Get a US IP Address from Any Country
There are numerous reasons to want a US IP address, but getting one takes the right tools and know how. Today, we show you how to pick and use the right VPN to spoof your IP address to appear inside the United States in order to unblock American streaming sites, accounts, and other goodies.
The proliferation of the internet has made more content available to a wider range of people almost overnight. You don’t have to be in Japan to watch sumo wrestling or in Pakistan to watch cricket, and you don’t have to live in America to watch movies, TV shows, and sporting events made in the United States. Having a US IP address opens up a world of content that would otherwise be unavailable to you.
Although it’s possible to access all varieties of media from around the globe, content restriction laws often stand in the way. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to get around this frustrating limitation, the most common of which is to change your IP address to one located in the US.
This simple measure is all it takes to trick content blockers into thinking you moved, allowing you to keep up with your favorite shows and sports no matter where you live or where you travel.
These are the best VPNs for a US IP address
- NordVPN Best VPN for the US. Reliably gets you a US IP address protecting your privacy at the same time. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark Best budget option. A reliable way to securely get yourself a US server.
- ExpressVPN A fast, privacy-conscious service with great speeds.
- CyberGhost Good service, more than decent speeds. Apps are easy-to-use for beginners.
- PureVPN Very fast with a huge network of servers. Works well for streaming.
- IPVanish Unblocks US and UK Netflix on desktop, Android and iOS.
- VyprVPN Known for privacy, owns their own network.
Below, we’ll be taking a look at how you get a US IP address free from outside the United States of America. We’ll also explain how a VPN provider can help get one, and the PROs and CONs of each service so that you can make an informed choice.
Editor's Pick July 2026
What is an IP address and why you need to change your address?
“IP” stands for “Internet Protocol.” Your IP address functions as a sort of “mailing address” for you on the internet. It has two parts: a network ID (think: your neighborhood) and your device’s host ID (think: your street address). With your IP address, your ISP – and just about anyone else – can locate and identify you online. This means you can be found and your activity tracked and recorded. According to Wikipedia’s overview of IP addresses, every device connected to the internet is assigned a unique identifier that reveals its approximate geographic location.
And more to the point, it also means that IP addresses can be identified as coming from certain locations. If a website or network can see that your IP address doesn’t originate in the US, for example, it may block you from seeing US content, or limit or change what you can view based on your IP address’s origination. Thankfully, you can “spoof” your IP address, hiding the actual IP and pretending you have a different one — such as a US IP address.
Common reasons to use a US IP address
Streaming is the use case most people think of first, but a US IP address is genuinely useful in a broader range of everyday situations. Here are the most common reasons people seek one out:
- Accessing US-based bank or retailer accounts while traveling. Many financial institutions and online retailers flag logins from foreign IP addresses as suspicious and will lock or challenge the account. Connecting through a US server can prevent that friction when you’re abroad.
- Comparing prices on flights, hotels, and shopping. Pricing algorithms frequently vary by detected location. Checking the same booking or product from a US IP address can surface different — sometimes cheaper — rates than those shown to visitors from other countries.
- Seeing US-localized search results. Search engines tailor results to your apparent location. Researchers, marketers, and anyone monitoring US-specific trends benefit from seeing what American users actually see.
- Protecting traffic on public Wi-Fi. Airports, hotels, and coffee shops in any country are prime spots for network snooping. A VPN that routes your connection through a US server encrypts your traffic at the same time it changes your IP — a two-for-one privacy benefit.
- Accessing US streaming libraries. Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, ESPN+, and similar services restrict much of their content to viewers with a US IP address.
Important caveat: A US IP address satisfies a location check, but it does not bypass account security rules, identity verification requirements, or a platform’s terms of service. Always review a service’s policies before using a VPN to access it.
How to get a US IP address anywhere?
The easiest, the most reliable, the most secure, and the most feature-rich way to get a US IP address is to use a VPN. Virtual private networks are services set up to help protect users’ privacy while browsing. They act as sort of a tunnel between your computer and the internet, encrypting data so that ISPs and hackers won’t be able to identify the source or the content of the traffic. With a VPN server’s IP address attached to your encrypted information, you can browse the internet safely and securely.
