While the right to freedom of speech and expression that American citizens traditionally enjoy extends to the internet, there have been a large number of troubling events taking place in recent years.
While the country’s citizens have open access to the web, changes in Net Neutrality and hacking and disinformation incidents during the 2016 presidential campaign had a chilling effect on internet users. Many citizens fear increased surveillance by the U.S. government, as well as limited access to certain types of content due to the reversal of Net Neutrality in the country.
Can a VPN Help Me in the USA?
Happily, if you’re in the United States, you have easy access to a tool that protects your online activities from prying eyes, helps keep your personal information personal, and opens access to content from other regions that might normally be blocked from the U.S.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) protects your online activities from being tracked by your Internet Service Provider (ISP), the U.S. government, advertisers, and the shifty fellow sitting at the table next to yours at your favorite coffee shop.
A VPN can also “spoof” your location, making it appear as if you are connecting to the internet from another location, be it on the other side of your country or the other side of the world. This opens access to geo-controlled content, such as international Netflix content, gaming servers, and other types of services.
Below, I assess the six best VPNs for use inside the United States and I list the features that are most important to look for in a VPN provider.
How to Use Your VPN in the U.S.
To protect your online activities with a VPN while inside U.S. borders, do the following:
- Subscribe to your VPN provider of choice.
- Install the provider’s app on all of your devices to protect all of your online activities.
- Log into the VPN.
- Select a VPN server and connect to it.
- Enjoy your online anonymity.
Best VPNs for the U.S.
I ran my top VPN providers through rounds of rigorous testing and came up with a list of the six best VPNs for use in the United States. Extensive reviews will follow, but here is a quick summary for each.
My best VPNs for the U.S:
- NordVPN: Best VPN for the USA. Excellent customer support, top-notch privacy protection, and speedy connections all add up to a reasonably-priced VPN that makes it the top choice for online users in the USA. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best Budget USA VPN. This provider will be an attractive option for users looking for a low-cost option to protect all of their devices at once. Plus, the provider’s blazingly fast connection speeds will stream any type of content.
- ExpressVPN: Premium U.S. VPN. This provider’s fast connections, extensive global server coverage, and excellent security and privacy protections make this provider a reliable choice for use in the USA.
- CyberGhost: Great VPN for beginners. This popular provider offers some of the best connection speeds around via an easy-to-use app, making it an excellent option for first-time VPN users or those looking for an easy way to protect their online activities.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable protected connections. PIA’s well-protected connections provide comprehensive online protection, while also delivering reliable access to geo-controlled content around most of the globe.
- PrivateVPN: Small but mighty VPN. PrivateVPN’s connections deliver streaming-capable, well-protected connections, and other excellent features. Making this Sweden-based provider an excellent option for the U.S.
I evaluated and ranked the top U.S. VPNs using the following criteria:
- Security and privacy protections
- Fast connections, with unlimited bandwidth and no data caps
- Global network server numbers
- Uses shared IP addresses
- Customer support
- Native app support
- Bonus points for allowing torrenting
For more information on the criteria I used when selecting the best VPNs available, check out the in-depth testing methodology section further down this article.
Here are my top six picks for the best VPNs to use from inside the United States.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN offers an excellent way to protect your stateside internet connection thanks to its well-protected connections, optimal privacy protection, and comprehensive customer support.
This provider makes its home in Panama and takes full advantage of the country’s lack of data retention laws. It keeps no logs of your online travels and makes a Bitcoin payment option available. The provider runs all of its VPN servers 100% from RAM, never writing any data to a physical hard drive. This ensures all data is securely wiped when a server is rebooted.
Connection security is as strong as the privacy protections are, thanks to NordVPN’s military-grade encryption and kill switch protection. The provider also offers the option to use obfuscated servers, which help hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. NordVPN can also block ads and malware.
NordVPN’s fast connections are not hindered by data caps or bandwidth limitations.
