Online privacy is a hot topic in the United States. Internet providers can sell browsing data, government surveillance programs make headlines, and streaming platforms restrict content depending on your location. In this landscape, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are no longer niche—they’ve become everyday tools for millions of Americans.
This guide takes you through the fascinating history of VPNs, explains how they work, explores real-world use cases, and provides detailed reviews of the top VPN providers. By the end, you’ll know exactly why VPNs matter and which service might be right for you.
The history of VPNs
The story of VPNs begins in the mid-1990s, when businesses needed secure ways to connect employees working outside the office. Dial-up and leased lines were costly and not very secure. In 1996, Microsoft engineer Gurdeep Singh-Pall helped develop PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol), one of the first practical VPN technologies. It allowed data to be encrypted and sent through a public network like the internet.
Through the 2000s, VPNs became more robust thanks to protocols like IPSec, L2TP, and later OpenVPN. Still, they were mostly tools for corporations and IT departments.
Everything changed in the 2010s. Smartphones, public Wi-Fi, streaming services, and rising concerns about surveillance pushed VPNs into the consumer market. After Edward Snowden’s revelations in 2013, millions of people suddenly cared about online privacy. Companies like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost made VPNs easy to install and use, even for beginners.
By the 2020s, VPNs were mainstream. They’re now used by everyday people across the US for streaming, gaming, travel, and remote work. What began as an enterprise security tool has turned into a global consumer phenomenon.
How VPNs work
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a server operated by the VPN provider. Instead of your internet traffic traveling directly to a website, it first passes through this tunnel. This has three big benefits:
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Encryption keeps your data private, even on public Wi-Fi.
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IP masking makes websites see the VPN server’s location, not your real one.
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Secure protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 determine how this tunnel is established.
For the average user, this means more privacy, more security, and the ability to appear online as if you were in another location.
What VPNs are used for
VPNs have grown popular because they’re incredibly versatile. Americans use them for a variety of reasons.
Protecting privacy and security
Connecting to free Wi-Fi in a coffee shop or airport is risky. A VPN encrypts your traffic, protecting you from snoopers and hackers. It also makes it harder for ISPs and advertisers to build a profile of your online habits.
Streaming and bypassing geo-restrictions
VPNs are widely used to unlock streaming services. Want to watch a Netflix library available only in the UK, or access sports content not shown in your region? A VPN lets you do that by making it look like you’re browsing from another country.
Remote work
For millions of Americans working from home, VPNs provide a secure connection back to company servers. They’re often required by corporate IT departments to keep data safe.
Avoiding censorship
In restrictive countries, VPNs allow people to bypass firewalls and censorship. For US citizens traveling abroad, they ensure access to home content like Hulu or YouTube TV.
Bonus features
Modern VPNs often go beyond the basics, offering ad-blocking, anti-tracking, multi-hop routing, and split tunneling so you can choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t.
VPN protocols explained
Understanding VPN protocols helps make sense of performance differences.
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PPTP: Old and insecure, rarely used today.
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L2TP/IPSec: More secure but slower.
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OpenVPN: The workhorse of VPNs—secure, reliable, and widely supported.
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IKEv2/IPSec: Great for mobile devices because it reconnects quickly.
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WireGuard: Modern, lightweight, and extremely fast—many providers now make it their default.
The legal status of VPNs in the US
In the United States, using a VPN is completely legal. Millions of people rely on them every day for work, privacy, and entertainment. The only caveat is that using a VPN for illegal activities (like cybercrime) is still illegal.
Streaming platforms may frown upon VPN use and attempt to block VPN IP addresses, but there are no laws against it. In fact, for remote workers, VPN usage is often mandatory.
VPN vs Proxy vs Tor
It’s easy to confuse these tools, but they work differently.
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A VPN encrypts all your internet traffic and works across your entire device.
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A proxy only hides your IP for specific apps or browsers, with no encryption.
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Tor routes traffic through multiple volunteer nodes, offering strong anonymity but very slow speeds.
For most Americans, VPNs are the best mix of security, speed, and usability.
Everyday scenarios for VPN users
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Travelers: A family on vacation in Europe connects to a US server to keep watching Hulu and ESPN.
