Best VPNs for Verizon and Verizon Fios: Stop Throttling

In today’s digital landscape, your online footprint isn’t just yours. Broadband giants like Verizon monitor your every move and monetize your data, selling it to the highest bidder. Ever felt frustrated when your favorite streaming service suddenly takes ages to load or stutters mid-view? Chances are, Verizon’s throttling tactics are to blame. You deserve control, speed, and privacy. We’ve extensively researched and tested solutions, and the answer is clear: a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

When you harness the power of a VPN, you cloak your online activities in a veil of encryption, rendering them invisible to prying eyes—including Verizon’s. No more unsolicited ads targeting your preferences. No more throttled speeds on your beloved sites. By channeling your data through a secure intermediary server, a VPN ensures that you, and only you, dictate your internet experience.

Are you feeling the pressure of time? Jump to our meticulously vetted list of the best VPNs for Verizon and Verizon Fios users.

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Verizon and Verizon Fios. High-speed servers in 21 US cities and one of the most robust security offerings we’ve seen. What’s more, every plan includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Verizon.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN for Verizon customers. Hundreds of US servers across two dozen cities. Unlimited devices per account. Strict no-logs service with tons of privacy features included as standard.
3. IPVanish: A reliable no-logs VPN that makes it easy for Verizon users to prevent throttling and enhance their online privacy. Connect any number of devices at the same time.
4. ExpressVPN: Servers in 100+ countries and the ability to sidestep virtually any form of online snooping. Highly-capable VPN with a proven no-logs policy.
5. CyberGhost: This novice-friendly VPN offers unthrottled bandwidth, powerful security tools, and the ability to access a huge range of geo-blocked content.
6. ProtonVPN: A service that’s built its reputation on privacy. Delivers high speeds and lots of advanced features, plus a generous 10-device allowance.
7. PrivateVPN: This VPN puts your privacy first, boasting self-owned servers all over the US, a stealth mode, and great unblocking capabilities. A little slower, but a fantastic option for Verizon users.
8. Private Internet Access: Speedy and secure, with no limit on the number of devices you can connect. Great for Verizon customers, or really, anyone hoping to keep their online activities private.

Criteria for Verizon Fios VPNs

Not all VPNs are made equal. We put together our list of the best VPNs for Verizon and Verizon Fios by searching for those that meet the following criteria:

• Fast speeds without bandwidth caps
• Servers in countries worldwide (including the US)
• Exceptionally strong encryption protocols
• Provides apps for all major operating systems and devices
• Doesn’t keep any identifying logs of users
• Securely accesses streaming services such as Netflix
• Allows multiple simultaneous connections per account

Best Verizon VPNs compared

We’ve tested and compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Verizon.

Best VPNs for Verizon and Verizon Fios

Based on our research and our real-world experience, here is our list of the best VPNs for Verizon and Verizon Fios:

1. NordVPN

Jun 2025 works with VerizonTested Jun 2025

NordVPN is our first choice for Verizon and Verizon Fios customers. Not only does it offer 7,000+ servers in over 100 countries, it also has the ability to sidestep virtually any online restriction, from geographic blocks on platforms like Amazon Prime Video to country-wide censorship. What’s more, you can connect up to 10 devices at the same time. Need help? Support staff are available 24 hours a day via live chat.

Every VPN will slow down your connection, but some providers have a much smaller footprint than others. That’s important because you pay for high speeds, so we’d like to preserve as much of that as possible. We tested NordVPN’s US servers at three different times of day to assess their performance capabilities. See for yourself:

NordVPN delivered an average speed of 201.51 Mbps, only dropping below 200 Mbps in one of our three tests. It was fairly consistent too, results varying by just 8 Mbps. In practical terms, this means that you won’t experience any issues while performing data-intensive tasks like streaming, gaming, downloading large files, or making video calls.

This VPN provider is headquartered in Panama, so it’s not required by law to store any user data. Plus, NordVPN abides by a policy of not logging any personally identifiable information so you’re covered from a privacy perspective. All web traffic is secured by 256-bit AES encryption along with additional security measures such as a kill switch and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. NordVPN also offers Double VPN servers for enhanced privacy, automatic ad and tracker-blocking, and MeshNet, a tool designed for securing sending files between your devices.

You can download and use NordVPN on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available while compatible routers can be configured manually.

