With data privacy concerns on the rise, many US citizens are turning to the best US VPNs to keep themselves and their data secure online.
By using one of the best VPNs, you'll be able to encrypt your connection and protect your data from prying eyes while appearing to be within the US – even if you're actually somewhere else.
We've tested dozens of VPNs to determine how good their coverage within the US is, as well as taking a look at their speeds, how well they support US-specific streaming services (as well as other regional or global streaming platforms), their ease of use, and any extra features to determine the top 5 VPNs for the United States.
I'll be going in-depth into all these VPNs, but if you want a quick answer, check out the top 3 US VPNs below: NordVPN, Surfshark and Private Internet Access.
The 3 best US VPNs at a glance
How we chose the best US VPNs
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We test and evaluate VPNs in a number of different ways. For US VPNs specifically, first is making sure that the VPN provers have a decent number of servers within the US specifically – it would be no use recommending a VPN that doesn't.
Next is checking that the VPNs can support streaming within the US. We test VPN's unblocking abilities in a couple of different ways – first is by using a semi-automated tool built by our in-house VPN tester, which gives us an overview of whether or not they are able to access streaming platforms.
Then comes the hands-on, real-world testing executed by myself. I've individually tested each VPN on this list to make sure it is able to access US-based streaming platforms Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video on my personal devices – a Dell laptop and an iPhone 11. I also test whether or not they can access other regional and global streaming platforms. This means I've got a good idea of exactly how it feels to use these VPNs during streaming sessions.
To do this, I select a US-based server from my chosen VPN's server list, then attempt to stream content on the streaming platforms. If the VPN was detected, I switched to a different server. If this didn't solve the issues, I classed this as the VPN being unable to unblock the streaming platform.
If a VPN was unable to unblock a streaming platform, I contacted its support to see if there were any fixes available. The level of support I received during this was also factored into that VPN's ranking on this list.
Other factors also went into the placement of the VPN services on this list. One in particular is speed, as high VPN connection speeds mean that your base connection won't be slowed down, keeping your connection stable. So, all of the VPNs were tested on a 1 Gbps line to determine their top speeds.
I've also taken a look at the level of privacy and security these VPNs offer. Not only is this integral in ensuring a VPN performs as expected, but it's important if you're attempting to view content that has been banned in your state. Plus, it's an important factor in your data (and yourself) safe online.
The final factor I've considered is what additional features these VPNs offer, whether this is ad and malware blocking or a free password manager. While these are definitely bonuses rather than must-have features, they do still factor into how appealing a VPN is for certain users. This is especially true for features that are only available to US-based subscribers.
Read more about how we test VPNs for an in-depth look at our testing process.
This update has seen us change the rankings for the best US VPN, moving NordVPN to #1, Surfshark to #2, PIA to #3, ExpressVPN to #4 and Proton VPN to #5. We included updated streaming testing information for all the providers, as well as fixes for streaming issues when using PIA.
The best US VPN overall
What we like:
NordVPN takes the #1 spot in our ranking of the best VPN services, and it's taking the crown as our best US VPN, too.
First off, NordVPN has 1,970 servers in 16 locations across the US, meaning you'll never be stuck looking for a server to connect to.
In streaming testing, NordVPN was able to unblock US-based streaming services Amazon Prime Video and Disney +, as well as the US catalog of Netflix.
Beyond the US, NordVPN was able to unblock the Canadian, Japanese, Australian and UK libraries of Netflix, in addition to BBC iPlayer, ITVX, All4, 9Now and 10 Play. So, if you want to stream beyond the US, NordVPN has got you covered.
You won't be slowed down during your streaming sessions, either. In our latest round of testing, NordVPN achieved speeds of over 950 Mbps, meaning your connection should be kept stable and you won't deal with buffering.
NordVPN has some handy features beyond streaming, too. It offers a full cybersecurity suite, with malware, ad and tracker blocking from Threat Protection Pro, a cross-platform password manager, a data breach scanner and even 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage.
