What Is the Best VPN Provider for New York in 2024?

Although the U.S. is a member of the Five Eyes Alliance (meaning that it shares the online activity information of its citizens with other countries), and the USA Freedom Act poses some problems, the U.S. is still well known for its free internet.

However, there are still threats to your online privacy. The government would be happy to spy on you, Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are allowed to record your online activities, and hackers are always on the prowl for easy targets.

Can a VPN Help Me in New York?

Happily, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) solves this problem. A VPN encrypts your internet connection, making it impossible for any person or entity to monitor your online activities.

A VPN is also capable of unblocking geo-blocked content. While there’s plenty of online content available in the USA, there are internet services, such as the video streaming service BBC iPlayer, that aren’t available to U.S. residents. Plus, if you’re abroad, forget about accessing American internet content.

A VPN’s ability to give you a new, local IP address located in another country allows you to access the online content available in that country, opening up a world of new content possibilities.

In this article, I inform you of which VPN providers are the best for using in New York, USA.

Best VPNs for New York

I put all of the best VPN service providers available on the market today through extensive testing, and the results showed that the seven VPN providers below offered the best service while in New York.

Here’s the gist (you can find more thorough reviews below this section).

My best VPNs for New York:

1. NordVPN: Top NY VPN. NordVPN is your best bet for reliable and excellent service while in New York. The provider offers super-speedy connections to servers around the world. Strong encryption and digital security protections cover you while you’re online, and there are apps for all of your favorite devices. Offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best Budget VPN for NY. One of Surfshark’s best features is its low price. In addition, the provider offers unlimited simultaneous connections, wide-ranging app support, and access to 30+ Netflix libraries around the globe.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium NY VPN. ExpressVPN is definitely expensive, but many users will find it worth the price. The provider is versatile, offering a high level of performance in many categories, including app support, speed, security and privacy protections, and more.
4. CyberGhost: Excellent VPN for rookies. CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps make it simple to connect to your preferred server location. Plus, the provider’s streaming- and downloading-optimized servers offer an enhanced experience.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable protected access. PIA’s protected connections provide comprehensive online protection, as well as reliable access to geo-fenced content around the globe.
6. PrivateVPN: Mighty (small) VPN. Although this provider’s server network is much smaller than other providers on this list, those servers provide fast, well-protected connections to the internet.
7. Atlas VPN: Unlimited connection protection. This provider delivers unlimited protection for your online travels, making it a good option for users with multiple devices. Fast, well-protected access is to be found here.

I couldn’t just choose a VPN for New York willy-nilly, so these are the factors I assessed when making my decision:

• Global server network (with servers in New York)
• Digital security and privacy protections
• Connection speeds
• Native app support
• Customer support options

An in-depth look at the criteria I used can be found in the testing methodology section found later in this article.

The seven best VPN services for New York are:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is the #1 pick for internet users in New York.

NordVPN offers close to 5,600 servers in almost 60 countries around the world. Nearly 2,000 of those servers are located in 15+ cities across the U.S., including New York City. The provider is particularly adept at unblocking geo-blocked content anywhere you’d like.

This VPN service provider takes your online security seriously, with government-level 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection all available to users. Ad and malware blocking also make the scene.

NordVPN recently underwent an independent audit of its logging policy, proving that it never saves any logs of your online activities. If you prefer to pay with Bitcoin, NordVPN has you covered.

The provider runs all server operations directly from RAM, with no information of any kind being written to a physical hard drive. This ensures that all data is totally erased from the servers when they’re rebooted.

NordVPN is also in the process of making all of its servers proprietary, instead of leasing them from third parties. This makes it so that third-party contractors will have no access to your data.

NordVPN’s connection speeds are formidable, ranking as the third fastest in my most recent speed tests. That’s more than enough power to handle HD and 4K video streaming, online gaming, and the sharing of large files. Unlimited bandwidth and data come with your subscription.

When it comes to native app support, NordVPN excels. Apps are available for Windows, macOS (with support for M1/M2 Macs), iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Android TV device platforms. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is support for many makes and models of routers.

Up to six devices can connect concurrently to the provider’s servers on one set of login credentials.

Customer-support wise, NordVPN, erm, supports you, with 24/7 live chat, email support, and a searchable support database all available.

BEST VPN FOR NEW YORK:NordVPN is my top VPN for New Yorkers thanks to its high-speed servers across the world (and in NYC), solid security and privacy protections, reliable customer support, wide-ranging app support, and ability to offer instant access to geo-blocked content. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

---

2. Surfshark

Surfshark’s low-priced service will prove to be attractive to budget-minded users. And that price doesn’t mean Surfshark skimps on any of its features.

