Though there aren’t many Internet restrictions in the United States on a national level, users may still encounter content barriers on a more localized scale, with networks controlled by businesses and institutions.
Thankfully, VPNs offer a solution that unblocks content barriers, and protects the privacy of the user. A VPN assigns you a new IP address that will get you around the content blockades.
Our pick for Best VPN For USA: ExpressVPN
Why is My USA Access Limited?
Access in the USA to various websites and streaming services can be limited for any number of reasons.
Though there is little censorship and content restriction by government entities, users may still encounter roadblocks to web content due to:
- Networks controlled by institutions such as schools, libraries, or other businesses
- Lack of privacy due to laws such as the Patriot Act, which gives the government the right to look at user activity under the basis of national security
- Poor security, with an ever-growing cyber-crime sector
This kind of administrative control can be very frustrating, particularly to those who may be using college or workplace networks.
Even if the content you’re trying to access is relevant and work-related, these controls often block them anyway.
Commonly used communication services, such as Skype and Facebook, are often under these types of control, despite their frequent use in today’s workplace and scholastic environment. Also streaming services like netflix and hulu.
However, with the use of a VPN, users can not only guarantee their online security, but surf anonymously through content blocks.
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network, and is an encrypted, private network through a server that users can enlist to protect their browsing potential and security.
Think of it like a wormhole within the internet, where you’re going wherever you need to go, and no one but the company providing the network is the wiser.
An IP Address is also an important part of this process, as every device is encoded with this number to tell servers from what geographic location the user is linking in from.
Using this information, networks can block content. This particularly applies to users in countries with government mandated content controls.
Thankfully, VPNs also hide your IP Address, so there is also no content restriction due to geographic location.
Top 3 VPNs for the USA
There are numerous companies you can sift through to try and land on the VPN service right for your needs.
To save you that time though, I’ve compiled a quick rundown on the top three contenders, and what you can expect in terms of speed, security, availability, and customer service.
#1 Choice: ExpressVPN – 9/10 – The Best VPN for USA
Hands down the best option for secure online browsing and streaming, Express VPN offers an incredibly fast and reliable connection.
Not only can you rest assured that your identity is well encrypted and protected, but also your favorite streaming services, such as Netflix and Hulu, will come through smooth and clear as day.
The company also boasts a sterling customer service reputation.
With 24/7 tech support, and an average turn-around time for e-mails of 30 minutes, your concerns will be addressed promptly – no waiting overnight for an answer to a question.
They even offer a referral program, and a 30 day money-back guarantee, so you can rest assured that if you’re not completely satisfied, they’ve got your back.
Express VPN works with Window, Mac/Apple, Android and more. It works on all your devices, computers, phones, tablets, etc. You can even use the service on more than 1 device at a time.
With its 256-bit encryption, Express VPN offers one of the highest security services in the industry.
That, coupled with their reputation of reliability and speed and stellar customer support, makes Express VPN the best choice for users. Read our full expressvpn review here.
If you’re looking for a VPN to use in the U.S., Express VPN is the best choice.
#2: IPVANISH– 7/10 – Secure, but limited compatibility
If Express VPN is somehow unavailable to you, the next one I would try would be IPVanish.
While there are some definite shortcomings in comparison to Express VPN, with rates at around $10 per month, IPVanish is an affordable and secure VPN.
IPVanish has a fast, reliable connection, making them good for doing anything from sneaking in some Netflix at school, to securing your connection on a public network.
However, unlike Express VPN, IPVanish’s software won’t work with everything. Their software is compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android systems, but not iOS.
If you’re looking for a VPN to secure your iPhone or iPad’s connection, this isn’t the one for you.
In addition to their limited software compatibility, IPVanish only offers a 7 day money-back guarantee and only has e-mail support – no live chat option.
While their support is 24/7, you’re likely to be waiting at least a few hours to get a response to an e-mail inquiry.
IPVanish can be found at this website.
#3: Hidemyass– 5/10 – ONLY If Express VPN and IPVanish Aren’t Available.
If you’re unable to access any of these other VPN services for whatever reason, then HideMyAss is another contender.
With their massive server network, they may just be what you need to get connected. However, keep in mind that there are some major strings attached with this VPN service.
For one thing, a big network doesn’t necessarily mean a strong or reliable connection.
While I always had a strong, reliable connection with Express VPN, I often get dropped from HideMyAss’s servers, leaving my data wide open to attack.
On top of that, the connection is usually really slow, making streaming on this VPN downright impossible.
Even with 24/7 customer support, HideMyAss still takes at least overnight to respond to e-mails.
If you use their live phone support or chat channels, you’ll get helped faster, but still wind up on hold for at least a few minutes every time.
Their encryption is definitely strong enough to keep the NSA and other snoops out of your connection,
However, HideMyAss’s slow support and unreliable connection makes them poorly suited for the job. You can get better service and a faster connection if you use Express VPN.
HideMyAss is here.
Conclusion: Best VPN For USA
It absolutely sucks to be on a mission, pouring over data on the internet, and to run into a content block.
But if you’re on a privately controlled network, and the administrator’s rules dictate you can’t go where you need to go, there’s little you can do about it.
But with Express VPN, the doors are wide open.
Not only can you access whatever content you want, wherever you want, but you can do so with the knowledge that your identity will be protected.
Hackers trying to swipe your passwords, or a nosy government doing unwarranted snooping, will all be thwarted by the superior encryption.
Your location will be hidden, and all of your activity will be encrypted for you. No hassle, no worries.
So if you need added piece of mind, or just a little sanity from constant content blocks in the US, get ExpressVPN today!
what about pure i usually read many reviews base website about pure and they suggest to get their vpn in fact vpnrank.com and from many other website i have read about it.
Jean,
We have found ExpressVPN to be the most reliable. Pure seems to have challenges with their server network more often than other VPN’s