How to Get a US IP Outside the US in 2024 (Easy Ways)

Netflix subscribers in Norway can access only about 1/3 of the shows and about 3/4 of the movies available to Americans. Shows like Criminal Minds, Person of Interest, and The West Wing are only available on Netflix to viewers in the US.

Geo-blocking systems block sites and apps from users outside specified locations. Companies apply these restrictions for many reasons, including security and content licensing agreements. This allows them to provide the content only to desired users.

You must change the IP address to US if you want free access to content restricted to the United States outside the region. Sign up for a VPN that offers US servers and fast speeds to allow for smooth streaming if you want to watch different content types. Here, we share guidelines for getting a US IP address anywhere in the world. You can configure different devices, including desktop PCs, Android devices, tablets, iPhones, Fire TVs, and many more.

How to change your IP address to the USA – Quick guide

Too busy for a full read? No problem. Below you go with the steps required to get a US IP address quickly:

A quick list of our top VPNs

Why you should use a US IP address generator

There are many reasons you want to get a US IP outside America. When traveling abroad, you’re locked away from much content, even with an active subscription. Many US channels are not accessible to users based outside the country because of content licensing agreements.

Changing your IP address is the right solution if you want to watch geo-restricted streaming services like Hulu and Netflix. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps you stay in touch with the shows you love and live sports like the National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball (MLB).

Many banks serve only US-based users, so a VPN could help you manage your finances away from home when traveling abroad.

Best VPN to get US IP outside the United States

Securing your online connections begins with finding the right VPN. With many companies on the market promising excellent service, reviewing all VPNs to find the best can be overwhelming. You want a VPN that gives you unbreakable encryption, a speedy connection to a US server, and other features that increase your protection.

Considering different factors that define overall performance, we found ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN as the frontrunners in our research. So, let’s see why these VPNs are the best choice to get a US IP outside the United States.

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN boasts excellent performance for streaming, besides unbreakable encryption technology. It is the go-to option to get a US IP outside the US.

The Virtual Private Network (VPN) integrates the Lightway protocol to ensure high speeds, which triples the speeds achieved with protocols like Wireguard. While streaming content outside the US, we recommend using the Lightway protocol. Also, users can switch to OpenVPN, which is available on Linux, macOS, Android, Windows, and routers.

With more than 3000 servers across 160 cities in 94 countries, ExpressVPN offers many options for users outside the US who want to get a US IP address. All these servers offer super-fast speeds and guarantee encrypted connections. The VPN runs 256-bit AES encryption, 4096-bit RSA key, and SHA-512 HMAC authentication to protect your data. This means impenetrable encryption, assuring your safety as you browse online. The SHA-512 HMAC encryption, especially, is secure for data transfers.

ExpressVPN runs perfect forward secrecy, a highly advanced feature customizing your encryption key each time you log on. The service assigns you a new key at the start of each session, so any previous session data is unrelated to the current session.

An advanced kill switch keeps your traffic and IP address secure, even when the VPN connection drops. The company calls the feature Network Lock. It blocks traffic from your device if there’s a connection compromise. The kill switch hides your data, so ISPs and other spying software cannot detect your online activity. This feature comes on automatically, so you don’t have to worry about manual configuration.

ExpressVPN offers split tunneling to provide additional security. The feature lets you encrypt some of your traffic on specific browsers, leaving everything else untouched. It helps you browse locally and through the VPN at the same time. You only need to choose which apps you should use for the VPN.

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2. Surfshark

If you’re looking for a VPN that can stream HD content and offers viable US IP addresses to unblock US-restricted streaming sites outside America, Surfshark should be on your list.

It has 3200+ servers spread across 100 countries, including the United States. Surfshark’s privacy features include secure protocols – IKEv2, WireGuard, and OpenVPN TCP and UDP. It features AES-256 encryption with a kill switch that blocks internet access when the VPN connection is interrupted, ensuring no data leaks.

Besides, Surfshark runs a private DNS on each server, which reduces the chances of someone spying on your activities. The ability to use a double VPN makes it more difficult for someone to follow your tracks online.

The company started in the British Virgin Islands but is now based in the Netherlands, a 9-Eyes location. Nonetheless, they offer a strict no-logging policy and run a RAM-based network, ensuring they don’t store any data about your browsing activity.

Other features you want to try on Surfshark are Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode. The Camouflage Mode feature hides the fact you’re connecting to the internet through a VPN. It makes your internet connection appear like regular traffic, so the government or an ISP does not know what you’re doing or detect you’re using a VPN. This feature is ideal for getting around firewalls on public Wi-Fi.

NoBorders Mode bypasses internet restrictions in censored regions like Vietnam, UAE, and China. It detects VPN-blocking technologies and automatically gives you the list of servers to bypass the restrictions.

