Ever wondered how you can access geo-blocked US content from a different country?
Perhaps you are a US citizen living abroad and frustrated that you can’t access your favourite websites or watch your favourite shows?
To solve both of these problems, you need to learn how to get a US IP Address and hide your actual IP Address.
Thankfully, it’s a lot easier than you might think and in the guide, we will tell you everything you need to know, including recommending the top services and answering all your questions.
Ready to grab yourself an IP Address from the United States? Scroll down.
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To get an IP Address from the United States, use the VPN app from ExpressVPN.
Table of Contents
What is a US IP Address?
Before you learn how to get a US IP address, let’s start at the beginning.
An IP Address is a short line of code that is transmitted whenever you visit a website or do anything online. It usually details the precise country and geographic location you are logging onto the internet from and shares that information with the sites and services you are using.
If you are based in the USA, you will, by default, have a US IP Address. But if you are based in another country, your IP Address will show this too.
There are several tools that you can use to spoof your IP Address and convince websites that you are based in the USA (or just about any other country for that matter), even if you aren’t.
That is what this guide is all about.
Reasons for getting a US IP Address
Before we start talking about those tools in more detail, it’s worth considering why you might want to change your IP Address to a US-based one. There are any number of possible reasons for this, but just a few of the most common ones are:
Popular streaming sites are the go-to place for entertainment these days but content on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime video can differ from one country to another.
However, you might have to switch to a USA IP address to even access streaming services that you need. Some aren’t available outside the States.
A lot of these streaming sites are based in the US and that tends to mean they are both cheaper and offer more content in the US.
That feels unfair to users in other countries, but if you use American IP Addresses, you can often access these services to enjoy their content and save money.
If you are a US ex-pat or just into US culture, you are likely to find a lot of other US-based content is either limited or inaccessible overseas too.
But using the methods and VPN software we outline below to obtain US IP Addresses, you can open up this whole new world of content no matter where on the planet you are.
For US ex-pats especially, accessing essential services like online banking overseas can be a major problem.
But again, if you secure a US IP Address first, you should be able to access all of this content just as if you were at home.
The USA has one of the freest and most open internets in the world. Sadly in other countries, online censorship is increasingly common.
This means that your internet service provider could potentially block certain websites. Every internet service provider in the world does it, the only question is how much was blocked and how badly do you need it.
But if you switch to US IP addresses, it is possible to get around this online censorship and access all of the internet sites and content that any American citizen can access too.
By switching to a US-based IP address, you are also hiding your own IP Address and your web traffic, which is really helpful for protecting your online privacy.
IP Addresses are one of the main ways that people are monitoring online and are how websites track their users. By hiding your own IP Address, you are helping to keep yourself private online.
Choosing a US IP Address means that your online activity is hidden among that of more than 300 million people in one of the most internet-active countries on earth.
Best VPN to get a US IP Address
There are a number of different tools that you can use to secure a US IP Address and we will talk about the different options further down this article. But by far the best tool to use to get a US IP Address is a Virtual Private Network or VPN.
We will explain how to use a VPN to switch to a US IP Address below, but first, here is a rundown of the top seven VPNs to use to get a US IP Address.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is our Editor’s Pick of the best virtual private network overall right now and if you want to use a US IP Address and get private internet access, it is definitely your best choice.
This VPN service provider offers all users a huge server network spread across 160 locations and 90 different countries. This includes no fewer than 23 different locations across the USA, meaning you will never struggle to find a working US server.
In addition to this, ExpressVPN also offers robust 256-AES encryption, a great protocol selection, DNS leak protection, DNS servers, a kill switch, an independently verified no logs policy and a wide range of security and privacy features.
There are apps for almost any device too, meaning you can obtain a US IP Address at home or on the go regardless of what device you are logging in on. You can also connect five devices simultaneously too.
Throw in great customer support, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and some cost-effective prices and ExpressVPN is the perfect choice for anyone who wants to secure a US IP Address.
Our #1 Recommended VPN
30-day money back guarantee
2. NordVPN
If any VPN out there runs ExpressVPN close, it is NordVPN.
NordVPN offers over 5,100 VPN servers worldwide, of which more than 1,970 are located across no fewer than 15 different US cities. That’s a massive selection and guarantees you will find one that works perfectly for you.
NordVPN also offers strong encryption with 256-AES as standard and all the best VPN protocols, including WireGuard, which can secure private internet access.
It also offers additional security features such as a kill switch, a strict no logs policy, DNS servers, and more. They are headquartered offshore in Panama, which lets them offer great privacy protections as well and the no user logs guarantee that is independently verified as well.
You get six simultaneous connections with every subscription and user-friendly apps that are available for almost every device too. It also has unlimited bandwidth, which makes it perfect for streaming services.
Their prices are among the lowest of any premium VPN service, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee, and you get great customer service, including a 24/7 live chat service. A great low-cost option for getting a US IP Address.
3. CyberGhost VPN
If you are new to VPNs and want to find a provider with US IP addresses that is as simple to use as possible, CyberGhost VPN is a great option for you.