The best side benefit of using VPNs for a US IP address is location variability. VPN providers run networks of hundreds of servers located around the world. You can access these servers with just a few clicks, changing your virtual location from Portugal to Paraguay in an instant.
Each server has its own dedicated IP address that will identify your device as being in that region. So, if you need access to content in the United States, simply open your VPN software, find a fast server in the US, connect, and suddenly you have a US IP address, just like that. For example, if you want to get a US IP address to access American Netflix from Australia, this method works perfectly.
Here is the exact process, step by step:
- Choose a VPN with US servers. Pick a provider from our recommended list below. Make sure it has servers in multiple US cities so you have options if one location is slow or blocked.
- Install the app. Download the VPN app for your device — Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, or another platform — from the provider’s official website or your device’s app store.
- Sign in. Open the app and log in with the account credentials you created when you subscribed.
- Select a US server or city. Browse the server list and choose a United States location. If you are streaming, try a city on the same coast as the content library’s servers (for example, New York or Los Angeles for most US streaming services) for the best speeds.
- Connect. Tap or click the connect button. Wait for the app to confirm the connection is active — most apps display a green indicator or a “Connected” status.
- Verify your new IP address. Open a browser and visit an IP lookup tool such as whatismyipaddress.com or ipleak.net. Confirm that the location shown is inside the United States before you start browsing or streaming.
Troubleshooting tip: If a website or streaming service still shows your original country after connecting, try the following steps in order: disconnect and reconnect to a different US server or city; clear your browser’s cookies and cache; disable location permissions or GPS access in your browser settings or device settings; and flush your DNS cache (on Windows, open Command Prompt and run ipconfig /flushdns). One or a combination of these steps resolves the vast majority of geolocation issues.
How to get a FREE VPN for 30 days
If you need a VPN for a short while when traveling for example, you can get our top ranked VPN free of charge. NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. You will need to pay for the subscription, that’s a fact, but it allows full access for 30 days and then you cancel for a full refund. Their no-questions-asked cancellation policy lives up to its name.
Comparison Of The Best VPNs For An American IP Address
- 24/7 Live Chat
- 24/7 Live Chat
- 24/7 Live Chat
- Yes
- 24/7 Live Chat
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
How to best choose the VPN for a US IP address
Finding the best VPN for a US IP address requires a little research. There are a number of sub-par providers on the market that will charge too much money, offer poor support or server selection, and endanger your privacy more than they’ll protect it. For every shady VPN there’s a reliable one, however. We used the criteria below to find the best VPN services that offer US IP addresses no matter what country you live in.
- Server distribution – If you want a US IP address, you need servers located in the U.S. Most good quality VPN providers have dozens of servers located throughout the United States. Any of these will provide the IP address you need, but if there are more options closer to your physical location, you’re likely to have a faster connection.
- Logging policy – If you’re using a VPN, you’re sending all of your data through another company’s servers. Those companies can keep logs of user activity and store them indefinitely, making it easier for hackers or government agencies to get their hands on the information. The best way to ensure your privacy is to only use VPNs with zero-logging policies. If no logs are kept, no data can be leaked.
- Kill switches and DNS leak protection – An often overlooked area of VPN security are small data leaks that can happen when connecting to the service or if you forget to open your VPN software. The best VPN providers check for this, and they also have built-in kill switches to stop any data from escaping in case of an outage.
- Speed – The U.S. is an ocean away from most of the world, making latency and server speed a serious issue when connecting from another continent. Good VPN providers compensate for this by fine tuning their network to deliver faster connections.
- Business jurisdiction – Although a US IP address offers a number of content availability advantages, servers located in America do have a serious drawback: government oversight. Laws in the U.S. do very little to prevent digital surveillance or protect user privacy, which can put your data at risk. A simple workaround is to use VPNs that aren’t based in the U.S. but who still operate servers inside the country. This allows them to be governed by foreign regulations while gaining the benefits of a US IP address. All of the providers below are based outside of the United States but still have dozens of servers within the country’s borders.
Best VPNs for an American IP address with fast, secure servers in the United States
These are the best VPN providers you can use to get a US IP address from anywhere in the world. Server counts and feature details last verified June 2025.
