If you’re one of the many struggling to access your favorite US websites while abroad, this guide is for you. We’ll explore the various methods to obtain a US IP address, a crucial step in maintaining your online presence.
It’s crucial to understand that the methods we’ll discuss in this guide are not all equal. While some are free, opting for a premium service can significantly enhance your browsing experience with improved speeds and enhanced privacy.
As a quick summary, here are the methods we cover to get a US IP address:
- VPN (recommended)
- Proxy
- Tor
- DNS server
Now, let’s dive right in.
Get a USA IP Address with a VPN
After exhaustive research and testing, we found that using a VPN in the US is the most reliable way of obtaining a US IP address. But we’re not suggesting using just any VPN; it needs to have plenty of servers in the US, fast speeds, and reliable security.
Some free VPNs have servers in America, but in our experience, these are generally inferior, with slower speeds and data limits.
The VPNs we recommend below have been tested for speed, reliability, security, and, most importantly, their American server offerings to get a US IP address.
The best VPNs to get a US IP: Summary
- NordVPN: The best VPN for a US IP. Dozens of superfast servers in multiple US states. Lets you stream a huge range of content abroad. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. TIPIn our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for a US IP.
- Surfshark: A cost-effective VPN for getting a US IP. Steady speeds, no connection limit, and plenty of American servers to choose from.
- IPVanish: A quick and cost-effective service with almost two dozen locations in the US. Works with plenty of American streaming services and doesn’t have a connection limit.
- ExpressVPN: A reliable VPN with US servers. Reputable VPN boasting real versatility, high-speed American servers, and top-notch security features.
- CyberGhost: The beginner’s choice to get a USA IP address. Offers hundreds of US servers. Apps are easy to install and use—45-day money-back guarantee.
- Private Internet Access: Fast US-based VPN with servers in 20 US cities. Highly customizable security options. No logs policy. Works with Netflix USA.
- PrivateVPN: A secure VPN pick for an American IP. Great for torrenting. Works with Netflix US, Hulu, and many more American streaming services.
- PureVPN: Quick, reliable, and great for streaming. Lots of servers in the US plus a generous connection limit and 24/7 customer support.
- ProtonVPN: This well-respected VPN boasts a proven no logs-policy and some of the highest speeds we’ve seen. Works with all manner of American streaming platforms.
Get NordVPN - the #1 VPN for a US IP
How we chose the best VPNs with American servers
We go into more detail on the exact criteria used for testing a VPN with American servers to get a US IP address later, but here is a quick rundown of a few key areas we look at:
- Large range of server locations in the US
- Speed and stability of the connection
- Rigid encryption protocols so your location remains hidden
- Ease of use, even for beginners
- Apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS
- Value for money, with discounts and a money-back guarantee
How to get a US IP address
Getting a US IP address is easy; just follow these steps:
- Sign up for a Virtual Private Network (VPN). We recommend NordVPN.
- Register for the service and download the VPN software or app.
- Clear your cookies and restart your device to remove old location identifiers.
- Log in to your VPN provider and connect to a server in the US.
- Access your US site like you normally would.
- If you encounter any issues, try clearing your cookies. If problems persist, you will need to reach out to your chosen VPN provider.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?
NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for getting a US IP address with no restrictions for a month—perfect for accessing US services during a short trip outside of the country.
There are no hidden terms—just contact customer support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll receive a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
Best VPNs for a USA IP – Our hands-on review
We’ve tested and compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Do you prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for getting a US IP address.
