8 Best VPNs to Hide Your IP Address (Free & Paid) in 2024

By default, your IP address reveals a massive volume of sensitive information. It can be used to track your physical location and your online activity, making you susceptible to tracking, geo-blocking, and cybercrime. That said, there are many reasons why you'd want to hide your IP address, which is where VPNs come into play.

You can use the best VPN to hide your IP address and preserve privacy. That's because a VPN will replace your IP address with one from a chosen server. So, you can even get an IP from a different country, which is how you'll bypass geo-blocks. On top of that, a VPN will encrypt your data, so one will get to track you online.

In this guide, we'll talk about the best VPN to hide your IP address by giving you a range of solid options. However, we'll also talk about a free VPN to hide your IP address. We'll also show you how to find and pick the best option for you and answer some FAQs.

Best VPNs to Hide Your Location - Our Shortlist

1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Hiding IP Address
2. Surfshark - VPN to Hide Your Location with 130+ Locations
3. ExpressVPN - User-Friendly VPN That Emphasizes Privacy
4. CyberGhost VPN - One-Click VPN with 100+ Countries
5. Private Internet Access - Powerful VPN for Experienced Users

How to Hide Your IP Address with a VPN

To hide your IP address with a VPN, you need to connect to a VPN server, which will replace your old IP automatically. Just go through the following steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN that can hide your IP (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app on your device.
3. Log in to the VPN app using your credentials.
4. Use the VPN’s interface to choose and connect to a VPN server.
5. That’s it! You can now browse the Web with a new IP address.

The Best VPNs to Hide Your IP Address in 2024

Your path toward pinpointing the best VPN to hide your location should be based on specific requirements. That said, pick a VPN with as many servers as possible in as many locations as possible. That's how you'll get to hide your IP address but also unblock any type of geo-restricted content.

You'll also want a no-logs policy, strong protocols (like OpenVPN and WireGuard), and robust encryption (like AES-256 and ChaCha20). Also, obfuscated servers will help you hide the fact that you use a VPN, while a kill switch will help prevent IP leaks. If you're a more advanced user, split tunneling is a handy option for creating VPN and non-VPN tunnels at the same time.

You don't want any slowdowns, so your VPN must provide fast and smooth performance. Keep your focus on the number of simultaneous connections and supported devices as well. Lastly, pick a VPN with generous money-back guarantees and 24/7 live chat support.

Keeping the above criteria in mind, these are the 5 best VPNs to hide your IP address:

1. NordVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Hiding IP Address

NordVPN is the best VPN to hide your IP address, featuring more than 5,900 servers found in around 60 countries. Having so many servers means that NordVPN has many IP addresses, which allows you to change your virtual location in an instant from anywhere in the world.

This VPN also works for unblocking censored or geo-blocked content. No matter if you want to hide your IP to protect your privacy or unblock a foreign website, NordVPN will do the job. It has protocols like OpenVPN and NordLynx paired with AES-256 or ChaCha20 encryption. NordLynx is based on WireGuard, so you get both ultra-fast performance and high-end security.

We'll add that NordVPN offers obfuscated servers, but we're talking about a group of servers here. So, only a portion of its fleet is obfuscated. Still, a kill switch is there with the ability to fine-tune which apps close upon sudden disconnects. Split tunneling is there as well, as well as a no-logs policy (audited many times in the past).

A subscription to NordVPN will get you 6 simultaneous connections. You'll also get modern-looking applications for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS/iPadOS, Android, and a whole slate of other popular platforms (routers are included as well).

To make your purchase risk-free, this VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, with no questions asked. On top of that, 24/7 live chat support is waiting for your questions, in addition to plenty of installation guides and other written resources.

2. Surfshark - VPN to Hide Your Location with 130+ Locations

Surfshark comes as the best VPN to hide your location if you need an extra-big server network. That's because this VPN has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, with more "popular" countries offering dozens of locations each. As such, it allows you to change your virtual location in an instant, all while ensuring you're protected on the Web properly.

