What Is the Best VPN Provider for California in 2024?

At a Glance

While California is located in the United States, which doesn’t filter or block web traffic to any great extent, California residents and visitors to the state face the same perils and roadblocks faced by internet users anywhere around the globe.

If you’re connected to the internet, you’re in danger of being monitored. And let’s face it, it’s an always-connected world. Hackers, the government, and even your Internet Service Provider (ISP) are interested in what you’re doing online.

You’ll also find that there is plenty of content online that you will not have access to while inside the state of California (or anywhere in the U.S., for that matter).

This is because streaming services like Netflix, as well as other sites and services, restrict access to their content to users in designated countries. This means that although you subscribe to Netflix in the U.S., you do not have access to Netflix shows in the U.K., Italy, or any other country.

Plus, California residents who are traveling or living abroad will find they may not be able to access certain content back in the U.S. while they’re out of the country.

Luckily, a tool is available that can protect your online security and privacy, while also opening up access to geo-blocked content around the globe. That tool is a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

In this article, I’ll provide information about the top seven VPNs for use in California and other parts of the world.

How to Use a VPN To Protect Your Online Activities in California

To use a VPN while visiting or living in California, do the following:

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN provider (like NordVPN).
2. Install the VPN’s app(s) on your favorite connected device(s), install browser extensions if available, or set up your WiFi router to work with the service, if you so desire.
3. Log into the VPN service.
4. Select a VPN server located in the United States to protect your online activities from being monitored, or to access U.S.-only content while traveling or living abroad. You can also select a server based outside of the U.S. to open access to geo-blocked content in other countries.
5. Enjoy your new online security, anonymity, and access to geo-blocked content!

Best VPNs for Use in California

All VPN service providers are put through strenuous testing before I ever recommend them to my readers. (More about that later.)

The results of my tests showed that the seven VPN providers listed below provide the best VPN services for internet users in California:

1. NordVPN: Top VPN for Californians. NordVPN is the top VPN on this list thanks to the provider’s impressive global server network, top-notch app and customer support, fast connections, and comprehensive online security and privacy. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: VPN option for budget-minded Californians. This budget-priced provider boasts a large global server network that provides unlimited, fast and well-protected connections, enabling reliable access to content around the globe. It does this while charging a bargain basement price.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN protection. This well-known leader in the VPN industry provides reliable access to streaming services around the globe thanks to its large global server network. Your internet security is never at risk because of the provider’s comprehensive protections. The provider’s premium features will justify its premium price for many users.
4. CyberGhost: Great VPN for first-timers. First-time VPN users, or users in search of easy-to-use yet comprehensive VPN protection, will appreciate this VPN’s services. Easy, one-click protection and a massive server network (which includes servers that are optimized for streaming and file sharing) make the provider a good VPN option.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable Californian VPN. PIA keeps your online activities undercover, while also providing reliable access to geo-controlled content around the globe.
6. PrivateVPN: Small but powerful. This provider admittedly has the smallest global server network on this list of providers. That said, PrivateVPN provides reliable, well-protected access to content in the countries that it serves.
7. Atlas VPN: Protect an unlimited number of devices. Atlas VPN’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy means you can benefit from quality VPN protection for all of your devices. This should make it attractive to users with small businesses or large families.

The top seven VPN providers were ranked according to the following features:

• Size of global server network (with servers in the U.S. – bonus for Cali servers)
• Strong encryption and privacy protections
• Speedy connections
• Top-notch native app support
• Multiple customer support options

Best VPNs for California – Summary table

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for California.

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The seven best VPN services for California are:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

I strongly recommend California residents and visitors take a close look at the services that NordVPN offers.

The provider’s impressive global server network comprises over 5,700 servers in the United States and 60+ other countries. (A large number of the U.S. servers are located in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose.)

Those servers all provided connections that are coated in government-level 256-bit AES encryption, and which boast an automatic kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection. Ad and malware protection is also available.

NordVPN’s independently-audited no-logs policy and acceptance of cryptocurrency in return for its services help protect your privacy.

The provider now runs all of its server operations completely from RAM, with no information ever being written to a physical hard drive. This ensures that all data is completely wiped from the servers when they are restarted.

The VPN is also moving its servers to a completely self-owned and self-operated model, which prevents third parties from accessing customer information.

