5 Best VPNs for Salt Lake City: Streaming & Privacy (2024)
The US isn’t the most privacy-friendly country. It’s part of the 5 Eyes Alliance and is one of the most targeted countries for cyber attacks. Utah itself is ranked 3rd out of 50 states for cybercrime. This could leave you vulnerable to snoops and hackers while in town — especially if you use unsecured public WiFi in SLC. On top of this, a lot of US websites and services collect an unnecessary amount of data about you.
That’s why we recommend using a VPN for Salt Lake City. Not only can these tools keep you safe while you browse, stream, game, and torrent, but they can help you securely access a variety of global content from anywhere. Plus, the best VPNs offer fast servers so you can safeguard your online experience without interruptions.
My top choice is ExpressVPN. It offers a vast network with lightning-fast speeds. It also boasts stellar privacy and security features with a simple interface. You can try ExpressVPN with confidence as it's backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, it’s easy to get a refund if you’re unsatisfied with the service. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Salt Lake City in 2024
- Editor's ChoiceExpressVPN
Best overall VPN for Salt Lake City, with extremely fast speeds and a secure global server network to reliably and securely access US content from anywhere.70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN - CyberGhost
Servers optimized for HD streaming, lag-free gaming, and torrenting. - Private Internet Access
Good security features to safeguard your online presence in and outside Salt Lake City, but it doesn’t allow torrenting on US servers. - IPVanish
Unlimited simultaneous connections to cover all your devices worldwide, but doesn't accept Bitcoin payments. - PrivateVPN
P2P-friendly for easy torrenting from Salt Lake City, but has a smaller server network.
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
The Best VPNs for Salt Lake City — Full Analysis (Updated in 2024)
1. ExpressVPN — Lightning-Fast Speeds to Stream in High Quality Without Interruptions in Salt Lake City
Tested October 2024 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
- Server speed and location: The fastest VPN we tested for Salt Lake City with 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including the US (Salt Lake City)
- Security and privacy: Military-grade encryption, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and TrustedServer technology
- Simultaneous device connections: 8
- Can stream: Netflix US, Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more
- Compatible with: iOS, Windows, Android, Mac, Chrome, Linux, routers, and more
ExpressVPN offers extremely fast speeds that allow you to stream in 4K with no lag from anywhere. While testing, we had no issues watching Arcane on Netflix and Futurama on Hulu with zero buffering. Plus, our average speeds were consistently high during our ExpressVPN tests. The lowest we saw was 80 Mbps from an 85 Mbps base speed. It even has servers in Salt Lake City, which contributes to such high speeds as your data doesn’t have as far to travel.
Plus, its entire global server network uses automatic obfuscation, so you can safely access a wide range of content from anywhere, even on restrictive networks. We were able to securely watch Netflix Japan, ITVX, and BBC iPlayer on public WiFi networks that blocked VPNs.
Unlimited bandwidth makes ExpressVPN great for torrenting, allowing you to download as many files as you want. Plus, services like qBittorrent and Deluge work smoothly. I recommend enabling the Smart Location feature to connect to the fastest server with a single click.
Split tunneling even lets you choose the apps you want to route through the VPN tunnel. We routed BitTorrent through the VPN while accessing a Bank of America account on our regular connection to avoid triggering alerts.
The VPN has its own Lightway protocol that safeguards your connection without compromising speeds. It also secures your data with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. Strong security protocols (OpenVPN (UDP/TCP), IKEv2, L2TP/IPSec) and IP/DNS leak protection add an extra layer of protection. Perfect Forward Secrecy adds further safety by varying your encryption keys.
I recommend activating the kill switch, “Network Lock”. It automatically cuts off your internet if you lose connection (though that didn’t occur during my testing). This prevents your online activity from being leaked to snoops or hackers.
Your privacy is maintained with an audited zero-logs policy, too, so your information isn’t shared with third parties. ExpressVPN has its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances (an international data-sharing agreement). The VPN’s RAM-based servers (TrustedServer tech) also wipe any session data with every server reboot.
