Top 5 Best VPNs for Chicago: Get a Chicago IP Address

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If you live in or are visiting the Windy City, you need to ensure the safety of your web browsing with a VPN.

It isn’t only about the security of your information, though. It’s also about preserving your ability to go online in Chicago without breaking Illinois laws.

To bring you the best VPNs for Chicago, I tested the best VPN providers that allow you to safely connect to numerous servers for maximum speed without logging your activities.

Through my research, I found that NordVPN is the best VPN for Chicago residents and visitors, thanks to its large account of Chicago servers.

But there are also other options you can use to maintain fast and secure web traffic in Chicago.

Read on to see why specific VPNs should be used for Chicago and what makes these VPNs best for Chicago residents!

Why Do These VPNs Qualify as Best for Chicago?

I reviewed several VPNs with Chicago-based servers and found these five are the best. Here’s why:

  • NordVPN (over 160 Chicago servers) – Safest VPN with a no-logs policy and an extensive account of Chicago-based servers, risk-free 30-day trial allowed.
  • ExpressVPN (a single Chicago server) – Allows fast web browsing speed with security features and protocols included, customer support available.
  • CyberGhost (115 Chicago servers) – Great for streaming and torrenting, it has a broad base of Chicago servers.
  • Surfshark (over 40 Chicago servers) – Provides excellent value for a budget solution and allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
  • PrivateVPN (a single Chicago server) – Great option for streaming in Chicago, easy server configuration and usability.

For a more detailed list of features, keep scrolling!

Detailed List of the 5 Best VPNs for Chicago

Below, you’ll find a more detailed list of specific features for every VPN mentioned above.

Pay close attention and read every detail, as it might affect your final decision of the best Chicago VPN.

1. NordVPN – Best Option for Chicago Connection Overall

As one of the most outstanding VPN services, NordVPN has nearly 2000 servers in the US and over 160 servers you can use to access Republic Bank of Chicago or Gold Coast Bank sites.

This is important for your internet speed as the unblocking specs also showcase this VPN’s value for Chicago users.

NordVPN VPN Homepage

If you’re worried about using Netflix or other streaming services on Chicago servers, NordVPN unblocks them all.

You can use all the online platforms and streaming services you want, with up to 6 simultaneous connections!

So, feel free to connect to NordVPN’s Chicago servers from your mobile, tablet, and laptop at the same time.

Using NordVPN in Chicago

Safety of Using NordVPN in Chicago

As one of the best VPN providers with Chicago servers, NordVPN puts additional focus on user convenience and security.

First, it has AES 265-bit encryption, which, combined with RAM-only servers, enables complete protection if you wish to visit Chicago Reader or ChicagoNow from a public hotspot.

Furthermore, NordVPN is based in Panama, where online privacy laws prevent US authorities from retrieving your data or performing surveillance.

And NordVPN’s no-logs policy ensures there’s no tracking of your data and enables maximum security with split tunneling.

This allows you to watch your favorite BBC iPlayer shows while sitting in Fairgrounds Coffee shop via the Chicago servers visit local sites at the same time.

NordVPN Split tunneling

NordVPN also features a kill switch that instantly cuts the internet when the VPN connection drops.

This is especially useful when you access public WiFi hotspots and free WiFi connections at Joe’s Seafood or The Wormhole Coffee, and the connectivity suddenly drops.

Using the kill switch, you can prevent any of your data from leaking.

NordVPN Internet Kill Switch

Finally, I performed a DNS leak test that only proved what most NordVPN users already know – there’s no possibility for your real IP address to leak while using this VPN.

NordVPN Chicago Performance

To start your safe and fast web browsing through Chicago-based servers, open the NordVPN map panel and choose the Windy City.

You can scroll through the list of available Chicago servers and see the current server speed below.

Buffering isn’t an issue with the best VPN for Chicago, either.

You can access streaming services and websites using the Chicago servers without any lag!

NordVPN Speed Test

The download speed also ranges from 200Mbps to even higher speeds depending on the server you select and your base internet speed.

NordVPN Price

The single-month NordVPN usage price is high compared to other VPNs, but you can turn to a 1-year plan and get a lower price.

Of course, you can count on the 30-day money-back guarantee if you are not satisfied with the service or server speed.

NordVPN pricing
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Otherwise, grab this major NordVPN discount to get started immediately!

Pros

Cons

2. ExpressVPN – High-Speed Solution for Chicago

ExpressVPN comes with a single Chicago VPN server.

