Best VPNs for the USA (2025-26)

In our streaming tests, NordVPN unblocked all major US streaming services and maintained HD and 4K video quality. For gamers, low latency and consistent ping performance made it ideal for multiplayer platforms and cloud gaming. Its stability across states like California, Texas, and New York was remarkable.

NordVPN excels in real-world conditions. It performed flawlessly for 4K streaming on Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+, with no buffering or proxy errors. It also supports P2P/torrenting servers, obfuscated servers for bypassing VPN blocks (ideal for restrictive networks), and dedicated IP servers for static IP access. All apps feature built-in leak protection and a kill switch to prevent accidental IP or DNS exposure.

The company’s commitment to privacy is unmatched. NordVPN uses 100% RAM-only servers (no hard drives) and is transitioning to colocated 10 Gbps servers owned and managed directly by Nord Security for faster throughput. For tech-savvy users, the Meshnet feature allows secure file sharing and remote device access worldwide.

NordVPN offers four plans—Basic, Plus, Complete, and Prime—starting at just $2.99/month for the 2-year deal. All subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee. The best discounts are available on long-term plans, providing up to 77% off.

Choose a VPN price and plan that fits you

Surfshark ranks as the best low-cost VPN for the USA in 2025, offering blazing-fast speeds, unlimited device connections, and strong security, all at a fraction of the price of other premium VPNs. It’s one of the most affordable yet powerful VPNs on the market, delivering everything from streaming and torrenting support to advanced privacy tools. Operated by Surfshark BV (now under Nord Security Group), Surfshark has gained trust for its commitment to transparency and user privacy.

Surfshark uses AES-256 encryption, Camouflage Mode to bypass VPN blocks, and a No Borders feature that auto-detects restricted networks. Its CleanWeb browser extension blocks ads and cookie requests automatically. A recent update added Web Content Blocking and an AI-based Email Scam Checker to its Chrome extension. While Surfshark’s Netherlands base means it’s part of the 14 Eyes alliance, its audited no-logs policy ensures zero data retention.

Surfshark offers apps for nearly every platform, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux (with GUI), routers, and Fire TV. It’s one of the few VPNs to offer a QR code log-in for quick setup and now supports dedicated IP addresses across all platforms. The interface is slightly busier than NordVPN’s but remains intuitive for new users. A built-in AI chatbot assists with quick fixes, and live agents are just a click away.

In 2025, Surfshark introduced FastTrack route optimization for long-distance performance and launched the world’s first 100 Gbps VPN server, showcasing serious speed innovation. US users can expect excellent connection stability with only minor jitter during 4K streaming or gaming. Our tests confirmed top-tier performance, outperforming many pricier VPNs.

• Fastest VPN on a Budget: Surfshark clocked speeds of up to 950 Mbps on US and trans-Atlantic servers using the WireGuard protocol, making it one of the fastest VPNs in the USA.
• Unlimited Devices: One Surfshark account covers all your devices, perfect for families or users with multiple gadgets.
• Wide Server Network: Over 4,200 servers worldwide and 600+ across 22 US locations, offering smooth, reliable performance.
• Excellent Streaming Access: Easily unblocks Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer with optimized streaming servers.
• Smart Security Tools: Includes CleanWeb ad blocker, Alternative ID tool (for fake personal details), MultiHop, and Bypasser (split tunneling).

Surfshark’s Starter plan is the best pick for everyday users, including VPN protection, ad blocking, and masked email generation. The One plan adds antivirus and identity breach alerts, while One+ includes the Incogni data removal tool for extra privacy.

ExpressVPN remains one of the best VPNs for the USA thanks to its exceptional streaming access, military-grade security, and effortless ease of use. Founded in 2009 and based in the British Virgin Islands, it offers privacy-friendly jurisdiction and unmatched reliability for users who want simplicity without sacrificing speed or protection.

In 2025, ExpressVPN introduced a three-tier plan structure; Basic, Advanced, and Pro—making it more accessible for all user types.

ExpressVPN’s commitment to privacy is second to none. Its TrustedServer technology ensures all data is wiped upon reboot, and the company passed its 23rd independent audit (KPMG, July 2025) verifying its strict no-logs claim. The provider also offers:

• Post-Quantum Encryption for future-proof data protection.
• Password Manager (ExpressVPN Keys) in Advanced and Pro plans.
• Parental Controls and Threat Manager for blocking adult content, malware, and trackers.
• A $1 million bug bounty program as proof of its confidence in security.