No value NordVPN Surfshark IPVanish ExpressVPN CyberGhost Private Internet Access PrivateVPN PureVPN Proton VPN Website NordVPN.com Surfshark.com IPVanish.com ExpressVPN.com Cyberghost.com PrivateInternetAccess.com PrivateVPN.com PureVPN.com protonvpn.com Ranking for US 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 US Servers 16 cities / 6,000+ servers 25 cities / 600+ servers 20 cities / 1106 servers 15 cities 11 cities / 2104 servers 53 cities 12 cities 14 cities / 1,800 servers 14 cities / 957 servers Avg Speed (US) 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 100+ Mbps 628 Mbps 100+ Mbps Streaming services Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Disney+
YouTubeNetflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Disney+
YouTubeNetflix
Amazon Prime
Disney+Netflix
Amazon Prime
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Disney+
YouTubeNetflix
Amazon Prime
Disney+Netflix
Amazon Prime
Disney+Netflix
Amazon Prime
Disney+Netflix
Amazon PrimeNetflix
Amazon PrimeDevices Supported Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Chromebook, Routers Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Chromebook Best deal (per month) $3.09
Up to 73% off + 3 months Free$2.19
Save 86% on a 2 year Starter plan + 3 months free$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 yr plan$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free$2.19
SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free!$2.19
SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free$2.14
Up to 82% off the 2-yr standard plan + free months$3.59
Up to 64% off a 2-year plan
Best VPNs to get a US IP address
Based on real-world experience, here’s our list of the best VPNs to get a US IP address:
1. NordVPN
Aug 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee:30 DAYS
NordVPN is an excellent option for advanced users who want customized options and tier-1 service. In fact, out of all the VPNs we’ve tested, this is by far the fastest. Such impressive download speeds make it a perfect VPN for streamingand other activities like online gaming and torrenting.
NordVPN allows you to select servers based on your specific requirements – such as anti-DDoS, video streaming, double VPN, Tor over VPN, or P2P. NordVPN operates more than 6,200 servers in total, and a large portion are in the US, granting access to content only available in the country.
It works well with Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, among others.
NordVPN uses the 256-bit AES protocol encryption standard by default, coupled with 2,048-bit SSL keys. DNS leak protection is enabled. It holds zero user data, including browsing habits, timestamps, and server information.
There’s a NordVPN app for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android, and a NordVPN subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN speed test data
No value | NordVPN |
Website | NordVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 354 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 262 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 284 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $3.09 Up to 73% off + 3 months Free |
Pros:
- Beats all of its rivals when it comes to speed
- Excels at securely accessing region-locked services
- No logs policy
- Strong security and privacy features
- Tons of servers
Cons:
- Desktop app is a little sluggish
Our score:
4.5 out of 5
BEST VPN FOR A US IP ADDRESS:NordVPN is our first choice for getting a US IP address. It’s extremely fast, has a major security focus, and allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. Best of all, it keeps no logs and has a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Here’s our full review of NordVPN.
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2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee:30 DAYS
Surfshark operates VPN servers in 20+ US cities. It’s also one of the only providers on this list that allows users unlimited connections on a single plan. This premium VPN provides reliable access to plenty of platforms, including US Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, among others. Kill switches are built into both mobile and desktop apps, so you never have to worry about leaking your real IP address.
Live chat support is staffed around the clock. Surfshark uses military-grade encryption and keeps no logs. Torrenting is allowed, and the lightning-fast speeds make it a great VPN for doing so.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Linux, and Android.
Surfshark speed test data
No value | Surfshark |
Website | Surfshark.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 521 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 702 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 561 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.19 Save 86% on a 2 year Starter plan + 3 months free |
Pros:
- Great for American Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video
- Generally strong speeds
- Maximum security offering
- Keeps no logs
- Unlimited devices
Cons:
- Relatively small server network
- Occasional slow server
Our score:
4.5 out of 5
BEST BUDGET PICK:Get a US IP for as many devices as you want with Surfshark. This VPN is fast, affordable, and security-conscious, with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark review.
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3. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee:30 DAYS
IPVanish operates roughly 2,400 servers worldwide and more than half of these are in North America. It’s far better at accessing region-locked streaming services than it used to be and now works effortlessly with platforms like Netflix, Paramount+, and Hulu. Best of all, this VPN offers exceptionally high speeds. In other words, you’ll be able to watch live (or even 4K) video without any noticeable buffering or stuttering. IPVanish allows users to connect all of their devices at the same time, making it a fantastic choice for families.
Your online activities are kept private thanks to IPVanish’s uncrackable encryption, leak protection, and no-logs policy. It also includes a variety of advanced features, such as OpenVPN data obfuscation and automatic ad-blocking. This service recently introduced split tunneling functionality, too, meaning you can access the American version of some sites while still showing a local IP address to others. Don’t worry if this all sounds a little complicated: support staff are ready to help, day or night, and we’ve never had a problem they couldn’t fix.
IPVanish offers apps for Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. If you’d prefer, you can manually install it on a wide range of router firmware (setup guides are available in the IPVanish website’s support section).
