If you’re an AT&T customer, you may find you are suffering from bandwidth throttling. This means that your provider is limiting your internet speed, making streaming and torrenting particularly challenging. However, you can get around such restrictions by using one of the best VPNs for AT&T, allowing you unlimited bandwidth while keeping your data secure.

Not only will a VPN help you avoid bandwidth throttling it will keep your internet activity private from your internet provider and other snooping eyes.

Before we explore all of the options in depth, here’s a quick summary of the best VPNs you can use with AT&T:

There are no hidden terms - just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

So how did we manage to come up with this list of the best VPNs for AT&T? We looked for VPNs that were able to provide all of the following:

Best VPNs for AT&T

Best VPNs for AT&T – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for AT&T.

The Best VPNs for AT&T

Here’s our list of the best VPNs we could find for AT&T that enable fast, private browsing:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top choice for an AT&T VPN. It has a huge network of over 5,000 servers around the world, 1,600 of which are in the US. It outperforms all rivals in our speed tests so you can enjoy a seamless browsing experience. NordVPN unblocks many region-restricted services including Netflix and BBC iPlayer. There’s no bandwidth throttling which means you can stream content without buffering or lag. You’ll even find servers that are optimized for P2P file-sharing as well as those that offer extra security (double VPN servers, for instance).

This is a great value VPN as evidenced by the fact that NordVPN lets you have up to 6 simultaneous connections. It also offers 24/7 live chat support and user-friendly apps and browser extensions. This Panama-based VPN provider safeguards your online security with 256-bit AES encryption and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. It offers a kill switch as well as a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your personal information stays private.

You can download NordVPN apps for the following platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Compatible routers require manual setup.

Pros:

  • An impressive network of more than 5,000 high-speed servers across 60 countries
  • Very good at unblocking region-blocked content such as Netflix
  • Connect up to 6 devices via a single account
  • Provides customer support 24/7 via email and live chat
  • Operates a strict no-logs policy to protect the privacy of users

Cons:

  • Some servers can be on the slow side

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a low-cost VPN that has quickly grown to become one of the better options for AT&T. In particular, it lets you connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously which means you can share with family. This VPN’s servers are located in dozens of countries worldwide, including the US and Canada. Speeds are good for anything from browsing to streaming. You’ll be able to use Surfshark to unblock most geo-restricted websites and services including Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

One of the best things about Surfshark is its beginner-friendly apps and very convenient browser extensions. This combined with the 24/7 live-chat customer support makes it an excellent choice if it’s the first time you’re using a VPN. Security is offered in the form of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands and has a strict no-logs policy, stating that even it doesn’t know what you’re doing online.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark lets you have unlimited simultaneous connections. Works with most region-blocked content including Netflix. Strict no-logs policy and 24/7 live chat support. Easy-to-use apps and browser extensions for beginners. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Relatively limited server network (approximately 800 servers)

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is another solid option for AT&T. It offers unlimited bandwidth and an unbeatable combination of speed and security. This VPN has a network of more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries, allowing you to unblock region-locked content almost anywhere. ExpressVPN unblocks many websites and services including Netflix, Skype, and BBC iPlayer.

You can use ExpressVPN on a wide range of devices thanks to the various apps and browser extensions available. Connecting to a server only takes a few seconds which makes this VPN very easy to use. That said, ExpressVPN’s 24/7 customer support is available via live chat and email. This VPN can be used on up to 5 devices simultaneously, allowing you to secure everything from your laptop to your phone.

ExpressVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection as well as a kill switch to keep you safe. This service is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands and you can even sign up semi-anonymously with a throwaway email address.

ExpressVPN apps can be downloaded for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and routers. You can also find browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

VERSATILE VPN:ExpressVPN is a great alternative for AT&T. More than 3,000 high-speed servers in 94 countries. User-friendly apps and browser extensions. Unblocks Netflix. 24/7 live chat support. Strong security and privacy. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Fast servers and unlimited bandwidth for streaming

  • Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries for unblocking geo-locked content

  • Unblock popular sites and services including Netflix and Skype

  • 24/7 live chat and email support

  • Connect up to 5 devices simultaneously via one account

  • Slightly more expensive than most VPNs on the market

  • May not offer enough control for advanced users

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost offers fast servers and unlimited bandwidth. This is one of the fastest growing VPNs on the market with a network of over 4,500 servers at the time of writing. In particular, it has a significant presence in the US and UK, where it has approximately 1,000 and 500 servers respectively. This VPN unblocks Netflix US as well as BBC iPlayer. You can even connect up to 7 devices simultaneously.

