When it comes to keeping tabs on its citizens, the USA is one of the nosiest in the Western world. Looking for the best US VPN to stay anonymous online makes perfect sense for residents who want to keep their data private. Generally, internet providers worldwide collect and save data on all of your internet activity. In many cases, this information is then sold to advertisers without your knowledge.
However, the best VPNs do far more than merely keep you safe and anonymous online. One of the top reasons for using a VPN in the US and beyond is being able to unblock and access streaming services, TV shows, and other online content globally. It can even help you evade potential TikTok bans, and even accessing sports and TV shows anywhere in the world.
It's my job to test and review all the best VPNs for the US, and here I've rounded up five of the top contenders. Privacy is always the most important aspect, but all of these providers excel in other areas too – some have a server in every state, while others effortlessly unblock shows only available on, say, Japanese Netflix.
Read on for an in-depth look at each provider, or if you're in a hurry, pick from the top three just below.
The best US VPNs at a glance
Recent updates
Private Internet Access has recently upped the number of countries it has servers in, which has cemented its place further at the top of this list. We're currently undergoing a full re-review of all the providers on this page, and while I don't expect core features to change too much, some rankings may be affected. Be sure, though, that all the providers here are excellent VPNs for the US.
The best US VPNs of 2024
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Private Internet Access: best US VPN overall
✔️ You want a VPN for multiple devices: PIA now offers unlimited simultaneous connections at a bargain price point.
✔️ You want a server in every US state: PIA's 20,000+ servers are head and shoulders above the competition, and with a presence in all 50 US states, the reach is just brilliant.
✔️ You want a VPN that has proven its claims: PIA has proven its no-logs policy twice in court, making it ideal for privacy-conscious users who can rest assured that it delivers exactly what it says on the tin.
❌ You want blistering speeds: although PIA is by no means slow, on superfast lines it can't quite keep up with the likes of NordVPN and Surfshark.
❌ You're a first-time VPN user: PIA is stacked with tons of customization options, and beginners might find it tough to make the most use of the service.
Private Internet Access is one of the most improved services I've used, and its vast amount of US VPN servers, combined with great privacy and streaming power, make it an excellent choice in the States. Be aware that it's not quite as fast as rivals NordVPN and Surfshark, and these may be a better choice if your connection peaks at over 300 Mbps. It's also an absolute bargain, though, so it's well worth considering.
Private Internet Access is a Colorado-based VPN provider founded in 2010, and it's been synonymous with the best US VPN ever since. Its longevity means it must be doing something right, especially considering its durability in such an ever-evolving industry as cybersecurity.
That something is actually several things bundled together, including robust security, unlimited simultaneous connections, affordability, and a whopping 20,000+ server network (with a server in each US state!).
Security-wise, you're looking at an ironclad no-logs policy (proven in court twice), and free bonuses like a Boxcryptor license to protect your cloud storage, with a free email breach scanner. The apps include lots of extra features that are perfect for experts, but be wary if you're a beginner – they can appear quite complex to begin with.
PIA's unblocking capabilities are on par with streaming VPN heavy hitters like Surfshark and NordVPN, and it also comes with port-forwarding (perfect if you're using your VPN for torrenting), a zero-logging policy, and PIACTL, a command line tool geared toward coders.
PIA also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning that with just one PIA subscription, you can protect any number of devices, including all your family members, your friends, and then some. This is a better offering than other competitors, including NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
Two areas I'd still love to see Private Internet Access improve are customer support and speeds. During our latest testing round, PIA clocked 436 Mbps, which, although more than sufficient for 4K streaming and any Netflix library, still pales in comparison to Surfshark's mind-boggling 950+ Mbps.
Overall, PIA is a world-class VPN that impresses in every aspect. At around $2 a month it's a bargain, and absolutely earns its place as the best US VPN around.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Well-designed apps, but may prove complex for some | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Tailor-made for tech experts, but beginners may have a hard time navigating | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Decent speeds but not as fast as Surfshark or NordVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Access to all popular streaming sites | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Great encryption with a no-logs policy that has been proven in court, twice | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Dedicated 24/7 customer support with tons of helpful articles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Undercuts Surfshark as the cheapest provider on my list today | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
NordVPN: the fastest US VPN
✔️ You want a VPN for streaming: NordVPN unblocked every streaming platform in my last round of testing, and you'll be able to watch your favorite movies and TV shows from back home, no matter where you are.
