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How To Get A U.S. IP Address From Anywhere (For Free)

If you're outside the U.S., you likely won't have access to Netflix and many other online services based in the U.S. A VPN provides a U.S. IP address, restoring access.

When you connect to the internet from outside of the US, your computer gets an IP address from the ISP that facilitated the connection and your location abroad is exposed. Many services, such as HBO and ESPN, geo-restrict their content and impose blocks based on your IP address. Additionally, banks such as Bank of America and Wells Fargo might flag your account when you log in from abroad.

If you have an US IP address, you can access American websites and internet services, even though you are outside of the country. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can mask your existing IP address and assign you one from a location of your choice. VPN services operate servers in many countries, so you can access restricted content in lots of countries just by selecting the right server location.

VPN’s also encrypt your internet traffic, making it unreadable to hackers, government agencies, ISPs, and any other snoopers.

How do I get a US IP address from abroad?

You don’t need technical skills to get a US IP address from anywhere. Just follow these steps:

  1. Pay for a VPN service (we recommend NordVPN).
  2. Download and install the recommended app for your device’s operating system.
  3. Open the app and select a VPN location in the US.
  4. Surf to a US website that geo-restricts content and try to access your desired web page or video. If it doesn’t load immediately, clear your browser’s cache and cookies, then refresh the page.

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How to choose the right VPN for a US IP address

We’ve taken the following criteria into account when selecting the five best VPNs for getting a US IP address from abroad.

  • Servers in the US
  • Fast speeds for video streaming
  • An easy-to-use app that doesn’t require technical skills
  • Apps for different operating systems
  • Strong security features and effective privacy protection

Best VPNs for a US IP address

Here is our list of the best VPNs to get a US IP address:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN has a huge server network with more than 5,200+ spread across 59+ countries. The company has nearly 2,000 servers in the United States alone. Speeds are blazing, making it easy to watch uninterrupted video streams. NordVPN is known for its ability to unblock geo-restricted sites, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and more.

The NordVPN apps give access to servers all over the world through a map or dropdown list. The list access to servers includes Double VPN options that will route your connections through two servers in different countries for an extra layer of security. You can also connect to the Tor network through an encrypted NordVPN connection.

Connection security is provided by a military-grade 256-bit AES cipher. A kill switch and DNS leak protection are built in and no logs are maintained. Users can also change their IP twice for added anonymity, and can use the provider’s CyberSec feature to block malware and ads.

The provider owns and operates its server network, meaning third-party contractors have no access to your personal information. Plus, all NordVPN servers are run 100% only from RAM, with no data being written to a physical hard drive. All data is wiped from a server whenever it is rebooted.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS (native M1 Mac support), Linux, iOS, Amazon Fire, Android and Android TV. It can be installed manually on Blackberry, Raspberry Pi and on some routers and set top boxes.

The provider’s SmartDNS service allows users to stream American streaming services on game consoles, smart TVs and other set-top boxes. However, keep in mind that the service doesn’t encrypt your connection like the VPN service does.

The company also provides browser extensions for Firefox, Edge and Chrome, which work independently of native apps but only secure your browser traffic. NordVPN gives each account an allowance of six simultaneous connections.

Pros:

  • Super fast speeds
  • Great value for the money
  • Gets into Netflix US and others streaming sites from abroad
  • Loads of security features
  • Comprehensive app support

Cons:

  • Streaming servers are not labeled

BEST VPN TO GET A U.S. IP ADDRESS:The extras built into NordVPN’s service are exceptional. NordVPN provides fast, well-protected connections from nearly 2,000 US-based servers. Top-notch app support has most popular devices covered. The provider’s reasonable pricing is just icing on the cake. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark has quickly become one of the most attractive VPN providers available today thanks to its comprehensive online protection and enhancement features, all delivered at a bargain-basement price.

Surfshark’s global server network server count currently sits at 3,200+ servers, located in 65 countries around the world. The US servers are spread around the country, allowing you to select a server near your desired content for a better connection. The provider says it provides access to Netflix servers inside the US and 30+ other countries.

