While America is the land of freedom, we can’t say the same about its digital landscape. As someone living in the US, you are under constant surveillance from tech companies, your ISP, and government agencies like the NSA. Additionally, suppose you ever travel outside the US. In that case, most of the content and streaming services won’t be available to you due to geo-blocks. Luckily, you can avoid these issues with a US VPN.
A virtual private network is a perfect tool to keep your data safe and privacy intact. That’s because a VPN can encrypt your data, hide your IP, and spoof your location. Apart from being virtually untouchable, you’ll have the opportunity to stream, game, and torrent trouble-free in the US.
So, below, you’ll find the best VPNs for the USA. They will keep your information secure and private, so you won’t have to worry about your safety as much. Additionally, the top VPNs for America will unblock local content wherever you might be. Thus, let’s get started.
Best USA VPNs: a shortlist
- The fastest & best USA VPN9.7
- VPN for USA with unlimited connections9.5
- USA VPN service with free servers9.3
- American VPN with great features9.1
- Versatile VPN US VPN8.9
What makes the best US VPN?
Sadly, Americans are under constant surveillance by their ISP, the government, and intelligence companies. Plus, your data can be easily sold to advertisers or other third parties. Therefore, the best VPN for USA should offer an independently-audited zero-logs policy. Also, you should check if it’s based in a privacy-respecting jurisdiction.
Additionally, thousands of people fall victim to man-in-the-middle attacks, phishing, ransomware, and other digital calamities. To avoid data leaks, and financial losses, a secure VPN for America will be your first line of defense. It will encrypt your data and change your IP address, making your information basically untouchable.
Another issue is geo-blocks. Many shows, movies, and entire platforms are restricted in the US. Therefore, a handy streaming VPN is needed. It can circumvent the blocks and give you access to a bunch of new content.
You also need a VPN for safe torrenting in the US. While it’s legal in the whole country, downloading copyrighted content may result in fines, house arrests, or even jail. What’s more, Peer-to-peer networks show your IP address to anyone, including the ISP, so catching the culprit becomes easy.
The best VPNs for USA in 2023
Each of the top US VPNs listed below has its own set of pros and cons. One might be known for excellent privacy but not streaming. The other may be great for torrenting but lack some features. However, all VPN services mentioned in this article are the best options for the US in 2023.
It doesn’t matter which provider you choose – all of them offer Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS apps. What’s more, they come with solid encryption, no-logs policies, and kill switches. Finally, these US VPNs unblock Netflix and other streaming platforms as well as secure your torrenting efforts.
1. NordVPN – the best VPN for the US overall
Panama
5400
60
1,247 Mbit/s
- Fastest VPN overall
- Powerful security features
- Great for streaming, torrenting & gaming
- No router applet
NordVPN is all-around the best USA VPN service that you can get. It offers top tier performance, thanks to the NordLynx tunneling protocol and 5400+ servers in 60+ countries. 1970+ pieces of hardware are in the US alone.
On top of that, you’ll be able to unblock more content on various streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Disney+, or YouTube TV. And enjoying shows and movies on smart TVs, consoles, and streaming will be easier with the SmartPlay feature. Additionally, NordVPN allows P2P file sharing on all servers and even has specialized ones for faster torrenting.
And if you love getting useful extras, NordVPN comes packing. Threat Protection will fend off malicious ads, trackers, and viruses. If you need to bypass strict firewalls at school or your workplace, you can utilize obfuscated servers. And there are many other things that NordVPN offers, so you can try them all for as little as $3.49/month.
For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark VPN – a powerful & affordable US VPN
Netherlands
3200
100
927 Mbit/s
- Excellent speed
- Great for streaming & P2P
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Some features cost extra
If you have more smart gadgets than you can count, Surfshark will be a perfect fit for you. It’s a magnificent multi-device VPN for US users. Moreover, it covers 100+ countries with 3200+ servers, of which 600+ are in the US alone.
You’ll be able to stream, torrent, and browse without major performance hiccups, thanks to the WireGuard tunneling protocol and proprietary Nexus technology. Furthermore, Surfshark allows you to torrent on all servers globally. And you’ll easily bypass geo-blocks on streaming services like Crunchyroll, Netflix, or Prime video.
If you care about your safety, you can utilize CleanWeb, which prevents you from digital calamities. Meanwhile, you can twofold your privacy and security with Multihop, as it routes your traffic through 2 VPN servers. So, you can get this versatile US VPN with loads of other features for $2.30/month only.
For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.
3. Atlas VPN – versatile American VPN
United States
750
37
- No device limit
- Free servers in US
- Tracker Blocker for safety
- No router configuration
If you’re on a budget, Atlas VPN is an excellent choice, as it’s one of the cheapest VPNs for America. Moreover, it offers a tad limited but safe free version. Nevertheless, we’ll be looking at the premium, as it provides more features and better performance.
Altas VPN covers 37+ countries with 750+ pieces of hardware, many of them being in the US. Additionally, you won’t notice any major speed drops due to the ultra-fast WireGuard tunneling protocol. For your entertainment needs, you can use special streaming-optimized servers that will prevent endless loading screens.