IPVanish speed test data
No value | IPVanish |
Website | IPVanish.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 277 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 237 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 352 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 yr plan |
Pros:
- Works with streaming platforms that stump many of its rivals
- Ultra-fast American servers
- Puts your privacy first
- No connection limits
- Popular with Kodi users and torrenters
Cons:
- No way to pay anonymously
- Based in the US
Our score:
4.5 out of 5
SIMPLIFIES SECURITY:IPVanish takes the stress out of streaming American TV abroad. With impressive speeds, 24/7 customer support, and a strong privacy focus, you’ll be ready for anything. Annual plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our comprehensive IPVanish review.
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4. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee:30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is a reputable VPN service that’s easy to set up and has a simple design. The service packs a punch when rated on both speed and encryption standards. The US occupies most of ExpressVPN’s server locations with options in 14 cities. Overall, there are over 3,000 secure servers in 94 countries and 160 locations worldwide.
The company has a stated policy of not storing any user or traffic logs, so it also scores high marks from a privacy angle. The only minimal data it does extract is the “date (not time) of connection, choice of server location, and total bandwidth used”. This is used to improve service quality standards. It’s important to note that your IP address won’t be recorded.
If you’re still feeling skittish, we recommend you sign up for the service via a burner email account and pay through Bitcoin. It’ll become extremely difficult for your digital footprint to be traced back to you.
Encryption standards are military-grade for maximum online protection. The service leverages 256-bit AES-CBC protocols, HMAC authentication, and perfect forward secrecy. An internet kill switch is included, which ExpressVPN refers to as a ‘network lock’. This feature means all web traffic will temporarily halt if the connection drops.
The service can securely access Netflix USA, Hulu, and HBO Max.
There are Android and iOS apps and desktop clients for Windows, MacOS, and Linux.
ExpressVPN speed test data
No value | ExpressVPN |
Website | ExpressVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 319 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 303 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 278 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $6.67 SAVE: 49% + 3 months free |
Pros:
- Strong connection security
- Fast, stable speeds
- Plenty of servers
- Great for streaming content from anywhere
- Knowledgeable customer support
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive
- Lack of advanced features
Our score:
4 out of 5
GREAT ALL-ROUNDER:ExpressVPN is a fast and reliable choice Great for streaming. Strong privacy features, a no-logs policy, not to mention a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Here’s our in-depth ExpressVPN review.
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5. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee:45 DAYS
CyberGhost will appeal to beginner users who want a relatively inexpensive VPN. It delivers on both speed and security and the ability to securely access streaming sites like American Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. It has the largest server network of servers of any VPN on this list, including thousands in The United States.
The company is headquartered in Romania, so it’s not required to store any user information, so it keeps zero logs.
User-friendly apps are available for Android and iOS, and desktop support for Windows, macOS, and Linux. There is also a browser extension for Google Chrome.
CyberGhost VPN uses AES 256-bit encryption, which is among the best in the business. An internet kill switch is included for great threat protection, even when using a public wifi network.
CyberGhost speed test data
No value | CyberGhost |
Website | Cyberghost.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 449 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 269 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 167 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free! |
Pros:
- Works with lots of streaming sites
- Fast connections
- Great security
- Zero logs
Cons:
- Not suitable for users in China
- Few customizable features
Our score:
4.5 out of 5
BEST FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost has a simple set up and is easy to use. Streams HD video reliably. Limited in use with some popular streaming sites. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of CyberGhost.
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6. Private Internet Access
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com
Money-back guarantee:30 DAYS
PIA is a US-based VPN that is strong on privacy and secure browsing. It is suitable for getting an IP address in the US, thanks to its servers in 20 cities. This service has over 10,000 servers in total spread across 80+ countries, which also allows you to unblock services from all over the world.
PIA has apps for all platforms, and they come with many advanced features. This includes DNS leak protection, a kill switch, malware filtering, and customizable encryption options. This allows you to strengthen or weaken the encryption depending on your need. This makes the VPN versatile and means you can always get security or added privacy at home or on public wifi. It also has a no-logs policy that it has proven in court.
