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Best VPNs for Minnesota in 2024 – Get a Minnesota IP Address

Last updated: November 8, 2023

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Best VPN for Minnesota

Both tourists to Minnesota and the locals want to know, “What are the best VPNs for Minnesota?”

The Minnesota area is commonly identified as the “Twin Cities” after its two largest cities, Minneapolis, which has the largest population, and St. Paul, the capital of the state.

Whether you live in the area or are an adventurous nature lover who has traveled there to appreciate the magnificent lakes, parks, and cultural sites, a virtual private network, or VPN, can enhance your online security while you are using a public Wi-Fi network and improve your viewing and streaming experience while you are in the area.

To give you far more information than you would get from a simple Google search, we investigated dozens of the available VPNs and identified the essential components of the 5 best VPNs for Minnesota.

In a hurry? Here are 5 best VPN services for Minnesota

5 best VPNs for Minnesota

After extensive research and trials of many of the VPNs available, these are our top picks, and the reasons why we recommend them:

1. ExpressVPN: Fastest, Most Reliable VPN

Devices compatible with ExpressVPN

If you are looking for one of the very best VPNs from a trusted and highly experienced provider, ExpressVPN is an outstanding choice!

Features: Express has an extensive network of over 3,000 VPN servers in more than 160 locations in 94+ countries, with plenty of these servers in the USA.

Though there isn’t a server in Minnesota itself, the one in Chicago performs extremely well and allows you to connect without any difficulties or issues.

Express also offers a split tunneling feature, which many providers do not offer, and this means that you can decide which of your browsers and apps you want to filter through the VPN connection.

Speed: On speed tests, ExpressVPN started with a baseline download speed of 31.2 Mbps which changed minimally to 31.1 Mbps when connected to a local VPN server and to 16.5 Mbps on more distanced VPN connections. All speeds were adequate for lag-free streaming and gaming.

Privacy and Security: Express VPN is a service that has outstanding military-level encryption methods. It also offers a strict no-logs policy, a kill switch, leak protection, and a random password generator, among many other security features.

Performance: ExpressVPN’s connectivity is exceptionally quick, and you will find servers in any areas you need if you want to bypass geo-blocks and watch your favorite TV shows or blockbuster movies.

Streaming: You can explore movies and TV programming on all your favorite streaming platforms including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more knowing that ExpressVPN will get you past any geo-blocks.

Compatibility: ExpressVPN can be used with almost all the operating systems out there so you can use the VPN on your computer, tablet, smartphone, and router. You can connect up to 5 devices with a single subscription.

Pricing: Pricing begins at $6.67/month when you sign up for the one-year plan. ExpressVPN’s reliable 30–day money-back guarantee ensures that you can try the VPN for a full month, risk-free, in Minnesota or wherever you may be.

Pros:

  • AES 256-bit encryption
  • Kill switch
  • No-logs policy
  • Split tunneling
  • Good speed
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 customer support via live chat

Cons:

  • More expensive than many of its competitors

2. NordVPN: Secure Internet Connection

Devices compatible with NordVPN

NordVPN has been around for over 10 years, boasts over 12 million users worldwide, and it’s a great choice for a Minnesota VPN service.

Features: This Minnesota VPN service has a very large server network of well over 5,700 servers in more than 60 countries, with close to 2,000 servers in the USA.

As is the case with ExpressVPN, though NordVPN does not have a server that can provide you with a Minnesota IP address, however, its Chicago server can cover you in Minnesota without any issues.

Speed: During testing, NordVPN offered impressive speeds. The baseline download speed of 76.9 Mbps increased to 78.1 Mbps when using the quick connect feature, and improved even more to 82.1 Mbps when the connection was between the US and the UK.

Privacy and Security: NordVPN protects your privacy extremely well, offering a kill switch button, a high level of encryption, a no-logs policy, and the NordVPN CyberSec feature that allows you to block damaging malware or irritating adverts.

Performance: When using NordVPN for streaming and gaming, there were no lags, interruptions, or dropped connections.

Streaming: With NordVPN, you’ll have no trouble getting past the geo-blocks on your favorite streaming sites including Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and more.

Compatibility: The NordVPN app is compatible with mobile devices, desktops, laptops, routers, and more. NordVPN allows you to simultaneously connect up to 6 devices.

Pricing: The value 2-Year-Plan is available for $3.79/month or you can choose the 1-Year-Plan for $4.49/month. You can try it risk-free with its 30–day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Strong security and privacy features
  • Fast speeds
  • No logs policy
  • 6 devices can be used concurrently
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Narrower scope of servers
  • Occasional issues around UI

3. Surfshark: Unlimited Device Connections

Devices compatible with Surfshark

When looking for the best budget VPN to use in Minnesota, a good choice is Surfshark.