You won’t have problems torrenting either, as Atlas VPN allows P2P file sharing on all servers. Plus, with Tracker Blocker, you’ll avoid viruses, obnoxious ads, and rootkits. And the unique SafeSwap feature will constantly rotate your IP address, making you virtually untraceable. Thus, if you feel like Atlas VPN ticks off all boxes, grab it for as little as $2.05/month.
For a deeper investigation of Atlas VPN, read our Atlas VPN review.
4. ExpressVPN – United States VPN fit for streaming
British Virgin Islands (BVI)
3000
94
147 Mbit/s
- MediaStreamer feature
- Great speeds with Lighway
- Allow torrenting on all servers
- Quite pricey
Another best VPN service in USA is ExpressVPN. It offers excellent security and privacy features, so you won’t have to worry about your online safety as much. Additionally, the last time we checked, the provider offered 3000+ servers in 94+ countries, including the US.
In addition, for excellent speeds, ExpressVPN provides the Lightway tunneling protocol. More so, it’s an excellent tool for bypassing geo-blocks on streaming services like Netflix, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and many more. And if you want to stream on devices that don’t support VPNs natively, you can easily use the MediaStreamer feature.
Furthermore, you can use ExpressVPN for P2P file sharing, as it allows torrenting on all servers. For that, you can also use port forwarding, which will improve your torrenting experience. And digital threats will be a thing of the past, as Threat Manager will deal with them in no time. Hence, if you want to see how ExpressVPN works in the US, grab it for $6.67/month.
For a deeper investigation of ExpressVPN, read our ExpressVPN review.
5. CyberGhost VPN – torrenting-friendly US VPN service
Romania
9700
91
79 Mbit/s
- Loads of servers globally
- Specialized servers
- Audited no-logs policy
- Mac version has less features
For torrenting needs, CyberGhost VPN is a wise choice for American users. Not only does it offer excellent security and privacy features, but it also has 9700+ servers in 91+ countries. And don’t worry, plenty of them are in the US.
So, for your P2P needs, you’ll enjoy top-tier connectivity with the WireGuard tunneling protocol. Moreover, CyberGhost offers specialized servers which will further boost download speeds. Unlike many other providers, the provider includes a SOCKS5 proxy which is great if you don’t want to mask your whole traffic.
Apart from that, you can also use NoSpy servers that are more secure and private. Furthermore, CyberGhost can help you bypass geo-blocks and provide you access to extensive content libraries on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or Prime Video. You can get CyberGhost and all its benefits for $2.03/month.
For a deeper investigation of CyberGhost, read our CyberGhost review.
Best VPN for US: Comparison
If you’re still having a hard time deciding which VPN for the US is the best, we suggest looking at the comparison table:
| Logging policy | Servers | P2P-friendly | Simultaneous connections | Streaming services | Free version | Minimal price | |
| NordVPN | Independently audited no-logs | 5400+ servers in 60+ countries | Yes + specialized servers | 6 | Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, etc. | Yes, 7-day free trial | $3.49/month |
| Surfshark VPN | Independently audited no-logs | 3200+ servers in 100+ countries | Yes, all servers | Unlimited | Netflix, ESPN, HBO Max, etc. | Yes, 7-day free trial | $2.30/month |
| Atlas VPN | Zero-logs policy | 750+ servers in 37+ countries | Yes, all servers | Unlimited | Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, etc. | Yes, unlimited | $2.05/month |
| ExpressVPN | Independently audited no-logs | 3000+ servers in 94+ countries | Yes, all servers | 5 | Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, etc | Yes, 7-day free trial | $6.67/month |
| CyberGhost | Independently audited no-logs | 9700+ servers in 91+ couutries | Yes + specialized servers | 7 | ESPN, Hulu, Netflix, etc. | Yes, 1-day free trial | $2.03/month |
So, as you can see, NordVPN is the best VPN for the USA. That’s because it’s based in a privacy respecting jurisdiction and has been independently audited plenty of times. Plus, it offers loads of servers globally and top-tier speeds. Lastly, it unblocks loads of services and won’t break the bank.
How we tested USA VPNs
We listed the Top 5 VPN services for the US in 2023 by evaluating the following criteria:
- Privacy. Each provider should have a no-logs policy, leak protection, and a kill switch, among other features. A VPN shouldn’t be registered in a Fourteen Eyes country or a location with strong data retention laws.
- Security. Each US VPN must use the AES 256-bit encryption and WireGuard, OpenVPN, or IKEv2 tunneling protocols. A provider should offer some extras like ad blockers, split tunneling, or Multi-hop as well.
- Performance. It’s important for everything that you do, including browsing, torrenting, streaming, or gaming. The WireGuard or NordLynx tunneling protocols ensure the best speeds.
- Servers. A top US VPN should have servers near your location. It should also offer enough servers in the US, especially because of the country’s size.