You can install Surfshark VPN on devices running Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Linux, and routers. The service allows unlimited connections, and the app is well-designed, ensuring easy navigation.

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3. NordVPN

NordVPN ensures ISPs and spies who collect personal information for advertisers cannot snoop on your traffic. Unlike many premium VPNs, NordVPN gives a bit of every feature besides its basic protection. It offers a diverse collection of servers, most in the US, and maintains strong security practices to keep you safe online as you browse via your desired IP address from a specific region.

It’s excellent that NordVPN operates from Panama, a country considered privacy-friendly because it lacks surveillance-sharing agreements with other governments. In addition, the company guarantees a no-logging policy, meaning they don’t collect any data about your activities, including IP addresses and browsing history.

On protocols, NordVPN uses NordLynx, a WireGuard implementation, which runs by default on its macOS, Android, iOS, and Windows apps. Users can also switch to OpenVPN, which is available on all platforms. Unfortunately, IKEv2 is only available for macOS and iOS users. IKEv2 and OpenVPN were the gold VPN standards, but WireGuard has become increasingly popular. It uses newer encryption techniques and achieves better speeds.

If you want multiple US servers, NordVPN offers over 5400 servers in 60 countries, many in the United States. This means better service, as you can find high-quality servers for streaming and accessing your favorite sites and apps in the US.

In addition to helping you change your IP address, NordVPN furthers services with robust encryption technology. It features AES-256-CBC encryption and supports Perfect Forward Secrecy. The service frequently assigns a new encryption key to prevent security compromises. NordVPN offers a kill switch, which ensures network data does not leak when the connection fails. This feature allows you to select the apps to stop if the VPN connection drops.

Other features include an optional ad blocker and a filter blocking malicious sites. These features are essential in maintaining high speeds, especially if you’re streaming content. NordVPN’s Double VPN feature lets users bypass several servers for extra encryption.

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Comparison of the best VPNs to get US IP outside US

	ExpressVPN	Surfshark	NordVPN
Website	ExpressVPN.com	Surfshark.com	NordVPN.com
US servers	15 cities	25 cities, 600+ servers	16 cities, 5800+ servers
Streaming Platforms	YouTube, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix	BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime video	Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video
Average Speed (US)	100+ Mbps	100+ Mbps	100+ Mbps
Devices Supported	Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers, Linux	Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Linux	Android, macOS, Windows, iOS, Linux
Best monthly deal	$6.67, Save: 49% on the annual plan	$2.30, Get 2 months free with a 2-year plan	$3.99, Save up to 69%+ 3 months free

What makes a good VPN for US IP?

Before you commit to a VPN, there are several things you need to consider. A good VPN should come with most of these properties:

• Servers in the US: To obtain a US IP address, you must use a VPN provider with servers in the United States. A VPN with servers distributed across various cities is desirable since you can choose a server close to your location for faster connections.
• Speed – This is a paramount aspect of a VPN that separates great products from mediocre ones. You don’t want a sluggish connection after switching the VPN on, especially if you’re streaming HD content. While reviewing options, look for a VPN that offers versatile speed, whether streaming or browsing.
• Security – Another property that makes a good VPN is security. While lightning-fast speed is ideal, it should not be the only priority. A VPN should keep your connection secure and private. It should have security and privacy features, including a no-logging policy, a Kill Switch, and an impenetrable protection mechanism to keep you safe from hackers and prying eyes.
• Accessibility – If the VPN’s service reach is limited, it might not be helpful to you. A reliable VPN should help you access blocked content. This is crucial if you travel a lot, as some services in your country could apply geo-blocking. With a high-quality VPN, you can access services you subscribe to at home, regardless of location.
• Strong Encryption – The level of encryption could make or break a VPN service. Your security and privacy are precious, so a good VPN will use different features to maintain excellent protection. Dependable encryption routes your traffic through several servers, especially when you must maintain a high anonymity level.
• Ease of Use – You don’t want to struggle to find features while using a VPN. Its interface should be intuitive with easy navigation to offer the best user experience.
• Tech Support – Getting answers to your questions is essential when you face a problem. Reliable VPNs offer responsive customer support, primarily live chat 24/7, and dedicated phone lines or email support.

Can I sign up for a free VPN?

While most VPNs offer premium service, you can get a high-quality free VPN for 30 days. This is suitable if you need to access some geo-restricted services temporarily. But you need a premium VPN for the long term. Most companies, including ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN, offer a trial period and a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can use it to explore their service for one month and cancel with no questions.

However, don’t use free VPNs you find online, as you get exposed to vulnerabilities, including selling your data to third parties. A free VPN could also install malware on your device, compromising files and affecting performance.

