IP address and do the same. If you live somewhere else, you can use our favorite VPNs for the USA in 2023 to watch Netflix US, ABC, ESPN, or any other geo-restricted platform.

But what is the best VPN in the US, you might ask? Well, we’ve got 5 choices on today’s menu, so let’s keep rolling and find out more about them.

Table of Contents

5 Best VPNs for the US: Here Are Our Top Picks!

As I divulge the list of my favorite providers for this country, I’ll just point out that I’ll be talking about premium services. After all, you need a REALLY good provider in America, and free VPNs simply don’t have enough “firepower” in terms of security and performance.

However, to make sure you get the best possible choices, I’ve selected affordable VPNs that will give you everything you need, and more. Now, let me tell you more about them – keep reading, will you?

1. ExpressVPN

My #1 VPN for the USA is ExpressVPN. I mean, it has excellent server coverage in the US, for those who live outside of the country. With 1,000+ servers in this country and 3,000+ servers in 94 countries globally, ExpressVPN’s server network is monolithic.

What also makes it great is the performance. Regardless of the server location you pick, the provider will give you the fastest speeds compared to other choices, making it great for streaming or even torrenting anonymously.

Needless to say, it works with Netflix USA and successfully unblocks US-based TV channels abroad. This is accompanied by rock-solid security, which is very much needed in this “democratic” and “freedom-laden” country.

ExpressVPN uses a proprietary Lightway protocol with a 256-bit encryption standard, coupled with an automatic kill switch, IPv6 leak protection, and RAM-based servers. In addition, users can enjoy split tunneling for total control over their traffic.

Besides, this provider is based in the British Virgin Islands, and unlike the USA, it’s far from the 5 Eyes countries. As such, this privacy-friendly jurisdiction allows ExpressVPN to maintain a no-logs policy audited by KPMG recently.

This VPN for the USA also has apps for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux, and boasts 5 simultaneous connections. On top of that, it’s very easy to use and set up, making it a newbie-friendly choice for inexperienced users.

Thus, if you want a US VPN with no particular flaws that’s secure, great for torrenting, and streaming-friendly, this is the right choice. After all, it has a sweet 49% discount and 3 free months for the annual plan, which drops the price quite a bit.

And if you factor in its 30-day money-back guarantee… well, I think it’s safe to say this is an offer you can’t refuse. After all, you can use THE absolute best provider on the market for 30 days and not lose a dollar, such wonderful times we’re living in!

Pros

• More than 1,000 servers in the US
• Works with Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, …
• Top-grade security with a no-log policy
• Audited by PriceWaterhouseCoopers
• Applications for all platforms
• Great for torrenting
• Fastest speeds

Con

• Could be more affordable

2. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has the word “ghost” for a reason. It simply makes you a “ghostie” online by hiding your IP and taking care of your privacy. Truth be told, this is one of our favorite VPNs for the USA in 2023 that has a lot to offer for a reasonable price.

It’s like Xiaomi but in the VPN world (and it’s even better). Nevertheless, it has 1,400+ servers in the US, with 10+ locations in the country (it’s one of the best VPNs with servers in Los Angeles), making it suitable for people outside of American borders. Those inside will like its focus on security and media consumption.

With 9,100+ servers in 91 countries, including dedicated P2P/streaming servers, possibilities are endless. Not only can you torrent safely but also enjoy Netflix USA, MSNBC, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and other US channels and platforms outside of the country.

And if you’re not that type and you care about security, don’t fret. CyberGhost comes with WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, both using 256-bit AES encryption. Moreover, it has a dependable kill switch and even an ad-blocker for kicking out pop-ups and ads.

CyberGhost’s relentless focus on security and privacy results in a clear no-logs policy. I mean, it’s based in Romania, which is a pretty good country for privacy, and it goes a step further, introducing transparency reports for additional trust.

Thousands of users enjoy CyberGhost’s apps on all platforms, with 7 simultaneous connections in addition. While not the most user-friendly and not the best option for China, CyberGhost is surprisingly good for its price.

For example, its 2-year plan costs no more than a Starbucks coffee a month and comes with a whopping 45-day money-back guarantee for long-term plans. If you aren’t living the American Dream and your budget is constricted, consider checking out CyberGhost.

We assure you it’s great for both American residents and those wanting to pretend to be American online!

Pros

• 10+ server locations in America
• Dedicated streaming and torrenting servers
• WireGuard support on all platforms
• Based in Romania (no-logging policy)
• Very affordable prices
• 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Not the most user-friendly
• Doesn’t work with many Netflix libraries aside from Netflix US

3. NordVPN

A great VPN for the USA must be able to satisfy both ends of the market and NordVPN knows that pretty well. For one, it has nearly 2,000 servers in the United States alone, with 5,500+ of them in 60 other countries worldwide.