The provider offers a global server network of 3,200+ servers in close to 100 countries, the U.S. included (600+ are located in the USA, with some in NYC). The provider’s entire global server network is 100% run directly from RAM, never writing any data to a physical hard drive, ensuring that all data is erased from the server each time it is restarted.

The provider can reliably access 30+ Netflix libraries across the globe.

Surfshark protects your digital security with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and IPv6/DNS leak protection. “MultiHop” is a feature that Surfshark also provides, allowing you to connect through not one, but two VPN servers, doubling up on your anonymity and encryption.

It guarantees that it never saves logs of your online activities, and the provider also offers a Bitcoin subscription payment option.

Surfshark doesn’t let you down in the connection speeds arena, offering the fastest speeds around, which can handle most online activities, including HD video streaming, online gaming, and file sharing. The provider never throttles your bandwidth or imposes any data caps on your connection.

Apps for Android, Windows, Linux, macOS (with support for Apple’s Apple Silicon-powered Mac lineup), iOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire device platforms are all available from this provider. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available if you prefer to just protect your browsing sessions, and router support is comprehensive.

The provider also offers antivirus protection, alerts when your email is exposed in a data breach, and really private search.

Surfshark allows you to connect a whopping unlimited number of devices to its servers at once on one account. This will be particularly attractive to large families and small businesses.

And let’s not forget customer support. Surfshark has customer service agents available 24/7 via live chat. A contact form and a searchable knowledge base are also available.

GREAT VPN FOR BUDGET-MINDED USERS:Surfshark is a low-priced VPN that’s capable of accessing 30+ Netflix libraries across the world. Unlimited simultaneous connections are also available, as are incredibly fast speeds and reassuring security and privacy protections. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

---

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN provides a competitive service, albeit at a rather expensive price. New Yorkers, however, will appreciate its extensive service offerings.

The provider’s wide server network includes 3,000+ servers in 94+ countries, the U.S. included, with servers available in New York City. ExpressVPN’s ability to unblock online content around the world is nearly unparalleled.

Its government-grade 256-bit AES encryption, automatic kill switch option, and IP/DNS leak protections all team up to protect your online security. Split-tunneling is also available, which is a feature that allows you to choose which apps will benefit from the provider’s encrypted protection.

ExpressVPN offers a promise: absolutely no server logs. In addition, you can pay with Bitcoin if you’re so inclined.

The provider’s servers are run on its proprietary “TrustedServer” technology, running all server operations directly from RAM, with no data whatsoever being written to a hard drive. This ensures that all data is completely wiped from the server with each reboot.

ExpressVPN’s connection speeds are extremely fast, so you can stream in HD or 4K, play fast-moving online games, and share large files. You get unlimited bandwidth and data with your subscription.

Apps for multiple device platforms are available, including Windows, iOS, Android, macOS (with native Apple Silicon support), Linux, ChromeOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire. You can thoroughly protect your browsing sessions with a browser extension for Chrome, Firefox, or even Edge.

When it comes to router support, ExpressVPN has taken special notice of this, recently updating its router interface for easy location-switching. An interactive setup guide is also available to help you set up your connection.

ExpressVPN offers a five-device allowance when it comes to simultaneous connections on one account.

The provider offers four types of customer support: 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket tracking system, and an easily-searchable support library.

RELIABLE NEW YORK VPN:ExpressVPN’s versatile service does come at a high price, but some will find it worth it. The provider’s download speeds are formidable, its app support is wide and its global server network is massive. No worries about your digital security or privacy. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

---

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps are quite attractive for users who are just beginning to use VPNs.

The provider offers a massive global server network comprising 8,900+ servers in 90+ countries. 1,300+ of those servers are located in the U.S., with 440+ in New York alone. Some of its servers are optimized for streaming and downloading, so you can have an enhanced experience.

Military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, IPv6/DNS leak prevention, and an automatic kill switch all work together to provide excellent online security. You can also take advantage of the provider’s ad and tracker blocking, as well as its ability to force websites to show secure versions of their web pages (when available).

Recently added security features include a password manager, antivirus protection, and a utility that scans your device for outdated and vulnerable apps. The provider’s ID Guard feature alerts you if your email address was uncovered in a data breach.

CyberGhost is a provider that knows the value of online privacy, so it doesn’t save any logs of your online activities. Bitcoin is also an available payment option.

