Florida offers sunshine and loads of attractions, but it’s important to remember that, like anywhere else, danger lurks in its online space. Threats like hackers, data breaches, and even surveillance (the US is a 5 Eyes member country, after all) are realities. Thankfully, a good VPN helps you skip these issues in Florida.
VPNs also come in handy for beating network blocks and geo-restrictions to local or international content, depending on where you are. In short, while a VPN is no ultimate solution, it allows you to safely use the internet with fewer restrictions.
That being said, you want to select a reliable option, as they’re not all on the same level. So, we set out to find the best choices for Florida by evaluating dozens of VPNs based on their performance on certain factors. The list below will make choosing the right option much easier.
Best VPN for Florida: Our Top 5 Picks
We tested over 40 premium VPN services to arrive at the selection below.
These VPNs offer the best security, privacy features, performance, and extras, whether you’re in Florida or elsewhere.
1. NordVPN
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NordVPN is our top pick VPN for Florida. It operates a massive network with almost 2,000 servers in the United States and over 4,400 more in 110 other countries.
Some of those servers are in Miami, so you can quickly get an IP address in Florida from anywhere in the world for access to local online services and resources.
It is hands-down the fastest VPN service, so don’t worry about the VPN slowing your connection speeds. During our test, we streamed a Miami Dolphins game at 1080p and didn’t face any stuttering during the entire game. Speaking of football, NordVPN is a great ally for watching out-of-market NFL games.
On a related note, NordVPN does a fantastic job of delivering the content you want to your screens in Florida. It efficiently unblocks streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. And when you’re traveling, it beats blackouts and geo-blocks to help you catch up with local news, live events, and TV shows.
The provider offers several tried-and-tested features to help you stay safe while online. AES 245-bit encryption protects your traffic and data with help from an automatic kill switch, DNS leak protection, and an array of modern protocols. There are advanced features like Onion over VPN and Double VPN for when you need additional layers of privacy.
NordVPN is widely compatible and has apps or manual configurations for most widely used operating systems. With its Smart DNS feature, you can even protect devices without native VPN support, like some smart TVs and gaming consoles. It allows up to ten devices to be connected at once.
You can get all that high-level functionality and performance without breaking the bank. On top of that, the VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Visit NordVPN
Pros
Massive server network
Verified no-logs policy
Unblocks streaming services
Servers in Miami
Feature-rich service
Cons
Occasional startup issues on Windows
Expensive renewal prices
2. ExpressVPN
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Our favorite Florida VPN for complete beginners is ExpressVPN, which is easy to set up and use. It has plenty of servers in 105 countries, including locations in Miami and Tampa.
ExpressVPN helps you to stream securely without ISP throttling. Because it has 10 Gbps servers and a speed-friendly custom protocol, expect buttery-smooth connections. Even when we pushed the VPN by connecting to distant servers, there were no extended periods of buffering or lagging.
ExpressVPN operates from the British Virgin Islands — outside the grasp of the 5 Eyes alliance. Following up on that, it has a strict no-logs policy. We know it’s no gimmick because the VPN has commissioned multiple independent audits to verify it.
Everything you do online is encrypted with the ultra-secure AES 256-bit cipher. When the VPN connection drops (which didn’t happen during our test), a kill switch automatically steps in to prevent exposure to prying eyes. Also, we checked and didn’t detect any IP or DNS leaks.
The VPN is compatible with a wide range of devices, and one ExpressVPN subscription permits up to eight simultaneous connections. Router support means you can even extend your VPN connection to devices like your Xbox and smart TV.
However, it’s not without its flaws. The notable drawback is its rather expensive plans. That said, you’d be shielding your sensitive information from online nasties while beating restrictions to open online access for the price of a Starbucks. And you get ample time (30 days) to make up your mind. If you’re not impressed with this Florida VPN, you can cancel and request a refund.
Visit ExpressVPN
Pros
Fast connection speeds
Excellent unblocking
User-friendly VPN apps
MediaStreamer for VPN-incompatible devices
Cons
Plans aren’t the cheapest
Missing some advanced features
3. Private Internet Access
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PIA VPN lets you stay connected to Florida from anywhere for cheap.
It’s one of our favorite VPNs for the USA because it has servers in every nook and cranny of the country. You can easily swap to a Florida IP address on your trips to stay in the loop on local events and programs.
We checked that out from outside the United States and caught a thrilling Miami Heat game. PIA also allowed us to watch US TV channels in Florida, like Fox 13 and NBC 6. We expected some buffering to impact the experience, but the provider’s streaming-optimized servers performed as promised.