This makes it one of the best US VPN providers your money can currently buy. The great thing about NordVPN is its modern-looking apps for all devices (making it one of the best VPNs for Windows PC), as well as the fact that it’s a performance machine, having among the fastest speeds next to ExpressVPN.

I’ve used NordVPN for more than a few years and I never had issues accessing Netflix US, HBO, Disney+, and other platforms abroad. Moreover, it has dedicated P2P servers, which made my torrenting experience safe and anonymous.

On the security front, NordVPN excels by offering its NordLynx protocol with features like Double VPN, Onion Over VPN servers, and Threat Protection. The latter is a rich suite of non-VPN security features like antivirus and malware protection.

To make things better, NordVPN uses bank-grade encryption and comes with RAM-based servers to maximize your security. Much like ExpressVPN, it has a security audit from PwC, proving its no-logging claims as well as the validity of its security features.

Overall, this is a jack of all trades and is useful for all purposes. Besides, its obfuscated servers are great for use in censored countries like China, which is useful for accessing US content there. However, NordVPN has a few flaws we’d like to mention.

It has occasional connectivity issues on Windows which can usually be solved by temporarily disabling a kill switch. And second, its price is really affordable but if you’re buying it in the US, expect value-added taxes that will increase the price by a few percent.

On the other hand, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee for all plans, so NordVPN balances things out nicely.

Pros

• Almost 2,000 high-speed servers in the USA
• Threat Protection bundle
• Double VPN servers for doubling encryption
• Above-average speeds
• Affordable 2-year plan

Cons

• Value-added taxes increase the price in some states
• Rare connectivity issues on Windows

4. Surfshark

Moving on, Surfshark is yet another best VPN for the USA. Its main appeal lies in cheap pricing but also unlimited simultaneous connections, which no other VPN on the list will give you. Granted, Surfshark also has a big server network, so it’s no slouch.

You get 3,200+ servers in 95 countries, with 600+ countries on US soil. What’s more, these servers are located in about 30 locations across the country, which is rather impressive. This makes Surfshark a solid choice for Americans abroad or those who don’t live there.

Of course, American residents love Surfshark as well. Its servers are P2P-friendly and they work well with Hulu, HBO Max, Netflix US, Disney+, and other popular platforms. In terms of security, Surfshark packs all you need in a cheap package.

Aside from 256-bit encryption, it comes with a kill switch, split tunneling, ad-blocker, and WireGuard support. An additional package called Surfshark One brings in antivirus, true incognito mode, and “Alerts” for informing you of potential personal info leaks.

As a secure VPN for the USA, Surfshark is also a no-log provider. Based in the Netherlands, a privacy-friendly country, it stores no logs and has a verified no-logging policy by Cure53. For an affordable provider like this one, this is commendable.

Compared to ExpressVPN or NordVPN, we found Surfshark to be a bit slower, especially when using long-distance servers. Also, while its 2-year plan is extremely cheap, you’ll be surprised that its short-term plans are somewhat expensive.

However, having in mind its NoBorders mode for bypassing censorship, non-intrusive logging practices, and native apps for all platforms, Surfshark is a bargain. Oh, and its 30-day money-back guarantee is here as well, so you can test it out risk-free for 30 days!

Pros

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Beautiful-looking apps
• Works with American streaming platforms
• All servers are P2P-friendly

Cons

• Speeds could be faster
• Short-term plans are more expensive

5. ProtonVPN

When I say Swiss security, the first thing I think about is ProtonVPN. This VPN is based in Switzerland, focusing on the impenetrable security, privacy, and anonymity of its users. But is it a good USA VPN provider?

Well, you could say so, despite its average server park of just about 2,900+ servers in 65+ countries. Needless to say, a big portion of its server fleet is stationed in America, with 6 server locations in the country, which should be enough for reasonably-demanding users.

ProtonVPN’s average size is balanced with the right choice of security features. For example, it has Secure Core servers for doubling your encryption, a reliable ad-blocker called NetShield, bank-grade encryption, and OpenVPN/WireGuard support.

Based in Switzerland, privacy is at the forefront of ProtonVPN’s business. Thus, its no-logging policy is one of the best we’ve seen, which is great for those in love with torrenting or browsing the dark web anonymously.

ProtonVPN even has dedicated servers for P2P and streaming, and might I add, they work flawlessly! Heck, ProtonVPN even works with Netflix US and other foreign catalogs, which is surprising for a VPN of this size.

Other than that, I found ProtonVPN extremely easy to use, especially on desktop platforms where it has the most features. Speaking of that, you can protect 10 devices simultaneously with this provider, which is a lot better than the industry standard of 5.

