Utah’s VPN crackdown has arrived: here are the VPNs we recommend to protect your personal data and privacy online in the beehive state | Tech Radar

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Utah’s VPN crackdown has arrived: here are the VPNs we recommend to protect your personal data and privacy online in the beehive state

With state lawmakers targeting digital privacy, finding the best Utah VPNs has never been more important for locals

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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.

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When it comes to local coverage, Nord VPN 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, Nord VPN is remarkably fast. In our recent Nord VPN review, it achieved a staggering 1,249 Mbps over its proprietary Nord Lynx 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.

Nord VPN – the best choice for Utah overall

Nord VPN is the best choice for people in Utah right now. It's got 30 servers in the region, alongside 74 in the US overall. It's quicker than most VPNs, and it works well with almost any US streaming services. It's more expensive than most at $3.09 per month, plus you only get 10 simultaneous connections, but the performance is unparalleled.

You can also try it before committing by using the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Express VPN: Unmatched security and broad US coverage

If security and reliability are your top concerns, Express VPN is a phenomenal choice. It offers an impressive 71 locations across North America, including servers right in Utah, falling just shy of Nord VPN's 74 North American locations.

As detailed in our Express VPN 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, Express VPN shines in long-distance connections, delivering a blazing 1,117 Mbps when connecting from the US to the UK, easily beating Nord VPN on that specific route.

For streamers, Express VPN handles US You Tube, which Nord currently struggles with, but it does lose out on unblocking US Prime Video. While both providers are exceptionally secure, Express VPN's historic track record and server infrastructure give it a slight, razor-thin edge in absolute privacy.

Express VPN has historically been super expensive, but right now it's a much more competitive $2.27 per month (€1.94/mo). While this is an all-time low for the brand, you do have to commit to a 24-month plan to see the savings. That said, it's more secure than any other VPN, offers superb speeds across long distances, and works well with US streaming services.

All Express VPN plans also come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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.

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PIA is significantly cheaper than both Express VPN and Nord VPN, 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 Wire Guard, 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.

Private Internet Access — the cheapest option overall

PIA is a veteran VPN that's perfect for Utahns. It has more customization options than almost any VPN and servers in 91 countries. It might struggle with some US streaming services, but it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you're never stuck with a device you can't use to stream on.

All PIA plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you're unhappy, you get your money back.

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 Wire Guard, Nord Lynx, 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.

Rene Millman is a seasoned technology journalist whose work has appeared in The Guardian, the Financial Times, Computer Weekly, and IT Pro. With over two decades of experience as a reporter and editor, he specializes in making complex topics like cybersecurity, VPNs, and enterprise software accessible and engaging.

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