Best United States of America VPN in 2024

Best United States of America VPN in [year]

VPN are embraced by web users around the world, including in the United States. A way to protect your data, secure your identity, and safeguard sensitive information, a VPN can be a very important Internet safety tool.

In the US, around 5% of recreational web users employ a VPN for gaming, streaming, or just staying safe on the web. That statistic doesn’t include business or educational use — it’s commonplace for companies and universities to utilize a VPN to encrypt their network connections. 

If you are searching for the best USA VPN to use online, it’s critical to understand what a VPN is, how it works, and what’s required to weigh the pros and cons.

VPN are embraced by web users around the world, including in the United States. A way to protect your data, secure your identity, and safeguard sensitive information, a VPN can be a very important Internet safety tool.

In the US, around 5% of recreational web users employ a VPN for gaming, streaming, or just staying safe on the web. That statistic doesn’t include business or educational use — it’s commonplace for companies and universities to utilize a VPN to encrypt their network connections. 

If you are searching for the best USA VPN to use online, it’s critical to understand what a VPN is, how it works, and what’s required to weigh the pros and cons.

What Is A VPN?

As the name implies, a VPN is a virtual network that can effectively take the place of a traditional web connection. A VPN adds a layer of security while obscuring identifying information, like an IP address.

 

Why Use A VPN In The USA?

 

Most people connect to the Internet through their Internet Service Provider’s network. When on an ISP’s network, whether your connection is public or private, your web usage is earmarked, so to speak, using the network’s associated IP address. In layman’s terms, everywhere you go and everything you do on the Internet is tracked and logged.

In addition, markers like your IP address reveal your identity and location. If you connect to the Internet from somewhere that censors or blocks certain sites, like work or college, these monitoring methods by ISPs and network administrators are what prevent you from accessing blocked content.

A VPN provides a way to overcome these limitations. When you use a VPN, you don’t connect to your ISP’s network, so they can’t see who you are or what you’re doing. All of your data is encrypted and sent to a server owned by the VPN provider before being routed to your ISP. All your service provider can see is encrypted data coming from a location of your choice.

Simply put, a VPN is designed to provide both security and privacy using advanced encryption technology.

 

Different Type Of VPN

 

There’s a VPN for every type of web user, but here are the most popular VPN use cases:

 

  • Privacy: Privacy VPNs are designed to protect identity and data over everything else. They use the best security practices and strongest encryption protocols. 
  • Business: Business VPNs are large scale in order to support corporate needs. These VPNs must be able to accommodate hundreds to thousands of users and have strong enough security to ensure safe business transactions.
  • Streaming: Streaming VPNs are performance-oriented, providing the stability and speed necessary to stream HD content. They have server locations spread across hundreds of countries to give users access to content from anywhere in the world.
  • Torrenting: Torrenting VPNs have the best download speeds and allow file sharing. Many are optimized to work with popular torrenting tools like uTorrent. Keep in mind that using a VPN while torrenting does not make downloading copyrighted material legal.
  • Gaming: Gaming VPNs feature the fastest, unlimited bandwidth servers to support the speeds necessary for online gaming.

How Secure Is A VPN In The USA?

Obviously when you connect to a VPN anywhere in the USA, you’re going to want the best security. With the ever-increasing risk of cyber crime, staying protected online is more important than ever. 

Here are a few things you should know before entrusting your Internet security to a VPN:

 

Can My Activity Still Be Tracked?

 

Activity tracking is a major point of consideration for those who use a VPN. When privacy matters, the ability to prevent activity tracking is imperative.

The important thing to understand about activity tracking and VPN usage in the U.S. is that sites you visit still can and will track your activity with cookies.  However, the data collected cannot be tied back to you. Your data will be related to the IP address and location of the remote VPN server.

 

Why Encryption Protocol Matters

 

Encryption isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The best VPN in the USA features sophisticated, military-strength encryption keys. 256-bit encryption creates a virtually impenetrable barrier against prying eyes and hackers. 

Before choosing a VPN, do your homework on what kind of encryption protocol it uses, and if it has any vulnerabilities. The protocol in use has a major impact on how well you’re protected online, so be sure you understand your VPN’s.

 

VPN, USA, & The Fourteen Eyes

 

The USA invests a lot of time and money in national security, and that includes cyber security. To bolster its defenses against cyberattacks and phishing schemes, the United States participates in watchdog consortiums with other countries.

The Five Eyes intelligence pact, a consortium comprised of Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States, is a watchdog group that searches for signs of terrorism online. As the body is not run by a government entity, it is permitted to survey the online activity of the citizens of these countries freely. 

The Five Eyes is at the center of a larger organization known as Fourteen Eyes, which includes the five member countries mentioned above as well as Denmark, Netherlands, France, Norway, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Spain, and Sweden. These countries actively work together to share online intelligence, although the bonds between the Five Eyes are arguably the strongest. 