It also has some handy extras for US-only subscribers, including NordProtect, which comes with dark web monitoring, 1-Bureau credit monitoring, VantageScore 3.0 credit score by TransUnion, credit freeze assistance, identity theft insurance with up to $1m in coverage and cyber extortion insurance with up to $100k in coverage.
So, if you're after a US VPN that will keep you safe in all aspects online, NordVPN is a great choice.
What could improve:
While NordVPN's server spread is decent, it's not quite as good as some other providers. Surfshark, ExpressVPN and PIA all have servers in more US locations than NordVPN, and Proton VPN has more servers in the US overall.
This shouldn't impact your use of NordVPN too much, but if you're looking for a server in a specific state, you should consider checking if Surfshark or ExpressVPN has a server there, or just use PIA – it has servers in every single state.
NordVPN is also pretty expensive, with its extra cybersecurity features only available as paid add-ons. If you want to use its password manager and Threat Protection Pro, you'll have to upgrade to its Plus plan ($4.39 per month plus tax for a two-year subscription billed at $105.36 plus tax upfront).
If you want these features plus encrypted cloud storage then you'll need to sign up for NordVPN's Complete plan ($5.39 per month plus tax for a two-year subscription, billed at $129.36 upfront).
Finally, if you want the upgraded monitoring and cyber insurance NordProtect offers, you'll need to upgrade to its Prime plan ($7.39 per month plus tax for a two-year subscription, billed at $177.36 plus tax upfront).
Alternatively, if you want a VPN that offers all these features for a much lower price, go for ExpressVPN – it has all these features for US subscribers for $4.99 per month for a two-year subscription ($139 paid upfront for 28 months' coverage).
🔒 Read our in-depth NordVPN review for all the details.
Buy NordVPN if:
✅ You want the best US VPN. NordVPN is our #1 rated VPN overall, and its performance as a US VPN is similarly excellent.
✅ You want a security suite as well as a VPN. NordVPN offers a range of added extras, like tracker, ad and malware blocking, to keep you even safer online.
✅ You want to stream content from across the world. In testing, NordVPN was able to unblock both regional and global streaming sites.
Don't buy NordVPN if:
❌ You're on a tight budget. At $3.39 per month plus tax for a two-year subscription, NordVPN's not the cheapest VPN provider. If you're on a strict budget, Surfshark or PIA are better options.
❌ You want a simple US VPN. While NordVPN's apps aren't particularly complex, other providers like ExpressVPN have them beat in terms of consistent UI across all platforms and overall simplicity.
The best cheap US VPN
What we like:
With 600 servers in 22 locations across the US, Surfshark has servers in more locations that NordVPN and Proton VPN.
Surfshark is also the fastest VPN we've tested, with speeds maxing out our test at over 950 Mbps on a 1 Gbps line, and reaching speeds of around 1,300 Mbps on a 10 Gbps line.
However, it's likely that your internet speeds are not this fast, but don't worry – even on my (admittedly slow) domestic Wi-Fi, I was able to achieve speeds of . My connection was smooth and stable – I could barely tell I was using a VPN at all.
Surfshark is one of the best streaming VPNs around, too, unblocking Netflix's US library, Amazon Prime Video and Disney + with ease. It was also able to unblock Netflix in the UK, Japan, Canada and Australia as well as BBC iPlayer, ITVX, C4, 9Now, 10 Play.
In fact, Surfshark was the only VPN that didn't have any issues during my streaming tests (although admittedly the majority of the issues the other VPNs faced were minor).
Plus, if you want to stream using a multitude of different device, you'll never have to worry about running into a device limit, as Surfshark does not have one. This means that you can use Surfshark on as many different devices as you want, and can even share it across your household.
With unlimited devices allowed and the best streaming performance I've seen, you'd be forgiven for thinking Surfshark must come with a hefty price tag. Instead, it's the best cheap VPN on the market, with prices starting at $1.99 per month plus tax for a two-year subscription.