We installed the VPN on all major OSs and found the setup is hassle-free. MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) even lets you access content in HD from anywhere on devices that don’t typically work with VPNs (like game consoles, Roku, and Apple TV). Plus, you can contact customer support via 24/7 live chat if you get stuck with the installation process.
A slight inconvenience is the expensive price tag; plans start at $6.67/month. However, ExpressVPN regularly runs discounts that can help you bring the price down. I got 48% off on the annual plan with 3 months of free service, making it a great deal.
There’s a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee too. I tested it using the live chat and the refund process was seamless. After a couple of messages, everything was sorted. The money was credited to my bank account in just 3 days.
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Streaming Servers to Watch TV and Movies in HD From Anywhere
- Server speed and location: Super-fast speeds on 11,690 servers in 100 countries, including the US (Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles)
- Security and privacy: AES 256-bit encryption, WiFi protection, and a built-in ad-blocker
- Simultaneous device connection: 7
- Can stream: Netflix US, Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more
- Compatible with: iOS, Windows, Android, Mac, Chrome, Linux, routers, and more
CyberGhost’s optimized servers are dedicated to specific streaming platforms, making it safe to access them from anywhere. These are listed in a separate “For streaming” tab in the app, so you can easily find them. You can binge-watch your favorite shows without running into issues. During our tests, we were able to watch live NHL games on ESPN+ with zero buffering or quality drops.
The VPN’s speeds are great, letting us stream in the highest quality. We got an average of 70 Mbps (17% drop), meaning we played games lag-free and downloaded files without delays, too. Plus, with unlimited bandwidth, you can torrent all the files you want without hitting any data cap.
You’re protected by secure 256-bit encryption and SHA256 authentication. There’s also an automatically-enabled kill switch and DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leak protection. You can even use the WiFi protection feature to launch the VPN automatically when connecting to an unknown network. This is perfect for safely accessing your Citigroup eBanking services on unsecured public hotspots in Salt Lake City.
Like ExpressVPN, the service also follows a strict no-logs policy, which means your information isn’t stored or shared. The VPN is headquartered in privacy-friendly Romania (outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances). Plus, you get an ad-blocker, and the service forces websites to load in HTTPS to give you the safest version of the page.
The user-friendly app design makes this VPN great for beginners. The apps are easy to install and use on various devices and there’s an extensive knowledge base with step-by-step guides on the website. Customer support is also available 24/7 using the live chat tool.
Monthly plans are quite expensive and offer a shorter money-back guarantee. However, getting a long-term plan only costs $2.19/month. I recommend the 2-year plan as it gives you better value and an extended refund period.
This extended money-back guarantee means you can try CyberGhost free for 45 days. I tested the policy by contacting the customer support team via the online web form. After requesting a refund, the money was back in my PayPal wallet after 4 days.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Good Security Features to Keep You Safe Online in Salt Lake City
- Server speed and location: Impressive speeds with 29,650 servers in 91 countries, including the US (Salt Lake City)
- Security and privacy: Automatic kill switch and a no-logs policy
- Simultaneous device connections: Unlimited
- Can stream: Netflix US, Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more
- Compatible with: iOS, Windows, Android, Mac, Chrome, Linux, routers, and more
Private Internet Access offers you great privacy and security measures. You can choose between multiple secure protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPSec, and WireGuard. I tested PIA for DNS/IP leaks and it doesn’t expose any data. High-end encryption and a kill switch also secure your connection. Plus, there’s a built-in ad and malware blocker (MACE), so you can avoid annoying ads with ease.
There are servers in 91 countries and coverage in 53 US locations (including Salt Lake City), which makes it easy to securely access content in HD from anywhere. During our tests, we found that PIA worked flawlessly with Netflix, ESPN+, Max, and more.
Like CyberGhost, you can stream in the highest quality with fast speeds with PIA. No bandwidth caps mean you can stream as much as you like. The servers were fast enough to watch Arrested Development on Netflix. Plus, we downloaded large files without interruptions as the VPN is P2P-friendly and supports port forwarding for a faster connection. It only took us about 4 minutes to download a 1GB file.