The service delivers plenty of connection horsepower, providing unthrottled bandwidth that can easily handle HD streaming, online gaming and large file sharing.

The provider’s easy-to-use apps are available for the Amazon Fire TV, iOS, Android, Linux, Windows and macOS (including native M1 Mac support) device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider is also compatible with a large number of router makes and models.

The provider’s smart DNS service allows smart TVs, set-top boxes and gaming consoles to benefit from Surfshark’s services, albeit without the encrypted connection protection offered by the company’s full-blown VPN offering.

An unlimited simultaneous connections allowance means you can connect every online-capable device you own to Surfshark VPN servers.

Comprehensive internet protection includes military-grade encryption, a kill switch and DNS leak prevention. Also available are ad blocking, as well as tracker, malware and phishing protection. The provider’s MultiHop server option, which routes your connection through two VPN servers, provides added anonymity and privacy.

A strict no-server-logs policy and cryptocurrency payment option amount to comprehensive privacy protection.

Pros:

  • Provides reliable access to the United States
  • Top-notch online security and privacy
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Fast download speeds
  • Fast-growing global server network

Cons:

  • Single-month subscription fee is a bit expensive

BARGAIN-PRICED CONNECTIONS:Surfshark can provide online protection for a houseful of internet users looking to grab an IP address based stateside. The provider offers reliable access to the US and most of the world, top-notch online security and privacy, and fast connection speeds. Plus, it does it all at a bargain-basement price with its extended subscription plans. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN provides excellent all-around VPN protection and enhancement, although it does so at a rather high price. Still, it provides a good return on investment.

The provider’s speeds are more than fast enough to stream video without buffering or stuttering. Plus, there are never any data caps or bandwidth throttling to deal with.

The company currently operates 3,000+ servers in 160 locations in 94+ countries. In the US, there are 23 server farms in 14+ cities across the country.

ExpressVPN can provide access to a ton of streaming sites, including Netflix, Hulu, HBO and ESPN. If you need help finding the right server, customer support is available 24/7 via live chat.

Privacy features in the VPN include a kill switch, a private DNS service and a no-logs policy. Connections are established under 4096-bit RSA public key encryption and data transfers are made secure with 256-bit AES encryption.

The provider also runs all of its servers 100% from volatile RAM, writing no data of any kind to a physical hard drive. This means all data is securely wiped from an ExpressVPN server whenever it is rebooted.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Amazon Fire, Android and Android TV devices. ExpressVPN can also be installed on many popular routers (the provider recently updated its router firmware). You can also use a browser plug-in for the Chrome, Firefox and Edge platforms.

The provider’s MediaStreamer DNS service allows set-top boxes, smart TVs, and game consoles to take advantage of the provider’s services, although the feature lacks encrypted connection protection.

You get a simultaneous connections allowance of 5 connections on a single account.

Pros:

  • Fast speeds for streaming and downloading
  • Secure and private
  • Able to unblock many streaming sites
  • Great technical support team available all the time through live chat

Cons:

  • More expensive than some comparable rivals
  • Only five simultaneous connections

HIGHLY VERSATILE VPN OPTION:ExpressVPN a great, all-around VPN provider. It provides high-speed, reliable connections, making it ideal for streaming and downloading. It works reliably in the US and its excellent security features and ease of use make this VPN one of the best in the world. While ExpressVPN is a bit more expensive than other providers on this list, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to try the service risk free.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.CyberGhost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost currently has a total of 7,600+ servers in 90+ countries. More than 1,300 of those servers are located in the United States alone.

The provider’s apps allow you to specify an activity for the VPN session if you’d like, such as downloading or video streaming. The app will adjust its settings automatically in accordance with your selection. For streaming, you can select a server based on which site you want to access, such as Netflix US or Amazon Prime Video. File sharers can select from a number of P2P-friendly countries.

