Best VPNs for California in 2024: Enhanced privacy and speed

In today’s digital age, everyone seeks the freedom to explore the web without boundaries, which often means battling geo-restrictions. Have you ever been overseas and discovered you can’t access that critical Californian website or stream your favorite local shows? The struggle is real. However, not only can you bypass these restrictions, but you can do so with faster speeds and enhanced privacy. Welcome to the power of VPNs.

We bring you extensive research and rigorous testing of the best VPNs for California. Our testing team has unraveled how these game-changers operate. They cloak your online presence with robust encryption, vanishing your digital footprints. Then, by directing your data via servers sprinkled across the globe – some even located in bustling cities like Los Angeles. They arm you with a coveted Californian IP address. The result? Unbridled access to geo-restricted content, lightning-fast speeds, and an armor of online discretion.

We have you covered for those who call California home or want a slice of its digital space. We’ve meticulously sifted through the VPN maze to spotlight the best VPNs tailored for California. And if you’re itching to dive right in, our summarized highlights await your swift glance:

Best California VPNs:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for California. 5,500+ servers including servers in 3 cities in California. P2P and Double VPN servers. 24/7 support and a strict no-logs policy. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN for California. Servers in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Excellent apps and 24/7 support. Strict no-logs policy and Double VPN servers.
3. IPVanish: Approximately 120 servers in California. Good speeds for streaming. Connect an unlimited number of devices at once. Secures your data with encryption.
4. ExpressVPN: 3,000+ servers in 94 countries and 3 Californian cities. Fast service that easily unblocks Netflix. Strong security and 24/7 live chat support.
5. CyberGhost: Roughly 6,500 servers in 90 countries including 200 in California. High-speed connections. Protects privacy with its strict no-logs policy. 24/7 support is available.
6. PrivateVPN: Fast servers in Los Angeles, California. Unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and more. Beginner-friendly apps and live chat support. Includes a strict no-logs policy.
7. PureVPN: Higher speeds than most other VPNs. Plenty of US servers and beginner-friendly apps as well as 24/7 customer support. Secure up to 10 devices at once.
8. ProtonVPN: Boasts more than a thousand reliable American servers including some in California. Customizable security tools, exceptional streaming ability, and very high speeds.

The trouble with choosing a VPN is that so many options are available. However, many are of poor quality and may suffer from slow speeds or lack security. To find the best VPNs for California, we looked for those that meet our criteria, which we have outlined under the reviews.

Best VPNs for California – Our hands-on review

We’ve compared and tested the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for California.

Criteria for the best California VPNs

Each VPN is subject to our meticulous testing, which we cover in more detail later in this article. For now, here’s an overview of some of the things we look for in VPNs for California:

• Servers in California for a local IP address
• Reliable speeds for streaming, downloading, and more
• High levels of security, including 256-bit AES encryption
• Apps for most devices and platforms
• Fair pricing and reliable customer support

Best VPNs for California

Based on real-world use, here’s our list of the best VPNs for California:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN offers servers in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose. This is particularly useful if you’re in California and want to find a fast server nearby. This VPN’s network consists of over 5,500 servers, some 1,900 in the US. NordVPN has unlimited bandwidth, so you can browse, stream, and torrent as much as you like. Indeed, with extremely high speeds and no bandwidth limits, you can stream on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video lag-free.

This service offers particularly strong security. For instance, it offers 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. There’s also a strict no-logs policy and special servers optimized for accessing Onion sites over a VPN connection. Users can access live chat and email support 24/7.

NordVPN’s Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux apps allow you to connect up to ten devices simultaneously. There’s also an app for Android TV and Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Note that manual installation is required for use with compatible wireless routers.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR CALIFORNIA:NordVPN is our top pick. Superfast servers in multiple California cities. Unlimited bandwidth for streaming Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. 24/7 live chat support and a strict no-logs policy. Even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark has servers in two dozen US cities, including the Californian hubs of Los Angeles and San Francisco. As such, you can easily unblock region-locked services such as Netflix or HBO Max, regardless of where you are. Aside from reliable unblocking, Surfshark provides unlimited bandwidth for streaming free from lag and buffering. You can even use this VPN to connect all of your devices simultaneously.

This service’s apps are excellent and very easy to navigate. As such, it’s a great option for anyone new to VPNs. You’ll have access to 24/7 live chat support and a wide range of security features. These include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. Surfshark’s MultiHop (Double VPN servers) let you connect via multiple countries at once for an extra layer of protection from hackers and snoopers.

You can connect to Surfshark servers in California via the apps for desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) and mobile (Android and iOS). An Amazon Fire TV app is also available, as are Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Use with routers requires manual configuration.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is affordable, speedy, and able to unblock stubborn platforms like Netflix. Servers in Los Angeles and San Francisco make it easy to get a Californian IP address. 24/7 support and unlimited simultaneous connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish is headquartered in the US, and in fact, half of its server network is spread across US cities. This includes nearly 80 servers in Los Angeles and 40 servers in San Jose, California. Needless to say, this makes it very easy to get a US or Californian IP address and unblock Netflix US. With IPVanish, you can expect good, consistent speeds and unlimited bandwidth. You can even share this VPN with family thanks to its complete lack of a connection limit.