One disappointment is that PIA doesn’t allow you to torrent on US servers. However, you can easily connect to any non-US server and start torrenting without delays.
You can get PIA just for $2.19/month. All its plans offer the same features (including 24/7 live chat support on all apps). So I recommend getting the 2-year plan as it offers the best value for money.
The reliable money-back guarantee means you can get a hassle-free refund within 30 days. I signed into the customer control panel and canceled the auto-renew function. Then, all I had to do was contact customer support using live chat and request a refund. My money was transferred back to my credit card after 5 days.
4. IPVanish — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections to Cover All Your Devices in Salt Lake City and Worldwide
- Server speed and location: Fast speeds with 2,400 servers in 90 countries, including the US (Phoenix, Denver, and Los Angeles)
- Security and privacy: A kill switch and leak protection
- Simultaneous device connections: Unlimited
- Can stream: Netflix US, Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more
- Compatible with: iOS, Windows, Android, Mac, Linux, routers, and more
IPVanish lets you connect all your devices without any limitations. It's compatible with all major operating systems too. During our tests, we connected 8 devices to the same server without any noticeable impact. Even though we were all streaming different platforms, we had no random connection or quality drops, and our speeds remained fast.
The VPN’s global network of servers includes 90 countries, which makes it possible to access a range of content in the best possible quality from anywhere. We streamed Star Trek: Lower Decks on Paramount+ with no buffering. You can also enable the “Scramble” feature in the app settings, which disguises your VPN traffic to make it look like regular, unencrypted data. This makes IPVanish more reliable for streaming on restrictive networks.
Your internet connection is safeguarded by AES 256-bit encryption. Additionally, I had the option to select from a variety of security protocols, including OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, and IKEv2.
Your privacy is also safeguarded by a no logs policy, a kill switch, and DNS/IPv6 leak protection. So your real location and other sensitive data aren’t vulnerable. I ran multiple tests and didn’t detect any data leaks. This is great for accessing your bank accounts safely on Salt Lake City public WiFi hotspots.
I like the simple app interface — it’s great for beginners and pros alike. The apps also offer 24/7 live chat and FAQs with thorough explanations of all the features.
A small downside is that IPVanish doesn’t accept Bitcoin payments. However, you can use all major credit cards and PayPal instead.
Plans start from $2.19/month and I recommend getting the annual subscription for the best value.
You can even test IPVanish without risk for 30 days using its money-back guarantee. I requested a refund using my dashboard on the website. The process was speedy and the money was credited to my PayPal account within 7 days.
5. PrivateVPN — P2P-Enabled Servers for Reliable Torrenting in and Outside of Salt Lake City
- Server speed and location: 200 decent-speed servers in 63 countries, including the US (Phoenix, Denver, and Seattle)
- Security and privacy: AES 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy
- Simultaneous device connections: 10
- Can stream: Netflix US, Disney+, ESPN+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more
- Compatible with: iOS, Windows, Android, Mac, Linux, routers, and more
PrivateVPN supports P2P sharing and port forwarding, making it a great option for torrenting. Unlimited bandwidth also means you can download and upload as much as you like. While testing its torrenting support, PrivateVPN performed very well. We downloaded a 1GB file using BitTorrent within 5 minutes. Even using faraway server locations like the UK from Salt Lake City, we didn’t notice significant speed reductions when torrenting.
The apps are intuitive to use. They even have a simple mode that allows you to connect to a server instantly without any configuration. You also get live chat support from VPN developers 24/7, and a free remote installation service if you need it.
The no-logs policy means your data isn’t stored or shared with third parties. You’re further protected by high-grade encryption with Perfect Forward Secrecy. I tested the kill switch and DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leak protection and the VPN passed with flying colors. Application Guard even helps you terminate the apps you choose (like BitTorrent or your banking app) if you accidentally disconnect from the VPN.