When it comes to accessing American streaming platforms, this VPN is not as good as our other recommendations. It does work with Netflix US, but it struggles with many others. The good news is that a subscription plan with Private Internet Access has a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. So, if you want to check it with your specific VoD account, you can.
If you have any questions or want help setting up the VPN, you can contact the 24/7 live chat support. Finally, torrenting is allowed, and the VPN throws in a Shadowsocks proxy for those who need it.
Private Internet Access speed test data
No value | Private Internet Access |
Website | PrivateInternetAccess.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 93 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 58 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 200 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.19 SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan |
Pros:
- Fast WireGuard protocol
- Strong security and highly customizable apps
- Zero logs
- Works with Netflix US
- Servers in 20 US cities
Cons:
- Sometimes struggles with streaming services
- Based in the US
Our score:
4 out of 5
HIGHLY CUSTOMIZABLE:Fast and secure. Lets you connect using up to 10 devices at once. No logs policy. Over 10,000 servers in 80+ countries, including servers in 20 US cities. WireGuard and OpenVPN protocol. Robust AES encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of PIA.
Private Internet Access Coupon
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7. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee:30 DAYS
PrivateVPN is a reliable provider based in Sweden. It has super-secure apps for all platforms with many useful privacy and security features. This includes DNS leak protection, a kill switch, obfuscation, AES encryption, and an auto-connect feature. It also has a solid no-logs policy and servers optimized for torrenting.
Servers are located in 63+ countries. Admittedly, it has fewer servers compared to our other recommendations (it only has around 250 in total). That said, it provides fantastic speeds for streaming, and it is one of the few services that consistently works to access around 20 different Netflix regions: Hulu, iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
The primary drawback of this service is that the live chat is only available between 18 and 22 hours per day. This is an extremely minor complaint, and you can always send them an email instead. Servers are available across the US East and West Coast to give you a US IP address where you need it. You can test it yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
PrivateVPN speed test data
No value | PrivateVPN |
Website | PrivateVPN.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 94 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 57 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 62 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
Pros:
- Secure apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android
- Works in China
- Good for American Netflix
- No logs
- Lots of strong security features
Cons:
- Fewer servers in each location than competitors
Our score:
4.5 out of 5
SOLID PERFORMER:This Swedish VPN has bare metal servers in 63 countries, including the US. Works with around two dozen Netflix regions. Excellent connection speeds. Allows torrenting. Easy to use. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of PrivateVPN.
PrivateVPN Coupon
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free
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8. PureVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PureVPN.com
Money-back guarantee:31 DAYS
PureVPN operates 6,000 servers and 65 countries, with more than a dozen locations in the US alone. This service is remarkably well-suited to streaming thanks to its ultra-fast speeds (almost 400 Mbps on average, per our latest tests). It works with a huge range of platforms, including Netflix, Peacock, and Max, and has a large connection allowance so you can watch your favorite shows on up to 10 devices at a time. Need help? No problem: staff are ready 24 hours per day via live chat.
This doesn’t mean much if it’s not secure, though. Luckily, PureVPN has everything you’ll need to stay safe online, from first-class encryption to a kill switch. There’s also DNS and IPv6 leak protection and obfuscation that kicks in automatically when you visit countries with strict digital censorship. This VPN follows a true no-logging policy, and best of all, we know this for sure as the company has been independently audited. It is capable of blocking trackers, too, although you can only use this feature on the Plus or Max plans.
PureVPN offers apps for iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, and Linux. If you’d prefer, you can manually configure it to work with most popular router firmware.
PureVPN speed test data
Pros:
- Plenty of speedy American servers
- Good range of security tools
- Won’t be stopped by most online restrictions
Cons:
- Can’t block ads
- Customer support sometimes takes a while to reply
Our score:
4 out of 5
EASY TO USE:PureVPN has a simple design that makes it perfect for novices. Don’t be fooled, though: it’s one of the quickest and most versatile services on the market. What’s more, every subscription comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of PureVPN to learn more.
PureVPN Coupon
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9. ProtonVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.protonvpn.com
Money-back guarantee:30 DAYS
ProtonVPN is a freemium service with American servers and no monthly bandwidth cap – already a rarity. However, upgrading to a paid plan lets you access the full network, connect up to 10 devices at once, and unblock geo-restricted streaming sites. With average speeds of around 330 Mbps, you’re unlikely to experience any issues, even while performing data-intensive tasks. If you do, just reach out to customer support; the 24/7 live chat service makes getting help as quick and easy as possible.