NordVPN connections provide plenty of bandwidth, which can easily handle HD video streams, fast-moving online gaming, and sharing of large files. Unlimited bandwidth and data come with your subscription.

The provider supports most popular device platforms with apps, including Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS (with native Apple silicon support), and Windows. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is comprehensive router support.

Up to six devices can simultaneously connect on a single account.

Around-the-clock customer support includes a chat option, email support, and a searchable support library.

BEST VPN FOR CALIFORNIA:NordVPN is the best VPN for California-based online users. The provider’s large global server network provides reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe via its fast connections. In addition, it provides comprehensive digital security and privacy protection. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a budget-priced VPN provider that offers top-notch VPN protection and other services.

The provider’s impressive global server network currently boasts 3,200+ servers in the U.S. and 99+ other countries around the globe. (Several servers are located in Los Angeles, San Jose, and San Francisco.) The provider reliably accesses 30+ Netflix libraries around the globe.

Surfshark protects all of its users’ connections with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IPv6/DNS leak protection. A “MultiHop” server feature allows users to route their internet connection through a pair of VPN servers, providing added connection encryption and anonymity.

The provider follows a “no server connection logs ever” policy and offers a Bitcoin payment option to protect your privacy. The provider has also joined the growing ranks of providers that run all of their servers 100% from RAM.

Surfshark provides fast, no-data-caps connections that provide more than enough bandwidth for any popular internet activity. There’s no bandwidth throttling from this provider.

Surfshark offers native app support for Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows, and Amazon Fire device platforms. (The company offers native app support for Apple’s M1/M2 Mac lineup.) Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is comprehensive router support.

The provider has an unlimited concurrent connections policy that will be appreciated by small business owners or large families in need of VPN protection.

Your customer support needs are well handled here thanks to Surfshark’s 24/7 chat, a contact form, and a searchable support library.

GREAT VPN FOR USERS ON A BUDGET:Surfshark offers reliable, low-priced VPN service that compares well with its more expensive competitors in most service categories. An unlimited simultaneous connections policy is available, meaning it can protect all of your devices at once. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN may be the most expensive VPN provider on this list, but it is also one of the best VPN providers on the list.

The provider has 3,000+ servers stationed in 94+ countries, including the United States (with multiple servers located in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and San Francisco). Those servers deliver reliable access to geo-blocked content in most parts of the globe.

ExpressVPN protects its customers’ connections with government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch option, and IP/DNS leak protection. A split-tunneling option allows users to designate which apps should benefit from the provider’s encrypted protection.

The provider never keeps server logs and accepts Bitcoin in return for its services. The provider’s servers use “TrustedServer” technology, which runs all server operations only from RAM, never writing data of any kind to a hard drive. This ensures that all data is wiped from the server whenever it is rebooted.

ExpressVPN’s connection speeds ranked at the top of the list in my most recent rounds of download speed tests, providing enough “oomph” for streaming HD video, sharing and downloading files, and playing fast-moving online games. No data caps or connection throttling to be found here.

Comprehensive app support is available for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), Chromebook, Linux, and Windows device platforms. Brave, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Vivaldi browser extensions are also available, as is superior router support. (The provider recently updated its excellent router firmware, offering an improved user interface.)

Up to five devices can simultaneously connect to ExpressVPN servers on a single account.

Always-available customer support includes live chat, a trouble ticket system, email support, and an easy-to-use knowledge base.

VERSATILE VPN FOR CALIFORNIA:Cali-based internet users who are looking for premium VPN service and don’t mind paying a bit more for it will appreciate the protections and enhancements that ExpressVPN offers. The provider has high-speed servers based around most of the globe. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

If you’ve never used a VPN or if you’re simply looking for an easy-to-use VPN service, take a look at CyberGhost.

The provider has one of the largest global server networks, with more than 9,000 servers based in 90+ countries, including the United States. (Multiple servers are stationed in both Los Angeles and San Francisco.) Many of CyberGhost’s servers are optimized for streaming and file sharing.

All CyberGhost connections are protected with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, IPv6/DNS leak prevention, and an automatic kill switch. Ad and tracker blocking is also available, as is the ability to force websites to serve up secure versions of their pages when available.

