Many people use VPNs to change their IP address and access region-blocked websites while traveling abroad. However, while restrictions are usually defined by country, there may also be some local content you can only access with a Californian IP address. VPNs aren’t just good for unblocking geo-restricted content, either; if you live in California, connecting to a server nearer your actual location means faster speeds than if you used a server in another country.
So how do these services work? First, they encrypt your internet traffic, allowing you to browse the web anonymously. Next, they route your data through a server elsewhere in the world. Some even let you choose a server in a specific city such as Los Angeles. In doing so, you receive a California IP address. Aside from being able to access more online content and enjoy unthrottled speeds, changing your IP address to one that isn’t tied to your physical location provides you with a greater level of online privacy.
In this post, we’ll explore the best VPNs for California. Before that, though, we’ve provided a quick summary of each in case you’re in a hurry to get started:
Best California VPNs:
The trouble with choosing a VPN is that there are so many options available. However, many are of poor quality and may suffer from slow speeds or a lack of security. In order to find the best VPNs for California, we looked for those that meet our criteria which we have outlined under the reviews.
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
Best VPNs for California – at a glance
We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for California.
Best VPNs for California
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for California:
1. NordVPN
Jan 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- Background
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
This service has a particularly strong security offering. 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, plus special servers optimized for accessing Onion sites over a VPN connection. Users can access live chat and email support 24/7.
Connect up to six devices at the same time with NordVPN’s Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux apps. There’s also an app for Android TV as well as Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Note that manual installation is required for use with compatible wireless routers.
Pros:
Cons:
- Desktop apps sometimes take a while to connect
Our score:
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
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 in the world. 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 as well as 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.
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.
Servers in two dozen US cities including Los Angeles
Works well with streaming services including Netflix and HBO Max
Use it to secure an unlimited number of devices simultaneously
Double VPN servers for an extra layer of protection
Fast and friendly 24/7 live chat support
Customer support could be more responsive
Read our full Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
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 the customer support of ExpressVPN and found it to be among the very best. Indeed, it’s available 24/7 via live chat as well as 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.
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.
3,000 servers in 94 countries including in 3 California cities
Very fast speeds as well as unlimited bandwidth
Unblocks popular streaming services including Netflix
Secures internet traffic with high-end encryption
A little pricier than most rival VPNs
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
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, nearly 150 are located in Los Angeles, California. There are also 40+ servers in San Francisco. Better still, 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.
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.
6,500 servers worldwide (some 150 in Los Angeles, California)
High-speed connections as well as unlimited bandwidth
Includes live chat and email support (available 24/7)
Highly secure thanks to encryption and a strict no-logs policy
Unable to bypass the Great Firewall of China
Read our full CyberGhost review.
5. IPVanish
Website: www.IPVanish.com
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 the likes of 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.
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.
Plenty of servers in California for getting a Californian IP address
Unlimited simultaneous connections per account
Zero-logs policy means your data isn’t seen or shared by anyone
24/7 live chat and email support available
Headquartered in the US — a Five Eyes member
No option of anonymous payment (Bitcoin)
Read our full IPVanish review.
6. PrivateVPN
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
The beginner-friendly apps of PrivateVPN make connecting to a server quick and easy. However, if you have any trouble, you can just contact support via live chat or email. 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, simply download one of its apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or Linux. Another option is to manually configure this VPN to work with your wireless router.
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.
Very fast speeds for lag-free streaming
Plenty of US servers including servers in Los Angeles
Strong unblocking — watch Netflix and BBC iPlayer from anywhere
Browse securely thanks to encryption and strict no-logs policy
Small network of just 150 servers
Live chat support isn’t available 24/7
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
7. Hotspot Shield
Website: www.Hotspotshield.com
Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.
With Hotspot Shield, it’s possible to connect up to five of your devices at the same time. Another advantage of this VPN is that it offers 24-hour live chat support, seven days a week. It’s important to note that Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified. As such, you can browse with your identity intact. Furthermore, there’s 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection to keep you safe online.
Hotspot Shield apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. You can also download a browser extension for Chrome. When it comes to routers, manual setup is necessary.
- Has some past privacy concerns
- Doesn’t yet offer a browser extension for Firefox
Read our full Hotspot Shield review.
Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for California
While the vast majority of 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.
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 a simple set of step-by-step instructions for getting started.
Here’s how you can VPN to California:
- First, sign up with a VPN provider that has servers in California. As our reviews indicate, we particularly recommend NordVPN.
- Next, you’ll need to download and install the appropriate VPN app (or browser extension) for your device.
- Open the VPN app and connect to a server in California, United States. This is how you get a California IP address.
- You should now be able to unblock geo-restricted content in California and the USA. You may even enjoy faster browsing speeds.
- 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 for you to try out a paid VPN risk-free.
If you value your online security and privacy, you may want to use a VPN while in California or traveling elsewhere in the United States. The US is a Five Eyes member and has increased surveillance of its citizens in recent years. However, by using a VPN, you can have your data encrypted, shielding your personal information from hackers and snoopers. You’re also protected by a no-logs policy so that even if your data (such as your browsing history) is requested by the US government, the VPN won’t have anything to provide.
Using a free VPN in California (or indeed anywhere) comes with some security risks. You may find that some don’t encrypt your data or protect you from leaks. Many claim to offer no-logs policies but actually keep some identifying information that compromises your online anonymity. In particular, some free VPNs make money by logging and selling your data to third parties. If you’re concerned about surveillance, be it from the US government or your ISP, and want to exercise your right to privacy, free VPNs are best avoided.
