5 Best VPNs for California in 2024

Labeled as one of the "enemies of the Internet" by Reporters Without Borders, the US is no longer a safe haven for unhindered Internet access. Luckily, those restrictions haven't yet reached California in their full swing. Nonetheless, your Internet provider sees everything you do online, and on top of that, the US is one of the founding members of the 5-Eyes Alliance, permitting widespread data logging.

If you're a frequent traveler, you'll encounter additional issues. For example, you need a California IP address to access local content, and you'll also need a foreign IP to access other countries' content and digital services. That said, you can resolve all those issues with a VPN.

VPNs enable you to access local California websites and US content while traveling abroad. They also offer strong encryption and no-logs policies that keep your data safe from leaks or accidental exposure. So, you get content unblocking and great security in a single tool. 

In this guide, we'll discuss the best VPN for California and give you several options. We'll explain how to use one, why you need a VPN, and how to choose the best option. Finally, we'll finish with a round of helpful FAQs.

Best California VPNs - Our Shortlist

1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated Best VPN for California in 2024
2. Surfshark - User-Friendly VPN for California with Tons of Server Locations
3. ExpressVPN - Privacy-First VPN with Obfuscated Network
4. CyberGhost VPN - Specialized Servers and Wide Platform Support
5. Private Internet Access - High-End VPN with Plenty of Fine-Tuning

How to Get a California IP Address

Connecting to a California-based VPN server will give you a local IP address. So, you'll need to sign up for a VPN, download its app, and pick a suitable server. Go through the following steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN that works in California (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN on your device.
3. Launch the VPN and log in using your credentials.
4. Connect to a local server or a foreign one if you wish to unblock websites.
5. You can now browse the Web safely and freely. That’s it!

By connecting to a local server, your VPN will automatically replace your IP with one from California. In a similar way, connect to a foreign server if you wish to use a digital platform not available in the US. Our #1 recommendation is NordVPN, as it has servers in 110+ countries, giving you countless options.

The Best VPNs for California in 2024

Your search for the best option available should be based on certain requirements, most of which we have already pinpointed when searching for VPNs with the most servers. More precisely, you'll want plenty of servers in California and across the world. You should also care about speed and performance, as you don't want your VPN to slow you down.

There's also the ability to unblock websites inside and outside California, especially region-specific ones like YouTube TV, Fubo TV, and Sling TV. Pay attention to obfuscated servers and a kill switch, and you'll also want a no-logs policy, strong protocols, and high-end encryption.

Ensure you get a sufficient number of simultaneous connections and support for all your devices. In the end, we'll also mention that you'll want a fair price and plenty of value. Generous money-back policies should also be there, as well as reliable customer support.

Following the criteria listed above, these are the 5 best VPNs to use in California in 2024

1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated Best VPN for California in 2024

NordVPN is the best VPN to get a California IP address, as it offers 3 server locations in the state (Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose). It also features one of the most expansive server networks out there, with 6,300+ servers spread across 111 countries. 

This VPN has amazing connection speeds and very stable connections. It's one of the fastest VPNs right now, managing to provide high-end speeds across all its nearby and remote servers. If you're looking to unblock sites, know that NordVPN can bypass any geo-block - giving you full access to Californian versions of Sling TV, Fubo TV, YouTube TV, and countless more.

On top of that, expect a range of obfuscated servers, and a kill switch is also there, meaning you won't have to worry about data leaks. The NordLynx, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec protocols offer added security and help you stay safe online. Those are paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers, complemented by NordVPN's audited no-logs policy.

NordVPN’s apps are beginner-friendly, have simple user interfaces, and can be used on 10 devices simultaneously. You'll find NordVPN apps on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, dedicated streaming devices, and even routers.

The lowest you can pay for NordVPN is $3.09/month (2-year subscription). Your purchase comes backed by a solid 30-day money-back guarantee. Lastly, expect 24/7 customer support, including live chat and plenty of other support channels and resources.

2. Surfshark - User-Friendly VPN for California with Tons of Server Locations

Surfshark is a user-focused VPN provider featuring powerful privacy-protection tools that require no fine-tuning. It offers two server locations in California (Los Angeles and San Francisco) and 3,200+ servers in 100 countries worldwide.

This VPN has ultra-fast speeds that are great for streaming, playing online games, and browsing. It can take a while to connect, but you'll get highly stable connections every single time. On top of that, you'll get to unblock any website and digital service, including YouTube TV, Sling TV, and more.

If you need obfuscation, pay attention to Surfshark's 'Camouflage Mode,' which allows you to enable it when necessary. A kill switch is also available, as are protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec, paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20. You'll also be happy to hear that Surfshark offers a verified no-logs policy.

