The 4 Best VPN for the USA (2023 Update)

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How we test the best VPN for the USA

We examined 30 VPN services on various operating systems, including free and paid ones. Those providers run on Windows 11 and 10, macOS, iOS, and Android, and we ran them through the following tests.

> Test 1: Logging policy

What is a logging policy?

Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) routes all your web traffic through their server. The same goes for your VPN since they function alike – in other words, they are like your private network server. However, a VPN being a private network doesn’t necessarily mean that your privacy is completely guaranteed. Many VPN providers’ logging policies don’t explicitly state that they do not use your data.

A VPN has access and can track your activity on the web, what you do online and which websites you visit. Based on your public IP address, it can figure out where you live, on a zip code or neighborhood level.

Data tracking is a characteristic trait of many free VPNs, such as Hola VPN. When you use a free VPN service, they can track your browsing history and how you engage with the websites. Those VPN services are free since they earn money differently – by selling your data to advertisers.

Practices like these exemplify the saying, “If the product is free, you are the product.”

Sadly, our research has shown that nearly 30% of all VPN services keep your base IP address, and a daunting 5% surveil your surfing habits.

These numbers indicate why you should check VPN providers’ logging policies to ensure they do not track your activity. Many of those policies are intentionally written using complex language, and a focused and careful read is a must.

What do we test for?

We take each VPN provider’s logging policy and examine their data type. Providers sometimes use certain types of data to enhance their services, but those aren’t personal.

Aggregated bandwidth or server load data have nothing to do with your personal information, so those are allowed. However, tracking data like browsing activity, even when deleted after a VPN session, is not. The same goes for your IP address, as it uncovers information about your geo-location and your ISP provider.

> Test 2: Ownership

What do we mean by ownership?

Even high-profile VPN companies such as Avast or Kaspersky belong to corporate holding structures. This hierarchy means that a more prominent company owns them and has insight into your VPN-routed data. Parent companies can be registered in regions different than the VPN provider, meaning they have unique Data Retention Laws.

When you choose a VPN provider, be sure to know who owns it. Different countries can have unique Data Retention Laws, affecting your VPN user experience. There aren’t many owner companies, as most VPN services fall into the few big corporations’ clusters.

• Kape Technologies: From the United Kingdom. Owner of ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost VPN, and ZenMate.
• Ziff Davis: From the United States. A parent company to IPVanish, StrongVPN, SaferVPN, Buffered VPN, Perimeter 81, Encrypt.me, and more.
• Aura (also known as Pango): Registered in the United States. A VPN technology provider to many services such as Bitdefender, Panda, Kaspersky, and more. It also clusters Hotspot Shield, JustVPN, and TouchVPN.
• CyberSpace: From the Netherlands. Owner of NordVPN, Atlas VPN, and Surfshark.
• Gaditek: A Pakistani corporation. Owner of PureVPN, Unblock VPN, and Ivacy VPN.

What do we test for?

We examine the parent company of your chosen VPN provider. Tests we run on those companies include checking where they’ve registered and the data retention laws of that region.

Another important thing we investigate is whether the company has encountered any scandals in its history. Our research so far has brought up some interesting information about well-known companies:

• Until 2018, Kape technologies’ name was Crossrider, and they were known for developing platforms for browser extensions. Up until 2018, misconduct regarding ad injections and malware creation hurt the company’s credibility, leading to a name change.
• IPVanish was embroiled in a logging scandal, and a privacy policy violation affair in 2016 wherein a user’s private log was handed over to Homeland Security. IPVanish has claimed to have a “strict zero-logs policy” for years, which contradicts this case of providing personal data to authorities. IPVanish subsequently changed owners multiple times.

> Test 3: Independent audit

What is an independent audit?

VPN providers market by making strong claims about the features they offer. They often use terms like “Zero-Log Policy and “Military-Grade Encryption,” making them sound invincible. However, those claims often turn out to be simple buzz marketing.