But it still secures a fast connection, thanks to the Lightway protocol, and the ExpressVPN app makes it even easier to connect as one of the simplest yet helpful VPN apps.

While using this VPN in Chicago, you can achieve up to 5 simultaneous connections.

It might not be that much, but you can still connect on mobile, tablet, and laptop simultaneously.

Meanwhile, the Lightway protocol is specifically-tailored for ExpressVPN users as the service’s high-security standard.

ExpressVPN Options Protocol

This VPN protocol is designed by ExpressVPN experts to allow you speedier and more secure internet access with reduced battery consumption.

It’s a perfect option while traveling abroad to access the Chicago Sun-Times or Chicago Tribune with preserved battery life for the highest internet browsing efficiency.

ExpressVPN Safety

ExpressVPN Servers Countries

Using ExpressVPN in Chicago is extremely safe, thanks to its military-grade encryption.

While surfing the internet through its Chicago servers, you can rely on the AES 256-bit encryption to keep you safe.

Additionally, the split tunneling option allows you to access Chicago Sun-Times without a VPN while watching BBC iPlayer via UK ExpressVPN servers.

ExpressVPN Chicago Performance

Perhaps ExpressVPN doesn’t have as many Chicago-based servers as NordVPN, but it still maintains high browsing speeds.

The download speed should suffice for using any streaming platform outside the US, especially the UK streaming platform BritBox.

You can also check the speed test of any server you like, allowing you to switch between servers if you feel the need to increase the connection speed.

The performance is also boosted by the Lightway protocol which maximizes the speed and reduces the effect of draining your device’s battery.

ExpressVPN Price

The price tag may greatly determine your decision to use ExpressVPN for the Chicago connection.

The monthly subscription to ExpressVPN is a bit expensive, but going with a year-long plan makes it more affordable.

Luckily, you can also get a free 30-day trial with a refund at the end of the month in case you’re not satisfied.

ExpressVPN plans
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Pros

Cons

3. CyberGhost VPN – Great for Chicago Streaming and Torrenting

For the superb Chicago web browsing experience, you can use CyberGhost VPN to protect you while browsing the city’s landmarks, such as Shedd Aquarium and Museum of Science and Industry, on mobile.

CyberGhost allows more simultaneous connections than NordVPN since it enables 7-device connectivity instead of 6.

Additionally, the CyberGhost app is a bit more complex than the ExpressVPN app, thanks to all its in-app features.

It also comes with 115 servers in Chicago, putting it between NordVPN and Surfshark.

CyberGhost VPN Servers

The servers of this VPN are mostly tailored for streaming and are connected to servers from all over the world.

Also, visiting torrenting sites without Chicago ISPs (AT&T or Spectrum) is definitely much easier with this VPN, as it’s tailored for anonymous torrenting.

Therefore, you can sit in the local coffee shop in Chicago and gain access to Japanese, Swedish, UK-based, and other streaming platforms.

CyberGhost For Streaming

It’s also a great tool if you wish to use Skype or similar tools for business while also connecting to 6 more devices for other purposes.

CyberGhost Safety for Chicago Browsing

CyberGhost comes with security protocols that ensure your P2P activities remain hidden from AT&T (and other Chicago ISPs), so no copyright trolls can hound you!

This includes leak protection and 256-bit AES encryption.

Plus, the no-logs policy guarantees that Chicago authorities can never demand your P2P activities from your ISP.

CyberGhost NoSpy Servers

You can safely browse the internet from Chicago-based CyberGhost servers on Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and other platforms.

CyberGhost Chicago Performance

Since this VPN comes with over 100 high-speed Chicago server locations, there are no worries about speed, as it turned out during speed tests.

While it might not match NordVPN’s speed, CyberGhost will do its job of providing speedy uploads and downloads without issues.

CyberGhost Speed Test

It’s another story for streaming, though, as CyberGhost is one of the fastest streaming VPNs for Chicago.

Using popular streaming services for Chicago residents such as BBC iPlayer to watch shows like Chicago P.D becomes a piece of cake with CyberGhost!

CyberGhost VPN Price

CyberGhost VPN offers a fully 45-day free trial to make sure that it fills your preferred purposes.

cyberghost vpn subscription plans and pricing
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Pros

Cons

4. Surfshark VPN – Best Budget Solution With Chicago Servers

Surfshark VPN Home Page

Surfshark VPN is a great option for Chicago residents and visitors, as it offers over 40 VPN servers based in the Windy City.

