7 Best VPN for Online Privacy in the United States

In today’s digital landscape, maintaining online privacy and security has become more challenging than ever. 

With increasing threats from hackers, ISPs monitoring online activity, and government surveillance, many users in the United States are turning to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to safeguard their digital presence. 

A VPN encrypts your internet connection, hides your IP address, and ensures that your online activities remain anonymous.

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the top 7 VPN for online privacy in the United States. We’ll dive deep into each VPN’s features, server locations, privacy policies, pricing, and ideal use cases to help you make an informed decision.

7 Best VPN for Online Privacy in the United States

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is widely recognized for its top-tier encryption, fast speeds, and robust privacy policies. With more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries, it provides a reliable and high-speed experience, making it perfect for users who value security without sacrificing performance.

• Military-Grade Encryption: ExpressVPN uses AES-256 encryption, which is currently one of the most secure encryption protocols used by governments and financial institutions worldwide. This ensures your data remains safe from hackers and other third parties.
• Strict No-Logs Policy: Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN operates under a no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t store any data related to your online activities.
• Split Tunneling: This feature allows users to choose which apps or websites use the VPN and which connect directly to the internet. This is especially useful for tasks like online banking, where users may want to connect directly.
• Network Lock (Kill Switch): If the VPN connection drops unexpectedly, ExpressVPN’s kill switch automatically blocks internet traffic, ensuring your data isn’t accidentally exposed.

Pricing

• Monthly Plan: $12.95 per month
• 6-Month Plan: $9.99 per month
• 12-Month Plan: $8.32 per month (includes 3 additional months free)

Best For: Users who prioritize security, fast speeds, and seamless streaming access. ExpressVPN is ideal for those looking for reliable privacy features and high-end encryption.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN is a well-known VPN that provides some of the most advanced security features available. With over 5,400 servers in 60 countries, NordVPN ensures fast connections and strong privacy protections, making it an excellent choice for users who need secure browsing in the United States.

• Double VPN Encryption: For users who want extra security, NordVPN offers a Double VPN feature that routes your traffic through two separate servers, adding an extra layer of encryption.
• CyberSec Feature: This built-in feature automatically blocks ads, malware, and phishing attempts, offering a more secure browsing experience.
• No-Log Policy: Based in Panama, which has no data retention laws, NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy to ensure that your online activities are never stored or monitored.
• Dedicated IP Option: NordVPN offers the option of a dedicated IP address, which is useful for accessing secured networks and avoiding CAPTCHA prompts.

Pricing

• Monthly Plan: $11.99 per month
• 1-Year Plan: $4.92 per month
• 2-Year Plan: $3.71 per month

Best For: Security-focused users who want advanced features like Double VPN, dedicated IPs, and ad-blocking. NordVPN is a top choice for those concerned about privacy and data security.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN that stands out for its unlimited device connections, making it ideal for families or users with multiple devices. Despite its affordable pricing, Surfshark doesn’t compromise on security, providing a range of privacy-focused features.

• Unlimited Devices: Surfshark allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, which is rare among VPNs and perfect for large households.
• Camouflage Mode: This feature conceals your VPN activity from your ISP, making it appear as if you’re not using a VPN.
• MultiHop (Double VPN): Surfshark’s MultiHop feature routes your traffic through multiple servers for added anonymity.
• Whitelister: Similar to split tunneling, this feature allows specific apps or websites to bypass the VPN, which can be useful for accessing local services while connected to the VPN.

Pricing

• Monthly Plan: $12.95 per month
• 1-Year Plan: $3.99 per month
• 2-Year Plan: $2.49 per month

Best For: Users looking for an affordable, feature-rich VPN with unlimited device support. Surfshark is ideal for families and users who need to secure multiple devices on a budget.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN that provides specialized servers for specific activities like streaming and torrenting, making it an excellent option for beginners. With a large server network and a strict no-log policy, CyberGhost offers reliable privacy.

• Optimized Servers for Streaming and Torrenting: CyberGhost has dedicated servers for streaming and torrenting, ensuring fast and uninterrupted connections.
• Wi-Fi Protection: Automatically protects your connection when connected to public Wi-Fi, which is a common hotspot for hackers.
• Data Compression: Reduces data usage for mobile users, making CyberGhost ideal for users on limited data plans.
• Transparency Reports: CyberGhost regularly publishes transparency reports to show how it handles data requests, reinforcing its commitment to user privacy.

Pricing

• Monthly Plan: $12.99 per month
• 1-Year Plan: $4.29 per month
• 2-Year Plan: $3.25 per month

Best For: Beginners who want a user-friendly VPN with optimized servers for streaming and torrenting. CyberGhost’s dedicated servers make it easy to access restricted content with minimal hassle.

5. IPVanish

IPVanish is known for its high-speed servers, strong encryption, and focus on privacy. It’s an excellent choice for users who want fast connections without compromising security, especially for streaming or gaming.

• Unlimited Bandwidth: IPVanish doesn’t impose bandwidth limits, allowing you to stream, game, and browse without throttling.
• Automatic IP Cycling: This feature periodically changes your IP address to make tracking more difficult.
• 256-Bit AES Encryption: Ensures your data is protected with the highest level of encryption available.
• SOCKS5 Proxy: Ideal for users who want to bypass geographical restrictions for specific applications without encrypting all their traffic.

Pricing

• Monthly Plan: $10.99 per month
• 1-Year Plan: $3.99 per month

Best For: Privacy-conscious users who prioritize high-speed, encrypted connections. IPVanish is suitable for users who frequently stream or game and need reliable speeds.

6. Private Internet Access (PIA)

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a reliable VPN known for its large server network and affordable pricing. PIA’s customizable encryption options make it ideal for users who want control over their security settings.

• Customizable Encryption: Users can choose between 128-bit and 256-bit encryption, offering a balance between speed and security.
• P2P Support: PIA supports P2P file sharing, making it a good choice for users who torrent frequently.
• Multiple Protocols: Supports OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, allowing users to select the most suitable option for their needs.
• MACE Ad Blocker: Blocks ads, trackers, and malware, enhancing online privacy and security.

Pricing

• Monthly Plan: $9.95 per month
• 1-Year Plan: $3.33 per month
• 2-Year Plan: $2.19 per month

Best For: U.S.-based users looking for secure, affordable browsing with customizable settings. PIA is great for privacy-focused users who value control over encryption levels.

7. ProtonVPN

The team behind ProtonMail, a secure email service, created ProtonVPN. With a strict no-log policy, high-end encryption, and its base in Switzerland, ProtonVPN offers exceptional privacy protections.

• Secure Core: Routes your traffic through multiple secure servers before reaching its destination, adding an extra layer of security.
• Unlimited Bandwidth: ProtonVPN offers unlimited bandwidth on all plans, even the free plan.
• Strong Privacy Laws: Being based in Switzerland means ProtonVPN is not subject to U.S. or EU data retention laws.
• Free Tier: Provides a limited free plan, allowing users to test the service with no commitment.

Pricing

• Monthly Plan: $10 per month
• 1-Year Plan: $5 per month
• 2-Year Plan: $4 per month

Best For: Privacy-focused users who want a VPN with strong security features and a reliable free plan.

Conclusion

Each of these VPNs provides unique features tailored to different privacy needs. 

Whether you’re looking for advanced encryption, high speeds for streaming, or budget-friendly options, there’s a VPN here that can suit your requirements for online privacy in the United States.

These VPNs not only secure your online presence but also enable you to access restricted content, making them versatile tools for a wide range of users.