This service comes with 24/7 live chat support and excellent apps for various platforms. You are protected from AT&T’s logging of personal information thanks to CyberGhost’s use of 256-bit AES encryption. This is a no-logs VPN that allows you to stay anonymous online. Further security features include protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks, an automatic kill switch, and even an ad blocker.

  • Very fast servers for streaming and torrenting around the world

  • Rapidly growing server network, particularly in the US

  • Unblocks the likes of Netflix and BBC iPlayer

  • Lets you connect up to 7 devices

  • Secures your data with encryption as well as a strict no-logs policy

  • Unable to unblock some popular streaming sites

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is headquartered in the US. Indeed, nearly 700 of its 1,300 servers are in North America. As such, this VPN service is well placed for unblocking Netflix US. IPVanish states that it doesn’t limit the amount of data you can transfer, or throttle your network connection. Better still, it lets you connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, allowing you to share this VPN with family.

Connecting to an IPVanish server is quick and easy, plus there’s an option to connect to the best available server automatically. This VPN offers live chat support just in case you have any trouble. You can browse the web with peace of mind as IPVanish doesn’t keep any traffic logs. What’s more, it offers 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. Furthermore, IPVanish owns its servers, rather than renting them from third parties, meaning your privacy is guaranteed.

USE ON 10 DEVICES:IPVanish lets you have up to 10 simultaneous connections. Works with Netflix US and offers live chat support. Good speeds for streaming with unlimited bandwidth. Strong security offering with encryption and a no-logs policy. 7-day money-back guarantee.

  • Good speeds and no network throttling (ideal for streaming)

  • Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously

  • Offers live chat support, 24/7

  • Apps make it quick and easy to find the perfect server

  • Owns rather than rents its servers and has a no-logs policy

  • Doesn’t offer an option to pay in Bitcoin

  • Apps can be a little slow to load

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN is a good option for using with AT&T thanks to its unlimited bandwidth and speed. This VPN is ideal for streaming and torrenting and is able to unblock all sorts of websites and services including Netflix. While it has a smaller server network, it does offer very fast servers in 60 countries including the US. The service offers live chat support through which you can speak to PrivateVPN’s developers directly and obtain remote assistance.

You can use this VPN to protect up to 6 devices simultaneously. If you don’t have experience with VPNs, you’ll likely appreciate the simplicity of PrivateVPN’s apps, especially since they make finding and connecting to a server so quick and easy. PrivateVPN is based in Sweden and doesn’t keep any traffic logs. It further protects your privacy with a combination of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch.

You can use PrivateVPN through the apps for desktop (Windows and Mac) and mobile (Android and iOS). Linux and routers require you to follow manual setup instructions.

SUPER FAST SPEEDS:PrivateVPN has fast servers for streaming and torrenting. Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more. Very easy to use desktop and mobile apps. Offers live chat support. No-logs VPN with a high level of encryption. Use on up to 6 devices. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Unlimited speed and bandwidth for streaming and torrenting

  • Unblocks most popular streaming sites including Netflix and HBO Go

  • Excellent live chat support with remote help and installation

  • Lets you have up to 6 simultaneous connections

  • Only has around 100 servers

  • Doesn’t offer browser extensions

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for AT&T

It’s frustrating to find that your bandwidth is being throttled, particularly if you want to stream and torrent. It’s also concerning to learn that your ISP is logging your browsing data, particularly if you live in a Five Eyes country such as the US. A VPN is all the more important as a result. Here’s what we looked for in each VPN as part of our methodology:

  • Servers worldwide: Having access to a global network of servers means you can continue to use all of your favorite websites and services while traveling abroad. It also means that there’s always a fast server available near your location. In the case of all VPNs listed, servers are available in dozens of countries including the US.
  • Speed: If bandwidth throttling from AT&T is making it difficult for you to stream and torrent, you’ll want a VPN with high-speed connections as well as unlimited bandwidth. We carry out speed tests in order to determine the fastest VPNs, all of which allow you to stream in high definition without lag or buffering.
  • Unblocking: Some VPNs offer stronger unblocking than others. Many inferior VPNs struggle with popular streaming services. Having tested the best VPNs for AT&T across a wide range of websites and services, we’re confident we’ve found those that are the most reliable for use at home and while traveling abroad.
  • Security: There’s no shortage of security threats, be it from malware or phishing attempts. However, a VPN should keep you safe from this by encrypting your data and protecting you from leaks. If you want an extra layer of security, look for those VPNs which offer Double VPN (also known as MultiHop) servers.
  • Privacy: Don’t want AT&T logging your data and sharing it with the US government (a member of the Five Eyes alliance)? You’ll need a VPN that doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users. We’ve looked at 140 VPN logging policies so you can be sure that the VPNs we’ve chosen will allow you to browse anonymously.
  • Ease of use: While VPNs may sound a little technical, particularly if it’s your first time using one, they should actually be very easy to use. With the best VPNs for AT&T, you can expect user-friendly desktop and mobile apps. What’s more, all of them include 24-hour support which is contactable via live chat and email.
  • Value for money: Despite the fact that the VPNs in this post offer all of the above, they often work out to be far more affordable than most services on the market. Of course, it helps that we provide discount coupons for each. Keep in mind that all of them even include money-back guarantees for you to try them out risk-free.