1. NordVPN
- Unblocks American Netflix
- No bandwidth caps
- Torrenting/P2P explicitly allowed
- Retains no metadata of your browsing
- 24/7 Chat Support
- Some servers can be unreliable
- Can’t specify City or Province in App
NordVPN has one of the strongest encryption features of any VPN. Everything that passes through certain nodes in their network is double encrypted, wrapped in 2048-bit SSL protection the company claims even a supercomputer can’t break. When combined with kill switch and DNS leak protection features, along with NordVPN’s stellar zero-logging policy — which has been independently audited multiple times by PricewaterhouseCoopers and Deloitte — you’ve got the makings of an extremely secure and privacy-aware VPN. The service supports NordLynx (built on WireGuard), OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec, and allows up to 10 simultaneous connections.
NordVPN also prides itself on a massive and ever-expanding server network. At the time of writing, there are 7,400+ servers in 118 countries on six continents. As for the company’s North American offerings, there are over 1,970 servers across the U.S. alone, spread across both coasts and major cities in between. You certainly won’t have a difficult time finding a fast, secure US IP address for all of your Netflix and Hulu needs.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
- Robust servers blast through geoblocks to access your favorite streaming sites
- Server selection is dead simple and quick
- Clean, dead-simple app interface makes constant security a no-brainer
- Favorable BVI jurisdiction guarantees no logs kept
- 24/7 live chat ensures maximum uptime
- Connection speeds won’t impress users of other high-end VPNs
- Apps may be too simplistic for power users
Surfshark has grown significantly and now operates 3,200+ servers in 100 countries worldwide, making it one of the best VPNs to spoof a US IP address. They maintain a strong presence across more than 20 major American cities, each loaded with privacy provisions you won’t find in many other VPNs. Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections and supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols.
For example, their network is comprised of diskless (aka RAM-only) servers, which wipe all data when they shut off. Combined with an independently audited logging policy, and you’ve got a VPN which never leaves a scrap of evidence behind to betray your identity and activity online.
Need more? Consider Surfshark’s three multi-hop connections to US servers (via Australia, Canada, or the Netherlands), or the whopping five static IPs (located in New York). It’s enough just to have these highly sophisticated methods of spoofing a US IP address; but Surfshark goes beyond the call of duty to give you options.
3. ExpressVPN
- Unblocking Netflix USA, iPlayer, Amazon Prime
- Super fast servers (minimal speed loss)
- Torrenting allowed
- No logs for personal data
- Live Chat Support
- Expensive month-to-month plan
ExpressVPN is an extremely fast, highly secure VPN provider.
The service has a network of over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, offering plenty of options for finding the right US IP address for your surfing needs. ExpressVPN supports up to 8 simultaneous connections and offers its proprietary Lightway protocol alongside OpenVPN and IKEv2.
The ExpressVPN privacy policy is aimed at keeping users safe with strict zero-logging, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch for its desktop programs. You’ll also enjoy a complete lack of bandwidth limitations and file type restrictions with ExpressVPN, making it a fantastic way to get your US IP address with a ton of extra benefits.
Speaking of nodes in the United States, the ExpressVPN network includes 24 server locations within the U.S. borders, covering both coasts with plenty of options in-between. Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Los Angeles, Seattle, and San Francisco are some of the stand-outs that are fast, easy to connect to, and support a large number of users.
ExpressVPN is a quick and easy way to get a US IP address. The service keeps its prices low and offers a 30-day money back guarantee (absolutely no questions asked) on all purchases.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
- SPECIAL OFFER: 79%OFF
- Affordable plans
- 2,048-bit RSA keys and SHA256 authentication
- No logs policy
- 45-day no-quibble money back guarantee
- Sometimes experiencing average speeds
CyberGhost is the creator of one of the world’s most reliable privacy and security solutions. Throughout its constantly expanding network of 11,690+ servers located in 100 countries all over the globe, the company secures and anonymizes the online presence of millions of users. They are a fully secure and private VPN thanks to the bulletproof no-log policy that the company has abided by since day 1. CyberGhost allows up to 7 simultaneous connections and supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols.
