Best VPNs to change your location

Geo-spoofing with a VPN serves multiple purposes, such as accessing region-restricted content on streaming services like Netflix, overcoming geographical limitations in gaming and applications, and circumventing online censorship for social media and news.

By changing your virtual location, you ensure anonymity, encrypting your internet traffic for enhanced privacy. Examples of this can be accessing BBC iPlayer from outside the UK or unblocking content on YouTube.

Ultimately, a VPN is essential for navigating the global internet landscape, letting you have both unrestricted access and safeguarding your personal information in the face of online restrictions and surveillance.

In this article, we have compiled a list of the best VPNs to change your IP address and location. So, let’s take a look and see how you can become a global denizen of the Internet.

5 Best VPNs for spoofing your location

1. ExpressVPN - Best VPN to change location in 2024
2. NordVPN - Secure VPN to change your location with
3. Private Internet Access - User-friendly VPN for hiding your location
4. CyberGhostVPN - Excellent choice for spoofing your location
5. Surfshark - Optimized and fast VPN with multiple spoofing options

The best VPNs to change location in 2024

With a number of options selected, let’s look at why we think these are the best VPN choices for you to change your location. Each has its own strengths and weaknesses, but you can’t go wrong with any of these:

1. ExpressVPN - The best VPN to change your location

ExpressVPN

1

9.7

/10

Visit ExpressVPN

Pros & cons

• Huge server fleet featuring 94 countries
• Fast and unlimited bandwidth
• Top-tier encryption protocol

• Pricey monthly plans

ExpressVPN is our top pick as far as VPN spoofers go. With 3000+ servers in 105 countries, it's a global fleet at your fingertips. Along with that, it also has some of the fastest speeds and unlimited bandwidth, making it perfect for streaming, gaming (like Valorant), or exploring the dark web. 

ExpressVPN is connected to a US server.

Beyond speed, ExpressVPN excels at unblocking geo-restricted content, securing your online adventures with the Lightway protocol's 256-bit AES encryption - all the while keeping zero logs.

While lacking a built-in GPS override option, its 3000+ servers in 105 countries combined with its security features make ExpressVPN a top-tier choice for reliable and secure virtual location changes, albeit more expensive than the competition from $6.67/month.

2. NordVPN - Secure VPN for changing location that comes with various features

NordVPN

1

9.6

/10

Visit NordVPN

Pros & cons

• Gives you access to servers in 60 countries
• Has IP/DNS leak protection
• Gives fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth
• Really affordable in terms of pricing

• Max devices are limited to six at a time

Boasting an extensive network exceeding 5810+ servers in 60 countries globally, NordVPN offers fast and efficient connections across a ton of different regions. Their unwavering commitment to security is reflected in features such as their strong encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak detection.

NordVPN has thousands of servers in 60 countries.

People in regions such as China or the UAE will especially appreciate features like Onion over VPN and Double VPN for added protection. Admittedly, there are a few usability concerns with the map-based interface on mobile devices, but it’s nothing you can’t get used to. 

NordVPN, priced from $3.39/month, offers a cost-effective and potent option for individuals seeking a reliable VPN for location spoofing.

3. Private Internet Access VPN - Flexible VPN with multiple spoofing options 

Private Internet Access

1

9.4

/10

Visit Private Internet Access

Pros & cons

• Huge server fleet based in 84 countries
• Unlimited simultaneous connections allowed
• Additional features, such as an adblock, to protect you while you browse

• Internet speed performance is a bit lacking

Private Internet Access (PIA) is one of the most reliable VPN choices out there. As you might expect, there’s a strong focus on privacy and security, which goes in line with its no-logs policy and strong encryption, ensuring a secure online experience. Of all the VPNs on this list, it has the largest server fleet out there at 35000+ servers in 84 countries. 

Private Internet Access’s UI on macOS.

This means you can easily change your virtual location to a large variety of regions for accessing geo-restricted content or enhancing privacy. Combining this with its intuitive interface that lets you make it as simple or as advanced as you want, it caters to a large variety of audiences and whatever they may need.

Priced from $2.11 per month, PIA VPN is a pretty competitive option as long as you don’t go for a monthly plan. 

4. CyberGhost VPN - Top alternative for geo-spoofing

CyberGhost VPN

1

9.3

/10

Visit CyberGhost

Pros & cons

• Has a large server fleet spanning 90+ countries
• Includes dedicated IP support
• Has a minimalist UI

• Plans other than the annual option are expensive

For effective location masking, CyberGhostVPN stands out with its extensive server network spanning 9200+ servers in 91 countries. It has seamless spoofing and simplifies it with a straightforward single-click connection, prioritizing your privacy using WireGuard support and robust encryption. When this is coupled with specialized servers for streaming and torrenting, including NoSpy servers for heightened privacy, you can rest assured your data will be in good hands. 

CyberGhost’s streaming-dedicated servers.

More advanced users will also really appreciate the support for dedicated IP addresses which means no more CAPTCHA challenges! CyberGhost excels in unblocking various Netflix libraries and delivers good performance while doing so. 

It also has a strict no-logs policy like ExpressVPN. CyberGhost is one of the cheapest VPNs out there, with plans starting from $2.19/month.

