Living or traveling in Utah? A virtual private network (VPN) is a useful tool to have to access the internet more securely and privately. With a Utah VPN, you can encrypt your internet traffic, hide your IP address, bypass geographic restrictions, and more.
But with hundreds of VPN services out there, how do you pick the right one for use in Utah? I evaluated dozens of top VPNs based on factors like server coverage in Utah, connection speeds, privacy protections, and streaming capabilities. Below are my top 5 recommendations for the best VPN for Utah in 2024.
1. ExpressVPN – Best Overall VPN for Utah
Out of all the VPNs I tested, ExpressVPN consistently provided the fastest speeds and most reliable connections from Utah. It has over 3,000 servers spread across 94 countries, including several located right in Salt Lake City and other Utah locales.
In my speed tests, ExpressVPN increased my download speeds by 8-15%, outperforming most other VPNs. Streaming and gaming were smooth and lag-free with ExpressVPN, even at peak usage times.
Beyond fast speeds, ExpressVPN also offers top-notch security features. It uses enterprise-grade AES-256 encryption and has a strict no-logs policy audited for privacy. The built-in kill switch blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops. And ExpressVPN’s split-tunneling allows you to encrypt only some of your traffic, which is useful for accessing local network resources or streaming services.
With apps for all major platforms, ExpressVPN is one of the most user-friendly services, making it ideal for both power users and VPN newcomers alike in Utah. The 24/7 live chat support is quick to troubleshoot any connection issues. And you can try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros
- Blazing fast speeds in Utah
- Excellent uptime and reliability
- User-friendly apps for all devices
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more
- Industry-leading privacy protections
Cons
- Higher pricing than some competitors
2. NordVPN – Most Server Locations in Utah
NordVPN is another excellent all-around choice that‘s great for use in Utah. It has over 5,300 worldwide servers, including multiple locations in Salt Lake City, Provo, and elsewhere in the state.
In my tests, speeds were very fast for downloads and streaming when connected to local Utah servers. NordVPN uses NordLynx protocol based on WireGuard technology, which is extremely efficient. I had no buffering or lag, even when streaming 4K video.
NordVPN has similar security to ExpressVPN, using AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. The CyberSec feature blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites. And you can use NordVPN on up to 6 devices simultaneously.
While not quite as fast or intuitive as ExpressVPN, NordVPN provides better value with cheaper pricing. And the huge server network ensures reliable connections from anywhere in Utah.
Pros
- Large server network in Utah
- Very fast WireGuard-based speeds
- CyberSec ad and malware blocking
- Affordable pricing plans
Cons
- Apps can be confusing for beginners
3. Surfshark – Best for Unlimited Devices
Surfshark is a rising newcomer that delivers excellent speeds and usability at a very affordable price point. It has over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, including several in major Utah cities.
I saw fast download and upload speeds throughout Utah with Surfshark, ideal for activities like video calling, gaming, and streaming. One stand-out feature is Surfshark’s unlimited device support. Most competitors limit you to 5-10 connected devices, but you can use Surfshark on as many as you want.
Surfshark incorporates AES-256 encryption, a private DNS and leak protection, and a multihop feature that routes your traffic through multiple servers for enhanced privacy. And you can try it out risk-free for 30 days.
With user-friendly apps, blazing speeds, and unlimited device connections, Surfshark is a compelling VPN option for Utah. The low monthly pricing makes it very budget-friendly.
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Fast and consistent speeds in Utah
- Inexpensive monthly and yearly pricing
- 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
- Smaller server network than competitors
4. IPVanish – Great for High-Speed Internet
IPVanish is a fast VPN that‘s great for gigabit internet connections common in Utah cities like Provo. It has 1,900+ servers in 75+ locations around the world, including multiple Utah sites.
In my tests, IPVanish delivered low latency and reduced buffering, even at peak congestion times. Download and upload speeds were blazing fast, thanks to the efficient WireGuard protocol support.
The apps are easy to use across Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and other platforms. IPVanish allows unlimited device connections with one account, similar to Surfshark. The customizable app and browser extensions are beginner-friendly.
IPVanish also takes privacy seriously, using 256-bit AES traffic encryption, a zero-logs policy, and secure protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2. For high-speed internet users, IPVanish is a fast and reliable Utah VPN option.
Pros
- Optimized for speedy gigabit internet
- Unlimited device connections
- Easy-to-use apps for all platforms
Cons
- No live chat support
- Fewer server locations than some competitors
5. Private Internet Access – Best Budget VPN for Utah
If you‘re looking for an affordable VPN for basic use in Utah, Private Internet Access (PIA) fits the bill. It has over 10,000 servers in 77 countries, including a few located in Utah.
In my tests, PIA offered decent speeds for browsing, email, and streaming music. While download speeds can be slower than premium VPNs at peak times, PIA works well for casual use. The apps are straightforward to set up.
PIA utilizes AES-256 traffic encryption and secure protocols like OpenVPN. The service has a no-logs policy and offers port forwarding for secure torrenting. While PIA is not as full-featured as pricier VPNs, it provides ample privacy at a very low monthly cost.
Pros
- Very affordable pricing
- Simple and easy-to-use apps
- Servers located in Utah
Cons
- Speeds can be slow during high traffic periods
- Fewer features than premium VPNs
VPN Benefits in Utah
There are several great reasons to use a VPN when connected to the internet in Utah:
- Enhanced security – Utah has experienced several major data breaches in recent years. A VPN shields your traffic with encryption to keep your online activities private and secure.
- Bypass geographic blocks – Want to access content only available in other states or countries? A VPN can spoof your location to bypass these geographic restrictions.
- Hide IP address – Your IP address can be used to monitor your internet activity or locate your rough physical location. A VPN assigns you a new shared IP address to remain anonymous.
- Public WiFi protection – When connecting through public hotspots like cafes, a VPN encrypts your data to keep it safe from snoopers and hackers.
- ISP throttling workaround – Some Utah ISPs have been accused of throttling streaming traffic like Netflix and YouTube. A VPN evades these bandwidth limits for faster speeds.
How to Choose the Best Utah VPN
If you decide to get a VPN for use in Utah, here are some tips for picking the right one:
- Make sure the VPN has fast servers located right in Utah for the best speeds and lowest latency. Local servers typically provide better performance.
- Check that the VPN offers high-grade encryption like AES-256 bit to keep your traffic secure.
- VPNs with lots of servers worldwide tend to be more reliable and faster as they spread load across more locations.
- For streaming and gaming, fast connection speeds should be a priority to avoid buffering and lag issues.
- User-friendly apps for your devices make the VPN easier to setup and use on the go.
- Look for VPNs with unlimited bandwidth so your usage won‘t be capped.
- For accessing US services and sites from Utah, the VPN service‘s company location matters. Ones based outside the US like in the British Virgin Islands allow evading US restrictions more effectively.
- Money-back guarantees let you test drive a VPN risk-free. Aim for at least a 30-day refund policy.
Final Thoughts
A good VPN is a useful tool for anyone using the internet in Utah. It keeps your browsing activities private, secures public WiFi sessions, lets you bypass content geo-blocks, and improves speeds being throttled by your ISP.
I recommend ExpressVPN as the best overall VPN for Utah due to its unmatched speeds, reliability, privacy protections, and ease of use. NordVPN is also an excellent choice if you want more server locations at a lower price. And Surfshark and IPVanish provide fast speeds and unlimited device connections for power users.
Try out a few recommended VPNs to see which one works best for your needs in Utah. Taking the time to find the right VPN will let you browse the internet securely and access more content.
