7 Best VPNs for the USA in 2023: Ideal for Privacy & Streaming

Although many options are available, it's becoming increasingly difficult to find a safe and reliable USA VPN. While some present privacy concerns, others are slow, or fail to unblock the sites and apps you wish to access. These types of shortcomings can make the VPN unsafe or useless for activities such as torrenting, streaming, or browsing.

We tested over 50 VPNs for the US to find out which of them make the cut. Although many of them proved disappointing, we found a few USA VPNs that are trustworthy and reliable. They unblock plenty of content in the US and abroad, and offer advanced security and privacy features to safeguard your personal data.

My top pick VPN for the USA is ExpressVPN. It’s highly secure, fast, and had no problem accessing tons of region-locked sites — in the US and abroad. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you find it’s not for you, it’s easy to get a full refund.

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Best VPNs for the US — Full Analysis (Updated 2023)

1. ExpressVPN — Best All-Round VPN for the USA With Strong Privacy Protection and Effortless Unblocking

We chose ExpressVPN as the best VPN for the USA because it offers everything you need — from robust security to easy access to US and international sites.

Many VPNs for the US use hard drives that can store data, but all of ExpressVPN’s servers are RAM-only (referred to as TrustedServer). So, whether you torrent or bank online, it wipes your data automatically upon each server reboot, making it a top choice for privacy.

ExpressVPN also backs this by an independently audited no-logs policy to ensure there’s no data to even share

I got instant access to all the US sites I tested it with, and it was just as good at accessing sites abroad. BBC iPlayer’s notoriously tough blocks didn’t stand a chance. Plus, every server supports streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Just choose a US server and click "Connect”.

Additionally, it gave me great speeds for all these activities — ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we’ve tested. Even though I’m 5,500km from the US, I recorded a speed loss of just 12%. I could stream Netflix US in Ultra HD with zero buffering as if I were actually located within US borders.

Premium services charge premium rates, and indeed, ExpressVPN isn’t the cheapest on my list. However, you can save big bucks with a long-term plan. When I subscribed, I saved 49% compared to the short-term plan.

You can try ExpressVPN without risk since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If it’s not the ideal US VPN for you, it’s simple to claim your refund. To check it’s validity, I contacted 24/7 live chat and asked to cancel my account. The agent agreed immediately, and I had my money back 5 days later.

Useful Features

• Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN’s exclusive protocol that’s lightweight and fast, yet highly secure. This protocol gave me the fastest download speeds. Plus, you get 256-bit encryption to safeguard your data — no matter which protocol you use.
• No data leaks and a proven no-logs policy. Leak protection and a kill switch prevent your personal information and location from being exposed to prying eyes and the sites you visit. ExpressVPN’s privacy policy has been independently audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers.
• Threat Manager. ExpressVPN continuously updates its "blocklist” — which is a list of sites known to contain trackers or malware. If you ever happen to encounter one of these sites, Threat Manager protects your device by blocking the site from loading.
• Privacy-friendly headquarters. Since ExpressVPN is based in the British Virgin Islands (outside of the 14 Eyes agreement), it’s under no obligation to hand over user data.

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2. CyberGhost — Specialty Servers for Easy Access to 20+ US Streaming Platforms

CyberGhost has servers optimized for streaming, torrenting, and gaming. Its streaming servers are designed to give you easy access to specific regional libraries, like Netflix US and Hulu. So whether you’re in or outside of the US, it’s easy to access your favorite content.

CyberGhost has optimized streaming servers in 24+ different countries

If you’re more concerned about privacy on US sites, CyberGhost also has NoSpy servers located in a secure data center in Romania. They’re managed by CyberGhost's team of experts and ensure that your data remains private and secure, and no third parties can monitor your browsing on US and global sites.