The CyberGhost apps (for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux or for routers directly) are extremely versatile and user-friendly. They use top-of-the-line 256-bit AES encryption that enables the best possible private data protection, and their strict no-logs privacy policy keeps users safe with DNS and IP leak protection and an automatic kill switch in case you need it.
Speaking of servers in the US, CyberGhost provides plenty of diversity: users can choose to connect to Los Angeles, New York, Washington or Chicago, to name just a few. It’s a solid choice for a US IP address in America with a great price.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
5. PureVPN
PureVPN is the go-to service for fast and unrestricted access to the internet. The company has an enormous network of 6,500+ servers in 65+ countries, covering nearly every corner of the globe, including the U.S. Behind the speedy connections are strong encryption practices, a zero-logging policy, unlimited bandwidth, DNS leak protection, and a quick kill switch to make sure your data always stays safe.
For its U.S. servers and US IP addresses, PureVPN hits a pretty good sweet spot. The network has 13 server locations within the borders of America, including cities like Los Angeles, Tampa, New York, and Seattle for a wide dispersal. In total there are 85 servers distributed throughout those cities and more, giving you tons of options for snagging a US IP address with a fast connection.
Read our full PureVPN review.
6. IPVanish
IPVanish is all about simplicity. The service works to deliver fast speeds and maximum security without complicating the whole process, making it one of the more accessible VPNs on the market. IPVanish operates 40,000+ IPs on 2,400+ servers in 90+ locations, each using strong 256-bit AES encryption that keeps your data private and unreadable no matter what. The service supports WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2, and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. This is backed by unlimited bandwidth, no speed caps, no restrictions on P2P or torrent traffic, and an easy to understand zero-logging policy.
IPVanish has servers in nearly a dozen locations throughout the U.S., covering both coasts as well as several cities along the southern border. This wide dispersal helps anyone from outside the country find a node that’s physically closer to their location, which helps cut down latency. There are over 370 servers in the United States alone, meaning you’ll always be able to find a US IP address with a fast, reliable, and uncrowded connection no matter what time of day you log in.
Read our full IPVanish review.
7. VyprVPN
VyprVPN is known for its unique privacy features. The company owns its entire network of servers, over 700 spread across 70 locations. This means data is never accessed by an outside company, and it also lets VyprVPN customize its hardware to deliver superior speed and encryption, all without sacrificing privacy. Users get unlimited bandwidth, a great zero-logging policy, and both DNS leak and kill switch support.
VyprVPN has fewer than ten locations in the U.S. with installed servers. They’re strategically located around the coast for maximum speeds, however, including Seattle, San Francisco, Miami, Washington D.C., and Austin. This, combined with the company’s unique privacy features, make it a good choice for using a US IP address to watch content from abroad.
Read our full VyprVPN review.
8. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN, at first glance, looks small in comparison to the others listed here: they have just over 150+ servers in 60+ countries. But they have the two things you want in a VPN, compressed into a small package: speed and security. Despite its small size, PrivateVPN’s network is robust and reliable with low latency, so you get steady and fast connection speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and zero speed caps. With servers located in the U.S., getting a US IP address is straightforward and reliable.
Regarding security, they give you two options: 256-bit AES, and 128-bit AES. In either case, you have multiple protocols you can play with for balancing security with speed. But with the first option, you get a nice balance and best-of-the-best encryption; the 128-bit still provides excellent encryption – enough for most casual users – and gives you a generous boost in speed. These variations make an excellent provider for the everyday user, especially if you like streaming video services like Netflix.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
Alternatives to VPNs to get a US IP address
While we primarily discuss VPNs as a way to get a US IP address, there are other methods to do so. The table below summarizes how each alternative stacks up across the criteria that matter most, followed by a more detailed breakdown.
Smart DNS
Provides a reliable US IP? Partially. Smart DNS reroutes only specific DNS queries, so it can make a streaming site think you are in the US — but your actual IP address does not change.
Encrypts your traffic? No. Smart DNS offers zero encryption, which means your ISP, network administrators, and anyone monitoring the connection can see exactly what you are doing online.