VPNs you should avoid

You cannot use any VPN to get a US IP outside the United States. Some companies don’t offer a fair logging policy, and their system may not be suited for the activities you want to perform. The VPNs below have a history of sharing user data with third parties, so they don’t have a no-logging policy to protect you. You should avoid them when searching for the best VPN to get a US IP address.

PureVPN

Protecting your data should not mean handing it over to a VPN provider. PureVPN handed over the data of a user to law enforcement. The company collaborated with the FBI after a 24-year-old woman reported falling prey to a blackmailing plot. When traced, the traffic pointed to PureVPN servers. The company logged the user’s data and used it to identify the culprit, who turned out to be the woman’s roommate, Ryan Lin. But PureVPN argues it never recorded the contents of the communications. Their handing over of the data despite having a strict no-logs policy indicates a lack of honesty.

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Hola VPN

Hola is an Israel-based VPN service that offers a Chrome extension. The company used its user base illegally, exposing almost 50 million individuals to a data breach. It turned these users into a botnet in 2015, leveraging their bandwidth to perform Distributed Denial of Service Attacks. The company also distributed copyrighted materials, keeping its users entirely in the dark all the while.

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Hotspot Shield

In 2017, a privacy group reported Hotspot Shield for redirecting traffic to the company’s partner websites. The claim revealed Hotspot Shield intercepted traffic and sent it to advertising companies. Further, the company was accused of logging connection details, going against its privacy policy. Previously, a research paper had found Hotspot Shield culpable of injecting JavaScript codes that redirected traffic to partnering domains.

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What next after downloading the right VPN?

After you create an account at one of the VPNs we recommend, you need to download the client app and install it on your device. The VPNs support different devices, including those running Android, macOS, iOS, and Windows. When you install the software, log in to scroll through a list of servers. Next, pick a USA location and connect. Locations higher up on the list offer the fastest connection, so choose one of those. Once connected, you can browse securely and anonymously using a US IP address outside American boundaries.

If you are looking for fast speeds, connecting to the nearest server will help you get fast connection speeds. That’s why it’s essential to consider the number of servers and locations a VPN offers before subscribing.

Is an American DNS server necessary?

The Domain Name System (DNS) is like a phone book with names (domains) matched with numbers (IP addresses). Many websites check where the connection is dialing from and your phone book’s location when accessing geo-locked content. Even with an American IP address, the website can use the DNS scan to block you. So, it’s advisable to ensure you use the same DNS as a server in the US.

Many VPNs offer apps that address this challenge. After connecting to the server, the VPN sends a DNS request through an encrypted tunnel. The VPNs we recommend offer private DNS servers, ensuring ISPs cannot use your DNS requests to track the websites you visit. This option is available in your VPN settings, and you can turn it on.

You want to avoid below-average VPNs because they send DNS requests through the tunnel using a public service like Google DNS. Google can record the websites you visit, making them less suited for privacy. Some VPNs don’t tunnel DNS requests at all, leaving you exposed.

For the best experience, you can configure DNS servers manually on different devices. You can use a service like OpenNIC, which gives you free DNS servers in different countries, including the US. Use your network configuration settings to add primary or secondary DNS servers.

Before subscribing to a VPN, you must ensure that it offers DNS and IPv6 leak protection. Some operating systems, including Windows 10, can easily expose you to data leaks as they usually send IPv6 requests outside your VPN tunnel. Hence, if your VPN doesn’t implement IPv6 protection, disable it in your WiFi settings.

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Other ways to get a US IP address

Below are the methods that we tested and work well in getting a US IP address:

Using a Proxy server to get a US IP outside the US

A proxy server is a computer that serves as a hub through which requests are processed. When you connect through the service, the computer sends requests to the server, which returns the information you want.

The proxy hides your IP address and only shows the IP you specified on the proxy server. However, this option has unclear privacy policies, and you could experience lag while streaming due to download caps.

However, proxy servers could increase your speed and save you bandwidth due to their caching properties. They can send users the most recently saved copy of the website they seek to access, making it fast. You can find the best free proxy sites in our comprehensive guide to safely and anonymously help you unblock geo-locked sites in the US.

You might want to read: Best proxy service providers for businesses

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Use the Tor browser

Tor is a free online browser that encrypts your web traffic and routes it through multiple nodes before reaching its destination. It typically conceals your true location by replacing it with a random IP address. Moreover, you can request Tor to utilize an IP address of your choice, such as one from the US, in this case.  