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Students: College students in New York protect themselves on campus Wi-Fi with VPN encryption.
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Gamers: Players in California use VPN servers to reduce lag or access games released early in Asia.
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Remote workers: Professionals connect securely to their corporate network from home.
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Privacy seekers: Everyday users simply want ISPs and advertisers to stop tracking everything they do.
Ownership and trust in the VPN industry
One challenge in choosing a VPN is knowing who actually owns the company.
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ExpressVPN is owned by Kape Technologies, which also controls CyberGhost and Private Internet Access.
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NordVPN and Surfshark are under the Nord Security umbrella.
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Atlas VPN belongs to the same group as NordVPN.
This wave of consolidation raises questions about independence, but it also brings stability. To build trust, top providers undergo independent audits that verify their no-logs policies.
In-depth reviews of the top VPN providers
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is famous for its speed and reliability. Its Lightway protocol is designed for performance, making it a favorite among US users who stream, game, or travel. With servers in over 105 countries, it consistently works with Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
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Pros: Fast servers, excellent customer support, works well for streaming.
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Cons: Pricier than most, only five devices per account.
NordVPN
NordVPN balances affordability and security. Its NordLynx protocol built on WireGuard delivers high speeds. Extra features include Double VPN, Onion over VPN, and built-in malware blocking. Based in Panama, it operates outside US jurisdiction.
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Pros: Affordable, strong privacy protections, thousands of servers.
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Cons: Interface can feel complex for new users.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost makes VPNs easy for beginners. Its apps include servers labeled for Netflix, Hulu, or ESPN, so users don’t need to guess. Headquartered in Romania, it benefits from strong privacy laws.
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Pros: User-friendly, streaming-optimized servers, generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
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Cons: Speeds may vary, fewer advanced options for power users.
Surfshark
Surfshark changed the market by allowing unlimited device connections. For US families, this is a huge advantage. It also offers features like MultiHop, Camouflage Mode, and CleanWeb ad blocking.
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Pros: Unlimited devices, affordable long-term plans, privacy-friendly.
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Cons: Smaller server network than NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Proton VPN
Built by the team behind ProtonMail, Proton VPN is ideal for journalists and activists. Based in Switzerland, it has one of the strongest privacy reputations in the industry. Its free plan is limited but safe. Premium users benefit from Secure Core servers that add an extra layer of protection.
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Pros: Transparent, strong security, free plan available.
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Cons: Premium plans can be expensive.
Private Internet Access (PIA)
PIA is highly customizable and has a proven no-logs record despite being based in the United States. It’s a good choice for advanced users who want control over encryption settings and protocols.
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Pros: Affordable, advanced settings, massive server network.
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Cons: Based in US jurisdiction, interface less polished.
Atlas VPN
Atlas VPN is a budget-friendly option for casual users. Owned by the same parent company as NordVPN, it offers a free plan and simple apps. It lacks some advanced features, but it’s an easy way to start with VPNs.
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Pros: Very cheap, free plan, decent speeds with WireGuard.
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Cons: Smaller server network, fewer extras.
VPN controversies and limitations
VPNs are powerful but not perfect. They don’t stop phishing or malware, and while they can hide your IP, they can’t make you invisible online. Speed may drop slightly due to encryption, though modern protocols minimize this.
Some providers exaggerate their privacy claims, which is why independent audits are so important. And while VPNs are legal in the US, not all countries allow them—travelers should always check local laws.
The future of VPNs
Looking ahead, VPNs will continue to evolve. More providers are adopting WireGuard for speed, while others are integrating with password managers and identity theft protection tools. VPNs may also expand into 5G and IoT devices, ensuring privacy across every connected gadget in your home.
Transparency will be key: open-source apps, regular audits, and clear ownership will separate trustworthy VPNs from the rest.
Why VPNs matter today
VPNs started as enterprise tools but are now part of everyday life. They protect a student browsing in a café, a traveler streaming US sports abroad, a gamer lowering ping, and a journalist safeguarding communication.
In short, VPNs have gone from obscure to essential. They help Americans stay safe, private, and free in a digital world that is anything but simple.
Image(s) used in this article are either AI-generated or sourced from royalty-free platforms like Pixabay or Pexels.
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