5,500+ servers located in close to 60 countries means you’ll have access to content from around the globe. Shared IP addresses add to the protection. While NordVPN allows P2P activity, it limits it to select servers. The provider is moving its server model to an owned-and-operated one, keeping third-party operators aways from its customers’ personal information.
NordVPN offers round-the-clock live chat, email support, and an easy-to-use knowledge base.
Apps for Android, Windows, macOS (including native support for Apple’s M1/M2 Macs), iOS, Android TV, Linux, and Amazon Fire devices likely have your needs covered. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions protect your browsing sessions.
If you need to protect another device, or if you need more than six concurrent connections, use the provider’s excellent router features to protect all of your devices via a single access point.
Pros:
- 5,500+ servers in close to 60 countries
- Comprehensive multi-platform support
- Value-priced
- Allows P2P traffic on a select number of servers
- Runs all servers 100% from RAM
Cons:
- Apps aren’t exactly user friendly
TOP PICK FOR U.S. VPN:NordVPN offers excellent VPN protection at a price that won’t break the bank. Fast connections, excellent privacy protections, comprehensive app support, and great customer support. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is included.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is an excellent option for protecting and elevating your online security and overall enjoyment, all for a low price. In addition to fast connections, the provider also allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
With 3,200+ servers available in 99+ countries, Surfshark offers reliable access to content around the globe. The provider can access numerous streaming providers, including Hulu, Netflix in the U.S. and abroad, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and more. The provider says it offers access to 30+ Netflix libraries around the globe.
Surfshark offers the fastest connection speeds that I saw in my most recent tests, and is easily up to streaming high-definition content, depending on your usual connection speeds.
The provider offers comprehensive security protections, including a kill switch, bank-grade encryption, and an ad and tracking blocking feature. Privacy-wise, Surfshark also performs well, with a strict no-logs policy and happily allowing Bitcoin as a privacy-friendly payment method.
Surfshark offers native apps for Android, iOS, macOS (including native Apple Silicon support), Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire devices. Extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox protect your browser activity, while its router support can protect all of your devices through a single point of access.
Surfshark provides something else that’s particularly useful for streaming: an unlimited simultaneous connections policy. This means you, your family, and your friends can all connect your devices at the same time on one account.
In addition to quality VPN service, Surfshark also offers virus protection, truly private search, and alerts when your email address is included in a data breach.
Surfshark’s Smart DNS service can connect devices like gaming consoles and some set-top boxes, with access to streaming services abroad, although it only works through your router. Be aware, though, it doesn’t encrypt your connection like the provider’s VPN offering does.
Should you have any issues with the service (however unlikely), you can connect to customer support through their 24/7 live chat option or a “contact us” form. You can also choose to peruse their searchable support library.
Pros:
- Budget-friendly price
- Super-fast speeds
- Unlimited concurrent connections
- Apps for popular devices
Cons:
- Apps lack some advanced options
BEST FOR BUDGET USERS:Surfshark is a great choice for online users on a tight budget, or who would rather spend their money on other things. The provider’s unlimited simultaneous connections policy makes it great for big families or small companies with lots of online users. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is your best bet for providing comprehensive VPN protection for your internet connection when inside U.S. borders.
This British Virgin Islands-based VPN service keeps no logs of any type. You can keep your payment information completely incognito thanks to a Bitcoin payment option. Plus, the provider runs all server operations only from volatile RAM, never writing any data to a physical hard drive. This means that all data is securely wiped from ExpressVPN servers whenever they are rebooted.
Military-grade encryption protects the company’s connections. Plus, kill switch protection and IPv6 leak protection keep your online communications free from observation. The provider’s proprietary Lightway connection protocol is optimized for performance and protection.
ExpressVPN offers fast connection speeds, which are more than up to whatever you throw at them. No data caps or bandwidth limitations mean you’ll never have to worry about losing your protection before the end of the month.
ExpressVPN has 3,000+ servers located in 94+ countries. Those servers use shared IP addresses, increasing your security by increasing anonymity. P2P activity is allowed on all servers.