Companies often hire independent auditors to inspect those claims and determine whether they’re legit. Auditors can examine specific parts of the company infrastructure, like privacy policies. Operative elements, such as servers, can also be subject to auditors’ analysis. Some well-known examples are:

• PricewaterhouseCooper (PwC) audited ExpressVPN in 2019, examining ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology, as it supposedly erased data on each server reboot.
• NordVPN’s 2020 audit conducted by PwC tested the server infrastructure and examined technical logs and configuration. The audit included NordVPN employee interviews.
• Cure53 audited Surfshark in 2021, where they examined Surfshark’s server for glitches.
• In 2023 Deloitte audited Private Internet Access (PIA) and tested their server environment referring to PIA’s privacy policy.

What do we test for?

Every VPN provider should have undergone an audit at least once, and we inspect if it’s so. Additionally, we check the subjects and the audit results to see if it uncovers any considerable flaws.

> Test 4: Available VPN protocols

What is a VPN protocol?

Simply put, a VPN protocol is a key for deciphering communication between the VPN server and the app. Various protocols affect the VPN experience differently, including connection speed and security features.

The protocol is the “language” of the VPN, and it defines the following aspects:

• How the server and the app recognize each other
• The entrance key for the app to log in to the server
• Data transfer rules
• Encryption and decryption configurations, etc.

There are currently many protocols on the digital market, and each one offers different features. However, most VPN providers usually use the verified ones from the following list:

• OpenVPN: Open–source and very customizable, OpenVPN provides fast download speeds. It’s the most common and versatile VPN protocol on the list. Moreover, it offers well-balanced benefits, along with working on most operating systems.
• WireGuard: This protocol is a boosted combination of OpenVPN and IPsec, belonging to the next generation of VPN protocols. It’s open source, with considerably fewer code lines, and offers admirable download speeds compared to its precedents.
• IKEv2: Its main pro is strong security. Designed by Cisco and Microsoft, it was initially meant to be fast. However, our test indicates it’s much slower than OpenVPN and WireGuard.
• L2TP/IPSec: A simple, old-school protocol with lower download speeds.
• PPTP: The oldest VPN protocol on this list. It’s common but is known for many shortcomings.

All of the previously mentioned protocols have pros and cons, one at the expense of another. The most common protocol is OpenVPN, often the default choice. Nonetheless, VPN providers may also offer WireGuard or IKEv2 as substitutes. An additional pro is if the VPN provider has designed their original protocols.

We recommend the following:

• NordVPN’s NordLynx, inspired by WireGuard.
• Lightway, made by ExpressVPN. It’s the only original protocol with an open-source code on the list.
• Hotspot Shield’s Catapult Hydra is also fully authentic.

What do we test for?

Our protocol tests examine which ones each VPN providers use. After determining the type of VPN protocol, we check whether they function well on all operating systems or if the protocols work only on particular devices or systems.

> Test 5: Supported encryption standard

What is an encryption standard?

An encryption standard defines the encryption and decryption parameters. It determines how to decipher data with one encryption key that goes both ways.

The first encryption standard was released in 1977, named the Data Encryption Standard (DES), and was the first ever symmetric key algorithm.

The Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) replaced it in 2002 as a variation of the Rijndael block cipher. AES’ enhanced key uses a block size of 128 bits and a key size that spans from 128 to 192, up to 256 bits.

The golden standard of VPN protocols is using AES-128 with an alternative of 256 in GCM or CBC variation. We suggest choosing VPNs that use GCM since it’s considerably faster and more secure. Moreover, it enables writing in parallel, which is a benefit for throughput boosting, and encrypts each block for itself.

What do we test for?

We ensure that the base encryption standard for the VPN network is set to AES-128 (GCM), as this is the preferred option. Additionally, we check which alternatives the provider offers. The preferred choice, in our opinion, should be AES-256.

> Test 6: Basic security features

What are basic security features?