What could improve:
While SurfShark does have servers in 22 locations across the US, it only 600 servers in the US total, which is less than NordVPN and Proton VPN. It also has servers in less locations than both ExpressVPN and PIA as well.
Surfshark keeps its apps simple, which is definitely a plus for those new to VPNs or who like their VPN apps more streamlined. However, this simplicity also means that it's not as configurable as the likes of Proton VPN or PIA. If you want a US VPN you can get under the hood of, you're better off going with either of these options.
Another flaw of Surfshark's is its price hikes. While its initial price of $1.99 per month for a two-year subscription is undoubtedly great value for money, after this period is up, you will be subject to hefty VPN renewal prices.
If you want to stick with Surfshark but avoid the price hikes, you'll need to cancel your account before your subscription ends and re-subscribe.
🔒 Read our in-depth Surfshark review for all the details.
Buy Surfshark if:
✅ You want a super-fast VPN. In our latest round of speed testing, Surfshark had the fastest speeds of any VPN provider at over 950 Mbps.
✅ Streaming is your top priority. Surfshark did not have any issues with streaming, minor or otherwise, in our latest round of testing.
✅ You want a cheap US VPN. With a two-year plan costing $1.99 per month plus tax, Surfshark is the cheapest VPN provider on this list.
Don't buy Surfshark if:
❌ You want a US VPN you can customize. Due to its more streamlined, simple apps, Surfshark does not offer the level of configurability that Proton VPN and PIA do.
❌ You want a VPN with an extensive US server network. With 600 servers in 22 locations across the US, Surfshark's US server network certainly isn't the smallest, but it's not as widespread as NordVPN or PIA's.
Best US VPN for coverage
What we like:
Private Internet Access (PIA) does not officially state how many servers it has, however, it does have at least 50 servers within the US. That's right, PIA has servers in every single US state, a server spread that vastly outdoes every other VPN provider on this list.
This means that you can watch state-specific content, like sports games, no matter where you are just by selecting a server in your state of choice.
If you want a US VPN to stay completely anonymous online, then you'll be pleased to know that PIA is one of the most private VPNs on the market. Despite being based in the US and therefore being subject to the data privacy laws from the 5, 9 and 14 Eyes Alliances, PIA has a strict no-logs policy.
It doesn't require you to take its word for it, either. In fact, PIA publishes quarterly Transparency Reports, showing just how many times user data has been requested from them, and just how many times it's refused to share it. After all, you can't share what you don't have.
The dedication to user privacy does not stop here, however. PIA allows you to even keep the acquisition of your VPN private by allowing you to pay with cryptocurrency.
Speaking of payment, you may think the amount of servers and dedication to privacy comes with a pretty high cost. However, PIA is one of the cheapest VPNs on this list, with prices starting at $2.19 per month for a two-year subscription.
What could improve:
One of the main drawbacks of PIA is that during my streaming tests, I have run into quite a few issues. For example, during this round of testing for US-specific streaming platforms was only able to access Amazon Prime Video on PIA's "US West Streaming Optimized server".
I also experienced similar issues with other streaming services during my testing, including being unable to access All4 and having issues unblocking Netflix's Australian catalog, too.
In other streaming tests, I was unable to unblock 10 Play one day, but when I checked the next day with the aim of testing out the fixes PIA's support sent to me, I could access it. So, access to streaming platforms may very on the day.
If you do experience issues with streaming while using PIA, their support recommends doing the following:
- If the website is only available in a specific region, connect to at least 3 server locations in that region. If not, you may connect to at least 3 random server locations.
- Change to a different VPN protocol then try accessing again. To change VPN protocol, go to Settings > Protocols.
- Try a different browser or log out and log back into the app.
Other minor issues with PIA include its speed, as it's not the fastest VPN. In our speed tests, it clocked in at 436 Mbps on WireGuard. With this being said, its OpenVPN speeds were better than ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Proton VPN at 220 Mbps.
So, if you're someone who favours more secure connections over connection speed, PIA will suit you just fine.