As it’s in the last spot of our ranking, it does have some flaws. For instance, its router support is subpar, while 24/7 live chat support doesn’t exist. Its 2-year plan, while the cheapest deal, is also a tad more expensive than Surfshark and CyberGhost’s 2-year plans.

At least a 30-day refund period is here, so if you make up your mind, getting a refund will be easy.

Pros

• Extremely safe and secure
• 10 simultaneous connections
• NetShield is a great ad-blocker

Cons

• Lacks 24/7 live chat support
• Expensive pricing
• Only 6 locations in the US

How Did We Test and Rank These VPN Providers?

Knowing that people have a high interest in the best VPNs for the United States, we approached this topic with extreme caution. Our team tested hundreds of providers already and we wanted to make sure we give you the absolute top choices by using the most important criteria like:

• Servers in the US. We wanted to make sure that EVERY provider on this list has plenty of servers in the US. This is important if you’re outside of this country and you want to get an IP address from America for whatever reason.
• Servers outside of the US. Aside from having servers in this country, each VPN must have a lot of servers abroad! If you live in the US and you need a VPN, you’ll most likely want a foreign IP address to unblock more content, preserve your privacy, or anything else.
• Privacy/security. No doubt, a proper US VPN must be safe and secure! We selected the providers with features like 256-bit encryption, a no-logging policy, IP leak protection, a kill switch, an ad blocker, and many others, ensuring you can browse the web in complete privacy and anonymity.
• Streaming capabilities. This one is pretty important, as many users will want to access Netflix US or many other platforms. The good news is that ALL services on the list work with Netflix US and they’re capable of unblocking a wide array of streaming portals that are prevalent in 2023.
• Fast speeds. While some services are slower than others, they’re all pretty fast and offer 10 Gbps speeds on average. This means you can enjoy smooth browsing, buffer-free streaming, and fast torrenting.
• P2P allowance. Yes, all VPNs on our list allow for P2P and torrenting, which is a crucial factor if you’re living in the US. These providers will help you avoid copyright trolls and download torrents safely thanks to the added encryption that’ll keep your ISP, hackers, and snoopers away for good.
• Simultaneous connections. We want you to protect all your devices with a VPN and not just your PC or smartphone. That’s why each service offers at least 5 simultaneous connections, with Surfshark offering unlimited connections for maximum efficiency.
• Price. Finally, our team cherry-picked the best US VPNs that are affordable. ExpressVPN has a 49% discount and 3 free months for the 1-year plan but every service on this list has a special deal that you can claim through our site, allowing for big savings in the long run.

What Is the Best Free USA VPN Service?

At the start of the article, I briefly mentioned free VPNs for the US and how they’re inferior to paid providers. And since I’ve presented my comparison, I wanted to give you a quick overview of why you should NOT use any free VPNs in the USA.

First of all, a good free VPN for the United States doesn’t exist and I want to clarify that immediately.

There are many reasons for that, including:

Small Server Fleet

When choosing a provider for this country, you need to make sure it has lots of servers in the US and abroad. Unfortunately, free providers don’t have enough money to maintain and upgrade their server networks, leaving them with a smaller server park.

In most cases, free providers have one or two US server locations, with merely a few servers in the country. Once the users connect to all of these servers, the network becomes cluttered, resulting in worse performance and instability.

This generally applies to servers abroad as well. For example, Hotspot Shield’s free version only has servers in America, so if you live there already, it’ll be completely useless, as you already have a US IP address.

Lack of Security

Another thing lacking is security. While some free providers use 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and even some form of DNS/IP leak protection, a vast majority of them go in another direction.

As such, they lack these features, which leaves your IP exposed to the public eye, making you vulnerable to hackers, ISP surveillance, and bandwidth throttling. ProtonVPN is a good example of a secure free VPN, which doesn’t apply to all providers.

Namely, Hola VPN, Betternet, Hotspot Shield, and many others are bad examples, especially due to their intrusive logging practices and reputation for selling user information to third parties.

Poor Performance, Limited Bandwidth

With an outdated server infrastructure comes poor performance and speeds. And if we add limited monthly bandwidth on top of that, you get a textbook recipe for disaster. Poor performance is what you’ll get on EVERY free VPN for the USA, bar none.

As for limited bandwidth, you can expect it to go from 500 MB (TunnelBear) to 10 GB (Hide.me) monthly. Providers like ProtonVPN will give you unlimited bandwidth but on the other hand, they’ll slow down your speed even more and eliminate streaming or P2P support.

No Streaming/P2P Support

Speaking of which, you can completely forget about these activities with free providers. No free VPNs work with Netflix or Hulu and none of them allow for safe and secure torrenting. In fact, some of them forbid P2P altogether, like ProtonVPN’s free version.

This means that they’re only good for browsing or reading stuff online, as long as you keep your bandwidth consumption in check.

So, Should I Use a Free VPN in the USA?

