10 Best VPNs for the USA 2023
In spite of visible freedom in the virtual space in the USA, the FBI may monitor users' activities. According to the USA Patriot Act signed into law in 2001, ISPs may be forced to reveal information about users. Fortunately, there are ways to go online, browse through different things, and use the software without being watched. We have what we call VPNs or Virtual Private Networks. In layman's terms, VPNs are a tool to securely use the internet without worrying that you are being watched.
Fortunately, we here at CoolTechZone are testing VPNs for living. That’s why we don’t only have the necessary experience to do so, but also do it constantly - and update our materials accordingly as soon as the necessity rises.
For the Land of the Free, we have compiled two lists of VPNs that can be used to increase one’s privacy on the internet. The first one deals with the best providers and services there are. There’s just one small problem with them: they are all paid. This is why we have another list altogether, which lists good - but, mind, not great - free services you can also get some use out of.
Without further ado, let’s cut to the chase!
5 best VPNs for the USA
- ExpressVPN: It enables its subscribers from the US to open any site notwithstanding the used ISP, rules of an employee, or a school.
- NordVPN: It allows feeling as if one is located outside the US - in one of 60 countries available in the NordVPN server network.
- Surfshark: It is perfect for the US residents because it’s located in the BVI which jurisdiction is beneficial for VPN providers!
- CyberGhost VPN: It can make your workplace free of any limits due to 9299 servers.
- Private Internet Access: It offers more than 30000 servers in 78 countries worldwide, which makes web surfing several times less restricted!
5 free VPNs for the USA
- ProtonVPN: Premium provider with the support of all popular platforms and a free plan with some restrictions.
- Windscribe: A user-friendly app for all devices. It offers a large network of fast servers around the world, but its free package has restrictions.
- Hide.me: A reliable VPN service with 4 tariff plans (one of which is free) and good security features.
- HotspotShield: One of the fastest VPN providers in [current_year] allows using its app free of charge thanks to its Basic plan.
- TunnelBear: It allows us to use the service either on a paid basis ($3.33/mo) or absolutely free (with some restrictions).
Recommendation: Do read what we have to say about the free VPNs in general in the corresponding section of this review.
A short overview of the Internet in the USA
As for the USA, we all know that they enjoy the completely uncensored Internet. What is legal in one country can be illegal in another. But owing to Edward Snowden, we are aware of how vulnerable our online privacy is.Besides, their Constitution protects them from government surveillance as well.
But……
we know that the NSA had been servicing the public for a long time, making it difficult for Americans to use the internet freely and without fear.
So, Americans have enough reasons to look for more privacy and security.Therefore, the relevance of VPN services has only increased in the USA. If you are looking for free VPN for the USA or VPN IP USA gratis, it’s readily available.USA VPN is available for free on the Internet, sparing Americans the fear of being watched when they are online.
Still…
If you are living in America and care for your online privacy and security, then it is better to use paid VPN services.
Depending on:
- why you want to be invisible online,
- whether you need a good VPN router for watching videos outside of the USA or...
- best country VPN to use for the usa,
you can choose to make use of the services of the VPN provider or not.
There is no doubt that VPN will protect you from hackers and cybercriminals, but it is also often used for doing something illegal on the Internet. This is when you could get into some trouble with the law. (CoolTechZone.com doesn’t condone illegal actions via VPN!)
Is using a VPN for the USA legal?
Anyone has the liberty to make use of a VPN service as using it is not considered to be illegal. The only thing you do by making use of a VPN is to surf the web through another IP address. So using a VPN to access blocked websites, streaming sites and social media sites is no way illegal.
Another good news aside from the thing that VPNs are not really considered illegal is the fact that there are so many VPNs to choose from out there, making it a whole lot easier to go online without a trace.
If you find problems in one VPN, you can always freely choose to work with another, and there are hundreds out there, so there is no danger of running out of VPNs. Your only problem is really to find a VPN and to understand how to use them. There are various VPNs that are considered to be the fastest VPN in the USA or just the best VPN out there.
What can I do with a VPN?
