There’s nothing more frustrating than a last-minute tech problem, and this is doubly true if you’re away from home. Plenty of people have gone on vacation only to realize that their usual services don’t work when they arrive. And we’re not just talking about country-wide restrictions like Netflix uses. Sports streaming services also change their content based on which state you’re in. As such, you may not be able to stream Giants or Sharks games while visiting San Jose.

Don’t worry: you can bypass regional blocking simply by connecting to a VPN. This hides your real IP address, forcing geo-restricted services to go by your server’s location instead. As such, you can access all of your usual streaming platforms, wherever you go. Better still, VPNs encrypt your data, preventing it from being read by anyone monitoring the network.

We’ll go into more detail on each of our recommended VPNs for San Jose a little later. In the meantime, you’ll find a quick description of each below:

Best VPNs for San Jose:

  • NordVPN: Our top VPN for San Jose. Has industry-leading security features, reliable high-speed servers, and a zero-logs policy. Also, all plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: The best budget pick for San Jose. Its strong security features, fast speeds, and lack of a connection limit provide true online freedom while ensuring your activities remain private.
  • ExpressVPN: An extremely fast provider with plenty of powerful security features built in. Highly versatile with impressive unblocking ability and servers in 94 countries.
  • CyberGhost: This VPN is ideal for beginners thanks to its high speeds, pre-configured security options, and clearly-labeled streaming-optimized servers.
  • IPVanish: This speedy service has 40+ servers in San Jose and follows a strict no-logs policy. Users can connect any number of devices at once. Fantastic security offering.
  • PrivateVPN: A secure, no-logs VPN that excels at unblocking geo-restricted services abroad. Offers above-average speeds too, meaning you can stream in the highest possible quality.
  • Hotspot Shield: This provider offers impressive speeds, unblocking ability, and security, making it a fantastic choice for day-to-day usage whether you’re in San Jose or not.

Having trouble deciding which VPN to use? That’s understandable; after all, there are so many different specifications and services to consider. Here’s a tip: a well-rounded service is better for most people than one that claims to be the best at one particular thing (security or unblocking ability, for instance). That’s why all of the VPNs we’re recommending have the following characteristics:

There are no hidden terms - just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • Provides access to high-speed servers in San Jose or the nearby area
  • Can access major geo-restricted services from anywhere
  • Protects your privacy with encryption and a wide range of powerful security features
  • Doesn’t store any data that could be traced back to you
  • Offers apps for the most popular operating systems

Best VPN for San Jose

Now, let’s take a closer look at all of the best VPNs for San Jose:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN offers access to roughly 5,400 servers in 59 countries. There are nearly 2,000 in the US alone, including some in San Jose, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. Speeds are generally very impressive, and certainly fast enough for streaming, which is great since you’ll be able to access platforms like Netflix, NHL.tv, and ESPN+. Users can connect up to six devices at any time.

Security is one of this service’s biggest strengths. It uses 256-bit AES encryption, a customizable kill switch, and automatic malware-scanning to keep you safe at all times. There’s also DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, plus obfuscated servers that provide even greater privacy. NordVPN doesn’t keep any logs, and accepts three kinds of cryptocurrency. In the unlikely event that you need help, customer support is at hand 24/7 over live chat.

NordVPN apps are available for Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, and MacOS systems. If you’d prefer, you can also choose manually install it on supported home routers to help secure all of your devices.

BEST VPN FOR SAN JOSE:NordVPN is our #1 choice. Has no problems unblocking stubborn services abroad and offers some of the strongest security features around. Also boasts fantastic speeds. You can try it completely risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Fast enough for almost any task
  • Works with Disney+ and similar services
  • Best in class for security
  • Strict no-logs policy ideal for privacy-conscious users
  • 24/7 live chat support available

Cons:

  • Desktop apps can take slightly longer to connect

Our score:

For more details, check out our complete review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark users can choose from around 500 servers in 24 US cities, including Los Angeles and San Francisco. In total, this provider has roughly 3,200 servers in 65 countries, so it’s ideal for anyone looking to access their usual services while traveling abroad. Better still, as well as unblocking tricky platforms like Netflix, Surfshark lets you secure all of your devices at once.

