5 Best VPNs for Chicago in 2024: Get a Chicago IP Address

While Chicago residents do enjoy a lot of Internet freedom, the US government performs mass surveillance of its citizens to track their online activities. Then, you have the risks of various types of cybercrime. Other frustrations include lagging during video streaming and gaming, as well as geo-restrictions that make global content unavailable in Chicago. 

What’s more, local streaming libraries and sports matches are only available in the US, so you can’t watch them while traveling abroad. For example, blackouts are often imposed on the games played by the Chicago Bears, Cubs, and White Sox. Fortunately, all this can be solved with a VPN for Chicago.

A VPN will encrypt your connection and prevent the government from monitoring you. You’ll also be able to watch both local and international content from anywhere.

This article will recommend the 5 best Chicago VPNs and compare their features. It will also show you how to get a Chicago IP address, explain why you need a VPN and how to choose one, answer some frequently asked questions, and more. 

Best VPNs for Chicago - Our Shortlist 

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best Chicago VPN in 2024
2. Surfshark – Speedy VPN for Chicago for Any Device
3. ExpressVPN – Privacy-First VPN with Obfuscated Servers
4. CyberGhost VPN – Streaming-Friendly VPN with Specialized Servers
5. Private Internet Access – High-End VPN with Unlimited Connections

How to Get a Chicago IP Address

To get a Chicago IP address, you first must find a VPN provider with servers in Chicago and purchase a subscription. Here’s everything you’ll need to do:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that works in Chicago (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on the device(s) you’ll use.
3. Open the VPN app and log in to your account to activate your service.
4. Connect to a VPN server in Chicago. 
5. Now, you can surf the Web with your new IP address in Chicago!

The Best Chicago VPNs in 2024

To find the best Chicago VPN, you can use the criteria we established in our article covering the VPNs with the most countries. With that in mind, the first criterion you should look for is the availability of servers in Chicago, along with a sizable global server network. Next, make sure that your provider offers stable performance and fast speeds. 

Next, make sure the VPN unblocks websites inside and outside of Chicago, like ESPN+, Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and Sling TV. Also, find a VPN that offers robust security features, like obfuscated servers (to hide that you’re using a VPN), a kill switch (to ensure you’re always using the VPN when you’re online), a no-logs policy, secure VPN protocols, and powerful encryption. 

In addition, make sure your chosen VPN offers multiple simultaneous connections and is compatible with at least a few different devices. Also, look for a good price, plenty of value, a generous money-back guarantee, and dedicated 24/7 customer support. 

According to the criteria mentioned above, these are the 5 best VPNs for Chicago in 2024:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best Chicago VPN in 2024

NordVPN is the best Chicago VPN, as it offers the most comprehensive set of features while still managing to be extremely easy to use. It offers a hefty number of servers in Chicago, as well as a global server network of 6,000+ servers in 60+ countries in total.

Aside from that, NordVPN is among the fastest VPNs available right now. What's unique about this VPN is that its nearby and remote servers are equally fast, which makes NordVPN great for any use. For example, it can unblock any site and works great for streaming, as it can unblock Netflix, Prime Video, ESPN+, Sling TV, and countless more platforms and apps.

With NordVPN, you’ll get top-of-the-line security and privacy features like obfuscated servers, a kill switch, secure VPN protocols (OpenVPN, NordLynx), AES 256-bit and ChaCha20 data encryption, an independently audited no-logs policy, a 'Double VPN' feature, data leak protection, and an ad-blocker. 

You can use NordVPN on up to 6 devices simultaneously, including your phone, laptop, tablet, router, smart TV device, and more. All that is available at $3.39 per month (2-year plan), and you'll also get a 30-day money-back guarantee, which can be used as a risk-free trial. There's also excellent 24/7 customer support available via live chat.

2. Surfshark – Speedy VPN for Chicago for Any Device

Surfshark is a newer VPN compared to the rest of the providers on our list, but it's still an exceptional VPN for Chicago for practically any use. This provider comes with a server network of more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including multiple servers in Chicago. 

Also, you can expect super-fast connections and stable performance from Surfshark, as it is one of the fastest VPN providers money can buy. That said, it can easily help you unblock websites in and out of Chicago, including ESPN+, Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, Sling TV, and plenty more.

Furthermore, Surfshark features obfuscated servers (available on all US servers), a kill switch, a no-logs policy, secure protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard), military-grade encryption, leak protection, a MultiHop feature, and more. That said, this VPN comes with robust security and privacy features that’ll prevent the US government from surveilling you while using the Web.