No, you shouldn’t because of the obvious limits. However, if you’re hell-bent on doing so, providers like ProtonVPN and Hide.me are somewhat decent as long as you’re aware of their impending limits in their free versions.

Are There Any Good VPNs Based in the US?

If you take a look online, you’ll see many VPNs based in the US. People avoid these VPNs due to their jurisdiction and the fact that this country is a prime member of the 5 Eyes. Logically, this brings into question issues with logging and the whole jeopardy of user privacy.

However, not all US-based providers are bad. Presumably, Private Internet Access or PIA is a great provider, with lots of servers, solid security, and a proven-and-tested no-logging policy. Another decent provider is IPVanish with its audit from Leviathan Security.

Furthermore, I should mention Atlas VPN, which is a young company under the ownership of NordVPN. Despite its US jurisdiction, Atlas VPN is surprisingly safe and secure and even has one security audit under its belt.

Sadly, there are also providers from the United States that you should avoid. Hotspot Shield is one of them, mainly due to extremely intrusive logging. Betternet is also based in this country, and much like Hotspot Shield, its logging is all over the place.

Just because we’re talking about a VPN for the USA based in this country doesn’t necessarily mean it should be avoided. However, I still think that going for the one in a privacy-friendly jurisdiction is a better move.

Besides, The British Virgin Islands, Bulgaria, Romania, Panama, and Switzerland are countries where your privacy is at the top of the priority list. The same can’t be said about America, the UK, Germany, and other similar 5/9/14 Eyes countries.

In Conclusion

With the best USA VPN for 2023, you can enhance your internet experience and bring it to the next level. If you live in America, you can take advantage of excellent security, strong encryption, and no logging practices that will keep surveillance and monitoring away.

People outside of the US borders can get a US IP address to access American Netflix, enjoy sports on ESPN, or bet on numerous US-based betting sites. For all of these purposes, I recommend ExpressVPN as the most reliable solution.

However, if your budget isn’t very flexible, solutions like CyberGhost, NordVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN still hold water for those less demanding users.

Best VPN for the USA – FAQ

After finishing up my guide, let me answer a few topic-related questions.

Is using a VPN legal in the US?

Yes, it is. VPNs are legal in every country, with only a few jurisdictions being so-called “grey areas.” However, even in this country, it’s completely legal to use a Virtual Private Network to change or hide your IP address and browse the web anonymously.

That is if we aren’t talking about doing anything illegal online. If you intend on selling drugs, distributing copyrighted materials, or anything similar, you can get into legal problems. But if you just watch Netflix, browse the web, or enjoy lag-free gaming, you have nothing to fear.

Which US VPN Provider offers servers in India?

India became a VPN-hostile area overnight, requesting all providers in the country to store and hand out user information to the authorities. This request made all major VPNs leave the country, thus, removing all physical servers there.

As a result, some providers have no servers in the country, while some of them use virtual servers. ExpressVPN and Surfshark, for example, are great choices for getting an Indian IP in America due to multiple virtual locations in this country.

How to watch ITV in the USA without a VPN?

By no means. To watch ITV in the USA, you must have a British IP address, which you can only get by using a VPN. For this purpose, you can use any provider from the list – you’ll achieve the same result in terms of unblocking ITV outside the UK.

What is the best VPN to unblock Netflix USA?

The best VPN for Netflix is ExpressVPN because it works with most libraries, including the American one. However, if you find it a bit more expensive, alternatives like Surfshark and NordVPN are great, unblocking Netflix USA 10/10 times.

Best VPNs for the USA and US IP Addresses (3 Work Well)

In 2023, obtaining a US IP address has become more important than ever. This is especially true if you want to access geo-restricted content and resist the continual assaults on online privacy. Between ever-increasing government surveillance and unending cyberattacks, using the internet without protection has become quite dangerous.

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) offer a reliable solution to acquire a US IP address while maintaining security and anonymity. Whether you are located in the United States and need a VPN, or you are outside the US and need a US IP address, this guide will give you everything you need to know. We’ll guide you through the best VPNs for the USA, their features, and key factors to consider when choosing the right VPN for your needs, focusing on the best VPN for USA options.