This service can get you an American IP address but can it keep you safe? In a word, yes. ProtonVPN uses industry-standard encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection by default. It also offers automatic tracker and ad-blocking, plus Secure Core servers stored in an underground data center to make them as unappealing as possible to attackers. Most importantly, ProtonVPN has been audited by professionals, so when the company says it keeps no logs, you know it’s telling the truth.
ProtonVPN apps are available for iOS, Android, MacOS, Linux, and Windows. Additionally, the help section of its website explains how to manually install this service on your router.
ProtonVPN speed test data
No value | Proton VPN |
Website | protonvpn.com | Average Connection Speed - North America (USA) | 390 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Europe (UK) | 306 Mbps | Average Connection Speed - Asia (Hong Kong) | 295 Mbps |
---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $3.59 Up to 64% off a 2-year plan |
Pros:
- Goes above and beyond on privacy
- Exceptional speed and streaming ability
- Lots of advanced features
Cons:
- Can’t stream on the free plan
- Costs a little more than some of the VPNs above
Our score:
4 out of 5
STREAM ANONYMOUSLY:ProtonVPN takes your security seriously and works with most American streaming platforms. It delivers high speeds, doesn’t keep any logs, and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Check out our complete ProtonVPN review.
ProtonVPN Coupon
Up to 64% off a 2-year plan
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Finding the best VPNs to get a US IP: Our methodology
Traveling abroad may impact your usual online activity, particularly when it comes to streaming. There are several hurdles to overcome, including geographic restrictions, slow speeds, and poor security on public wifi. To make your life easier, we evaluated each VPN to ensure it meets the criteria listed below:
- Servers in the US: Of course, to get a US IP address, you’ll need to use a VPN that offers servers in the US. It also helps if these servers are spread across multiple cities. That way, you can select a server closer to your location for faster speeds. That’s why we’ve covered only the fastest VPNs.
- Speed: The faster the speeds offered by a VPN, the easier it will be to stream and torrent. All of the VPNs recommended in this post provide fast server speeds and unlimited bandwidth. This becomes most obvious when streaming, as you’re less likely to encounter lag and buffering.
- Network size: Traveling outside the US may mean you occasionally need more than just a US IP address. Indeed, there may be websites or services from other countries that you wish to access. A VPN should, therefore, provide servers in dozens of countries around the world.
- Security: If you’re going on vacation, you may find yourself using public wifi. Unfortunately, this comes with some security risks. However, using a VPN protects your data from hackers and snoopers alike. This is done with encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and more.
- Privacy: There are a number of things a VPN can do to protect your privacy. One of the biggest is to have a no-logs policy. That’s why we’ve assessed 140 VPN logging policies to find the very best. It also helps if a VPN allows you to pay anonymously in cryptocurrency.
- Ease of use: It doesn’t hurt if a VPN provides apps that are easy to use for beginners! Indeed, the very best VPNs allow you to connect to a server with a single click. There should also be live chat, email support, and resources, including setup guides.
- Value for money: Some VPNs offer very few features yet charge a similar price to the VPNs covered in this post. We believe we’ve found fairly priced VPNs for what they offer. Better still, our discount coupons can help you save even more on the price of a subscription.
The above is just part of our full VPN testing methodology. By testing each and every aspect of a VPN for ourselves, we can develop an in-depth understanding of it. This is how we provide you with information that is not only accurate but up-to-date.
Why get an American IP address?
People might want to obtain a US IP address for several reasons. American residents traveling abroad can use it to regain access to geo-restricted media streaming services like Netflix or Hulu. Netflix restricts its catalog depending on where you’ve logged in from, so it’s a good choice if you would like to obtain the full range of movies and TV shows. That’s similar to how HBO GO and Vudu operate, so a VPN is a good tool for those as well.
Others might want to keep in touch with live sports such as Major League Baseball (MLB), the National Basketball Association (NBA), or the National Football League (NFL) by streaming ESPN.
With a US IP address, you can also access online banking and other services that block non-US users.
