Best VPNs for USA in 2024

Government surveillance is a growing problem in the United States. After all, it’s a member of the Five Eyes alliance, a group of countries that share their citizens’ Internet activity with each other.

The best VPN for the USA will help you protect your online traffic, circumvent sport games blackouts, bypass gambling restrictions, and access geo-restricted content.

For example, MLB games are blacked out in many regions due to licensing issues. A VPN with US-based servers will alter your IP address to match the location of the MLB game you want to watch.

As a US citizen, finding the right VPN can be hard because of how many providers there are. We tested and made a list of the best USA VPNs so you don’t have to do any research yourself.

Top 5 best USA VPNs that work

1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for the USA in 2024
2. NordVPN – Best USA VPN with advanced security features
3. Surfshark – Family oriented VPN for US citizens
4. Private Internet Access – Best VPN with 50 US server locations
5. CyberGhost – Best American VPN for streaming geo-restricted content

Before we head into the next section, let’s take a look at some of the things that helped us make this list:

• Security – How powerful the VPN is when it comes to security.
• Number of servers – The total number of servers the VPN has.
• Speed – How fast the VPN is.
• US-based servers – How many servers the VPN has in the US.
• Price – How much you have to spend on the VPN.

The best VPNs for USA in 2024

The best VPN for the USA will help you avoid government surveillance that’s so widespread in the country today, along with many other things. Here are our top picks for best USA VPNs:

1. ExpressVPN – Best overall VPN for the USA in 2024

ExpressVPN

1

9.7

/10

Visit ExpressVPN

Pros & cons

• Most secure VPN for USA
• 29 USA server locations for watching blacked out games
• Lightway protocols provide fast speeds

• Most expensive VPN on the list

ExpressVPN is the best USA VPN because it offers everything you need to keep your online traffic safe and secure. It has over 3000 RAM-based servers, an extremely robust protocol, and a built-in tracker blocker. You can unblock any geo-restricted platform with ExpressVPN and watch blacked out games from anywhere in America.

ExpressVPN has 29 US-based server locations.

RAM-based servers ensure that none of your online data is retained after you disconnect from the VPN. ExpressVPN’s no-log policy has been tested multiple times through independent audits, proving that it doesn’t keep any logs.

With over 29 server locations in the USA, you can easily circumvent blackout restrictions no matter what sports event you want to watch.

In terms of security, ExpressVPN is unbeatable. It has a powerful kill switch, split tunneling functionality, a tracker blocker, and DNS leak protection. Lightway, ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol, is one of the fastest and most secure protocols in the VPN industry.

ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol Lightway.

One subscription of ExpressVPN will allow you to use it on 5 devices simultaneously. You can get it for $6.67 per month. There’s no trial version, but your subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. NordVPN – US VPN that has multiple advanced security features

NordVPN

1

9.6

/10

Visit NordVPN

Pros & cons

• Multiple security features for US users
• Slightly faster than other VPNs
• Built-in Onion over VPN servers for increased protection

• Some users may find the UI confusing

NordVPN is one of the most popular and widely recognized names in the VPN industry, especially in the US. It’s incredibly fast and secure thanks to the protocol it uses – a modified version of WireGuard called NordLynx. With over 2200 US-based servers and 5000+ worldwide, you can get access to geo-restricted content from anywhere in the world.

While the level of security it provides doesn’t match that of ExpressVPN’s Lightway, NordVPN’s NordLynx does give slightly faster speeds.

NordLynx is NordVPN’s primary protocol.

We ran some speed tests, the results of which you can see in our NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN review, and the former performed marginally better.

Note that these two VPNs are constantly improving their services and speeds may differ for you depending on your Internet connection and where you’re located in the US.

Some of the features NordVPN provides include Double VPN servers, Onion over VPN servers, dark web monitoring, and Threat Protection (built-in ad blocker).

NordVPN’s Threat Protection keeps you safe from malware, ads, and trackers.

You can use NordVPN on 6 devices simultaneously and it’s compatible with every major platform including streaming devices and routers. It’s our top pick for watching blacked out NBA games in the US.

You can get NordVPN for $3.49 per month with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Surfshark – Best USA VPN that can be used on an unlimited number of devices

Surfshark

1

9.5

/10

Visit Surfshark

Pros & cons

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Multiple security features at an affordable price
• 25 server locations in the US

• Based in the Netherlands, a 14 Eyes country

Surfshark is the go-to VPN for families and companies in the US. With its unlimited simultaneous connections capabilities, you can use it on as many devices as you want. Having 25 server locations in the US makes it a great VPN for Americans who are traveling and want to watch geo-restricted content from back home or just enjoy a blacked out game streaming in another state.