Features: While Surfshark VPN does not have a server in Minnesota, it does have effective Chicago servers amongst the over 3,200 servers in more than 100 countries. When you use one of Surfshark’s servers, you are protected from unwanted ads and malware.

Speed: When connected to a local server, the download speed on Surfshark was 26.4 Mbps as compared to the baseline of 41.3. The download speed dropped to 21.5 Mbps when the VPN connection was between the US and the UK.

Privacy and Security: Surfshark is a good VPN service when it comes to secure access to the internet. It offers military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, DNS & IP leak protection, and an automatic kill switch.

Performance: You may experience occasional buffering or lags using Surfshark, but if you do, all you need to do is ask the 24/7 live chat support to help you find a faster connection.

Streaming: Surfshark is also the best budget VPN for streaming, allowing you to enjoy geo-restricted content on Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and more!

Compatibility: The Surshark VPN is compatible with almost all devices including desktops, laptops, mobile devices, Apple TV, Fire TV, and more.

Since Surfshark allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices at the same time, your whole family can enjoy using it for their preferred online activities without having to wait.

Pricing: Get the best deal on the VPN service by signing up for 24 months at a cost of just $2.21 per month. It’s risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Reasonably priced
  • Strong security features
  • Unlimited number of simultaneous connections
  • Live chat customer support 24/7
  • 30-day trial

Cons:

  • Speeds are not as good as those of other premium VPNs

4 CyberGhost: Servers in Over 90 Countries

Devices compatible with CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a trustworthy VPN for Minnesota.

Features: CyberGhost provides unlimited bandwidth and has a huge network of servers including over 9000 servers in more than 91 countries. It includes specialty servers for streaming and gaming as well as split tunneling and an ad blocker.

Speed: Overall, CyberGhost performed well on speed tests for local serves, but was less consistent with longer distances. Testing baseline download speed was 144.0 Mbps which dropped to 130.1 Mbps on a local VPN server and down to 39.8 Mbps on longer distances.

Privacy and Security: CyberGhost created its service thinking about high levels of security so its features include a no-logs policy, in-built DNS leakproofing, an automatic kill switch, and military-level encryption.

Performance: You may experience occasional lags, especially when using the VPN service for a long-distance Internet connection. If that happens, the 24/7 live chat support is there to help you find a faster connection.

CyberGhost: You can unblock most major streaming services with CyberGhost including Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

Compatibility: CyberGhost allows you to connect up to seven devices at one time, and it’s compatible with almost every operating system, including Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows.

Pricing: CyberGhost’s pricing is a big plus at just $2.11/month for the 2-year plan. It offers a free trial of 7 days for mobile users and 24 hours if used on your desktop as well as a generous 45-day guarantee of all your money back.

Pros:

  • Unlimited Bandwidth
  • Huge server network that enables unblocking of content
  • 45-day guarantee and free trials
  • Top security and privacy features
  • 24/7 live chat support

Cons:

  • Inconsistent- and sometimes slow- connection speeds
  • Advanced users may not find it sufficiently customizable

Devices compatible with PIA

Private Internet Access (PIA) is another strong candidate to choose as the best VPN for Minnesota.

Features: Private Internet Access has an enormous server network of over 35,000 servers in 77 countries, and it’s one of the few VPN services where you can get a Minnesota IP address. You also get the benefit of split tunneling and an ad blocker.

Speed: As compared to the baseline download speed of 69.1 Mbps, the download speed when using the quick connect feature was 41.5 Mbps and when connected to a more distant server was 54.6 Mbps.

Privacy and Security: PIA’s security features are excellent, with a strict no-logging policy and customizable safety features. It also protects your online data, with military-grade encryption protocols, an automatic kill switch, and leak protection.

Performance: PIA is able to provide reliable Internet service with minimal lags, and the live chat support is there to help you out if your connection isn’t fast enough.

Streaming: Most streaming services are accessible using PIA, including US Netflix and BBC iPlayer. PIA was not able to unblock all sites, for example, Netflix Mexico.

Compatibility: The PIA app works with all major devices and platforms, including MacOS, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, and more. Users can connect up to 10 devices at the same time.

Pricing: This quality Minnesota VPN is available for only $1.98/month when you sign up for 3 years, or $3.33/month with a one-year commitment. You are protected by a 30-day trial period.

Pros:

  • Impressive security features
  • Reasonable cost
  • Huge server network
  • 30-day trial period
  • 24/7 live chat support

Cons:

  • Does not unblock some streaming services
  • Inconsistent speeds

Why you need a VPN for Minnesota 

Minnesota is famous for its tourist sites, beautiful lakes, malls, festivals, and sports events.

When visiting these Minnesota sights, or even hanging out in a coffee shop, you are going to want to use a Minnesota VPN.

