The best VPNs for US expats

If you want to access streaming platforms or websites from the US, you will likely find that they are geo-blocked. A VPN is the easiest way for US expats to overcome these issues. 

For anyone traveling or living abroad, the ability to access sites and services back home is a lifesaver. To do so, we’d recommend using one of our recommended Virtual Private Networks (VPNs). This guide includes a list of the best VPN providers for American expats, along with a step-by-step guide to help you get started.

US content tends to lead the way worldwide, whether you’re watching Netflix or CNN. VPNs may seem complicated, but the technology is actually easy to use. It involves connecting to a server that belongs to the VPN company, so you’re assigned a new IP address that gives the appearance of being located elsewhere.

This IP address is what you’ll use to access your US sites and apps. However, streaming capabilities vary drastically depending on the VPN, with only a limited selection able to access streaming sites consistently. We’ll go into more detail below, but we’ve listed our top choices for US expats if you’d prefer the key information upfront.

Best VPNs for US expats:

1. NordVPN: Our top pick for US expats. Excellent speeds, superb security, unblocks multiple sites and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Top pick on a budget, good US streaming features, various notable features, and unlimited device connections.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium provider with high speeds, will access almost any geo-restricted service with an emphasis on US TV, and comes with strong security features.
4. Proton VPN: Privacy-focused VPN with dedicated streaming servers in the US and the UK, fast speeds, and sturdy security.
5. Atlas VPN: Blisteringly fast speeds and unlimited simultaneous devices. Limited free version available.
6. CyberGhost: Another affordable VPN with good US coverage, a viable pick for streaming, and beginner-friendly apps for all popular devices.
7. IPVanish: Speedy, based in the US, has hundreds of American servers and is great for gaming, Kodi, and torrenting.

You’ll be able to find the majority of US content online, as most American TV channels and services put their shows up on the internet. This includes live US TV channels like ABC, as well as on-demand streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, HBO, and Hulu. However, US TV is blocked outside of the country, even if you are a US citizen paying for the premium subscription services mentioned above. 

Summary Table

Here are the criteria we used to come up with this list of the best VPNs to watch US TV abroad:

• US servers: A selection of servers in the region is an obvious inclusion. Multiple locations will help to avoid sports blackouts.
• Speeds: The provider needs connection speeds that are quick enough for streaming in 4K.
• Accessing sites and services: It also needs to be able to access US sites and services in the first place.
• Security & privacy: Security and improved privacy should never be discounted. This will also be helpful in more restrictive countries, helping to obscure your online activities.
• Usability: It should be easy for new users to click and connect, with native apps for all platforms.
• Value for money: We’ll consider any plans, deals, and if there’s a money-back guarantee.

To make the top three we only accept VPNs that tick all of the following boxes:

• The VPN must not log identifying data on customers and must have had its logging policy audited by a reputable third party (such as PwC). This ensures that VPNs which claim to adhere to certain practices actually do so.
• The VPN must own its entire network and have diskless (RAM-only) servers.

Check out the VPN testing methodology section later in this article for more information about the criteria we used.

Best VPNs for US expats: Reviews

Here are out in-depth reviews of the best VPNs for expats:

NordVPN has over 2,000 US VPN servers (and 6,000+ worldwide), making it the optimal choice for American expats. Nord’s US servers are split between Texas, California, Florida, Arizona, Colorado, Utah, Illinois, and Virginia, so there are options on both coasts.

It’s an obvious addition to this list thanks to high speeds, with the proprietary NordLynx protocol proving to be especially helpful in this respect. NordVPN also works in restrictive regions like China, and it offers features such as Double VPN, which encrypts your data twice.

Streaming capabilities are also worth mentioning. NordVPN is relatively affordable, but it still manages to access services like US Netflix, ABC iview, and Hulu, using a built-in Smart DNS service whenever you visit a supported streaming site. It also works with international platforms such as BBC iPlayer.

For an additional fee, you’ll be able to get a dedicated IP address in Buffalo, Los Angeles, or Dallas. Also known as a static IP, you’ll be assigned the same IP address every time you connect, and it won’t be shared with anyone. As for downsides? There was a security incident in 2018 that was quickly resolved and led to various service improvements, including regular audits and RAM-only servers.

NordVPN has apps for Windows, Mac OS X, macOS, Android, Linux, and iOS. It can be used with six simultaneous devices.

