People in the US are tired of online censorship and monitoring. Time and again, many people have blowed the whistle, calling out the ill doings of mass surveillance by government agencies and monitoring authorities.
For instance, the famous whistleblower, Edward Snowden, revealed to the entire world in 2013 about how the National Surveillance Agency, or the NSA, keeps tabs on billions of people across the planet. He told that NSA has made tools with which it can tap on phone calls, emails, and all digital communication of any person.
After this revelation, people have become aware about their right to online privacy and anonymity. More and more people specially in the US are using tools and apps to make their digital footprint secure, keep their data safe, and protect their online identity and personal information, from hackers as well as monitoring agencies, such as the NSA.
One such tool is a Virtual Private Network, or VPN. It allows you to connect to any server that is not located in your country. It also encrypts all communication that is done from and to your internet connected device. This makes it impossible for anyone to ever trace your location, get hands on your information, or know about your online identity. In simple, it makes you invisible online.
USA VPN is a review website that tests reviews and reviews all the VPNs that people in the US use. We review thousands different products and services that allow you to unblock the internet and keep you safe online at all times. We make it extremely easy for you to choose the best VPN according to your region and needs.
Below is one of the simplest and easiest of all guides for VPNs you’d find across the internet. We created this guide with the aim to help you choose the best USA VPN.
What to look for in a VPN?
Some VPNs provide exceptional performance, while others provide a multitude of features. What you should be looking for is a VPN that has a good balance between features and performance, along with an attractive pricing structure.
Which VPN is best for you?
Here are top ten VPNs handpicked by our researchers and quality analysts:
The best VPN in the industry, PureVPN unblocks the entire internet for you in just one click. It provides great pricing plans, ultimate performance for security and streaming related features, and 24/7 live support. PureVPN has got more than 2000+ Speed Optimized Servers across 180 locations, which makes it a highly reliable VPN service.
Apart from the great many servers that PureVPN has across the globe, it is reputed in the industry for providing exceptional encryption for all data being sent and received through its servers. Moreover, a network with multiple servers means that users will continue to receive fast browsing and streaming speeds, regardless of how crowded the network may be. It’s one of the best vpn that works with Netflix.
The best part, however, is that it is available on all the popular platforms for mobile as well as desktop. These include iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, Firestick, Kodi, Android TV and many other internet-enabled devices. Moreover, PureVPN has a 24/7 customer support department which ensures that no user goes away dissatisfied. Even though very few users face connectivity issues, but those who do, reach out to the Customer Support department for troubleshooting, and walk away satisfied.
That’s not it! PureVPN’s premium package comes at a very nominal price and is extremely easy to use on all the devices. It does wonders when it comes to unblocking any streaming channel that may be banned or regulated in your region. We tested, retested, and taken the service to its breaking point, then made the choice for you. But if you are still interested in checking out other VPNs, keep reading.
ExpressVPN is a very close second to PureVPN. It’s a bit too unclear about who runs this VPN service and why its leadership has chosen to remain so hidden and anonymous. We understand that they are a cybersecurity provider and for them, anonymity is an asset, but it kind of puts a question mark on their reliability.
That being said, it’s a good VPN service which gives you great security and privacy features, though at a very high price. Its annual subscription will set you back $99.95 annually. It provides apps for most popular platforms such as iOS and Android, as well as on Windows, Mac, and Linux.
ExpressVPN is also great for unblocking the internet. Most people think of the internet as a utility that anyone can access. However, in reality, the internet is a heavily censored tool, which shows only a few chunks of information in each region. For instance, if you are in China, you can’t stream anything on YouTube as it is banned over there. Many other streaming platforms that are too common in some regions, such as Netflix, Spotify, and Hulu, are not available in most regions.
ExpressVPN is reliable at unblocking the internet, and allows its users a fair streaming experience with online freedom.
Cyberghost has a pretty decent presence in the industry and the way it is improving, it won’t be too long before it lists its name in the top-tier services.The VPN service offers a good number of servers in the industry, currently standing at approximately 2950 VPN servers. The service uses 256-bit encryption algorithm for securing the traffic that passes its tunnels. Other prominent features include automatic kill switch, simultaneous connections on up to 7 devices, DNS and IP leak, and more
The VPN services’ plan starts at $11.99 for a one month account, $4.99/month for a year account and $2.75/m for a 2 year account.
Ivacy matches up by providing exceptional security features. It is very useful in keeping your data safe and encrypted when you send it over the internet. It also works great for unblocking region-restricted websites and torrenting.
With the popularity of Kodi going up, more and more people are using Ivacy to watch Kodi. Kodi is an open source media player that allows users to stream anything at all from anywhere on the world, all without paying a single dime. Content producers hate Kodi users as they watch their content without paying anything. Consequently, content producers force ISPs to throttle connections of users who are using Kodi. With Ivacy connected, Kodi users can bypass ISP throttling by changing their identity and location.
Although Ivacy has been in the market for much longer, its user base is small, which reflects its market position. It is usually considered a small player in the VPN industry and is not considered a multi-purpose VPN, even though it is.