Another potential issue is that PIA's apps are pretty complex, and this may be off-putting to new VPN users. While it does have the benefit of a quick-connect on-off button on all its apps, once you go beyond this, its settings are pretty much geared towards experts only.
If you're someone who wants a VPN you can completely customize, then this likely will appeal to you. However, if you're after a more simple experience, try ExpressVPN, Surfshark or Proton VPN.
🔒 Read our in-depth Private Internet Access review for all the details.
Buy Private Internet Access if:
✅ You want a US VPN with servers in every state. PIA has servers in every single state across the US, allowing you to watch state-specific content, no matter where you are.
✅ You want a super-private US VPN. With quarterly Transparency Reports and the option to pay in cryptocurrency, PIA ensures your VPN use will stay completely anonymous.
✅ You want a cheap US VPN. With prices starting at $2.19 per month for a two-year subscription, PIA is one of the cheapest VPNs on this list.
Don't buy Private Internet Access if:
❌ Streaming is your top priority. While it was able to unblock most streaming services, I did frequently run into issues when testing PIA's ability to access streaming sites.
❌ You want a super fast VPN. With speeds of 436 Mbps, PIA's speeds are not the worst, but they aren't comparable to that of Surfshark, Proton VPN or NordVPN.
The easiest to use US VPN
What we like:
ExpressVPN is a great US VPN for those who are new to VPNs, or just who prefer to have a consisent UI across all platforms.
ExpressVPN's apps stay the same, no matter which device you're using them on, which cannot be said for some providers. For example, while they're both on the ranking of our best Fire Stick VPNs, NordVPN's Fire Stick app is completely different from its other apps, while ExpressVPN's is laid out basically the same as all its other apps.
ExpressVPN has servers in 24 locations across the US, and while it does not officially publish how many US-specific servers it has, based on location alone its server spread is bigger than NordVPN, Proton VPN and Surfshark.
If you want more bang for your buck from your VPN, ExpressVPN is a great choice. All of its subscriptions include a lot of extras that tend to be paid add-ons for other VPN providers. This includes its ad and tracker blocker Threat Manager, as well as a password manager.
The added extras get even better for US subscribers, too. You get the aforementioned Threat Manager and password manager, as well as Identity Defender.
This identity theft protection suite includes a data removal service, alerts of suspicious activity involving your identity online, ID theft insurance and a credit scanner.
What could improve:
While ExpressVPN was ultimately able to unblock every streaming service I tested it with, it did have some issues unblocking streaming services, including ITVX and the Netflix libraries of Japan and Australia.
While this was solved by switching servers, if you're someone who wants a completely uninterrupted streaming experience, especially if you're an expat living in the US or a US citizen who loves watching foreign TV, then go for Surfshark, NordVPN or Proton VPN.
One thing that generally gives people pause when it comes to ExpressVPN is the price. Overall, it's great value for money if you want a full security suite, especially compared to the prices of other VPN providers if you want the same features ExpressVPN offers as standard.
However, if you're just looking for a VPN to spoof your location or encrypt you're online traffic, it's pretty pricey and you'll be better off going for Surfshark's basic subscription if you want the best deal possible.
🔒 Read our in-depth ExpressVPN review for all the details.
Buy ExpressVPN if:
✅ You want an easy-to-use VPN. With a streamlined interface that stays consistent across all apps, ExpressVPN is ideal for VPN newbies and veterans alike.
✅ You want a VPN with extra cybersecurity features. ExpressVPN has a ton of extra features for US subscribers only, including Identity Defender and Threat Manager.
✅ You want a US VPN with a range of locations. With servers in 24 locations, ExpressVPN has servers in more US locations than NordVPN and Surfshark.
Don't buy ExpressVPN if:
❌ You want a cheap VPN. At $4.99 per month for a two-year subscription, ExpressVPN is the most expensive US VPN on this list.
