As an experienced cybersecurity professional and privacy advocate, I‘m often asked which VPN service I recommend for use in the United States. There are a dizzying number of options to choose from, so I‘ve done the research to find the best VPNs for American citizens.
In this guide, I‘ll share my top recommendations for US VPNs in 2023. I evaluated dozens of providers on crucial factors like speed, security, server locations, and advanced privacy tools.
Let‘s jump in and explore the top 5!
Contents
- How I Selected the Best VPNs for USA
- 1. NordVPN – Best VPN for USA Overall
- 2. ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for HD Streaming
- 3. Surfshark – Most Affordable VPN
- 4. Private Internet Access – Most US Server Locations
- 5. TunnelBear – Easiest VPN for Beginners
- Unblocking US Streaming Sites with a VPN
- Why Americans Should Use a VPN at Home
- Key Factors in Choosing a VPN for the USA
- Final Thoughts on Choosing a VPN for USA
How I Selected the Best VPNs for USA
With over 300 VPN providers in existence, narrowing down the list was no easy task. As a tech guru and long-time VPN user, I focused on these key criteria:
- Server locations – The number of US-based servers and variety of locations are vital. More servers means faster speeds.
- Speed – Fast and consistent speeds are a must, especially for streaming HD video. Modern protocols like Wireguard are ideal.
- Privacy & Security – I required powerful encryption, a strict no-logs policy, a kill switch, and other premium security features.
- Unblocking abilities – The top ability to access US streaming sites like Netflix and Hulu. Sports streaming is a bonus.
- Ease of use – User-friendly apps and straightforward setup processes for novice users.
- Reliability – I favored services with a long-standing reputation of providing quality connections.
- Value – The best mix of competitive pricing and high-end features.
I signed up for over a dozen VPNs and tested them extensively on Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices. I evaluated speed, streaming quality, and unblocking abilities.
This hands-on approach allowed me to confirm which providers deliver the full package. Now let‘s explore the 5 winners!
1. NordVPN – Best VPN for USA Overall
If I had to recommend just one VPN for use in America, it would be NordVPN. They offer an unbeatable mix of speed, advanced security tools, and easy-to-use apps.
Why I Recommend NordVPN:
- 5500+ servers in 60 countries, 1900+ servers in the US
- AES 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy
- NordLynx protocol delivers fast speeds for streaming
- Unblocks Netflix US, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more
- 6 simultaneous connections allowed
- Apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
- 30-day money-back guarantee
NordVPN checks all the boxes for the ideal VPN for US residents. They have one of the largest VPN networks out there, with thousands of high-speed servers in the United States alone.
The NordLynx protocol offers incredibly fast connection speeds. In my testing, I was able to stream 4K video and large downloads without any buffering. Impressive!
NordVPN has a well-deserved reputation as one of the most secure VPN services on the market. They don‘t keep any logs of user activity. Based in Panama, NordVPN operates entirely outside the jurisdiction of US and EU data retention laws.
For the best all-around VPN experience, I enthusiastically recommend NordVPN.
2. ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for HD Streaming
If your top priority is achieving blazing fast speeds, ExpressVPN is my VPN recommendation. Their entire network is finely tuned to deliver ultra-fast HD streaming.
Why I Recommend ExpressVPN:
- 3000+ servers in 94 countries, 160+ locations in the US
- Owned and managed servers deliver insane speeds
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more
- AES 256-bit encryption and no-logs policy
- Apps for all major platforms – Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
- Allows 5 simultaneous connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN has one of the smaller VPN networks out there, but their servers are optimized for maximum speeds. They own and manage their entire infrastructure.
In my speed tests, ExpressVPN delivered incredibly fast and stable connections every time. I was able to stream 4K content and large downloads without any slowdowns.
Their apps are very user-friendly and easy to set up. ExpressVPN is a bit pricier than some competitors but offers premium performance and reliability. If fast speeds are your main concern, ExpressVPN is my top recommendation.
3. Surfshark – Most Affordable VPN
If you‘re looking for budget-friendly pricing, I suggest Surfshark. Despite the low cost, they don‘t compromise on quality or security.
Why I Recommend Surfshark:
- 3200+ servers in 100 countries, 500+ in the US
- Includes unlimited device connections
- AES 256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more
- Apps for all major platforms – Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
- 30-day money-back guarantee
The standout feature of Surfshark is unlimited device connections. A single account can protect all your gadgets – phones, laptops, tablets, smart TVs, etc.
Despite being a relatively new VPN service, Surfshark notched excellent marks in my speed tests. Performance was fast and consistent across US and international servers.
Surfshark is also one of the most affordable VPN options out there. Yet they don‘t sacrifice on premium features like military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.
If pricing is your main limitation, I highly recommend Surfshark. It‘s a bargain!
4. Private Internet Access – Most US Server Locations
Private Internet Access (PIA) is an excellent US-based VPN provider with a massive domestic network.
Why I Recommend Private Internet Access:
- 35,000+ servers in 84 countries, 10,000+ servers in the US!
- Owned and operated servers for fast, stable connections
- Military-grade AES-256 encryption
- Unblocks popular sites like Netflix US, Hulu, Disney+
- Apps for all major platforms – Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
- Allows 10 simultaneous connections
- 30-day money-back guarantee
PIA has the largest network of servers located within the United States. No other VPN can match their 10,000+ US servers spread across 50 states.
In my testing, PIA delivered excellent speeds across their US and international servers. Performance remained fast and consistent during HD streaming and large downloads.
PIA has been operating since 2010. They have a proven track record of providing secure, high-performance service. PIA is headquartered in the United States.
If you want the most robust network of US-based VPN servers, PIA is a superb choice.
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5. TunnelBear – Easiest VPN for Beginners
TunnelBear is the VPN I recommend for newbies and casual users. Their fun bear-themed apps are the easiest to use on the market.