Top VPNs for USA in 2023

1. NordVPN – Best VPN for USA with the fastest speeds, secure apps, large server network, and extra privacy features (with a 68% off coupon)
2. Surfshark – Budget VPN for USA with great apps and features
3. ExpressVPN – User-friendly VPN for USA

These VPNs above been selected based on the following criteria:

1. Passed all tests with no leaks found whatsoever (no IP address leaks or DNS leaks)
2. Good performance throughout the server network (speed and reliability)
3. High-quality VPN apps with all features working correctly
4. Supports secure VPN protocols with strong encryption standards
5. Have no-logs policies that have been verified by outside auditors
6. Offer a 30-daymoney-back guarantee
7. Trustworthy and well-established VPN provider with a good track record
8. Located in a good privacy jurisdiction (outside of 5 Eyes countries) to keep user data safe

When applying these criteria, very few VPNs make the cut to be recommended. Here are our picks for the best VPN services for the United States:

NordVPN – Best VPN for USA

VPN	NordVPN
Based in	Panama
Logs	No logs (audited)
Price	$3.19/mo.
Support	24/7 live chat
Refund	30 days
Website	NordVPN.com

NordVPN currently holds the top spot as the best VPN for USA. It performed well in testing for the NordVPN review with great speeds, secure apps, and numerous privacy features. NordVPN is strategically based in Panama, which is a great offshore jurisdiction for privacy. The team behind NordVPN is Nord Security, and they also offer NordPass, a secure password manager, and NordLocker, a secure cloud storage service.

Some benefits of choosing NordVPN include:

• Incredible speeds when using their WireGuard-basedNordLynx protocol
• Advanced features , including Threat Protection (a next-generation ad, tracker, and malware blocker), and several specialized server types
• A large server network with servers in more than a dozen locations across the US
• M ore than 5,600 servers worldwide in 60 countries
• Audited no-logs policy
• Good-looking, easy-to-use, reliable VPN apps like this:

Note: NordVPN has also made our list of the best VPNs for Windows users.

NordVPN really excels in the performance category. The company created the NordLynx VPN protocol, which combines the extreme speed and excellent security of the WireGuard VPN protocol with a double NAT system for enhanced privacy. NordVPN with NordLynx passed all our leak tests and delivered download speeds of up to 755 Mbps on our test machine (see below). This makes NordVPN the fastest VPN we’ve tested to date.

NordVPN also stands out from other VPN services in the areas of privacy and security. Here are some noteworthy features:

• Double-VPN servers that encrypt traffic over two hops
• Tor-over-VPN servers that add an extra layer of encryption with the Tor network
• Obfuscated servers that get around VPN blocks and conceal VPN traffic as regular HTTPS encryption (a great option if you need a VPN for China)
• P2P servers that are ideal for torrenting and other file-sharing activities
• Dedicated IP servers for situations where you need the security and privacy of a VPN combined with a static IP address dedicated to your sole use
• Threat Protection, which can block ads, trackers, malware, and phishing domains, even for traffic not passing through the encrypted VPN tunnel
• Built-in leak protection (the VPN kill switch) with all apps to prevent any IP leaks or DNS leaks
• Meshnet, which allows you to create a global virtual network linking devices together and letting them share resources and services
• 100% RAM-disk (diskless) VPN servers for additional security
• Upgrading to colocated (self-owned) servers in all locations with 10 Gbps bandwidth channels for greater throughput

If you need a great VPN for streaming, NordVPN is a strong contender. It works with American Netflix and many other Netflix regions around the world. Additionally, NordVPN will unblock Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, and more. Due to the fast speeds, solid security, and a huge server network, it is currently the best VPN for torrenting.

NordVPN US server locations

NordVPN currently has 16 US server locations (up from 15 the last time we checked) with fast, reliable, high-speed servers. This is more than most other VPN services. You can see the exact US VPN server locations on the NordVPN website or in the app.

+ Pros

• User-friendly and reliable apps
• Double-VPN and Tor-over-VPN servers
• Passed numerous 3rd-party audits
• Strong encryption standards with full support for WireGuard
• Works with Netflix and many streaming sites
• Threat Protection feature to block ads, trackers, and malware
• Professional 24/7 live chat support
• Consistently fast speeds
• Dedicated RAM-servers with 10 Gbps bandwidth channels

– Cons

• Big discounts only available with 2-year plans

Given the features and performance of NordVPN, the price is hard to believe. With their current two-year deal, you pay only $3.19 per month and get six simultaneous connections. NordVPN’s customer service is also top-notch with 24/7 live chat support and numerous setup videos on their website. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. In short, NordVPN is one of the best values available among VPN services.

Ready to give NordVPN a try? Get the best deal possible when you use the coupon below.

NordVPN’s Cyber Deal is live:

Get 68% Off NordVPN with the coupon below plus 3 months FREE, no activation code needed:

(Coupon is applied automatically; 30 day money-back guarantee.)

See our NordVPN review for more test results and analysis.

Surfshark – Fast and secure VPN for USA with a low price

VPN	Surfshark
Based in	The Netherlands
Logs	No logs
Price	$2.30/mo.
Support	24/7 live chat
Refund	30 days
Website	Surfshark.com

Surfshark offers a fast, secure, and inexpensive VPN solution for use in the USA. With a server network covering more than 20 US cities, Surfshark provides fast and stable connections across the country. Like our other top recommendations, Surfshark is an audited no-logs VPN service located in a good privacy jurisdiction (The Netherlands). It offers better performance, more features, and more server types than most VPNs. They also give you an unlimited number of simultaneous connections, 24/7 live chat support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Yet they are still one of the cheapest VPNs on the market (if you use our discount coupon).

