Top VPNs That Let You Choose Your Location

Did you know that all VPNs change your location, and many of them let you choose your location? 

VPNs hide your location by changing your IP address, and most of the time, you can choose where you want your VPN-provided IP address to be located.

When your internet traffic exits a VPN server, it appears as though it is originating from the server’s location rather than your actual physical location. This is because websites and online services see the IP address of the VPN server rather than your device’s IP address.

However, some VPNs do a better job of this than others. Some VPNs have a wider range of countries available in their networks, whereas others are more limited. Additionally, the speed and reliability of the servers can vary based on location. 

How do VPNs change your virtual location? 

There are several elements to a VPN’s change of location. 

• Encryption: When you connect to a VPN, your device establishes a secure and encrypted connection to the VPN server. This encryption protects your internet traffic and activity from potential eavesdropping and interception. 

• Tunneling protocols: VPNs use tunneling protocols to create a virtual tunnel between your device and the VPN server. This tunnel is what provides a secure pathway for your data to travel over the internet. 

• Connection to the VPN server: Once a secure tunnel is established, your device connects to the VPN server, which may be located in a different city or country, depending on the options provided by your VPN platform. 

• Changing your IP address: Your IP address, which is the unique identifier that is assigned to your internet-accessed device, is replaced with the IP address of the VPN’s server. This is the final step that makes it appear that you are browsing the internet from a different location than your physical one. 

Popular VPNs for Changing Your Location

Let’s take a look at 5 of the most popular VPNs available today. 

NordVPN

Strengths: NordVPN is a formidable VPN solution offering military-grade encryption, including support for OpenVPN and Double VPN encryption. With features like CyberSec for blocking malware-infected websites and ads, along with fast speeds, a vast global server network, and robust privacy measures such as a no-logs policy, NordVPN is a secure and versatile option.

Drawbacks: Users may experience a slight reduction in connection speed when utilizing the Double VPN feature. Additionally, the occasional unavailability of the three-year plan could limit long-term cost savings for users seeking extended subscription plans.

Best for: NordVPN is ideal for users who prioritize top-notch security and privacy in their online activities. This VPN is particularly well-suited for individuals engaged in torrenting, streaming content from geo-restricted platforms, and those with specific privacy concerns. 

ExpressVPN

Strengths: ExpressVPN stands out as a premier VPN provider with a host of attractive features. Boasting superfast speeds, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for streaming movies and shows, making it popular among gamers and torrent enthusiasts. It bypasses the Netflix VPN detection and operates in China, navigating through the country’s stringent firewall. The VPN offers a vast network with over 160 server locations in 94 countries, providing users with a range of IP addresses. With support for OpenVPN, 256-bit AES encryption, and a kill switch, ExpressVPN ensures a secure and virtually unhackable connection.

Drawbacks: ExpressVPN comes at a relatively higher price compared to some competitors in the VPN industry. Although there is a 30-day money-back guarantee, there is no free trial.  Additionally, the VPN allows simultaneous connections on only three devices.

Best for: ExpressVPN caters to individuals who prioritize streaming content, especially those facing VPN restrictions on platforms like Netflix and Hulu. ExpressVPN’s ability to operate in China makes it a go-to choice for users in regions with strict internet regulations. While the pricing is on the higher side, it’s well-suited for those willing to invest in a reliable VPN with lots of features.

CyberGhost

Strengths: CyberGhost VPN, headquartered in Romania outside the Five Eye circle, prioritizes high-security standards with OpenVPN and AES 256-bit encryption. It offers DNS and IP address leak protection, a kill switch for anonymity maintenance, and supports P2P. It has more than 6,500 servers in 90+ countries. The VPN allows connection of up to 7 devices on a single license and offers a free trial along with a 45-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

Drawbacks: While CyberGhost VPN excels in privacy and affordability, some users may experience slower speeds, which could be a concern for gamers or those streaming HD videos.

Best for: CyberGhost VPN is an ideal choice for users seeking a balance between privacy and affordability. With its strong privacy policy, including a no-logs guarantee, it caters to users concerned about online anonymity. The VPN’s connectivity, allowing P2P and offering a vast server network, makes it suitable for torrenting. While potential speed issues may impact gamers and HD video streamers, the free trial and 45-day money-back guarantee provide risk-free options for users to explore its services.

Norton Secure VPN

Strengths: Norton Secure VPN has commendable security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and secure protocols. It is known for fast speeds, making it suitable for streaming popular sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime. The user-friendly interface across various platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS, makes it an excellent choice for VPN beginners.

Drawbacks:  Norton Secure VPN has some notable drawbacks. The logging of user IP addresses, inconsistent performance of the split-tunneling feature on Android, and challenges in bypassing firewalls in restrictive countries are concerns. Additionally, the 24/7 live chat and phone support show inconsistencies in resolving user queries and issues.

Best for: Norton Secure VPN is best suited for individuals seeking a user-friendly VPN with strong security features and fast speeds, particularly those looking to stream content from popular platforms. However, it may not be the ideal choice for users in restrictive countries or those prioritizing complete anonymity due to the logging of IP addresses.

Private Internet Access (PIA)

Strengths: Private Internet Access (PIA) is known for its high-grade encryption and fast speeds. Offering both AES 128-bit and AES 256-bit encryption options, PIA caters to diverse user needs. The support for P2P activities, including torrenting, combined with unlimited bandwidth, makes it appealing for users engaged in file sharing. PIA offers a significant network of over 3,000 servers across 84 countries.

Drawbacks: PIA is based in the U.S., which may raise concerns among privacy-focused users. While PIA asserts that it doesn’t collect user data, the U.S. jurisdiction is often viewed skeptically by privacy experts. Another drawback is the absence of live chat support and a dedicated email address for customer queries, leaving users reliant on an online form with a delayed response time. The functionality of the kill switch has also faced criticism for not reliably disconnecting users in the event of a VPN connection drop.

Best for: PIA is best suited for users prioritizing affordability without compromising on encryption standards and speed. It is an excellent choice for those engaged in P2P activities like torrenting and individuals who don’t mind the U.S. jurisdiction and lack of robust customer support. 

Additional VPN Options

Here are a few more options:

• TorGuard VPN
• TunnelBear
• ProtonVPN
• Hide.me
• Surfshark
• VPN Unlimited
• Total VPN
• IPVanish
• UltraVPN

What is the Best VPN for Choosing Your Location

We highly recommend NordVPN, but the truth is that you should choose a VPN based on your unique needs. 

Internet privacy and security continue to be pressing concerns for online users worldwide, and VPNs have emerged as an essential tool to protect one’s digital identity and browsing habits. While many leading VPN services excel in core features like encryption, speed, and server coverage, choosing the right provider ultimately depends on an individual’s specific needs and priorities. 

Factors like budget, platform compatibility, customer support quality, and jurisdictional considerations play a role, too. 

Those who want rock-solid anonymity may opt for VPNs that provide more security, whereas budget-conscious users may need to focus on a free or low-cost option. Gamers and streamers concerned about lag time will need to look for consistently fast connections and may not care as much about their IP location. 

The good news is that the market offers credible options for diverse preferences. As VPNs evolve to address users’ changing needs in a dynamic cyber threat landscape, taking time to evaluate providers based on individual use cases remains key. 

Online privacy will continue to be important, and internet users stand to benefit by making informed choices. Though finding a single “best” VPN may be elusive, careful analysis can help you find the right one for you!