BEST VPN FOR VERIZON:NordVPN is our top choice. It’s fast and has more than 7,000 servers globally. No-logs service with Double VPN servers and 24/7 support. Up to ten simultaneous connections allowed. You can even try it risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

works with VerizonTested Jun 2025

Surfshark is the best budget VPN for Verizon. With a network spanning 100+ countries and the ability to access even the toughest region-locked platforms, it’s clear that price isn’t always an indicator of quality. Users are allowed to protect as many devices as they like and better still, this VPN works anywhere in the world (even places with extreme censorship like China). Live chat-based support is available 24 hours per day via the Surfshark website.

So just how fast is this budget-friendly provider? Our team tested its US servers at various points throughout the day to find out. As an added bonus, this allowed us to see how much their speeds varied during busier times. Note that these tests were run on a 250 Mbps connection as that’s the average US broadband speed. The chart below shows our findings:

With an average speed of 190.99 Mbps, Surfshark was actually the second-quickest VPN we saw (after NordVPN). It was also one of the most reliable, with just 5 Mbps of difference between its highest and lowest results. As such, you’ll be able to watch live broadcasts, torrent, and play fast-paced online games without any problems.

Surfshark doesn’t compromise on user security or privacy. This is evidenced by its 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. MultiHop (Double VPN) servers are available and encrypt data twice for even greater protection. There’s even an ad and tracker-blocker feature. Most importantly, this service doesn’t keep any logs (which we know for sure thanks to its independent audits).

You can use Surfshark on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Alternatively, browser extensions can be downloaded for Chrome and Firefox. Note that manual configuration is required for use with wifi routers.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark is the best budget VPN, offering unlimited connections, a robust security toolkit, and a strict no-logs policy. Perfect for keeping your activities hidden from the prying eyes of Verizon. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

Works with VerizonTested Jun 2025

IPVanish provides access to more than 2,400 servers and recently grew its network to cover more than 100 countries. This service works flawlessly with popular platforms like Netflix, Peacock, Hulu, and Disney+, so no matter what you’d like to watch, you’re covered. There’s no connection limit, no bandwidth cap, and no problem if you run into issues since help is available 24/7 over live chat.

This all sounds great but it won’t mean much if IPVanish can’t keep up, performance-wise. It does, however, have a history of doing well in our speed tests, so we went into this latest round of testing with high expectations. Our team tried its US servers in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon to see just what it was capable of. You’ll find our results in the following table:

IPVanish achieved an average speed of 173.61 Mbps, which is a very competitive result. Its 6 Mbps of variability should be unnoticeable unless you’re used to extremely high speeds already, and absolutely won’t cause any problems when playing games, video calling, or streaming. Just remember that if your connection is slower than ours (250 Mbps), your speeds with the VPN active will be too.

There’s a lot to like from a security perspective too. IPVanish makes use of unbreakable 256-bit AES encryption, with a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and multiple industry-approved protocols. There’s also an independently-verified zero-logs policy, a newly-added link safety checker, and support for multi-hop connections. In short, with this VPN active, Verizon doesn’t stand a chance of finding out what you do online.

IPVanish apps are available for iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows. You can also manually configure it for use with Linux systems or most home routers. There’s even a new Advanced subscription tier that bundles the VPN with secure online storage and a cloud-based browser.

QUICK AND RELIABLE:IPVanish offers fast, reliable connections to prevent Verizon and Verizon Fios from throttling your speeds. Enjoy strong security, a strict no-logs policy, and unlimited simultaneous connections. Long-term subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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4. ExpressVPN

works with VerizonTested Jun 2025

ExpressVPN is a phenomenal choice for people who just want their VPN to work. It automatically obfuscates your data as needed and offers servers in around 105 countries, with a presence in 30 US cities. This provider makes it easy to keep your activities hidden from Verizon and evade VPN-detection systems on popular region-locked sites while you do. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat.

This all sounds impressive so far but can ExpressVPN deliver where speed is concerned? To find out, we decided to test its American servers throughout the course of a typical day. Below, you can see how fast they were in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon (using a 250 Mbps connection designed to replicate the average US broadband speeds):

This provider managed to provide an average speed of 143.2 Mbps. This puts it roughly around the middle of the providers in our list, speed-wise but still significantly above what most VPNs can offer. ExpressVPN also fared very well in our usage tests, effortlessly unblocking most streaming sites and maintaining a consistent connection during data-intensive tasks like gaming.

This VPN is registered in the British Virgin Islands and isn’t required to keep any user data on file. ExpressVPN refrains from doing so anyway, with no personally identifiable information ever stored on its RAM-only servers. To keep you safe, its apps use 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. There’s even a new Threat Protection tool that blocks ads, shady sites, and trackers automatically.