The provider recently added some new security features, including a password manager, antivirus protection, and a security updater that scans your device for outdated and vulnerable apps. The provider’s ID Guard feature alerts you if your email address was included in a data breach.

A no-server-logs policy and a private cryptocurrency subscription payment option team up to protect your usage and payment privacy.

CyberGhost’s connection speeds are some of the fastest around, delivering plenty of horsepower for gaming, HD streaming, and sharing of large files. Unlimited bandwidth and data usage is part of the deal.

The provider’s easy-to-use app options include options for Amazon Fire, Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, and Windows device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is comprehensive router protection to protect all of your other connected devices.

Up to seven devices can simultaneously connect on a single account.

Customer support is available around the clock thanks to CyberGhost’s always-available live support chat, email support, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support library.

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VPN USERS:Users who are new to VPNs, or who are looking for easy-to-use VPN protection, will appreciate CyberGhost’s services. The provider’s impressive global server network delivers fast, well-protected connections. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) provides access to geo-fenced content in several countries, thanks to a global server network that boasts 3,300+ servers based in the United States and 83+ other countries. California-based servers are located in Silicon Valley, Los Angeles.

All PIA-provided connections are well-protected, thanks to the provider’s use of government-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak prevention. PIA also provides efficient blocking of ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous websites.

The provider’s servers are run user log-free. Bitcoin is one of the payment options, providing a way to better protect your payment privacy.

PIA provides apps for popular devices, including Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your browsing sessions. The provider also works well with select routers.

PIA recently implemented an unlimited connections policy, meaning you can connect an unlimited number of devices to its servers at once.

While this provider’s connection speeds are the second-slowest on this list, they deliver enough bandwidth to handle your favorite online activities. Never a daily or monthly data cap or connection throttling to worry about here.

PIA’s customer support offers live agent chat, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support database.

RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION FOR CALIFORNIA:Private Internet Access boasts a good-sized global server network with servers in 85+ countries. It provides online security and privacy protection for an unlimited number of connected devices. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN’s global server network is the smallest server network on this list, due to its 200+ servers in 63+ countries. While this provider’s server network is stretched a bit thin, it provides reliable access to geo-fenced content wherever it has servers.

The provider also comes up a bit short in the connection speeds department, as a result of having the slowest download speeds in this seven VPN lineup. However, you’ll find that PrivateVPN’s connections deliver more than enough bandwidth for popular online activities.

PrivateVPN offers excellent protection for its customers’ connections, as it uses banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and other protections. A handy “Stealth VPN” feature keeps your VPN traffic hidden as it disguises it as normal browser usage.

The provider’s no-server logs policy ensures that no records are kept of your online activities while you’re connected to the PrivateVPN server network. The provider also accepts cryptocurrency as payment.

PrivateVPN’s app support is limited, offering apps only for Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows devices. Users can manually set up on Linux devices and select routers. No browser extensions are to be had here.

Users can simultaneously connect up to 10 devices to the provider’s server network.

PrivateVPN’s customer support options include live agent chat, a support request form, and an FAQ support area.

SMALL BUT POWERFUL VPN:PrivateVPN’s small global server network provides reliable access to content in the countries it serves. The provider offers industry-standard protection and keeps your VPN usage hidden, thanks to its “Stealth VPN” feature. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN’s global server network of 1,000+ servers in 49+ countries falls somewhere in the middle when it comes to network size. The network does well when it comes to unlocking geo-controlled content in the countries where it has servers.

The provider performs quite well in the connection speeds department, as it provides super-fast connections that are never ruined by data caps or bandwidth throttling.

The provider’s online security protection includes banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. A “Safebrowse” feature keeps you safe from online dangers and ads.

All Atlas VPN servers are run user-log-free, protecting your online travels from being recorded and the provider accepts cryptocurrency.

Atlas VPN provides native app support for most popular connected devices, including Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. The provider currently lacks browser and router support, although both features are in development.

There is no limit on the number of devices you can simultaneously connect to Atlas VPN’s servers.

Live support chat is limited to paying customers only. However, everyone can access email support, a contact form, and a support library.