Just like NordVPN, Surfshark has multiple advanced security features. These include Multi-Hop servers, CleanWeb (ad blocker), NoBorders mode for using the Internet in restricted regions, and Rotating IP.

Surfshark’s US-based Multi-Hop servers.

All of Surfshark’s servers run on RAM and its no-log policy has been audited by Deloitte. You can use the VPN to access Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and more. It’s also one of the best VPNs to use for watching MLB, along with NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

You can get Surfshark for $2.49 per month with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. Private Internet Access – VPN that has server locations in all US states

Private Internet Access

1

9.4

/10

Visit Private Internet Access

Pros & cons

• Audited by Deloitte, a Big Four firm
• Has 50 US server locations
• VPN app can be configured
• Cheapest US VPN on this list

• Based in the USA, a 5 Eyes country

Private Internet Access began a campaign to launch servers in all 50 states of the US in 2020. This means you can avail cheaper deals, watch blacked out games, and protect your privacy no matter where you’re located in the USA. PIA’s 10,000+ RAM-based servers are also great for watching geo-restricted content from all around the world.

The best thing about Private Internet Access is that its apps can be customized, something most VPNs don’t have. You can add or remove certain information on the main screen of the app so you only see what’s important to you.

It’s nowhere near as minimalistic as ExpressVPN, but it’s inexpensive and provides a wide variety of advanced security features. These features include a kill switch, dedicated IP address, split tunneling, and an ad blocker.

Private Internet Access’s ad blocker MACE.

Despite being based in the US, PIA’s security is top-notch and it’s one of the most trustworthy VPNs in the world. Its no-log policy has been audited by one of the Big Four firms Deloitte.

You can use Private Internet Access on a total of 10 devices simultaneously. It’s available for $2.03 per month and even has a free trial version for iOS and Android.

5. CyberGhost – Best VPN for streaming geo-restricted content

CyberGhost

1

9.3

/10

Visit CyberGhost

Pros & cons

• US VPN that’s been audited by Deloitte
• Has streaming-optimized servers for US games like NBA and MLB
• Simple VPN geared towards beginners

• Doesn’t have many advanced security features

CyberGhost is the perfect streaming VPN for US-based users because of its dedicated servers for platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and even MLB. It has over 1900 servers in North America and 9700 worldwide. All of these servers run on RAM. The VPN is simple to use and is perfect for beginners who just want to watch geo-restricted content and blacked out games in the US.

You can select from a variety of protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. It’s the third VPN on this list that’s been audited by Deloitte, making it a great choice for people who care about security.

The streaming-optimized servers are checked and updated by the CyberGhost team regularly to make sure they’re never down. With these dedicated servers, you can easily bypass blackout restrictions of games like NBA, MLB, and NHL.

CyberGhost has streaming-optimized servers that you can unblock to watch foreign content.

Other than that, CyberGhost doesn’t have too many advanced security features since it’s targeted towards beginners. You do get a kill switch, an ad blocker, and split tunneling with it, though.

CyberGhost is available for as little as $2.19 per month and you can get a free trial version on desktop and smartphones. It comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Comparison of the best VPNs for USA

If you’re still confused about which VPN to get, we’ve added a table below which may help you decide. The table highlights some of the main differences and similarities between the top 5 VPNs for the USA:

Methodology: how we tested these VPNs

We tested around 20 VPN services to see which one is the best for American citizens. Some of the factors that we took into consideration during the testing process included:

• Security – Our list contains VPNs that have advanced security features and externally audited no-log policies. These VPNs are serious proponents of user privacy and have been deemed trustworthy in many online reviews.
• Number of servers – As a US user, you’d want to watch geo-restricted content from other countries. The more servers a VPN has, the more chances you’ll have of finding a server that works for the content you want to unblock.
• Speed – VPNs affect the speed of your network since they’re covering your online traffic in a layer of encryption. Luckily, the VPNs on our list are lightning fast and you won’t notice any reduction in your network’s speed.
• US-based servers – With US-based servers, you can easily watch blacked out sports and watch geo-restricted American content when you’re traveling.
• Price – We only included those VPNs that are affordable and provide good value for money.

How do I get a US IP address with a VPN?

To get a US IP address with a VPN, follow the steps below:

1. Pick a VPN you think is right for you.
2. We recommend ExpressVPN because it’s fast and secure for US users.
3. Install the VPN on your device.
4. Find and connect to a server.
5. Start browsing the web in complete anonymity.

Why do I need a US VPN?