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Private Internet Access (PIA)
This is our pick for being an average VPN. It’s neither too cheap, nor too expensive, and provides you with just the right features to enjoy basic privacy and security features, nothing extraordinary. It is based in the US and has been around since anyone else made their name in the VPN industry. With a very easy-to-install app for iOS and Android, and client for Windows and Mac, PIA is a choice for thousands of users around the world.
It has as many as 3000 virtual servers located across 25 countries around the world. There is just one drawback to PIA, if you are a streamer and want to unblock Netflix and other similar streaming channels, you should avoid using PIA. Many streaming channels and services which can easily be blocked by most good VPNs, are still a no-mans-land for PIA.
Based in the US, IPVanish claims to be a great VPN, and offers what it promises. It has around 500 servers across 60 countries. It is a good VPN for unblocking restricted websites and other content. However, due to the comparatively small number of servers that it has, IPVanish slightly limits your streaming experience. When streaming videos in HD, it often lags a lot, adding to your annoyance.
Like all the great VPN services, it has apps for iOS and Android, as well as client for Windows and MacOS. Overall it’s a good VPN for general use.
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NordVPN
NordVPN is a very easy-to-download and one of the simplest VPNs to use. The extremely user-friendly website and a very easy-to-use app make it very convenient to choose their desired plan from within the app, pay for it, and start using it to unblock the internet.
People love NordVPN precisely for its simplicity. It takes no hassle and requires no technical knowledge for a user to install and use it. It comes preconfigured to support all the latest encryption protocols and receives regular updates. NordVPN also allows users to select any server that can take care of their needs.
There are some minute issues and drawbacks which often require technical expertise to deal with. For instance, if you want to setup a unique security protocol, you would have to do it manually, for which the process is a bit too complicated. Furthermore, the servers from which users can choose from are labeled against country names, and it’s a painstaking task if you want to know the city where a particular server is based.
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VyprVPN
VyperVPN is owned by its parent company, Golden Frog, which has been in the cybersecurity business since 1994. It provides multiple software, tools, and applications, allowing users to enjoy a free and open internet and keep their privacy and security protected when they go online.
VyperVPN excels in providing support for many platforms and protocols. It has hundreds of servers, both physical and virtual, across the globe, giving its users a great online experience. It also provides advanced features, such as internet kill switch, which is an excellent feature to help users keep their identity secure in case of unavailability of VPN functionality or service outages.
Its drawbacks are few, but the ones that are, often matter a lot to the users. For starters, VyperVPN has very few licenses, and no ad-blocking features. Moreover, it gives unreliable speed test scores, which makes us think about this VPN as an unreliable tool if you are looking for high-speed streaming. Also, it offers very few advanced features, which makes it an unattractive option for most VPN users.
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SaferVPN
It’s called SaferVPN for a very valid reason – it is said to always be a safer option. However, its limited functionality and lack of support for torrenting make it an unattractive bet. Moreover, while SaferVPN works well for unblocking streaming services such as Netflix US, some users have faced many issues with this. What’s worse, SaferVPN keeps logs of their users. Using a VPN and still getting logged defeats the purpose of using it in the first place, and makes you susceptible to government surveillance and monitoring.
It is a relatively cheap VPN service which provides all the basics one can expect. What makes it popular among its users is its extremely easy-to-use Windows client which allows users to become secure online in just a click.
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HideMyAss
A few years ago, HideMyAss was found in troubled waters, after it provided FBI with logs that lead to the arrest of a hacker who had infiltrated Sony Pictures. It lead to widespread controversies claiming that HideMyAss is a VPN owned by intelligence agencies, which allows the government to keep tabs on its people.
However, despite the controversies and rumors, HideMyAss managed to see an end to its turbulent times. It still holds a reputed place in the VPN industry among great VPN brands that offer stable security and privacy features. It offers a free account as will, which is not recommended at all. It’s not because it lacks performance but rather because free VPNs invade your privacy.
Over all, HideMyAss is a good VPN for privacy concerned and streaming users living outside the US. It has hundreds of servers across the world, has a friendly support staff, and a very simple-to-use interface. The cherry topping is that it allows torrenting.
A relatively cheap USA VPN service that not only provides responsive support, but also other nifty features such as up to five multi-logins. It also serves the basic purpose of streaming by managing to change your location and allowing you access to restricted content easily. But it has its own downsides.
VPN Unlimited is very low on privacy, and is only suitable for users in countries that have no serious efforts being put in for the cyber-wellbeing of the society. This VPN leaks the real IP of users, makes them susceptible to hacking and surveillance, and keeps a log of all your online activities. That being said, the VPN does everything it says.
FAQs of USA VPN
How to get a US IP address?
IP address is a string of numbers, which is used as a unique identifier by every internet-connected device. It’s what ties you to a physical location. For users who are living outside the US, the internet is only half as fun, due to restrictions and regulations. Users can change their IP address and opt for one based in the US, allowing them to change their virtual location and unblock the internet.
Not all VPN providers give their users an option to choose a US based IP address. The key is to look for a VPN that specifically allows its users to choose a location of their choice. Once you have found the perfect VPN that provides you with this option, it’s just a matter of connecting to the VPN!
