How to download a US VPN

How to download a US VPN
(Image credit: NASA)

The best VPN is one of the most effective ways to keep your information private while using the internet, but they can also be intimidating for users who don’t have much technical experience. While VPNs are easy to use once you take the time to understand how they work, many users are unfamiliar with the technology or how it can improve their online security – but for those in the States, a US VPN is an important tool to have to hand.

Essentially, your online activity will go through VPN servers before going out to the rest of the internet. This process can help you protect your browsing activity from third parties, avoid marketing trackers from Google, Facebook, and other online brands, or even help you access streaming content that isn’t available in your home country.

In this article, we’ll walk you through the necessary steps to download a US VPN service and secure your traffic. While we’ll be using ExpressVPN for the purposes of the guide, the steps should apply for almost any other VPN.

1. Start a subscription

While some free VPN services have a surprisingly deep range of features, paid VPNs are typically faster, more reliable, and more secure. Some providers also offer VPN free trials, but you’ll need to pay for a subscription if you want to use ExpressVPN. Fortunately, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can cancel within the first month if you’re not satisfied with the service.

If you paid for a subscription or entered payment information for a free trial, make sure to note the last day that you’ll be able to cancel the plan or take advantage of the money-back guarantee. Once you’ve finished signing up, you’re ready to download the client and start using your new VPN.

2. Download the VPN

If you’re on Linux, Mac, or Windows, you should be able to download the corresponding VPN client on the provider’s website. On the other hand, if you want to use your new VPN on a mobile device, you’ll likely need to download the app on either Google Play or the Apple App Store. Our guide to mobile VPN services is an excellent resource if you’re looking for a provider with strong support for mobile devices.

After downloading a desktop client, you’ll need to run the installer before getting started. If you’re using a mobile app, it should install automatically after downloading. Make sure that the provider you plan to use supports every platform that you need a VPN for.

3. Install the VPN

If you subscribed to ExpressVPN, you’ll receive a welcome email containing a link to finish setting up your account. After signing in, you’ll have the option to download and activate the VPN.

When you finish the download, look for the installer in your Downloads section and run the program to finish setting up your new VPN. From there, just sign into your account in the desktop app, and copy and paste your activation code to associate the client with your account. ExpressVPN limits subscribers to five simultaneous connections, which means you can only use five activated devices at the same time.

Downloading and installing VPNs can be tricky in China and other countries that heavily restrict internet usage. With that in mind, you should always take the time to get your VPN ready before traveling abroad, especially if you know that your destination country has strict internet regulations.

Which VPN do we recommend for users in the US?

Image

ExpressVPN stands out from the competition in terms of price, features, and value. With servers in nearly 100 countries and plenty within the US, blazing connection speeds, and reliable access to multiple streaming services, ExpressVPN has everything that one would need from a VPN. 

While some users may prefer certain features of other top VPNs, it’s the best overall option for most  users – and now Tom’s Guide readers can claim three months absolutely free.

TOPICS
Alex McOmie
Contributing writer

Alex is a freelance writer based in New York who has previously covered a diverse range of different topics from parenthood to personal finance. His area of specialism for Tom's Guide is in VPN services and he aims to provide insightful, actionable content that can help consumers make the right decisions about which services to use and why.

Latest in VPNs
Young Asian woman using a laptop on a train
70% of Americans commute every week – here's why a VPN is your ideal companion
Proton VPN and Vivaldi partnership logo
Proton VPN partners with Vivaldi browser to fight back against big tech
Russian flag with padlock smashing through glass
47 VPNs could be axed from Google Play Store following Russian demands
Obscura VPN website landing page
Obscura VPN wants to be the "best darn VPN out there" – can it?
Large group of protesters in Turkey following Instanbul mayor's arrest
Turkey sees huge VPN usage spike amid reports of social media crackdown
NordVPN logo on a blue background
NordVPN drops to its lowest price this year – here's what you need to know
Latest in Features
ChatGPT logo in a kitchen with ants
I used ChatGPT Vision and Deep Research to rid my kitchen of sugar ants for good — here’s how I did it
Young Asian woman using a laptop on a train
70% of Americans commute every week – here's why a VPN is your ideal companion
a photo of the Garmin Forerunner 265 and the Apple Watch 10 on the wrist
I walked 7,000 steps with the Apple Watch 10 and Garmin Forerunner 265 — and one was way more accurate
SeeStar S30 smart telescope used to capture galaxies.
I’m pairing my smartphone with this smart telescope for the next solar eclipse this weekend
Gemini and ChatGPT logos on a phone
I've made Gemini my primary AI tool instead of ChatGPT — here's 5 reasons why
AirPods Pro 2 in hand
AirPods Pro 3 rumors: Everything you need to know