Best USA VPN for 2024: Stay Secure & Hide from Your ISP (2024)

A virtual private network (VPN) helps U.S. citizens in many ways. It encrypts your internet traffic, keeping you safe online while hiding personal information from your internet service provider (ISP) and other data-hungry companies. The best USA VPN will also enable you to bypass geo-restrictions and access online services anonymously.

We tested the best VPNs on the market and narrowed the options down to the top five USA VPNs. In this guide, we’ll tell you how each VPN provider performed in terms of security, privacy, speed, streaming and other vital features. We’ll also discuss pricing to help you make an informed decision.

Cloudwards Editor’s Choice: ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the overall best USA VPN based on merit. Besides its excellent distribution of U.S. servers, it delivers top-notch security and privacy. In addition, it’s the best VPN for streaming thanks to its unmatched unblocking ability and blazing-fast speeds. Sign up for ExpressVPN today to get a first-hand feel for its features.

How to Choose the Best VPN for the USA

To choose a VPN, the top criteria should be top-notch security and privacy. Other criteria will vary depending on your individual needs. Some of the factors to consider when choosing a USA VPN include:

• Online privacy: Choose a provider with a no-logs policy, preferably one that has received approval from third-party security firms. Check for essential privacy features such as ad and tracker blockers to prevent third parties from collecting personal information.
• Online security: Secure protocols and encryption ciphers are the bare minimum. The VPN should also offer a kill switch that cuts internet traffic if the VPN connection drops.
• VPN servers: If you want to bypass sports geoblocks or access U.S. streaming services from abroad, pick a VPN with servers in the U.S. However, the worldwide server network is helpful for U.S. residents looking to access content outside the country.
• Unblocking ability: The best VPN for the U.S. should unblock your go-to streaming sites.
• Speed: Your VPN of choice should be fast enough to support flawless streaming, gaming, torrenting or any other speed-intensive activity you engage in. The VPN should also offer unlimited bandwidth and data for optimal performance.

The 5 Best VPNs for the U.S.

Our testers spent hours analyzing and reviewing the features of the best VPNs for the USA. We’ll reveal how each provider performed on various fronts to help you decide which service is right for your needs.

1. ExpressVPN — The Best USA VPN

ExpressVPN is our top choice for the best USA VPN thanks to its fast speeds and unmatched ability to unblock streaming services. The VPN service adheres to a strict no-logs policy, which KPMG audited and gave a thumbs-up. Its servers use TrustedServer technology to wipe data with every reboot to cover your digital trail.

ExpressVPN has servers in 16 major cities in the United States that are apt for bypassing streaming and sports geo-restrictions, such as NBA and NFL blackouts. For example, you can connect to a server in Miami to watch a Lakers game that is blacked out in Hawaii, Nevada and Southern California.

Who Is ExpressVPN For?

ExpressVPN is ideal for avid streaming fans in the U.S. due to its excellent unblocking ability and lightning-fast speeds. It’s also for privacy-conscious residents looking to keep personal information out of the reach of ISPs, advertisers and hackers.

ExpressVPN Hands-On Testing

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for beginners because its intuitive user interface (UI) offers a flat learning curve. Key features are within reach, and changing the settings to match your security and privacy needs is straightforward.

Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Speed Test Results

Our latest speed test results show that ExpressVPN delivers some of the fastest and most consistent U.S. speeds. The download and upload speeds hovered above 90% and 87% of our unprotected speeds, respectively. The latency was negligible, staying between 3ms and 8ms.

The blazing-fast speeds make it apt for interruption-free streaming, gaming, torrenting and online video calling. With the low latency, video streams will load like local sessions and delays between your input and movement in the game will be a story of the past.

Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Unblocking Capability Test Results

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for streaming. During our testing, the VPN unblocked every service we threw at it on the first attempt. We also watched movies in full HD and 4K without lags or buffering thanks to ExpressVPN’s fast speeds.

ExpressVPN’s smart DNS feature, MediaStreamer, helps you unblock U.S. and U.K. streaming services on devices that don’t support native VPN apps. MediaStreamer doesn’t offer encryption, so avoid using it on risky networks.

Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Security Analysis

ExpressVPN’s protocol-encryption combinations passed our DNS leak tests. You don’t have to worry about ISPs or government agencies monitoring your online activity. Other important privacy and security features include the following:

• Perfect forward secrecy (PFS) regularly changes encryption keys to protect encrypted messages from future attacks.
• Advanced protection tools help you block ads, third-party trackers and malicious and adult websites.
• Jurisdiction: ExpressVPN is based outside the Five Eyes surveillance alliance states in the British Virgin Islands, a country with some of the best privacy laws.

ExpressVPN Pricing & Value

ExpressVPN’s only downside is the steep price. The monthly plan costs $12.95, whereas the yearly plan sets you back $6.66 per month, making it the best deal.

The provider offers great value for your money, but if you’re hesitant, there’s a seven-day free trial on mobile apps and a 30-day money-back guarantee with all plans. Read our full ExpressVPN review to learn more.

2. NordVPN — Security-Focused VPN for USA

NordVPN is a security juggernaut for users who need to anonymously share sensitive information online or circumvent geo-restrictions. It has a double VPN feature that routes your traffic through two VPN servers for an extra layer of protection. This makes it difficult for ISPs, hackers or government agencies to monitor your web activity.

NordVPN offers more than 6,000 servers in 61 countries. More than 1,900 servers are spread across 16 cities in the U.S. Thanks to the extensive network, it’s easy to find a server to circumvent NBA and NFL geoblocks. The extended network also prevents server overload, ensuring optimal performance regardless of the U.S. server you choose.

Who Is NordVPN For?

NordVPN is a great choice for journalists, human rights activists or U.S. residents looking to share sensitive information online. Beyond that, features such as MeshNet — which supports remote device sharing — make NordVPN apt for remote teams.

NordVPN Hands-On Testing

Thanks to the well-organized and clutter-free design, NordVPN’s apps are easy to navigate. The features also include subtle descriptions of how they work, making it easy for users to figure them out. Servers are grouped into categories, and there’s a server search function for quick access.

Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Speed Test Results

NordVPN became the fastest VPN on the market with the launch of the NordLynx protocol. The U.S. download speeds consistently hovered above 93% of our unprotected speeds. The upload speeds were inconsistent but still faster than most top-tier providers. Only Surfshark beats it on this front.

Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Unblocking Capability Test Results

NordVPN unblocks major streaming services but requires multiple attempts to find a way around geoblocks on some platforms. For example, we had to switch servers multiple times to access some Netflix libraries abroad.

SmartDNS enables you to access streaming sites on devices that don’t support native VPN apps. The feature works with U.S. streaming sites like Amazon Prime Video, Peaco*ck TV, Disney Plus and Paramount Plus.

Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Security Analysis

NordVPN passed our DNS leak tests thanks to its solid VPN protocols and encryption. Other notable security and privacy features include the following:

• Threat protection isn’t as powerful as a standalone antivirus software, but it blocks malware and third-party trackers to keep their hands off your personal information.
• Obfuscated servers are ideal when traveling to restrictive regimes. They make your VPN traffic look like regular web traffic, making it difficult for authorities to detect you while using a VPN.
• The data breach scanner scans the web to see whether your personal information has appeared in data breaches. If it finds a hit, it alerts you and gives you recommendations to prevent exposure in the future.
• Regarding its jurisdiction, NordVPN is headquartered in Panama — a country with friendly privacy laws.

NordVPN Pricing & Value

NordVPN’s monthly plan is on the higher side of the pricing spectrum, but its extended plans are budget-friendly. The best deal is the two-year plan, which costs $3.39 per month. There’s a seven-day free trial on Android and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. Learn more in our full NordVPN review.

3. Surfshark — Best US VPN for Multiple Devices

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections. The “alternative ID” tool lets you create a unique online profile using fake names and addresses. This helps protect your identity and personal information when signing up for online services. Learn more in our guide on how to use Surfshark alternative ID.

