Best USA VPN in 2021

If you want to break free from the shackles of complicated international streaming rights and watch your favourite content no matter where you are, then you’re in the right place.

The best VPN (Virtual Private Network) services will unlock the internet while maintaining your privacy at the same time, without throttling speed down to unusable levels. From Netflix, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube and more, the world of online content is your oyster.

While the legality of using VPN services to bypass some restrictions can potentially put you at risk, we’re not here to condone anything. If you want to unblock BBC iPlayer in the states and catch up with the latest season of Bake Off, then that’s up to you – although UK residents travelling abroad who’ve already paid for their TV license can do so with a little less guilt.

In a world in which everything we do is tracked at increasingly Orwellian levels, VPN’s also offer glorious anonymity, making your online actions all but impossible to profile, spoofing your location in countries. Clever stuff.

How does a streaming VPN get me access?

A VPN works by diverting your signal through another server, often in another country, using a different IP address. Essentially, this means that you can appear to be on the other side of the world as an anonymous user, providing not only privacy, but also unlocking access to streaming content in that country.

In practical terms, this means that you can access Netflix content that’s unavailable in the US, broadening your media horizons from the comfort of your couch.

We’ve tested a bunch of VPN services and have rounded up five of the best below!

1. ExpressVPN

Best all-round VPN for speed and ease of use

Unblocks Netflix: Yes | 24/7 customer support: Yes | Money back guarantee: 30 days | Also unlocks: Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu | Streaming devices: Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox | Maximum devices supported: 5

Pros

• Unblocks lots of streaming services consistently
• Fast connections for quality streaming
• Superb customer support

Cons

• Pricey

ExpressVPN is our top pick for the best US VPN. It’s fast, secure, and a cinch to setup and use, ticking all of the key boxes.

With servers spread across 160 locations and 94 countries (including the US), it provides some of the fastest speeds around, unlocking the visual delights of BBC iPlayer and countless more streaming services within the states. That extra speed also comes in particularly handy for streaming 4K content too – something movie buffs will be pleased to hear.

If you do run into any issues then 24/7 live-chat support is just a click away, while enterprise-grade encryption ensures that all of your online activities are hidden and secure. With support for up to five devices, it should meet the needs of all but the heaviest of users, so friends and family can get involved too.

It may not be the cheapest VPN on offer, but you really do get what you pay for.

2. Surfshark

Quality streaming that won’t hit your wallet

Unblocks Netflix: Yes | 24/7 customer support: Yes | Money back guarantee: 30 days | Also unlocks: BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu | Streaming devices: Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited

Pros

• Affordable
• Very fast
• Reliable streaming unblocking

Cons

• Fewer servers than some

Don’t let the beach bar moniker put you off – Surfshark is a solid choice for anyone looking to dip their toes in the VPN surf.

While it hasn’t been around as long as some of the other contenders on this list, Surfshark’s service has won us over with its solid service and cheaper price – a two-year subscription will set you back around $60, or just over two bucks a month.

For your cash, you’re able to use SurfShark’s service on unlimited devices, including Windows, iOS, Mac, Android and even Linux, with fast speeds for a quality streaming experience to boot.

Throw in solid encryption for increased anonymity, and it’s impossible not to recommend Surfshark as one of our top VPN choices.

3. Hotspot Shield

Best performance for US streaming unblocking

Unblocks Netflix: Yes | 24/7 customer support: Yes | Money back guarantee: 30 days | Also unlocks: Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu | Streaming devices: Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox | Maximum devices supported: 6

Pros

• Fast steaming access
• Plenty of locations
• Superb performance

Cons

• Mobile app needs work

If speed is your priority, look no further than Hotspot Shield. Winner of the world’s fastest VPN, it’s been verified to offer blazing fast speeds, making it an ideal choice for power users, gamers, and bing-watchers alike.

Unlimited HD and data streaming means you won’t have to pace your activities, while built-in encryption, malware, phishing and identity theft protection, coupled with free access to 1Password’s password management app, are extra features that sweeten the $7.99 per month deal.

While it only supports up to five devices per subscription, there is 24/7 live chat support on offer, along with free access to Robo Shield – a spam call blocker.

4. IPVanish

Superb all-rounder for US access

Unblocks Netflix: Yes | 24/7 customer support: Yes | Money back guarantee: 30 days | Also unlocks: Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu | Streaming devices: Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox | Maximum devices supported: 10

Pros

• Multi device support
• Fast live chat help
• Streaming unblocking consistently in the US

Cons

• No BBC iPlayer

IPVanish is our top choice for all-round performance, blending speed, security and consistency together, into one feature-packed privacy cocktail.

A total of more than 40,000 IP addresses spread across 75 countries offers substantial anonymity, while the added bonus of offering P2P torrent support is a definite selling point for file sharers.

There’s no device limit either, so you can stream and download to your heart’s content across all of your devices, including Amazon’s Fire TV. Advanced users can also install the service on their routers, offering blanket protection across all of their connected devices at home.

With excellent speeds, 24/7 support and a 30-day trial, IPVanish is a solid choice if you want to make your IP, well, vanish.

5. NordVPN

Best performance for streaming unblocking

Unblocks Netflix: Yes | 24/7 customer support: Yes | Money back guarantee: 30 days | Also unlocks: Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Hulu | Streaming devices: Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox | Maximum devices supported: 6

Pros

• Fast steaming access
• Plenty of locations
• Superb performance

Cons

• Mobile app needs work

You’ve probably seen tons of NordVPN ads scattered around YouTube, but that doesn’t mean you should automatically dismiss it like one of those godawful Raid: Shadow Legend ads – it’s actually one of the best US VPN services currently available, not to mention one of the most private.

Doubling its encryption with a 2,048-bit setup (not to mention two kill switches in addition to DNS leak protection), it’s the best choice for those that want the most private VPN experience around. You can even opt to pay for its service anonymously using Bitcoin, which is an extra clandestine bonus.

With excellent speeds, live chat support and a slick software experience across multiple devices, you can keep your privacy secure on the go too – not to mention a 30-day money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied with the service on offer.