This VPN is built upon strong VPN protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, paired with secure encryption ciphers like AES-256 and ChaCha20. Then, there's an audited no-logs policy, which means Surfshark collects no personally identifiable information. There's also a kill switch that prevents data leaks, as well as split tunneling for more advanced users.

We'll also mention that Surfshark comes with optional obfuscation. So, if you wish to change your virtual location in a country with heavy censorship, this VPN seems like the right pick. Also, this VPN can unblock any website, making censored and geo-blocked content something you won't have to worry about.

Let's not forget that Surfshark is among the speediest VPN providers. You'll get fast speeds no matter if you pick a nearby or remote server, even without any optimization. Then, you'll get unlimited simultaneous connections, as well as apps for practically any platform. That includes Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, routers, and plenty more.

We'll finish by saying that Surfshark comes with a 30-day money-back policy, giving you plenty of time to test-drive it. Also, there's 24/7 live chat customer support on board, in addition to installation guides, how-to articles, and more.

3. ExpressVPN – User-Friendly VPN That Emphasizes Privacy

ExpressVPN is a long-standing and highly reputable VPN that prioritizes data privacy. This VPN offers 3,000+ servers in 100+ countries, giving you tons of options when obtaining your country's or foreign IP address.

Of course, this VPN does more than just hide your IP address. It can unblock censored and geo-blocked content with ease every single time. That's because it's powered by ultra-strong protocols like OpenVPN and Lightway, paired with AES-256 encryption. It also has an audited no-logs policy, which means no data logging or tracking is involved.

Let's not forget to say that all ExpressVPN servers are obfuscated. So, you can hide your IP even on the most restrictive networks. Aside from that, you get a kill switch (called 'Network Lock') that protects you against IP leaks at all times. Even split tunneling is on board.

You'll especially like the fact that ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN available today. It supports 8 simultaneous connections. You'll find its easy-to-use apps on computers, phones, tablets, and streaming devices, and it supports routers as well.

Lastly, know that ExpressVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans. In case of any questions or technical issues, its support is always there with 24/7 live chat. You'll also find plenty of other customer support resources.

4. CyberGhost VPN – One-Click VPN with 100+ Countries

CyberGhost comes with plenty of tricks up its sleeve to make your IP address disappear, giving you multiple options to achieve online anonymity. This VPN has 10,000+ servers in 100+ countries, and it even offers dedicated IPs if you need a VPN-protected permanent address.

In terms of unblocking censored and geo-locked content, this VPN won't disappoint you. It offers a range of specialized servers for unblocking the Web, media streaming, and even gaming. All that is possible thanks to CyberGhost's OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, which come paired with AES-256 and ChaCha20.

Sadly, there are no obfuscated servers here. So, if you're using restricted networks, go for one of our earlier recommendations. Nonetheless, you will get a kill switch and split tunneling, so even more advanced users should be happy. A no-logs policy is available as well.

CyberGhost also performs nicely. It's not as fast as our other recommendations - but you should be more than happy with its performance on nearby and remote servers. You'll also get 7 simultaneous connections, which seems generous enough.

Let's also mention that CyberGhost has a range of applications for computers, phones, tablets, and many other kinds of devices. Lastly, know that long-term plans are covered by a 45-day money-back policy, and 24/7 live chat support is on board as well.

5. Private Internet Access - Powerful VPN for Experienced Users

Private Internet Access is a high-end VPN provider with a whole slate of features for experienced users. Of course, the basics are covered more than well. Speaking of which, PIA has thousands of servers in 90+ countries. It also covers every single US state.

Without any surprise, you'll find OpenVPN and WireGuard here. What's surprising is that you can choose a custom level of encryption, letting you find the right balance between security and performance. There's also a no-logs policy and open-source apps. On top of that, PIA comes with an advanced kill switch and split tunneling.

We can also praise PIA's performance. It offers relatively fast speeds out of the box, which you can further improve by optimizing its settings. So, PIA is suitable for any online activity - also because it can bypass all kinds of geo-blocks.