The browser was developed to provide more anonymity to web users and is available to everyone globally. However, its setup is more complicated than a proxy server or a VPN provider. The following steps outline how to get a US IP address using the Tor browser:

1. Download the Tor browser from the Tor official website.
2. Find the Tor browser installation folder on your device, open it, then go to ‘Browser’ > ‘Tor Browser’ > ‘Data’ > ‘Tor.’
3. Launch the file name ‘torrc,’ which has a text editor.
4. Enter the text ‘ExitNodes (us) StrictNodes 1’ to use a US-based IP address in the Tor browser.
5. Save your changes and restart the Tor browser.

Like proxy servers, the Tor network can be combined with a VPN. Some VPNs, such as ExpressVPN, even offer the Tor over VPN feature, which pairs a VPN’s solid data encryption with the anonymity of the Tor network.

Unfortunately, Tor is a pretty complex tool for spoofing your IP address, and its multiple nodes slow down web connection. In addition, since it is an open network, cybercriminals may place malicious relays in its network. Countries popular for limiting online freedom may also end up banning the Tor network.

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Get a dedicated US IP address

This is a unique IP address based in the US that you solely have access to. It will help you avoid frequent ID verification when accessing some websites. Also, a dedicated IP address will enable you to access websites that block shared IP addresses. 

You can circumvent geo-restrictions, secure your internet connections, and browse hassle-free with a reputable VPN service that offers dedicated IP addresses, such as ExpressVPN.

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The benefits of US IP address

Some advantages of a US IP address include the following:

• Americans residing overseas can access their U.S. bank account online.
• You can access geo-blocked Netflix and Hulu content.
• On ESPN, you can use American IP addresses to watch MLB (Major League Baseball), NBA (National Basketball Association), etc.
• Changing your IP address lets you view YouTube TV outside the US.

The dangers of using a USA IP address

Some dangers come with using a USA IP address. The U.S. is known for controversial surveillance practices. As such, it’s safe to assume that once you’re connected to a US IP address, your activity is tracked, and you risk leaking sensitive data.

You should research the location of the VPN server. When selecting a VPN, remember that if it is located in the United States, it will be subject to laws enacted by that country. In addition, concerns about the VPN’s security arise since it’s a member of the Five Eyes alliance.

This makes it subject to further surveillance by entities like the National Security Agency. Therefore, VPN services from outside the United States offer the most security.

How to get a US IP outside US on your device with a VPN

The following provides a guide on how you can get a US IP address across various devices:

Get a US IP address on your PC

On your macOS or Windows, follow the following:

1. Choose your preferred VPN.
2. Subscribe to the premium plan.
3. Install the program on your device.
4. Clear cookies and cache from your browser to change the location to a new one.
5. Open the VPN program and log in.
6. Select a US server and connect.
7. Access your web pages usually.

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Get a US IP address on your phone

To change to a US IP address on your iPhone or Android, do the following:

1. Choose your preferred VPN service provider.
2. Download and register for the service.
3. Subscribe to a premium plan.
4. Launch the app and log in.
5. Select a US server.
6. Browse as usual.

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Streaming services you can access with a US IP address

With a US IP address, you can access several different streaming services. You must change your IP address to one in the United States to access American Netflix, Peacock TV, Amazon Prime Video, and other regionally restricted services.

Netflix	Vudu	Hulu	Disney Plus
HBO Max	Peacock TV	Animal Planet	BeIN Sports
Showtime	Sling TV	Tubi TV	A&E
CBS	Comedy Central	FXNO	CMT
ESPN+	ABC	MTV	TNT
Channel 4	CW	AMC	Freeform
Zattoo	DC Universe	Paramount Plus	Xumo
Fox Sports Go	NBC	Pluto TV	Syfy
WWE	Epix TV	VH1	Food Network

Is using a VPN to get a US IP address safe?

Getting a US IP address is safe, provided you’re using a reliable VPN service. As a fact, using a VPN offers a variety of benefits as long as you don’t violate any laws or restrictions such as engaging in illegal activities. Some advantages of a VPN include the following:

1. Conceal your identity: Connecting to the internet via a VPN hides your identity. For example, no one will identify your IP address if you’re connected to a US server. This includes ISPs, third-party advertising companies, and torrent strangers.
2. Unblock regional-restricted sites. If you’re not in the US and want to view US-blocked content, use a VPN. This can help unblock TV programs and movies and avoid restrictions.
3. Data encryption. When you use a VPN, all the data you send and receive is encrypted and secure. This means that someone who might intercept your internet traffic cannot access the data you are sending.

Conclusion

You can change your IP address to access geo-restricted content in the US from abroad. While other methods like proxies and DNS providers exist, a VPN service is recommended.

On top of allowing you to access restricted content, a premium VPN helps you switch your IP address and browse securely and anonymously. We hope you can grab a US IP address as you’ve reached this far. Should you have any questions or want to share your experiences, use the comment box below to let us know.

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