It’s important to know that VPN providers headquartered in the USA and the other Fourteen Eyes countries may be required to hand their users’ data over to government agencies at any time. For that reason, we recommend using VPN located in countries with pro Internet privacy legislation.

Should You Get A VPN?

When you’re considering a VPN, weighing the pros and cons is an essential part of the process. The advantages and disadvantages can help you determine whether you need a VPN in general, as well as help you identify your priorities.

 

Pros Of A VPN

 

The best VPN have many advantages to offer users, providing everything from privacy to access to geo-blocked content.

 

Privacy

 

Privacy is a primary benefit of all kinds of VPNs. Instead of leaving your IP address vulnerable to monitoring and tracking, your VPN will mask where you’re going and what you’re doing. 

If you value your privacy as a US citizen, there’s no better way to avoid scrutiny than with a VPN.

 

Security

 

Nothing secures your online data like a VPN. With military grade encryption, users are less likely to fall victim to cyber attacks. From email logins to financial information, keep your private information safe from prying eyes.

 

Access Blocked Content

 

Many sites, including popular streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu, block content on a geographical basis. This means that their streaming libraries differ vastly from country to country. 

Connecting to the Internet via a remote server in a location of your choice allows you to access otherwise unavailable content.

 

Stop ISP Data Collection

 

A VPN shields your online activity from your ISP, effectively preventing them from logging your data and selling it to advertisers. 

 

Cheap & Easy to Use

 

VPNs are extremely easy to use and subscriptions are available for under $5/month. Simple apps and websites make getting started with a VPN easy for anyone, even technological novices.

 

Cons Of A VPN

 

Every VPN is different — not all provide the same assortment of features or level of security. Here are some things to keep in mind before deciding if a USA VPN is right for you.

 

Hundreds Of Options To Consider

 

The VPN market is vast, and weighing options can be a lengthy process. Sometimes, those who don’t do their research end up with the wrong product, wasting time and money. That’s why we’ve tried to make choosing a VPN as easy as possible by doing research on over 900 providers for you.

 

Challenges With Streaming

 

Sports and video streaming is a priority for many VPN users, but many streaming services go to great lengths to block VPNs. As a result, there are only a few VPNs that are able to consistently access Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, and other streaming content.

 

Can Slow Down Your Internet Connection

 

Encrypting your data and routing it through a secure server on the way to the Internet takes time. Most VPN users experience a small decrease in speed as a result. 

However, there are a few speed-focused VPN that are an exception to the rule, and in certain circumstances, a VPN can actually improve Internet speed.

 

Data Logging

 

Data logging is a concern for anyone who uses a VPN. For most people, it defeats the purpose of using on at all. While we only recommend providers with a zero-log policy, there are plenty VPN out there logging their users’ data. 

Make sure you read the fine print and fully understand the logging policy before subscribing to any service.

 

Government Interference

 

The US government has raided VPN data in the past, so using any VPN based in the United States is not advised. We recommend using VPN headquartered in countries that are pro-Internet privacy.

What’s The Best Free VPN For People In The USA?

For those considering a VPN but aren’t sure about paying for a subscription, free options are certainly appealing. However, using a free VPN is rarely recommended.

Free VPN often provide reduced speeds, fewer server options, outdated security, and diminished functionality. And, unfortunately, some are downright dangerous.

One study found that many free VPN carry malware and infect devices that download their products. Further, others engage in unscrupulous surveillance, collecting information about users and their web habits, which entirely defeats the purpose of using a VPN. 

Even the FBI discourages using free VPN, citing the security concerns associated with products of unknown origin.

Instead, opt for a free trial or invest in a product with a refund period. That way you can sample services without an upfront investment. If you decide you need different features or would prefer not to move forward with a VPN, there are no financial ramifications.

Determining The Best VPN For You

When you’ve decided you’re ready to move forward with a VPN, the hardest part is choosing one of the hundreds of providers to trust your security with. There are excellent VPN options available in the US, each with its own pros and cons. 

When making a decision, it’s important to understand your needs and priorities when it comes to Internet security. At a base level, some of the factors that can affect your experience with a VPN include:

 

  • Speed: Faster VPN offer more usage options, but may not feature as robust security. Speed is important for streaming, gaming, torrenting, and to a lesser extent, conducting business. 
  • Servers: A large number of server locations is important for a number of reasons. They provide access to more IP addresses, more regional content, and are essential to organizations with remote access points.
  • Protection: You’ll rarely want to skimp on privacy when it comes to choosing a VPN. However, some use cases call for more strict security measures than others. Make sure you understand the steps a VPN takes to protect your privacy before subscribing.