According to cybersecurity statistics, there are too many threats and troubles on the internet today.In simplest terms, VPNs can allow you to…
- do normal streamig,
- browsing...
or whatever you need to do online without being traced.
As a result, the NSA will not be breathing down your neck, and you have free access to everything online that has been censored in your home country, which is actually a natural occurrence even in highly-accessed websites like YouTube.
That’s important!
You should remember that a built-in VPN for Chrome won’t provide you with strong protection.
You get to enjoy free access and connectivity, which is supposed to be how the internet is used, right?
Let us dive deeper into how VPN can help us, how to use them, and how to choose the best VPNs out of a hundred to choose from. Now, let’s take a look at the best USA VPNs below.
Censorship in the USA
The United States of America is not the most severe country in terms of content filtering and restrictions. Vice versa, US-based VPN services are used by the residents of other countries to watch censored movies and read the news that is presented from various points of view.
Nevertheless, many educational establishments in the US install special equipment that blocks many services and websites disabling the students to access some sources. In this regard, VPN is an efficient tool that serves to bypass the restrictions of this kind.
Besides, there are several cases when the US police made a request to remove some content on Facebook. Such cases indicate that content removal and filtering take place in the USA and VPN is the only means that will help to go round such restrictions efficiently.
Legal issues of data storage
A challenge dealing with the transfer of personal data has emerged between the EU and the US. Confirming the latest news, France has just disputed the acceptance of the Privacy Shield pact by the EC, as well as Ireland, which made it before. Earlier this year it was forbidden for the European ISPs to transfer personal data to the US-based ones on the fact that the US commits intrusive surveillance.
According to the latest agreement the US can store any data from people’s searching history to hotel booking on their servers. In agreement with some security professionals, the restrictions being imposed earlier should be abolished due to their inappropriateness. Other comments on the ongoing court process can’t be revealed.
Being a cautious customer, you know that even your browser and apps can become a terrible tool for your compromising in the wrong hands. That’s the main reason why you should fall back on more reliable defensive technologies, such as the best VPN for Firefox or Opera, which is to secure your access to the Internet by the usage of the up-to-date effective encryption protocols and shifting your authentic address.
Torrenting in the USA: with VPN or without it?
The issue of piracy and copyright infringement is under discussion and regulated by severe legislation in the USA. It is not a secret that the US government keeps a strict policy on monitoring internet users’ online activity on torrent websites.
Many American Internet Service Providers block or restrict access to such websites for their clients. Such ISPs, like Time Warner Cable, Comcast, AT&T, Verizon Fios, and Charter Communications, keep an eye open on torrent users.
Is torrenting really illegal in the USA?
It is one of the most frequently asked questions about peer-to-peer file-sharing in different countries, including the USA.
Torrenting as a technology created for sharing files is not illegal, but it is considered that within the torrenting networks copyrighted material is transferred which is really punished by law. For example, it is not recommended to download torrents without a VPN in Germany. As a seeder can be fined and even imprisoned.
Is torrent file-sharing safe for users?
Before we try to answer the asked question above, consider the saying: ‘’There isn't such a thing as a free lunch’’. What do you think about it? It seems that the saying can be perfectly associated with torrents. If you think that torrenting for free is completely secure, you might be mistaken.
Peers are under risk when they download torrent content. If you doubt, here you can find some possible risky situations, when one makes use of torrent trackers and clients in various countries, including the USA. Have a look at them:
Malicious attacks
The downloaded torrent files are often infected with viruses and other potentially damaging malicious programs. The file interferes with the computer system and causes undesired shutdowns or blockages.
Virtual hackers
No one is 100%-sure who actually visit torrent sites: average netizens or highly advanced hackers. As IP addresses are open to the public, any malicious technician is able to crack and use them for unknown purposes.
ISPs and Copyright Trolls
Internet Service Providers, especially in the USA, and copyright trolls (nowadays they are not rare everywhere) monitor online activities of torrent users in search of copyright infringement. ISPs even restrict or block access to the most widely-used torrent trackers. (You will read about it further in details, keep on reading)
Warning letters
It is widely-known that ISPs and copyright trolls target the IP addresses of those users who torrent copyrighted material (either on purpose or accidentally). One may be accused of copyright infringement which is punishable by law in the USA.