A well-rounded VPN service should offer the following security options:

• AES-256 encryption is regarded as the top-notch security standard, as it works with the latest digital technology. These features make it virtually impossible to hack using brute-force methods.
• OpenVPN and WireGuard are currently the most verified open-source VPN protocols. While OpenVPN is the traditional standard, WireGuard is the current chart-topper of VPN protocols.
• Split tunneling allows chosen programs to avoid the VPN tunnel and connect directly to the network.
• Kill switch is a security feature that automatically blocks the network bond if the VPN fails to encrypt the data transfer.

What do we test for?

We check if the VPN provider includes these features and delivers them as claimed.

> Test 7: Advanced security features

What are advanced security features?

A well-rounded VPN should ideally provide more advanced security features for protecting privacy:

• Ad trackers and malicious website blockers: A technology used for protecting the connection from tracking cookies, malicious URLs, and ads. These features are mandatory for keeping safe from dangerous activities such as phishing.
• Dedicated IP address: Your VPN provider generates a unique IP address allowing you to access blocked servers requiring authorized IPs. It also helps you avoid blacklists and captchas.
• Double VPN: A method which uses two VPN servers to double the encryption. Your internet traffic routes through a pair of VPN servers instead of a single, which makes your IP address safer and increases privacy.
• Obfuscated servers: A technology that hides the fact you’re using a VPN. Countries such as China and UAE often block VPN usage so these servers allow you to access geo-specific content.
• Override GPS location: Blocks GPS-based apps like Google Maps from locating you using GPS spoofing. This feature covers your actual location with that of the VPN’s server.
• RAM-only servers: VPN servers based on RAM hard drivers allow the server to wipe itself anytime it restarts. This is a useful feature in case the server is confiscated, since there will be no data on it.

What do we test for?

We inspect if the VPN provider offers these features and if they’re fully functional.

> Test 8: IP leak

What is an IP leak?

VPN’s core function is to cover and replace your local IP address with a VPN server-based one because a public IP address is an easy target for eavesdropping. If it leaks, it can lead to exposure to privacy threats. Those include pinpointing your location or indicating who you are based on your browsing history.

Let’s explain this from the very beginning.

Every device that enables an internet connection has a public and a private IP address. Devices use the private IP when connecting to a local network and the public one when linking to a public network.

Your internet service provider (ISP) assigns you the public IP, and all your devices use the same address to access the web. In most cases, your public IP is an IPv4 address, alternatively replaced with an IPv6 one.

Accessing the internet via VPN has many benefits that ensure total privacy online, including:

• Hiding your IP status from your ISP. They will know you are online using a VPN. However, they won’t have insight into the web locations you visit.
• Websites and apps only see the VPN-provided IP and not your private one. That way, you can anonymously surf the web.

An IP leak occurs when the VPN provider exposes your originating IP instead of the server’s IP.

What do we test for?

We run an IP address check while connected to a VPN service. If our base IP is visible, there’s an IP leak.

> Test 9: DNS leak

What is a DNS leak?

DNS, short for Domain Name System, is a digital naming system that transcribes word-based domain names into IP locations. For example, if you type SoftwareLab.org into your browser’s search bar, the DNS will transcript the query into 165.227.148.211 and take you to the website.

Commonly known as the “phonebook of the internet,” DNS servers are operated by internet service providers. Hence, they have insight into everything you have engaged with on the web. A DNS server is needed to route you wherever you go on the internet.

The demand for VPN servers is high for those that own their original DNS servers. However, DNS leaks may happen when the VPN’s DNS sends your queries through the ISP’s server tunnel instead of the VPN’s. Failures occur if you opt for a VPN service without an original DNS server. Besides this, it is often a manual failure when misconfiguring your VPN settings.

What do we test for?

Our team checks if the VPN provider owns authentic DNS servers. We do a DNS server check-up while connected to the VPN server and inspect if there is a DNS issue.

> Test 10: WebRTC leak

What is a WebRTC leak?

Streaming media in real-time on modern browsers is possible thanks to WebRTC systems. WebRTC stands for Web Real-Time Communication. Its purpose is to create a unique communication channel for instantaneously delivering video and audio feeds.

As it requires a data transfer that goes both ways, WebRTC also acquires your local and public IP address. It’s a default functionality of this feature, and it cannot be restricted easily. Despite that, there are some practical ways to avoid WebRTC demands, and VPN is one of them.

