Best VPNs for Charlotte: Streaming, Security, and Speed 2023
If you’re looking for a VPN for Charlotte, NC, it might seem impossible to know if you’re making the right choice. You might be wondering if you actually need a local server in Charlotte, or can get by without one. I put over 50 VPNs to the test to find out which ones were most effective.
Whether you’re looking for lag-free gaming, public wi-fi hotspot security, buffer-free streaming or local servers, all the VPNs on my list demonstrate high speeds, security and popular streaming service un-blocking capability.
At a Glance: the 3 Best VPNs for Charlotte in 2023:
- ExpressVPN - A top VPN praised for its ability to unblock geo-blocks on Netflix and other popular streaming services.
- TunnelBear - Very transparent policies and provides a free version, which although capped at 500mb, is excellent for light and secure browsing.
- CyberGhost VPN - Very accessible features like one-click IP hiding, and ‘whitelister’ feature so selected apps can bypass the VPN when required,
Choosing the Right VPN for Charlotte
If you’re heavily into streaming, you’re likely to have different priorities to someone more focused on using a VPN for added security when using public wi-fi, for example. That’s why it’s best to determine your own unique needs before looking.
There are many areas where they cross over, and you may even find that all the VPNs in the list would easily meet your expectations. They’re all very effective at doing what they do best, you just need to establish if one of them has features more fine-tuned to your needs, and consider you may not actually need servers in Charlotte.
Some features to bear in mind:
- Money-back guarantees. This essentially enables you to try the VPN risk-free within the given period. You’ll get a full refund if you change your mind.
- No-logs policies. Look for a solid no-logs policy. Make sure your data won’t be stored, sold or tracked. Many promise this but you need to check the fine print.
- Fast speeds. Ideal for streaming in HD quality, smooth gaming and quick file transfers. Pick a VPN that delivers the speeds you require.
- Local servers. Confirming that the VPN has a local server in Charlotte means you can get a local IP address, essential for unblocking local content like WSOC-TV.
- Military-grade encryption. Look for security features like AES 256-bit encryption, kill-switch, and any proprietary features unique to that VPN.
- World-wide servers. This improves your chances of finding a server for accessing geo-blocked content, like servers in the UK for BBC iPlayer or US for Netflix US.
My Top VPNs for Charlotte - Full Analysis (Updated 2023)
1. ExpressVPN - Stay Anonymous
Try Risk-Free for 30 DaysTested July 2023
- Wipes personal data with TrustedServer tech.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Over 3,000 servers across 94 countries.
- Connect 8 devices simultaneously.
- Works with BBC iPlayer, Disney+ Netflix, HBO GO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and more.
- Compatible with
ExpressVPN ensures your online safety with a host of security features, including TrustedServer tech that means your data is only ever saved to RAM and then wiped after each reboot, rather than saving it to HDD. Add this to the AES 256-bit encryption, kill-switch, no-logs policy and split tunnelling, and you know you’re safe.
There are over 3,000 servers to choose from. Though there aren’t any in Charlotte, there are 2 servers in relatively nearby New York and 1 in Atlanta. You’ll be able to access the major streaming platforms with ease, with servers located across 94 countries.
There’s highly useful 24/7 live email and chat support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee giving you the confidence to try it out in that period without any risk.
See our full ExpressVPN test results here.
2. TunnelBear - Free Version
- Free version capped at 500mb.
- Independent security audits.
- Up to Unlimited simultaneous devices.
- Strong AES 256-bit encryption.
- Over 5,000 servers.
- Compatible with
TunnelBear offers a free version, which although capped at 500mb, is effectively a free trial as you’ll be able to test out the VPN risk-free. It is more suited to general web browsing as TunnelBear isn’t fully reliable with streaming services. It has over 5,000 servers in 47 countries, so while there are no servers in Charlotte currently you’ll have plenty of others to choose from.
