7 best VPNs for Verizon and Verizon Fios

Are you attempting to avoid Verizon tracking or throttling? A VPN is ideal for keeping your ISP at bay. Here’s a roundup of the best VPNs for Verizon users. 

Verizon and many other ISPs have been caught scooping up large amounts of personal data, collecting and sharing this information with third parties for profit. 

There’s also a chance that you could be throttled by Verizon, causing streams to slow down to a crawl for no apparent reason. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) tends to be the best solution to these issues, allowing the user to improve privacy while avoiding ISP throttling in the process. 

A VPN will mask your online activities, so your ISP will be unaware of what you’re up to. As such, you’ll be able to avoid targeted ads, as well as hide your real location from many sites and services. 

VPNs work by connecting the user to an encrypted server in a location of their choice. All traffic is routed through this server, cloaking your online activities from any prying eyes. 

The best VPNs for Verizon and Verizon Fios:

1. NordVPN: Our top recommendation for Verizon and Verizon Fios. Thousands of servers in the US, fast speeds, and unique features like Meshnet, Double VPN, and audited infrastructure and software. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN for Verizon and Verizon Fios. Unlimited device connections, affordable subscriptions, audited no-logs policy, MultiHop, streaming access, and more. 
3. ExpressVPN: Perfect for bypassing geo-restrictions, servers in 105+ countries, beginner-friendly apps, and impressive customer support.
4. CyberGhost: Fast speeds, streaming-optimized servers, locations in 100+ countries, apps for all devices, and sturdy encryption. 45-day money-back guarantee.
5. Mullvad: Anonymous sign-up available, zero-logs policy, and some of the fastest connection speeds seen during testing. Various features designed to improve privacy for Verizon users.
6. ProtonVPN: Advanced provider offering streaming support and features like port forwarding, Secure Core servers, free locations, and fast speeds. 
7. Atlas VPN: Low-cost provider with speedy WireGuard connections. Works well to prevent ISP throttling. 

Summary Table

Most providers can perform the basics in terms of connecting the user to a server found elsewhere while masking their IP address. However, some VPNs are far better than others when it comes to hiding your online movements from Verizon and other interested parties. 

We've been able to narrow the field with our case-specific inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for when picking out the best VPNs for Verizon and Verizon Fios:

• Servers in the US and additional countries, ideally offering features like MultiHop and obfuscation. 
• Fast connection speeds are beneficial in all circumstances, having less of an impact on the user during any online task.
• Strong privacy and security features – including leak protection and a kill switch.
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party.

For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs for Verizon and Verizon Fios check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

Best VPN for Verizon and Verizon Fios: Detailed reviews

Here’s a roundup with detailed information about each of the VPNs that have made it onto this list.

NordVPN is our top recommendation if you’re in need of a provider for Verizon. It’s packed with unique features that help it to stand out from the crowd, whether it’s the custom NordLynx protocol or in-built Smart DNS (SmartPlay). The latter is ideal for users in the US, helping to access blocked content on a wide range of devices like Smart TVs. 

It’s a great VPN for streaming, working to access major platforms in countries such as the US and the UK. An audited no-logs policy ensures that your data remains safe and secure, while there are 6,000+ servers to pick from in 61+ countries. This includes coverage in 15+ US cities, amounting to almost 2,000 servers coast to coast. 

Apps and infrastructure have been audited by the likes of Cure53, while average speeds work out to 200 Mbps. As such, there’s no chance of lag or slowdown when you’re connected to any US servers.

The provider is based in Panama, which is ideal in terms of avoiding any potential jurisdictional issues. As for security, Nord comes with watertight encryption, alongside Double VPN, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. Meshnet is another notable feature, allowing users to create private, encrypted tunnels between devices they trust to pass network traffic. It’s also available free of charge, even without a subscription. 

NordVPN has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. You’ll also find support for routers, alongside browser extensions. It can be used with up to six devices at the same time. 

BEST VPN FOR VERIZON USERS: NordVPN is our recommendation for anyone aiming to avoid Verizon throttling, with thousands of high-speed servers to pick from. Various unique privacy features, NordLynx protocol, and an audited no-logs policy. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

Surfshark is our top pick if you’re looking for a low-cost VPN for Verizon. An affordable provider with a long list of RAM-only servers to pick from in 100+ countries, this includes extensive coverage in the United States for Verizon users. 

There’s 256-bit AES encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch, helping to keep you safe at all times. It has support for streaming and torrenting, while advanced features include split tunneling, MultiHop, rotating IPs, and ad, tracker, and malware blocking via CleanWeb. 

Surfshark allows the user to connect with an unlimited number of simultaneous devices, further reducing the cost if you’d like to share an account with friends or family. It works with US Netflix, Disney+, HBO, YouTube TV, Sling TV, BBC iPlayer, and more, so it’s a decent streaming solution. Speeds are also fast enough for watching 4K content, averaging 190 Mbps.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. There’s further support for routers, as well as Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions.