Unfortunately, PrivateVPN has a small server network. However, we had no problem streaming, gaming, or torrenting, and each server worked on the first try. We used PrivateVPN to stream Solar Opposites on Hulu in HD, and had no lag or connection drops.
You can get PrivateVPN for just $2/month. I recommend the 3-year plan as it’s the most affordable in the long run.
There’s a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee, too. I canceled my plan through the live chat and the process was hassle-free. After answering a few questions about my experience with the app, my plan was terminated and I got a refund on my credit card after 9 days.
Quick Guide: How to Set Up a VPN for Salt Lake City in 3 Easy Steps
- Download a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN for its secure and speedy server network (including Salt Lake City) to safely access a variety of content from anywhere. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free, it’s backed by a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Connect to a server. I recommend picking a server as close to you as possible, as it will provide the best speeds.
- Start browsing. Now you can safely access global and local content from anywhere.
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Salt Lake City
All my listed VPNs for Salt Lake City offer secure HD streaming, a speedy network, and advanced security. However, if you want to run a few tests yourself, here are the criteria we used to test these services:
- Global server network — Widespread servers mean you can watch a wide variety of US and global content from anywhere with no interruptions. Plus, by encrypting your connection, you can keep your data safe from recommendation and marketing algorithms.
- Fast speeds — You need at least 5 Mbps for smooth HD streaming, or 25 Mbps for UHD.
- Strong security and privacy features — To stay safe from cyber threats, you need a VPN with robust security features like strong encryption (AES 256-bit), a reliable no-logs policy, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection.
- Easy-to-use apps — Look for a VPN with user-friendly apps that are compatible with all devices. Live chat support is also great to have if you need assistance at any point.
- Trustworthy money-back guarantee — Go for a VPN that offers a reliable money-back guarantee so you can get a refund if the service isn’t what you’re looking for.
FAQs on Using a VPN for Salt Lake City
Is a VPN legal in Salt Lake City?
Yes, VPNs are legal in Salt Lake City and most places around the world. In fact, it’s recommended to use one to safeguard yourself from rising cyber threats in the country. Just choose a VPN with strong encryption and a no-logs policy to stay protected against hackers and snoops while in the US.
That said, some countries do have restrictions on VPN use like Russia or China. So always keep up-to-date on the laws where you are to avoid getting in trouble.
How can I get a Salt Lake City IP address?
You can get a Salt Lake City IP address using a VPN — as long as your chosen service has servers in the city. All you have to do is connect to a VPN server in Salt Lake City to get a local IP.
Why do I need a VPN for Salt Lake City?
VPNs have great security and privacy features that are vital in Salt Lake City, as cybercrime has been on the rise in Utah for years. The US is also a member of the 5 Eyes Alliance, an international data-sharing pact between countries. So, a VPN is necessary to protect yourself online.
A VPN also makes it possible to access a variety of content in HD from anywhere, so you can securely watch Utah Jazz or Salt Lake City Stars games.
Can I use a free VPN in Salt Lake City?
You can, but free VPNs can put your privacy at risk. Some have been known to sell your data or secretly install malware on your device. Others simply lack important security features. So, a reliable VPN with a money-back guarantee is a safer choice.
Even the more secure free VPNs place limitations on your server access, bandwidth, speed, and data. So they’re not good for streaming, torrenting, or gaming.
The Bottom Line
The best VPNs for Salt Lake City have robust security to keep you safe on SLC’s public WiFi. Plus, with global server networks, they make it possible to safely access tons of different content in HD from anywhere. All of these recommendations are fast, so you can stream and download while protecting your privacy.
My top choice for Salt Lake City is ExpressVPN. It offers a massive server network (including Salt Lake City) for securely streaming your favorite shows and movies from anywhere. It’s also the fastest VPN we tested. You can try ExpressVPN without risk; it’s backed by a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee. So getting a refund is hassle-free if you’re not fully satisfied with the service.
To summarize, here are the best VPNs for Salt Lake City
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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