Device-wide or app/browser only? It requires a manual DNS setting change on each device, but once configured it affects all traffic on that device rather than routing through a separate app.
Speed? Generally fast, since there is no encryption overhead. This makes it appealing for streaming, as long as the service is not actively blocking the Smart DNS provider’s IPs.
Blocked by streaming sites? Increasingly, yes. Streaming platforms have become better at detecting and blocking Smart DNS services. Reliability varies considerably between providers and changes frequently.
Proxies
Provides a reliable US IP? Only if you specifically use a proxy server that is physically located in the United States. Free proxy lists frequently include servers from other countries or servers that have already been detected and blocked by major sites.
Encrypts your traffic? No. A proxy acts as a “middle man” between you and whatever site you want to access, but it sends your traffic in plain text. It can easily be intercepted or hijacked en route, which means your data and browsing activity are exposed.
Device-wide or app/browser only? Browser-based proxies only reroute traffic within that browser tab or window. SOCKS5 proxies can be configured at the app level, but they do not protect all traffic on your device.
Speed? Inconsistent. Free proxies are often overcrowded and slow. Paid SOCKS5 proxies can be faster, but they still lack encryption.
Blocked by streaming sites? Frequently. Netflix, Hulu, and similar platforms actively detect and block known proxy IP ranges. Getting a US proxy IP to work with major streaming libraries is increasingly unreliable.
Tor
Provides a reliable US IP? No — and this is a critical point. Tor routes your traffic through a series of volunteer-run relays and exits through a random exit node. You cannot choose which country that exit node is located in. This makes Tor a poor choice when you specifically need a dependable US IP address, because you have no control over where your traffic will appear to originate.
Encrypts your traffic? Yes, between your device and the exit node — but traffic between the exit node and the destination website is unencrypted unless the site uses HTTPS. The exit node operator can potentially see your unencrypted traffic.
Device-wide or app/browser only? The Tor Browser only routes the traffic within that browser. Using Tor for your full device requires additional configuration and is not straightforward for everyday users.
Speed? Slow. The multi-hop relay architecture introduces significant latency. Streaming video or music through Tor is rarely practical.
Blocked by streaming sites? Almost universally. Streaming platforms, many banking sites, and a growing number of web services actively block known Tor exit node IP addresses.
Bottom line on Tor: Tor is an excellent tool for anonymity, but it is the wrong tool when you need a consistent, reliable US IP address. If you want to unblock US content, access a US bank account while traveling, or confirm a US location, use a reputable VPN with US servers instead.
Why VPNs are better for a US IP address?
VPNs are simple, inexpensive, easy to use, and offer a number of fantastic benefits aside from quick access to a US IP address. Because VPNs encrypt traffic leaving your devices, they have a clear advantage over other methods of changing your IP. Take smart DNS, for example: it won’t unblock Netflix or encrypt your data – two things that many VPN users deem essential. Encryption helps protect your privacy by making it nearly impossible to trace activity back to your location, an essential feature when you’re bypassing censorship and geo-restricted content laws.
Avoid free services when trying to get a US IP address
Free VPNs and free proxy services are everywhere. Search any browser extension marketplace or mobile apps store and you’ll find dozens of them promising free, fast, and unlimited service, all you have to do is download and start streaming. As is often the case with free offers like this, however, there’s a catch. And this one’s a pretty big catch.
Any business operating proxy servers or a virtual private network needs income to maintain its hardware. Workers need to be paid, as well, meaning the company has to have some sort of income. If its customers aren’t paying them, chances are they’re making up the difference somewhere else. More often than not that translates to ads injected into user’s browsers, or even selling the very data they promised to keep safe.
Although it’s tempting to use a free VPN or free proxy service to get a US IP address, in the long run you’re better off investing in a good paid service. The marketplace for both services is highly competitive, which keeps prices surprisingly low.
Instead, find a way to get access to a paid service for free
There is a way to get access to the full services offered
If you need a VPN for a short while when traveling for example, you can get our top ranked VPN free of charge. NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. You will need to pay for the subscription, that’s a fact, but it allows full access for 30 days and then you cancel for a full refund. Their no-questions-asked cancellation policy lives up to its name.