Its intuitive app keeps security simple. I enabled Block Content with 1 click to prevent malicious content from infecting my device. I also appreciate its Smart Rules feature — you can set it to automatically launch apps or connect you to specific servers (like in the US) depending on which app you open. I also like that it has automatic WiFi protection that keeps your data secure when you use public networks.

Integrated leak protection and a kill switch ensure your data remains private on US and global sites. The kill switch cuts you from the network in the rare case that your VPN connection unexpectedly drops. That way, your activity won’t accidentally be exposed.

CyberGhost also offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can test this US VPN risk-free.

Useful Features

• Reputable protocols. WireGuard is the industry-leading protocol for speed. I recommend it for torrenting and streaming, when high speeds are essential.
• Gaming servers. CyberGhost has servers specifically optimized for smooth gaming (available for Android and PC).
• Fast nearby speeds. Local servers gave me a speed loss of just 5%, while distant locations slowed my speeds by up to 68%. Therefore, CyberGhost might not be the best choice if you need US or global connections that are far from your physical location.
• Virtual servers. Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost also offers some virtual servers, which help you get an IP address in countries with strict data retention laws — for example, you can connect to a virtual Indian server, to access platforms like Disney+ Hotstar.

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3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Large US Network With Servers in Every State

Private Internet Access (PIA) blows other VPNs out of the water in terms of server count. In fact, PIA is the only VPN on my list that offers servers in every US state, providing fast and reliable connections across the country. That’s particularly useful for bypassing regional sports broadcast blackouts.

Its streaming optimized servers help you reliably unblock platforms in the US and a few other countries

This VPN is actually headquartered in the US, which is good if you’re looking for a "made in the USA” product. While some may consider that a privacy concern, it counteracts this with a strict no-logs policy that’s been upheld in court multiple times. So you know it will never record your data.

One of PIA’s most unique aspects is the number of adjustable settings. These allow you to optimize it for specific activities. For instance, for streaming Disney+ US, I lowered the encryption level (from 256-bit to 128-bit). In this case, speed was more important than having the strongest security.

If you’re feeling unsure, you can always try PIA without risk. This policy is legit; I’ve tried it out myself. Using its 24/7 live chat, I hit "Transfer to agent” and was connected within 30 seconds. The agent approved my refund and 5 days later, every cent was returned to my bank account.

Useful Features

• Choice of protocols. I used the speedy WireGuard protocol for streaming US platforms. OpenVPN is slower but more secure, so it’s good for torrenting or online banking.
• Customizable settings. You can set PIA’s Advanced Kill Switch to work even when you shut down the app. This protects your data from leaks — useful in countries with strict censorship. It also has a feature called MACE, which you can enable with 1 click to block ads, malware, and trackers.
• Split tunnel. This lets you specify which apps go through the VPN. For instance, you can route UK TV through the VPN while keeping the rest of your traffic on your US connection to conserve bandwidth and keep speeds fast.
• Transparent and trustworthy. PIA keeps its software 100% open-source, allowing anyone to review its code, verify security, and suggest improvements.

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4. NordVPN — Threat Protection Prevents Ads, Malware, and Trackers on US and Global Sites

NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware more reliably than any other VPN I tested. While visiting The Pirate Bay, I had to do was click to enable it and refresh the page, which reloaded entirely ad free. I especially like that it displays a list of what and where it prevented such annoyances.

Sometimes I click "Exclude domain” on sites that use popups to give out special offers

Its NordLynx protocol gave me blazing speeds. I found this particularly helpful while using long-distance US connections for torrenting and streaming. For instance, I only lost 11% of my speeds while connected to New York. With 116Mbps, I had no problem watching The Strays in Ultra HD.

NordVPN also works reliably in countries where internet access is heavily restricted, like India and China. Its robust security features (including obfuscation) allow it to bypass these types of tough firewalls.

The interface is a little clunky with its large, animated world map. Luckily, once I established my connection, I could minimize the app while it protected me in the background.

Its 30-day money-back guarantee is one you can count on. I emailed support (since live chat wasn’t available at the time) and got my money back 3 days later.