Note: If you are a beginner in torrenting, you may get basic knowledge in our guide here.
Five best VPNs for the USA
We have taken all the important criteria into consideration when compiling this list. But take a look at the comparative table first:
Characteristics of the best VPNs for the USA
| Service | Speed, Mbps | Country selection | Number of servers | Price (monthly) |
| ExpressVPN | >100 | 91 | 3000+ | $6.67- 12.95 |
| NordVPN | >60 | 60 | 5400+ | $3.29-11.95 |
| Surfshark | >50 | 100 | 3200+ | $2.49-12.95 |
| CyberGhost | 40-70 | 91 | 9299+ | $2.25-12.99 |
| PIA | >50 | 78 | 30000+ | $2.69-9.95 |
1. ExpressVPN
| ⭐ Rating: | |
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #7 out of #25 |
| 📖 No logs policy: | Court-proven, independently-audited |
| 💵 Price: | from $8.32/month |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 3000+ servers in 91 countries |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more |
| 🔥 Coupons: | ExpressVPN coupon 35% OFF |
Overview
We place ExpressVPN first for a few reasons. Firstly, it is the most powerful provider in terms of performance and security. Secondly, its no-logging policy has been confirmed in courts. And thirdly, it even uses diskless servers, on which it is simply impossible to store users’ information.
Price
ExpressVPN plans and prices
| 1 month | 6 months | 1 year | |
| Price (monthly) | $12.95 | $9.99 | $8.32 |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 | 30 | 30 |
Conclusion
- A bit on the expensive side
- Overall the strongest service
Read more: ExpressVPN review
2. NordVPN
| ⭐ Rating: | |
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #1 out of #25 |
| 📖 No logs policy: | Independently-audited |
| 💵 Price: | From $3.49/month |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 5400+ servers in 60 countries |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more |
| 🔥 Coupons: | NordVPN coupon 63% OFF |
Overview
If you’re looking for a powerful VPN but not ExpressVPN, then NordVPN may be up to your liking. It’s got most of the features found in its main competitor plus some rather unique ones such as VPN obfuscation. It allows you to hide the fact you’re using a VPN altogether from the government of whoever else might be spying on you. Additionally, it’s great for just using websites in general, as most of them don’t like proxies and VPNs and make you solve endless captchas if they catch you at that.
Price
NordVPN plans and prices
| 1 month | 1 year | 2 years | |
| Price (monthly) | $11.99 | $4.99 | $3.49 (2022 Winter promotion) |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 | 30 | 30 |
Conclusion
- Cheapest 1-year subscription
- Very powerful functionality
Read more: NordVPN review
3. Surfshark
| ⭐ Rating: | |
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #2 out of #25 |
| 📖 No logs policy: | Unaudited |
| 💵 Price: | From $2.30/month |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 3200+ servers in 100 countries |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more |
| 🔥 Coupons: | Surfshark VPN coupon 82% OFF + 2 months FREE |
Overview
Surfshark is the perfect solution for anyone who is a bit short on money or just wants to spend as little on a VPN as possible. Its 2-year plan is the best value among all the VPNs, so its effect on one’s monthly expenses is going to be all but nonexistent. Moreover, Surfshark allows you to connect as many devices as you wish on a single subscription.
Price
Surfshark plans and prices
| 1 month | 6 months | 2 years | |
| Price (monthly) | $12.95 | $6.49 | $2.49 |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 | 30 | 30 |
Conclusion
- Very lucrative
- Convenient for streaming
Read more: Surfshark review
4. CyberGhost VPN
| ⭐ Rating: | |
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #13 out of #25 |
| 📖 No logs policy: | Unaudited |
| 💵 Price: | from $2.03/month |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 9299+ servers in 91 countries |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more |
| 🔥 Coupons: | CyberGhost VPN now 84% OFF |
Overview
CyberGhost VPN is another powerful provider. It combines an okay price on its longest subscription with nice speeds, good security and privacy settings, and overall convenience of use. For example, its servers are dedicated to specific task, be it torrenting or streaming of a particular resource.
