How to get a US (American) IP Address in a Few Simple Steps

Getting a US IP address can be very beneficial whether you are a US citizen living abroad or in another region and would like to access American services. The process of getting one is quite simple, and from there, you'll be able to access geo-restricted sites and services such as Hulu, HBO Now, Disney+, and American TV, among others. You’ll also be able to access US versions of services that offer customized libraries such as Netflix. In other words, you’ll be accessing the internet as if you are in the US.

There are several ways you can get an American IP address, but some of them, such as proxy sites, will give you a poor experience, and they won't be effective in most cases. The only reliable way to get a US IP address is through a VPN, and this guide will show you how to do that in a few simple steps.

Quick Guide: How to Get an American IP Address with a VPN

1. Get A VPN Subscription – We recommend using ExpressVPN as it bypasses all restrictions.
2. Install the VPN on your device and log in.
3. Connect to a server in the US
4. Confirm your new IP address using ipleak.net

How a VPN Changes Your IP Address

A VPN works by encrypting your traffic and then securely tunneling it to a remote server of your choice. This server then acts as a buffer between you and the internet, and it transmits all requests you make to the internet on your behalf.

Since you are connecting to the internet through the new server, your original IP address becomes hidden, and online services can only see your VPN IP address. This IP address will now be used as your online identifier, and it will be used to determine:

• Your area code
• Your ISP
• Your country

This means that after changing your IP address, you will be accessing the internet as if you are the location of your server. However, online services, and especially streaming services, easily block VPN IP addresses, so you will need to choose a VPN that bypasses these blocks. We’ll look at how to do that later on.

How to Get a US IP Address from Anywhere With a VPN

The process of getting an American IP address using a VPN is quite straightforward.

1. Get A VPN Subscription – We recommend using ExpressVPN as it bypasses all restrictions.
2. Download the VPN app and log in using your credentials.
3. Log In and connect to a server in the US.
4. Confirm your new IP address using an online IP checker tool.

How to Choose a VPN For The US

Any VPN can give you an American IP address as long as they have a US server. However, most of them won’t be useful in carrying out services such as streaming, and others will simply annoy you with captchas, poor speeds, or even limited capabilities.

Here are the factors you should consider when choosing a VPN for the US.

• Many servers in the US: You will need to ensure that you won't be crammed with lots of other users on the same server. Having many servers also means many IP addresses, so you won't get the annoying captchas on Google and other services.
• Good speeds: Choosing a VPN with great speeds ensures that you can stream on US services without experiencing buffering issues or poor video quality.
• Solid privacy & security: The best VPNs provide privacy and security as core features. Ideally, choose a VPN that doesn’t keep any connection and usage logs and encrypts all data using AES-256.
• Unblocking capabilities: Almost every other US streaming service blocks VPNs, so changing an IP address won’t be enough for streaming. Ensure that the VPN you choose can unblock the services that you wish to access.

What are the best VPNs For a US IP Address?

Using the criteria above, along with other more specific considerations, we’ve narrowed down the list of VPNs for you. The VPN services below will let you enjoy all US-based services without a hitch.

1. ExpressVPN

View ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for a US IP address due to its unbeatable performance and excellent apps. The VPN provides 3000+ servers spread across 160 locations in 105 countries. In the US, there are 14 server locations that are spread throughout the region to ensure that you always get fast connections. There are also servers in nearby countries such as Canada.

ExpressVPN provides an all-round service, starting with privacy and security. The VPN is registered in the British Virgin Islands, and it keeps zero logs. It also uses RAM-only servers and has been publicly audited, so you will enjoy privacy at its best. Your data will also be secure as ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption.

If your reason for looking for a US IP address is streaming, ExpressVPN will have you sorted. The VPN works with Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, HBO Now, Prime Video, and pretty much every other US service. It also throws in a Smart DNS service that you can use instead of the VPN to access any US-based streaming service.

ExpressVPN can be installed on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers. The VPN supports up to 8 simultaneous connections, and you will be covered with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

View Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN is another excellent option for a US VPN. The service debuted just 5 years ago, but it outperforms most VPNs in almost every aspect. The VPN provides a total of 3200+ servers in 100 countries. Out of these, 600+ servers are located in the US, and they are spread across 23 cities. The servers in the US support 10 Gbps per port connected, so you will get excellent speeds.

Surfshark supports streaming on all US streaming services thanks to the VPN’s DNS geo-location. You won’t have to rely on trial and error as all servers are optimized for streaming. You can also use the VPN’s Smart DNS service to stream on devices such as Smart TVs.

The VPN is quite compatible, and it can be installed on iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and FireTV. The apps come with lots of features such as a kill switch, split tunneling, multiple protocols, and an ad, tracking, and malware blocker.

When you connect, you will be private and secure as Surfshark VPN keeps a strict zero-logs policy and operates on RAM-only servers. This has been confirmed through a public audit, and it is boosted by the fact that Surfshark is based offshore.

You can try the VPN out risk-free using their 30-day money-back guarantee, and you will be able to connect unlimited devices.

Wrap Up

Getting a US IP address only requires a few steps, and the most reliable way to get one is through a VPN. Once you have set it up, you will only need to connect to a server and browse the internet as if you are in the US. The guide above should show you how to get started with the best VPNs for a US IP address.