For this update, we worked with the newly redesigned Surfshark apps (shown above), which remain user-friendly, secure, and leak-free. The VPN apps have built-in kill switches, utilize strong encryption, and support the WireGuard VPN protocol.

Surfshark easily beat ExpressVPN during speed testing for our ExpressVPN vs Surfshark comparison. Below was one of our Surfshark speed tests where we hit 397 Mbps (on a 500 Mbps connection) with servers in the United States:

Surfshark also offers great privacy features. You can choose from 13 double-VPN servers that route traffic over two hops. Their CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware domains. Lastly, Surfshark also has a split tunneling VPN feature that can route certain apps or websites outside of the VPN. We also see this feature with NordVPN and ProtonVPN.

In terms of streaming media, Surfshark also does very well. They officially support all major Netflix regions, Hulu, and the VPN also works with unblocking BBC iPlayer. It is a solid VPN for torrenting with fast speeds and secure leak protection settings. Surfshark even has a dedicated app in the Amazon store, making it a good VPN for Firestick and Fire TV.

Surfshark US server locations

Surfshark currently has 25 server locations in the United States (up from 24 in our previous review). So no matter where you are located, you’ll be able to find a nearby USA VPN server for the best speeds.

+ Pros

• Unlimited connections
• User-friendly apps for all devices and operating systems
• CleanWeb feature to block ads, trackers, and malware
• Works great with Netflix and many other streaming services
• 24/7 live chat support
• Strong encryption and security features (audited)

– Cons

• Limited support for VPN routers
• Above average monthly prices

Surfshark is ideal for families looking for a secure VPN solution without breaking the bank. Its unlimited simultaneous connections make life simple for those of us who have large numbers of internet users in the house, each with multiple internet-connected devices. And with our coupon, Surfshark is also extremely inexpensive, costing less than $2.50 per month. And let’s not forget that Surfshark also offers 24/7 live support and a full 30-day money-back guarantee.

If Surfshark sounds good to you, you can start your risk-free trial right now using the coupon below:

Surfshark VPN Coupon:

Get 82% off Surfshark VPN (drops the price down to $2.30 per month) plus 2 months FREE:

(Coupon is applied automatically.)

Our Surfshark review has more info and test results.

ExpressVPN – Reliable and secure VPN for US

VPN	ExpressVPN
Based in	British Virgin Islands
Logs	No logs (audited)
Price	$6.67/mo.
Support	24/7 live chat
Refund	30 days
Website	ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN service boasting an audited no-log policy, fast speeds, and a large network of VPN servers spread across 16 locations in the US. This image shows some of those locations:

Like our other recommendations, ExpressVPN checks all the right boxes. It offers excellent speeds, secure and reliable apps with kill switches (called Network Lock), passed all our leak tests with flying colors, and works well for streaming and torrenting. It is based in the British Virgin Islands and is an audited no-logs VPN service that has passed multiple independent third-party audits for both security and privacy.

Offering secure access to all popular streaming services, our testing showed ExpressVPN to be one of the best VPNs for Netflix, joining NordVPN and Surfshark on that lofty perch.

In terms of security, ExpressVPN does very well. The ExpressVPN apps utilize 256-bit AES encryption with the OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway protocols. The Lightway VPN protocol is very similar to WireGuard and gives ExpressVPN better speeds than most VPNs, although it’s not quite as fast NordVPN and Surfshark.

Aside from security and privacy features, ExpressVPN is also one of the top choices for streaming. It provides access to Netflix as well as Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, and other top services. And if you need a reliable VPN for Hulu, ExpressVPN works for that as well.

ExpressVPN US server locations

ExpressVPN currently has 20 different server locations in major cities throughout the United States. In some locations, such as Los Angeles and New York, they have multiple servers available. If you are in the US, connecting to one of these nearby servers will give you the best performance.

You can see all server locations on the ExpressVPN website.

+ Pros

• User-friendly and secure apps
• Split tunneling feature (for macOS, Windows, and routers)
• Works with Netflix and most streaming services
• 24/7 live chat support
• Passed independent third-party audits for security and no-logs
• Very large server network

– Cons

• Above-average prices
• Fewer features
• Average OpenVPN speeds (use Lightway)

All in all, ExpressVPN is a solid choice for a US IP address. With the most economical plan priced at $6.67 per month for a 15-month plan, it is more expensive than our other selections. However, ExpressVPN inspires confidence with its long reputation for security and reliability and maintains a trustworthy, transparent privacy policy.

