NordVPN is the best VPN for Ohio. It now has a Columbus server for a local IP address, its automatic Wi-Fi protection connected first time on every public network I tried in Akron, and P2P support on every standard server let me download torrents without my university admin, copyright trolls, Verizon, or other ISPs knowing.
Meanwhile, Surfshark is best for unlimited simultaneous connections across a big household or dorm, and PrivateVPN for dynamic dedicated IPs and port forwarding included in a budget plan.
Need a second option with an Ohio server? PIA and ExpressVPN both have one, along with servers in every other US state, and PIA adds unlimited simultaneous connections.
Keep reading to discover the rest of my top 5 VPNs for Ohio.
Top 3 VPNs for Ohio
Surfshark
Best for households and students
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 4500+ servers in 100 countries
- CleanWeb blocks torrent-site ads
NordVPN
Best for Ohio
- Columbus, Ohio server
- Automatic public Wi-Fi protection
- P2P on every standard server
PrivateVPN
Best for included dedicated IPs
- Dynamic dedicated IPs included
- Free port forwarding
- One of the cheapest here
Whether you’re concerned about your University of Ohio network admin spying on your online activities, worried about the security of the juicy Firestone Park Library public Wi-Fi, or can’t get the latest Guardians game due to blackouts, my top VPNs have you covered.
And suppose you only want to stream international content or get IoT device security.
In that case, these all-in-one Ohio VPNs are the answer.
Download Torrents Securely & Avoid Cavaliers’ Game Blackouts With These 5 VPNs!
You don’t have to take my word for what these VPNs can do for you.
See what each one of them brings to the table:
- NordVPN – Best Overall With a Columbus, Ohio Server + Secure Torrenting
- Surfshark – Wide Server Coverage + Unlimited Connections for Ohio Users
- PrivateVPN – Fast Ohio Streaming VPN With Dynamic Dedicated IPs
- PIA – Get Ohio IP Address + Fast Torrent Downloads
- ExpressVPN – Columbus Server + Lightway Speeds for Ohio Streaming
If that excites you, wait till you find out what my tests revealed about how these VPNs function in Ohio!
Best VPNs for Ohio: The Golden 5 Criteria Comparison
Spending a few weeks in Ohio showed me that the region also suffers from game blackouts, deals with anti-torrenting laws, and has more unsecured public Wi-Fi networks than my iPhone’s auto-connect could keep up with.
So, I gathered these and two more criteria – internet speed and privacy – to develop my Virtual Private Network (VPN) tests.
NordVPN - Best Overall With a Columbus, Ohio Server + Secure Torrenting
Three weeks of Ohio hotel Wi-Fi, blacked-out ball games, and a stack of copyright-free torrents never gave me a reason to close NordVPN and open something else. Here’s what it got right.
Since my visit, NordVPN has added a Columbus, Ohio server, part of a US network that now covers all 50 states across 55 city locations. That gets you a genuine Ohio IP address for local TV and Ohio sportsbook logins, and a nearby exit in every neighboring state for streaming the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Columbus Blue Jackets’ local games around blackouts.
Throughout my three-week testing period, NordVPN always connected on the first tap, even when using the slightly weak public Wi-Fi at the Red Roof Inn and Circle K in Akron.
Its network is also the biggest on this list by a wide margin, at 7,000+ servers in 150 countries, so you never land on an overcrowded server and there’s a location for almost any streaming platform. That reach got me The Bold Type on BBC iPlayer (UK server) and the final season of Billions on Crave TV (Canada) without a hiccup.
I recommend pairing any of its servers with the exclusive NordLynx protocol for the fastest NordVPN HD or 4K streaming speeds, as I did.
But where NordVPN really stands out is with the automatic network protection it offers.
This will come in handy for students, as I’ve heard how strict Ohio University admins can be. Once I set up NordVPN to automatically connect and encrypt my connection on my Wi-Fi network, I grabbed multiple copyright-free torrents without getting disconnected!
For heavier downloads, there’s no detour needed: P2P works on every standard server, and the kill switch keeps your real IP out of the swarm if the connection ever drops.
Did I mention NordVPN’s audited strict no-logs policy and favorable jurisdiction (Panama)? In other words, nothing you do on its servers is recorded – and the US government can’t sue NordVPN to hand over your data either.
All of that costs a little more than PrivateVPN or Surfshark on a long-term plan, though ten simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee take some of the sting out.
Then, grab NordVPN with these discounts before they expire.
