Do you want to access region-locked content, enhance your privacy, improve security, or save money online? Getting a North Carolina IP address can make that possible.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know about getting a North Carolina IP address in 2023.
Contents
Why Would You Want a North Carolina IP Address?
There are quite a few compelling reasons why you may want to get a North Carolina IP address:
Access Geo-Restricted Content
Lots of popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, ESPN, and BBC iPlayer restrict content based on your location. With a North Carolina IP address, you can access TV shows, movies, and sporting events limited to viewers in that state.
For example, Netflix USA has over 5,000 titles that aren‘t available on Netflix in Europe or Canada due to licensing limitations. A North Carolina IP provides access to the full US Netflix library no matter where you live.
According to a 2021 study, over half of scripted shows on Netflix USA are not available on Netflix in other major regions due to geo-blocking. A North Carolina IP address lets you circumvent these restrictions.
Enjoy Better Deals and Prices
Your geographic location can greatly impact the prices you see online. Retailers frequently adjust prices based on supply, demand, and competitiveness in different regions.
With a North Carolina IP address, you can potentially find lower prices when shopping online as retailers will assume you are based in NC. Everything from clothing and electronics to hotel rooms and flights can vary in cost.
For example, when looking for hotels in popular destinations, booking from an IP address in North Carolina could show cheaper average nightly rates than booking from a California IP address.
Strengthen Your Privacy
Your IP address can be used to gather a lot of information about you by internet service providers (ISPs), websites, advertisers, and others. It reveals your approximate location and ISP, which can be utilized to build profiles for marketing purposes.
Government agencies and copyright trolls also use IP addresses to monitor activity and identify alleged copyright infringements.
Connecting through a North Carolina IP address adds a layer of privacy. It conceals your real public IP and makes it harder for these entities to monitor your online activities or pinpoint your location.
Bypass Internet Censorship
In some countries, the internet is heavily censored by the government, restricting access to certain websites and services. For example, platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are blocked in China.
Getting a North Carolina IP address allows citizens to circumvent geo-blocks and access the open internet. However, VPN usage is also often restricted in countries with pervasive censorship.
According to advocacy group Freedom House, internet freedom has declined globally for the 11th consecutive year. Users in at least 48 countries have been arrested just for their online posts over the past year.
Improve Security
Cybercriminals leverage IP addresses to gain information that aids malicious hacking attempts. An IP address reveals your ISP and approximate area, which hackers can utilize to target specific vulnerabilities.
Connecting through a North Carolina IP address obscures your real IP and makes it harder for hackers to geo-locate you or gather helpful data for cyber attacks. It adds a layer of security.
The Best VPNs for Getting a North Carolina IP Address
The easiest and most reliable way to get a North Carolina IP address is by using a virtual private network (VPN). Here are the top VPNs for the job:
1. NordVPN – Best Overall
With over 5,600 servers worldwide, super-fast speeds, and watertight security, NordVPN is our top choice for getting a North Carolina IP address.
Key features:
- 5,600+ servers in 60 countries including 100s of US servers
- Maximum speeds – great for HD streaming & downloads
- Strict no-logs policy that was audited and verified
- Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux & more
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, and other geo-restricted sites
- Military-grade encryption & added security features like CyberSec
- 30-day money-back guarantee
With NordVPN, you can easily connect to a fast North Carolina server with just a few clicks in the desktop or mobile apps. It offers the complete package of speed, privacy, and usability.
2. ExpressVPN – Fastest Speeds
If blazing connection speeds are your top priority, ExpressVPN is another excellent choice.
Some of the biggest benefits include:
- 3,000+ VPN servers in 94 countries, including North Carolina
- Leverages Lightway protocol for ultra-fast speeds
- Simple and intuitive app experience on all devices
- Use up to 5 devices simultaneously
- 24/7 live chat support if you need assistance
- No activity or connection logs; based in privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more
- 30-day money back guarantee
You‘ll enjoy flawless HD streaming and downloads with ExpressVPN‘s lightning-quick North Carolina servers.
3. CyberGhost – Budget Pick
For an affordable North Carolina IP address option, CyberGhost delivers good speeds starting at just $2.25 a month.
Advantages of CyberGhost:
- Over 7,400 servers worldwide, including multiple North Carolina locations
- Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers & more
- Allows connecting 7 devices simultaneously
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Unblocks top streaming sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+
-Blocks ads & trackers for improved privacy
Despite the low price, CyberGhost still provides access to fast North Carolina and US-based servers ideal for unblocking streaming platforms.
