The Tool Desk
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To get an American IP address, connect to a VPN server located in the United States. Install the VPN app, sign in, choose a US location, and connect. The site you visit will generally see the VPN server’s public IP instead of your usual public IP. If your TV or console cannot run a VPN app, Smart DNS may work with some services, but it is not a VPN and does not provide the same encryption or IP masking.
Choose the method that fits your device and needs
| Option | Best fit | What it changes | Location control | Main limitation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VPN app | Phones and computers; other devices where a compatible app is available | Routes traffic through a VPN server and can encrypt the connection | Varies by provider: automatic, country, or city selection | A website or service can block VPN endpoints or apply other account and compatibility checks. Proton VPN, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN describe US server options. |
| Smart DNS | Compatible TVs, consoles, and devices that let you change DNS settings | Changes DNS configuration; it does not route all traffic through a VPN tunnel | Depends on the provider and its supported locations | It does not encrypt traffic or hide the device IP as a VPN does, and compatibility varies. PIA’s setup guide explains the distinction. |
| Residential-IP VPN | Provider-supported phones and computers when a residential endpoint is specifically needed | Routes traffic through a VPN endpoint the provider describes as US home broadband | USip says location assignment is automatic, with no city or state selection | A provider’s residential label does not guarantee that a website will classify or accept the address. The listed USip VPN plan allows one connected VPN device. USip’s product page describes its service. |
| Dedicated US IP add-on | Some work or network setups that require an allowlisted address | Provides a non-shared endpoint, according to the provider | Depends on provider and plan | It is typically a paid add-on and is not necessary for ordinary US-IP access. Confirm current availability and terms with the provider. NordVPN’s dedicated IP page describes its offering. |
Connect through a US VPN server
For most phones and computers, a VPN app is the direct option. The provider’s app routes your connection through the US location you select. The steps below are typical; names and menus vary by provider.
- Choose a VPN that supports your device and offers US locations. Check whether you can choose a country, city, or state, and review the provider’s privacy policy, device limits, and current subscription and renewal terms.
- Install the provider’s app and sign in. Download it from the provider or the device’s official app store.
- Select a US location and connect. Choose “United States” or a listed city if the app offers that control. Proton VPN documents choosing a US city; ExpressVPN describes selecting a US server location or using Smart Location; NordVPN recommends starting with a nearby US city. Proton VPN’s US page, ExpressVPN’s US page, and NordVPN’s US page explain their respective options.
- Check the apparent public IP, then test the actual site or app. Use a reputable IP-check service to confirm that the connection appears to come from the United States. Then try the service you intended to use; an IP check confirms the apparent network location, not that a service will accept it.
What city selection does—and does not—tell you
A city selector can be useful if a work system expects a particular region or if you want to try a nearer US endpoint for latency. A city shown in an app is not, by itself, proof that the provider has a physical server in that city. Providers describe their offered locations; those descriptions are not an independent audit of server infrastructure. Some providers do not let you choose a city at all: USip says its residential location is assigned automatically.
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Smart DNS can be an option when a TV or console does not support the provider’s VPN app and allows custom DNS settings. The exact setup depends on the provider and device. PIA’s guide describes generating a Smart DNS address in the account, entering it in the device’s network settings, and restarting some devices if needed. Its guide states that Smart DNS changes DNS settings rather than routing all traffic through a VPN server; it does not encrypt traffic or hide the device IP in the same way. See PIA’s Smart DNS setup guide.
#1 Best Overall
- 【AC1200 Dual-band Wireless Router】Simultaneous dual-band with wireless speed up to 300 Mbps (2.4GHz) + 867 Mbps (5GHz). 2.4GHz band can handles some simple tasks like emails or web browsing while bandwidth intensive tasks such as gaming or 4K video streaming can be handled by the 5GHz band.*Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【Easy Setup】Please refer to the User Manual and the Unboxing & Setup video guide on Amazon for detailed setup instructions and methods for connecting to the Internet.
- 【Pocket-friendly】Lightweight design(145g) which designed for your next trip or adventure. Alongside its portable, compact design makes it easy to take with you on the go.
- 【Full Gigabit Ports】Gigabit Wireless Internet Router with 2 Gigabit LAN ports and 1 Gigabit WAN ports, ideal for lots of internet plan and allow you to connect your wired devices directly.
- 【Keep your Internet Safe】IPv6 supported. OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
USip likewise describes its Smart DNS as separate from its VPN and says it does not create an OpenVPN tunnel, including when configured on a router. USip’s product page describes that setup. Treat Smart DNS as a device-compatibility option, not a privacy substitute. Whether it works depends on the provider, device, network, and service.
When a residential US IP or dedicated IP may matter
Residential-IP VPN
A residential-IP VPN may be relevant if a particular use case calls for an endpoint the provider describes as coming through US home broadband. USip says its residential location is assigned automatically, cannot be selected by city or state, and is not a permanent fixed address. It also describes the address as exclusive among its customers while in use. These are provider statements, not a guarantee that an external website will recognize the IP as residential or allow access.