Useful Features

• Selection of specialized servers. Double VPN servers are great for activities when you need that added security boost. It also has P2P servers for fast and secure file sharing.
• Create Presets (currently macOS only). You can save servers and security settings for your specific online activities. For instance, I used it to create a Streaming: US profile for easy access to my favorite US content.
• Strong security and privacy features. It uses unbreakable encryption and has a strict no-logs policy to protect you in the US and beyond.
• Dark Web Monitor. This feature scans the dark web to check that your email isn’t exposed. If so, it notifies you so you can secure your account.

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5. Surfshark — Fast Speeds for Reliable US Connections From Abroad

Surfshark’s fast speeds are ideal for accessing US content from overseas. Even when I connected to its long-distance New York server, I only lost 8% from my baseline connection. There was no lag as I streamed a live football game on ESPN.

Fast speeds are necessary for having smooth acces to US sites from faraway locations

It gives you access to 5 US static IP addresses, located in New York. This can be helpful for allowing multiple users to access a video game server or website that you’re hosting. It also blocks the endless CAPTCHA tests you usually get while browsing with a VPN connected.

Plus, it has virtual servers in countries where hosting physical ones is difficult or unsafe, including India. Most VPNs withdrew their Indian servers due to new laws in the country concerning user privacy. Although, the virtual servers allow you to access the country’s content without putting your personal data at risk. It also works in China.

Surfshark is located in the Netherlands and under the 9 Eyes jurisdiction — which may seem like a privacy concern. That said, its strict no-logs policy and RAM-only servers ensure it has no user data to share.

Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you wish to claim your refund, there’s a handy live chat feature to speed up the process.

Useful Features

• Unlimited device connections. Cover an entire US household with a single account, and never log out of any device before connecting.
• CleanWeb blocker. This feature helps you avoid ads, pop-ups, and trackers on US sites. It also blocks malware from infecting your device.
• Strong security. You get the essentials, like leak protection and a kill switch. Surfshark also uses 256-bit GCM encryption (faster than the 256-bit only algorithm). Its Double VPN feature is great for giving you extra layers of security, although it causes significant speed loss
• Earn up to 2 years of free service. Share a link with your friends in the US and abroad, and you’ll both receive free VPN service.

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6. IPVanish — Your Entire Household Can Access US Sites With Unlimited Connections

IPVanish allows you to connect as many devices as you wish. It doesn’t compromise your connection quality, either. I tested it with my iPhone, PC, tablet, and desktop — playing a YouTube video on each. The connections all remained stable.

Each IPVanish account comes with SOCKS5 proxy credentials, which is less secure than a VPN, but faster. That’s why I like to use it for speed boost while torrenting. You can configure it to Firefox, as well as torrent clients, to give you easy access anytime you need it.

IPVanish gives you 10 proxy locations in the US, including Atlanta, Chicago, and Los Angeles

That’s not to say it doesn’t have fast VPN connections in the US and abroad. I had more than enough speed to stream in Ultra HD with both its Miami and Chicago servers.

Although I couldn’t unblock every platform (most notably, Amazon Prime Video), it had no problem accessing plenty of US content. For instance, it worked with Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Disney+.

If you’re seeking a trustworthy US-based VPN, I can confidently recommend IPVanish. Its strict no-logs policy ensures it will never track or record your data. So even if the US government requested it, there would be nothing to share.

You can test IPVanish without risk with its 30-day money-back guarantee. Claiming a refund couldn’t be easier — you don’t even have to speak to an agent. Simply log into your account on the website and click "I wish to cancel my subscription”.

Useful Features

• Strong security. 256-bit encryption, DNS/IP/WebRTC leak protection, and an automatic kill switch protect your browsing in the US and abroad.
• 24/7 live chat. You can contact its support team anytime you experience issues accessing US content.
• Unblocks iPlayer, ITV, and More 4. IPVanish also works well with UK sites, like BBC iPlayer.
• 4 protocols. IPVanish gives you WireGuard, IKEv2, IPSec, and OpenVPN (UPD and TCP). Although, IPSec is only supported by macOS, iOS, and Linux.

