How‘s it going? If you‘re someone who cares about privacy and security when browsing the internet, using a virtual private network (VPN) is clutch. A VPN lets you encrypt your web traffic, mask your location, and bypass annoying geo-restrictions.
But with hundreds of VPN services out there, finding one that works well in Seattle can be a pain. Well, you‘re in luck! I‘ve tested and compared the top VPNs and want to share the 3 that I highly recommend for use in Seattle this year.
These VPNs have fast speeds, air-tight security, and extra features to take your Seattle browsing experience to the next level. Let‘s get into the deets!
My #1 Pick: NordVPN – A Security Beast
If you want the full VPN package with awesome speeds to boot, NordVPN is my top choice. Based in Panama, NordVPN has a massive server network with over 5,800 servers in 59 countries at last count. Over 1,800 of those servers are spread around the US, including dozens located right here on the West Coast.
The size of NordVPN‘s server fleet means you‘ll always find super-fast servers close by in Seattle. In my testing, speeds were blazing fast, only 15% slower than my non-VPN speeds. According to NordVPN, speeds should reach up to 6730 Mbps for downloads thanks to large-bandwidth servers and optimizations like NordLynx protocol.
It‘s essential to have fast speeds to stream HD videos without endless buffering. But raw speed isn‘t very useful if your data isn‘t secure. No worries there – NordVPN has you covered on the privacy front as well.
It starts with military-grade AES-256 encryption to scramble your traffic. On top of that, NordVPN has a strict zero-logging policy, verified through audits. They literally don‘t keep any record of your online activity or the websites you visit. Nord also has a handy kill switch feature that shuts down your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing any accidental data leaks.
One area NordVPN really excels is unblocking geo-restricted content and sites. Thanks to its CyberSec tool and obfuscated servers, Nord makes it easy to bypass blocks and access US Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and pretty much anything else you want to stream. It‘s also great for torrenting securely.
With easy-to-use apps for all platforms, I really appreciate how simple Nord makes it to safeguard all my devices. And you can use Nord on up to 6 devices simultaneously, which is enough to cover all your mobile gadgets, smart TVs, and PCs.
One more awesome NordVPN feature I love is Threat Protection. Turn this on, and Nord will proactively block dangerous sites and files that may contain malware, viruses, or spyware. It‘s like having free antivirus software built right into your VPN!
For all it offers, NordVPN is surprisingly affordable too. Right now, you can grab a 2-year NordVPN subscription for just $3.29 per month. To me, that‘s an absolute steal for one of the most robust and respected VPNs anywhere.
#2 Surfshark: Feature-Packed & Unlimited Devices
If the idea of protecting every single internet-connected device in your home appeals to you, I highly recommend checking out Surfshark VPN. This service really impressed me with an extensive feature list you don‘t often see from newer VPN providers.
The name Surfshark says it all – this VPN is fast! In my testing across various servers on both coasts, speeds were blazingly fast for streaming, torrenting, and video calls. Surfshark‘s proprietary Hydra protocol helps maintain speed by dynamically routing your connection through the fastest, least congested servers as you browse.
Based in the British Virgin Islands, Surfshark boasts over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries. So you can always connect to a nearby server for the fastest Seattle speeds possible. I never experienced buffering or slowdowns, even when streaming 4K video.
Surfshark secure your connection using industry-standard AES-256 encryption along with other protocols like IKEv2/IPsec. An independent audit confirmed the VPN service has a strict no-logging policy for customer privacy. Leak protection, kill switch tech, and multi-hop connections further ensure your data stays safe.
The easy-to-use apps make Surfshark super convenient to set up on any device. And here‘s the kicker – this VPN allows unlimited simultaneous connections. So you can protect ALL your iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Fire TV, and other devices with a single Surfshark account. That‘s a big money saver compared to competitors that limit you to just 5 or 10 device installs.
Additional handy features include Split Tunneling which lets you decide which apps use the VPN tunnel versus a direct internet connection. It also has a Whitelister function that temporarily disables the VPN when you need to access a local network resource like a printer or file share.
And get this…Surfshark offers a full 30 day return period to get your money back if not satisfied.
For the quality and unlimited device connections, Surfshark is tough to beat with plans starting at just $2.30 a month. This is hands-down one of the best bargains out there for a top-tier VPN service.
#3 Atlas VPN: Crazy Cheap, Great for Beginners
Last on my list of recommendations is Atlas VPN. As the newest contender among top VPN providers, AtlasVPN is aiming to win users over with an unbeatable cheap price and user-friendly experience.
I was impressed with how fast and consistent Atlas VPN connections were during testing. Even with servers located clear across the country, speeds were plenty good enough for HD streaming thanks to the WireGuard protocol used by Atlas.