✔️ You're a privacy purist: in addition to a built-in antivirus solution, NordVPN is great on the security front thanks to features such as Double VPN and Onion over VPN.
✔️ You need a good all-rounder: NordVPN is a complete package and hardly misses a beat, with decent speeds, wide coverage, excellent security, and 24/7 support at a competitive price point.
❌ You 're looking for the cheapest provider: NordVPN certainly isn't expensive, but when compared to PIA and Surfshark, it adds an extra dent to your wallet.
❌ You mostly use VPN on your phone: NordVPN's iOS and Android apps are loaded with features but they're less intuitive and trickier to use than its desktop version.
NordVPN is unbeatable for Netflix, and also offers excellent privacy. Overall it's ideal for those looking for a well-rounded pick with plenty of security add-ons, great speeds, simple apps, and value for money. Check it out risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
As one of the best-known services around, NordVPN is a great choice if you’re looking for a US VPN. With features like a built-in antivirus solution, Double VPN, and Onion over VPN, it's as though NordVPN was built for the privacy purist. While that may be the case, the reason why it's one of the best US VPNs is because it does everything else just as impressively.
Double VPN encrypts your data twice by routing your internet through two VPN servers as opposed to the standard one. Onion over VPN is a special set of NordVPN servers that give you access to the privacy-friendly Tor network without actually having to download the Tor browser on your device.
Streaming is another area in which Nord simply dominates, thanks to obliterating every single obstacle we placed before it. Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, BBC iPlayer – you name it and Nord makes quick work of unblocking it. In fact, this provider gets you into tons of global Netflix libraries, including Canada, UK, the US and even Japan – on the very first go.
There's a nifty SmartPlay feature that combines smart DNS with your base VPN connection to give you a faster and smoother streaming experience.
In our latest round of testing, NordVPN recorded speeds of 950+ Mbps, not only making it one of the fastest VPNs I've reviewed, but also a superb choice for speed-conscious users who also care about robust security and privacy.
Its no-logs policy is independently audited by the very trustworthy PricewaterhouseCoopers, and the company encourages its users to report a bug or security trouble, all of which increase confidence in its safety and reliability. The new Threat Protection Pro feature is also a very useful feature for desktop users, which can protect you from malicious links and sites without even switching the VPN on..
While you can use your NordVPN subscription on up to 10 devices at the same time, its Meshnet feature allows you to link up to 60 devices at the same time by creating a private network in your home. This is tailor-made for activities that require greater speed, security, and low latency, such as real-time work collaborations, file sharing, and multiplayer gaming.
Other than the slightly awkward map-style UI in its apps (which is about the only thing I'd like to see improved in the future), NordVPN is truly a jack of all trades and the absolute best choice for an all-rounder VPN service.
Overall, NordVPN presents a compelling choice at a reasonable price point, with great security features and add-ons like an in-built antivirus, password manager, and data breach scanner. However, while the mobile apps are perfectly usable, the map-style UI can be awkward at times and spoils the experience a little. If you can get over that, though, NordVPN is a real joy to use.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Interactive and overall very fun, but can be a little overwhelming for some users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Despite the map-style interface that's a little tricky, it's very easy to use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of the fastest I've tested | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unmatched Netflix unblocking, and equally fantastic with other streaming sites | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Scores full marks for security and privacy thanks to add-ons like a built-in antivirus and password manager | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Friendly 24/7 support with tons of resources on the website | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Excellent value for money but cheaper options for available | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
ExpressVPN: the easiest US VPN to use
✔️ You need class-leading security and privacy: ExpressVPN offers the best security money can buy thanks to regular audits, ad- and malware-blocking, a password manager, and a rock-solid no-logs policy.
✔️ You want a VPN you can set and forget: ExpressVPN's auto-connect feature once activated, ensures that you're protected at all times.
✔️ You want access everywhere: ExpressVPN has servers in over 160 locations in 105 countries around the world, so there's plenty it can unblock outside the US as well.