5. Surfshark - Optimized, fast, and feature-rich VPN

Surfshark

1

9.5

/10

Visit Surfshark

Pros & cons

• Has a huge presence in 100 countries
• Lets you connect to unlimited devices
• Offers affordable pricing plans
• Includes GPS spoofing on phones

• Part of the 14 Eyes alliance

If you're looking specifically for a feature-rich VPN, Surfshark is a great choice – unlimited connections per account to link all your devices without constraints. Beyond its cost-efficiency, Surfshark is also fast, powered by WireGuard technology that leverages a network of 3200+ servers in 100 countries. 

A list of some of the servers Surfshark offers.

Along with this, it goes the extra step by removing ads and trackers, making your web surfing experience that much better. Surfshark prides itself on its built-in fake GPS system, an exclusive offering making location spoofing hassle-free, particularly for Android users. 

Priced from $2.29/month, Surfshark is seriously competitive even with the likes of NordVPN. This is also without compromising on the features it includes, making it a pretty compelling option.

Comparison of the Best VPNs to change location

Here’s a comprehensive look at what you can expect from each VPN and make the choice that fits your specific needs in the best way:

Methodology: How we tested these VPNs

To help you find the best VPN for changing your location, we tested over 20 services. Here are some of the things we considered while testing them:

• Server fleet – The first critical factor we considered was the size and diversity of each VPN provider's server fleet. A larger server network contributes to improved accessibility.
• Number of regions included – A diverse range of regions ensures you have the flexibility to change your virtual location effectively, enhancing the overall utility of the VPN.
• Speed – The evaluation involved rigorous testing of the VPNs under various conditions to gauge their performance. Attention was given to factors such as latency, download and upload speeds, ensuring that the selected VPNs deliver optimal performance for a variety of online activities.
• Value for money – To ascertain the cost-effectiveness of each VPN, we looked at the features offered in relation to the subscription cost. 
• Maximum amount of devices allowed – Recognizing the increasing prevalence of multi-device usage, we took into consideration the maximum number of devices allowed per VPN subscription. This aspect ensures that you can secure all your devices without the need for additional subscriptions.

Why you need to change your location

Changing your location is essential if you want extra protection while browsing the Internet, but that’s only one reason why you should do it. Here are a few more:

• Access geo-restricted content – When you change your location with a VPN, it gives you access to a wide range of geo-restricted content from all over the world, such as a Netflix library from another country.
• Boost your security – A VPN will encrypt your connection and make sure no one gets their hands on your data.
• Enhance your privacy – In addition to security, a VPN will also make you anonymous on the Internet by spoofing your IP address and blocking trackers.
• Optimize speed and performance – In many cases, a VPN will improve your speed, especially if your ISP has throttled your Internet.

How to change your location with a VPN

Here are step-by-step instructions on how you can change your location with a VPN:

1. Choose a VPN that meets your needs.
2. We recommend getting ExpressVPN.
3. Set it up for a country/region that does not restrict content.
4. Connect to the servers, and you’ll now be able to browse all geo-restricted content.

What location should I set VPN to?

Switzerland is widely regarded as the best location for setting up your VPN due to its robust privacy laws and commitment to data protection. Switzerland is not a member of the European Union, which allows VPN providers to operate independently from EU data retention directives. 

The country's legal framework also prioritizes user privacy, prohibiting unwarranted surveillance and ensuring strict confidentiality. 

Switzerland is also not a part of the Five Eyes Alliance, and its political neutrality and stable legal environment contribute to a trustworthy setting for your VPN services. With a reputation for respecting individual rights and privacy, choosing Switzerland as your VPN location is the most secure and privacy-focused option you can get.  

With ExpressVPN, you can easily connect to a Swiss IP address and browse the net without any restrictions.

Can a free VPN change my location?

For the most part, the answer is yes, but free VPNs often have limited server options, resulting in slower speeds and potential connection instability. Additionally, many free providers may not reliably bypass geographical restrictions on content, as they might lack the resources and infrastructure of paid services. 

Free VPNs may also compromise user privacy by logging and selling data to third parties, counteracting the very purpose of using a VPN. Nevertheless, if you want to try a service, we recommend checking out our list of best free VPNs of 2024.

To change your location securely and effectively, we suggest using a paid VPN such as ExpressVPN. They offer a broader range of servers, better performance, and prioritize user privacy, providing a more reliable and trustworthy solution compared to many free alternatives. Then again, all of this does come at a cost.

VPN not changing location? Try these:

If you’re having trouble changing your location with a VPN, we recommend trying these quick fixes:

Check server location – Verify that you are connected to a server in the desired location. Some VPNs automatically connect to the best available server, which may not be in your preferred region.

Clear browser cache – Clear your browser cache and cookies. Cached location data can affect the accuracy of your apparent location.

Restart VPN and device – Close and restart the VPN application. If the problem persists, try restarting your Internet router.

Choose a different server – Try connecting to a different server in the desired location. Some servers may be experiencing issues or have higher demand.

Check for updates – Make sure that your VPN application is updated to the latest version. Outdated software may have compatibility issues.

Disable GPS and location services – Disable GPS on your device and turn off location services. Sometimes, your device's native location settings can override the VPN.

If none of these options work, you will most likely need to contact the VPN’s customer support for further assistance.