 

How these factors apply will differ greatly from one person to another. While one person may value speed and location for streaming purposes, others may need speed and protection for business use. 

Simply put, the best VPN for you may not be the best for everyone else. This is why it’s so important to do personal due diligence.

It’s also important to note that a VPN may not be right for everyone. Maybe you have another preferred Internet security solution or don’t prefer subscription based services. While we think a VPN can benefit every Internet user in the USA, it’s important to consider your own needs independent of anyone else’s.

 

How To Compare the Best VPN In The USA

 

For casual Internet users, a number of VPN available in the US will likely meet all your needs. Therefore a final choice is often deeply personal and based on personal preference. When comparing VPN, use the following data points to start your due diligence:

 

  • Speed: What’s the average download speed? Are there any data caps or bandwidth limits?
  • Location: How many countries does the VPN have servers in? How many total servers are there?
  • Security: What encryption protocol is used? Does it include a 256-bit encryption key?
  • Logs: Does the VPN provider have a zero-log policy? Are they located in a country that requires data to be turned over to the government if requested?
  • Trust Factor: What’s their online reputation? Do they have a history of data leaks or misleading their users? If so, how did they handle it?

Making The Most Of Your VPN

Even if you download a VPN for a very specific purpose, like for streaming content, that doesn’t mean you can’t maximize it for other purposes, too. A VPN has a lot to offer, regardless of the original function you wanted it for.

Here are some of the can’t miss features we’ve found in our research of over 900 VPN providers.

 

  • Regular updates for both the app and security protocols
  • A clear, concise logging policy
  • Effective customer support
  • SmartDNS capabilities
  • A kill switch function
  • Specialized servers for gaming, torrenting, etc.
  • Split tunneling capabilities
  • More than one encryption protocol

 

VPN Not Working?

 

Sometimes, even in the USA, the best VPN have connectivity issues. When this happens, there are a few measures you can take to attempt to reconnect.

 

  1. Try switching to a new server. 
    1. In many cases, the problem is server based.
    2. If you’re able to connect to the new server, you’re good to go.
  2. Change network ports. 
    1. Sometimes, an ISP will attempt to block or throttle bandwidth through a particular port. 
    2. Try restarting the client or, if needed, reinstall the client itself. 
  3. Close unnecessary applications
    1. Ensures all possible resources are dedicated to your VPN. 
    2. Restart computer if necessary.
  4. If your VPN still isn’t functioning as desired, it may be time to contact customer service.

There’s A VPN For Every Person In The USA

A VPN can be a valuable tool regardless of what you need one for. In the United States, web users utilize VPNs for everything from business cybersecurity to streaming Netflix. 

When searching for the best VPN for you, finding a starting point can be a challenge. With hundreds of products on the market, the landscape can easily feel overwhelming. Luckily, we can help. With our simple quiz on the home page, the factors that matter most to you will guide the decision-making process. From how-to resources to in-depth reviews, we have everything you need to find your perfect VPN.

Customer Reviews for NordVPN: In-Depth Review, Tests, and Stats

IR Irina

Best United States of America VPN in [year]
Verified
Connection issues with MLB.TV
So I had some connection issues on my iOS device (iPad) with MLB.TV streaming, and representative named Garfield SOLVED my unique problem that I had spent hours researching and tackling with no luck before today! Garfield was extremely patient, personable, and very knowledgeable. Through multiple approaches and problem-solving steps, he created a solutuon that worked. Way to go, and definitely a returning NordVPN customer here. Thank you, Garfield.
Date of Experience:
May, 2 2023
CH Christina

Best United States of America VPN in [year]
Verified
Prompt customer service
My subscription automatically renewed and a payment was taken, which I didn’t want as I haven’t been using the service. I contacted the company and received a prompt and efficient response where my subscription was reversed and the payment was returned. If only every company was so easy to contact and communicate with!
Date of Experience:
May, 6 2023
MW Michael White

Best United States of America VPN in [year]
Verified
I would highly recommend
Excellent service and easy to use to protect your privacy. I have NVPN on my laptop, iPhone and fire stick, great value for money.
Date of Experience:
December, 15 2023

Our 5 Best USA VPN

VPN Service

Features

Rating

Visit Site

1
  • Blazing fast & secure
  • Trusted by 8 million people
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4.9
Best United States of America VPN in [year]
 
2
  • Works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer & more
  • Absolutely no logs
  • Optimized servers for torrenting
4.8
3
  • Ultra reliable speeds & security
  • Protect your data, passwords & identity online
  • Easy to use apps for all your devices
4.5
4
  • Easily manage teams up to 5,000+ people
  • 130+ servers in 31 countries
  • As low as $6.67/mo
4.4
5
  • 40,000+ shared IP addresses for complete anonymity
  • Unlimited bandwidth lightning fast servers
  • Money back guarantee
4.2

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