❌ You're on a budget: ExpressVPN delivers excellent value for its price, but Surfshark, PIA, and even NordVPN are admittedly cheaper.
❌ You need a Linux app: if you're looking for a VPN with a graphical user interface (GUI) for Linux devices, ExpressVPN may not be the right pick for you.
❌ You want built-in antivirus: ExpressVPN misses out on native antivirus software, which is why it's slightly behind one-stop solutions such as NordVPN when it comes to extras.
ExpressVPN is an excellent premium VPN that's well-suited to users in the US. Its user-friendly apps for every platform really stand out and will appeal to beginners,, alongside great worldwide coverage and excellent security. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN is ideal for you if you want the best US VPN that's exclusively a VPN service, is ridiculously quick and easy to set up, and you don't mind paying a premium for a set-and-forget experience.
In other words, it's ideal for beginners precisely because it's uncluttered by extras like antivirus (NordVPN has one, and it does add value for some users), and makes it easier to just be safe online (if you're new to the world of cybersecurity, check out how to use a VPN).
On the security side of things, ExpressVPN has this covered with its proprietary Lightway protocol, a kill-switch and RAM-only servers as well as an independently audited no-logs policy which proves that ExpressVPN do not hang on to your data. Another handy feature on offer is ExpressVPN's auto-connect feature which asks you to connect to the VPN just once and keeps you protected at all times – perfect for those who want a set-and-forget VPN experience.
Additionally, unblocking global online content is a breeze with Express. I was able to access Peacock, Hulu, Amazon, YouTube, iPlayer, and Netflix without issue, from both desktop and smartphone apps. The streaming-focused MediaStreamer tool allows unblocking on devices that don't support true VPN connections, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Speaking of apps, this provider has the absolute most beginner-friendly apps of all other entries on this list, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, routers, Amazon Kindle, Chromebooks, and more.
In terms of connection speeds, our latest testing round recorded ExpressVPN clocking speeds of 898 Mbps over Lightway, which is just shy of NordVPN and Surfshark's 950+ Mbps. While it's not as fast as NordVPN or Surfshark, there's really nothing to complain about because in practice you only need 20 Mbps to stream 4K Ultra HD or HDR content
On average connections of around 100 Mbps, ExpressVPN will be entirely undetectable, and this performance proves the quality of its worldwide server network. Plus, with 23 US VPN server locations alone, you're likely to find one fairly near your real-life location.
Outside the US, its 3,200+ servers span 160 locations in 105 countries and ensure day-to-day use is as quick as can be. I’ve also had excellent results connecting from the UK to US servers – so you won’t have to worry about dropped or sluggish connections here.
With this being said, it is definitely the most expensive US VPN on this list. While it definitely does deliver, if you're more budget-conscious you might want to go for Nord, Surfshark or PIA.
It's also worth noting that ExpressVPN is really only a VPN. Other providers like NordVPN offer extras like antivirus, and this may add value for some. However, if you just want a US VPN, ExpressVPN still trumps the lot.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A simple and clean design, with no unnecessary clutter | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Ideal for beginners and experts both, as it's easy to use and at the same time comes with lots of configuration | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Fast enough for just about everything you need it for | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Barring a couple of Netflix locations, it's smooth sailing with everything else | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Very trustworthy, with solid protocols and security features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 customer support with no shortage of helpful guides | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | It's pricier than others on my list, but it's worth every penny | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best of the rest
✔️ You want a lightning-fast VPN: Surfshark is one of the fastest providers I've tested, with peak speeds of over 950 Mbps.
✔️ You want a VPN you can share with lots of people: Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can protect as many devices as you want with just one subscription.
✔️ You want a cost-efficient VPN: it doesn't get better than Surfshark if you're pinching for pennies and would like a premium VPN with a cheap price tag.
❌ You want a best-in-class kill switch: when subjected to my extreme tests, the kill switch failed. Although it's very unlikely to happen in real life, it's still not on par with Nord or Express's kill switch.
❌ You want to play around with the settings: Surfshark may be too simple for people who want tons of configuration, and tech-savvy users will find PIA more tempting.
❌ You're a big torrenter: although Surfshark supports torrenting, the performance is nowhere near the likes of our other top providers such as ExpressVPN.
