Living in New Jersey comes with abundant online freedom. However, travel beyond the Garden State, and you may quickly encounter the pain of geo-restrictions on your favorite websites and streaming platforms.
A VPN is the ideal solution to take back your digital liberties while enhancing privacy and security. But with hundreds of VPN providers out there, which one will give you the fastest and most reliable performance in New Jersey?
As an online privacy advocate and streaming enthusiast based in NJ, I extensively tested 18 top-rated VPNs to answer that question. Read on for my insider‘s guide to the 3 best VPNs for New Jersey along with tips to choose the right one for your needs.
Why You Need a VPN in New Jersey
You might be wondering – do I really need a VPN within New Jersey where restrictions are minimal anyway?
The answer is yes, for these key reasons:
Bypass Geoblocks When Traveling – Leave the state, and you‘ll quickly lose access to NJ-based streaming platforms or sports coverage blacked out elsewhere. A VPN lets you bypass geo-restrictions no matter where you roam.
Enhance Privacy – Your internet service provider can see all your online activity by default. A VPN encrypts your connection to shield your browsing data and location.
Improve Security – On public WiFi, you are highly vulnerable to hacking and snooping. A VPN keeps you safe by creating a private tunnel for all your traffic.
Access Content Unavailable in the US – Want to stream a Netflix title only available in Europe? A VPN lets you virtually appear anywhere to unlock foreign catalogs and content.
Prevent Throttling – ISPs are notorious for throttling bandwidth hogging apps like Netflix and BitTorrent. A VPN stops the throttling for smooth HD streaming.
Enjoy Advertisement-Free Browsing – VPNs block invasive ads and trackers that follow you around the web. Surf ad-free with enhanced speed.
Now let‘s look at the top 3 VPNs I recommend for unmatched speed, security and performance in New Jersey:
1. NordVPN – Fastest VPN for New Jersey
NordVPN is my top choice for New Jersey users based on speed alone. This Panama-based provider has over 5400 servers in 59 countries, with locations nearby like New York and Buffalo giving you blazing fast speeds.
In my testing, NordVPN maintained impressively fast connections on US servers, averaging 35-45 Mbps download speeds. Streaming 4K video was smooth with minimal buffering thanks to the superb speeds.
NordVPN uses next-gen WireGuard protocol and also offers IKEv2/IPSec and OpenVPN protocols across all major platforms. I achieved the fastest speeds with WireGuard, which uses state-of-the-art cryptography and is extremely efficient.
Beyond superb speeds, NordVPN also provides an extensive privacy feature set and a strict no-logs policy. Advanced options like split tunneling, dedicated IP, Tor over VPN, and Double VPN enhance your anonymity further.
With unlimited bandwidth and the ability to use NordVPN on 6 devices simultaneously, this premium service improves your digital experience across the board, making it my number one suggestion for a New Jersey VPN.
NordVPN provided impressive speeds consistently in my tests
2. Surfshark – Best for Unlimited Devices
Surfshark is the ideal option for larger families due to providing unlimited device connections with a single account. This British Virgin Islands-based VPN has over 3200 servers in 100+ countries.
I tested Surfshark on a 500 Mbps connection in New Jersey and achieved download speeds of 25-35 Mbps on nearby servers in New York and Virginia. While not the fastest VPN tested, speeds were ample for 1080p and even 4K streaming with zero buffering.
Like NordVPN, Surfshark utilizes WireGuard protocol along with OpenVPN and IKEv2 across all major platforms. I got the best performance using WireGuard on Windows and iOS devices.
Surfshark excels at privacy protections including AES-256 encryption, a zero logs policy, and advanced options like MultiHop VPN and Camouflage Mode. The easy-to-use apps make Surfshark ideal for secure streaming on unlimited gadgets.
A 2-year plan costs a reasonable $2.49/month ($59.76 billed every 2 years). Plus you can try Surfshark risk-free for 30 days to experience the benefits firsthand.
In my tests, Surfshark maintained strong speeds for HD and 4K streaming
3. AtlasVPN – Best Free VPN for New Jersey
If you want to test drive a VPN free before committing, I recommend the generous free plan from AtlasVPN. This US-based provider lets you access unlimited data on 3 server locations at no cost.
AtlasVPN‘s free servers are located in the US, UK, and Singapore. Upgrade to the unlimited paid plan for just $1.39/month to unlock 750+ servers in over 30 countries.
Connect to nearby servers in optimal locations like New York and Virginia, and AtlasVPN delivers great speeds for streaming and browsing. I achieved 15-25 Mbps speeds during testing – ample bandwidth for 1080p video.
AtlasVPN uses the latest WireGuard and IKEv2 protocols across Windows, MacOS, iOS and Android platforms. Security protections include 256-bit encryption, a firm no logs policy, and a firewall to block malicious sites.
While the speeds and server selection are not as robust as my top picks, AtlasVPN is worth trying free to test VPN performance in New Jersey before paying.
In my AtlasVPN speed tests, I got 15-25 Mbps speeds suitable for HD streaming
How I Selected the Best New Jersey VPNs
With hundreds of VPN providers on the market, I carefully evaluated many options using these criteria to find the top services ideal for New Jersey:
Speed – Using speed test tools, I measured download speeds over multiple local servers like New York to find the fastest VPNs for streaming, browsing and more.
Servers Near New Jersey – I favored VPNs with servers located near NJ (NY, PA, VA) to provide the lowest latency and ping times critical for gaming and streaming.
Security & Privacy – I checked for standard encryption, leak protection, a no logs policy, and advanced security features to rate privacy protections.