ExpressVPN Coupon:

Sign up for the 12-month plan and get 3 months added to your subscription for free.

(Coupon is applied automatically.)

Check out the ExpressVPN review for detailed test results.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about VPNs for the USA

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about using a VPN in the USA, along with our answers to those questions.

Why use a VPN for USA?

Perhaps you are wondering why it would be a good idea to use a VPN for USA?

Here are a few reasons we’ll cover in detail below:

1. Data collection and privacy concerns
2. Corporate surveillance and data sharing
3. ISP spying
4. Torrenting, file sharing, and streaming

Data collection and privacy concerns in the United States

Various studies over the years have found that Americans are becoming more concerned about their loss of digital privacy and the security of their private data:

Concerns about privacy have only accelerated in the United States in the past few decades. This trend really picked up in 2013 after the Snowden revelations and does not seem to be getting any better with time.

These concerns are understandable when you consider that data from Americans is getting harvested by everyone, including internet service providers (ISPs). And we see the same invasive trends in the UK and Europe.

Since 2017, American ISPs have been legally allowed to record every website you visit. This information can then be sold to third parties, such as advertisers. Because your browsing history can reveal very personal details, this is not only a huge privacy violation, it can also put you at risk.

When your ISP is collecting all the websites you visit and selling this data to advertisers, then it’s time to get a good VPN.

Why is this important?

Your browsing activity can reveal very sensitive and personal data about you, which can be damaging if misused. Advertisers, of course, want to collect as much data as possible to hit you with targeted ads and sell you more stuff. This data can also be used to fingerprint your identity and discern health status, private beliefs, social circles, and other intimate details.

With a good VPN for the US, however, your internet provider will not be able to see anything you’re doing. All data will be encrypted and unreadable between your computer/device and the VPN server.

The Pew Research study reference above also notes that many Americans are concerned with government data collection. We explore the topic of global mass surveillance in our article on the 5/9/14 Eyes surveillance alliances.

Given all of the available information, it’s clear that online privacy is a growing concern for Americans.

While it’s difficult to determine the full reach of private sector tracking and government surveillance, using a good VPN with strong encryption, along with other privacy tools, will go a long way to giving you more privacy and security online. For higher levels of online anonymity, you can also use multi-hop VPN services or even “chain” different VPNs together for more encryption using Linux virtual machines.

Note: These same mass surveillance trends are also being rolled out abroad. This is especially true for the United Kingdom, as we discussed with VPNs for the UK.

It’s also important to remember that the internet is full of security risks and hackers looking to exploit vulnerabilities. WiFi is a popular target for hackers. Using a VPN will encrypt and secure your connection, while also keeping your data safe. And with ISPs collecting your data, it’s now even necessary to use a VPN on your home network at all times – unless you want your internet provider collecting your browsing habits.

Corporate surveillance and data sharing in the United States

Another reason that more Americans than ever are using VPN services is to protect themselves from corporate surveillance, or spying/surveillance carried out by private companies. This is another huge issue in the US, where giant tech companies and telecoms have a long history of monitoring, tracking, and recording the digital activities of their customers.

In 2002 a technician at AT&T, named Mark Klein, accidentally uncovered a massive data collection point where the NSA was copying all internet traffic going through the company’s network. This became known as the Room 641A scandal:

The room was referred to in internal AT&T documents as the SG3 [Study Group 3] Secure Room. It is fed by fiber optic lines from beam splitters installed in fiber optic trunks carrying Internet backbone traffic and, as analyzed by J. Scott Marcus, a former CTO for GTE and a former adviser to the FCC, has access to all Internet traffic that passes through the building, and therefore “the capability to enable surveillance and analysis of internet content on a massive scale, including both overseas and purely domestic traffic.”

As Mark Klein described in this Frontline documentary, “it was a huge dragnet operation” to collect everything. He went public with the information a few years later in 2005.

The cooperation of public and private entities to collect data on Americans has a name. It’s called the PRISM program.

In some countries, such as Australia, internet providers and telephone companies must also collect user data. As we covered in the VPN for Australia guide, mandatory data retention laws have drastically eroded the privacy of people in Australia. And this is also unfolding in the US…

ISP blocks and throttling

Unlike parts of Europe, China, and the Middle East, internet censorship is not a huge problem (yet) in the United States. While there have been a few cases of censorship reported, the bigger concern is ISP throttling, which is when your internet provider throttles (restricts) your internet speed. This may occur depending on your activities, such as streaming and torrenting, or simply your bandwidth usage.

Now that net neutrality has basically been abolished in the US, internet providers are free to restrict the freedom of information exchange and charge based on what users are doing online. One simple solution for this is to use a VPN with obfuscation features. This will encrypt all your traffic (making it unreadable) and conceal your VPN traffic as HTTPs (obfuscation). Should the United States go in this direction, a good VPN with obfuscation will be useful, just like when using a VPN in China.