Surfshark manages to achieve comparable speed to NordVPN, making it a good budget solution.

High-security measures taken to preserve the logs and private info of the users also add up to the user convenience of this solution.

This VPN is compatible with Android, iOS, Linux, Windows, and other platforms.

But one of the best things about Surfshark is that you can use it on an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription.

On the other hand, it can’t be used for seeding torrents which is a slight downside.

It also comes with a convenient app that you can use to pick your preferred Chicago-based server and test the speed or access customer support if you have any questions.

Surfshark Customer Support

Surfshark Safety for Chicago Residents and Visitors

This VPN includes its NoBorders Mode, which lets you see the list of servers that are best suited for breaking current network restrictions based on your location.

It works through the Surfshark app on all platforms, including Android, macOS, and iOS.

Surfshark NoBorders Mode

Yet another exquisite feature is the Camouflage Mode which achieves the same obfuscated server connectivity as NordVPN.

This mode makes your connection seem like regular browsing as it removes all traces of VPN usage.

It’s a great option because it gives you complete privacy, DNS leak protection, and anti-IPv6 leak policies.

Surfshark Smart DNS

This VPN has a no-logs policy as well, making it a perfect budget solution for those in need in the Chicago area.

All of the servers are also P2P friendly, meaning you can share your files from one device to another while using Surfshark without having any record of the activity kept.

Surfshark Performance

Surfshark manages to match the 100MBps+ speed of NordVPN, though there’s a big difference in pricing.

Surfshark Speed Test 2

It’s a quality budget solution for all types of users that wish to get an affordable yet worthy option for Chicago internet browsing.

It’s also an excellent option for unblocking different streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, etc.

Surfshark Pricing

Surfshark VPN can also be used within the boundaries of the 30-day free trial, and you can test the VPN throughout that period.

Screenshot MS 1 1
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Additionally, you can get the best deal for Surfshark VPN right here!

Pros

Cons

5. PrivateVPN – High-Usability Option

Another great option for streaming and web browsing in Chicago, is PrivateVPN.

First, PrivateVPN’s app enables you to break geo-restricted content and enjoy all sorts of streaming platforms and services.

PrivateVPN All Servers 1

First, PrivateVPN’s app enables you to break geo-restricted content and enjoy all sorts of streaming platforms and services.

The app’s dashboard allows you to see your external IP, connection status, location, connection type, open-protocol connectivity adjustment, and data browsing speed.

You can also use the obfuscation feature called Stealth VPN, which allows you to hide your VPN traffic and bypass internet firewalls and VPN blocks.

PrivateVPN Stealth VPN

Still, this also impacts your internet speed, as it slows down the activities you do while in Stealth mode.

PrivateVPN Safety

To help you get a glimpse of PrivateVPN’s value for the Chicago area, I decided to test run the safety of this VPN.

It behaved quite well in securing the connection with IPv6 leak protection and L2TP and IPsec protocol combination.

The solid no logs policy rounds up the safety features of PrivateVPN.

You can also achieve up to 10 secure connections through this VPN simultaneously and customize your kill-switch option.

PrivateVPN Kill Switch

This VPN also has a no-logging policy that, combined with anti-DNS leak mechanics, results in a completely safe experience.

PrivateVPN Performance

The speed of this VPN is rivaled by NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, but remains on a quite satisfying level.

You will be able to enjoy streaming services of popular internet platforms, as well as use them to connect to multiple devices for different purposes.

PrivateVPN Connection Status

While it’s not the fastest VPN service out there, you should be able to access platforms like BBC iPlayer or BritBox from the Chicago area.

PrivateVPN Pricing

Along with the two kill switches and 256-bit encryption, among other features, PrivateVPN is by far the cheapest option on this list.

It makes a great difference if you’re on a budget and want to find a solution that covers your VPN needs with a convenient monthly price rate and a free trial.

privatevpn pricing
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On top of that, you can get the best discount for even more convenient pricing here and now!

Pros

Cons

Finding the Best VPN for Chicago

Even if you can’t find a suitable option from my list of recommended VPNs for Chicago, don’t even think about visiting the Windy City and connecting to public WiFi without reading this section!

To prevent your connectivity details and IP address leaks while on a Chicago network, read on to learn how to find the best VPN for Chicago.

Looking To Visit the Art Institute of Chicago or the Field Museum? Don’t Go Without a Proper VPN

If you’re heading to one of the main landmarks of Chicago, you truly need a safe and secure VPN, and these factors can help you find the best option:

Privacy and Security

As a founding member of the Five Eyes Alliance, the US shares your data with other Five Eye countries.