A VPN, while WebRTC is enabled, will let the browser continue the connections. However, you will keep your privacy as the VPN sends the server-generated IP instead of yours.

What do we test for?

Our team conducts a WebRTC check on a chosen VPN provider. If there’s an indication that our IP address is visible, we diagnose a WebRTC leak.

> Test 11: Download speed via OpenVPN

What is OpenVPN?

OpenVPN is one of the classics when it comes to open-source VPN protocols. Almost all top-notch VPN providers use this protocol, as it allows examining and altering its source code. This feature has contributed to consistent improvements in the protocol since 2001 when it was released.

OpenVPN is very secure, making it one of the most well-regarded protocols among providers. It offers stable connection speeds with reliable security features and spans multiple operating systems. Although it’s still the top choice among the most prominent VPN providers, WireGuard is slowly replacing OpenVPN for faster download speeds.

Despite that, OpenVPN offers two variations of the protocol:

• OpenVPN UDP (User Datagram Protocol): Provides the fastest download speed and is often a base option for many VPNs.
• OpenVPN TCP (Transmission Control Protocol): A slower option with better control over data transmission.

What do we test for?

The speed of each VPN service we test is put through the speed test. We set the default protocol to OpenVPN and the speed to 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps) to inspect the service’s upper-speed limit.

> Test 12: Supported speed via WireGuard

What is WireGuard?

With noticeably fewer lines of code (4,000), WireGuard is a leaner and faster counterpart to popular open-source protocols like OpenVPN and IPsec. The simplicity of WireGuard’s code makes it much easier for security audits and debugging compared to the latter, which has almost 500,000 lines of code. Our tests found that WireGuard was nearly 60% faster than OpenVPN, making it one of the best overall VPN protocols.

WireGuard now works on all of the main operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS, despite the fact that it was originally created for the Linux kernel.

What do we test for?

We check the download speed of the VPN service for the WireGuard protocol. Moreover, we want to push the VPN to its maximum speed by setting the internet connection to 1 Gbps (1,000 Mbps).

> Test 13: (Virtual) VPN servers and locations

What are (virtual) VPN servers?

Virtual VPN servers are standard in countries that do not have server infrastructure. They provide a local IP address; however, that IP only exists virtually. The actual location of this VPN server resides in the country where the VPN provider is registered.

For example, you will receive an IP address based in Andorra while the actual server is in Spain.

Most VPN servers are physical, and some have actual VPN hardware. NordVPN and Surfshark are RAM-only, for instance, and are intentionally meant to host VPN servers. Their servers are physically located in the country where the provider is registered. Users then receive a local IP address synchronized with the actual location of the server.

VPN providers offer their services even in countries that do not have original server parks. For that reason, they introduce virtual VPN servers. Many providers with extensive networks span roughly 60 countries. If there are more, those are commonly virtual servers.

What do we test for?

Our team inspects how many servers and countries a VPN provider covers. We note whether those servers are physical or virtual and if you can choose them on a city or a country level.

> Test 14: Streaming compatibility

What is compatibility with a streaming service?

Streaming services, especially the most prominent ones, often restrict their shows and movies to specific countries. This issue is especially characteristic of Netflix, which enables watching particular shows only in the United States but nowhere else. You can bypass these virtual borders with a VPN, which will cover your local IP address and replace it with a U.S.-based server.

However, the problem is that Netflix knows you are using a VPN, so they will block your access. Some streaming services can be hacked this way. However, it would be best if you had a VPN provider that stays one step ahead to trick the more cunning streaming services.

What do we test for?

We check if a VPN provider offers the necessary features to help you unlock the following streaming services:

• Netflix (Australia, the UK, Japan, Brazil, Mexico, and Germany versions)
• Disney Plus
• Amazon Prim
• HBO
• Hulu
• BBC iPlayer (US)

> Test 15: Torrenting compatibility

What is compatibility with a torrent network?