This VPN comes with excellent apps that include a single click connection function that will help you optimise your service for whatever you are doing online without having to manually adjust settings.
You get this without compromising other services too. CyberGhost VPNs server network consists of 7,257 servers in 91 different countries. This includes 1,199 servers across 11 different US cities meaning it’s easy to get a US IP Address.
CyberGhost’s app range is growing all the time and includes all the most popular devices. You also get seven simultaneous connections with each account.
Encryption is robust with 256-bit AES the standard setting, a good choice of protocols and a no logs policy you can depend on, plus other security features, such as the kill switch.
With great prices and a substantial 45-day money-back guarantee, CyberGhost VPN is perfect for beginners but great for absolutely everyone.
4. Surfshark VPN
Surfshark is a relatively new VPN provider that has really been making waves since it landed a few years back.
If you want a United States IP Address, Surfshark is worth considering. Despite its tender years, it already offers 3,200+ VPN servers in 65 different countries. This includes more than 600 US servers spread across 23 different cities, which is an excellent spread.
With Surfshark, you get 256-bit AES encryption, WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols among others, and a no user logs guarantee. However, they do collect a little more metadata than we would ideally like to see.
There are a range of apps that cover all the key devices and these are well designed and easy to use. Even better, you can connect unlimited devices at the same time and access pretty much all streaming services.
Prices are super-low and there is a 30-day money back guarantee on offer as well, meaning that Surfshark is a good all round, cost-effective VPN for anyone who needs to get an American IP Address.
5. VPN.ac
VPN.ac is a smaller VPN provider that comes with a smaller server network. There are just 150 servers across 20 countries but the US is still well represented and what VPN.ac can offer across all of these servers is speed.
They have one of the most consistently fast VPN services around and that also comes with super-strong encryption and a no user logs guarantee you can trust.
There are limited apps but all the major devices are catered for. You can also get up to 5 simultaneous connections with each account.
Prices are competitive and as a smaller VPN, customer service tends to be quick and it can also be adept at unblocking censored content too.
VPN.ac is a low key VPN but if you need a VPN to help you get a US-based IP Address, this one ticks all the boxes.
6. VyprVPN
VyprVPN is an established VPN with a solid network of around 700 VPN servers. This includes plenty located across seven different US cities, making it another good option for getting an American IP Address.
There is lots more going for VyprVPN too. It offers robust encryption and privacy protections, being one of the first providers to get its no user logs guarantee independently verified.
Speeds are very quick no matter which server you connect to and there are a huge range of apps available too. You even get a mammoth 30 simultaneous connections with each account too.
There are some bargain-basement prices on offer with VyprVPN too and you still get that all-important no user logs guarantee as well. You won’t go far wrong if you choose VyprVPN to get your American IP Address.
7. IPVanish
IPVanish is the only VPN on this list based in the USA and it is therefore no surprise that it comes with more than 1,200 US servers spread across 17 different US cities.
IPVanish has strong 256-bit AES encryption but it doesn’t yet offer WireGuard protocol alongside the usual roster, which is a shame. Privacy protections are sound, but being a US-based business will raise concerns for some.
You do get an excellent selection of apps if you choose IPVanish and these are both well-designed and user-friendly. You can also connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously which is a great feature.
IPVanish is reasonably priced and there is a 30-day money-back guarantee on offer another well. Another solid choice for getting an American IP Address.
How we chose the best VPNs to get a US IP Address
There are hundreds of different VPNs on the market, so we had to use quite a few different criteria to whittle this list down to the seven outlined above.
The core criteria that we used to do this were:
Firstly, we made sure that our recommended VPNs offered US VPN server locations so that you can actually access streaming sites and other services.
Then we took into account the number of US servers available, the range of different VPN server locations that were on offer, and the reliability of the VPN server network.
With a US IP address, you can then access things like YouTube TV, American streaming services such as American Netflix content, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, unblock American websites of other kinds, and even access online banking services from abroad.
VPN providers can have an adverse impact on your connection speeds, so we looked to recommend VPNs that offer the fastest possible server speed as well as the most consistent fast server speeds available too.
If you are adopting an American IP Address, you will definitely be wanting to keep your internet data private and use the internet as anonymously as possible.
But a lot of VPNs don’t live up to their promises when it comes to privacy.
This is why you need a trustworthy VPN that is also the fastest VPN and capable of unblocking video streaming services like YouTube TV, American Netflix, HBO Max, and other types of sites while keeping you safe.
All of our best VPN services have privacy policies you can trust.
A VPN is primarily an online security tool for your internet traffic, and you want to feel safe online when using one to protect your user data by getting a new IP address.
So, we have also taken into account the quality of encryption and the VPN protocols on offer that hide your internet traffic from third parties, as well as the various additional security features that are available.
VPN protects you perfectly, provided that you get the best VPNs with the best features, and the more you have, the better.
So, while a large server network is great, the best VPNs will also offer double VPN, a kill switch, a lengthy money-back guarantee, multiple locations, and more.