Our VPN testing methodology allows us to fully test each VPN in order to gain a better understanding of what it does (or doesn’t) offer. That way, we can better recommend the best VPNs for AT&T.

How to use a VPN with AT&T

It’s quick and easy to set up a VPN with AT&T. Here’s what you need to do:

Can I use a VPN to access DirectTV Stream?

Yes, you can use a VPN to access a wide range of TV streaming services including DirectTV Stream (formerly known as AT&T TV Now). If you’re traveling abroad, you’ll need a VPN to watch because DirectTV Stream is only available in the US. Connecting to a VPN server in the US and getting a US IP address allows you to stream it from anywhere in the world.

Using a VPN with AT&T

  • Sign up with one of the best VPNs for AT&T – we particularly recommend NordVPN.
  • Download and install one of the VPN’s apps or browser extensions.
  • Open the VPN app and connect to a server in the country from which you wish to browse.
  • Clear your browser’s cache and cookies. This ensures websites and services forget your IP address and location and accept that of the VPN.
  • You can now browse freely without restriction!

Yes, it’s perfectly legal to use a VPN with any Internet Service Provider (ISP) in the US. VPNs are legal in the US (and indeed most countries worldwide). However, it should be noted that illegal activities are still illegal, regardless of whether a VPN is being used or not. As long as you’re using the VPN for legal activities such as to secure your connection or access your usual online content while traveling abroad, you shouldn’t have any issues.

Will AT&T know I’m using a VPN?

AT&T (or indeed any other ISP) knows if you’re using a VPN. However, the important thing is that when you use a VPN, they can no longer see the websites you’re visiting or your search or browser history. What AT&T can see is the IP address of the VPN server in question, the timestamp of when you’re connected, and the amount of data you’re sending or receiving. Either way, this information does not infringe upon your online privacy.

Can I install a VPN on my AT&T router?

No, routers provided by AT&T do not support VPNs. As such, you’ll either need to install the VPN in question on your various devices (most major VPNs allow at least five simultaneous connections) or purchase a VPN-compatible router. Indeed, you can find pre-flashed routers which are already configured to work with a specific VPN. Either way, there’s still a level of manual configuration required — the best VPNs provide setup instructions to help.

Can I use a free VPN with AT&T?

While there’s little stopping you from using a free VPN with AT&T, we don’t recommend it. Free VPNs are simply a waste of time due to their poor performance and security. A VPN for AT&T should offer unlimited bandwidth so you can browse, stream, and torrent without restriction. However, free VPNs often throttle bandwidth because they don’t have enough servers to cope with demand.

Why do I need a VPN for AT&T?

The US has seen a decline in net neutrality in recent years. Internet Providers such as AT&T can block content when it suits them. What’s more, AT&T is known to throttle the bandwidth of its users. This means you may experience slow speeds when trying to access certain services, be it Netflix or Skype. The best VPNs for AT&T offer unlimited bandwidth with absolutely no bandwidth throttling.

Another reason to get a VPN for AT&T is to have greater online privacy and anonymity. This is particularly important if you’re in the US which is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance. Without a VPN, your data may be logged and shared with your government as well as international governments. A quality VPN encrypts your data and offers a strict no-logs policy which means that there’s no personally identifying data to be shared even if it’s requested.

Is AT&T ActiveArmor any good?

ActiveArmor is a security service that helps protect your devices and data from online threats. It includes features like malware protection, firewall protection, and web filtering.

Overall, it’s a good security service that can help keep your devices and data safe. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, AT&T ActiveArmor only works with AT&T devices – so if you have any non-AT&T devices, they won’t be protected by the service. Second, the service can be somewhat pricey – so if you’re on a budget, you might want to look at other options.

Can a VPN speed up my AT&T internet connection?

That depends! Is AT&T throttling your bandwidth? If so, a VPN may actually speed up your AT&T internet connection. That’s because the best VPNs use fast protocols like WireGuard and also offer unlimited bandwidth.

However, it should be said that a VPN usually slows your connection somewhat. This is to be expected because internet traffic is encrypted and then re-routed to a VPN server in the location of your choosing. Fortunately, the difference won’t be noticeable if you choose one of the fastest VPNs on the market.