Try IPVanish for the USA >>

7. PrivateVPN — Easily Access US Content With A User-friendly App

PrivateVPN is easy to use and ideal for those new to VPNs. The setup of its application is uncomplicated. It features a Simple View that simplifies the process of connecting to the US. You can choose the US server from the list and establish a connection with just a single click.

It also has some advanced security features in its Advanced View. Stealth VPN masks your VPN use so it can bypass VPN blocks. This allows it to access US content from countries with strict censorship.

You can set up PrivateVPN on any device in under 1 minute to browse US sites

PrivateVPN is a good choice for streaming and downloading with its speed-optimized specialty servers. There are 2 for the US (Los Angeles and New York) and one each for 17 other countries, including the UK, Japan, Germany, Canada, and Australia.

Its network isn’t huge — there are only 12 locations in the US, the fewest on my list. But PrivateVPN makes this a virtue by maintaining servers for fast speeds and reliable connections.

You can try PrivateVPN with a money-back guarantee for 30 days. If it’s not the VPN for you, it’s easy to claim a refund using its 24/7 live chat.

Useful Features

• Port forwarding. This feature is perfect for torrenting as it allows you to connect directly with seeders and reduce speed loss.
• Good for gaming. PrivateVPN gave me low ping rates in my tests. That makes it good for US games like Fortnite and Grand Theft Auto.
• Switch encryption. Choose between 256-bit encryption (slightly slower but more secure) or 128-bit (slightly less secure but faster). If you’re getting any lag or buffering on US streaming platforms, try switching to 128-bit.
• Connect automatically on startup. This feature protects your devices when you browse US sites.

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Quick Comparison Table: Best VPNs for the USA Features

The VPNs in this list vary in what they offer, making some better for certain activities than others. For instance, fast speeds are best for lag-free streaming and quick downloads. At the same time, you may want streaming optimized servers to ensure you can reliably unblock US and global sites.

Depending on how many devices you’d like to protect in your household, you may need a higher limit (or unlimited) simultaneous connections. RAM-only servers are a key feature to look for if privacy is a major concern, as they wipe your data automatically each time you disconnect.

Use this list to get a side-by-side comparison of the features that are most vital to your VPN use.

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Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for the USA

Below are the criteria I used to select the best VPNs for the USA. If you’re still unsure which VPN to try, this may help you identify your priorities.

• Servers in the US and abroad. To access US content, your VPN should have plenty of reliable US servers. If you’d like to unblock other global content, look for servers in the countries you’d like to connect to.
• Trustworthy privacy. I checked that all the VPNs in this list adhere to a strict no-logs policy. That way, if your VPN isn’t based in a privacy-friendly location (i.e., you want a US-based service), your data will never be compromised.
• Robust security features. Strong security features are necessary to protect your data, whether you’re in or outside of the US. Check for the essentials, like military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.
• Streaming and torrenting support. Check that the VPN supports the activities you’ll be using it for the most. For example, if you torrent, ensure the VPN has P2P-friendly servers. If you stream, check that it’s reliable at accessing your favorite platforms.
• Good device compatibility. Choose a VPN that works on all the devices and OSs you use, whether that's a desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smartphone.
• Responsive customer support. Ideally, the VPN provider should offer 24/7 live chat to give you quick answers to your questions. Otherwise, it should at least offer support through other methods, such as email, live chat, and phone.

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FAQs on Using a VPN for the USA

What makes a VPN the best for Netflix US?

To access Netflix US, you need a VPN with US servers and solid unblocking abilities. You’ll also want a VPN that has fast speeds to prevent buffering in your streams. In addition, it’s best if the VPN has multiple US connections. When users are spread across several servers, it reduces congestion and prevents the major slowdowns that come along with it.