BEST VPN FOR US EXPATS: NordVPN is our top pick overall, with over 2,000 speedy US servers, and a bunch of extra features that make it perfect for streaming from anywhere in the world. Solid security and privacy, and includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is our top budget pick for US expats, with a respectable network of 600+ VPN servers in the US that are spread across 25+ cities. It’s great for watching services like Netflix, as users can stream content from 30 international libraries including the US, the UK, Canada, and Australia. It’ll access additional US channels like CBS and NBC, and it can be used with an unlimited number of devices.

It works in China due to its NoBorders feature, along with offering Double VPN for increased security. SurfShark keeps no traffic logs, which is important for ensuring your personal information is safe. You’ll also be protected from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks.

One slight drawback is that you can’t purchase a dedicated IP address, whether it’s for the US or anywhere else. We’ve mentioned that the service merged with Nord Security in 2022, although they aim to operate independently despite consolidating resources.

Apps are available for Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux devices. Surfshark can also be manually installed on routers, and there are browser extensions for Google Chrome and Mozilla Firefox.

GREAT BUDGET VPN: Surfshark is our recommendation if you’re looking for a simple budget provider for US content. Unlimited device connections and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is a superb choice for US expats, with the ability to access almost any streaming service you can think of. It also happens to be one of the best-known VPNs on the market, with a wealth of experience when it comes to accessing restricted content worldwide.

For example, you’ll find servers in 17+ different US cities, including multiple options in LA, Miami, and New Jersey. We tested ExpressVPN’s servers with US Netflix, hulu, HBO, and Amazon Prime, and each worked flawlessly. It has apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and more.

It is slightly pricier than the competition, but it’s marketed as a premium option due to the polished experience. Perks include its proprietary Lightway protocol for increased speeds and security, and Smart Location, which automatically picks a server location for the optimal user experience.

ExpressVPN was acquired by Kape Technologies in September 2021, as part of their ever-expanding collection of providers. 

EXCELLENT UNBLOCKING ABILITY: ExpressVPN definitely lives up to its reputation for US expats. Expect extensive support for international streaming services, a custom Lightway protocol, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

Proton VPN is a great option if you want to access your US streaming sites from abroad. It works with the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, and it comes with a solid reputation within the industry.

Proton VPN currently has over 400 US servers in 14+ cities, offering streaming support, P2P, and an adblocker. Developed by the team behind ProtonMail, advanced features include Double VPN, Tor over VPN, and split tunneling. Coupled with a kill switch for all apps, you’ll be able to stream US content safely from all over the world.

It works with the usual range of operating systems and devices, with few real drawbacks aside from a slightly higher price if you’d like a longer subscription as there’s only one plan to pick from.

RELIABLE AND REPUTABLE: Proton VPN pairs strong security with impressive streaming results. An especially good choice in restrictive regions. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

Atlas VPN can access US platforms and channels like ABC, Hulu, and Netflix with no issues, making it a top pick for streaming thanks to some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen during testing.

Best known for a freemium tier that can’t access streaming sites, it’s worth checking out the paid version of Atlas VPN that can be used with unlimited simultaneous devices. There are native apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, and the service has recently added support for Linux.

It’s true that it has fewer US servers than many of the others on this list. There’s a duo of limited free locations in Los Angeles and New York. Paid subscriptions add further servers in Dallas, Las Vegas, Miami, Phoenix, and New Jersey. Notable features include MultiHop and an adblocker.

It’s owned by Nord Security, while it’s based in the United States. This is great for US expats who want to stream content from home, but probably not the best choice if you’re aiming to avoid various alphabet agencies.

UNLIMITED SIMULTANEOUS CONNECTIONS: Atlas VPN is a secure provider with notable streaming capabilities. It’s quick enough to handle 4K playback, it keeps no identifying user logs, and can be used with unlimited devices. 30-day money-back guarantee included.

Read our full review of Atlas VPN.

CyberGhost is another great VPN for US expats, with the ability to access most US TV channels, as well as streaming services like Netflix. It’s compatible with everything from DAZN US to Sling TV, and it benefits from over 1,300 American servers located in 11+ cities stateside. Often preferred by Kodi users, additional features include WireGuard support, and secure NoSpy servers. 

You’ll find a range of capable apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. There’s also manual Linux support, and it offers a dedicated IP address in six US cities (Chicago, Las Vegas, LA, New York, and Washington).

It was snagged by Kape Technologies in 2017, and you’ll be unable to torrent from every server. It scores highly in terms of connection speeds and overall security, apps are beginner-friendly, and it’s one of the cheapest overall if you’re looking at longer deals.

