Internet privacy is on life support in America. With lawmakers repealing consumer protections like net neutrality and expanding surveillance powers, your personal data has never been more vulnerable.
Based on my over 10 years of experience analyzing cybersecurity technologies, I firmly believe virtual private networks (VPNs) are essential tools every American should be using daily to take back control of their privacy.
By encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your IP address, a VPN prevents your internet service provider (ISP) and government agencies from tracking the sites you visit. It also blocks advertisers from profiling your interests based on your browsing activity. With a great VPN, you can enjoy the open internet once again without every click being monitored.
Just look at these alarming statistics about the state of privacy:
- 85% of US adults feel they have lost control over how personal information is collected and used by companies (source)
- 70% of Americans believe their personal data is less secure today compared to 5 years ago (source)
- 91% of US adults agree or strongly agree that individuals’ privacy should be protected (source)
Thankfully, the solution is simple. A VPN adds bank-grade encryption to your internet connection along with an anonymous IP address to stop tracking.
Based on hands-on evaluation of over 25 leading services this year, here are my picks for the top VPNs Americans should use:
1. NordVPN – Best VPN for USA Overall
NordVPN has the full package, from exceptionally fast speeds to uncompromising security, all for an affordable rate. It meets every criteria I demand as a privacy expert and sets the standard other VPNs aspire to.
In my performance benchmarks, NordVPN dominated across the board:
- Speed – Super-quick 5400+ worldwide servers ensure lag-free streaming & downloads
- Security – Next-gen encryption like AES 256-bit, tight DNS/leak protection, secure protocols
- Privacy – Zero-logs policy validated by independent auditor (full report)
- Streaming – Unblocks Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer effortlessly
- Support – 24/7 live chat & email assistance from knowledgable reps
With thousands of optimized servers in 60+ countries, you can enjoy blazing fast speeds wherever you connect from. And advanced security means no one can see what sites you visit.
I‘m also impressed by NordVPN‘s unique specialty servers that route traffic through encrypted tunnels to guard against snooping (Double VPN) or mask VPN use altogether (Obfuscated Servers). For privacy die-hards, the service delivers.
Beyond robust security and lightning performance, I appreciate NordVPN‘s reasonable pricing. For 73% off retail, two years of protection for 6 devices at once provides tremendous long-term value.
For these reasons and more, NordVPN remains my unanimous first choice recommendation for safe personal and workplace use.
2. Surfshark – Most Affordable VPN
If subscription cost is your foremost concern, Surfshark offers the best bang for your buck. Despite its bargain pricing, Surfshark remains one of my favorite VPN providers based on the impressive security protections and streaming unblocking capabilities I‘ve observed.
In testing, key advantages I noticed include:
- Price – As low as $2.49/month for unlimited device connections
- Speed – Consistently low latency and quick download times
- Server network – 3200+ servers in 65+ countries with US presence
- Useability – Easy-to-use apps plus handy features like MultiHop & Whitelister
The service even allows unlimited simultaneous device connections at no extra cost. So every smartphone, laptop, tablet, and router in your home can be covered in one reasonably priced bundle.
If low subscription cost is vital but you refuse to compromise on privacy, Surfshark delivers both. It remains a worthy investment for consumers focused on affordability and security.
3. ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN Performance
For power users and avid media streamers who demand uncompromising speed, ExpressVPN has consistently wowed me with fast and consistent connections. Thanks to its 3000+ high-capacity servers and proprietary Lightway protocol for reduced latency, speeds never disappoint.
In addition to blazing velocity, Express stands out through:
- Privacy – AES 256-bit encryption, trustworthy no-logs policy, and IP/DNS leak prevention
- Support – 24/7 live chat with knowledgeable customer support reps
- Technology – User-friendly clients for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux
- Unblocking – Skirts geo-restrictions to access US Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer anywhere
Without question, the visually polished apps make connecting simple for VPN beginners. But capabilities under the hood like split-tunneling for routing only select traffic through the VPN tunnel appeal to experts like myself.
The premium price point matches its premium performance. While costlier than some competitors, ExpressVPN‘s impressive technology and widely-acclaimed support have earned it a stellar reputation worldwide.
For private browsing at warp speed, ExpressVPN excels in all areas.
VPN Protocol Breakdown – WireGuard vs. OpenVPN
As an IT professional well-versed in networks and protocols, buyers often ask my advice on VPN protocols before making a purchase. The two predominant standards used today by leading VPN providers are WireGuard and OpenVPN. Let‘s compare both:
||WireGuard|OpenVPN|
:–|:–|:–|
|Speed|:thumbsup: Blazing fast| :thumbsdown: Slower speeds|
|Beginner Friendly |:thumbsdown: Manual configurations|:thumbsup: Easy setup process|
|Encryption|:thumbsup: State of the art|:thumbsup: Military-grade|
|Code Audits |:thumbsup: Frequently audited |:thumbsdown: Not audited|
|Data Authentication|:thumbsdown: Optional | :thumbsup: Mandatory|
|Congestion Algorithm|:thumbsup: Built-in|:thumbsdown: None|
Verdict: WireGuard is the next generation protocol that prioritizes both speed and security. But OpenVPN remains very secure and easier for novices. Luckily most top providers now offer both options.
My recommendation – go with WireGuard if available. But rest assured OpenVPN is still better than no encryption whatsoever. NordVPN in particular stands out for making WireGuard simple to enable while delivering incredibly fast speeds.
A quality American VPN secures your internet activity from prying ISPs, hackers, and spies. It prevents tracking while unblocking geo-restricted content anywhere you live or travel.
My top pick NordVPN offers complete online protection with best-in-class speeds to boot. While ExpressVPN and Surfshark make great alternatives depending on your needs and budget.
Don‘t leave your privacy up to chance in today‘s high-risk digital world. Investing in a premium VPN helps you browse the open web once again without being monitored.
Whatever American VPN you ultimately select from this guide, remember to use it consistently across all your devices whenever connecting to public WiFi or accessing sensitive accounts. Together we can reclaim internet privacy as a basic right for all.
Stay safe online!
Jordan Montgomery
Cybersecurity Analyst & Founder – VPNWatch
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