ExpressVPN has apps for Windows, iOS, Linux, Android, and MacOS devices. It’s also the only provider with its own firmware, making it much easier to install on a router that most of its rivals.

HIGHLY VERSATILE:ExpressVPN is the full package with powerful security features, high speeds, and apps that prioritize ease of use. Great for streaming and evading Verizon’s traffic monitoring. Every plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

works with VerizonTested Jun 2025

CyberGhost is a novice-friendly service with a network spanning 100 countries and almost a dozen US cities. Servers are broken up by their intended task, so finding one suitable for streaming, torrenting, gaming, or maximizing privacy is simple. Users can connect seven devices at once, chat with staff day or night, and access a huge range of US-only services, regardless of their actual location.

The main question is whether CyberGhost is quick enough to meet your needs. After all, tasks like streaming and playing games require fast, stable connections. We decided to test this VPN’s servers in the US at three points during the day to see first, how fast they were and second, how much slowdown you can expect at peak times.

Straight away, we can see that CyberGhost is one of the most consistent providers around, with results that only varied by 4 Mbps through the day. Its average speed was 144.49 Mbps, which is far higher than is required for any day-to-day task. When simulating everyday usage, we were able to play online games, stream 4K video, and take part in video calls without the slighest issue.

Note that this VPN operates a strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy. Important security features include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. Additionally, CyberGhost has customizable smart rules that allow you to say when the VPN is allowed to connect on its own. There’s also a random port connection feature that can help you browse safelyu on networks that normally block VPN traffic.

You’ll find CyberGhost apps for the following Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux. There’s even the option of Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. It also provides manual setup instructions for you to use it with your wireless router (if compatible).

IDEAL FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost has newcomer-friendly apps, servers designed for specific tasks, and a strong focus on user privacy. Keeps no logs and comes with an astounding 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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6. ProtonVPN

works with VerizonTested Jun 2025

ProtonVPN is a well-known provider with a lot to brag about. Firstly, it has one of the largest networks we’ve seen, with 13,000+ servers in over 120 countries. It’s also one of the most reliable options for accessing geo-blocked sites abroad, and offers a stealth protocol so that Verizon won’t even known you’re using a VPN. Users can connect 10 devices at once and chat with support staff at any time via live chat.

So far, so good but what kind of speeds can you expect from this provider? ProtonVPN has done very well in previous tests but regular retesting is vital since it lets us provide the most up-to-date info. Below, you can see how quick its US servers were in the morning, at noon, and in the evening:

With an average speed of 145.34 Mbps and just 4 Mbps of variance throughout the day, ProtonVPN was one of the fastest, most consistent providers we tested. That’s great news for anyone hoping to watch live TV, broadcast live gameplay, or download large files. In fact, you shouldn’t even notice slowdown during peak times!

This VPN keeps you safe with a combination of 256-bit AES encryption (which is currently considered uncrackable), a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a Stealth protocol. There’s also a strict no-logs policy in place, something that has been verified via independent audit. Want even more privacy? In that case, you can connect to one of its Secure Core servers, activate tracker-blocking, or set up automatic wifi protection.

ProtonVPN offers apps for iOS, Android, Windows, MacOS, and Linux. Alternatively, you can manually install it on most routers.

ANONYMITY FIRST:ProtonVPN takes your privacy very seriously, but that’s not its only strength. It also has a huge network, first-class unblocking abilities, and 24.7 customer support, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans.

Read our full ProtonVPN review.

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7. PrivateVPN

works with VerizonTested Jun 2025

PrivateVPN operates over 200 servers in 60+ countries. While the network is smaller than those of other providers on this list, PrivateVPN manages everything in-house and acts as its own ISP, ensuring no third-party ever has access to your traffic. It works with a plethora of region-blocked sites too, including Netflix, Disney+, and Max. Plans come with a 10-device limit and access to live chat-based support.

Now, PrivateVPN has previously had difficulty reaching the same heights as its competitors, speed-wise. However, that’s understandable given its status as the only VPN actually hosting its own network. The following table shows how quick PrivateVPN’s American servers were at multiple times of day:

This service managed to achieve an average speed of 61.96 Mpbs, which is much faster than you’ll need for any task, whether it’s streaming 4K video, playing competitive online games, or just downloading large files. There was only 4 Mbps of difference between its highest and lowest results too, which is exceptional.