Some VPNs to avoid
If you’re trying to obtain a US IP address, it’s pivotal that your privacy and anonymity are always secured. The VPNs mentioned in this list don’t have a history of handing over user data, but several other unscrupulous ones exist. We think you should turn your back on them.
Here’s one such case:
HolaVPN
Israel-based Hola, a popular VPN extension for Chrome, used its sizable user base of almost 50 million for illegal purposes. The company turned this critical mass into a massive botnet in 2015, leveraging individual user bandwidth to engage in distributed denial of service attacks and distribute copyrighted material. Users were completely in the dark.
Free VPNs
Free VPNs are heavily advertised online, and some users may be tempted to sign up. However, many such services have a poor track record of impinging on users’ rights by stealing their data and selling it to third-party advertisers.
After all, even free VPNs are registered businesses. Hence, they need to make money to pay for staff salaries, server maintenance, and general office overheads. That’s why the route for monetization becomes users themselves.
Even if your data isn’t stolen, expect bandwidth throttling, weak encryption standards, and data caps. So it’s likely that you’ll be booted out if you stream Netflix for an hour or so. Tons of invasive advertisements are also common, with the real risk of contracting a malware infection. We recommend you avoid the random free VPNs on the web.
See also:
- Best VPNs for USA
- Best VPNs for US TV
Get a US proxy IP address
You might consider using a US proxy server if you’re looking for a free alternative to a VPN for an American IP. These work similarly to a VPN, routing your traffic via a server in America, but they lack the privacy and security benefits.
Not only do proxies not encrypt your web traffic, but some often collect user data to monetize their offering and keep the service free, so proceed with caution.
It’s also worth noting that the servers aren’t as robust, so you will likely encounter issues if you want to log into your US Netflix or Hulu account and stream from abroad.
If you’re interested in connecting to the US through a proxy, check out our best proxy provider list to get started.
How to use a proxy to get a US IP
On Windows:
- Go to: Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Data Collection > Preview Builds.
- Update settings with your chosen proxy details
- Apply and connect
On Mac:
- Go to: Safari > Preferences > Advanced > Change Settings.
- Update settings with your chosen proxy details
- Connect to the proxy in System Preferences
On Android:
- Go to: Settings > wifi> Your Network > Modify Network > Advanced > Manual.
- Update settings with your chosen proxy Hostname and Proxy port.
- Save and connect.
On iPhone:
- Go to: Settings > wifi> Network Information > Configure Proxy > Manual > Manual.
- Enter the proxy Hostname and Proxy port.
- Turn on Authentication
- Save and connect.
Get an American IP address with Tor
Tor is a free internet browser that encrypts users’ traffic, not once, but three times! It can also conceal your IP address in favor of a US alternative.
This may sound like a great option, but it’s important to note that Tor will not be able to handle anything that requires a fast connection, such as video streaming, gaming, or VoIP. There’s also a high technical barrier to entry, so it’s not for the faint-hearted.
But, if you are looking to access news sites from back home, you aren’t put off by technical things, and don’t mind a slow connection, Tor could offer a free alternative solution.
For more information and to get started, check out our guide to using Tor country codes.
Use an American DNS server
Nearly as important as your public IP address is the server your device uses to look up the IP addresses of different web pages and other online content. DNS, or Domain Name System, works sort of like a phone book in which names (domains) are matched with phone numbers (IP addresses). When attempting to access geo-locked content, many websites check not only where you’re calling from but also where the phone book is located.
Even when you have an American IP address, if a DNS request is sent to a server outside of the US to look up a public IP address, the website or app can see this and still block you. Therefore, your DNS server must be in the same country as your IP address. In this case, you need a DNS server inside the US.
All of the VPNs in the above list have apps that take care of this for you. When you connect to the VPN server, your DNS requests are sent through the encrypted tunnel. Good VPNs, like the ones we recommend, operate their own private DNS servers, so your DNS requests cannot be used to track which websites you visit by your Internet Service Provider or another DNS server provider. You might need to toggle this option in your VPN app’s settings.
Some mediocre VPNs will send your DNS requests through the tunnel but then use a public DNS service like Google DNS on the other side. This will let you use DNS servers in the US, but Google would be able to record which websites you visit and when which is not ideal for privacy. Other VPNs fail to tunnel DNS requests altogether.