We know that people go online using all sorts of different devices, including Windows, Mac, Android devices, iOS devices, and more.
So we have chosen VPNs with the widest possible range of apps to ensure that you can get an American IP Address no matter what device you are using or where you are using it.
The prices of a VPN subscription can vary wildly too.
We have looked at provides that come in at a range of different price points and chosen providers that offer not just some of the cheapest premium subscriptions but also which offer the best value for money service too.
How to use a VPN to get a US IP Address
The hardest part about using a VPN to get an American IP Address is choosing the right VPN for you.
Once you have done that, getting a VPN connection up and running is a lot easier than you might think.
To help, we have compiled a simple step-by-step guide for you to follow using our number one recommendation, ExpressVPN, as an example:
- Sign up for ExpressVPN by clicking one of the links on this page and then following their simple on-screen instructions to sign up.
- Download the ExpressVPN app onto your devices. Ensure you get this from an official source like your regular app store or the ExpressVPN website.
- Install the app, open it, and log into your ExpressVPN account using the details given to you in step one.
- Click on the list of VPN server locations, scroll down to the United States of America and choose your preferred location.
- Click Connect.
Connect to the US using ExpressVPN.
All you now have to do is wait a few moments while ExpressVPN establishes a connection. Once it has, you can use the internet just as if you were in Des Moines, Oklahoma or anywhere else.
If you have any problems, just try a different server or otherwise contact ExpressVPN’s excellent customer support team. They will be more than happy to help you.
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Do you need to use a VPN service based in the US?
No. Some of our recommended VPN providers are based in the US, but most aren’t.
As long as they offer US-based servers, it doesn’t really matter where the VPN itself is headquartered. In actual fact, the best location for a VPN is an offshore location like the British Virgin Islands or Panama because these countries tend to offer the best privacy laws.
Other ways of getting a US IP Address
A Smart DNS (which stands for Domain Name Server) won’t give you a US-based IP Address. It doesn’t come with the encryption and other security benefits of a VPN but it can make you appear in the US to some services.
On the flip side, a Smart DNS service can be faster and this can make it a good choice for streaming sites as long as you aren’t worried about keeping your connection private and secure.
Some VPN services automatically use their own DNS Server, while others require you to enable the option in their app.
Tor stands for The Onion Router, and there is a special Tor browser that uses the Tor network to make access easy. It works by redirecting your data via multiple different nodes (other computers or servers) to protect your privacy and security.
It does this to great effect but will impact connection speeds a lot more and can be hard to use to get a set server location.
Quote
US Government whistleblower Edward Snowden told The Intercept, “I think Tor is the most important privacy-enhancing technology project being used today. I use Tor personally all the time.”(Source)
A proxy server allows you to route your web browsing activity through another connection. But as with Smart DNS, proxy servers don’t offer encryption of the other protections a VPN comes with.
So, while being a quick and easy solution, a proxy server has a number of drawbacks. There are also what are known as ‘transparent’ proxy servers, which don’t disguise your IP address.
It is recommended not to use a proxy server unless if you don’t have any other alternatives.
How to get an IP Address from a specific US city
Many VPNs allow you to choose not just the country that your chosen service 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 but many with cover multiple locations across the States.
Is it legal to get a US IP Address?
Yes. It is completely legal to use a VPN to get an American IP Address, apart from the handful of (mostly authoritarian) countries where VPN use is illegal.
Internet service providers have no reason to prevent you from using VPNs, even if that means that your actual IP address will remain disguised.
Be aware that some websites and services do frown upon using a VPN in this way and there might be consequences if they catch you and it is in breach of their terms and conditions.
But even if that does happen, you are absolutely not breaking any laws.
Can I use a free VPN to get a US IP Address?
You can try, but we generally don’t recommend it.
While free VPN services might well offer one or two US servers, free VPNs will not provide nearly as many as the premium services we have recommended. Free VPNs are also likely to come with service restrictions like data caps and speed limitations too.
This is even before we start to talk about the privacy and security risks of choosing a free VPN, such as the possibility of it being bundled together with malware and spyware, harvesting your online data and selling it off to the highest bidder, and sometimes not encrypting your data at all.
Free VPNs are far more trouble than they are worth and for the sake of a couple of dollars or pounds a month, which is what most of our VPNs come in at, we strongly recommend choosing a proper, paid VPN instead.
Summary
There are lots of reasons for wanting to acquire an IP Address from the States, ranging from accessing US content online, bypassing censorship, to protecting your online security and privacy.
Our top recommended VPN for the job is ExpressVPN because of its extensive coverage of the United States, ease of use and fast speeds. We also listed six other VPNs worth considering and highlighted the pros and cons of each.
You simply need to use a VPN to get a US IP Address but there are some alternative tools that can do a similar if reduced job.
Whichever VPN you choose, you will get a US IP Address as well as the reassurance that comes with a VPN’s security and privacy features.
ExpressVPN has a 49% off deal on their 12-month package, which comes with three months free. They also have their risk-free 30-day money back guarantee. However, which VPN you choose is entirely up to you.
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