TunnelBear takes security seriously with an independent audit published annually. Features like ‘vigilant mode’ to protect you from data leaks, AES 256-bit encryption, split-tunneling and a clear no-logs policy keep you safe online.
With a focus on security TunnelBear will appeal to you if you’re a light user. Despite there being no live support, the free version and transparent nature of this VPN make it a good place to start.
Take a look at our full TunnelBear review here.
3. CyberGhost - Great Accessibility
- Built-in ad and malware blocker.
- ‘Whitelister’ protocol for apps.
- Offers a 45-day money-back guarantee with 24/7 support.
- More than 9,371 servers across 91 countries.
- Works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+ and more.
- Compatible with
CyberGhost is one of the most accessible VPNs on my list, offering features that would appeal even to VPN first-time users. With a generous 45-day money-back guarantee policy, you have plenty of time to try it out risk-free. There’s also 24/7 support live online support should you become stuck with anything.
There are 58 servers in nearby Atlanta, and an impressive 9,371+ server arsenal in total. Spoofing your IP address, breaking down geo-block walls and accessing popular streaming services is easily done. You can also hide your IP with just one click. Up to 7 simultaneous device connections are permitted.
On the safety side, features like IKEv2, Wireguard and AES 256-it encryption protect your data, and the ‘whitelister’ feature enables apps to bypass the VPN when needed. There’s also an automatic kill-switch.
With these features in mind, CyberGhost is bound to appeal to you if you’re a first-timer and want to try a VPN without a concrete commitment.
Check out our full review of CyberGhost here.
4. HideMyAss - Streaming Optimised Servers
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Shuffle your IP automatically.
- 5 streaming optimised servers.
- Connect 5 simultaneous devices.
- Works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu and more.
- Compatible with
With a name like HideMyAss, you know this VPN means business, While there are no servers in Charlotte at present, it does have 2 in Atlanta and 2 in Nashville. There are over 1,090 servers in 190 locations globally, handy for accessing geo-blocked content. 5 of the servers located in the US, Germany and the UK are optimised for streaming, ideal for accessing major streaming services like Netflix in those locations, or BBC iPlayer.
As well as strong encryption, HMA has an ‘IP shuffle’ protocol that randomises your address as often as you like, from 10 minutes to once a day. Split tunnelling, no-logs policy, kill-switch and other security features will help you maintain your anonymity online.
If you need help, there’s 24/7 online support and a ‘knowledge base’ to answer most FAQs. The 30-day money-back guarantee.
gives you the chance to try it out without getting locked in to a subscription.
You can see our full review of HideMyAss here.
5. PrivateVPN - Servers with Integrity
- ‘Connection guard’ to avoid data leaks.
- Military grade AES 256-bit encryption.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Fully optimised for P2P and streaming.
- Works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO GO and more.
- Compatible with
While it doesn’t have the greatest network of servers, with around 200 in 63 countries, they are optimised for P2P and streaming and will do a good job of this. The VPN is bolstered by advanced security measures including AES 256-bit encryption, IPv6 leak protection, DNS leak protection and ‘connection guard’, which automatically closes an application if the VPN connection is dropped.
PrivateVPN allows up to 10 device connections, so you can connect every mobile, laptop or tablet you need. You can also access geo-blocked content from major streaming services like Netflix on any of these devices, enhanced by the streaming optimised servers.
There may not be 24/7 live support, but like others they also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee in the unlikely event that it doesn’t meet your requirements.
Find out more about PrivateVPN in our review.
6. VyprVPN - Stay Under the Radar
- 300,000 IP addresses.
- Over 700 servers in 70 locations.
- ‘Chameleon’ protocol scrambles your data.
- Audited no-logs policy.
- Works with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO GO, Sky Go and more.
- Compatible with
If you’re looking to stay under the online radar, VyprVPN will certainly meet this requirement. Over 700 secure servers create a stealthy online experience across the world; none located in Charlotte, but with ample coverage including in New York. Solid security features like Wireguard and AES 256-bit keep you safe, and there’s an independently audited no-logs policy, so not even VyprVPN sees your usage data.