Pros
- 7,000+ servers in 150 countries to unblock BBC iPlayer, Crave TV, NRK TV, France TV, etc.
- Columbus, Ohio server plus locations in all 50 US states for a local IP and blackout-free sports
- Ultra-fast NordLynx protocol ensures buffer-free HD and 4K content streams
- Automatic Wi-Fi and network protection to secure your activity everywhere
- P2P on every standard server and a kill switch for anonymous torrenting
- Audited VPN service provider based in Panama, a privacy-friendly region
Cons
- Not as cheap as PrivateVPN or Surfshark
- No port forwarding for seeding on standard plans, unlike PrivateVPN and PIA
Surfshark - Wide Server Coverage + Unlimited Connections for Ohio Users
Surfshark matches PIA with unlimited simultaneous connections, putting the two of them in a league of their own for OSU dorms, travel groups, and big households.
However, Surfshark doesn’t bring an Ohio server with it.
Instead, it provides servers in 24 US cities to unblock local games when they’re not streaming in Ohio. Now, you don’t have to scramble to your neighbor’s house to watch Cavaliers or Guardians play when you’ve got the NBA League Pass/MLB TV subscription.
On top of that, Surfshark’s 4,500+ servers spread across 100 countries, second only to NordVPN’s reach on this list, ensure you can stream Netflix Australia/US/UK, Disney+ Hotstar, CBC Canada, or anything else anywhere in Ohio.
The best part is that these servers unblock The Pirate Bay and other torrent websites. And Surfshark meshes with torrent clients (Deluge, Vuze, BitTorrent, qBitTorrent, etc.) like butter-and-bread for smooth downloads.
In all my time in Ohio, my hosts didn’t get any cease-and-desist notice from their ISP, nor did copyright trolls come knocking.
After all, Surfshark hid my torrent activities under its AES 256-bit encryption and re-routed attention away from me via IP changing!
A neat trick is to turn on Surfshark’s CleanWeb before torrenting to eliminate pesky ads on torrent websites or clients. Unless you’re using Deluge, that is.
In contrast, only PrivateVPN doesn’t offer an ad blocker like this.
In Ohio specifically, NordVPN wins on geography: Surfshark has no Columbus server, fewer US cities (24 to NordVPN’s 55), and a Dutch address inside the Nine Eyes rather than Panama. For a group sharing one login, though, it’s the smarter buy.
Unlimited connections or not, Surfshark is still one of the cheapest providers I got for these tests.
And if you grab these discounts, you can get it cheaper and enjoy more deals.
Pros
- 4,500+ servers to unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, CBC, and other content in 100 countries
- 600+ US servers in 24 cities to unblock local content and bypass game blackouts from Ohio
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections to secure your PC, smartphone, and other devices
- P2P-enabled servers for torrent website unblocking and file download
- CleanWeb ad blocker for a smoother internet and torrenting experience in Ohio
- Affordable VPN plan
Cons
- Doesn’t have Ohio servers
- Fewer US server locations than NordVPN, PIA, and ExpressVPN
PrivateVPN - Fast Ohio Streaming VPN With Dynamic Dedicated IPs
PrivateVPN lacks Ohio servers if that’s what you’re looking for.
Instead, it has 200+ servers in 63 countries to stream platforms like BBC iPlayer (UK), Crave TV (Canada), and Netflix regional libraries from Ohio.
I was initially skeptical since it was up against juggernauts like NordVPN with 7,000+ servers. However, PrivateVPN never lagged or buffered when I used it to relish EastEnders on BBC iPlayer.
Beyond unblocking foreign content, PrivateVPN also boasts servers across 12 US cities. This is less than the US server reach on Surfshark, PIA, and NordVPN, but I didn’t mind since they performed just fine.
I used the US – New York server to watch the Guardians beat the Astros 5-nil in Ohio, even though it was blacked out.
The best part is that the plan includes two dynamic, dedicated USA IP addresses. I like the New York server since it guarantees a never-before-used IP address to unblock blacked-out content in Ohio.
Finally, PrivateVPN didn’t disappoint with torrent downloads.
I used it to unblock The Pirate Bay and 1337x and bound it to BitTorrent.
I’m yet to get any nasty copyright notice four weeks after my last heavy download session.
And if you want, you can use its (free) port forwarding to seed torrents or improve download speeds.
It sits third rather than first for one reason: coverage. With 200+ servers, 12 US cities, and no Ohio location, it’s the smallest network here, and it’s the only one of my picks without an ad blocker for torrent sites. If dynamic dedicated IPs and port forwarding are what you came for, none of that will bother you.