Next, you get obfuscation, unlimited simultaneous connections, as well as software for any device or platform imaginable. That means you'll get to protect your entire household in one go while also having the option to use PIA on the go as well.

Like other reputable VPNs, PIA comes with a 30-day money-back policy. Should you ever need help, you'll get to turn to its 24/7 live chat support. PIA also offers email support, customer support tickets, and more.

Best Free VPNs to Hide Your IP Address

When it comes to the best free VPNs to hide your IP address, know that you'll encounter a bit more limited set of features. That said, your chosen VPN should bring unlimited or generous data allowance, as most free VPNs are highly restricted in that regard. Also, it should provide you with as many servers as possible, covering as many countries as possible.

Next, it should provide fast speeds and stable performance. There should also be a kill switch that'll protect you in case something happens with your VPN session. Also, let's not forget that you'll want a no-logs policy, strong protocols, and reliable encryption. Never settle for anything less than OpenVPN paired with AES-256.

You'll also want multiple simultaneous connections. And, of course, the best free VPN for hiding your IP should be there should any problems arise. So, make sure there's 24/7 live chat support, in addition to solid money-back guarantees (if you decide to become a paying subscriber at one point).

Based on the criteria explained above, these are the 3 best free VPNs to hide your IP:

1. Proton VPN - Best Free VPN to Hide IP Address
2. Windscribe - Free VPN with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
3. Atlas VPN - Free VPN with High-End Data Privacy

1. Proton VPN - Best Free VPN to Hide IP Address

Proton VPN is the best free VPN to hide your IP address, with generous usage limitations and unlimited bandwidth. This is a rare free-of-charge VPN that imposes no restrictions on how much data you can send/receive - while providing dozens of servers in 3 countries.

Those countries are the United States, the Netherlands, and Japan. If you are in one of those countries or near them, expect somewhat fast speeds. However, you'll get somewhat limited speeds occasionally, as Proton VPN's free servers can get overcrowded.

Still, you'll get a solid no-logs policy, which has been audited many times in the past. There are also protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, paired with AES-256 and ChaCha 20 encryption ciphers. That means you'll hide your IP address securely without an option for someone to track your original IP or your location. Naturally, a kill switch is built-in as well.

A limitation here is that you'll get a single connection only, which means Proton VPN doesn't offer multiple simultaneous connections. There's also no 24/7 live chat support, so you'll have to rely on support tickets and email. Still, if you decide to become a paying subscriber, this VPN will cover your purchase with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Windscribe - Free VPN with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

Windscribe is a feature-rich VPN that can hide your IP address easily. However, it does have a strict data allowance. By default, you get 2GB of data per month. You can get 10GB of monthly data by registering your email address. There are also occasional promotions using which you can add 5GB of monthly data permanently.

On the plus side, Windscribe offers dozens of servers across 11 countries, covering the US, the UK, France, Romania, Turkey, and Hong Kong, among others. That's a sizable server spread for a free-of-charge VPN provider. On top of that, you get unlimited simultaneous connections.

This VPN also has a no-logs policy, so no data logging is involved. It also has protocols like OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2, in addition to Stealth and Wstunnel. They're all paired with bulletproof encryption, making data leaks very unlikely to happen, thanks to a kill switch as well.

Windscribe also comes with unlimited speeds. However, that means you're likely to run out of your monthly data quickly, so be careful about how much you'll use this VPN. Sadly, there's no live chat support - there's only a semi-helpful bot instead. Also, Windscribe comes with limited money-back guarantees, lasting for 3 days and 10GB of data.

3. Atlas VPN - Free VPN with High-End Data Privacy

Atlas VPN comes from the same company behind NordVPN, which tells a lot right off the bat. Still, don't expect a free VPN with no limitations. Speaking of those, Atlas VPN gives you 5GB of data per month, and there's no way to lift that limit (unless you pay, of course). Also, it has servers in 3 locations only (the Netherlands and the US - East and West Cost).

Since Atlas VPN still isn't as popular as our earlier recommendations, you can expect relatively fast speeds as its servers aren't as overcrowded. Its free US-based servers are even optimized for streaming, so you'll get more than just hiding your IP address.