UNLIMITED VPN CONNECTIONS:Atlas VPN’s fast, well-protected connections are available on an unlimited basis, allowing all of your connected devices to be protected. The provider delivers access to content in close to 50 countries worldwide. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Atlas VPN

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for California

While the U.S. is one of the more free countries when it comes to internet access, you can’t simply opt for any VPN when you’re one of those Mamas and Papas that are “California Dreaming.” There are several factors that need to be carefully considered.

Below, I’ve listed the most important factors that I considered when compiling this list of VPNs to recommend for use while living in or visiting California:

• Speed: Connection speeds are always an important factor for any popular online pastime, as no one likes to wait for long periods of time for their content to load. All of the VPNs I include on this “best” list scored highly in my most recent round of connection speed tests.
• Server network: Any VPN worth consideration will have a large global server network, which enables access to geo-blocked content around the globe. Consider where the VPN has its servers located, and how many it has in popular countries. The more servers in a particular country, the better the performance you should see when connected.
• Value: Always carefully consider a VPN provider’s asking price in relation to the features and functionality it provides. All VPNs that I included on my list offer excellent value.
• Ease of use: A VPN should not only offer apps for popular device platforms, but the apps should also be easy to use. Apps with an easy-to-use UI design offer easy access to internet protection and enhancement. Each VPN I included on my list offers easy-to-use apps.
• Security and privacy: A VPN should offer banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. A strict no-logs policy is vital, ensuring that the VPN isn’t saving any type of records of your online activities.
• Streaming: Streaming access is something I look for in every VPN I include on my list when applicable. Each VPN I offers reliable access to streaming sites such as Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and other popular streamers.

Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.

Will a Free VPN Work in California?

“Free” is everyone’s favorite price, right? Then why should you not rely on a “free” VPN?

Reason number one for not using a freebie VPN provider is that your privacy is not well protected. Many no-charge VPNs will track their users’ online activities, and then sell that usage information to advertisers and other nosy types.

Free providers will also insert unwanted tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browsing sessions. And those cookies will keep tracking you, even when you’re disconnected from the VPN service provider’s servers.

Free VPNs are also severely lacking in the convenience and performance columns.

You may be forced to cool your virtual heels for a while until you’re allowed to connect to one of the free VPN’s servers. Once you can connect, you’ll find that you’ve been automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choosing, or you’ll find that only a few servers are available to connect to.

Once you’re finally connected, you’ll likely find that your internet speeds have dropped considerably. This is because many free VPN providers throttle their users’ connections to preserve bandwidth for paying customers. Daily or monthly data caps are also usually inflicted on free VPN usage.

I don’t know about you, but I would avoid this at all costs. You’ll be happier if you pay a few bucks per month for quality VPN service, like the budget-priced Surfshark or NordVPN services.

What Does a VPN Do For Me?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the best way to protect and enhance all of your online activities.

A VPN places a tunnel of impenetrable encrypted protection around your internet connection. This keeps all of your online activities undercover and untraceable.

This is an advantage, as plenty of third parties would love to be able to track your online movements. Hackers track you so they can steal as much information about you as possible, while your ISP monitors your online activities so they can sell that info to advertisers. As for the government, well, let’s face it, they’re just naturally nosy.

A VPN is a great tool for protecting you when using unprotected WiFi hotspots, such as those found in coffee shops, airports, and other spots. Most hotspots do not encrypt their wireless signal. This makes it easier to connect, but also makes it much easier for hackers to monitor hotspot users’ online activities. A VPN encrypts your connection, thereby preventing this.

ISPs have been caught blocking or throttling their customers’ connections if they catch them engaging in “unapproved” activities, such as streaming from certain services or sharing files via P2P. A VPN’s encryption keeps your ISP from knowing what you’re up to, stopping them from throttling your speeds based on what you’re doing.

A VPN can also temporarily assign a new IP address to your device. If the server is located in another country, this makes it look as if you’re connecting from that country, opening up access to geo-blocked content in that country.

California VPN FAQs

Conclusion

If you’re a California resident or are simply Going Back to Cali for a visit, you can easily protect and enhance your online activities by using a Virtual Private Network. NordVPN is my #1 choice for that protection.

NordVPN’s large global server network provides fast, well-encrypted connections that provide access to geo-blocked local content around the world. The provider offers excellent support for numerous popular devices and offers local IP addresses in California, excellent router compatibility and 24/7 customer support.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.