Price
CyberGhost VPN plans and prices
| 1 month | 1 year | 2 years | 3 years | |
| Price (monthly) | $12.99 | $4.29 | $3.25 | $2.29 |
| Money-back guarantee | 45 | 45 | 45 | 45 |
Conclusion
- Good for its money
- Long refundable period
Read more: CyberGhost VPN review
5. Private Internet Access
| ⭐ Rating: | |
| 🥇 Overall rank: | #12 out of #25 |
| 📖 No logs policy: | Court-proven |
| 💵 Price: | From $2.03/month |
| 🖥️ Servers: | 30000+ servers in 78 countries |
| 🍿 Streaming services: | Netflix, YouTube, Hulu |
| 🔥 Coupons: | PIA now 83% off |
Overview
Private Internet Access is a highly unusual VPN service. First of all, it is not afraid to give its users the ability to tweak their connection as much as they desire. It means you can turn your VPN into, essentially, a proxy - which will improve its speed but limit its security potential. It can be useful in some cases. And second of all, it has the largest number of servers in the world.
Price
PIA plans and prices
| 1 month | 1 year | 2 years | |
| Price (monthly) | $11.95 | $3.33 | $2.69 |
| Money-back guarantee | 7 | 7 | 7 |
Conclusion
- Not too expensive
- Huse server park
Read more: PIA review
Five free VPNs for the USA
When thinking about online protection you need to rely on credible services only. Therefore, we have decided to compare ‘tasty-looking’ free outputs with paid ones to learn whether a commercial one is worth paying money.
Free VPN
- The service is free.
- The service is less reliable, as soon as it provider no guarantees and can save some logging or metadata on its customers for further revenue.
- The service offers no customer support or the support assistance is not well-timer, which may influence the use of a free VPN service negatively.
- The level of protection is comparatively low, as long as the most usable protocols are more often than not limited to PPTP usage.
- The product is highly restricted in features and permits advert companies to post their products there.
Paid VPN
- The service is supported by a team of professionals that make everything possible to provide their clients with all the required assistance.
- The output is full of useful features as well as additional goodies.
- The products is supplied with utmost protective measures such as OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec protocols, as well as long-termed bit-keys.
- You need to play money for using the service.
- The service offers a free trial version and a money-back guarantee, which makes your use of it protected from extra expenses.
So, you don’t need to be an advanced customer to see all the benefits that a paid service gives and underline all the disadvantages a free service implies. Therefore, having decided to arm your network with military-grade protection, you need to take a fundamental approach to service usage and concentrate on its main characteristics.
Warning: Be careful with the free VPNs. Always try to find one that is a free version of the paid product, although it is not a guarantee in and of itself, like in Hola VPN’s case.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is a great service to use for free because there is no data limit. Speeds are restricted, however, and you can’t use streaming or torrenting.
Windscribe
With 10 Gb of data per month, Windscribe is the strongest rival to ProtonVPN in the free VPN category.
Hide.me
Technically, HotspotShield has more monthly traffic than Windscribe - 15 Gb, but it only gives you 500 Mb a day.
TunnelBear
TunnelBear provides you with 500 Mb per month, which makes its support of streaming sites a bit useless.
FAQ
If my school prohibits the use of certain sites, can I bypass it with a VPN?
You can. However, if you are using a school computer, someone can still see you and report you, so be careful.
Should I buy a separate VPN account if I intend to go to another country?
No, your existing one is enough. However, if your family members stay home, for example, and use the same subscription and you buy a new device in a different country, you may go above the device limit - unless your VPN is Surfshark. Otherwise, just log out on one or more devices.
I have trouble accessing my Google Mail with a VPN. What can I do?
Google may be seeing that you’re using a VPN. Try to connect to a different server. If the situation doesn’t get better in a couple of days, you may want to contact the VPN’s customer support.
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