It’s based in the Netherlands, which is part of the Nine Eyes surveillance agreement, along with the US. However, Surfshark has a no-logs policy that was verified by Deloitte in December 2022.

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR VERIZON USERS: Surfshark allows for unlimited simultaneous device connections and is ideal for avoiding Verizon throttling. Streaming support, decent speeds, apps for all devices, and audited no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is a popular service that has a lot to offer for Verizon users. It has a knack for accessing even the toughest geo-restricted services, and there are high-speed servers (175 Mbps) to pick from in a total of 105+ countries. 

The British Virgin Islands-based provider has an audited no-logs policy, and you’ll be covered by 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Streaming support is some of the best in class, and there’s a Smart DNS service for accessing US TV on any platforms that don’t support traditional VPN apps. 

It also comes with split tunneling, while obfuscation gives the user access to the VPN in countries like China, Iran, and the UAE. You’ll find servers in 105+ countries, including lots of coverage in the US. 

You can get in contact via 24-hour live chat, with knowledgeable staff on hand in case you have any questions. 

There are apps for all major devices, as well as Brave, Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions. Custom router firmware is a step above the competition, and includes a kill switch. ExpressVPN can be used with up to eight devices at the same time. 

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY VERIZON VPN: ExpressVPN is a popular provider for good reason, and is a beginner-friendly solution for any Verizon users. Lightway protocol, unparalleled unblocking abilities, reliable speeds, and knowledgeable support staff. Audited no-logs policy and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost has one of the more expansive networks on the market, so you’ll never struggle to find a nearby server. This includes 125+ locations in 100+ countries, with the majority allowing for P2P file sharing.

CyberGhost can be used to stream content via a long list of locations. It even has streaming-optimized servers, working with various popular platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney Plus. Speeds are on the faster end of the scale, averaging 296 Mbps. 

In terms of key features, there’s an always-on kill switch and watertight encryption. The Romania-based provider comes with split tunneling and Smart DNS, while a Content Blocker protects against malicious websites, tracking scripts, and adverts. CyberGhost’s no-logs policy has been audited by Deloitte. 

Customer service is available 24/7 on the off chance that you do run into any issues, and it’s an especially user-friendly VPN. 

Allowing for seven simultaneous connections, you’ll find CyberGhost apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. It also works with selected routers, and there are browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

GREAT STREAMING VERIZON VPN: CyberGhost is a safe bet if you want to access streaming sites securely with your Verizon VPN. Servers in 100+ countries, fast speeds, and user-friendly apps for all devices. Extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

Mullvad, a Swedish service with plenty of robust security features, allows the user to sign up anonymously and offers 650+ self-owned servers in the US and elsewhere. 

In one of the more impressive results we saw during testing, Mullvad averaged speeds in excess of 660 Mbps. It also has the cheapest monthly plan, coming in at a flat rate of €5 per month ($5.24). 

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to use Mullvad’s blistering speeds for streaming, whether it's via a popular platform like Netflix or international services like BBC iPlayer. 

On the other hand, it’s ideal for P2P, and it has a strict zero-logs policy. Strong AES encryption is complemented by a selection of VPN protocols, with features including a kill switch, split tunneling, obfuscation, and ad-blocking. Lockdown Mode will ensure that you’ve connected to the VPN before using the internet.

You’ll find Mullvad apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Five simultaneous device connections work out to be the lowest on this list, but it should be enough for most users.

ANONYMOUS VERIZON VPN: Mullvad is great for steering clear of ISP throttling. Exceptional connection speeds, zero logs, and anonymous sign-up is available. Speedy US servers for Verizon users, built-in kill switch, and Swedish jurisdiction. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Mullvad.

Proton VPN is a privacy-friendly solution that has over 3,000 servers to pick from worldwide. There’s good coverage within the US and beyond, so it’s another viable VPN for Verizon users. 

You’ll be able to take advantage of numerous advanced features, including port forwarding, Tor over VPN, and ad-blocking (NetShield). There’s support for torrenting, while Proton apps are open source, and the provider has been independently audited. It’s based in Switzerland, which has strong privacy laws. 

Free servers are found in the US, the Netherlands, and Japan. As you might have guessed, the free tier comes with various limitations, even if bandwidth isn’t one of them. For example, free users don’t get streaming support, and speeds are far slower than you’ll find with premium servers (320 Mbps). In any case, all users are protected by a strict no-logs policy. 

The premium tier gives access to lots of US streaming services, along with BitTorrent support and much more. For example, Secure Core servers are bare-metal options that are controlled and run by Proton VPN in privacy-friendly locations like Iceland. 

Proton VPN has apps for all major platforms, and it allows for up to 10 simultaneous device connections. 