What about torrenting, file sharing, and streaming with a VPN in the USA?

Another reason that many people in the US are using VPN services is for torrenting, file sharing, and streaming.

The United States is home to some absurd copyright infringement laws. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) legislation created federal laws that allow:

• Fines up to $500,000 and up to five years in jail, or both a fine and jail for a first offense.
• Fines up to $1,000,000 and as long as ten years in prison for repeat offenders.

And if you think this is just a silly law on the books that is not getting enforced, think again.

Internet service providers, such as Comcast, AT&T, and Verizon, can hand over your data and connection logs to those who accuse you of copyright infringement. This is a huge business with copyright troll attorneys demanding large payments for alleged “damages” on behalf of the copyright holder. We see this also unfolding throughout Europe as well.

Another consequence of torrenting or file sharing without a VPN is that you could have your internet access suspended for repeated DMCA offenses. In the US, internet providers will often send out DMCA notices if your IP address is found to be involved in copyright infringement. Three strikes and you might be booted from your ISP. One harsh copyright law aims to make copyright infringement punishable with 10 years in jail.

Note: Canada also rolled out overzealous copyright laws. Torrenting and file sharing in Canada also carries hefty fines and potential jail sentences, with Canadian internet providers monitoring their users. I discuss these problems and solutions in my guide on VPNs for Canada.

There was also a lawsuit with TorGuard VPN being forced to block all torrenting on VPN servers in the US. Similar lawsuits have targeted other US-based VPN servers, including VPN Unlimited. (Don’t use a US-based VPN for torrenting.)

The easy solution is to always use a VPN for torrenting, streaming, and anything else that may be a “grey area” in terms of copyright issues.

Are US-based VPN services safe?

As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to exercise caution with VPNs that are located in bad privacy jurisdictions, such as the United States and other Five Eyes countries.

Aside from all of the privacy issues we covered above, the US government also utilizes National Security Letters and gag orders to force companies to hand over customer data, while prohibiting them from disclosing what is going on. These enforcement actions could be used against any company based in the United States, including VPN providers.

There are various cases of VPNs cooperating with government agencies demanding data. One such case in the US took place with IPVanish, a VPN service based in Texas. You can find the details in this article on the IPVanish logs case. Hide My Ass (HMA VPN) is another service that has a history of turning over user data to law enforcement.

Government intervention is just one risk when using a US-based VPN service, as we pointed out in the NordVPN vs IPVanish comparison. Nonetheless, everything depends on your threat model and unique needs. All the VPNs we recommend in this article, including NordVPN and ExpressVPN, are based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions.

Are VPNs legal in the US?

Perhaps you are ready to get a VPN for the US, but you have one lingering question: Are VPNs legal in the US?

Using a VPN in the US is completely legal, and there are no existing laws that prohibit its use. VPNs provide an effective means of protecting your personal data and ensuring online privacy, allowing users to browse the internet without fear of surveillance or tracking.

VPNs are used by thousands of businesses and millions of individuals in the USA every day and are a crucial part of American internet activity. VPNs will remain perfectly legal and are continuing to grow in popularity. That being said, be careful when choosing the best VPN for your needs. There are many VPN scams and also free VPNs that collect data for profit. This regularly comes up in the news, such as this story about free VPNs exposing user data.

Can I safely use free VPN services for the United States?

While free VPNs may seem like an attractive option, they often pose significant risks to your privacy and security. Free VPN servers tend to have weak encryption, may impose data caps, and inject intrusive or malicious advertisements into your browser. Some free VPNs have even been caught logging the activities of their users and selling the data!

Additionally, free VPNs often lack essential security features such as DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and customizable encryption options. In other words, using a free VPN can have several drawbacks, including:

• Slow connection speeds
• Limited server locations, making it difficult to access geo-restricted content
• Unstable browsing experience
• Potential collection and sale of personal data to third parties, compromising privacy and security.

Conclusion on USA VPNs

Obtaining a US IP address in 2023 is crucial for accessing geo-restricted content, protecting your privacy, and enjoying a secure browsing experience in the United States.

With top VPNs like NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN, you can easily acquire a US IP address while maintaining your security and anonymity.

Using the information we have provided in this comparison guide, you can make an informed decision when selecting the perfect VPN for your needs. Invest in one of these quality VPN services and experience the benefits of secure and unrestricted access to the internet.

This guide was last updated and revised on September 1, 2023.

About Sven Taylor

Sven Taylor is the lead editor and founder of Restore Privacy, a digital privacy advocacy group. With a passion for digital privacy and accessible information, he created RestorePrivacy to provide you with honest, useful, and up-to-date information about online privacy, security, and related topics.