This VPN provider has a zero-logs policy which means it doesn’t collect data such as your browsing history. This is particularly important due to the high level of surveillance in the USA (which is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance). Further, all of your internet traffic is secured with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. If you have any questions, there’s also 24/7 support which you can contact via live chat and email.

IPVanish offers user-friendly apps for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. It’s also possible to use this VPN with Linux and select routers but this requires following manual setup instructions.

IPVanish speed test data

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish offers good speeds and unlimited bandwidth. IPVanish lets you connect as many devices as you want at once. 80 servers in Los Angeles. Unblocks Netflix US. Security includes a zero-logs policy and encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN isn’t short of servers in California. It has more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries, many of which are in US cities, including Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and San Francisco. Better still, this VPN is known for its consistently fast speeds as well as for offering unlimited bandwidth. This makes it highly suitable for streaming and torrenting. When it comes to streaming services, ExpressVPN unblocks Netflix, Disney+, and more.

We’ve tested ExpressVPN’s customer support and found it to be among the very best. Indeed, it’s available 24/7 via live chat and email. This VPN’s apps allow you to secure up to five devices at once. Your traffic is secured using a combination of 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. It’s also worth knowing that ExpressVPN doesn’t keep identifying logs, allowing for greatly enhanced online privacy.

An ExpressVPN subscription provides you with access to apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. You’ll also find browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. If you’d like to use this VPN with your wireless router, custom firmware is available to download.

ExpressVPN speed test data

EVERYDAY VPN:ExpressVPN is great for just about any task.. Has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries and three California cities. Very fast speeds and strong unblocking. Excellent apps and 24/7 support. Security includes high-end encryption. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has the largest server network of any VPN on this list. In total, this is made up of more than 6,500 servers across nearly 90 countries. Of its roughly 1,400 US servers, almost 150 are in Los Angeles, California. There are also 40+ servers in San Francisco. CyberGhost provides high-speed connections and unthrottled bandwidth for unlimited browsing and streaming. In particular, you can use it to watch Netflix US abroad.

With a single CyberGhost account, you’ll be able to connect up to seven devices at the same time. You’ll also have access to a variety of user-friendly apps plus 24/7 live chat and email support. This is a highly secure VPN to use, thanks to its strict no-logs policy. Apart from 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection, IPVanish offers independently operated “NoSpy” servers with reduced risk of third-party interference.

Unblock geo-restricted US content by using CyberGhost’s apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Alternatively, Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are available. Manual setup is required for use with routers.

CyberGhost speed test data

OVER 150 CALIFORNIA SERVERS:CyberGhost has a huge network of over 6,500 servers in 90 countries. This includes more than 150 servers in California. High-speed connections and unlimited bandwidth. No-logs service with 24/7 support. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN stands out for offering very fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth with absolutely no throttling. This means it’s highly suitable for streaming, whether it’s Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+. This VPN’s network is small but spread across 60 countries, including the US. This includes servers in Los Angeles for obtaining a Californian IP address. Once connected, you’ll have the option of securing up to six devices simultaneously.

The beginner-friendly apps of PrivateVPN make connecting to a server quick and easy. However, you can contact support via live chat or email if you have any trouble. On top of this, there’s even free remote help and installation, should you need it. PrivateVPN takes your digital privacy very seriously, as evidenced by its no-logs policy and use of 256-bit AES encryption. Also included is protection from DNS leaks, a stealth mode, and a kill switch feature.

To access PrivateVPN, download one of its Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or Linux apps. You can also manually configure this VPN to work with your wireless router.

PrivateVPN speed test data

IDEAL FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN has fast servers in California and unblocks Netflix and Disney+. Very easy to use with beginner-friendly apps and live chat support. Secures internet traffic with encryption and has a strict no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. PureVPN

PureVPN operates roughly 6,000 servers in 65 countries, some of which are located in Los Angeles. This provider delivers ultra-fast speeds, averaging almost 400 Mbps in our most recent tests – that’s fast enough for any day-to-day task, including streaming, torrenting, or playing online games. Users can also protect ten devices simultaneously, which is almost double the industry standard. Support staff are available 24 hours per day via live chat and while they occasionally take a couple of minutes to respond, they’re very friendly and knowledgeable.

Your online activities are hidden from hotspot owners, your ISP, and the government thanks to PureVPN’s uncrackable encryption, leak protection, and automatic tracker blocking. There is also a kills switch and a no-logs policy that’s been independently verified on four occasions. It’s worth mentioning, however, that this service doesn’t accept any anonymous payment methods. That’s a little surprising, considering how ubiquitous Bitcoin, gift cards, and cash payments are in the industry. Still, this is a minor complaint and won’t impact most people.