If your VPN provider doesn’t tunnel DNS traffic for you, you can manually configure DNS servers on most devices. We recommend a service like OpenNIC, which offers free DNS servers in specific countries, including the US. The exact process for changing DNS servers varies between devices, but you can usually add primary and secondary DNS servers somewhere in your network configuration settings.
Windows 10 users, in particular, should be aware that their operating system often sends such requests in tandem, one over the IPv4 protocol and one over IPv6. Windows uses whichever comes back faster. However, IPv6 requests are often sent outside the VPN tunnel. If your VPN doesn’t offer IPv6 leak protection, you may need to disable IPv6 altogether in your wifi settings.
How to get an American IP Address FAQ
What is a US IP address?
An IP address is like a unique online address for every device that connects to the internet. It helps send and receive information accurately, much like a postal address does for mail. Simply put, a US IP address is an IP address that originates from the United States of America. So, by connecting to the net through a server located in the US, you will appear to be in the United States.
Can I get an IP address from a specific US city?
Many VPNs allow you to choose not just the country that your chosen city is in but also the city. This makes sense: the US is a huge country, so there could be a significant difference in speeds between servers on the East and West coasts. Most providers offer servers in New York, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, at the very least.
Is getting an IP address from US legal?
Of course — there’s no legal requirement to use the IP address that your Internet Service Provider gives you. That said, you could run into problems if you use a VPN with the intent of committing crimes online. As long as you’re not planning on downloading copyrighted content, harassing anyone, or accessing illegal material, you should be fine.
Can an American proxy hide my IP address?
An American proxy server will hide your IP address, but they don’t really hold up to VPNs regarding security or privacy. For instance, even if your proxy server is encrypted, it’ll only secure your browser’s traffic. In contrast, a VPN will protect data from any app on your device.
Additionally, when you use a reputable VPN provider, you know exactly what personal information is recorded and who has access to it. However, proxy servers, particularly free ones, have no guarantees.
Can I access online banking in America with these VPNs?
Although VPNs primarily enhance your digital privacy, many banks still don’t allow you to access their online banking services while connected. The main reason for this is to help prevent fraud (for instance, by recording foreign login attempts). Unfortunately, if you’re traveling, this means that you may be forced to access your online banking service over a public wifi connection, which is notoriously insecure.
Here’s the thing: it’s just not possible to detect every VPN. The Chinese government has been trying for years and still hasn’t succeeded, so banks don’t stand a chance. Even if a service is blocked, most major providers will find a workaround in days (or sometimes hours), making it a constant game of cat and mouse. In other words, if your current VPN doesn’t work with your bank, you can try a different one.
How do I determine the physical location of an IP address in the US?
You can’t determine the exact physical location of an IP address. Tracking an IP address will only show the approximate server location. Regardless, by using a VPN to get an IP address in the US, you can hide your IP address and have improved privacy protection. Internet traffic is encrypted while you also share the same US IP address as other users on the same server. All user activity is mixed up as a result, allowing you to browse anonymously.
Will an IP address from the US hide my internet activity from my ISP?
ISPs in the US can see what you’re doing online. This includes the websites you visit and how long you spend on them. You can hide your internet activity from your ISP by using a VPN. This encrypts your internet traffic so your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online. Furthermore, any reputable VPN should have a strict no-logs policy. This means that even if data were requested, there shouldn’t be anything to share.
Can I use a US IP address to watch American Netflix?
Yes. Anybody traveling or on vacation outside the US can regain access to the US Netflix catalog by connecting to an IP address in America. However, it is important to remember that very few VPNs nowadays work to access Netflix from abroad. This means that you must pick a VPN service carefully.
Netflix works hard to block VPNs to prevent consumers from being able to access foreign catalogs. It does this to comply with its licensing agreements with copyright holders and content producers. The good news is that some market-leading services still know how to stay one step ahead of the Netflix VPN blocks.
Do I need a static US IP address?
A static IP, or dedicated IP address, can be useful if you want to appear to be accessing a service from the same IP each time. This is useful if you play on poker sites, for example, that do not permit VPN use. By connecting with a static IP, you appear to be a regular subscriber who is connecting from a regular home IP.