Customer support is a definite plus at ExpressVPN, as it offers 24/7 live chat, a trouble ticket system, email support, and a searchable troubleshooting and support library.
No matter which device(s) you use, ExpressVPN likely has you covered. Apps are available for Windows, Android, macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), iOS, Linux, BlackBerry, Amazon Fire, and Chromebook devices. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your browsing activity.
If you need VPN coverage for other devices, or if the provider’s five simultaneous connections allowance isn’t enough, you can take advantage of ExpressVPN’s excellent router compatibility.
Pros:
- Offers excellent app support and browser extensions
- Allows P2P file sharing activity on all servers
- Top-notch security and privacy
- Extensive global server network
Cons:
- Only five simultaneous connections
- More expensive than many other VPNs
RELIABLE VPN PROTECTION FOR THE U.S.:ExpressVPN is a reliable option for protecting you online while in the United States. The provider has excellent global server coverage, well-encrypted connections, and top-notch privacy protections. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is an attractive VPN option for rookie VPN users looking for an easy-to-use, yet efficient way to protect your online activities while inside U.S. borders.
8,900+ servers, located in 90+ countries add up to comprehensive global server coverage. And, with over 1,100 servers located in various locations around the United States, the provider also delivers excellent U.S. content-accessing power and protection. (The provider has numerous streaming-optimized servers located in the U.S.)
CyberGhost’s download speeds are some of the best around. HD and 4K streams are easily handled by this provider. No data caps or bandwidth throttling to spoil the fun.
In addition to the usual banking-level encryption, kill switch, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection, the provider also offers the ability to block ads, malicious websites, and online tracking. Plus, an automated HTTPS Redirect feature forces websites to serve up HTTPS versions of their web pages.
Your privacy is well-protected thanks to the provider’s total no-logs policy and willingness to accept Bitcoin in return for their considerable services.
This provider’s excellent app support has you covered, with native app support available for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows, and Amazon Fire devices. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available.
If you need protection for other devices, or if you require more than seven simultaneous connections, you can make use of the provider’s comprehensive router support.
The provider also offers a password manager, as well as an ID Guard feature that alerts users if and when their email address is included in a data breach. CyberGhost’s Security Suite for Windows offers antivirus and malware protection, as well as a way to customize how much of your personal data Microsoft can access, and last but not least, a utility that scans your PC’s hard drive for outdated and vulnerable versions of software.
Pros:
- Streaming-optimized servers in the U.S.
- HD & 4K-capable connections
- Easy-to-use apps
- Top-notch privacy and security protections
Cons:
- Apps lack some advanced options
- Has issues with some U.S. streaming services
CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps should prove to be an attractive option for rookie VPN users. The provider offers downloading and streaming-optimized servers based in the U.S. Fast connection speeds and optimal online protections are an attractive bonus. A 45-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) provides reliable, well-protected access to multiple VPN server farms around the U.S.
The PIA global server network boasts over 3,300 servers stationed in more than 80 countries (with servers in more than 50 U.S. cities).
PIA’s native app support is available to protect Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux devices. Meanwhile, Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your in-browser activities. The provider’s comprehensive router compatibility protects all of your connected devices.
Up to 10 devices can be simultaneously connected to PIA servers on a single set of credentials.
This provider’s download speeds are definitely not the fastest on this list. That said, they can easily handle HD and 4K streaming content, online gaming, and more. No data caps or bandwidth throttling to spoil the fun here.
Banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch add up to comprehensive online protection. The provider also blocks ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous websites.
The provider saves no user logs recording your online travels and it also accepts Bitcoin as payment. This helps to protect both your usage and payment privacy. Sign up with a tossable email address to gain an additional bit of privacy.