Express VPN’s jurisdiction in the British Virgin Islands keeps it far from intrusive data-sharing alliances like the 5/9/14 Eyes networks.

ExpressVPN’s app experience is one of the best in the industry. It offers native apps for all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Fire TV, routers, and even its own Aircove router for home-wide protection. Recent updates (2025) brought improved UI for iPad and macOS, a built-in speed testing tool, and quicker server connections via Smart Location. For troubleshooting, users can access real human support in under a minute via live chat.

Powered by Lightway, ExpressVPN’s custom protocol built for mobile and cross-platform performance, it consistently delivers high-speed connections. In our US tests, it reached 898 Mbps locally and 396 Mbps from the UK to New York, more than enough for smooth 4K streaming or large downloads.

Its new Lightway Turbo and DCO updates for Windows, plus Lightway 2.0 (Rust-based), further enhance speed and efficiency. ExpressVPN’s new 100 Gbps network rollout ensures future-ready bandwidth across major US hubs.

• Global Coverage: 148 server locations in 105 countries, including every US state.
• Reliable Speeds: Average of 898 Mbps on local servers with the Lightway protocol, and new WireGuard integration (Aug 2025) for even faster connections.
• Top-Notch Security: AES-256-bit encryption, post-quantum ML-KEM protection, TrustedServer (RAM-only servers), and rotating Shuffle IP system for extra anonymity.
• Ease of Use: ExpressVPN’s clean interface makes it perfect for beginners—just pick a location and connect. Apps feature built-in speed tests, Smart Location, and Siri shortcuts for iOS users.

Streaming Power: Seamlessly unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer with ultra-stable 4K playback.

All include the VPN core features and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Proton VPN is the best VPN for privacy enthusiasts in the USA, combining Swiss-grade data protection with open-source transparency and a proven ethical commitment to user privacy.

Created by the team behind ProtonMail, the CERN scientist-founded company stands apart for its mission-driven approach to combating surveillance capitalism. If data protection, privacy, and global server reach are your top priorities, Proton VPN is a smart and ethical choice.

Privacy is Proton VPN’s biggest strength. It supports OpenVPN, WireGuard, and its own Stealth protocol, ideal for countries where VPNs are restricted. Features like Alternate Routing help bypass VPN detection, while Tor over VPN allows access to the Tor network for extra anonymity. The Secure Core servers give an additional layer of defence against endpoint monitoring, similar to NordVPN’s Double VPN feature.

In 2025, Proton launched the Data Breach Observatory, a free privacy tool that scans for compromised credentials and announced a new in-house VPN architecture to enhance user anonymity. Combined with its audited no-logs policy and Swiss jurisdiction, Proton VPN stands out as one of the safest VPNs available.

Proton VPN’s apps have seen major upgrades across Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. The new Profile feature lets users quickly switch between optimized setups for streaming, gaming, or anti-censorship. Mobile widgets, a redesigned interface, and split tunneling on macOS and Linux make it highly flexible. The only shortcoming? Live chat support isn’t 24/7, operating mainly during Swiss business hours.

Proton VPN’s VPN Accelerator improves long-distance connections by optimising routing paths, reducing latency, and increasing throughput. While not as fast as NordVPN or Surfshark, it maintained stable US download speeds averaging 780 Mbps, enough for 4K streaming and gaming. Latency remained low, and connections were highly consistent across multiple states.

• Global Network: Over 15,000 servers across 126 countries, with excellent coverage across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East.
• Secure Core Architecture: Routes your traffic through extra-secure servers in Switzerland, Iceland, or Sweden before exiting, ensuring double encryption.
• Strong Privacy Commitment: Strict no-logs policy, successfully audited four times (latest in Sept 2025), plus SOC2 Type II certification for data handling.
• Advanced Security: Uses AES-256 encryption, Stealth protocol for bypassing VPN blocks, Tor over VPN connections, and NetShield ad, malware, and tracker blocker.
• Ethical Operations: Proton’s CEO publicly pledged to relocate operations if Swiss laws ever threaten user privacy.

Private Internet Access (PIA) has earned its reputation as one of the most customizable and advanced VPNs for USA users. Designed for privacy-conscious tech enthusiasts, it combines transparency, open-source infrastructure, and a massive U.S. server network.