Another perk (but not a must) is if the VPN has SmartDNS. This is offered by some VPNs and allows you to set the VPN up on smart TVs, game consoles, and other devices that normally don’t support VPNs. This just gives you a bit more flexibility in how you enjoy your favorite content.

Is it legal to use a VPN in the USA?

Yes, using a VPN in the USA is legal. While some countries have banned or restricted VPN use, the USA has no laws prohibiting individuals from using VPNs to access the internet.

However, it's worth noting that using a VPN for illegal activities is still illegal, regardless of whether you are using a VPN or not. Additionally, some websites and online services may have terms of service prohibiting VPN use, so it's important to read the terms.

What makes a USA VPN the best for Windows PCs?

Compatibility and strong security features are most important. All the VPNs listed are great options if you’re running a Windows PC. It only takes a couple minutes to get them up and running. Since Windows devices are a common target for cyberthreats in the US, your VPN should be equipped with the security and privacy essentials. Military-grade encryption, leak protection, and a no-logs policy keep your device and the personal data on it secure.

Secondary, you’ll want a VPN with fast speeds to keep your activities lag-free — whether you connect from within or outside the US. And depending on your use for your VPN, check that it supports torrenting and unblocks US or global sites you’re interested in.

Is there a USA VPN with a Chrome browser extension?

My top 5 USA VPNs all have Chrome extensions for convenient use with your favorite browser. It will keep your Chrome browsing private, but it won’t necessarily protect you on other browsers and apps. For that reason, I recommend you protect your entire device, including your browsers, by using the full VPN app.

Which VPN has servers in the most US states?

All the VPNs on this list have good coverage of server locations in the US. This can help you access US sites and platforms and also bypass sports blackouts. If an event isn’t available in your state, you can connect to a server in a state where the event is available.

Private Internet Access is the only VPN on my list with servers in all 50 US states. This means that no matter where you are in the US, you can easily connect to a nearby server and enjoy fast and reliable internet access.

How can I get a UK, Canada, or India IP address in the US?

To get a UK, Canada, or India IP address in the US, you need a reliable VPN with servers in those locations. When you connect to a server in one of these locations, the VPN masks your actual IP address, so it appears that you’re browsing from that location.

Is there a USA VPN with an APK download file?

All the VPNs for the USA on this list offer APK files for Android users to download. However, it's important to only download APK files from providers’ official websites, as files downloaded from other sources (such as forums or social media) can contain viruses and malware.

Visit the provider's official site and look for the APK file download link. Before installing it on your Android, be sure to scan the APK file with antivirus software to check it’s safe.

Can I use a free VPN in the USA?

While using a free VPN in the USA is possible, I generally advise against it. Instead, I recommend a reliable low-cost VPN for the US that you can use with a money-back guarantee. Free VPNs often have significant disadvantages and dangers that can compromise your online privacy and security.

Firstly, free VPNs typically have limited server networks and slower connection speeds, making it difficult to stream American content or access blocked websites. Additionally, free VPNs often come with data caps or bandwidth restrictions, which can severely limit your online activity.

Furthermore, many free VPNs have been found to engage in shady practices such as logging and selling user data, injecting ads into web pages, or even infecting users' devices with malware. For these reasons, we recommend investing in a reputable VPN provider that prioritizes your online privacy and security.

Get the Best VPN for the USA

VPNs for the USA vary a great deal in what they offer, so finding the best one is tricky. That said, I listed my top US VPN picks that are highly secure and are reliable for various activities. They all offer torrenting support, can access US and global streaming sites, and are fast enough to keep your online activities free from lag.

My #1 VPN for the USA is ExpressVPN. It protects your devices and personal data with its advanced security and privacy features. Plus, it’s the fastest VPN I tested and all of its servers are optimized for P2P and streaming. You can try it risk-free since it’s backed by a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for the USA...