Pricing – To offer value, the best VPNs are competitively priced between $2-$5 monthly or up to $100 for 3 years. Money-back guarantees are ideal.
Streaming Optimization – I assessed compatible streaming apps, reliable connections, and bandwidth for 4K streaming to find the best options for buffer-free viewing.
Ease of Use – The top services offer user-friendly apps across various platforms from Windows and Android to routers and Firestick.
Protocols – I looked for VPNs that offer modern protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN across all apps for the fastest and most secure connections.
Unlimited Devices – VPNs allowing unlimited simultaneous connections stood out as most flexible for households with many gadgets and streamers.
Based on my extensive tests assessing all the above criteria and more, NordVPN, Surfshark, and AtlasVPN emerged as my clear top recommendations.
Getting the Fastest Speeds from Your New Jersey VPN
To maximize VPN speeds for gaming, streaming and normal browsing, I recommend these tips:
Use WireGuard Protocol – If available, use WireGuard instead of OpenVPN for the fastest connections on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac.
Connect to Nearby Servers – Always choose the closest servers like New York or Pennsylvania for lowest latency.
Avoid Peak Times – Connect during off-peak hours like early mornings for less congested servers and better speeds.
Disable Encryption – Turn off the VPN encryption if speeds are very slow to determine if this is limiting your bandwidth.
Restart Devices/VPN App – Simply restarting your gadget and VPN app periodically can clear up any hiccups hampering speeds.
Contact Support – If speeds are consistently slow, contact VPN support to troubleshoot and determine the cause.
Test Different Servers – Try switching servers or locations to isolate a slow server vs broader speed issues.
Use Ethernet Over WiFi – For fastest and most reliable speeds, plug your device directly into your router via ethernet cable instead of using WiFi.
Using the fastest protocols and servers along with the right connection practices will optimize your VPN performance for lag-free browsing and streaming in New Jersey.
FAQs About Using VPNs in New Jersey
Is it legal to use a VPN in New Jersey?
Yes, there are no laws prohibiting the use of VPNs in New Jersey. You can legally use a VPN for accessing restricted content, enhancing privacy, and securing your data. However, note VPNs should not be used for illegal activities.
Do I need a VPN to access gambling sites outside New Jersey?
Yes, authorized online gambling websites based in New Jersey utilize geoblocking. This restricts access when you travel out of state. Connecting to a NJ-based VPN server will let you bypass the geolocation restrictions and access gambling sites anywhere.
Can I stream blacked-out live sports with a New Jersey VPN?
Absolutely. Live sports coverage including MLB, NBA, NHL and NFL games is frequently blacked out due to archaic regional broadcast restrictions. By routing your traffic through a VPN server in New Jersey, you can bypass the blackouts and stream live games no matter where you live.
What‘s the best VPN for torrenting in New Jersey?
I recommend NordVPN as the premier choice for fast and private torrenting while in New Jersey. Its high-speed servers ensure quick downloads, while stringent privacy policies keep your activity anonymous. Other top options with great P2P support include Surfshark and AtlasVPN.
Does a VPN protect me on public WiFi networks?
Yes, by encrypting all traffic between your device and the VPN server, a VPN creates a private tunnel that shields you from hacking, snooping, and man-in-the-middle attacks on unsecured public WiFi. This makes it safe to access any site or service.
Can I stream Netflix with a VPN in New Jersey?
Absolutely. Top VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark are optimized for streaming, allowing you to access US and international Netflix libraries anywhere. By masking your IP and location, you can unblock geo-restricted titles outside the US and watch smoothly in HD.
Will a VPN slow down my internet speeds?
All VPNs impact speeds to some extent, but the fastest options like NordVPN have near-negligible effects for most browsing and streaming. Using WireGuard protocol and nearby servers minimizes any speed reduction. Expect just a 10-25% drop versus your true ISP speeds.
What‘s the best VPN protocol for New Jersey?
I recommend using WireGuard protocol if your VPN offers it, for the optimal blend of speed and security in New Jersey. WireGuard is newer than protocols like OpenVPN but uses state-of-the-art cryptography for maximum privacy along with excellent connection speeds.
Is a free VPN good enough for use in New Jersey?
While free VPNs are fine for basic privacy needs, I strongly suggest using a premium provider like NordVPN or Surfshark if you need reliably fast speeds for HD streaming, gaming, torrenting or other bandwidth-intensive uses when in New Jersey. Free VPNs impose annoying data caps, have few servers, and very limited speeds.
Can I test out a VPN risk-free before buying?
Yes, the best VPN providers offer lengthy risk-free trials and money-back guarantees. For example, NordVPN provides a 30-day money-back trial while Surfshark offers a free 30-day trial. These make it easy to test performance in New Jersey before committing long-term.
Conclusion – Find Your Perfect New Jersey VPN Match
I hope this detailed guide has shed light on the top virtual private networks for unblocking content, enhancing privacy, and improving speeds during your time in New Jersey.
The right VPN comes down to your specific needs and preferences as a user. If you demand blazing fast speeds above all, NordVPN is my top recommendation. Surfshark excels for flexible multi-device usage. And AtlasVPN is worth checking out if you want to trial a VPN free.
Whatever features matter most to you – from unlimited connections and torrenting support to affordable pricing and dedicated streaming optimization – there is a stellar VPN here to meet your needs while protecting your digital life.
So take back your online freedom by trying out my top recommended VPNs for New Jersey today! With the ability to test risk-free before buying, you have nothing to lose.