Connection security is guaranteed by 4096-bit RSA encryption for session establishment and key exchange and military-grade 256-bit AES encryption that protects all data.

The company accepts credit cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay (in compatible browsers), PayPal and Bitcoin. The company also runs a no-logs policy, so your privacy is well protected.

First-time VPN users will appreciate CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps. Apps are provided for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV and Amazon Fire Stick. Browser extensions are available for the Chrome and Firefox platforms. You can set up a CyberGhost VPN connection manually on some routers to protect all of your connected devices.

In addition to its comprehensive VPN protection, CyberGhost also offers other services, including a password manager, alerts if your email address is found in a data breach, and more. Windows users can benefit from the provider’s antivirus and anti-malware protection, privacy protections, and much more.

Each account is allowed up to seven simultaneous connections.

Pros:

  • Fast transfer speeds
  • Strong security procedures
  • Easy-to-use apps
  • Excellent global server network

Cons:

  • Missing some advanced options and features
  • Struggles to work in some restrictive countries

GREAT FOR BEGINNING VPN USERS:CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps are perfect for first-time VPN users, or for users that just want to stream or share files quickly and securely. The provider’s fast connection speeds and comprehensive global server coverage help ensure your online experience will be a good one. You will get a 45-day money-back guarantee on all subscription periods except for the one month plan, which has a 14-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish is based in the United States and it provides excellent speeds, which is one of the reasons it’s especially popular with torrenters and Kodi users.

The company has more than 2,000+ servers in just under 60 countries with 1,200+ located in the United States. It can provide access to various streaming sites, including Netflix.

Privacy measures include a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a no-logs policy. Connection establishment is encrypted with a 2048-bit RSA public key cipher and transmissions are protected by banking-grade 256-bit AES encryption. The provider follows a strict no-logs policy, but lacks a Bitcoin subscription payment option.

IPVanish’s apps are available for the Windows, macOS, iOS, ChromeOS, Amazon Fire and Android device platforms. The service can be set up manually with Linux. The provider is also compatible with various router makes and models. Browser extensions are currently unavailable.

IPVanish allows each account an unlimited concurrent connections allowance.

Pros:

  • Fast connection speeds
  • Plenty of US-based servers
  • No logs policy
  • Allows you to connect unlimited devices at once

Cons:

  • No browser extensions
  • No Bitcoin payment option

EVERYONE GETS CONNECTED:IPVanish’s unlimited simultaneous connections allowance is one of the few in the VPN business. The provider has plenty of US-based servers, and its app selection has most popular devices covered. This provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN was created by internet freedom activists and is a small but powerful competitor in the industry.

This VPN includes access to more than 200+ servers located in 60+ countries, including 12 server farms in the United States.

The speeds of this service are excellent and sufficient to stream video uninterrupted.

The transmission security system relies on encryption. The session creation procedures are covered by a 2048-bit RSA cipher and the data channel is encrypted with a 256-bit AES cipher. A kill switch and DNS leak protection are included. The service uses a third-party company to process payments so it does not keep any information about customers on file. PrivateVPN also does not keep activity logs so all customers are untraceable.

Apps run on Windows, macOS, iOS and Android devices. You can also set up a VPN connection on Linux computers and some routers and set-top boxes. You get an allowance of six simultaneous connections per account.

Pros:

  • Great speeds for downloading and video streaming
  • All accounts are secure and private
  • Easy-to-use app
  • Excellent technical support available online

Cons:

  • Limited app availability
  • Doesn’t have 24/7 live chat support

UP AND COMING VPN PROVIDER:PrivateVPN's service blocks snoopers; even the VPN operator doesn’t know who you are or what you are doing on the internet. While the provider doesn’t support all popular platforms, it has the top four covered. PrivateVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read my full PrivateVPN review.

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7. Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • FireTV

Website:  www.HotspotShield.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

Hotspot Shield delivers reliable access to US-based IP addresses.