Surfshark offers blazing speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections for a fraction of the price of other VPNs, making it our top choice for affordability. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Lightning-fast speed (over 950 Mbps in our last testing round), unlimited simultaneous connections, and a ridiculously low cost are the reasons why Surfshark is one of my favorite choices for the best US VPN.
Additionally, you get a very satisfactory security package, confirming that any doubt you may have had in this provider born out of its affordability is deeply misplaced.
With Surfshark, you're looking at a top-quality VPN service with superb unblocking capabilities. During our latest testing round, I was able to access YouTube, Peacock, iPlayer, Amazon, and Hulu, but this service is also one of the best VPNs for Netflix.
Security-wise, the basics are also nailed, with a verified no-logs policy, secure protocols, and AES 256-bit encryption. There's also a unique NoBorders mode that turns on automatically when your Surfshark app senses any sort of restrictions on your present connection. The NoBorders mode will then present you with a list of all the servers capable of bypassing the restrictions you're facing – you can choose any one of them and enjoy unrivaled safety at all times.
Although its server count as a whole is quite less than NordVPN, it has 600+ servers in 25 US cities, meaning you will always find a non-congested server for a worry-free experience.
Surfshark offers blazing speeds and is seriously swift – topping out at 950 Mbps is an incredible feat, and while most users won't feel the benefit due to having lower base speeds, for those that do have access to uncontested lines, it'll be a pleasure to use.
Another cool feature is that Surfshark comes with a genuine VPN free trial of 7 days (for Android, iOS, and Mac, but not for Windows), unlike PIA and ExpressVPN. It's worth noting that you can benefit from the free trial as long as you're an Android, iOS, or Mac user – the free trial is not available on Windows. But there's a 30-day money-back guarantee for everyone, so you can still try the service risk-free and get a full refund if it's not cut out for you.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Beginners will love its simple and clutter-free design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Every option is easily found and understood | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Fastest provider I've ever tested | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Access to your favorite content from around the world | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Robust security features, but the kill switch could use some improvements | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 customer support and detailed guides for everything | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Among the cheapest around, tremendous value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You want a free US VPN: Proton VPN has a great free plan with unlimited bandwidth and access to servers in three locations, including US, Japan and Netherlands.
✔️ You want a privacy-focused VPN: Proton VPN apps are open-source and with Swiss privacy laws as its bottom line and an independently audited no-logs policy, it's as secure as they come.
✔️ You want a VPN for Linux: Proton VPN offers a GUI on Linux, even on its free plan, making it a go-to solution for Linux users.
❌ You want to stream for free: Proton VPN's free version is superb for normal day to day, but it doesn't come with unblocking capabilities, which are exclusive to its paid plans.
❌ You're a speed fanatic: Proton VPN is sufficiently quick and gets the job done, but for class-leading speeds, I'd recommend Surfshark or NordVPN.
❌ You want lots of locations to choose from: Proton VPN has increased its reach in recent times, but it's still very limited in terms of server count and countries to choose from
Proton VPN is a Swiss-based provider, with a totally unlimited freemium plan. Plus, try the premium version risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
According to ProtonVPN, it now boasts more than 300 servers in the US, making it an obvious choice for those looking for the best US VPN.
This is also the only provider on this list I'd also suggest to those looking for the best free VPN for this part of the world, as its free plan features access to 5 servers in 5 countries, one of which is the US.
As a US VPN, it's perfectly suited if you prefer a slightly more techy experience, and in the same vein, newbies may find some of the features a tad too difficult to wrap their heads around. That said, it's definitely recommended if you value privacy above all else.
While most providers only offer a command-line interface for Linux, Proton is actually an excellent Linux VPN, thanks to its Linux-native GUI. It's also one of the best secure VPNs, thanks (in no small part to features like Secure Core, which routes your traffic through an ultra-secure server before bouncing it to another).
Proton also has a handy always-on VPN feature that works exactly how it sounds – it ensures that you're always on a secure VPN line by re-establishing the connection in case your current one lapses, which although very unlikely, can happen.
Proton's unblocking capabilities are on point, too, with access to a massive amount of streaming sites and global Netflix libraries. Our latest round of testing revealed peak speeds of 950+ Mbps, which is more than enough for most 4K streaming and gaming needs. Even more impressive is its proprietary VPN Accelerator technology that claims to boost server speeds by up to 400%.