Surfshark has one of the best distribution, with servers in 100 countries, including the United States. There are more than 600 USA servers across 25 major cities — you’ll easily find a geographically close server for optimal performance. The wide distribution also makes Surfshark apt for bypassing sports blackouts.

Who Is Surfshark For?

Surfshark supports unlimited simultaneous device connections, making it ideal for large families or friends looking to split the bill.

Surfshark Hands-On Testing

Though Surfshark’s home UI displays many details, it’s designed with ease of use in mind. For example, key features like the kill switch, rotating IP and NoBorders mode are quickly accessible on the UI without having to open the settings. Simply click the feature to tweak its settings.

Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Speed Test Results

Surfshark U.S. download speeds stayed above 96% most days, but there were a few outliers of speeds falling below 40%. Upload speeds were far more inconsistent, but they stayed above 90% on average.

The only issue is that Surfshark’s latency is inexcusably high. As a result, videos may take longer to load when streaming, and intermittent delays could ruin your gaming experience.

Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Unblocking Capability Test Results

Surfshark is staking a serious claim for a spot on our list of best VPNs for streaming thanks to its excellent unblocking ability. During our testing, the VPN service unblocked every streaming platform on the first attempt.

Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Security Analysis

Like our top two picks, Surfshark passed our DNS leak tests. Beyond the basic security features, it offers advanced tools such as the following:

• The IP rotator periodically changes your IP address when connected, making it difficult for authorities or surveillance agencies to track you.
• Dynamic MultiHop is like a double VPN, but you can choose the entry and exit nodes (servers). This is particularly helpful if you don’t want your internet traffic to pass through a Five Eyes country.
• Surfshark Incogni is a privacy tool that enables you to request that data brokers delete your personal information from their database.
• Regarding its jurisdiction, Surfshark is headquartered in the Netherlands, a country that adheres to the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

Surfshark Pricing & Value

Surfshark’s monthly plan is pricey, but its extended plans offer appealing discounts. The two-year plan costs $2.49 per month, making it the best deal. Learn more in our full Surfshark review.

4. Proton VPN – A Free Privacy-Focused VPN

Proton VPN — the best free USA VPN — offers top-notch security and unlimited data per month, a rarity with free VPN providers. Uncapped data makes it a good fit for several use cases. For example, you can use the free VPN to binge-watch movies, upload large files or download torrents without worrying about blowing through a data limit.

Proton VPN also offers over 47 U.S. servers, but it doesn’t disclose their locations. It displays the server load, enabling the user to pick a server with the lowest load for optimal performance. Sadly, new Proton VPN free accounts don’t have this functionality. The app randomly connects you to the geographically closest server when you click the “quick connect” button. If you want to manually select a specific server or country, you need to subscribe to the paid plan.

Who Is Proton VPN For?

Proton VPN is ideal for users on a tight budget, particularly those who need a VPN for browsing the internet safely, sending emails securely and other casual uses.

Proton VPN Hands-On Testing

Proton VPN’s main UI looks cluttered because it displays many details about your connection. The free servers are listed at the top, making it easier to find them. Key features like the kill switch and port forwarding are easily accessible on the home UI. This lets you configure them without having to open the settings.

Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN Speed Test Results

As our manual speed tests suggest, Proton VPN delivers blazing-fast connection speeds. The VPN reached 91% and 95% of our unprotected download and upload speeds, respectively. It increased latency by a negligible 26%.

We were lucky to test Proton VPN during off-peak hours. Its speed can dip significantly during peak hours, rendering it unusable for users on slow internet connections.

Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN Unblocking Capability Test Results

Proton VPN’s free servers open U.S. streaming sites on the first attempt. New U.S. users will have no issue getting an IP address to access local streaming services. Sadly, they will have problems accessing streaming services abroad, because Proton VPN connects to the geographically closest server.

Note that the free version of Proton VPN doesn’t have a server in the U.K., which makes it impossible for the VPN service to unblock BBC iPlayer.

Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN Security Analysis

Our security tests revealed that Proton VPN doesn’t leak your IP or DNS requests. Beyond the protocol and encryption ciphers, advanced features are limited to NetShield and the Secure Core server, which are both available on a paid plan.

• NetShield blocks ads, trackers and malware to protect your personal information and devices.
• Secure Core servers are hosted in high-security data centers in Switzerland, Sweden and Iceland to reduce the risk of unauthorized individuals compromising or seizing the servers.
• As for the jurisdiction, Proton VPN is headquartered in Switzerland, a privacy haven that adheres to the GDPR.

Proton VPN Pricing & Value

Proton VPN’s free version suits casual users’ needs. However, features such as NetShield, Secure Core servers and peer-to-peer (P2P) sharing are available on the paid version. The best deal is the two-year plan, which costs $4.99 per month. Paid plans offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. Learn more in our full Proton VPN review.

5. CyberGhost — USA VPN with Streaming-Optimized Servers

CyberGhost is the best USA VPN for people who fancy advanced VPN automation. With the “smart rules,” you can configure the app to connect to a pre-selected server on launch or when it detects an unsecured Wi-Fi network. You can also set it to open your browser or any other app when the connection is established.

The Romania-based provider has the best U.S. server count — more than 2,000 servers across 11 major cities. The extended network reduces the chances of server overload. CyberGhost shows you how far each server is from your location to help you choose wisely. Remember that connecting to the geographically closest server can improve VPN performance.

Who Is CyberGhost For?

CyberGhost VPN is ideal for users who tend to forget to turn their VPN on. You can set VPN automation to prevent going online without VPN protection.

CyberGhost Hands-On Testing

CyberGhost’s learning curve is steep for newbies because of the abundance of advanced tools. The desktop UI may take some getting used to, mainly because the settings aren’t organized in one single tab. There are three action areas: settings, privacy settings and smart rules. The mobile UI is much easier to use because the settings are organized in one area.

Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Speed Test Results

CyberGhost was the most inconsistent performer on near-distance connections, especially for download speeds. On average, the VPN provider reached 82% of unprotected download speeds.

Its upload speeds were inconsistent, but it kept pace with the rest of the pack, reaching 90% of unprotected upload speeds. On the latency front, CyberGhost was the second-worst performer after Surfshark.

Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Unblocking Capability Test Results

Despite being the only VPN with streaming-optimized servers, CyberGhost is only a decent streaming VPN. During our testing, the streaming servers unblocked Max on the first attempt but couldn’t find a way past Disney Plus or BBC iPlayer geoblocks.

The regular servers accessed both platforms without a hitch. Neither the regular server nor the streaming-optimized server could open Amazon Prime Video.

Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Security Analysis

Even though CyberGhost supports solid protocols and encryption, it showed leaks during our DNS leak testing. It can leak your IP or DNS request to your ISP, which is a serious privacy risk. In its defense, CyberGhost has been a consistently secure VPN provider, and this is the first time we’ve experienced leaks.

CyberGhost Pricing & Value

CyberGhost made it onto the list of the best cheap VPNs because it offers a huge bang for your buck. The two-year plan costs $2.37 per month, making it CyberGhost’s best deal. Extended plans offer a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, but the monthly plan only offers a 14-day money-back guarantee.

There’s a 24-hour free trial on desktop, a seven-day free trial on iOS and three-day free trial on Android mobile devices. Learn more in our full CyberGhost review.

The Best American VPN Comparison Table

How to Use a U.S. VPN Provider

This guide will show you how to stream movies on BBC iPlayer with ExpressVPN — the best USA VPN.

1. Sign Up for the USA VPN

   Sign up for a VPN that provides the features you need.

2. Download and Install the VPN App

   Download and install the VPN app on your device. If you intend to use the VPN on your mobile device, install the app from Google Play or Apple’s App Store.

3. Configure the Settings

   Launch the VPN and log in. Turn the kill switch on and set your VPN protocols based on what you want to achieve. Prioritize fast protocols for streaming, but pick the most secure protocol if security is your main concern.