The Hotspot Shield server network boasts more than 1,800 servers in 80+ countries (with 27 server farms in the United States). The provider’s US-based servers all offer reliable access to geo-controlled materials that are normally only available to users inside US borders.

The provider’s connection speeds are, admittedly, far from the fastest on this list. However, its download speeds do make it a reliable option for all of your favorite online activities. No data caps or bandwidth throttling to deal with here.

All Hotspot Shield-provided connections are protected using military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IPv6/DNS leak prevention. The Hotspot Shield app can be set to automatically turn on protection when it detects that you’ve connected to a public wi-fi hotspot.

The provider saves no logs of any kind. Unfortunately, it lacks a Bitcoin subscription payment option.

Once upon a time, Hotspot Shield logged its users’ online antics. However, they have since been purchased by new owners that say they no longer save any logs that can be tied back to an individual user.

However, the provider’s privacy policy indicates that they do save some sort of information, as it reads: “We may share your information if we are required to do so by applicable law; to comply with our legal obligations; to comply with legal process; and to respond to valid law enforcement requests relating to a criminal investigation, or alleged or suspected illegal activity that may expose Aura, you, or any of our other users to legal liability.”

The provider’s app selection includes options for the Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire and Android TV device platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions also make the scene, and the service works with many routers with a bit of manual configuration.

Hotspot Shield’s “Premium” subscription option allows you to connect up to five devices at once, while the “Premium Family” plan allows you to connect up to five devices for five users for a total of 25 connections.

Customer support is an always available proposition, thanks to 24/7 live chat support, email, and a searchable support library.

Pros:

  • Fast connections
  • Support for popular devices
  • Top-notch online security and privacy

Cons:

  • No cryptocurrency payment options
  • Will share data with outside parties

RELIABLE ACCESS TO US IP ADDRESSES:Hotspot Shield provides fast and well-protected access to IP addresses in the United States. The provider delivers reliable, well-protected connections that can easily handle your favorite online pastimes. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for Getting an American IP Address

Not every VPN service provider is suitable for getting an American IP address. There are a few things you have to look for in order to find the best VPN to do it.

Here are the metrics I assessed when discovering which VPNs to recommend for getting a US IP address:

  • Speed: No matter what online activity you’re intending to perform, speed is always an important consideration. Each VPN on my list scored above average in my most recent connection speed tests, ensuring you’ll be able to enjoy your VPN experience.
  • Server Network: Obviously, there need to be US servers available from a VPN in order to get an American IP address, so it’s important to look for that. In addition, a high server count ensures that you’ll get fast speeds, as the servers won’t be bogged down with many users connecting at once.
  • Value: No VPN should charge a higher price than what is commensurate with what it offers. You have to consider what features and functionality it offers, then see if the price is justified. Each VPN on my list charges a price that makes sense for what it offers.
  • Ease of Use: It’s critical to look for easy-to-use apps in VPN providers, as many people may only be starting out on their “VPN journey”. In addition, offering apps for a wide array of devices means you can conduct your favorite online activities on whichever device you want.
  • Security and Privacy: Whichever online activity you’re looking to conduct, excellent digital security and privacy protections are a must. Banking-level encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection should all be available. I also only included VPNs that follow a strict no-logs policy, so you can be sure they’re never saving logs of your online activities.
  • Streaming: It’s likely that you’re using your American IP address to access video streaming content. That’s why I made sure that each VPN I recommended offers easy and reliable access to a multitude of streaming providers, including Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and more.

Don’t think that our research ends here. Evaluating the factors listed above is just a small part of our comprehensive VPN testing methodology. We take a data-driven approach to the process, which helps us better understand a VPN’s services, which allows us to only recommend VPNs that are a good fit for your needs.

Can I Get a US IP Address for Free?

There are a lot of free VPNs on the market. However, they usually aren’t any good and some of them are actually scams. There are services that claim to work as VPNs but do not include any encryption. Other services track your activities on the internet and sell that information to third parties.