Using a US VPN will help hide your online traffic from the government and unblock geo-restricted content from other countries. There are many other reasons why you may need a VPN if you’re in the USA. Let’s take a look at them in detail:

• Avoiding price discrimination – USA is a huge country and prices of products and services aren’t the same everywhere. By using a VPN, you can change your IP address and buy things like plane tickets, online services, and more at a cheaper price.
• Watching blacked out games – VPNs are perfect for bypassing blackout restrictions of games like NBA and NHL. These games are blacked out in many regions because their streaming rights are held by different broadcasting companies. By altering your IP address, you can watch sports events from anywhere in the USA.
• Protecting your online traffic – USA is a member of the Five Eyes alliance so it’s very likely your online traffic is being tracked and shared with agencies in other countries. By using a VPN, you can hide and encrypt your traffic so that no one can get their hands on it.
• Access geo-restricted content – A VPN will allow you to access geo-restricted content from other countries. You can watch Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and even get limited in-game bonuses and content from other countries.

Reasons why you need a VPN in the USA. (Source: surfshark.com)

Can I use a free VPN for the USA?

Yes, you can use a free VPN in the USA. There are some free VPNs that offer USA-based servers, but keep in mind that most of these free services make money by selling your data to advertisers.

ProtonVPN is a good option, but if you want more, we recommend checking out our list of the best free VPNs.

You should only use a free VPN just to get familiar with the UI or to see what using a VPN is like. Once you’ve gotten comfortable using it, switch to a premium service like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.

Most free VPNs have limited data usage and their server network is extremely small. They don’t have any security features, so your data can easily be compromised. A premium VPN like ExpressVPN has over 3000 RAM-based servers and it’s also more secure.

Internet censorship in the USA

Internet censorship and surveillance in the USA is a growing concern among American citizens.

Despite being among the top ten countries with the highest “Internet Freedom” score, the USA is known for spying on its citizens and tracking their online activities.

America’s Internet Freedom score in 2021. (Source: freedomhouse.org)

Edward Snowden leaked details about the NSA’s surveillance program in 2013 and since then, people have become more conscious of protecting their online privacy.

According to a report published by Freedom House in 2021, Internet freedom has declined in the United States over the past few years.

During Trump’s presidency, the Chinese-owned apps WeChat and TikTok were about to be banned and removed from app stores, but the order was blocked by multiple federal judges.

President Biden later issued a new order that requires the Department of Commerce monitor apps that are owned by “foreign adversaries” and “evaluate potential national security risks.”

There have also been cases of US citizens sharing content online that was later blocked at the request of foreign governments.

For example, in 2020, the Zoom account of a Chinese activist in the US was suspended after they announced their intention to organize a meeting regarding the 1989 Tiananmen Square protest.

China has the lowest Internet Freedom score, making it the worst country in terms of online censorship.

China’s Internet Freedom score in 2022. (Source: freedomhouse.org)

These things make it clear that using a VPN in the USA is more important than ever now.

Can I watch Netflix outside the US?

Yes, you can watch Netflix outside the US with the help of a VPN. A VPN will change your IP address and make it look like you’re in a different country, which will unblock Netflix.

We’ve used many different VPN services to get access to geo-restricted content libraries from other countries. The top 5 US VPNs we’ve listed above all work with Netflix.

ExpressVPN is a great choice for streaming Netflix, but if you want something simple with dedicated features for streaming, we recommend CyberGhost. It has streaming-optimized servers that will unblock Netflix from different regions.

What can I watch with a US VPN?

A US VPN will allow you to watch your favorite shows and movies on geo-restricted streaming platforms, and blacked out sports events.

By changing your IP address, you’ll change your location. This will enable you to unblock geo-restricted content from different countries. For example, you can watch BBC iPlayer, Netflix Japan, Amazon Prime Germany, and more.

You can also watch sports events that are blacked out in your region by changing your IP address to a US state where the event isn’t restricted.

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN that you can use in the USA to watch geo-restricted content from anywhere in the world. It has over 3000 servers in 94 countries, giving you access to a wide variety of streaming platforms.

Private Internet Access is another great VPN for unblocking foreign geo-restricted content as it has over 10,000 servers in 84 countries.

Bottom line

The USA is much better than other countries in terms of Internet freedom, but getting a VPN is still crucial if you want to fully protect your online traffic and unblock geo-restricted content.

After testing several VPN services, we’ve concluded that ExpressVPN is the best one for American citizens. It has over 3000 RAM-only servers in 94 countries, essential security features, and an audited no-log policy.

You can use a free VPN if you want, but keep in mind that most free services tend to store and sell your data. Instead, use ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee to try it before you make a big commitment.

With ExpressVPN, you’ll be able to watch geo-restricted content from all around the world and circumvent blackout restrictions of sports events within the US.

If security is a concern for you and you want to live on the Internet as a global citizen of the world, then we recommend getting a premium VPN.