For all that it packs, PrivateVPN is one of the cheapest VPNs for Ohio.
Get it cheaply with these one-time discounts and enjoy a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Reliable 200+ servers to unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other content
- Multiple servers across 12 US cities to bypass content blackouts in Ohio
- Dynamic dedicated IP addresses included for improved privacy
- Free port forwarding for faster torrent downloads and seeding
- Affordable Ohio VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Least server count on the list, with no Ohio location
- Not as many US servers as NordVPN, PIA, and Surfshark
PIA - Get Ohio IP Address + Fast Torrent Downloads
Private Internet Access was the only VPN on this list with an Ohio server when I ran these tests, and it’s the one I used for my Ohio IP address (NordVPN and ExpressVPN have since added Columbus). I didn’t know I needed this IP (since I was in Ohio) till I wanted to wager on DraftKings without letting my activities leak over the Taco Bell public Wi-Fi.
Speaking of public Wi-Fi, PIA offers unique automation and triggers to protect your device once it connects to an untrusted network.
One of the most impressive parts about PIA is that it has a server in all 50 US states, something only NordVPN and ExpressVPN match on this list. This makes it easier to choose a less crowded server to bypass the Bengals and Browns blackouts when they’re playing in the state.
I recommend its optimized US streaming servers paired with the WireGuard protocol, as they got me the smoothest streams.
This WireGuard protocol also works with PIA’s vast server network in 91 countries – more than PrivateVPN, though well short of NordVPN’s 150.
So, you won’t miss Happy Valley on NRK TV (Norway server), Hostel Days on JioCinema (Indian server), or other content.
The only downside I noted to PIA was that it’s based in the USA, which raises some red flags about data retention. But it has an audited and court-proven no-logs policy and an open-source code, making it trustworthy.
Moreover, the best-kept secret about PIA is its unlimited simultaneous connections. That makes it desirable to students (like at OSU), travel groups (like mine), or large households.
That’s why it’s a wonder PIA is still so cheap.
Here are the PIA deals to help you get it at a steal.
Pros
- Servers in 91 countries to unblock BBC iPlayer, Voot, etc., from Ohio
- Ohio server for a local IP address to securely wager on FanDuel Ohio or watch Cleveland TV anywhere
- Automated public Wi-Fi security on PC and smartphones for reliable protection anywhere
- Server spread to all 50 US states to ensure seamless blackout bypassing
- Unlimited simultaneous connections across PC, mobile devices, gaming consoles, etc.
- Audited and court-proven no-logs policy
Cons
- Based in the USA, a Five Eyes member country
ExpressVPN - Columbus Server + Lightway Speeds for Ohio Streaming
ExpressVPN is the third name here with an Ohio address. Its US server list now includes Columbus, OH, and since July 2025 it has had a location in all 50 states, so like NordVPN and PIA it can hand you a genuine Ohio IP for a Columbus TV login or an Ohio sportsbook. Columbus arrived after my Ohio trip, which is why it sits below the two I used there.
The rest of the map matters just as much for blackouts. With a location in every state, a Reds, Cavaliers, or Blue Jackets game that’s blacked out at home is a two-click hop to Indianapolis, Detroit, or Chicago, and the out-of-market feed on MLB.TV or NBA League Pass plays as if you never left.
Speed is ExpressVPN’s strongest card. Its Lightway protocol posted the fastest result in my Kodi streaming tests, 97Mbps on a 100Mbps line, which is more headroom than 4K needs on any Ohio hotel or dorm Wi-Fi. Its servers reach 113 countries, second only to NordVPN’s 150 on this list, so BBC iPlayer (UK), Crave TV (Canada), and the regional Netflix libraries are all within reach.
On public Wi-Fi, AES 256-bit encryption does the hiding and Network Lock, ExpressVPN’s kill switch, blocks every packet until the tunnel is back, so a dropped connection at the Taco Bell hotspot never leaks your traffic to whoever is running it.
Torrenting works on any server, since ExpressVPN doesn’t confine P2P to a specialty category, and the company is based in the British Virgin Islands, where no US retention law can be pointed at it. The catch for seeders is that there’s no port forwarding in the apps, so if ratios matter, PrivateVPN or PIA is the better tool.
MediaStreamer, its SmartDNS, works on a dorm TV or console that can’t run the app, though it can’t change your location the way the VPN does, and the Basic plan now covers ten devices, level with NordVPN and PrivateVPN, though short of the unlimited connections Surfshark and PIA allow.