The provider offers some formidable connection speeds, providing an excellent experience while streaming, gaming, file sharing, or any other online activity. You’ll never need to worry about the provider throttling your bandwidth or limiting your usage with a data cap.

Easy-to-use apps are available for iOS, macOS, Android, Android TV, Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire device platforms. Browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox are available, and there’s plenty of router compatibility.

You can connect up to seven devices simultaneously, which is a higher number than usual.

Customer support agents are available around the clock via 24/7 live chat. Email support, a trouble ticket support system, and an easy-to-search support library are also all available from this provider.

BEST FOR ROOKIE VPN USERS:VPN dummies will appreciate CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps that offer one-click protection, with 450+ servers (some optimized for downloading and streaming) available in New York. The provider offers extensive security protections. 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 content around the globe.

The PIA global server network boasts over 3,300 servers stationed in more than 80 countries (New York-based servers are present and accounted for). The provider also has servers based in the most U.S. cities that I’ve ever seen from any provider I’ve tested.

While PIA’s native app support protects Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux devices, Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your in-browser viewing. Plus, comprehensive router compatibility protects all of your connected devices.

Users can concurrently connect up to 10 devices to PIA servers on a single set of credentials.

This provider’s download speeds are far from the fastest on this list. That said, they are easily up to handling streaming HD and 4K content, gaming, and much more. No data caps or bandwidth throttling to worry about here.

All PIA connections are protected by banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. The provider also offers blocking of ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous websites.

The provider never saves user logs to record your online travels and it also accepts Bitcoin as payment, helping to protect both your usage and payment privacy. Sign up with a disposable email address for an additional bit of privacy.

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

RELIABLE PROTECTED INTERNET ACCESS:Private Internet Access provides reliable access to NYC content, along with content in most other areas of the globe. The provider’s fast, well-protected connections are great for most online activities. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

---

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN’s global server network may be the smallest on this list. However, it makes up for it in other ways.

Let’s be honest, 200+ servers is not a huge number. However, PrivateVPN does a good job in positioning its servers around the globe, spreading them among 60+ countries, the U.S. (yes, in New York) included.

The service’s HD-capable connections do an excellent job of unblocking content from multiple streaming services, like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and others.

All PrivateVPN connections are protected with military-grade encryption, kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak protection.

“No user logs ever” is the rule on PrivateVPN’s server network, and you can keep your payment info incognito thanks to the provider’s Bitcoin payment policy.

PrivateVPN’s app support is limited to macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS devices. However, it also offers comprehensive router support to keep all of your connected devices covered. Up to 10 simultaneous connections are allowed on a single login.

Customer support includes live chat. A “Contact Us” form is also available if the company’s FAQ section doesn’t do it for you.

FAST SPEEDS:PrivateVPN offers speedy, well-protected VPN connections, with plenty of options for advanced users who like to tinker with settings. Small but powerful server network. A 30-day money-back guarantee keeps the risk factor to a minimum.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

---

7. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN provides well-protected, fast, and reliable access to geo-controlled content in New York and the rest of the world.

The provider’s global server network is made up of 750+ servers in 42+ countries (including the U.S.). That medium-sized network delivers reliable access to streaming services and other content around the globe.

Atlas VPN download speeds can easily keep up with your favorite online activities, and the provider never places data caps or bandwidth limitations on customers’ usage.

All Atlas VPN connections are protected with banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and more. Extra protection is afforded by the VPN’s Safebrowse and Safebrowse Plus protections.

There are no user tracking logs to be found on Atlas VPN servers. Unfortunately, a cryptocurrency payment option is not available.

Native app support is available for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux (finally), Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV devices. Unfortunately, support for browser extensions and routers is not to be found. However, Atlas says that both are in development.

There is no limit on the number of devices that a user can concurrently connect to its servers.

Live agent chat is only available to paying customers. Email, a contact form, and a support library are available to all.

UNLIMITED PROTECTED INTERNET ACCESS:Atlas VPN provides reliable access to geo-protected content via its fast well-protected connections. Customers can connect an unlimited number of devices to the provider’s servers. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Atlas VPN.

---

Methodology for Assessing VPNs for New York

There are many VPN service providers out there, but not all of them can be sufficient for use while located in New York. Instead of doing the eenie-meenie-miney-mo method, consider the factors that go into an excellent VPN experience.