FAST AND SECURE: CyberGhost will unblock various US services, including Netflix. Enjoy strong security, several device connections, and an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

IPVanish is a US-based VPN that leans on its HQ to provide a variety of high-speed server locations in 17+ cities across the country. Unlimited device connections are a great perk, alongside a strong collection of apps for MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android.

IPVanish is ideal for new users, and US expats will benefit from the combination of access to online services like US Netflix and HBO Max, as well as Kodi support. It keeps no logs of user traffic, and it has been audited by the cybersecurity consultancy firm Leviathan.

However, it probably won’t work in regions like China or Saudi Arabia, and the money-back guarantee doesn’t cover the monthly plan. Once again, being based in the US isn’t the best choice if you’re aiming to avoid US alphabet agencies, or other intelligence alliances. 

USER-FRIENDLY VPN FOR DIGITAL NOMADS: IPVanish is another capable option if you're in need of a US IP address. Decent streaming capabilities, with an emphasis on security. 30-day money-back guarantee available to new customers on a yearly plan.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

Our testing methodology: finding the best VPNs for US expats

There are hundreds of competing VPNs with servers in the United States, although the majority are unsuitable for anything more than getting an American IP address. Here is the methodology we used to come up with a list of the best VPNs for US expats:

• US servers: Most important, we take a look at the strength of the VPN’s network in the US. How many servers does it offer in the region? We’ve selected providers with hundreds of servers in multiple cities throughout the country.
• Speeds: How quick is the VPN in terms of connection speeds? Having US servers is one thing. They also need to be quick enough for streaming, ensuring no lag or buffering – even if it’s 4K content.
• Accessing sites and services: As we’re looking at the best VPNs for US TV, the provider will need to be able to unblock a range of streaming services in the region. Many VPNs have been blocked by popular streaming platforms, even if you subscribe to the service back home, so we’ve tested each service with options like Disney+, Netflix, and HBO Max.
• Security & privacy: Your traffic should be encrypted while we check out any additional security features. We also look at the logging policies for each service, opting for those that protect the users’ privacy.
• Usability: Aside from servers, speeds, and streaming, we check out the overall usability of each service. Does the provider have beginner-friendly VPN apps on offer for desktop and mobile platforms? Ideally, the best VPNs will have live chat and email support available 24/7.
• Value for money: The best VPNs aren’t necessarily the most expensive options. We’ve selected services that offer excellent value for money, including various deals and a money-back guarantee just in case.

Bonus points

As well as the criteria above, we also award bonus points to VPN companies that provide any of the following:

• These providers have the best track record in China: Being able to bypass some of the toughest online censorship consistently is a major benefit. Further, due to the government’s constant upgrades, providers that have worked in the past, such as PrivateVPN and Mullvad are no longer usable. Others, like ProtonVPN, sometimes work, but only on certain servers. At the time of writing, our research shows that NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are all accessible in China. Now, these providers aren’t infallible and openly admit that Chinese internet restrictions are a problem. However, when services are interrupted, they let users know and are often back online (at least in some capacity) in a matter of days.
• Based in countries not part of any known intelligence alliance: Aiming to stay away from alphabet agencies, and alliances like The 14 Eyes (officially called SIGINT Seniors Europe, or SSEUR) which includes the UK, USA, Germany, France, Spain, and nine others? NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark are all based in Panama or the British Virgin Islands (which is a distinct territory separate from Great Britain). Neither Panama nor the BVI is a member of any publicly-known intelligence alliance, and as such, the government is not compelled to share information with countries that request it (though they may still do so if they choose).
• Regular application and server audits from a respected third party: As opposed to a logging policy audit, this tests the security of the VPN product itself. There is a difference between a server audit and an application audit. The former examines things like whether the VPN’s infrastructure inadvertently collects data that would disprove no-logging claims The latter examines the apps that a user runs on their device and looks for exploits that could unmask your activity or otherwise compromise your hardware. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark have conducted both types of audits.
• Diskless infrastructure: While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked, which is why any provider mentioned in our top three has this covered. 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 watch US TV abroad

It’s easy to watch American TV from anywhere with a VPN. Here’s a step-by-step guide for US expats.

Here's how to watch US TV abroad:

1. Sign up with a VPN provider. (We’ve listed several viable options for the US above, and NordVPN is our top pick overall.)
2. Download and install the necessary VPN apps for your devices. Apps can be found on the VPN website or the iOS/Android app store for mobile devices.
3. Log in to the app, and select a server in the United States. This will give you an American IP address that can be used to watch US streams.
4. Once you’ve connected to the VPN, sign in to the streaming service to begin.