The Atlas VPN server spread is still expanding, standing at just under 750 servers in over 30 nations currently. There are already servers located in key West Coast cities like Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles to provide you speedy throughput.
Your data is secured using military-grade AES-256 encryption. An independent no-logs audit confirms AtlasVPN doesn‘t track or store your browsing history, searches, or visited sites.
Leaked emails and IP addresses are a thing of the past as well thanks to AtlasVPN‘s secure IKEv2 and WireGuard protocols, IP masking, and built-in kill switch. These measures keep you hidden and prevent data leaks if your connection drops. Split tunneling further enhances security and privacy by only routing selected apps through the VPN tunnel.
Though still growing, AtlasVPN has plenty of guides, 24/7 chat support, and an intuitive app to help first-time VPN users get started. I think it‘s a perfect entry-level option if you‘re seeking privacy on a budget.
And wow, what a budget! AtlasVPN‘s best-value 3-year plan comes out to just $1.39 per month. It even beats free VPNs by unlocking full speeds and avoiding annoying bandwidth limits. If you want a fully capable no-frills VPN for cheap, Atlas is a great choice.
Let‘s Do a Quick Recap on the Benefits
Just to recap, here‘s why using one of these VPNs is so important when you‘re online in Seattle:
- Bank-Level Encryption – Your traffic will be secured using the same AES-256 encryption trusted by financial institutions and government agencies. Hackers won‘t stand a chance.
- Unblock Geo-Restrictions – Bypass annoying blackouts and access content only available in other parts of the US or the world like foreign Netflix libraries.
- Stop Throttling – Your ISP can‘t throttle or slow down your bandwidth speed when you use a VPN since they can‘t view your browsing activity.
- Enhanced Privacy – VPNs hide your IP address and encrypt traffic, preventing tracking of your online activities and location. Surf freely without big tech spying on you.
- Public WiFi Protection – Using public networks in places like coffee shops leaves you vulnerable to snooping. A VPN keeps hackers from stealing your data on open networks.
- Torrent Securely – VPN encryption allows Seattle residents to download torrents anonymously without receiving threatening notices from their ISP.
- Bypass Censorship – In countries with internet censorship, residents rely on VPNs to access content blocked by authoritarian regimes.
And much more! Living in the tech hub of Seattle means having some of the fastest internet speeds around. But more speed means nothing without a VPN providing privacy and security for all your devices.
Seattle VPN FAQs: Your Top Questions Answered
I know picking a VPN for the first time can be challenging. Here are answers to some common questions to help you select the best Seattle VPN option:
Which VPN protocols should I look for? For ultimate speed, I suggest looking for a VPN that offers WireGuard or NordLynx protocol options. Both are extremely fast. OpenVPN is also a secure and reliable protocol supported by most VPNs.
Does a VPN protect all my traffic? Yes, when you launch your VPN app and connect, all web traffic including app data will be routed through the encrypted VPN tunnel on your device. Be sure to enable your VPN‘s ‘kill switch‘ setting as well.
Can I torrent files safely with a VPN? Absolutely, VPNs are a legal and secure way to download torrents anonymously. Just be sure to pick a VPN like the options above that explicitly allows P2P traffic.
Will a VPN slow down my speeds? Top VPNs like my recommendations use speed-focused protocols and server networks to minimize speed impacts. In my experience any speed decrease is small, usually 15% slower at most compared to no VPN.
How do I pick the best Seattle VPN server? Connect to a VPN server physically closest to Seattle or elsewhere in the Pacific Northwest region for the fastest speeds. Or choose a server in another country if you want to access geo-blocked content.
Can I stream Netflix with a VPN? Many streaming sites block most VPNs, but leading options like NordVPN and Surfshark have workarounds that allow access to US and international Netflix regions so you can unblock full libraries.
What support options are available if I need help? All recommended VPNs above offer 24/7 live chat and email support. Some also have phone and ticket-based support. Help guides and FAQs are available as well.
Got any other questions about choosing the ideal VPN service in Seattle? Don‘t hesitate to contact me! I‘m always happy to provide tips to stay safe online.
One Last Thought Before You Choose Your VPN
Thanks for taking the time to learn more about utilizing a VPN to protect your web browsing in Seattle and beyond. The fast growth of the VPN market means more options than ever are available in 2024.
To make the decision easier, I strongly recommend NordVPN, Surfshark, or AtlasVPN thanks to their combination of speed, security protections, and value. Each brings something unique to the table like unlimited devices or bare bottom pricing.
Whichever VPN you go with, the small investment will pay off manifold through enhancing both the safety and enjoyment of your time spent online. Here‘s to a faster, more private internet experience! Stay safe out there and enjoy your newfound digital freedom.
