As you may already be aware, services like Netflix and MLB.tv dynamically alter their content based on the user’s location. This means that when in Chicago, you may be unable to see your favorite programs or the Cubs play. Additionally, if you’re going overseas, you may be unable to access websites from Chicago. Having said that, there is a workaround: just connect to a VPN server situated in your nation (or state, if you want to circumvent sports bans).
This works because geo-restricted services identify the user’s location based on their IP address. Once connected to a VPN, they can only see your selected server’s IP address. In other words, if you choose a French server, Netflix and other services will believe you are in France. Even better, VPNs encrypt your data, concealing your actions from prying eyes and allowing you to enjoy your stay in Chicago.
Choosing to test out a VPN may be daunting. After all, there are many options on the market, each claiming to be the finest, quickest, or most secure. Having said that, you’re generally better off with a well-rounded service than with one that excels in a single area. To guarantee that you get a flexible VPN regardless of whatever service you select, our recommended provider fulfills the following criteria:
- Provides access to a large number of fast servers, preferably including those in Chicago.
- Works with a wide variety of region-specific services.
- Has almost impenetrable encryption and a variety of additional security features.
- Refuse to retain any logs containing information that may be used to identify you.
- Includes applications for all the main OS systems and mobile devices.
Best VPN for Chicago
NordVPN
Users of NordVPN may select from among 5,000+ servers in several countries, including the United States. Indeed, it has concentrations in fifteen cities throughout the United States, including Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles. You should have no difficulty viewing your preferred content since this service simply unblocks MLB.tv, ESPN+, and NBC Sports. Even better, its speeds are sufficiently fast that you should experience no latency or buffering. Multiple concurrent connections are allowed per account.
This VPN provider is well-known for its commitment to security. For example, it conceals your actions using 256-bit encryption, security against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks, and an application-specific kill switch. There are also obfuscated servers that offer further anonymity, allowing you to surf securely in countries such as China. NordVPN has a no-logging policy and accepts payments in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Ripple. Support is available 24 hours a day through email and live chat.
Users of NordVPN may download applications for Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. Alternatively, you may install the VPN manually on their router to protect any devices connected to your home network.
How to use a VPN to protect yourself in Chicago
Are you new to VPNs and unsure where to start? That’s OK; these services are much more user-friendly than you would think. Simply follow the instructions below to get a US IP address or to conceal your data while in Chicago. You may also use the same method to get a Chicago IP address from overseas by connecting to a Chicago-based VPN server.
- To begin with, you’ll need to choose a VPN. As previously stated, we suggest NordVPN.
- Now, download and install the VPN client on any device that you use on a regular basis. The majority of providers allow multiple simultaneous connections.
- Connect to one of the servers on your VPN network. If your primary concern is privacy, any place will suffice. However, if you want to use a region-locked service, you must connect to a server located in the relevant nation.
- Congratulations, your entire internet traffic has now been encrypted, rendering it unreadable for snoopers. This enables you to use public WiFi networks in Chicago without fear of being seen.
VPN for Chicago FAQs
Is it safe to use free VPNs?
While free VPNs may seem attractive at first sight, they come with a slew of drawbacks. They often lack access to services such as Netflix and are mostly worthless for streaming in any case. Even if they can unblock a platform, free VPNs often have limited data limits and very sluggish speeds.
These services also pose a significant security risk. According to one study, almost 40% of free VPN applications tested included viruses. This implies that by opting for a free VPN, you may be actively compromising your security. Additionally, 18 percent of the 200+ applications examined did not use any encryption, rendering them essentially worthless from a privacy standpoint. To ensure optimum security, we suggest staying with trusted, no-log providers rather than making use of a free service.
Are VPNs legal in Illinois?
VPNs are lawful across the United States of America and, indeed, the majority of the globe. In other words, there is no need to fear being prosecuted for utilizing a VPN in Illinois. It’s important noting that these services do not give you carte blanche to conduct online crimes; you may still face penalties for, say, using a VPN to harass someone. However, as long as you are not engaging in criminal activity, you should have no issues.
How might a VPN benefit me when I’m on the road?
VPNs are useful for much more than simply unblocking your favorite streaming services while traveling. For example, you may connect to a server in your home country to securely use your online banking service while traveling without fear of your account being temporarily closed. This may seem like a small inconvenience, but when you’re in a foreign nation, being unable to access your money may be a big issue.
Additionally, you’ll be able to surf anonymously regardless of where you are using a VPN. That’s because the VPN will encrypt your data even if you utilize a public WiFi connection (which is notoriously insecure). In other words, even if an attacker is monitoring the network, they will be unable to see your activity or intercept personal information such as login passwords and payment information.