Expect minimalist applications with simple UIs that are great for beginners and pros alike. It also allows unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can cover all your devices at once. It has apps for all major operating systems, including Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and more.

This VPN's 2-year plan costs $2.29/month and is complemented by a 30-day money-back policy. If you have any issues at any point, you can contact its customer support via 24/7 live chat.

3. ExpressVPN - Privacy-First VPN with Obfuscated Network

ExpressVPN is a high-end VPN provider that puts a lot of emphasis on privacy protection. It has servers in 3 cities in California (Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and San Francisco). ExpressVPN also has thousands of servers across 105 countries in total.

You can expect extra-fast speeds and stable connections whether you connect to a nearby or remote server. Also, you can use ExpressVPN to unblock practically any website. We had no issues streaming YouTube TV, Sling TV, Hulu's Live TV, and more.

What's unique about ExpressVPN is that all its servers are obfuscated. This feature works autonomously in the background, so you get the best possible data protection from the get-go. Moreover, it has a kill switch, protocols like OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2/IPsec, as well as encryption ciphers like AES-256 and WolfSSL. To top it all off, this VPN has a watertight no-logs policy.

You'll also like the fact that you'll get 8 simultaneous connections. Plus, you'll get apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, various streaming devices, and routers. ExpressVPN's apps are suitable even for first-time VPN users, as they all have a mobile-like user interface.

ExpressVPN's annual plan costs $6.67/month, which puts it among the more expensive VPNs - but it's certainly worth its price. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so getting a refund is easy if you change your mind. And should you ever need help, you'll get to rely on 24/7 live chat support.

4. CyberGhost VPN - Specialized Servers and Wide Platform Support

CyberGhost offers plenty of interesting features, most of which are aimed at the average home user. It has 2 server locations in California (Los Angeles and San Francisco) that you can connect to and use to watch local content. You can also choose from a network of thousands of servers in 100 countries to access restricted content outside of California.

That said, we have to note that CyberGhost isn't the fastest option. It provides medium-fast speeds, and there's not much you can do to optimize it. So, having a fast baseline connection would certainly help. On the plus side, it provides specialized servers for unblocking content. Using those, you can stream YouTube TV, Sling TV, Fubo TV, various Netflix libraries, Hulu, and more.

This VPN doesn't offer obfuscation, but it does have a capable kill switch that works in the background. So, you will get connections free of data leaks. You can also expect protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec, coupled with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption. There are also features such as an audited no-logs policy and a dedicated ad-blocker.

CyberGhost supports up to 7 simultaneous connections and delivers apps for any device imaginable. That includes computers, phones, tablets, streaming devices, and routers.

This VPN's lowest price is $2.03/month (2-year subscription plan). Plus, it offers an extended 45-day money-back guarantee if you purchase a long-term plan, meaning you get a hassle-free refund if you change your mind. There’s also 24/7 live chat support to help you answer any questions that come up.

5. Private Internet Access - High-End VPN with Plenty of Fine-Tuning

Private Internet Access (PIA) allows you can choose from 2 California locations (Los Angeles and Silicon Valley) to access local content. On a global scale, this VPN offers thousands of servers in 90+ countries. What's unique here is that PIA has servers in every single US state.

Out of the box, you'll get medium-fast speeds. That's because PIA is optimized for the highest level of data security and privacy. You can achieve faster speeds, but only if you dig into its settings and tweak PIA's protocols and encryption. Also, the good news is that PIA can bypass any geo-block, so using it with YouTube TV, Sling TV, or Fubo TV is never an issue.

If you need obfuscation, you can enable it on demand. The same applies to PIA's kill switch, which comes highly customizable. There are also protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2/IPsec, as well as encryption ciphers like AES-128/256 and ChaCha20. An audited no-logs policy ensures that no data is collected.

PIA supports unlimited simultaneous connections and offers modern-looking applications for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS/iPadOS, streaming devices, and routers.

PIA's 2-year subscription plan costs only $2.03/month. Your subscription is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund with a straightforward process if you don’t like the VPN. In-depth support guides with a 24/7 live chat tool will help you in case of any questions.