4. Connect to a VPN Server

   Connect to a server in your preferred location. For example, if you want to access BBC iPlayer, connect to a server in the U.K.

5. Watch Movies

   Conduct a DNS leak test to confirm you’re on the correct IP address. Open the streaming service and enjoy interruption-free streaming.

Can You Use a Free VPN in the U.S.?

Yes, you can, provided it’s a free version from a reliable VPN provider like Proton VPN or Windscribe. That said, avoid completely free VPNs from mobile app stores. These free VPN services are unsafe and perform poorly in terms of speeds and unblocking ability. Some free services will also collect and sell your personal information.

The Best Free USA VPN Service: Proton VPN

Proton VPN’s free version is an exception because it’s from a reputable provider. In addition to solid security, it offers unlimited data — a perk you don’t get with other free providers. The only issue is that Proton VPN relegates free users to a low-speed tier during peak hours.

Why You Need to Use a VPN in the United States

A VPN is a helpful tool for U.S. residents looking to enhance online privacy and security. It’s also vital for bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing online content without limitations. Here are the primary use cases for a VPN in the U.S.:

• Enhance online privacy: A Federal Trade Commission (FTC) report claimed that ISPs in the U.S. collect and retain user data, and there are few laws restricting what they can do with it. A VPN helps hide your data from your ISP, advertisers and bad actors.
• Unblock streaming services: A VPN enables you to access streaming libraries abroad and watch movies and TV shows that are not available in the U.S.
• Unblock state-specific websites: A VPN circumvents geographical restrictions, enabling you to access all state-specific services regardless of location.
• Bypass sports blackouts: A VPN helps bypass NBA, NFL and other sports geo-restrictions so you can watch any game regardless of location.
• Prevent ISP throttling: Some ISPs intentionally slow down your connection when they notice you’re engaging in a speed-intensive activity. With VPN protection, your ISP won’t know what you’re doing online and can’t slow down your connection.

U.S. Privacy and Data Retention Laws

The U.S. doesn’t have a single data privacy framework. Instead, the data protection law is a complex patchwork of federal and state laws covering different aspects of data privacy.

The gist of these data privacy regulations is that data that companies in the United States collect is unregulated in most states. As a result, companies are at liberty to use, share or even sell user data without having to notify you.

In addition, if you scrutinize the privacy policies of many companies in the U.S., you’ll find a clause claiming that the service doesn’t share user data unless a law enforcement agency subpoenas it. This means that companies, including VPN providers, are obliged to hand over user data if law enforcement agencies require it.

Are VPNs Legal in the U.S.?

Yes, VPNs are legal in the United States. No federal or state law bans the use of VPNs or anonymizers to access geo-restricted content or protect online privacy.

Are U.S. VPN Servers Safe?

It depends. If a VPN server uses traditional hard drives, authorities can seize and expose user data. Top-tier VPN providers use RAM-based servers, which wipe data with every reboot. Even if intruders or government authorities seize the server, they will find no user data.

Final Thoughts

A VPN for the U.S. helps keep your personal information safe from ISPs and other online services. It also enables you to bypass geo-restrictions and circumvent firewalls in schools and workplaces.

ExpressVPN does an excellent job of providing top-notch security and privacy while delivering interruption-free streaming. If the price is off-putting, pick a budget-friendly alternative like NordVPN or Surfshark.

Do you use a VPN in the U.S.? Which VPN service do you use? What is your primary reason for using the VPN service? We’d like to hear about it in the comments. As always, thank you for reading.

FAQ: Best VPN for USA

• ExpressVPN is the best VPN for streaming in the U.S. thanks to its excellent unblocking ability and lightning-fast speeds.

• There are decent U.S.-based VPNs, like Private Internet Access (PIA) and IPVanish. However, considering the U.S. is a privacy-averse country, we don’t recommend using a U.S.-based provider to safeguard your privacy.

• To get a U.S. IP address, simply connect your VPN to a U.S. server.

• Yes, you can use U.S. VPNs to unblock Netflix.