So, you need powerful protection while browsing public networks in Chicago, and you can ensure it by choosing a VPN with AES 256-bit encryption.

Also, you need a kill switch to interrupt the connection in case your VPN disconnects.

You also need a VPN with a no-logs traffic policy so that your data won’t be exposed to US authorities or hackers.

Unblocking and Geo-Restrictions

If you wish to access content that operates from outside the US, you’ll need a VPN that can break the geo-restrictions.

Unblocked platforms allow you to stream and use other purposes of initially blocked sites that you wouldn’t be able to access from the US otherwise.

Chicago VPN Servers

If you’re living in Chicago or simply in transition, you’ll need the best VPN for Chicago with many servers in the city.

Luckily, all the VPNs on my list have at least one server available, while most offer dozens of Chicago-based servers!

Here’s a table to help you out:

VPN Provider Number of Servers Number of Chicago Servers
NordVPN 5200+ 160+
ExpressVPN 3000+ 1
CyberGhost VPN 5600+ 115
Surfshark VPN 3200+ 40+
PrivateVPN 200+ 1

VPN Speed

You need to find a VPN service with high download and upload speed if you wish to ensure the best internet-browsing experience in Chicago.

Nevertheless, most VPNs in my recommendation allow you to enjoy a swift experience, starting with NordVPN and Surfshark VPN.

How to Choose VPN Server Location?

You can choose a VPN server location from a VPN app manually or do it automatically based on the server locations near you.

Of course, it makes a big difference on which VPN provider you select as your preferred option for a Chicago connection.

Let’s stop for a second to consider the mechanics of choosing a VPN server location with Cyberghost VPN.

  1. Download and install the app.

Downloading the app is the first step, and everything can be done in a few taps from there.

Simply go to the Cyberghost VPN website and click on the ‘’VPN apps’’ that are located in the top left corner.

CyberGhost VPN apps

Choose the suitable platform you use and download the app on your device.

After you download it, simply install it in a couple of clicks, and you will be ready to use and choose the VPN server location.

  1. Click on the ‘’Best server location’’ button.

To choose a server manually, click on the “Best server location” button just below the power switch.

When you do that, you will see the list of countries where you want to connect.

  1. Select the US and server you want.

Next, select the United States and click on the power button so your connection will start. Therefore, you will be connected to the main USA server.

But, if you want to connect to a specific server, like Chicago in this case, you will have to choose it manually.

Click on the ‘’More servers….’’ and choose the Chicago server from the list.

  1. Click on the power button.

The final thing to do is to click on the power button.

That’s it! You successfully selected a VPN server location.

FAQ

You can use a free VPN service provider like AtlasVPN in some US cities, but it doesn’t have a Chicago IP address.

While free VPNs might seem like a good solution, the mediocre speed of Atlas and other free VPNs, along with limited security features, can leave you vulnerable.

So, if you want the best risk-free option, I still recommend going with a premium VPN like NordVPN.

If you are a gamer, you can find numerous game servers in Chicago, including servers for:

  • Call of Duty
  • ARK: Survival Evolved
  • ARMA 3
  • PUBG
  • Minecraft
  • RuneScape

Your ping will almost always increase if you use a Chicago VPN server.

This can be a problem, especially for gamers.

However, if the game server is also in Chicago, it can make latency much lower.

Therefore, you could even get a ping almost identical to that without a VPN.

Since NordVPN has a lot of servers in Chicago, it’s best to let the app choose the best VPN server for you.

You can easily filter out everything you need in the app and choose the priority you want, like the fastest overall server or the best server for gaming.

The app will automatically connect you to the best server in Chicago.

You need to subscribe to one of the best VPNs for Chicago, like NordVPN.

Choose the plan that fits your budget and download the VPN for your devices.

Use the server list to select a VPN in Chicago or in the country whose content you want to access and enjoy.

Conclusion

Overall, I recommend using NordVPN if you wish to get a complete package for a safe and private Chicago connection.

Also, there are other options that you’ve witnessed through this review, and hopefully, you’ll pick one of them for safe browsing in Chicago.

Always remember – the US is a Five Eyes country, and your data and privacy could be invaded if you fail to use an accordant VPN.

Options like CyberGhost and Surfshark are also great for unblocking geo-restricted content and having P2P connectivity.

Still, if you want only the best virtual private network service for getting a secure Chicago IP address, you can grab the best deal here!

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