Here are the necessary factors to consider when deciding upon which VPN to use while situated in New York:

• Speed: Fast speeds are an advantage no matter what online activity you intend to pursue. All of the VPNs I recommend for New York offer extremely fast speeds according to my most recent connection speed tests.
• Server network: Servers in New York are important if you want access to U.S. content while enjoying fast speeds. Servers in other countries are important if you want access to geo-blocked content. Also consider a VPN’s server count – the higher the number of servers, the faster your speeds, as no individual server will be overloaded with users all trying to connect at once.
• Value: Most people don’t want to overpay for a VPN service that doesn’t offer the features and functionality they need. Each of the VPNs on my list charges a price that its services justify.
• Ease of use: The VPN you choose should offer apps for your favorite devices. In addition, those apps should be easy to use, so you don’t have to worry about getting lost in a sea of settings. The VPNs on my list each offer simple apps.
• Security and privacy: Considering that online perils are everywhere, a VPN’s online security and privacy protections are important factors to consider. A VPN should offer, at the very least, banking-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS/IP leak protection. Always look for a no-logs policy as well, as this means that the VPN won’t monitor or record your online activities.
• Streaming: Many VPN users enjoy streaming content, so reliable streaming access is something I look for in the VPNs I recommend. All of the VPNs on my list offer reliable access to video streaming providers, such as Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and other popular streamers.

Check out more information about my VPN testing methodology.

How to Use a VPN To Protect Your New York Online Activities

Here are the steps that you need to follow in order to protect and enhance your online activities while in New York:

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN provider. (NordVPN is my #1 choice.)
2. Install the VPN’s app(s) on your connected device(s), install browser extensions if applicable, and set up your WiFi router to work with the service, if you want to protect all of your connected devices.
3. Log in to the VPN service.
4. Select a VPN server located in the U.S., preferably New York (for speed reasons), to protect your online activities from being monitored, or to access U.S.-only content while abroad. You can also select a server located outside of American borders to open access to geo-blocked content in other countries.
5. Enjoy your new online anonymity and access to geo-blocked content!

Will a Free VPN Work in New York?

Free VPN service providers are a blight on the internet landscape, no question about it. You should avoid one at all costs, no matter what online activity you intend to engage in.

If you don’t consider anything else, consider the threat to your online privacy. Free VPNs often make a buck by monitoring your online activities and selling that valuable information to third parties, such as advertisers (or worse).

Free VPN service providers have also been caught inserting unwanted tracking cookies and ads into their users’ browsing sessions. And don’t expect those cookies to stop tracking you just because you stopped using the free VPN.

Also, considering that free VPNs usually have few servers that users can connect to, you’ll have to wait in a queue behind other free users, waiting for your chance to connect. Once given the green light, you may not even get a choice in which server you want to connect to.

If you wanted a server located in New York, good luck with that.

You will also most likely experience connection speed throttling, as free VPNs like to throttle the bandwidth of free users in order to save most of it for paying users. You can also expect to face daily or monthly data caps, severely limiting your “protected” internet access.

Free VPNs are more trouble than they’re worth. I highly recommend choosing a budget-priced, paid provider, such as NordVPN or Surfshark. You’ll be glad you did.

What Does a VPN Do For Me?

VPNs are good for many different purposes.

Firstly, VPN service providers encrypt your internet connection. You can compare this tunnel of encryption to a train tunnel. Just like how a train disappears from view when it goes through a tunnel, so your internet activities disappear from view when going through the VPN’s tunnel of encryption.

Governments, Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and hackers – all of which would love to spy on your online activities – will be helpless to tell what you’re up to, because a VPN’s encryption will totally hide your internet activities.

This encryption will be a huge help when you’re using an unprotected public WiFi hotspot. WiFi hotspots aren’t usually password-protected, meaning that anyone else on the network can easily spy on what you’re doing. A VPN will prevent hackers and other nosy parties from stealing your personal, financial, and business information while connected to the hotspot.

You should also be aware that ISPs like to block or throttle your internet connection when you’re conducting certain “unapproved” activities, such as file sharing or streaming from certain sites. Because a VPN hides your online activities from view, your ISP won’t know what you’re up to and can’t interfere with your connection based on those activities.

Last but not least, a VPN can help you access geo-blocked content by changing your IP address. When you connect to a VPN server located in another country, you’ll get a local IP address from that country. This will make you appear to be located in that country and open up access to any geo-blocked content you have your eye on.

Conclusion

New Yorkers on the lookout for a reliable VPN service provider would do well to consider NordVPN.

NordVPN offers easy access to geo-blocked content around the world. The provider’s speeds are formidable and its app support is wide. Customer support is always there when you need it, with agents supplying quick and knowledgeable responses, and your security and privacy are always thoroughly protected.

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

New York VPN FAQs