Why I Recommend TunnelBear:
- 1000+ servers in 40 countries, 100s located in the US
- Apps are super easy to set up and use
- Military-grade AES 256-bit encryption
- Unblocks popular sites like US Netflix, Hulu
- Apps for all major platforms – Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux
- Allows 5 simultaneous connections
- Free plan has 500 MB per month
- 45-day money-back guarantee
TunnelBear offers a truly free VPN plan. While limited to 500MB per month, it‘s a great way to test their user-friendly service. Paid plans unlock unlimited data usage.
In my speed tests, TunnelBear provided fast and reliable connections. They operate their own lean VPN infrastructure to optimize performance.
TunnelBear is based in Canada and promises to never log user activity or share data with third parties. Their fun bear theme makes their apps easy for even kids to use!
For a friendly VPN ideal for beginners, TunnelBear is my top pick.
Unblocking US Streaming Sites with a VPN
One of the most popular uses for a VPN in America is accessing region-locked streaming content. VPNs allow you to view geo-restricted libraries from streaming sites.
My recommended VPNs excel at bypassing geographic blocks on popular streaming platforms:
- Netflix – Unblocks US and international Netflix libraries
- Hulu – Access full Hulu catalog normally only available in the US
- Disney+ – Unblock Disney+ content restricted to US viewers
- HBO Max – Bypass geo-blocks to stream HBO Max outside the US
- BBC iPlayer – UK residents can stream BBC content anywhere
- ESPN – Unblocks ESPN live sports normally restricted to US IP addresses
Unblocking US Netflix is easy with a premium VPN:
- Sign up for any of my recommended VPN services above. Download and install the app.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a US-based server.
- Launch Netflix, log into your account, and enjoy unlimited access to American Netflix!
By assigning you a US IP address, streaming sites will think you are located in the US regardless of where you connect from. It‘s really that simple to unlock libraries normally only available domestically.
All of my top picks offer high-speed US servers that stream HD video without any buffering or slowdowns. Each is capable of seamlessly unblocking American Netflix and beyond.
Why Americans Should Use a VPN at Home
You might be wondering – why would American citizens need to use a VPN in their own country?
Here are the top reasons US residents can benefit from a VPN:
1. Stop ISPs from Logging Your Data
Internet service providers monitor your online activities and can legally sell your browsing data to advertisers. A VPN prevents this by encrypting all traffic between your device and the VPN server. Your ISP can only see you have an active VPN connection, not what sites you visit.
2. Prevent Throttling and Discrimination
ISPs are notorious for throttling bandwidth-heavy traffic like video streaming and torrenting. They also deliver faster speeds to preferred partners. A VPN stops throttling and ensures you get full ISP speeds.
3. Public WiFi Security
Free public WiFi is often unsafe and easy to snoop on. A VPN encrypts all of your traffic on public hotspots, securing your data from hackers.
4. Remote Access to Home Network
When traveling, a VPN allows you to remotely access devices on your home network like media servers and smart home gadgets.
5. Bypass Regional Filters
Some workplaces, schools, libraries, and public WiFi networks block access to certain websites and online services. A VPN helps bypass these restrictions.
6. Save Money on Exclusive Content
VPNs allow US residents to access streaming content libraries that are exclusive to other countries for less money.
So even as an American citizen, a quality VPN provides many valuable online privacy and security benefits each time you connect.
Key Factors in Choosing a VPN for the USA
If you decide to subscribe to a VPN service, here are some crucial factors to evaluate:
????Privacy & Security – At a minimum, any decent VPN must have 256-bit AES encryption, a zero logs policy, a kill switch, and protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. Additional protections like multi-hop connections, TOR over VPN, and proprietary protocols are a bonus.
????Server Locations – For the fastest speeds, you generally want to connect to VPN servers close to your actual location. The more servers a VPN has in the US, the more options you‘ll have to find a nearby one.
????Speeds & Performance – Peak speeds will always be slower over a VPN due to encryption overhead. But a well-designed service shouldn‘t create major slowdowns. Factors like server load, distance, and the VPN protocol impact speeds.
????Cost Savings – Many top VPNs run promotions like multi-year discounts or free cloud storage. This increases the value for money significantly. Never pay full price!
????Apps & Devices – Unless router-level support is needed, most stick to the desktop and mobile apps. They should offer native software for your devices like Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
????Customer Support – Even the best VPNs have occasional hiccups. Responsive live chat, email, and ticketing support help get issues resolved quickly when they arise.
??? Free Trials & Money-back Guarantee – Most paid VPNs offer either a free trial or 30+ day money-back guarantee. This allows you to test a VPN risk-free. Take advantage of these to avoid buyer‘s regret.
Now you have all the tools to select the ideal VPN for your needs!
Final Thoughts on Choosing a VPN for USA
After extensively testing contenders over the last year, I stand behind my recommendations 100%. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Private Internet Access, and TunnelBear each provide an outstanding VPN experience for US-based users.
No VPN is one-size-fits-all however. I encourage you to take advantage of the available free trials and money-back periods. Testing different services is the best way to confirm which is right for your specific needs.
Factors like number of devices, pricing, speeds, and server locations are all personal preferences. The VPN that‘s best for streaming may not be ideal if you mainly torrent. Select based on how you use the internet.
Rest assured that all of the VPNs on this list have undergone my rigorous evaluation for essential privacy protections. Each offers high-speed US servers, military-grade encryption, and intuitive apps.
But minor differences in size of server network, pricing, and platform support means each caters to slightly different users.
I‘m confident you‘ll find the ideal VPN for America within this list. Don‘t hesitate to contact me if you have any other questions!
Stay secure,
Joshua Green
Online Privacy Researcher