You’ll be able to pick from over 300,000 IP addresses to spoof from, giving you a low internet profile. VyprVPN also advertises its ‘Chameleon’ protocol, enabling you to remain undetected by local governments by scrambling OpenVPN data, avoiding Deep Packet Inspection.
Much like its competitors, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it without risk during this period.
You’ll find the full VyprVPN review here.
7. Proton VPN - Plenty of US Servers
- Perfect Forward Secrecy.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
- 2,979 servers in 68 countries
- Allows 10 simultaneous devices.
- Works with Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
- Compatible with
Proton VPN appears to be slightly lacking in speed performance and a little bit heavy on price, however it certainly delivers with other features. There are 260+ servers in the US, ideal for Netflix and other major US streaming services. Other worldwide geo-blocked services like BBC iPlayer also work without any issues, and you can connect 10 devices simultaneously.
Your online experience is safer with a strong no-logs policy, thanks to Proton VPN being located in Switzerland. Strong security features like AES 256-bit encryption add to your protection, and its Perfect Forward Secrecy feature generates a new encryption key every time you connect to a server. Your data can’t be leaked since your encryption key is changed so frequently.
There’s an excellent 30-day money-back guarantee, and a free version, so this is a good one to experiment with if you’re unsure if this VPN (or any) is right for you.
Read our full review here.
8. Private Internet Access (PIA) - 29,650+ Servers
- Over 29,650 servers.
- 30-day money-back policy.
- Connect Unlimited devices simultaneously.
- No logs policy.
- Works with Netflix, Hulu, Sky Go, HBO Now, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and more.
- Compatible with
You won’t have any security concerns with Private Internet Access’ features like military-grade AES encryption, firm no-logs policy and more. ‘IP cloak’ will give you an anonymous IP address whenever you need it. Annoying ads and malware will be blocked so you don’t have to worry about those.
Unlimited supported devices can be connected at the same time, so you can make the most of your subscription. Streaming works well so getting through to geo-blocked content won’t be an issue. Speeds are perfect for P2P transfers and lag-free gaming.
Despite being restricted to business hours, online support is offered. There’s a useful 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can give PIA a go without any risk.
Find out more in our in-depth review here.
Which VPN Should You Sign Up For?
You’ll find that many of the VPNs on my list have similar features, which can make it a little difficult to make a choice. However, many of them have unique features which you may find more appealing than others.
Suppose you're primarily interested in secure light browsing and wish to explore VPNs with a free version. In that case, a suitable option to consider could be TunnelBear. On the other hand, if your priority lies in lag-free gaming, it's crucial to choose a VPN that excels in providing high-speed performance.
FAQs
What VPN do I choose for Charlotte?
You can try any of the VPNs on my list risk-free with the money-back guarantees or free version. Any of them will perform extremely well regardless of whether there is a server in Charlotte or not. For overall speed, security and integrity I recommend ExpressVPN.
What’s the fastest VPN?
Download speeds may depend on the server, but ExpressVPN scored the most consistent high download speeds in my tests.
Is it OK to use a free VPN in Charlotte?
Making use of the 30-day money-back guarantee is a good way of trying out a VPN, especially if you’re new to them. There are some reputable free VPNs, but you want to make sure they are safe and won’t sell any of your personal information. Some of them will cap or limit your data usage and speed.
Can I legally use a VPN in Charlotte?
Yes, you can legally use a VPN in Charlotte and anywhere in the US. You’ll need to make sure you pre-install the VPN apps to your devices before travelling to countries like Russia or China, as you may not be able to install them once you arrive. You won’t run into problems if you do this.
To summarize, the best VPNs for Charlotte are…
Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!
Your IP Address:
Your Location:
Your Internet Provider:
The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 49% off.
About the Author
Kristina Perunicic is a former editor for vpnMentor. She’s a cybersecurity expert with an interest in VPNs and their importance in the digital privacy landscape.