With its no-logs policy and anonymous payment method (Bitcoin), PrivateVPN allows you to stay anonymous. It also has impeccable encryption standards (256-bit AES), plus a kill switch  that freezes traffic if the connection drops unexpectedly, and other measures such as DNS leak protection ensure there’s no possibility of data escaping the encrypted tunnel. Finally, this VPN boasts a stealth mode capable of beating the world’s strictest online censorship.

PrivateVPN apps are available for MacOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. To get this service running on your router or Linux device, you’ll have to configure it manually.

STREAMING AND UNBLOCKING VPN:PrivateVPN delivers speed, security, and stability at an affordable price. Unlock your favorite streaming sites and keep yourself protected from bandwidth throttling. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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8. Private Internet Access

works with VerizonTested Jun 2025

Private Internet Access has no shortage of servers for helping you bypass the bandwidth throttling of Verizon. Thousands of servers across more than 90 countries makes it easy to access a wide range of geo-blocked websites and services, Netflix US included. Best of all, this is one of the few providers that doesn’t have any connection limits, meaning it’s excellent value for families or those looking to secure lots of internet-connected devices.

When it comes to speed, Private Internet Access has historically been very competitive. Of course, we can’t rely on old data, which is why we ran multiple speed tests on this VPN’s American servers at various times of day. Take a look at the chart below to see how fast PIA was and how much variability you can expect:

Private Internet Access delivered an average speed of 65.82 Mbps, which might not be the best result we’ve seen, but it is still well above what you’ll need for streaming UHD video, chatting with friends, gaming, or torrenting. There was around 6 Mbps of difference between its highest and lowest results, which is functionally unnoticeable, and we were able to use this service with no performance issues whatsoever.

When it comes to security, this VPN has you covered. It uses uncrackable AES-256 encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch, plus it includes automatic ad and tracker-blocking functionality. If you’d like a little more control, you can allow certain apps to pass through unencrypted. Private Internet Access doesn’t keep any logs and has been audited several times for your peace of mind.

Private Internet Access can be downloaded for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. If you prefer, you can use a browser extension (available for Chrome and Firefox). You can even manually set up this VPN with your wireless router.

SECURE EVERY DEVICE:Private Internet Access has no connection limit and servers in more than 90 countries. High level of security and exceptional streaming ability. Every subscription includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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How to stop Verizon data throttling with a VPN

If you want to keep your online activity private from Verizon to protect your streaming speeds, follow the steps below.

Here’s how to stop Verizon throttling your bandwidth using a VPN:

1. Register with one of the VPN services listed above. As you can see, we particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download the VPN software for your operating system. You’ll likely have a choice between apps for desktop and mobile (or perhaps a browser extension).
3. Open the VPN app or browser extension and connect to a server. This may be a server in the US for getting a US IP address.
4. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies. This ensures that your previous IP address and location is forgotten.
5. You should now be able to stream without excessive lag and buffering. Still having issues? Try connecting to a different server. The closer the server to your physical location, the faster the connection is likely to be.

Our Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for Verizon

In theory, any VPN would allow you to bypass Verizon’s bandwidth throttling but that doesn’t mean you should just start using the first one you see! Some are much faster than others, for instance, with others lacking critical security features. Our process involves looking at how candidates fare in five key areas. Below, we’ll explain what these are, why they matter, and how our top picks compared in each.

Speed

Your VPN’s speed is one of the first things you should consider because it dictates your overall experience. If your chosen service has too much of an impact on your base speeds, you’ll run into problems like choppy video, sporadic disconnection, and perhaps even webpages that fail to load. So how do we find the fastest VPNs?

We run performance tests on each VPN’s American servers using our 250 Mbps test connection. However, the internet is inherently random which makes it tricky to get accurate speed test results. To combat this, here at Comparitech we run three speed tests at different times of day and average the values. These are then normalized, resulting in a final score out of 10 for each provider, as shown below:

NordVPN had the highest average speed, earning it a perfect 10 in this category. Surfshark was a close second, though, whereas IPVanish came in third. While these are the fastest VPNs we tested, it’s worth remembering that even those at the bottom of our table are still quicker than most people will need for day-to-day usage.

Versatility

Our next challenge was getting a feel for how versatile each service is. To achieve this, we looked into how many countries their network covered (since this impacts the number of geo-blocked platforms you can theoretically use), their simultaneous connection limit, and how reliably they could access various international Netflix catalogs. Once points were assigned, the standings were as follows:

Surfshark came in first place here, helped along by its phenomenal streaming ability and total lack of connection limits. Next up was NordVPN, then ExpressVPN. While IPVanish and PIA both allow unlimited connections, they lost out due to having smaller networks and a slightly lower level of consistency with Netflix.