US TV VPN: FAQs

Can I use a free VPN to access US services?

Most ‘free’ VPNs will have a US server location or two on offer. However, we’d be wary when using a free provider, as there are various limitations to consider. Free VPNs will have fewer US servers to pick from, while the IP addresses are likely to have been banned by streaming platforms. There are also question marks in terms of security and privacy, as some free providers will aim to make money by selling your data, or your bandwidth. This is why we recommend only using premium VPN providers.

Even Atlas VPN, which is listed above, use a limited free tier to advertise their premium service. Neither the New York or LA locations can be used for streaming.

 

Is it legal to use a VPN abroad?

It depends on the country you’re in. The majority have no issues with the legality of VPNs, including the US itself and the majority of Europe. However, VPNs are banned or restricted in some regions, such as China and Russia. It is also important to remember that while having a VPN may not be illegal, what you choose to do with might be.

Bypassing government censorship may potentially be against the law in some countries. In addition, using a VPN to conceal online harm or to engage in cybercrime is a criminal offense, and you could be prosecuted even if you use a VPN. This is why it is essential never to break the law.

Please bear in mind that nothing in this article should be taken as legal advice. Do your own research and remember that you always use a VPN at your own risk. 

How do I watch US TV abroad on Android or iOS?

The easiest way to watch US TV from abroad is with the use of a VPN. You’ll need to ensure that the provider has support for iOS or Android, with a dedicated app available via the relevant store.

Download the app to your device, and connect to a server location within the US. You’ll then be free to access content from anywhere in the world, depending on the provider you’ve selected.

It’s worth mentioning that VPNs tend to be better at accessing streaming sites on desktop devices. Some broadcasters will use your GPS location as well as your IP address. If you’re having issues with mobile, it might be better to try a desktop device.

My VPN isn’t working with a US streaming service?

The most obvious fix is to test out a different server location within the US. You may have to clear your cookies, or try out a different browser. It’s possible that you may have more luck on a desktop device, while you could always contact the VPN support team, to see which server is best for accessing a specific streaming platform

Can I stream content from other countries aside from the US?

Yes, but it depends on the provider you’ve selected. As with US streaming services and websites, international options like BBC iPlayer will aim to block the use of VPNs. Many of the providers listed above will be able to access content from regions like the UK and Germany, along with others - you will just need to change your location to one of these places in order to do so. 

Will a VPN slow down my speeds?

Due to the nature of the encryption process, there may be some slowdown while using a VPN. However, the best premium providers have fast servers that will mitigate any loss of speed. It’s another reason why free VPNs aren’t able to stream content consistently.

What else can I do with a VPN?

A VPN is a super-useful online tool that you can use to gain tons of benefits. First and foremost, it will provide you with online privacy. A VPN encrypts your connections, which stops local network administrators, ISPs, government agencies, and other eavesdroppers from being able to monitor your web visits.

It also protects you against hackers and evil twin attacks when you use public WiFi. Besides these privacy and security benefits, you can also use a VPN to:

1. Access region-blocked internet services around the world
2. Watch foreign sports competitions
3. Access regional bookies
4. Bypass blocks imposed on a local network, such as at work
5. Bypass internet blocks imposed by the government
6. Watch regional TV platforms and streaming services
7. Log in to your internet banking on vacation
8. Test localization and use the internet with an IP address in a specific location
9. Purchase games cheaper
10. Play foreign game servers
11. Prevent ISP throttling

Why are US web services unavailable abroad?

US services are blocked abroad to comply with licensing and publishing agreements. This is why many American streaming services are blocked when you go on vacation.

In addition, some countries block US services to stop their citizens from using them. This is why Facebook and Twitter are blocked in China, for example.

Also, US companies are prohibited from providing their services in any country that is under US government sanctions. This results in certain American websites and services being unavailable in countries like Iran, Russia, Syria, and Iraq.

If you are in a country where US services are blocked or unavailable for some reason, you will need to connect to a VPN server back home to regain access. Just remember that many VPNS have been blocked by leading US services like Netflix, so you must pick your provider carefully.

Our recommendations all have valid IP addresses in the US that have been tested with various leading services. However, they all differ slightly, so check your favorite VPN works with your streaming services before subscribing to avoid disappointment. You can test any of our recommendations risk-free using their money-back guarantee.