PIA’s customer support options include live chat, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Huge number of U.S. server locations
- Reliable access to geo-controlled content
- Comprehensive online security and privacy
Cons:
- No labeled streaming-optimized servers
- Has issues working in restrictive countries
RELIABLE PROTECTED ACCESS TO U.S. CONTENT:Private Internet Access provides reliable access to content intended for the United States, while protecting all of your online activities. Fast, well-protected connections make the VPN a great choice for most online activities. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Private Internet Access.
6. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN offers reliable, well-protected connections that are more than up to anything you may throw at them, and their optimal privacy protections are a plus.
A location in Sweden ensures PrivateVPN can follow a no-logs-ever policy that never saves any info about your online antics. Bitcoin is happily accepted here.
PrivateVPN’s speedy connections are well protected with military-grade encryption, IPv6 leak protection, and auto-reconnect if you lose contact with the VPN’s servers. No data caps or bandwidth limitations are ever imposed.
200+ servers are by no means a high server count, but the provider does spread them out well, if thinly, in 60+ countries around the world. P2P file sharing is available on all PrivateVPN servers. Shared IP addresses add another layer of security.
Customer support from this provider is a mixed bag, as their live support chat is not available 24/7. However, an FAQ section and a “Contact Us” form are available.
The provider does offer a unique form of customer support not seen in other VPNs. Remote help is available, where the provider assists in setup and troubleshooting of the VPN software.
App support for PrivateVPN is limited to the big four platforms: macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. However, the provider does offer router support to protect all of your connected devices. Up to 10 devices can be simultaneously connected to the provider on one login.
Pros:
- Impressive protected connection speeds
- Simultaneously protects up to 10 devices
- All servers support P2P file sharing
Cons:
- Server numbers definitely lacking
- App support could also stand to be improved
P2P USERS WELCOME:PrivateVPN provides fast connections perfect for P2P file sharing and streaming. Their server count is a bit lacking, but the provider does a good job of strategically locating them. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of PrivateVPN.
Methodology for Assessing VPNs for USA
There are several factors to carefully consider when researching VPN protection while inside of US borders.
This is a list of the most important things that I considered when I was making a decision about which VPNs to recommend for use while visiting or residing in the United States:
- Connection speeds: A fast internet connection is an important factor for the enjoyment of popular online activities. Browsing the web, gaming, streaming videos, and other popular pastimes are more enjoyable with a faster connection. All of the VPNs I include in my articles provide fast connections.
- Global server network: The larger a global server network, the easier it is to access geo-controlled content around the globe. Multiple servers in each country are always a plus, as they offer improved performance.
- Value: By weighing a VPN service provider’s asking price against the features and performance it provides you can determine a VPN’s true value. Every VPN I include in my articles offers excellent value for the money.
- Ease of use: VPNs should offer native app support for most popular device platforms. Apps should also be easy to use. Each VPN on this list offers well-designed, intuitive apps.
- Security and privacy: Any VPN worth considering should at least offer 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection. A no-logs policy should also be followed by the provider.
- Streaming: VPNs included in my articles all offer reliable access to streaming sites, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and numerous other popular services.
Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.
Why Use a VPN in the United States?
Although the United States is thought of as a bastion of freedom (yes, it was hard to keep a straight face while typing that), efforts to allow increased monitoring of U.S. citizens continue to gain strength.
The U.S. government continues to encourage Internet Service Providers (ISP) and VPNs to keep logs of their customers’ online activities. While the move is usually framed as anti-terrorism-related, the campaign could have a chilling effect on the internet freedoms that American citizens currently enjoy.
A VPN provides encrypted connections that prevent the U.S. government, your ISP, or anyone else attempting to monitor your online activities from tracking your travels. At best, all they can tell is that you’re connected to a VPN.
Many ISPs also block peer-to-peer file sharing on their networks. This is due to pressure from movie studios and music companies, who fear their content is being illegally shared via P2P activities.
Sadly, ISP blocking of P2P also blocks legitimate usage of the technology, as many businesses use it to share documents among their employees. (Many game publishers also use the tech to distribute updates.)