There are plenty of powerful security tools built in too. These include a kill switch, 256-bit encryption, a NoBorders mode (for browsing safely in places like China), and protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. Just as important, Surfshark refuses to store any logs. You can even pay in Bitcoin, Ripple, or Ethereum for another layer of anonymity. Customer support staff can be reached 24/7 using the live chat help desk.

Surfshark offers apps for MacOS, Android, Linux, Windows, and iOS. Additionally, select routers are supported via manual configuration.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark manages to provide a top-tier service at a very affordable price. Boasts quick and reliable servers plus a fantastic security offering. Protect all of your devices with one account. Further, all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Offers consistently high speeds

  • Excellent unblocking ability

  • Very strong security offering

  • Allows unlimited devices

  • Keeps no logs

  • Customer support has room for improvement

Read the full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

This VPN keeps your data safe from snoopers with its 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and kill switch. It can also block local connections outright, or allow specific apps through the VPN (for instance, if you want to ensure the highest possible download speeds, and aren’t concerned about security). ExpressVPN doesn’t store any personally identifiable information, so your privacy is in good hands. Round-the-clock support is provided over email and live chat.

ExpressVPN apps are available for Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux. Further, it offers custom firmware for routers that makes it easier to protect all of your devices at once.

IDEAL FOR STREAMING:ExpressVPN is not only fast, but it’s also capable of accessing a ton of geo-blocked services in the US. Throw in a fantastic security offering and a 30-day money-back guarantee, and it becomes clear that there’s plenty to like here.

  • More than fast enough for day-to-day tasks

  • No problems unblocking major streaming services abroad

  • Great set of security features

  • Pay anonymously with Bitcoin

  • Slightly higher price than some others

Interested? Why not check out the full ExpressVPN review?

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has more servers than most other VPNs, with 6,500 in total across 90 countries. Around 1,600 of these are in the US, with 150 in California specifically. This service boasts consistently high speeds and even has some servers designed for unblocking stubborn streaming platforms, making it an extremely versatile tool to have. Up to seven devices can be connected at once.

All of this provider’s privacy features come already set up, so you can count on top-notch security from the second you start using the app. There’s an always-on kill switch, 256-bit encryption, ad-blocking, malware-scanning, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Users can also connect via a random port to throw off VPN-detection systems. CyberGhost doesn’t log any identifiable info and as such, can’t reveal what you get up to online. Additionally, it offers 24/7 customer support via email and live chat.

CyberGhost has apps for MacOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. It can also be manually installed on supported wireless routers.

FAST AND VERSATILE:CyberGhost is an excellent day-to-day VPN thanks to its speedy connections, powerful unblocking abilities, and comprehensive security offering. As if that wasn’t enough, it also comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Speeds are high enough for lag-free streaming

  • Great at unblocking region-locked content

  • Pre-configured security

  • Designed with novices in mind

  • Doesn’t offer much control over advanced features

Take a look at our comprehensive CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish users can connect to over 40 servers in San Jose, with another 75 or so in Los Angeles. In total, this provider has around 900 servers in the US, and 1,600 worldwide. In contrast to many other services, IPVanish allows you to connect as many devices as you like, making it a great option for families. It can even unblock a decent number of geo-restricted services, so if you’re looking to watch Netflix while you travel, IPVanish has you covered.

This service has a ton of security tools, including a local traffic blocker, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and 256-bit encryption. There’s also a traffic scrambling feature that can helps hide the telltale signs that you’re using a VPN at all. IPVanish is a no-logs provider, which means it can’t provide details of your activities even if asked to. If you’re having problems, you can reach support staff, day or night, over live chat.

IPVanish users can install apps for iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows. This VPN can also be manually configured for use with Linux systems and select network routers.

