PrivateVPN is the best VPN for Ohio, offering top-notch public Wi-Fi security at places like Kroger in Cincinnati and ensuring privacy on the Ohio University network.
Meanwhile, NordVPN is best for automatic Wi-Fi security or to securely download torrents without letting your university admin, copyright trolls, Verizon, and other ISPs know.
However, the top two Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) lack an Ohio server for all their effort. Thankfully, PIA remedies that while also giving you unlimited simultaneous connections.
Keep reading to discover the rest of my top 5 VPNs for Ohio.
Top 3 VPNs for Ohio
NordVPN brings impressive security features to IoT units, smartphones, PCs, routers, gaming consoles, and other internet-enabled devices in Ohio. Its public Wi-Fi security, layered over AES 256-bit encryption on all servers, ensures your internet data remains safe in Ohio.
PrivateVPN promises Ohio dwellers, students, and travelers robust encryption, secure torrent downloads, encrypted ports, and improved privacy against Verizon, ATT, Sprint, or other internet network admin snooping. It also offers free, dynamic, dedicated IPs for improved privacy and anonymity in Ohio.
PIA boasts an Ohio VPN server to get local IP addresses, servers in all other US states, and international servers spread to 84 countries. The VPN service provider also improves on this with secure (FREE) port forwarding to aid faster torrent downloads and seeding from anywhere in Ohio.
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:
- PrivateVPN – Fast Ohio Streaming VPN With Free Dedicated IPs
- NordVPN – Automatic Public Wi-Fi Security + Secure Torrenting in Ohio
- PIA – Get Ohio IP Address + Fast Torrent Downloads
- Surfshark – Wide Server Coverage + Unlimited Connections for Ohio Users
- Atlas VPN – Top Freemium VPN for Ohio Internet Privacy
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.
PrivateVPN - Fast Ohio Streaming VPN With Free 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 5800+ 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 VPN has two free, 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.
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
- Free dynamic, dedicated IP addresses 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
- Not as many US servers as NordVPN, PIA, and Surfshark
NordVPN - Automatic Public Wi-Fi Security + Secure Torrenting in Ohio
NordVPN beats PrivateVPN’s server count, offering an extensive server network of 5800+, so you never land on an overcrowded server.
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.
However, NordVPN is slightly behind with coverage in 60 countries.
This is the least country coverage on the list, just below Atlas VPN.
Thankfully, this doesn’t affect its ability to get me The Bold Type on BBC iPlayer (UK server) or the final season of Billions on Crave TV (Canada).
I recommend pairing any of its servers with the exclusive NordLynx protocol for the fastest NordVPN HD or 4K streaming speeds, as I did.
Speaking of servers, NordVPN’s 16 US cities mean more locations (than PrivateVPN) to stream the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Columbus Blue Jackets’ local games while in Ohio.
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!
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.
How about all that for one affordable, but not PrivateVPN-affordable, price?
Then, grab NordVPN with these discounts before they expire.
Pros
- 5800+ servers in 60 countries to unblock BBC iPlayer, Crave TV, NRK TV, France TV, etc.
- Ultra-fast NordLynx protocol ensures buffer-free HD and 4K content streams
- 16 US servers to unblock local content and bypass sports blackouts
- Automatic Wi-Fi and network protection to secure your activity everywhere
- Audited VPN service provider based in Panama, a privacy-friendly region
Cons
- The second least country coverage on the list
- Not as cheap as PrivateVPN
PIA - Get Ohio IP Address + Fast Torrent Downloads
Private Internet Access is the best and only listed VPN to get Ohio IP addresses. 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 US states. 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 84 countries – more than NordVPN, PrivateVPN, and Atlas VPN.
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 84 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
Surfshark - Wide Server Coverage + Unlimited Connections for Ohio Users
Surfshark mimics PIA to offer unlimited simultaneous connections, putting them (plus Atlas VPN) in a league ahead of the rest.
However, Surfshark doesn’t bring an Ohio server with it.
Instead, it provides servers in 25 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 3200+ server spread to 100 countries, the largest across tested providers, ensures 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.
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
- 3200+ servers to unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, CBC, and other content in 100 countries
- 25 US servers 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
- Not as many US server locations as PIA
Atlas VPN - Top Freemium VPN for Ohio Internet Privacy
Atlas VPN impresses by offering a reliable freemium VPN service for Ohio residents who want to secure their internet experience, ensure online privacy, and unblock content anywhere.
However, I recommend its extremely cheap paid plans over the limited free plan.
For instance, I could only unblock BBC iPlayer in 4K on my Ohio host’s TV with the premium Atlas VPN plan. I couldn’t even access its UK servers on the free plan, as you only get the US and Netherlands servers.
Furthermore, Atlas VPN’s streaming-optimized servers made finding a server that’ll unblock geo-restricted platforms anywhere in Ohio easier.
I got Australian Netflix (via the Australian server), CBC and CBS (Canada), and even tested France TV (France) successfully using this VPN.
And even if there’s no streaming-optimized server for the region you want to unblock content in, Atlas VPN’s standard servers work wonders.
I once used the standard US – New York server to enjoy the Padres vs. Guardians game highlights with my host, even though the locals lost 3-6.
However, Atlas VPN only has servers in 40+ countries, the least of the listed providers. So, you might need to get one of the others if this VPN doesn’t have servers in your preferred region(s).
Likewise, Atlas VPN lacks router support and Smart DNS.
I found out when I wanted to connect the VPN to a gaming console.
In the end, I had to settle for the alternative virtual router connection method.
But I wasn’t kidding when I said this VPN is affordable.
Use these Atlas VPN discounts to get it for less than the price of a Starbucks coffee monthly.
Pros
- Servers in 40+ countries to unblock geo-restricted content in Ohio
- Streaming-optimized servers to get 4K experience on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, etc.
- Offers public Wi-Fi security and privacy from ISPs
Cons
- Least VPN server reach (country-wise) on the list
- Lacks Smart DNS and router support
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, PrivateVPN, for this demonstration:
- Subscribe to PrivateVPN. Get these discounts for savings and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Download the VPN app for your device. I’ll get the PrivateVPN Windows PC app for this guide.
- Launch the app and log in.
- Select a VPN protocol. I recommend leaving PrivateVPN at the default OpenVPN (TUN + UDP + 1194) (Default) protocol selection.
- Choose a suitable server. Click “Change” to open the server list and scroll/search for a server. Then, click it.
- Optional: Select from the Dedicated IP list for gaming or torrenting.
- 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 Serbia – Belgrade 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 reliable VPN offering it.
Here’s how to get one:
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN with an Ohio server. I recommend PIA (discounts here).
- 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.
If that sounds like what you want, grab these PrivateVPN discounts.