A VPN enables torrenting activity despite ISP blocking by encrypting your connection, thereby hiding your online activities. The ISP can’t detect your P2P activity, and so it won’t block it.
It also opens access to streaming, gaming, and other types of content that might normally be unavailable in the U.S. Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services are legally bound to restrict access to their content to specific regions of the world.
A VPN makes it appear you are located in those regions, allowing you to access that formerly blocked content.
Is a Free VPN a Good Option for Use Inside the U.S.?
I refuse to recommend a free VPN to my readers, as gratis providers simply present too much of a privacy risk, and they actually have hidden costs.
Many “free” VPN providers violate their users’ privacy by monitoring and recording their online activities and then selling that information to advertisers and others who might have an interest in your online antics. There’s no reason to think they wouldn’t turn those logs over to the Feds if they were pressured enough.
Freebie VPN providers have also been caught injecting unwanted tracking cookies and advertisements into their users’ browsing sessions. UGH!
So-called “free” VPNs can also take a toll when it comes to your precious time. Some VPNs of this ilk will herd their users into queues, where they are forced to wait until the provider gives them the OK to connect. That’s when users find their server selection is severely limited, or they may not get a choice at all.
Last but not least, freebie VPNs have a tendency to throttle their users’ connections and impose monthly data caps and bandwidth limitations on their usage. That’s the exact opposite of what a VPN should do.
A month of service from a reliable VPN service costs less than an Animal-Style Burger, fries, and a shake from In-N-Out. Sure, there’s no secret menu available from a VPN (well, as far as YOU know), but paying upfront for your VPN service is a much better deal than “free.”
A Note About Using VPN Browser Extensions
In addition to full-blown native apps, many VPN providers on this list offer extensions for the Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser platforms.
While these extensions are a convenient way to keep your browser sessions protected, keep one important caveat in mind.
When you use a VPN provider’s native app for your device, all of your online activities are protected. This includes streaming, P2P file sharing, messaging, web browsing –- basically, any activity that uses your internet connection is protected.
However, when you use a provider’s browser extension, only your browser session is protected from prying eyes, while all of your other internet-connected activities are left open to monitoring.
If you just need a quick bit of protection for your browsing activities, by all means, use the browser extension. Otherwise, always use the native app to protect all of your online activities from detection.
Conclusion
Internet users who are located in or will be spending time in the United States are strongly advised to use a Virtual Private Network when accessing the internet.
A VPN – such as my #1 choice, NordVPN – not only keeps your web browsing undercover, but also keeps your P2P file-sharing activities, streaming binges, and more away from prying eyes, while opening up your entertainment possibilities to content anywhere around the globe.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.
USA VPN FAQs
Can I Use Any VPN for Torrenting in the USA?
No, not all VPNs allow torrenting on their USA-based servers. While many allow torrenting on specified servers (some, like CyberGhost, offer downloading-optimized servers), others restrict it outright or only on servers in other countries.
Does the USA Operate Under Net Neutrality?
Net Neutrality requirements were ended by the Trump administration in 2017. At the time of this writing, it has not been restored. However, in an executive order issued in July 2021, President Joe Biden called for the FCC to restore the net neutrality rules undone by the Trump administration.
“American Flag” licensed under CCO 1.0
Contents [hide]
- Can a VPN Help Me in the USA?
- How to Use Your VPN in the U.S.
- Best VPNs for the U.S.
- 1. NordVPN
- 2. Surfshark
- 3. ExpressVPN
- 4. CyberGhost
- 5. Private Internet Access
- 6. PrivateVPN
- Methodology for Assessing VPNs for USA
- Why Use a VPN in the United States?
- Is a Free VPN a Good Option for Use Inside the U.S.?
- A Note About Using VPN Browser Extensions
- Conclusion
- USA VPN FAQs
- Can I Use Any VPN for Torrenting in the USA?
- Does the USA Operate Under Net Neutrality?