If you’ve ever used a VPN, you’ve probably noticed a slight—or sometimes significant—drop in your internet speed. That’s often the price you pay for enhanced privacy and access to geo-restricted content. But in 2024, VPN technology has come a long way. Whether you’re streaming, gaming, or just browsing securely, some VPN providers have managed to keep speeds impressively fast even in the United States.
In this article, we’ll explore the top 5 VPNs that won’t kill your internet speed in the USA. Tested across various servers and platforms, these options stand out not just for their fast performance, but also for their user-friendly interfaces and robust security features.
1. ExpressVPN
Widely regarded as one of the fastest VPNs on the market, ExpressVPN has a solid network of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. Their proprietary Lightway protocol is designed to deliver incredibly fast and stable connections, even when you’re connecting from the USA to distant locations.
- Speed: Outstanding, especially on nearby US servers
- Security: AES-256 encryption, TrustedServer technology
- Platforms: Works on almost everything from Windows to Smart TVs
Why it stands out: It’s nearly impossible to tell the difference in speed compared to an unprotected connection. Streaming 4K content or video-calling on Zoom is seamless with ExpressVPN.
2. NordVPN
Another heavy-hitter, NordVPN offers consistently high download and upload speeds across the United States. Their NordLynx protocol, built around WireGuard, is key to its excellent speed performance.
- Speed: Excellent, especially with NordLynx
- Security: Double VPN, CyberSec malware protection
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux
Why it stands out: It combines high-speed browsing with advanced security features, making it a great VPN for tech-savvy users who want both speed and privacy.
3. Surfshark
If you’re looking for an affordable, fast VPN that allows unlimited devices, Surfshark hits all the right notes. Despite its budget-friendly pricing, Surfshark uses the WireGuard protocol to deliver great speeds, even on long-distance servers.
- Speed: Very good, especially with WireGuard
- Security: Secure encryption, CleanWeb ad blocker
- Platforms: All major platforms, plus smart devices
Why it stands out: With unlimited device connections and solid speed, it’s perfect for families or power users who want to secure every gadget in the house without compromise.
4. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Private Internet Access has been around for years, and it’s known for fine-tuning the performance of its servers. With more than 35,000 servers globally, including many in the US, speeds are stable and reliable.
- Speed: Very good for US-based connections
- Security: Customizable encryption levels, kill switch
- Platforms: Compatible with all major OS and platforms
Why it stands out: PIA allows users to tweak encryption settings to optimize speed, giving advanced users more control over their VPN experience.
5. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is known for its user-friendly interface and high-speed servers optimized for specific tasks like streaming or torrenting. With over 9,000 servers, including many located in the USA, it’s built to handle speed-demanding activities.
- Speed: Reliable, excellent on optimized servers
- Security: AES-256 encryption, built-in ad blocking
- Platforms: Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and more
Why it stands out: The optimized servers actually work. Whether you’re watching Netflix or playing online games, CyberGhost selects the best server for your needs automatically, keeping speed losses to a minimum.
Final Thoughts
VPNs used to be notorious for throttling your internet connection, but those days are mostly behind us—at least if you pick the right provider. Whether you’re after blazing-fast downloads or buffer-free streaming, the VPNs listed above provide top-tier speeds without compromising your security or privacy.
When choosing a VPN for use in the USA, pay attention not just to speed, but also to protocol technology (like WireGuard or Lightway) and server locations. These five VPNs strike the perfect balance between performance and protection, ensuring you get the best of both worlds.