Utah is pushing the boundaries of state-level internet regulation as it becomes the first US state to directly target VPNs within its age verification laws. Digital rights experts are furious, with some deeming it a legislative "whack-a-mole" and many concerned by the wider impact on basic online privacy.
But, there are broader reasons why a VPN is a key tool for people in Utah. Shielding your data from internet service providers (ISPs), securing a public Wi-Fi connection, or streaming on the go are just some of the reasons people turn to the best VPNs, outside of protecting against state legislation.
For Utahns specifically, this means a VPN should have several key things. Locations in the beehive state itself are a must, strong performance over short and long distances (for travelling), and ironclad security credentials are also key considerations. We're constantly putting VPNs to the test, and right now, three VPNs are proving up to the job.
The best VPNs for Utah right now
NordVPN: The undisputed speed king for Utah
When it comes to local coverage, NordVPN is incredibly tough to beat. The provider boasts more than 30 servers in Utah alone, ensuring that residents can get a secure, localized connection without experiencing massive speed drops.
Speaking of speeds, NordVPN is remarkably fast. In our recent NordVPN review, it achieved a staggering 1,249 Mbps over its proprietary NordLynx protocol. Even when tunneling from the US to the UK, it maintained a highly capable 688 Mbps. This makes it an absolute powerhouse for streaming. It effortlessly unblocks US Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Peacock, and more, a stronger performance than any other VPN in the region.
Security is top-tier, featuring advanced encryption and strict no-logs policies that keep your data out of the hands of state regulators. The only real caveat is the price. Starting at $3.09 per month, it is pricier than some budget competitors, but the unparalleled performance and deep Utah server bench make it worth every penny.
ExpressVPN: Unmatched security and broad US coverage
If security and reliability are your top concerns, ExpressVPN is a phenomenal choice. It offers an impressive 71 locations across North America, including servers right in Utah, falling just shy of NordVPN's 74 North American locations.
As detailed in our ExpressVPN review, performance is stellar, though slightly nuanced. It hit a massive 1,177 Mbps using its Lightway Turbo protocol, but keep in mind that this Turbo mode is currently Windows-only. If you're using standard Lightway, speeds will be much slower. However, ExpressVPN shines in long-distance connections, delivering a blazing 1,117 Mbps when connecting from the US to the UK, easily beating NordVPN on that specific route.
For streamers, ExpressVPN handles US YouTube, which Nord currently struggles with, but it does lose out on unblocking US Prime Video. While both providers are exceptionally secure, ExpressVPN's historic track record and server infrastructure give it a slight, razor-thin edge in absolute privacy.
Private Internet Access (PIA): The budget-friendly choice
For Utahns looking to protect their privacy without breaking the bank, Private Internet Access (PIA) is an excellent, highly customizable alternative. It features servers across 60 US locations, including Utah, ensuring you can always find a nearby connection.
PIA is significantly cheaper than both ExpressVPN and NordVPN, making it ideal if you need a budget-friendly solution or just a single month of protection. However, as noted in our PIA review, you do sacrifice some performance for that lower price tag. We recorded peak speeds of 447 Mbps with WireGuard, which dropped to 326 Mbps when connecting between the US and the UK.
It also isn't the strongest contender for streaming, as it struggled to unblock Prime Video and Disney+ in the US. Despite these minor setbacks, PIA remains a highly secure service. It might not pack the same premium punch as Nord or Express, but its transparent no-logs policy and robust encryption will easily keep your Utah browsing habits private.
Staying safe in a changing digital landscape
With Utah's impending internet legislation threatening to undermine digital privacy, taking control of your online footprint is no longer optional. However, utilizing a free or untrustworthy VPN can actually put you at greater risk of data harvesting. Always stick to audited, premium providers.
To guarantee your setup is optimized for maximum security in Utah, follow these three quick tips:
- Use a modern protocol: Always select WireGuard, NordLynx, or Lightway in your app settings for the best mix of speed and security.
- Activate the kill switch: Ensure this feature is toggled on so your internet cuts out if the VPN connection drops, preventing accidental IP leaks.
- Enable auto-connect: Set your VPN to launch on startup so you are never caught browsing unprotected.
For other top VPNs, check out our best VPNs guide. Alternatively, look at our best free VPNs guide if you don't want to pay, but are keen to avoid untrustworthy VPNs.