Here is a very simple step-by-step guide to change your original IP address and get a US based IP address in just a few clicks.
- Choose a VPN provider that her servers in the USA, such as PureVPN, and sign up for it.
- Download the app/software client for your device or PC.
- Before connecting to the VPN for the first time, ensure that you have cleared your cookies, deleted your cache and browser history.
- Connect the VPN, choose US as your preferred server.
- You are now connected to the internet with a US IP address. You can now access the internet without any restrictions or censorship.
- To be sure, go to WhatIsMyIP.network and check your IP address.
How to watch US sports online with a VPN?
There are many US-based sports which do not get broadcasted or streamed in other countries. For instance, the National Football League (NFL), Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and many other sports are not available for live streaming in regions other than the US.
By connecting to a VPN, users are able to change their virtual location. If a user is currently located in another country, say Australia, they will not be able to access any sports channels based in the US. However, connecting to a VPN will solve the issue.
Here is how to do it.
- Subscribe for a good sports streaming VPN.
- Get a relanant VPN client for your device, such as browser extension, app, or software for Mac.
- Connect to the VPN and select US as your preferred server, this will unblock all US content for you.
- Access US-based sports, such as NFL and UFC from anywhere in the world.
How to unblock US channels online with a VPN?
Unblocking any US channel through a VPN is very easy. All you need is a VPN which allows you to choose your desired location, which is US. Once you connect to a VPN and change your location to US, you can access all US channels just like you normally would from within the United States.
Great many US channels and streaming platforms such as Hulu, Spotify and many others are not accessible in many other countries. Here is how to access them from outside US with a good streaming VPN.
- Get a streaming VPN, one like PureVPN that allows you to access any channel from anywhere in the world
- Get a client; an app, a software, or even a browser extension, if that is convenient for you.
- Connect to the VPN, and you are good to go.
Once the VPN is connected, you can access any restricted sites, channels or platforms, as easily as you would have in the US. It is that simple.
What is a VPN?
It’s like a private and secure network within a public network which is the internet. In the normal circumstances, all information sent and received over the internet is highly susceptible to getting hacked or stolen, causing problems and even huge financial losses.
A VPN encrypts your connection and provides you online privacy, security, and anonymity. It also allows you to access region-restricted content. For instance, Facebook is banned in China and you cannot access Facebook if you are located within China. However, if you connect to a VPN, you can access Facebook easily.
How Does a VPN work?
A VPN works by creating a virtual data tunnel and encrypting all data before sending it through the tunnel. In usual circumstances, the data is sent over public network which is highly susceptible to hacks and snooping.
However, using a VPN, stealing any data or information is almost impossible. And even if someone succeeds in stealing the information, decrypting it would be the next hurdle which is impossible to cross.
Are VPNs legal?
The common misconception is that VPNs are illegal – let’s put an end to this mystery, because they are not illegal. However, their use is regulated in not more than eight countries, including China, UAE, Russia, and Turkey.
That being said, the legality of VPN usage depends on the activity a VPN is used for. For instance, if a cyber-stalker is using a VPN to keep his identity hidden and harass an individual online, it will be counted as an illegal activity. However, if the same VPN is used to access banned social services, such as Facebook from a country where Facebook is banned, it won’t be considered an illegal activity.
Everything here depends on the usage. As the wise men said, if a driver drives a car wrong, you don’t blame the car, you blame the driver.
Which is the fastest VPN for American Users?
There are many great and cheap US VPN services which we have reviewed throughout this website. Some VPNs are optimum for privacy and security while others are great for online freedom and streaming purposes. Our pick for the top three VPN services that provide a lot of features, and great performance are PureVPN, Ivacy, and ExpressVPN.
How to unblock Netflix US with a VPN?
Every country has a different Netflix library. Content which is available in the Netflix US library is not available around the world. If you are travelling outside the US or have temporarily moved to another country where Netflix US is not available, you need to get a good US VPN to bypass Netflix Proxy Error.
Just connect to a USA VPN service that allows users to change your original IP address to US IP address, and access Netflix US library instantly.
PureVPN is a great Netflix VPN, which allows you to access US Netflix from anywhere in the world. Just do the following.
- Connect to PureVPN.
- Select US Netflix as your streaming channel.
- Once connected, log on to netflix with your existing account.
- Now you will have access to all the content available in the US Netflix library.
Why Use A VPN?
The 21st century and our gradual progress in the cyber-age seems to have exactly the same amount of pros and cons. Even though there are thousands of very valid arguments about the essentiality and importance of the internet and how it allows to scale things, it has an equal amount of cons, for lack of a better word.
There are so many reasons why millions of netizens have resorted to using VPNs every single time they go online. Unlike the general misconception that a VPN is only needed if you are doing an illegal activity online, it is an extremely useful service that allows you to protect your identity and data from online thieves and scammers. It is like a lock and chain to secure your online presence.
Final Word
A VPN is a very important tool that is fast gaining popularity and mass acceptance among users that are regular streamers or are concerned about their privacy and security. If you are living in the US and travel a lot, or are currently living outside the US, your only hope of using the internet and being able to access the same content you used to back at home, is by using a good US VPN service.