Security and privacy

Our top priority is that we only recommend VPNs capable of keeping you safe and your online activities hidden. You’d be surprised by the number of providers that lack basic security features like industry-approved encryption, a kill switch, or leak protection. We actually require all of these, plus a no-logs policy, before we’ll recommend a service, and actually prioritize those with additional privacy tools. Here are all 16 factors that impact our scoring decision:

We know that there’s quite a lot of technical jargon above but don’t worry. The following chart shows each provider’s overall security rating in a way that’s much more palatable. Simply put, the higher the score, the fewer avenues an attacker has to compromise your data.

We have a tie for first place between NordVPN and Surfshark. These services both offer a wealth of security tools and have been audited to back up their privacy claims. Notice that the lowest score any VPN earned was an 8.6; this just goes to show how seriously our recommended services take your security.

Ease of use

We wanted to highlight services that make everyday browsing as simple and straightforward as possible. This involves us looking into everything from how easy it is to sign up (or cancel) to checking whether it can access popular streaming apps on the first attempt. We also consider things like how many simultaneous connections are permitted, whether there are task-specific servers, and if you can speak directly to support staff. Check out our full set of tests below:

NordVPN and Private Internet Access each scored an impressive 9.6 points this category. So what do these services have in common? Well, they both offer tools like ad-blockers and automatic wifi protection, plus they work with a huge range of region-locked platforms. Naturally, there’s also 24/7 support, meaning you can get back up and running as quickly as possible after any unexpected issues.

Value for money

Our final challenge was rating each VPN on value. First, our team made sure providers were actually charging fair prices for what they were offering. Then, we began researching ways to drive the price even lower. For instance, VPNs may offer free trials, reduced rates for students, long-term discounts, or frequent flash sales that allow you to sign up for less. Our one requirement was that they have a money-back guarantee so you can try the VPN without risking your hard-earned cash.

Surfshark took first place here, with IPVanish hot on its heels. The reason for this is quite simple: these providers are fast, secure, and highly-versatile, yet have some of the lowest prices we’ve seen (assuming you choose a long-term plan). Neither has a connection limit either, and each goes on sale fairly regularly throughout the year.

Of course, many VPNs promise much of the above. In order to find out if each VPN really offered sufficient speed, security (and so on), we spent plenty of time with its apps, all as part of our VPN testing methodology.

Can I use a free VPN to bypass Verizon’s bandwidth throttling?

Straight off the bat, free VPNs are a terrible idea for Verizon. Such services aren’t primed for a smooth user experience and offer only a fraction of the same features that paid providers do. When you use a free VPN, it’s highly likely you’ll be subjected to data caps, bandwidth restrictions, and lots of invasive advertising. Moreover, free VPNs don’t have the sophisticated filters and cloaking technology needed to help you securely access certain services.

Many free VPN services make it a point to track user data and sell this information to third-party advertisers. Others have willingly injected malware in an attempt to make cash off you in the future. They will make your internet experience far worse so it’s better if you try to steer clear.

How will I know if I am being throttled?

If your ISP is throttling your bandwidth it should be pretty obvious. A throttled internet connection will feel very sluggish and will cause all sorts of problems such as long page load times, constant buffering when trying to stream, poor quality video playback, ping issues when trying to play games, and other frustrations caused by slow internet.

If you notice any of these issues when you are performing data-intensive tasks, particularly if it mainly happens during peak hours, this is a surefire sign that your ISP is throttling you.

Most ISPs will only throttle you when they are experiencing high network use. This means that someone who is being throttled may notice that they get decent speeds on some occasions and not others. Other ISPs, however, may always throttle you when you access specific online services – making it harder to tell whether your ISP is throttling you.

People suffering from throttling will likely notice that their internet suddenly gets slower when they try to do specific activities such as torrenting or gaming. If any of this sounds familiar it probably means you are experiencing ISP throttling, which means it is a good idea to test whether a VPN can rectify the problem.

Why isn’t bandwidth throttling illegal?

While bandwidth throttling is undoubtedly frustrating, particularly if you’re trying to stream, torrent, or play online games, it’s sometimes necessary. Bandwidth throttling isn’t illegal because there are times when your ISP needs to manage its network so that everyone, yourself included, can have the most stable service.

Besides, you have probably agreed to it (even if it was inadvertently!) when you signed up with your ISP and accepted its terms. Fortunately, you can bypass bandwidth throttling by using a VPN service that offers unlimited bandwidth.

VPNs for Verizon: FAQs