Torrenting is rooted in peer-to-peer sharing via torrent clients such as μTorrent or BitTorrent. Torrents do not require any centralized server or service since users download the files directly from each other.

Some torrent clients enable streaming media directly from the torrent file, like Popcorn Time. As torrenting and torrent-based streaming clients allow access to copyrighted media, many people associate torrenting with piracy. However, torrenting is not illegal by default, as it is solely a method for sharing files freely.

What do we test for?

We check if the VPN service lets you use their servers for downloading files from torrent networks. Moreover, we inspect if this is available on a single or all of their servers.

> Test 16: Annual price and price per device

What is the annual price and price per device?

Most often, VPN services offer monthly and yearly subscription fees. The single-month subscription price is always the costliest one. On the other hand, the annual contract price compared with the price-per-device is often the most money-smart option. The cost of the subscription commonly falls with the longevity of the contract.

VPN providers price their services similarly.

There are exclusions, such as ExpressVPN, known for being expensive. However, the price-per-device parameter is excellent in services like Surfshark and IPVanish, allowing you to use the service on unlimited devices. This feature means that you get the most nominal price for most devices.

What do we test for?

We present you with the most cost-effective option for your VPN service. We conduct this by calculating the best ratio of price-per-device and a yearly contract. Furthermore, we divide the price per single connection by the allowed number of simultaneously connected devices.

What VPNs for the USA have we tested?

We have tested 30 paid and free VPNs (Virtual Private Networks). Proton VPN is the best free VPN service. But if you have the money, we recommend getting a paid VPN service.

In the best case, the free version allows you to protect only one device and doesn’t offer you unlimited bandwidth / unlimited data. And in the worst case, the free VPN providers show you ads or secretly sell your browsing history to advertisers and your internet service provider.

And should you be strapped for cash, don’t opt for an expensive VPN like ExpressVPN. Instead, get a cheap VPN, like Surfshark, that allows you to install it on an unlimited number of devices and share the cost with a friend.

• Astrill VPN
• Atlas VPN
• Avast SecureLine VPN
• Betternet VPN
• Bitdefender VPN
• CactusVPN
• CyberGhost VPN
• ExpressVPN
• HideME VPN
• HMA VPN (HideMyAss VPN)
• Hola VPN
• Hotspot Shield VPN
• IPVanish VPN
• Ivacy VPN
• IVPN
• Kaspersky VPN Secure Connection
• McAfee Safe Connect VPN
• Mozilla VPN
• MullVad VPN
• NordVPN
• Norton Secure VPN
• Private Internet Access VPN
• PrivateVPN
• Proton VPN
• PureVPN
• StrongVPN
• Surfshark VPN
• Tunnelbear VPN
• VyprVPN
• Windscribe VPN

The best are: CyberGhost, NordVPN, and Surfshark.

Frequently asked questions

Languages, comparisons and Sources

Other comparisons on SoftwareLab.org:

• Best Antivirus of 2023
• Antivirus for Windows 11
• Antivirus for macOS
• Antivirus for Android
• Antivirus for iOS
• Antivirus with a VPN
• Best VPN of 2023

VPN privacy policies and independent audits:

• CyberGhost – Privacy Policy
• CyberGhost – Transparency Report
• ExpressVPN – Privacy Policy
• ExpressVPN – PWC Audit
• ExpressVPN – Lightway Audit
• ExpressVPN – Browser Extension Audit
• IPVanish – Privacy Policy
• NordVPN – Privacy Policy
• NordVPN – Privacy Policy Audit
• Surfshark – Privacy Policy
• Surfshark – Infrastructure Audit

VPN testing tools:

• BrowserLeaks – Data Leak Test
• Fast – Speed Test
• Speed Test – Speed Test
• Exodus – Privacy Audit Android

Custom VPN protocols:

• ExpressVPN – Lightway protocol
• NordVPN – NordLynx Protocol

VPN mergers and acquisitions:

• NordVPN and Surfshark merger
• Kape technologies buys CyberGhost
• Kape Technologies buys ExpressVPN
• Kape technologies buys Private Internet Access