Paid vs. Free VPNs
Free VPN services do allow you to change your IP address, but they have significant downsides:
- Limited server locations – Most free VPNs only have a small number of server locations, rarely including North Carolina. This makes accessing region-locked content difficult.
- Slow speeds – Free VPNs often throttle your connection speeds, making it hard to stream HD video.
- No encryption – Without premium security features like AES-256 encryption, free VPNs put your privacy at risk.
- Session limits – Most free VPNs limit you to just a few hours of usage before disconnecting.
- Bandwidth caps – Your monthly data usage is restricted on free plans, normally just a few GB.
- Ads & tracking – Free VPNs make money by showing ads and monitoring your usage for targeted marketing.
For a fast, private, and unlimited North Carolina IP address, a premium VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN is worth the investment.
| Feature | Paid VPN | Free VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Server Locations | 1000s worldwide | Very limited |
| Connection Speed | Very fast | Slow/throttled |
| Data Usage Limits | Unlimited | Capped limit |
| Security Features | Strong encryption | Weak to none |
| Streaming Ability | Unblocks Netflix etc. | Inconsistent |
| Privacy Protection | Strong | Weak |
Step-by-Step: Connecting to a North Carolina VPN Server
Once signed up for your chosen VPN service, here are easy steps to connect to a North Carolina server:
On Windows:
- Download and install the VPN app
- Open the app and log in with your VPN username & password
- Click on Server Locations and select North Carolina
- Choose the specific server location – Raleigh, Charlotte, etc.
- Click Connect and you‘ll get a North Carolina IP!
On Mac:
- Download the Mac VPN app and install
- Enter your VPN login credentials
- Browse for a North Carolina VPN server location
- Click on Connect and you‘ll be given a NC IP address
On iPhone/iPad:
- Open the App Store and download the VPN iOS app
- Tap the app icon to open it and log in with your VPN account
- Tap the Location menu and pick North Carolina
- Select Connect and you‘ll be connected through North Carolina
On Android:
- Go to the Google Play Store and download the Android VPN app
- Open the app, enter your username and password, and log in
- Tap Locations and choose North Carolina
- Select the Connect button to get your new NC IP address
Using a VPN makes it super easy to get a North Carolina IP address in just a minute or less on any device!
Other Ways to Change Your IP Address
While VPNs are the preferred method, there are a couple alternative options for getting a North Carolina IP address:
Using a Dedicated Proxy Service
Paid proxy services like Luminati and GeoSurf offer residential IPs in specific cities like Raleigh, Charlotte, and Greensboro. However, proxies don‘t encrypt your traffic and can put your security and privacy at risk.
Proxies also tend to be slower than VPNs at providing reliable speeds for streaming and browsing. And dedicated proxies are expensive, with Luminati costing more than $500 per month for North Carolina residential IPs.
Renting a North Carolina VPS or Dedicated Server
You could rent a virtual private server (VPS) or rent a dedicated IP address from a hosting company that provides North Carolina-based IP addresses.
This will get you a NC IP, but dedicated servers aren‘t designed for security and privacy. And they are very expensive for individuals, easily $50-$100+ per month.
For most people, a top-rated VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark is by far the most cost-effective and convenient way to get a North Carolina IP address.
Is it Legal to Use a North Carolina IP Address?
In most circumstances, it is perfectly legal to use a VPN or proxy to get a North Carolina IP address. There are no laws prohibiting the use of VPN services or changing your IP address.
Millions of people use VPNs every day for purposes like:
- Accessing region-locked content
- Securing public Wi-Fi connections
- Bypassing internet censorship
- Preventing price discrimination
- Maintaining privacy
These are all common valid reasons to utilize a North Carolina IP address. However, actively circumventing copyright protections or terms of service would still be prohibited.
As long as you aren‘t doing anything unlawful or breaching a site‘s terms with your North Carolina IP, it is typically 100% legal. Just avoid any actual illegal activity online.
The Bottom Line
A North Carolina IP address provides easy access to geo-blocked content, privacy benefits, and improved online security. The best way to get a NC IP address is by using a premium VPN service like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
With a top-rated VPN, you can enjoy fast speeds, unrestricted access, and complete privacy. Plus connect to North Carolina servers on all of your devices with just a couple taps.
So unlock the full potential of the internet from anywhere by getting a secure North Carolina IP address!