❌ You want a VPN you can use on many different devices. ExpressVPN is available across a range of different platforms, but only offers 8 simultaneous connections. If you this this is too few, go for A VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections like Surfshark or PIA.
The most secure US VPN
What we like:
With 3,188 servers in 17 locations across the US, including 4 Secure Core servers, Proton VPN has got you pretty much covered.
As one of the most secure VPNs, Proton VPN is dedicated to ensuring its users data stays private. Secure Core is excellent for US VPN users who want their VPN use to go under the radar, as it routes your traffic first through a server in a country selected specifically for its strong privacy laws (e.g. Iceland, Switzerland or Sweden), then onto a server in your chosen country. This helps protect you against VPN network attacks and further increase your privacy.
On top of this, Proton VPN is one of the best Netflix VPNs, too, accessing the catalogs for the US, UK, Japan, Canada and Australia. It doesn't stop here, however, as Proton VPN was able to access Amazon Prime, Disney +, ITVX, All4, 9Now and 10 Play during my streaming tests.
Plus, its handy Profiles feature means you can get the perfect server setup saved and ready to connect in just a few clicks, so you can stream your favourite content no matter where you are.
Finally, thanks to recent redesign of its Windows, Android and iOS apps, Proton VPN is easier to use than ever. I'd definitely recommend it to anyone looking for one of the best iPhone VPNs – I used Proton VPN's previous UI for four weeks for my Proton VPN review so I know first-hand just how much difference the redesign makes.
The redesign even took some of my previous irks into account, switching its functional server map for an aesthetic one, and re-locating its "Disconnect" button to a widget rather than the center of the screen (where you usually find the "home" button in other iOS apps).
What could improve:
One of the main downsides to Proton VPN is its price. At $3.49 per month for a two-year subscription it's one of the most expensive VPNs on this list.
However, it does include the same security features on all of its plans, including its malware, ads and tracker blocker, Netshield.
Additionally, while Proton VPN does have one of the best free VPNs, you may find it limited if you're planning to use it as a free US VPN.
First off is the fact that while you do have access to a server in the USA on Proton VPN Free (one of the five server locations it offers), your server is randomly allocated when you connect, meaning you won't be able to guarantee that you'll connect to it. Of course, you can always disconnect and reconnect the VPN until you end up in the US, but this is a pretty frustrating endeavour.
Secondly is the fact that Proton VPN Free does not support streaming at all. If you're looking a for a VPN simply to encrypt your data while online, then this likely won't bother you too much. However, if you want a free VPN you can use for streaming, check out Privado VPN Free.
🔒 Read our in-depth Proton VPN review for all the details.
Buy Proton VPN if:
✅ You want a customizable US VPN. With Proton VPN's 'Profiles' feature, you can pick the exact location, server and encryption protocol you want for your connection.
✅ You'll mostly use your VPN on iOS. Thanks to its redesign, Proton VPN is a great choice for iPhone users.
✅ You need a wide server spread. With 3,188 servers in 17 locations across the US, you shouldn't struggle to find a server to connect to.
Don't buy Proton VPN if:
❌ You want a cheap VPN. At $3.59 per month for a two-year subscription, Proton VPN is more expensive than Surfshark, PIA and NordVPN.
❌ You want a free US VPN you can use for streaming. Proton VPN Free is a pretty good free VPN, but it does not support streaming.
Are VPNs legal in the US?
The short answer is yes, VPNs are legal in the US. However, if you're using a VPN to stream content that's only licensed in the US, then this may violate the licensing agreement for whatever streaming platform you're using.
This may even lead to your account being terminated (although we've never actually heard of this happening).
Plus, if your VPN use is detected, this will disrupt your streaming plans. For example, Netflix will only show you TV shows or movies that it has a global license for (e.g. Stranger Things), while Amazon Prime Video will simply not play any content if your VPN use is detected.
Which VPN is strongest for the US?
This is a question with a couple of different answers, so bear with me.
In terms of server spread alone, PIA beats out all the competition. It has servers in every single state in the US, and a global network of at least 10,000 servers, too.