This VPN is also highly secure as well. It doesn't offer OpenVPN, but it has WireGuard, which is equally fast and secure. You can count on a bulletproof no-logs policy, in addition to unlimited simultaneous connections. This means you'll get to hide your IP address from any device without speed limitations and use high-end data protection - with ease.

Sadly, Atlas VPN doesn't offer live chat support, as that's reserved for paying customers only. So, that's a park you only get when you subscribe. You'll also get up to 30 days to test-drive this VPN, based on its money-back guarantees.

How to Choose the Best VPN for Hiding Your IP Address?

To choose the best VPN to hide your IP address, pay attention to the number of servers you'll get. If a VPN has servers in many countries, it'll give you more options for hiding and changing your IP address. Here's what else to keep in mind:

• Server Network Size: The best VPN to change your IP address must bring a sizable server fleet, with as many servers as possible, in as many different locations as possible.
• Ability to Bypass Geo-Blocks: Yes, you'll use a VPN to hide your IP address. However, that doesn't matter much if your chosen VPN doesn't have the ability to bypass geo-blocks.
• (Audited) No-Logs Policy: If you want the best possible privacy protection while you hide your IP with a VPN, know that a no-logs VPN is the only way to ensure that no data logging happens in the background.
• Strong Security & Privacy: Aim for a VPN with protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard. They need to be paired with encryption ciphers such as AES-256 and ChaCha20.
• Kill Switch & Split Tunneling: A kill switch will protect you against IP leaks if anything happens to your session. Split tunneling lets you create 2 data tunnels at once.
• Fast Performance: Using a VPN to hide your IP address doesn't mean you should sacrifice your connection's speed. The best VPN should introduce minimal slowdowns.
• Simultaneous Connections: Most VPNs offer 5+ simultaneous connections. If you have a household with lots of gadgets, pick a VPN with unlimited connections.
• Supported Devices: Based on the devices and platforms you use, ensure your VPN supports computers, phones, tablets, streaming devices, and even routers.
• 24/7 Live Chat Support: When technical issues arise, you'll be happy to have access to 24/7 live chat support and knowledgeable agents waiting on the other end.
• Money-Back Guarantees: Buying a VPN can be a risk-free investment, but only if you get one with generous (30-day, at least) money-back guarantees.

Why Do I Need a VPN to Hide My IP Address?

You need a VPN to hide your location because websites, hackers, and government agencies can flag your IP address to restrict your access or use it to uncover your identity with a bit of snooping. Here’s more information: 

• Protect Your Digital Identity: An IP address is closely tied to your physical location and Web activity. Although it doesn’t reveal exact info about your location, it can be combined with other data by hackers to determine your digital identity. By hiding your IP with a VPN, you can block the gateway to your personal information, so hackers can’t identify who you’re online.
• Bypass Content Restrictions: Many governments, websites, and online services use IP addresses to enforce region-specific blocks. With a VPN, you can connect to a location with no content restrictions and trick IP blockers into believing that you’re accessing the Web from a different location. 
• Defeat Surveillance: It comes as no surprise that cybercriminals and government agencies look for ways to intercept our traffic and sneak into our online activities. By hiding your IP address, a VPN helps you defend against mass surveillance, whether it comes from individual hackers or powerful agencies like the NSA.

Final Thoughts

By default, your location metadata leaves you exposed to tracking and privacy intrusion. Also, geo-blocks are employed based on IP addresses, which means you can't bypass them unless you obtain a foreign IP. That's exactly where VPNs come into play, as VPNs are the only way to change your virtual location, unblock content, and ensure no one tracks you online.

However, don't use just about any VPN, as not all of them can change your location security, and don't waste time on free VPNs. Instead, we recommend NordVPN as the best VPN to hide your IP address and change your location. With this VPN, you'll get high-end privacy and security without any slowdowns - unmatched by any other VPN.

That’s all for our guide to the best VPN to hide your IP address. Did we miss anything? Let us know in the comments below - and thanks for reading!