3 Best VPNs for Virginia: Privacy & Streaming in 2025

Virginia has distinct VPN requirements due to a strong tech industry presence, which attracts hackers. The NSA headquarters are located there, and it also features a strong concentration of Universities, which generally have several restricted networks.

At one time, Virginia even passed legislation to ban TikTok and WeChat on state-owned devices, which could mean a full ban at some point. So, my team and I tested 45+ providers to find the best VPNs for Virginia. Unfortunately, the vast majority are completely unreliable for safe use with popular social media apps, streaming platforms, and banking services.

We only found a few VPNs that offer nearby servers, fast speeds, and legit protection from the government and hackers in VA. They also offer reliable servers in various US states that provide multiple US IP addresses. Finally, these providers can securely access TikTok, WeChat, Instagram, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and banking apps like Chase and Capital One.

The Best VPNs for Virginia — Full Analysis (Updated in 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — Automatic Obfuscation for Safe Access on All Virginia Networks

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested July 2025

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

This VPN offers automatic obfuscation on its entire server network, which is nearly unheard of. This feature makes your VPN data look like regular HTTPS traffic to bypass VPN bans found at offices or schools. It makes it possible to avoid annoying age verification pages and to safely access apps like TikTok on nearly every network. During our tests, we could always connect even on public WiFi in Virginia hotels, bars, and universities.

It also works seamlessly with Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, SBS Australia, BBC iPlayer, etc

ExpressVPN also comes with tons of privacy assurances to increase your online safety in VA’s tech corridors. For one, it’s the first VPN to offer quantum level encryption (currently only on Windows), which will be absolutely necessary to combat modern criminals in the near future. It also follows a proven no-logging policy that has been independently audited multiple times. So, it can protect your data, and it’s been verified that it won’t store your information.

In terms of speed, it is the fastest VPN among all options that we tested. During our tests, we were able to enjoy the latest season of Ginny & Georgia on Netflix. We only had to wait for a couple of seconds for the stream to load, after which we did not experience any interruptions or buffering issues. The VPN is also excellent for gaming with minimal lag since it offers the low ping rates you need for responsive gameplay.

The only issue I found is that it's a bit expensive compared to other VPNs on this list. However, ExpressVPN offers year-round discounts and promos, making it much more affordable. Plus, all its purchase options are backed by a trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee*. This way you can test it completely risk-free.

Useful Features

• Lightway. This proprietary protocol is the main reason behind ExpressVPN’s exceptionally fast speeds and stable connections. It’s optimized to consume minimal battery, making it a great option for portable devices like mobiles. Windows apps also offer Lightway Turbo, which uses multiple VPN tunnels to deliver even better speeds on Virginia’s crowded networks.
• Perfect forward secrecy. This feature regularly updates your encryption keys for enhanced online security, in case any of your previous keys are compromised.
• User-friendly apps. ExpressVPN offers native apps for almost all major operating systems and devices. It also offers custom router firmware in case you want to secure your game console, Roku, or other devices that don’t natively support VPNs.
• Advanced Protection. It has an ad-blocker to block ads and a Threat Manager to prevent malware and tracking attempts in the country’s tech hub.

2. CyberGhost — Automatic WiFi Protection To Keep Your Data Secure In and Outside Virginia

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost offers multiple automation options under its Smart rules feature, great for tech-savvy Virginians. These rules allow the VPN to automatically connect whenever you use an untrusted network. This is a must for me when I’m hopping between cafes and bars with my laptop in Richmond. With these rules, you can also enable the VPN to connect to a particular server whenever you open any app like Netflix, Chrome, etc.

You can also manage CyberGhost launch options via "Smart rules"

One of the best things about CyberGhost is that it offers specialty streaming and gaming servers. Streaming servers are designed to work with Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other popular platforms without any issues. In addition, it displays the ping of all gaming servers so you can quickly choose the one with the least lag. During tests, we didn’t experience any interruptions while playing Apex Legends, even with extended sessions of continuous gameplay.

Speeds were also very fast, second only to ExpressVPN. During our tests, we didn’t experience any additional buffering issues while streaming on Netflix, Disney+, or other platforms. While it didn’t offer a location directly in Virginia during our review, we were still impressed at the fast speeds we recorded on all its other US servers.