However, if we're talking about the best VPN for the US overall, then NordVPN takes the crown. This is thanks to its decent server spread in the US, super-fast speeds and excellent performance in my unblocking tests.
If you want the best cheap US VPN, then go for Surfshark. At $1.99 per month plus tax for a two-year subscription, you might think that it skimps on performance, but Surfshark is not only the fastest VPN we've tested, but one of the best streaming VPNs, too.
Can I use a free US VPN?
Have you ever hear the phrase "there's no such thing as a free lunch"? Well, the same goes for free VPNs.
Free VPNs are limited because they're often a subsidized version of a premium VPN. This means, that they have smaller server spreads, data limits and may even not have some of the security features offered by their paid-for counterparts.
For example, Privado VPN Free and Windscribe Free are two of the few free VPNs that support streaming. The downside? They both come with a 10GB data limit that will quickly get used up if you do use it for streaming.
On the other hand, there's Proton VPN Free, which offers unlimited data for users. The catch? It doesn't support streaming at all.
There's also more nefarious free VPNs, which get money by collecting and selling your data to thrid parties, or the truly devious ones which are actually fronts for info-stealing malware, and can't encrypt your data online at all.
Overall, while there are some free VPNs with servers within the US, they are all limited in some way. If you don't want to be held back by your VPN, going for a premium one is the best bet.
You don't even need to shell out for one, either – PIA is just $2.19 per month for its two-year plan, and it has a server in every US state.
How do I change my VPN to the US?
While appearing to be in one place and actually being in another may seem like a magic trick, it's actually very simple.
Simply navigate to your chosen VPN's server list, and either search for or scroll down to a server based in the US. Click to connect to it, and viola! You'll now be virtually within the Land of the Brave.
Proton VPN goes one step further, however, with its Profiles feature. With this, you can select the exact location, server and encryption protocol you want to use, then even name and colour-code it.
This means that, once you have found your ideal US VPN settings, you can save them and connect to them in a matter of clicks.
How does a VPN work for the US?
With the threat of TikTok being banned, and some US states choosing to censor parts of the internet, a VPN is a useful tool to have within the US.
By using a VPN, you can spoof your location either to a state which doesn't have these restrictions in place, or to another country entirely.
Another great use for VPNs is watching region-specific content, whether this is on streaming services unavailable in the US, or for catching up with TV shows or sports games while travelling away from home.
How to choose the right US VPN
The first thing to consider when choosing a US VPN is whether or not it has servers where you want them. Of course all the VPNs on this list have servers across the US, but if you're looking for a VPN for a specific state, you'll have to check their coverage, or just sign up for PIA. It has servers in every single state.
Next thing to consider is what you specifically want to use it for. If you're after the best gaming VPN to reduce lag and ping, or the best streaming VPN service to catch up with movies and TV shows from home when you're away, then decent speeds and streaming support is paramount.
If you want a VPN for online anonymity and privacy, then looking at what extra security features the VPN offers (for example obfuscated servers or anonymous payment options) will be important to you.
Finally, price may be a big factor for you. If you want the best value VPN which offers a full cybersecurity suite as well as a VPN subscription, the ExpressVPN or Proton VPN may be the right choice for you. If you just want a basic VPN that won't break the bank, then consider signing up for Surfshark or PIA.
The experts that test VPNs at Tom's Guide
Olivia joined Tom's Guide in October 2023, and is currently VPN Commissioning Editor. She regularly uses VPNs to make sure they deliver what they promise, and specializes in testing VPNs with streaming sites.
For this review, Olivia did all the research on the VPN providers listed and tested their ability to stream US-specific content to bring you the most up-to-date information.
Mo has written about VPNs for Tom's Guide, day-in, day-out, for five years. He's an expert when it comes to what makes a VPN truly usable, and loves it when a VPN makes staying safe online as easy as possible. He is also a contributor to TechRadar, T3, and What Hi-Fi?.
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