ADVANCED VERIZON VPN: Proton VPN is a speedy provider with strong security and various advanced features on offer. Secure Core, streaming support, open-source, audited no-logs policy, free US servers, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Atlas VPN is an affordable provider that ticks many of the boxes if you’re looking for a provider that is capable of avoiding Verizon throttling. It’s a decent option for streaming, with average speeds that are on the faster (258 Mbps) end of the scale. You’ll be able to torrent safely and it supports MultiHop connections. 

The VPN comes with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. Additional strong security features include SafeBrowse, boosting privacy with ad blocking, tracker blocking, and malware filtering. SafeSwap rotates your IP address, with servers found in the US, Singapore, and the Netherlands.

Free Atlas VPN servers are also available, even if bandwidth is limited to 5 GB per month. It’s a decent way to test the service, even if it’s not the best long-term solution. 

There are apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. With no device limits, you’ll be free to share an account with others if you prefer. Unfortunately, there's no support for VPN routers. 

Atlas VPN is based in the USA, so it might be worth looking elsewhere if you’re worried about its proximity to Verizon, as well as the NSA.

AFFORDABLE VERIZON VPN: Atlas VPN offers fast speeds and unlimited connections, and will help to prevent Verizon throttling. Streaming access, WireGuard, SafeBrowse, SafeSwap, and more. Free servers and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Atlas VPN.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Verizon

Rather than picking out providers at random, we’ve compiled a comprehensive VPN testing methodology. We test and compare the best VPNs in the business. 

Only providers dedicated to digital privacy, with excellent usability and optimal performance, can make it onto our list. Below, you can see the criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for Verizon and Verizon Fios.

• Servers: Speedy servers from multiple US locations are a prerequisite, as well as options found elsewhere for anyone who wants to access blocked sites and services from abroad. Ideally, you will have nearby servers to connect with, offering features like MultHop and obfuscation. 
• Speeds and performance: Connection speeds and reliability will have an impact on everything you do while you’re online. We’ve tested each of the providers, checking out average speeds from a range of different locations. These VPN connections also offer unlimited bandwidth.
• Privacy and security: Any notable features that help to set the service apart from the competition, whether it’s custom protocols or anything else that improves privacy or online security. We’ve tested for leaks and checked for essentials such as a kill switch, along with any additional security measures to minimize your digital footprint.
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

How to prevent Verizon data throttling with a VPN

A VPN is a safe and simple solution that will allow the user to avoid Verizon data throttling. If you’re not sure what to do, here’s a quick step-by-step guide to help you get started. 

Five steps to prevent Verizon data throttling with a VPN:

1. Sign up with a secure VPN, and make a note of your login details. (NordVPN is our top recommendation for Verizon users.)
2. Download and install the VPN app to your device. 
3. Open the app, and sign in. 
4. Select a server, and hit connect. 
5. You should get a notification when the VPN is connected. 

For the best results, ensure that the VPN kill switch is active at all times.

VPNs for Verizon: FAQs

Can I use a free VPN to bypass Verizon’s bandwidth throttling?

Free VPNs are always going to be tempting, but it’s not ideal if you’re hoping to bypass bandwidth throttling. Free providers tend to be far slower than premium equivalents, whether it’s due to overloaded servers or speed caps. Others will limit your bandwidth, so they can’t be used as a reliable long-term solution. 

Free VPN servers often struggle when it comes to streaming, using IP addresses that have been blocked by most popular platforms like Netflix. 

Finally, and most importantly, free VPNs are seen as an obvious security risk, especially as they’re given access to your personal information. It’s not unheard of for free providers to sell user data, so we’d advise sticking with a premium alternative if possible.

Can a VPN stop Verizon from tracking me?

A VPN can be used to stop Verizon from keeping tabs on what you’re up to. As your traffic will be encrypted when passing through the VPN server, Verizon won’t be able to track the sites and services that you visit. VPNs are a simple way to prevent ISP throttling.

Will a VPN hide my data usage from Verizon?

No. Even if you’ve connected to a VPN, you won’t be able to hide the amount of data you’ve used from ISPs like Verizon. Throttling doesn’t refer to exceeding your data cap. It’s when your speeds are slowed while you’re streaming or torrenting, even if you have data to spare.

Will Verizon throttling prevent the user from streaming?

Verizon throttling does have the ability to prevent the user from being able to stream 4K content with no lag during peak times. If you are being throttled, a VPN will prove to be helpful in terms of getting back up to speed. You’ll just need to pick a server in the US to access local services safely.

Why does bandwidth throttling exist?

Unfortunately, it’s likely that you’ve agreed to bandwidth throttling when signing up with Verizon. The practice is sometimes necessary to ensure that all Verizon users are able to access the internet when servers are overloaded. Many ISPs also have a fair use policy, slowing your speeds if you use lots of bandwidth in a short period of time.