The Top Reasons to Use a VPN in California

A VPN is the safest way to a more secure Internet browsing experience. It allows you to anonymize your Web browsing, access blocked sites, avoid local censorship, and more. Let's take a closer look at why using a VPN in California is so beneficial:

• Browse the Internet Anonymously: A VPN allows you to reach a higher level of anonymity, which helps you interact with the Web without anyone seeing what you do online.
• Bypass Local Censorship and Content Restrictions: A VPN with a California IP address lets you visit blocked sites and circumvent sports blackouts on YouTube TV, Sling TV, and more.
• Access Geo-Blocked Sites and Digital Services: By connecting to a foreign VPN server, you can visit previously blocked sites and access more content and digital services.
• Eliminate ISP-Induced Throttling: Californian ISPs throttle those who consume a lot of data, which is something a VPN helps you eliminate by hiding your traffic from your ISP.
• Use Public Wi-Fi Networks Safely: Thanks to encryption, you can turn any public Wi-Fi network into a highly secure one, preventing malicious actors from getting to your device.
• Use Shopping Sites Securely: Keeping a VPN active in the background while shopping online lets you encrypt your payment information and ensure that your data doesn't leak online.
• Get Lower Prices When Shopping Online: To get better prices online, pick a VPN server in a location known for lower prices, such as a different US state or country.
• Optimize Your Gaming Experience: By rerouting your traffic, a VPN helps you lower your ping and latency, which results in a better gameplay session.
• Hide Your Torrenting Traffic: A P2P-optimized VPN server will help you hide your torrenting traffic and evade potential legal issues, like copyright infringement fines.

How to Choose the Best VPN for California?

We recommend you focus on finding a VPN with a wide server network, fast speeds, reliable security features (strong protocols, high-end encryption), and dependable customer support. Let's go over the requirements you need to follow to the best VPN for California:

• VPN Locations in California and Worldwide: You'll want a VPN that has servers in California and other US states, as well as plenty of countries worldwide (targeting plenty of VPN locations).
• Minimal Throttling and Stable Connections: Pick a VPN that won't slow you down. You'll want to be able to browse the Web, stream media, and play games without disruptions.
• Unrestricted Access to Domestic and Foreign Sites: A VPN that gives you a California IP address will help unblock local content, but you'll also want access to foreign sites and digital services.
• Always-On or On-Demand Obfuscation: Obfuscation is a good way to hide your VPN data using smaller data packets so that even your ISP can't see it.
• Kill Switch: This feature is essential for preventing data leaks. A VPN shuts down your connection if you disconnect from a VPN by accident, making sure no leaks happen.
• Bulletproof Encryption and VPN Protocols: Prioritize VPNs with OpenVPN and WireGuard and ensure they are paired with high-end encryption (AES-256, ChaCha20).
• Plenty of Simultaneous Connections: You'll want a single VPN subscription for your entire home, but you'll also want to cover your mobile devices as well (for on-the-go protection).
• Support for All Your Devices: Avoid VPNs that require you to configure your devices manually. The best VPN should offer native software across the board.
• Budget-Friendly Price: You can save a lot by getting a long-term subscription. Also, most VPNs offer extras if you pick a long-term plan, so inspect your options carefully.
• Straightforward Money-Back Policy: You can expect a 30-day money-back policy from most of today's reputable VPNs, giving you plenty of time to test-drive its features.
• Dependable Customer Support: We recommend picking a VPN with live chat support. Aside from that, having access to email support and support tickets can also be useful.

Can You Use a Free VPN in California?

In general, free VPNs are far from dependable. So, even though you can opt for a VPN in California, there are many reasons why we don't recommend them. As you're about to see, those VPNs can be useful only for quick browsing sessions - and that's about it.

Free VPNs come with limited bandwidth and a daily or monthly data allowance. Also, they typically offer a handful of servers only, targeting 3-5 countries in most cases. You'll also encounter very limited speeds and won't be able to bypass geo-blocks.

Next, free VPNs log your data and sell your browsing history to the highest bidder. They also bring limited features, so you'll risk a data leak. Most worryingly, they can infect your device with malware, which we've seen happen countless times in the past.

There's really no alternative to using a reputable premium VPN. So, what you can do is test a premium VPN for free through a trial. For example, you can start your NordVPN trial on Android and use the VPN app for 7 days without any limitations.

Also, you'll see that all of the top-rated VPNs come with solid money-back guarantees, so getting a long-term subscription is a risk-free decision. In other words, there's no reason to reach for free VPNs, as even high-end premium ones cost only a couple of dollars per month.

Final Thoughts

By default, everything you do online is tracked by your Internet provider - and no one has privacy on the Web anymore. On top of that, if you travel or move frequently, you'll have a hard time accessing local and foreign content, and you'll have to deal with ISP throttling as well. However, the best California VPN can fix all those issues as long as you pick a truly trustworthy option.

If you subscribe to NordVPN, you'll get hugely powerful features and tools that make it the best VPN to use in California. You'll encounter a wide server network, high-end privacy, the ability to unblock local sites using your California IP, access to foreign servers, and plenty more. Lastly, the VPN itself will respect your privacy as it's based on an often-audited no-logs policy.

That’s all for our take on the best VPN for California in 2024. If you have any questions, drop a comment below. Thank you for reading!