Here’s why:

☑️ Privacy and Security. Travelers using a public Wi-Fi network are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. You need to be wary when using these and ensure that you stay protected online. Subscribing to a premium VPN with first-rate encryption methods and data privacy protection will keep you safe.

☑️ Accessing Content. Travelers in foreign countries looking to access their bank accounts, work accounts, or favorite TV shows from back home can use a good VPN with reliable geo-spoofing capabilities to do so.

☑️ Speed. Avoid slowdowns on your Internet connection from overcrowded servers and ISP throttling by using one of the best VPN services.

☑️ Sporting Events. Enjoy sports events that are blocked in your location by connecting to a server in a different city where the game is being broadcast.

How to choose the best VPN for Minnesota

You don’t need to worry about censorship in Minnesota, but you do need a good VPN service if you want to optimally protect your privacy and gain easy access to all the content you enjoy.

When making your choice among all the good VPNs mentioned above, bear in mind that your VPN should provide you with:

☑️ Large Server Network. An extensive and stable network of servers will allow you to bypass geo-restrictions and sports blackouts. The best Minnesota VPN will have either a Minnesota server or a Chicago server.

☑️ Speed. The best VPN for Minnesota will connect reliably and offer excellent speed to avoid any lag issues.

☑️ Privacy and Security. A VPN should protect your online anonymity with a strict no-logs policy, military-level encryption, and leak protection, even if your VPN connection suddenly drops.

☑️ Compatibility. Select a VPN that works with all your devices and offers enough multiple connections to cover your whole household.

☑️ Pricing. Get a VPN that offers good value for your money!

☑️ Customer Service. Make sure your VPN comes with 24/7 live chat assistance and at least a 30-day trial.

How we analyzed and tested VPNs for Minnesota

Our team of experts from around the world evaluated the VPNs in the following areas to find the best VPN for Minnesota:

☑️ Speed. All VPNs were speed tested and demonstrated adequate speed for stable, lag-free service.

☑️ Security. The VPN servers were examined for security features including encryption, logging, leak protection, and more.

☑️ Servers. We looked for VPN services with a broad scope of servers across the globe including in or near Minnesota.

☑️ Device Compatibility. The VPNs selected demonstrated compatibility with a broad range of popular devices and permitted multiple simultaneous connections.

☑️ Pricing. VPNs were assessed for value for the services rendered.

Can I use a free VPN for Minnesota?

Many free VPNs claim to have the ability to ensure your data privacy and unblock all the most popular geo-blocked streaming services.

It is very tempting to take advantage of these offers, but you need to be very careful of them, for several reasons.

First, free VPNs tend to have a small network of servers and limited resources, so they often cannot unblock the content you want to access.

In addition, there is often a lot of crowding on the servers that they do have, which slows your streaming and increases the chance of poor video quality and buffering.

Of the greatest concern is the fact that free VPNs often make their money by selling the data logs of their users to social platforms, surveillance agencies, or third parties, as they need to earn money somewhere and do not charge for their services.

They also do not protect you sufficiently from the risk of online viruses and malware and using a free VPN may result in you receiving huge numbers of unwanted adverts.

If you want to protect your privacy, especially when traveling abroad and using Wi-Fi hotspots, it would be advisable to avoid using a free VPN.

How to use a VPN Service to get an IP address in Minnesota

We hope that we have given you all the information that you need in order to choose the optimal VPN when you connect in Minnesota so you can protect your privacy and curl up on the couch to watch all your favorite content.

Maybe you are concerned that it is difficult to install and use a VPN.

Below we will guide you through the process and get you connected quickly and painlessly.

  1.  Subscribe to your chosen VPN service, we recommend ExpressVPN.
  2.  Download the VPN app from the Google Play Store or the Apple Store; the Mac or Windows app should be available on the website of the VPN so you may not need to search at all.
  3.  Now install the VPN app on your device and open it.
  4.  Choose a server that will provide you with a Minnesota IP address to replace your own address, and go to settings to select your preferred IP address.
  5.  Enjoy your safe and secure online experience!

FAQs

What VPN has servers in Minnesota?

PIA has Minnesota servers.

If you can’t get a Minnesota IP address with your VPN service, a Chicago server will work too.

Conclusion

When you are in Minnesota, you would be wise to subscribe to a VPN service so you can access all your favorite content, ensure a fast connection, and protect yourself from service attacks.

Sports fans can use a VPN to watch all their favorite events and streaming fans can access their favorite TV shows and movies, wherever they may be.

By connecting to a VPN server, you can access a specific IP address that will disguise your own, thereby protecting your anonymity on the Internet.

The great news is that you can use a VPN service to watch all of your favorite streaming services, play reruns of your favorite sports events, enhance your gaming experience, and protect your personal privacy when you are on the Internet.

Check out the best VPNs for Minnesota options in the list above, and feel confident that with your VPN, you’re going to be able to browse safely and happily online.

Enjoy!

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