Most VPNs provide shared, dynamic IPs that change over time, making it hard to get a static IP address. Most VPNs have multiple IPs in each location where they have a server. When you connect to a particular server location, they randomly assign you an IP to help combat server congestion. This ensures that each IP is not overloaded to improve user speeds.
As a result, users requiring the same IP address must find a VPN that provides a dedicated IP each time. A dedicated IP is an IP address rented by a VPN subscriber for their use only. This is a disadvantage for privacy because it makes it easier to trace VPN use back to the individual who paid for the dedicated IP.
The advantage of a dedicated IP is that the IP address will remain the same each time you use it. This allows you to host game servers, websites, and other resources via that personal IP address. It also means that you can host publicly accessible resources without revealing your real IP address. To find out more about dedicated static IPs and changing your IP address, check out our guides.
Will changing to a US IP address slow my internet connection?
Changing to a US IP address can slow your internet connection if you use a slow VPN. However, the fastest VPNs may not have a negative impact on your connection, even though internet traffic is routed to their server before going to the website or service in question. In fact, some VPNs may actually improve your internet connection, particularly if you’re suffering bandwidth throttling from your ISP. That’s because the best VPNs for getting a US IP address provide unlimited bandwidth.
How can I check what my IP address is?
Check your IP address is straightforward by visiting a website that displays IP addresses, such as WhatIsMyIP.com. To find your IP address, look for the section of the page that says “Your IP Address is.” You’ll find your IP address listed next to this heading.
What type of content can I unblock with a US IP address?
With a US IP address, you can unblock streaming services like Netflix and Hulu and US-specific content on YouTube, ABC Network, CBS All Access, and many other websites. You’ll also be able to access all the great US-only apps in the App Store or Google Play Store. In addition, by having a US IP address, you won’t have to worry about being blocked from accessing your favorite American content. Plus, if you’re traveling outside the country and want to access American geo-restricted content, using a VPN with a US IP address is a great way to do it.
A VPN connection will encrypt your internet traffic and assign you an American IP address so that websites think you’re accessing them from the US. This way, you can access all your favorite American websites, content, and apps while traveling abroad. So if you’re interested in unblocking American-only content with a US IP address, a VPN is an ideal solution.
Can I get a US IP without a VPN?
Yes, changing your IP address and getting a US IP address by connecting to a proxy server is possible. However, there is one main difference between a proxy and a VPN. In particular, only a VPN encrypts all of your internet traffic from your browser to your apps. While some proxies use encryption, this will only secure browser traffic. So if you want to improve your online security and get a US IP address, a VPN is your best bet.
Can you change to a US IP address on a mobile phone?
Yes, it is possible to change your mobile phone’s IP address to a US one by using a VPN. This encrypted connection allows you to appear as if you’re located somewhere else.
By connecting via a VPN from anywhere in the world and choosing an IP address based in America, all web traffic originates from inside US borders, regardless of which country or region users are physically present in when using their mobile phones.
How do I stop my US IP address from leaking?
To stop your US IP address from leaking, you can follow these steps:
- Use a VPN with built-in IP leak protection: Choose a reliable VPN service that offers IP leak protection, such as or NordVPN.
- Disable IPv6 manually on your system: Disabling IPv6 can help prevent IP leaks. You can find instructions on how to disable IPv6 here.
- Test your VPN for leaks: Regularly test your VPN for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks using websites like ipleak.net or dnsleaktest.com. If your VPN leaks, consider switching to a more reliable VPN service.
- Disable WebRTC in your browser: WebRTC can cause IP leaks, so disabling it in your browser settings or installing a WebRTC block plugin can help prevent leaks.
Following these steps, you can effectively prevent your US IP address from leaking and maintain your online privacy and security.
If I change my search region settings on my computer, will that give me a US IP address?
Changing your search region settings on your computer will not give you a US IP address. The search region settings primarily affect the results you see when you search. Still, they have not changed your actual IP address.
Changing your search region settings might make some websites think you’re in the US, but your actual IP address will still show your real location.
Can I watch American TV online with a VPN?
Yes, you can watch American TV online with a VPN from anywhere in the world. It will allow you to create a secure connection to another network over the Internet. Then, you can access region-restricted websites by masking your IP address and making it appear like you’re browsing from a different location. In this case, you can use a VPN to appear as though you’re browsing from the United States, giving you access to American TV online. This is great for streaming services.