One minor con is that its monthly purchases only offer a short refund period. However, CyberGhost’s long-term purchases are very affordable and offer an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Exceptions. This is CyberGhost’s split tunneling feature, which allows you to use the VPN for selective apps only. This way, you can continue to use your regular IP for activities like cab-hailing in Virginia Beach or ordering food to your dorm at Virginia Tech.
• Torrenting servers. It also offers dedicated P2P servers that can download large torrent files quickly and securely.
• Strong security. To keep your online data secure, it offers military-grade encryption, leak protection, and an automatic kill switch.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Tweak Settings for a Tailored VPN Experience in Virginia

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA’s customizable settings can help you boost your speed or security in Virginia. For example, you can choose between multiple VPN protocols, including OpenVPN and WireGuard. With OpenVPN, you can also select between the AES 256-bit and 128-bit encryption levels, depending on your requirements for speed or security. Our tests have shown that lower encryption levels can offer better speeds without compromising online security.

Its advanced kill switch blocks the internet until you connect to the VPN for added privacy

It also offers a Multi-Hop feature that can increase your security and obfuscate your connection. However, compared to traditional Double VPN features that use 2 servers, PIA uses SOCKS5 and Shadowsocks. This provides better speeds and also allows your VPN to bypass VPN firewalls to securely browse the internet. I can confirm it smoothly connected to the network when I returned to UVA for a Cavs game.

However, my only issue is that it is headquartered in the USA, which is a part of several intelligence-sharing pacts. However, I was put at ease after reading further. PIA’s no-logging policy has not only been independently audited but has also been proven in court, so you don’t have to worry about your activities being recorded.

It’s one of the most economical VPNs and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all purchases. You can easily get a full refund if you're not 100% happy.

Useful Features

• PIA DNS. PIA uses a private DNS network to increase your online privacy by encrypting your DNS requests. It also allows you to choose Built-in Resolver and Handshake DNS settings.
• MACE. Similar to CyberGhost, PIA also offers a highly effective ad-blocker that is equally potent in blocking malware and tracking attempts by third parties, like hackers, to keep your online data secure.

Quick Comparison Table: Virginia VPN Features

The table below compares all the key features to consider when choosing the best VPN for Virginia. These features include speed, server networks, obfuscation, ad blocker, and the number of devices you can protect simultaneously. It also mentions if the VPNs offer a money-back guarantee. All the VPNs we have shortlisted offer servers in the US, including Virginia, to get a secure US IP address.

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.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Virginia

To shortlist the best VPNs for Virginia, we specifically focused on obfuscation and security. Virginia’s government isn’t huge on internet freedom, and its university networks often ban VPNs, so it was key to see which services can actually obscure their use. When that was confirmed, the providers were then subjected to extreme security and privacy tests to make sure they could withstand the common cyberattacks you find in VA, the nation’s tech corridor.

VPNs that successfully passed our security benchmarks were then further subjected to speed tests. Our team started by finding VPNs that offer IPs in Virginia and nearby states to reduce slowdowns. We also selected the fastest VPNs overall, then specifically tested them on busy WiFi and college networks in Virginia to see how they fared.

FAQs on Using a VPN in Virginia

How does Virginia's new privacy legislation affect my VPN experience?

The latest privacy law in Virginia is called the Virginia Consumer Data Protection Act (VCDPA). Although this law is designed to offer more protection to users, using a VPN is the best way to keep your online data secure.

Virginia also has state-level laws to mandate age verification while trying to access adult or gambling content. A VPN can securely access such platforms from other states without such restrictions.

Can I use a free VPN for Virginia?

You can, but it's not recommended. Free VPNs typically offer very limited server locations, often outside the US. In addition, they are slow and only come with limited bandwidth. Most of all, free VPNs almost always lack strong security features like strong encryption, a solid no-logs policy, a kill switch, and other advanced features like obfuscation. Using a paid VPN with a money-back guarantee is a better alternative, plus you can test them completely risk-free.

Are VPNs legal in Virginia?

Yes, there aren’t any laws against using a VPN in Virginia. Many citizens in the US use the VPNs on this list every day to protect their privacy. However, keep in mind that using a VPN to download copyrighted materials is illegal. You are also subject to streaming services’ Terms and Conditions. That means, if you access any service you haven’t explicitly paid for, you can be banned.

Get the Best VPN for Virginia

The right VPN can safely access the internet in and outside Virginia without compromising speed. We tested multiple VPNs and compil ed our top picks that provide robust security features, the best speeds, and strong security features.

All the VPNs I've shortlisted reliably work in and outside Virginia and other US states. However, my top pick for Virginia is ExpressVPN. It can secure your online privacy while consistently delivering the best possible speeds among all VPNs we tested. This provider makes it possible to avoid age verification forms, and can safely access TikTok, Netflix, and more.