It takes a lot of stealth to evade detection and free services can’t afford to invest in that level of technology. Media streaming sites are particularly strong at blocking VPN traffic, and free VPNs don’t have the skills to dodge them. A free VPN could simply be a waste of your time because it won’t get you into the US websites that you want to access from abroad.

Even if you do get access, high loads (too many users) on a small number of servers will likely result in a slow, unreliable connection.

From a security and practical standpoint, it’s worth going with a reputable paid provider.

Why Else Do I Need a VPN?

Recruitment sites check on the location of visitors and block them from applying for jobs in the US if they detect that the applicant is not in the country. News websites will send out an “international version” to visitors who are not in the US, so you aren’t allowed to read the same news items if you are abroad. Even banks, such as Citibank, Wells Fargo, or Bank of America may block you from checking your account online from outside of the US.

Even if you’re in the US, you can still benefit from using a VPN. For example, you can use it to gain access to geo-restricted content from other countries. Plus, VPNs encrypt your traffic so that no one can monitor your online activity.

Another good reason to use a VPN is to protect your data when using wi-fi hotspots. Fake hotspots are increasingly common. It’s difficult to tell when you connect to one of these because the hacker forwards all traffic to and from a real internet connection. However, the hotspot controls the encryption that is applied for the wifi session, so the hacker will be able to decrypt all of your data in transit.

A VPN negotiates extra encryption security with a remote server that is beyond the local wifi system and the hacker won’t be able to crack that.

Selecting a VPN

You won’t get blocked out of US sites anymore while you are outside of the country if you use a VPN.

The five services on our list are all well-managed and reliable VPNs. You will get constant service from them and you shouldn’t notice any impact on your connection speeds when the VPN is turned on. A VPN will provide you with total privacy when you surf the web and help you defeat access restrictions so that you can get into any US website while you are abroad.

U.S. IP Address FAQs

Can't I Use a Proxy to Get a U.S. IP Address?

While a proxy server may indeed give you a U.S. IP address, it doesn't encrypt your internet connection. By using a VPN, you get an American IP address and you ensure your online activities remain safe from prying eyes.

Will a Free VPN Give Me a U.S. IP Address?

Yes, a free VPN will likely give you a U.S. IP address, depending on whether or not they have servers based inside U.S. borders. However, free VPNs often times have bandwidth throttling and data cap policies. Plus, they often make money by selling the logs of their users' online activities to advertisers and other third-parties, meaning you have no true privacy.

Will a U.S. IP Address Allow Me to View U.S. Netflix?

Yes, if you use a quality VPN provider - like NordVPN - you will have access to U.S. Netflix content, along with content from Hulu, Amazon Prime, and many other U.S.-based streaming services.

Why Do I Need an American IP Address?

There are multiple reasons for getting an American IP address. Using a VPN to get an American IP address opens up access to geo-fenced US content that normally wouldn't be available to US citizens that are traveling abroad or to ex-pats that are longing for a bit of back-home entertainment. By having an American IP address, you are assured of being able to use your online banking or other online services that may block access to non-US users.

Can I Get an IP Address Located in a Specific American City?

Many VPNs do allow you the granularity of connecting to a US server based in a specific city or state. This allows you to have numerous options for finding the fastest and best-performing servers on a city-by-city basis.


Roundup - best VPNs for speed

Position Our Score Verdict
1.
4.5/5
Verdict: Our top rated VPN
Get NordVPN »
2.
4.5/5
Verdict: Best budget option
Get Surfshark »
3.
4.0/5
Verdict: Great privacy options
Get ExpressVPN »
4.
4.0/5
Verdict: Highly versatile
Get CyberGhost »
5.
3.0/5
Verdict: Up to 10 devices
Get PrivateVPN »

PRIVACY ALERT: Websites you visit can see these details about you:

The following information is available to any site you visit:

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage.

By using a VPN you can hide these details and protect your privacy.

I recommend NordVPN - the top provider in my testing. It offers outstanding privacy features and there is currently a discounted rate available through this link.

Visit NordVPN

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