PureVPN has its own Android, iOS, Windows,Linux, and MacOS apps. Further, it can be manually installed on most popular router firmware.

BLAZING FAST SPEEDS:PureVPN is significantly faster than most of its rivals and won’t be stopped by online restrictions. Stream, browse the web, or torrent safely while in California. New users can take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our complete PureVPN review for more info.

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8. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN has almost 4,000 servers in 85 countries and around the quarter of its network is located in the US. You can access these on the free plan but we’d suggest upgrading since this allows you to securely access platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, or torrent as much as you like. With average speeds of around 330 Mbps, you’ll unlikely notice any performance issues. If you do, just let support staff know – they’re available 24 hours per day over live chat.

This VPN offers a set of security tools that most of its competitors can only dream of. Naturally, there’s unbreakable encryption and a kill switch, plus IPv6 and DNS leak protection but we’re just getting started. Users can also block ads and trackers automatically, let certain apps through the VPN, or set up port forwarding. Further, multi-hop Secure Core servers are designed for tasks requiring a higher level of privacy. ProtonVPN follows a true no-logging policy and has proven this with an independent audit. Finally, users can pay in Bitcoin or cash so that they don’t have to provide personal information during registration.

ProtonVPN apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. Alternatively, you can follow manual setup instructions to get it running on most home routers.

BROWSE SAFELY ANYWHERE:ProtonVPN boasts an extensive set of privacy tools as well as first-class performance. A fantastic choice for experienced users though it may be a little complex for novices. Paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at our in-depth ProtonVPN review.

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Our Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for California

While most major VPN services offer servers in the US, some don’t have them in Californian cities. As such, we’ve looked specifically for VPNs that provide servers in cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco. Of course, there’s still plenty more to consider when choosing a VPN (such as speed and security). Below, we outline our methodology, which led us to find the best VPNs for California.

• Servers in California: Not all VPNs offer servers in the US and fewer have servers in California. As such, it’s important that the VPNs we selected provide servers like Los Angeles and San Francisco so you can get a California IP address. Indeed, the VPNs listed offer thousands of servers across dozens of countries.
• Speed: The trouble with many VPNs is that their offers are far too slow for streaming and torrenting. The good news is that our speed tests have revealed the fastest VPNs for California. The high-speed connections coupled with unlimited bandwidth means you won’t have to face the frustration of lag and buffering.
• Unblocking: Just because you connect to a server in California doesn’t guarantee you’ll be able to bypass every restriction. Some VPNs are simply better at unblocking than others. We’ve tested each VPN with a variety of region-locked content, including streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, and HBO.
• Security: A VPN is not good if it doesn’t encrypt your data properly. The absence of this essential security feature leaves you vulnerable to various online security threats. We examine each VPN for 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Extras such as Double VPN servers don’t hurt either!
• Privacy: It’s important to exercise caution around some VPNs because they may log and sell your browsing data. We only recommend VPNs that encrypt your data and don’t keep any identifying logs of users. Want to know more? We’ve looked at some 140 VPN logging policies to find those that best protect your privacy.
• Ease of use: Signup and setup of a VPN shouldn’t take more than a few minutes. The beginner-friendly apps of the best VPNs for California make it easy while live chat and email support are available 24/7 if you need help. While manual setup is required for routers, all of the VPNs in this post provide setup instructions.
• Value for money: With the VPNs listed in this post, you can choose monthly and yearly plans. The longer the subscription, the more you can save! Better still, we offer VPN discount coupons so you can get an even better deal while each VPN comes with a risk-free money-back guarantee of at least 30 days.

We look for all of the above and more as part of our VPN testing methodology. This process allows us to fairly evaluate each VPN and provide the most accurate and current information possible.

How to get a California IP address

All of the VPNs listed in this post provide beginner-friendly apps for desktop and mobile. Furthermore, live chat and email support are also available. To make things even easier, we’ve provided simple step-by-step instructions for getting started.

Here’s how you can VPN to California:

1. First, sign up with a VPN provider that has servers in California. As our reviews indicate, we particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Next, you’ll need to download and install the appropriate VPN app (or browser extension) for your device.
3. Open the VPN app and connect to a server in California, United States. This is how you get a California IP address. There are servers to choose from in many major cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco.
4. You should now be able to unblock geo-restricted content in California and the USA. You may even enjoy faster browsing speeds.
5. Still can’t access some region-locked content? You may need to clear your browser’s cookies. If this doesn’t work, try getting in touch with your VPN’s customer support.

TRY A PAID VPN FREE: Not sure you need a VPN long-term? Why not take advantage of NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee? Although an upfront payment is required, you’ll have 30 days to request a full refund. As such, it’s a great way to try out a paid VPN risk-free.

Best VPNs for California: FAQs