The VPN’s headquarters being in the United States may trigger some concern for privacy buffs because it implies that your data is subject to US jurisdiction. Don’t fret — PIA has proven that it doesn’t collect or store logs via third-party audits and in court. We also like that all its apps are open-source, which means its code is open to scrutiny by tech-savvy users.
Private Internet Access has pretty affordable VPN plans, but what we like even better is its unlimited simultaneous connections policy. That means you only ever need one active subscription, no matter how many devices you connect to the VPN.
Visit Private Internet Access
Pros
Largest network on the market
Verified no-logs policy
Open-source apps
Cheap pricing
Cons
Based in the US
May struggle with tough geo-blocks
4. Proton VPN
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Proton VPN is another excellent VPN for Florida in 2024. It’s chock-full of top-rate features, some of which are quite unique.
For instance, we found its VPN Accelerator tool to be nifty during our test. Even when the internet connection became unstable, we enjoyed smooth speeds with it toggled on. That goes with the provider’s boast that it can beat CPU limitations to boost performance by as much as 400%.
Proton VPN has an expansive network comprising over 6,100 servers in 112 countries. We counted over 28 servers in Miami, Florida. We could do that because, unlike other providers, Proton VPN lets you manually choose servers, not just the location. It’s a feature we really like because you can see each server’s load and avoid the congested ones. Alternatively, a Quick Connect button lets the VPN choose an optimal server for you.
Proton VPN doesn’t pull any punches when it comes to shielding your connection and data from interception. It employs military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and several other advanced and extra features. For instance, a VPN with an ad blocker banishes pesky ads and trackers and filters out malicious scripts.
We’ve fallen in love with the VPN’s well-designed apps, available for various operating systems. Like NordVPN, you’re limited to ten simultaneous connections, which is extendable with a router.
Proton VPN isn’t expensive, but we wouldn’t label it cheap either. That said, its monthly plan compares favorably with those of its competitors. Like the best VPNs in Florida, all plans come with a 30-day refund window. They also renew at the same price, but only if you keep the subscription active.
Visit Proton VPN
Pros
Plenty of Florida servers
Fast connection speeds
Based in Switzerland
Effective ad-blocker
Cons
Plans aren’t the cheapest
No 24/7 live chat
5. Surfshark
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Surfshark is an excellent NordVPN alternative for users in Florida who are heavily into high-bandwidth activities.
For one, it’s incredibly quick and always delivers impressive download and upload speeds. That means you can depend on the VPN for bufferless streaming and lag-free gaming.
Furthermore, it breezes past geo-restrictions on websites and online services. While testing the VPN, we connected to a Surfshark server in Miami and circumvented blackouts to watch the Dolphins live from a different state. We also found that Surfshark is an excellent VPN for school because it easily bypasses firewalls and other network blocks.
Surfshark’s arsenal packs a punch, and the VPN is constantly expanding its feature set. It includes industry-standard tools like bank-level encryption and a kill switch. On top of that, you also get novel features like a cookie pop-up blocker and Alternative ID (as part of the Surfshark One bundle).
Surfshark is based in the Netherlands, a 9 Eyes member country. But don’t fret — independent audits have verified its airtight no-logs policy.
Don’t worry about hitting a device limit or waste time pondering over what gadgets to connect. Surfshark is part of an elite group of VPNs that allow unlimited simultaneous connections under a single account.
Until recently, it also had wallet-friendly plans that presented incredible value for money. These days, it still offers pretty affordable long-term plans, but the monthly option is on the higher end. Whatever plan you decide on, you’ll receive a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Visit SurfShark
Pros
Unlimited simultaneous connections
Fast speeds
Bypasses geo-blocks easily
Verified no-logs policy
Cons
Based in a 9 Eyes country
Pricier monthly plan
The 3 Best Free VPN Providers for Florida – Detailed List
Should you use a free VPN in Florida in the first place?
We have a firm stance: not unless you have to. You see, while there are a few decent free providers worth considering in a pinch, premium VPNs are simply superior in most aspects. Even our favorite free VPNs have limitations that make them seem like stripped-down versions of paid VPNs.
However, if you cannot afford to pay a subscription, here are the best free Florida VPNs:
1. Proton VPN
This is arguably the best free VPN in Florida right now. For one, while most free providers impose severely limiting data caps, Proton VPN is 100% unlimited, which makes it ideal for downloading and streaming.
But not for torrenting, unfortunately, as none of the free servers support P2P activities. You’ll need to upgrade to the Plus plan to enjoy that activity.
Security-wise, your connection is protected by the same cipher as on the paid version. What’s more, Proton VPN won’t collect or store your session logs on its servers. While NetShield, its ad-blocker, is exclusively for paying customers, we like the fact that the VPN doesn’t inject ads on the free tier.
