Summary: Every device comes with its own unique IP address, which gives servers your location information. This can be a problem, as servers will use that information to limit your access to certain content based on where you’re accessing from. If you use a VPN though, you can access anything you want, no matter where you are.
With A VPN like ExpressVPN you can change your IP address, tricking servers into thinking you’re in a different location, and allowing you to bypass regional content restrictions.
Best VPN To Hide Your IP Address: Express VPN.
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How Do I Hide My Ip Address?
When you get on the internet, you’re sending information from your connection device (a router, Wi-Fi hotspot, etc.) to a server, which then relays the information you’ve requested back to you.
Every time you do that though, the server is also getting a rough geographic location from you, by reading the IP address attached to your device.
Using that information, they can filter the content you access based on restrictions that may be regional, or instituted by the network administrator.
If you’re in a country with a lot of restricted web content, or even just trying to check your Facebook at work, you’re likely to run into this problem.
There is hope though – by using a VPN, you can circumvent these blocks altogether, with no one being the wiser.
Why Does A VPN Hide My Ip Address?
VPNs, or Virtual Private Networks, are a method of internet security that allows you to access any content you want in total anonymity.
When you use a VPN to access the internet, the VPN routes your connection through one of their servers, located elsewhere in the world, while encrypting your information.
They then block and change your IP address, setting you loose to get into whatever sites or services you want, regardless of your actual location.
Since your information is encrypted, this gives you further protection from cyber-crimes and keeps your online surfing activity private.
Top 3 VPNs for Hiding Your IP Address
There are a lot of different companies out there, and it’s hard to know which one to go with. Here I’ll give you a brief rundown of a few of the more popular ones, and how they compare.
#1: Express VPN –
If you’re trying to do things that involve using a lot of bandwidth, you’ll want a VPN that offers unlimited bandwidth.
There’s nothing worse than streaming Netflix or Hulu and then realizing you’re reached your bandwidth limit two weeks into the month.
Express VPN offers the best of everything, with not only unlimited bandwidth, but software that is compatible with all major operating systems.
You can also use their software on multiple devices simultaneously, without paying an extra monthly rate.
Of course, your IP address is always blocked, and your activity is protected by their state of the art encryption, including L2TP and UCP protocols.
What’s more, because your privacy is their priority, they never log any of their users’ internet activity.
The best part about Express VPN though is their prompt, friendly customer service, with:
- support that’s available 24/7/365
- representatives that can be reached via live chat or e-mail
- an average e-mail response time of less than 30 minutes
With servers located all over the world, and their extremely user-friendly software, Express VPN is a great value, at less than $13 a month.
For unlimited access to all of your favorite content, no matter where in the world you are, sign up for a service plan with Express VPN.
Read our full expressvpn review here.
#2: IPVanish –
If you happen to be in a corner of the world that doesn’t have an Express VPN server nearby, which is highly unlikely, then check out IPVanish.
Like the name implies, they were designed to hide your IP address and online activity, with 256 bit-encryption that nobody’s getting through.
And of course, like with Express VPN, they never log any of their users’ activity.
They have a very similar customer service system too, though e-mail response times may not be as prompt as with Express VPN (those are big shoes to fill).
Their support team is available 24/7 via live chat or e-mail. They also have a money back guarantee, but no referral program.
All of their packages include unlimited bandwidth, so it’s great for people that use services like Netflix and Hulu.
Just like Express VPN, you can even connect to up to two devices under one service plan, so you’re never paying extra for multiple connections.
The only real drag here is that IPVanish won’t work with iOS, so if you have an Apple device, be sure to double check which operating system it uses.
With rate plans at $10 a month, and a solid network of international servers, sign up for a plan with IPVanish if you can’t get one with Express VPN.
#3: HideMyAss–
The major selling point of HideMyAss is their network – they have a massive amount of servers, with locations in 151 countries all over the world.
However, their poor connection quality makes downloads cumbersome and streaming frustrating.
Though they have unlimited bandwidth, customers have reported sluggish connections making this feature almost irrelevant.
Like Express VPN, they offer 24/7 customer service, with support even available via phone, in addition to live chat and e-mail.
However, you’re likely to experience some lengthy wait times, in addition to poor customer service. They do offer a money back guarantee, but no referral program like Express VPN.
Plus, as with Express VPN, their software is compatible with all operating systems, but the set up process can be quite tedious, and may be a little complicated for first time VPN users.
This coupled with their poor customer service can spell a really frustrating time for a user experiencing technical problems.
Sure, HideMyAss will effectively conceal your IP address, but with their poor connection and service reputations, you’re much better off sticking with Express VPN.
Conclusion ForHiding Your IP Address
If you’re on a network somewhere that you don’t have administrator rights to – like, say, at work – then you can be blocked from certain content.
Likewise, your access to sites and services can also be restricted on a larger scale, in countries where governments implement censorship programs to filter internet content.
Hi just a comment about HMA I used them to access SKY and BBC in the UK when I am on trips to the USA however it appears SKY and BBC can both detect you are not in the UK despite this – SKY told me that they no longer allow access to anyone trying to connect via a VPN,
I pay for SKY and have a BBC license so I am frustrated at not being able to view their iplayer tv streaming programs when outside the country. Does express one allow access to SKY and BBC thanks.
There are bunch VPN providers and its very confusing which one is the best. Sites like VPNs R Us gives good review to the best VPN in your country.
Thanks Anthony for the tip. We have never reviewed them before I will add it too the list.
I’m pretty sure IPVanish works just fine on iOS. Is this review outdated or sponsored?
Hi Stefanie,
Our review on this page is a little out of date. We will add it too the queue to update.