NO CONNECTION LIMIT:IPVanish is a reliable, high-speed service with no connection or bandwidth limits. It has a great set of security features and happily unblocks Netflix, ITV Hub, and more. Best of all, it also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast and reliable connections

  • Powerful security and privacy protections

  • No-logs policy

  • Lets you protect all of your devices at once

  • Can’t unblock as many streaming platforms as some others on this list

Still have questions? Find answers in our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

This service uses a wide variety of security features to keep you safe online. There’s 256-bit encryption to start with, plus IPv6 and DNS leak protection, a customizable kill switch, and a stealth mode capable of bypassing just about any online censorship (it even works in China). Crucially, PrivateVPN follows a strict zero-logs policy so your browsing habits can remain private at all times. As live chat is available for around 22 hours per day, you’ll never have to wait too long for help.

PrivateVPN has apps for MacOS, Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS. Users can also choose to manually install this service on supported internet routers.

PRIVACY FIRST:PrivateVPN, as its name implies, puts user privacy first. However, it also boasts exceptional speeds and unblocking capabilities, making it an extremely versatile choice for anyone visiting San Jose. There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee included!

  • High speeds, unlimited bandwidth

  • Great unblocking ability

  • impressive privacy and security toolkit

  • No servers in California

  • Live chat goes offline for two hours per day

Read the complete PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

                    Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

Hotspot Shield has roughly 1,800 servers in 80+ countries. Naturally, the US is one of these; there are servers in 26 US cities including Los Angeles and San Francisco. Speeds are fast enough for almost any task, be it torrenting, general browsing, or streaming on platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, or Disney+. Additionally, users can secure up to five devices at any one time.

This service keeps you safe from snoopers with a blend of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. It also offers automatic wifi protection, which prevents you from accidentally browsing on an unsecured public network. Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep any personally identifiable data once you disconnect, making it a strong choice for any privacy-conscious travelers. 24/7 support is available over both email and live chat.

Hotspot Shield provides iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, and MacOS apps. Select wireless routers are also supported via manual configuration.

GREAT EVERYDAY VPN:Hotspot Shield is a speedy, security-conscious provider with an easy to use app and impressive unblocking ability. This makes it a fantastic choice, both in San Jose, and everywhere else. A 45-day money-back guarantee is included on all plans.

  • Provides fast, stable connections

  • Lets you access a huge range of region-locked platforms abroad

  • Good range of security settings

  • Some past privacy concerns

  • No way for users to sign up anonymously

Take a look at our in-depth Hotspot Shield review.

How to setup a VPN for San Jose

Never used a VPN before? Don’t worry; you can get set up in a matter of minutes. Below, we’ll let you know how to get a US IP address and keep your online activities hidden in San Jose or anywhere else.

Here’s how to use a VPN in San Jose:

  • Start by signing up for one of the VPNs above (we recommend NordVPN).
  • Download the VPN app, making sure to install it on all of your most commonly-used devices. You’ll usually be allowed five connections at once but this number varies.
  • Open the app and connect to a server. For a San Jose IP address make sure you choose a server in San Jose, or if you’re trying to unblock content from a specific state or country select a server from that location.
  • Once connected, your data is completely hidden from any snoopers on the network. In other words, you can browse safely wherever you go in San Jose or abroad.

These services pale in comparison to their paid rivals when it comes to security too. In fact, a 2016 study found that 18 percent lacked even simple encryption and a shocking 37 percent contained some form of malware. This means you’re effectively gambling with your privacy whenever you choose a VPN simply because it’s free. Instead, we recommend taking a service’s reputation and logging policy into consideration before deciding which VPN to use. 

Some services have stricter geographic restrictions than others. Your online banking service, for instance, might automatically flag your account if you try to log in from abroad. This can result in you having to call customer service from abroad just to regain access, which isn’t ideal. That said, if you connect to a server in your home country before logging in, it’s less likely that your bank will even realize that you’re elsewhere in the world.