Connection speeds are fast enough for smooth streaming, but expect minimal buffering here and there. Furthermore, the free plan has nothing approaching the excellent unblocking for Plus users. It didn’t unblock most Netflix libraries when we tried. Other services like Hulu and BBC iPlayer are also out of the question.
Proton VPN doesn’t require credit card details when creating a free account, but you’ll have to give your email address.
Try Proton VPN for free
2. Hide.me
Hide.me embarked on a series of upgrades over the last few years, carrying its free plan along for the ride. That tier has servers in eight locations, and while that pales in comparison to the 91 available for paying users, the network includes the US, UK, Germany, and France.
We tested to see how well it performs for streaming, and the VPN managed to unblock Netflix US. Unfortunately, it couldn’t replicate that success with other libraries and streaming services like Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.
You’ll notice a significant drop in connection speeds as the provider tries to nudge you to upgrade. That said, it’s useable and not frustratingly slow, as we experienced with many other free VPNs.
Can you trust Hide.me with your data? Yes — it has a Malaysian headquarters (a privacy-friendly country) and doesn’t store personally identifiable logs on its servers. Plus, it regularly publishes transparency reports showing the number of requests it receives for data. We have to say we would have liked it even better to see the provider commission an independent audit.
3. PrivadoVPN
While PrivadoVPN is best suited for people looking for a free VPN for Windows or Mac, it also offers apps for iOS, Android, smart TVs, and even streaming devices.
The Swiss-based VPN offers a high level of privacy with its strict no-logs policy and advanced encryption cipher. You also get the high-level WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols on the free plan.
Using WireGuard translated into better speeds than we expected, and we could stream online videos with minimal buffering. We were also impressed by its unblocking capabilities and could explore the Netflix US catalog and watch videos from elsewhere.
Unfortunately, you can’t do too much of that because PrivadoVPN has a monthly limit of 10 GB of data transfer when you provide an email address. That’s barely enough to stream a few Miami Dolphins games in full HD resolution. For all these reasons, we recommend choosing one of the top 5 VPN services in Florida listed above.
How We Selected the Best VPN for Florida
Considering there are so many VPNs out there, we had to test them out in a few key areas to arrive at the smaller lists presented above.
Here are the major factors we evaluated before selecting the best premium VPNs for Florida in 2024:
Server Network: You want a robust network of servers, especially in Florida and surrounding regions, for reliable connections and optimal performance. The VPNs we picked all have thousands of servers and can give you an IP address in Florida.
Speed: We also prioritized VPNs that deliver fast speeds so you can enjoy smooth streaming and browsing and play online games without crippling lags.
Top-rate Security and Privacy: Whatever you need a VPN for, this aspect is non-negotiable. We checked for strong encryption standards, a strict no-logs policy, and other industry-standard security features like kill switches.
Unblocking Capabilities: Your preferred VPN for Florida should enhance (not cripple) your browsing and streaming experiences. So, we only selected providers that can bypass network blocks and geo-restrictions.
Value for Money: We’re not fixated on cheap prices because operating a quality VPN costs money. However, we considered price-performance ratios when creating the list, which explains why pricier providers like ExpressVPN earned a spot in our list of the best Florida VPNs.
How to Get an IP Address in Florida
A VPN for Florida is beneficial whether you’re within the state or have traveled away. In the second situation, it’ll help you access local sites and services that are locked to residents. But that can only happen when you get an IP address in Florida.
These are the steps to follow:
Subscribe to a good VPN service. Preferably one of the premium providers discussed above. You want a VPN with uncompromising security and privacy, fast speeds, and excellent unblocking capabilities. It goes without saying that it must have servers in Florida. NordVPN ticks all those boxes and more.
Download and install the VPN on your device. The best Florida VPNs have apps for computers, smartphones, smart TVs, and streaming devices. They also support routers, which means you can extend the VPN connection to devices without native support.
Open the newly installed app and log in with your account credentials. Some VPNs will send you an email with details for verification before your first login.
Navigate to the server menu and pick out a Florida server location. Double-click it to connect and wait a moment or two while the VPN activates the connection.
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With that done, you’re in. You can now use Florida-locked online services, regardless of your actual location.
Final Thoughts
Florida has a lot to offer residents and visitors alike. Unfortunately, the offering on its online space isn’t always palatable due to the bad actors that lurk there looking to intercept network traffic and sensitive information.
Thankfully, the best VPN for Florida can shield you from this threat while providing relatively unrestricted online access.
In this article, we spotlighted and briefly reviewed the top results of our extensive tests. Our favorite option is NordVPN because of its exceptional blend of reliability and functionality. You can take advantage of an exclusive offer to snag its two-year plan for 72% off.
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Publish date : 2024-08-23 05:07:00
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