The reason it finishes fifth is price. ExpressVPN charges more than any other VPN on this page for a long-term plan, and for an Ohio user it does nothing NordVPN doesn’t already do for less: both have Columbus, both cover all 50 states, both reach the same streaming libraries. Pay the extra only if Lightway’s speed or the polish of its apps is what you value.
If that’s you, these ExpressVPN discounts take some of the edge off, and the 30-day money-back guarantee covers a change of heart.
Pros
- Columbus, Ohio server plus locations in all 50 US states for local IPs and blackout-free sports
- Lightway protocol posted the fastest result in my Kodi tests (97Mbps on a 100Mbps line)
- Servers in 113 countries to unblock BBC iPlayer, Crave TV, and Netflix libraries from Ohio
- Network Lock kill switch and AES 256-bit encryption for Ohio public Wi-Fi
- P2P allowed on every server, with a British Virgin Islands base
- MediaStreamer SmartDNS for dorm TVs and consoles, and ten devices on the Basic plan
Cons
- The priciest VPN on this list
- No port forwarding in the apps, unlike PrivateVPN and PIA
- Nothing NordVPN doesn’t also offer in Ohio at a lower price
How to Set up a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for Ohio?
Learn how to properly set up your VPN, choose the correct protocol, select the right server, and enjoy a peaceful internet experience in Ohio.
I’ll use my top provider in Ohio, NordVPN, for this demonstration:
- Subscribe to NordVPN. Get these discounts for savings and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Download the VPN app for your device. I’ll get the NordVPN desktop app for this guide.
- Launch the app and log in.
- Select a VPN protocol. I recommend leaving NordVPN on NordLynx under Settings > Connection, as it’s the fastest option.
- Choose a suitable server. Pick a country (or a US city such as Columbus) from the list, or hit “Quick Connect” to let the app choose the fastest server.
- Optional: There’s no special server to pick for torrenting, since P2P works on every standard server, but choose your Dedicated IP if you’ve added one to your plan.
- Check for IP/DNS leaks. I use www.ipleak.net, and a successful test is indicated by getting the VPN-assigned IP address back. I’ve connected to a South Korea server for this example.
- Start unblocking international content, secure your public Wi-Fi experience at spots like Arby’s in Cincinnati, or download torrents anonymously over the OSU network.
How to Get an Ohio IP Address From Anywhere?
You can get an Ohio IP address from anywhere by clicking an Ohio server on a VPN that offers one, like NordVPN (Columbus), ExpressVPN, or PIA.
Here’s how to get one, using PIA’s app for the screenshots:
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN with an Ohio server, like NordVPN or PIA. I’ll use PIA (discounts here) for this walkthrough.
- Download the PIA app to your mobile device or PC. Thankfully, the apps are similar and easy to use across both platforms.
- Launch the app and log in with your username/password combination. Your username should start with a “p.”
- Click the right arrow in front of the chosen server region to open the server list.
- Search for “Ohio.”
- Click the server.
- Click the big power button to connect.
- Enjoy DDoS protection against other Ohio P2P gamers, faster torrent downloads, and improve your secure local experience in Ohio.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Will a VPN Work at Ohio University?
A VPN will work on the Ohio State University network to safely unblock content, download torrents anonymously or keep your internet activities private from the network admins. However, it’s best to add the VPN to your device firewall’s exclusion list to prevent false detections, which may cause your internet port to get disconnected from the OSU network.
Can You Use a Free VPN in Ohio?
You can use a free VPN in Ohio. But you’ll leak your sensitive online activities to the OSU network admins, ISPs like Verizon, or public Wi-Fi admins at cafes like the Comfort Inn & Suites in Cincinnati.
Likewise, free VPN services don’t guarantee anonymity when downloading torrents in Ohio, making it easier for copyright trolls to identify you in a torrent swarm and subpoena your ISP for your information.
Travel the World Virtually
Ohio may be the birthplace of aviation, but you don’t need to fly out of the state to unblock content in tens of countries globally, download/seed torrents, or get public Wi-Fi security.
Grab any of my top VPNs, and you’ll be watching BBC iPlayer, Crave TV, Voot, NRK TV, France TV, and other streaming platform shows in no time.
My pick is NordVPN: a Columbus server for local content, the widest network here for everything else, and automatic protection on Ohio’s public Wi-Fi. If that sounds like what you want, grab these NordVPN discounts.