Proton VPN's not perfect – while its support team is very helpful, you still don't get 24/7 live chat, and its apps do lack the polish of bigger providers. However, if that doesn't bother you, it's a very appealing option.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A dynamic and fun interface with an attractive dark mode | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | The mobile apps are on par with top providers, but the desktop version is a bit complex | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Fast enough for streaming and everything else, but mid-pack at best | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Effortless unblocking and went past every streaming platform I tested it with | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Swiss privacy laws, always-on VPN, and Secure Core servers ensure complete peace of mind | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 support by friendly agents, but there's no live chat | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | The free plan is very tempting, but paid plans are pricey | ⭐⭐⭐ |
How to choose the best US VPN
First up, a US VPN should provide excellent speeds alongside watertight privacy – and with so many great options out there, you really don't need to sacrifice anything.
If you're traveling in the US and want to access all the content and websites you love back home, pick a VPN for the US with plenty of worldwide servers. Services that dominate in the US are typically the best overall, so you'll be getting a great product.
Accessing geo-blocked US content from Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming services, as well as major sporting events is a huge reason for using VPNs, so it's well worth picking a provider that has a long history of effective unblocking.
After our thorough testing, my Private Internet Access review concluded that the provider is the best US VPN on the market. That's because of its large server network, great speeds, rock-solid privacy and top streaming power.
US VPN FAQ
What is the best US VPN?
For the best combination of streaming unblocking, general privacy surveillance evasion and ease of use, we recommend Private Internet Access as the best US VPN available.
However, NordVPN is an excellent alternative, and if you want a super simple US VPN, ExpressVPN is a good choice.
Can I get a US VPN free?
While it's possible to find a free US VPN, they universally come with their drawbacks.
Firstly, free services come with monthly or daily data caps, meaning you'll have to be careful how much you them. While these range from a minuscule 500MB to more generous offers in the tens of GB, none are well suited to streaming media – and, let's be honest, all most people want to do is use their US VPN for Netflix.
Secondly, if you're not paying for the service, the company will have to get its revenue from somewhere else. Your app might be cluttered with ads or worse – the data you're trying to protect could be sold on for profit.
Although they have their uses, most free services aren't great for more than checking your emails while connected to public Wi-Fi. And, seeing as the cheapest paid-for VPNs start under $2.50 a month, a very small investment can get you a whole load of functionality.
How do I get a US VPN?
Getting a US VPN couldn't be simpler. Once you've signed up to a service, every US VPN provider will have a direct download for their VPN client on their website – and you'll probably be directed to this page as soon as you've paid.
If you're using a Mac, most VPNs are also available in the Mac App Store. Anyone can download them for free, although to use them you'll usually have to purchase a subscription unless it offers a free trial.
After you've downloaded the software, install it like any other program. You might be faced with a dialog box requesting your permission to allow the VPN to access or change settings, but this is perfectly normal – and to use the VPN you'll have to allow this, anyway.
From there on, you'll just have to log in with the details you created when purchasing the plan, and click the connect button on the app. From then on, you'll be protected until you switch it off.
How do US VPNs unblock Netflix?
Netflix has specific libraries for many countries and regions around the world, and these are only accessible to those who are using an IP address within that country or region. This can prove a problem for those on holiday, and many others just want to watch shows they’re not ‘allowed’ to.
A VPN can be used to virtually relocate you to a server in whatever country you want, and the best will do this in a way that’s undetectable by the streaming service. Once you’ve done that, you’re free to watch whatever you want.
Should I get a mobile US VPN?
If you’re often out and about or travelling, it’s likely that you’re connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. While these are convenient and can save you a wedge of data, many are unprotected and are especially vulnerable to hackers. There’s a real risk that your sensitive information is on show to someone you might not want it to be.
The solution to this is to get a great iOS VPN or Android VPN to protect your data. With a tap on an app you can shield your identity from anyone who’s looking, and the best mobile VPNs are entirely unnoticeable in practice.
Seeing as all VPN subscriptions cover more than one device, you’ll be able to keep your phone, tablet and desktop covered with whichever US VPN you’ve chosen from this list, too.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