- Torrenting. P2P should be allowed on as many servers as possible. Including features like split tunneling, SOCKS5 proxy, or port forwarding is highly recommended.
- Streaming. Best VPNs for the US should unlock multiple Netflix libraries and other content platforms, such as BBC iPlayer.
- Price. Any VPN that costs no more than $4.00 a month is regarded as cheap. However, you should always check if you’re getting enough for that price.
- Customer service. Any option that’s not a 24/7 live chat is below the industry standards. And while all US VPNs have a support email, the response times can vary greatly between the providers.
Why do I need a VPN for USA?
If you want to keep your anonymity while browsing, you need to use a reliable VPN in the US. Using a virtual private network makes it seem that you’re connecting to the internet from your chosen part of the world. That way, you can escape the watchful eyes of advertisers, surveillance agencies, and your ISP.
Moreover, a streaming VPN will help you access the geo-blocked content on your favorite platforms. You may want to access a particular documentary that is only available in the UK, Japan, or somewhere else. In such a case, a reliable VPN is essential. Moreover, you’ll be able to avoid blackouts when watching NFL, NBA, or NHL matches.
Another important thing is safe torrenting. Without a VPN, your ISP knows what you’re downloading. And if the content is copyrighted, you may as well get a fine. Plus, P2P file sharing exposes your information, and anyone can take advantage of it. Therefore, using a VPN that encrypts your data is essential.
How to get a US IP address
Suppose you want to avoid blackouts, get around geo-restrictions, or be more private. In that case, you’ll need a new American IP address. And getting one is a piece of baked Alaska cake. In this example, we’ll show you how to get one with NordVPN:
- Pick a reliable VPN with servers in the USA. Our #1 pick is NordVPN, currently with a massive 57% discount
- Choose a subscription and payment option
- Set up the app, launch it, and sign in
- Join a server in the US, preferably nearby for better connectivity
- You can check if your IP changed on websites like IPLeak
- Now you can stay private as well as stream, torrent, or game as much as you want!
Conclusion
It would be naive to think that the US will soften its online surveillance. Additionally, blackouts and geo-restrictions are getting more severe. That’s why you should use a reliable US VPN to protect yourself and avoid various digital problems.
A solid VPN service, such as NordVPN hides your IP address from third parties and encrypts your traffic with a military-grade cipher. Plus, you’ll get top-tier performance, so you won’t have any issues streaming, gaming, or torrenting. Thus, you’ll finally get the opportunity to enjoy the internet to the max.
If you’re in the US, which of these VPNs have you used before? Did we miss any great VPNs for the US? Let us know in the comments below.
You may also like to read:
Best VPN for Canada
Best VPN for Mexico
Best VPN for the UK
How to play Stake in the US
How to watch Korean Netflix in the US
How to bypass YouTube TV location
FAQ
Can I get a US VPN for free?
Yes, there are a few free VPNs for America. You can try providers like Atlas VPN or Proton VPN. They are reliable, secure, and offer free servers in the US.
Which VPN is fastest in the US?
The fastest VPN in the US is NordVPN. That’s because it utilizes the proprietary NordLynx tunneling protocol. Plus, it offers heaps of servers in the USA, so you can enjoy tremendous connectivity wherever you are.
Is there a US based VPN?
Yes, Atlas VPN, IPVanish, PIA, and some other VPNs are based in the US. However, we recommend choosing a VPN based outside the US, such as NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN. That’s because they operate from countries with no data retention laws. Therefore, they are more private.
Which VPN has the most servers in the USA?
NordVPN is the provider that offers the most servers in the US. You’ll find 1970+ pieces of hardware scattered around America.
What is the best VPN to use in the USA?
The best VPN for the US is NordVPN. That’s because it offers the best security and privacy features. Plus, it’s extremely fast and has loads of servers in the US and overseas. Last but not least, it allows you to stream and torrent without any issues.
I’m a big ExpressVPN fan. I’m disappointed that they don’t do independent audit reviews but otherwise they’re an excellent value. People drop $5 for a cup of coffee so why not cut back and get yourself a VPN that does everything you need?
This is a pretty exhaustive list of the best VPNs available! The top runners are also the most likely to work in other countries, too. I’ll always be won over by NordVPN’s prices, but you’re right that you get what you pay for with ExpressVPN!
Thanks for posting this article. I’ve been reading about the no-log audit and was pleased to see that NordVPN participated in it. I know that their were accusations about Nord being a front for a data mining operation and I’ve been anticipating the outcome of the audit. I’m relieved they were vindicated and I’m glad that I won’t need to find another provider. I hope that this will set a new standard in the industry.
I know this is kind of laughable but just to ask which is more secure. Using a VPN located outside the USA or within the States ?.. I have a feeling VPN services outside the states compromise our data since we can’t sue them from another country assuming something like that happens
I’ve been using NordVPN for quite a while now and it’s really good. The speed is great, you can do torrenting and any other stuff you’d expect. It also suits casual internet browsing. I’m really happy with this one and I’m not surprised it’s in the top 3 of the best VPNs.