Do I Need a VPN in USA?
You’ve probably heard the acronym VPN a lot, either in passing conversation or adverts online, and if you aren’t using one yet then you’re probably asking yourself ‘do I need a VPN in the US?’. So let’s find out if you really need a VPN. Here’s the key uses and reasons that we recommend a VPN if you’re in the United States.
What is a VPN?
A VPN allows you to create a secure connection to another network over the Internet. VPNs can be used to access region-restricted websites and protect your browsing activity. They typically work by routing your traffic through a server that is located in a different country changing your IP address which is used to identify your device and location, making it appear as though you are accessing the internet from that country.
Common Reasons to Use a VPN in USA
To give an overview, here’s the most common reasons people use a VPN. Keep reading for the deep dive.
1. Access region-restricted content: There are many websites that are only accessible from certain countries. A VPN can help you access these websites by routing your traffic through a server located in the desired country.
2. Protect your privacy: When you browse the internet, your ISP (Internet Service Provider) can see everything you do. A VPN encrypts your traffic, making it impossible for your ISP to track your activity.
4. Secure your connection: When using public Wi-Fi, your data is vulnerable to hackers. A VPN encrypts your connection, making it impossible for anyone to eavesdrop on your data.
5. Save money: Many airlines and hotels offer discounts if you book your flights or rooms through their websites. However, these discounts are often not available to users outside of the country. A VPN can help you access these discounts by routing your traffic through a server located in the country of origin.
These are just a few of the many reasons why you might want to use a VPN in USA. Let’s dive into the detail.
Are you trying to watch content only available outside the USA?
If you are living in the USA, there might be some geographical restrictions on the websites you visit. That means certain website content may only be accessible in specific regions. Luckily, you can use a VPN to get around these regional restrictions.
For example, let’s say you’re trying to watch a show that’s only available on the UK-only service, BBC iPlayer. Normally, you wouldn’t be able to access BBC iPlayer because it’s geo-blocked for USA. However, if you connect to a VPN server in the UK, you’ll be able to watch BBC iPlayer as if you were in the UK. That’s because when you connect to a VPN, your traffic is routed through a server in another country. So, even though you’re physically located in the USA, as far as the website is concerned, you appear to be located in the country where the VPN server is located.
Another example that is popular in the USA is being able to watch Voot, which is only available in India and is famous for its high production of Indian content.
Some websites are not available in USA
Some websites are not available in USA because of geo-restrictions. Geo-restrictions are placed on website content based on the user’s location. So, if a website is only meant to be accessed by users in a certain country, then users outside of that country will be geo-blocked from accessing the content.
A VPN will help you get around this so long as the VPN that you use has a server location in the country of the website that you’re trying to visit.
Get a Different Set of Search Results Than Google USA (Google.com)
If you want to get a different set of search results than what you would from Google USA, you can use a VPN to do that too. Not only can you access geo-blocked websites, you can also search in a different way.
Google is known for having different versions of its algorithm operating based on location, it will also naturally want to serve more local results that are relevant to the location that the search is performed from. You can recreate this by using a VPN from the location of your choosing.
Using Public WiFi in USA
Each public WiFi is essentially an open and unsafe internet network. When you use public WiFi, you are putting your personal information at risk as anyone can access it. A VPN creates a secure, private connection between your device and the internet, meaning that your data is protected even when using public WiFi.
If you’re in the USA, it’s especially important to use a VPN as the government can legally request data from your ISP without a warrant. A VPN will encrypt your data so that even if the government does request it, they will not be able to read it.
There are many benefits to using a VPN but, for us, this is a key one that will keep you safe when using public WiFi.
Torrenting in USA
Torrenting is a hot topic no doubt about it. But, if you want to torrent in the USA, then you’re going to need a VPN. That’s because the US government has been known to track down and prosecute people who engage in illegal downloading (i.e. downloading copyrighted material without permission).
If you use a VPN while torrenting, your ISP will only see that you’re connected to a VPN server and won’t be able to track your torrenting activity. That means you can torrent without having to worry about the government coming after you.
It’s important to note that not all torrenting is considered illegal in the US. There are many legitimate uses for torrenting, such as downloading open source software and downloading public domain content. However, if you’re caught torrenting copyrighted material, you could face serious penalties.
Using a VPN is the best way to protect yourself when torrenting in the USA.
All-Round Safety and Security of Browsing with a VPN
If you’re still looking for a reason that you need a VPN after reading all the above points, this one should solidify your decision. VPNs offer a layer of security and safety by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address.
A VPN is the best way to browse the internet safely and securely, no matter where you are in the world.
"Do I Need a VPN in USA?"
If you’re a heavy interent user and browser then it’s a no-brainer. Taking precautions and staying safe online is more important than ever. A VPN is a relatively low-cost investment that is worth way more in the service it provides.
We have a full list of reviewed VPNs on the market which you can browse at leisure. That said, we recommend NordVPN highly as well as Surfshark and ExpressVPN if you’re looking to compare your options.
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