You can use Surfshark on as many devices as you want, as the provider allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Moreover, it’s compatible with a vast array of devices. It's priced at only $2.29/month for its 2-year plan. In addition, you’ll get a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. There's also 24/7 customer support via live chat, available on the official website.

3. ExpressVPN – Privacy-First VPN with Obfuscated Servers

ExpressVPN offers numerous high-performance servers in Chicago, along with many servers in other US states. On top of that, this provider has a wide global server network containing over 3,000 servers in 105 countries. 

This is one of the fastest VPNs on the market, so you can count on lightning-fast speeds and reliable performance. Also, you can easily unblock sites inside and outside of Chicago and access content on services like ESPN+, Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and Sling TV - no matter where you are.

Taking privacy and security very seriously, ExpressVPN offers its users industry-leading features that will protect them from surveillance and online attacks. Some of those features include obfuscated servers, a capable kill switch mechanism, an independently audited no-logs policy, secure VPN protocols, military-grade encryption, data leak protection, and more. 

Moreover, you can use ExpressVPN on a wide range of devices, including phones, laptops, routers, PCs, tablets, smart TVs, and more. This provider allows you to have up to 8 simultaneous connections. It's available at $6.67/month (annual plan), offers a 30-day money-back policy, and there's also dedicated 24/7 live chat customer support. 

4. CyberGhost VPN – Streaming-Friendly VPN with Specialized Servers

CyberGhost is another great provider that has one of the biggest server networks on the market. You’ll get access to 180+ servers in Chicago, as well as more than 11,500 servers in 100+ countries. So, this VPN can give you a new and secure local IP address with no issues. 

This provider also offers medium-fast Internet speeds, but it has consistent performance on remote servers. In addition, you can get a foreign IP from CyberGhost, so you can use this VPN to unblock sites in and out of Chicago, including ESPN+, Netflix US, Prime Video, and Sling TV.

Unfortunately, none of CyberGhost’s servers are obfuscated and are thus unable to help you hide that you’re using a VPN. On the bright side, you’ll get a plethora of other great security and privacy features, such as a kill switch, an audited no-logs policy, secure VPN protocols, military-grade encryption, data leak protection, and more. 

CyberGhost allows 7 simultaneous connections, covering devices like laptops, phones, PCs, routers, smart TVs, tablets, and more. Also, it's priced at $2.03/month for its 2-year plan. You’ll get a 45-day refund period on longer-term plans and a 14-day refund period on its monthly plan. Lastly, expect 24/7 live chat support as well.

5. Private Internet Access – High-End VPN with Unlimited Connections

Private Internet Access has thousands of servers in 90+ countries worldwide with coverage in all 50 US states, including multiple servers in Chicago. As such, PIA is perhaps the only VPN that covers the United States in such a comprehensive way.

PIA isn't the fastest VPN on our list, but it still offers average connections and reliable performance, so it is a worthy contender regardless. You can unblock sites both inside and outside of Chicago, including ESPN+, Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and Sling TV. If you’re a more advanced VPN user, you can play around with your settings, as the provider allows you to customize your VPN to your liking. 

By using PIA, you’ll get excellent security and privacy features, such as obfuscation, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, secure VPN protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard), military-grade encryption (which you can further fine-tune), a Multi-Hop feature, data leak protection, and more. PIA is among the most secure VPN services on the global market overall.

It allows unlimited simultaneous connections, enabling you to cover all your devices with a VPN. Plus, it’s compatible with phones, laptops, PCs, tablets, routers, smart TVs, and more. You can get started for only $2.19/month (2-year plan), and you can try PIA’s services risk-free via its 30-day money-back guarantee. Lastly, it also comes with excellent 24/7 customer support, available via live chat.

Why Do You Need a VPN in Chicago? 

You need a VPN in Chicago to protect your privacy and avoid surveillance by the US government. Other reasons why you need a VPN include the following:

• Hide Your Online Activity – According to the Freedom House's 2023 report, the Internet in the US is free of censorship. However, the country is part of the Five Eyes Alliance, so it shares citizen data with other countries. To avoid that, you need a VPN to hide your online activities. 
• Conceal Your Real IP – A Chicago VPN gives you a new IP every time you connect to a server, effectively hiding your real one in the process.
• Bypass Local Censorship – Services like NHL.TV and Sportsnet NOW aren’t available in Chicago. Additionally, ESPN+ often has sports blackouts for different parts of the US. If you want to watch Cubs, White Sox, Bears, or Blackhawks games from anywhere, use a VPN to change your location. You can use the zip code lookup for NHL blackouts to see what is available in your region. 
• Overcome Bandwidth Throttling – ISPs slow down your Internet when you use a lot of data at once. By encrypting your VPN connection, you can avoid this entirely. 
• Watch Global Content – A VPN that has servers in multiple countries allows you to unblock geo-restricted content with ease, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Sling TV libraries.
• Browse From Home While Traveling – A VPN allows you to get a Chicago IP address from anywhere, enabling you to browse the Internet as you would at home, even while traveling.
• Connect Securely on Public Wi-Fi – Public Wi-Fi isn’t encrypted and can be very risky. Luckily, a VPN provider will prevent unauthorized access to your data.
• Shop Safely – Online shopping can be risky as it involves sensitive financial information. With a VPN, you can encrypt your connection and mitigate these risks. 
• Avoid Price Discrimination – It’s common to see lower prices for certain products and services in some countries and higher ones in others. A VPN can help you get the best prices.
• Better Gaming Experience – With a VPN, you can access games that aren’t yet available in the US, as well as lower your ping and latency. You can also switch regions to play with your friends. 
• Practice Safe Torrenting – Downloading torrents comes with the risks of getting hacked or busted for copyright violations. However, if you encrypt your connection with a VPN, you’ll successfully avoid such threats. 

How to Choose the Best Chicago VPN?

To choose the best Chicago VPN, you must find a provider that offers fast speeds, robust security and privacy features, and strong content-unblocking capabilities. Look for the following essential criteria:

• Server Network Size – Your VPN must offer servers in Chicago, along with a wide global server network.
• Performance and Speed – To get a seamless streaming or gaming experience, you need a VPN with fast connections and stable performance so you can lower your ping and minimize latency.
• Capability of Unblocking Geo-Restricted Services – Your VPN should have robust content-unblocking capabilities, so you can access restricted websites that aren’t available in the US, as well as local Chicago content from anywhere in the world.
• Obfuscation – With obfuscation, you’ll be able to access sites that block the use of VPNs, as obfuscated servers hide the fact that you’re using a VPN service.
• Kill Switch – With a kill switch, you’ll rest assured that you’re always connected to your VPN while online, as it disconnects you from the Internet if your VPN connection drops.
• Security and Privacy – Find a VPN that offers a no-logs policy, secure VPN protocols, and powerful encryption.
• Simultaneous Connections – If you want to protect all your devices, you need a VPN that offers multiple simultaneous connections.
• Device Compatibility – Make sure your VPN supports multiple devices, like phones, laptops, routers, and more.
• Pricing - Your chosen VPN should offer a fair price, giving you plenty of value for your money. Also, think about investing in a long-term plan if you're after the biggest savings.
• Money-Back Guarantee – Find a VPN that offers a money-back guarantee, so you can try out its services risk-free.
• Customer Support – Make sure your VPN offers 24/7 customer support so that you can always get help if you need it.

Can You Use a Free Chicago VPN?

Yes, you can use a free Chicago VPN, but we don’t recommend you do so. Free VPN providers come with limited features, offer slow speeds, low data caps, limited content-unblocking capabilities, and limited simultaneous connections. So, you won’t get the services or the resources you need to safely use the Internet with a free VPN provider.

Free VPNs also don’t protect your personal information properly, as they often sell your data to third parties to make money. So, you won’t really avoid surveillance from the US government with a free VPN provider. Some free VPNs were even caught propagating malware. In addition, free VPNs come with small server networks, leaving you with a limited choice of locations. 

Thus, we recommend you use a premium VPN provider, as only the best VPN providers can supply you with the features and services you need. Even better, you can go with a free VPN trial, which is a great way to gain access to premium-level features for a limited time.

We highly recommend NordVPN's free trial, which lasts for 7 days and can be activated on Android. And yes, you can use your credentials on other devices as well. On top of that, NordVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee that applies to all its supported devices.

Final Thoughts

As part of the 5-Eyes Alliance, the US government surveils what you do online. Also, most Chicago-based content isn’t available worldwide, making it impossible for you to watch it elsewhere. It can also be difficult to access international content from inside the country. However, you can avoid all those issues with a VPN for Chicago.

We recommend NordVPN as the best Chicago VPN because it has an impressive server network with coverage in the city. Its users can protect themselves online and easily access geo-restricted content. With this provider, you’ll also be able to get a Chicago IP and browse the Internet as you would at home, no matter where you travel. 

That’s all for our guide on choosing a VPN for Chicago. If you have any additional remarks or questions, please leave them in the comments section below. Thanks for reading!