Unlike most providers headquartered overseas, PIA proudly operates from the United States but has repeatedly proven its no-logs policy in court, making it a trustworthy choice for those who demand control without compromise.

PIA uses AES-256 encryption, WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, and an optional Shadowsocks proxy for bypassing censorship. It includes an effective ad, tracker, and malware blocker (PIA MACE) and a kill switch to prevent IP leaks.

Its open-source nature and transparency reports, published quarterly—reinforce its credibility. Unlike many competitors, PIA gives users fine-grained control over encryption levels, letting you prioritize either speed or maximum security.

Despite its advanced capabilities, PIA is easy enough for beginners to navigate. It offers clean, lightweight apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, plus extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Opera.

During testing, connection setup took under 10 seconds, and the Quick Connect option automatically selected the fastest U.S. server. PIA also supports 10 simultaneous connections, making it great for households and small teams.

PIA’s huge U.S. presence ensures consistent streaming speeds across platforms. In tests, it easily unblocked Netflix US, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video without buffering. Average U.S. download speeds reached 850 Mbps using WireGuard. While NordVPN and Surfshark are marginally faster, PIA’s stability and vast state-level coverage make it one of the most reliable VPNs for Americans.

Torrenting performance was also solid. With port forwarding enabled, file-sharing speeds remained smooth, and no IP or DNS leaks were detected. Gamers benefited from low ping times when connecting to nearby U.S. servers.

• Largest US Server Network: Over 53,000 servers across all 50 states, ensuring stable and fast connections nationwide.
• Verified No-Logs Policy: Proven multiple times in court, guaranteeing that no user data is stored or shared.
• Complete Customization: Advanced settings for encryption type, handshake protocols, and port forwarding—ideal for expert users.
• Open-Source Apps: All desktop and mobile apps are open-source, letting anyone verify the code for transparency and security.
• Multi-Hop & Dedicated IP: Optional add-ons for extra anonymity and accessing secure remote systems.

PIA remains one of the most affordable premium VPNs available. Its long-term pricing beats most competitors, offering 2 years + 2 months free for $2.11/month. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost is the best VPN for beginners in the USA, offering a perfect balance of simplicity, performance, and security. It’s designed for users who want to connect, protect, and browse instantly without technical setup.

Based in privacy-friendly Romania and backed by Deloitte’s audit of its no-logs policy, CyberGhost delivers reliable U.S. speeds and intuitive apps ideal for first-time VPN users.

CyberGhost’s focus on user privacy is evident in its features and independent audits. It uses AES-256-bit encryption and WireGuard protocol for speed, along with NoSpy servers located in CyberGhost’s privately operated data center in Romania for maximum control.

The Automatic Kill Switch ensures that if your VPN connection drops, your data stays protected. CyberGhost also includes ad and malware blocking to reduce tracking across U.S. websites.

CyberGhost stands out for its beginner-friendly interface. The app launches with a large “Connect” button and automatically suggests the best U.S. server based on your activity—streaming, browsing, or torrenting.

It supports Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, and even smart TVs. In our U.S. testing, setup took under 3 minutes, and the app required no manual configuration. For convenience, CyberGhost also includes Smart Rules, allowing users to automate actions like launching specific apps or connecting to Wi-Fi securely.

With 1,000+ U.S. servers and optimized streaming routes, CyberGhost consistently unblocked major platforms like Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, and ESPN+. Average speeds during U.S. testing reached 820 Mbps, sufficient for 4K streaming and lag-free gaming.

Torrenting is supported on dedicated P2P servers, delivering stable performance without IP leaks. While it’s slightly slower than NordVPN, the simplicity and reliability make it a top pick for casual users.

• User-Friendly Design: One-click connect with automatically optimized U.S. servers for streaming, browsing, or gaming.
• Extensive Server Network: Over 11,000 servers worldwide, including 1,000+ in the United States, ensuring consistent and fast connections.
• Optimized Streaming Servers: Dedicated servers for Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+, ensuring smooth HD playback.
• No-Logs and Transparent: Verified no-logs policy audited by Deloitte in 2024, based in a non-5/9/14 Eyes jurisdiction.
• Strong Security Tools: Includes 256-bit AES encryption, Kill Switch, Wi-Fi Auto Protection, and DNS/IP leak prevention.