Rank #2
- 【DUAL BAND AX TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 574Mbps (2.4G)+2402Mbps (5G); 2.5G Multi-gigabit WAN port and a 1G gigabit LAN port; USB 3.0 port; Wi-Fi 6 offers more than double the total Wi-Fi speed with the MT3000 VPN Router.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Beryl AX automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 150 Mbps (OpenVPN); 300 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【OpenWrt 21.02 FIRMWARE】The Beryl AX is a portable wifi box and mini router that runs on OpenWrt 21.02 firmware. It supports more than 5,000 ready-made plug-ins for customization. Simply browse, install, and manage packages with our no-code interface within Beryl AX's Admin Panel.
- 【PROTECT YOUR NETWORK SECURITY】Our pocket wifi, unlike other vulnerable portable wifi hotspot for travel purposes supports WPA3 protocol–Preventive measures against password brute-force attacks; DNS over HTTPS & DNS over TLS–Protecting domain name system traffic and preventing data eavesdropping from malicious parties; IPv6–Built-in authentication for privacy protection, eliminating the need for network address translation.
- 【VPN CASCADING AT EASE】Surpassing the mediocre performance of most VPN routers for home usage, the Beryl AX is capable of hosting a VPN server and VPN client at the same time within the same device, enabling users to remote access local network resources like Wi-Fi printers or local web servers, and accessing the public internet as a VPN client simultaneously.
As listed on USip’s product page accessed in 2026, the plan offers a three-day trial followed by €9.99 monthly, €39 every six months, or €69 annually. The page says one VPN device can be connected at a time, requires a payment method for the trial, and renews subscriptions automatically unless cancelled before the trial ends. These are dated provider-published terms; check the page for current pricing and cancellation conditions before signing up. USip product and plan details.
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Dedicated US IP
A dedicated IP is a separate, potentially paid option for cases such as a work network that requires an allowlisted address. It is not a prerequisite for getting a US IP in ordinary browsing. Check whether the provider offers the feature in the relevant plan and what its current terms say before choosing it. For context, NordVPN describes its dedicated IP option.
Rank #3
- 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐦 𝟔 𝐀𝐗𝟏𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐝𝐮𝐚𝐥-𝐛𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐬𝐩𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐬 - Wi-Fi 6 Speeds up to 1,201 Mbps (5 GHz) and 300 Mbps (2.4 GHz) for up to 60 devices simultaneously. Actual Wi-Fi speeds vary based on source bandwidth, environment, distance to devices, and obstacles. ◇§
- 𝐏𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐠𝐧 - Roam 6 AX1500 is a pocket-sized travel router compactly designed for trips and adventures, featuring a 1 Gbps WAN/LAN port and a 1 Gbps LAN port for reliable wired connectivity.
- 𝗦𝗲𝗰𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗪𝗶-𝗙𝗶 𝗼𝗻-𝘁𝗵𝗲-𝗴𝗼 - Connects to public Wi-Fi and creates a private, secure network for all your devices. Supports multiple devices at once, ideal for hotels, Airbnbs, airports, and even home use. VPN connectivity enables secure remote work.
- 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 - (1) Router Mode: Connects to public Wi-Fi, ISP, or phone (USB tethering). (2) AP/RE/Client Mode: Adds WiFi to wired setups, extends WiFi, or connects wired devices wirelessly.
- 𝐎𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐲𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐜𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 - TP-Link is a signatory of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency’s (CISA) Secure-by-Design pledge. Advanced security is integrated into the device’s design, development, and ongoing maintenance.
Why a US IP may not be enough
A VPN changes the public IP that a site sees and can encrypt traffic between your device and the VPN server. That does not make you anonymous: the VPN provider may be able to observe connection metadata or, depending on the service and encryption beyond the VPN tunnel, other traffic details. Read the provider’s privacy and logging policy rather than assuming every VPN handles data the same way. Provider product pages describe their services but do not independently establish every privacy claim.
A website or streaming service may also check account country, billing or payment details, GPS, DNS, app-store region, device compatibility, or other signals. Its terms may restrict VPN use, and a US endpoint does not guarantee access to every account, title, app, or live event. Proton VPN says its service is not intended as a means of copyright circumvention and directs users to the streaming service’s terms. Proton VPN’s US page.
Rank #4
- 【DUAL BAND WIFI 7 TRAVEL ROUTER】Products with US, UK, EU, AU Plug; Dual band network with wireless speed 688Mbps (2.4G)+2882Mbps (5G); Dual 2.5G Ethernet Ports (1x WAN and 1x LAN Port); USB 3.0 port.
- 【NETWORK CONTROL WITH TOUCHSCREEN SIMPLICITY】Slate 7’s touchscreen interface lets you scan QR codes for quick Wi-Fi, monitor speed in real time, toggle VPN on/off, and switch providers directly on the display. Color-coded indicators provide instant network status updates for Ethernet, Tethering, Repeater, and Cellular modes, offering a seamless, user-friendly experience.
- 【OpenWrt 23.05 FIRMWARE】The Slate 7 (GL-BE3600) is a high-performance Wi-Fi 7 travel router, built with OpenWrt 23.05 (Kernel 5.4.213) for maximum customization and advanced networking capabilities. With 512MB storage, total customization with open-source freedom and flexible installation of OpenWrt plugins.
- 【VPN CLIENT & SERVER】OpenVPN and WireGuard are pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers (active subscription required). Simply log in to your existing VPN account with our portable wifi device, and Slate 7 automatically encrypts all network traffic within the connected network. Max. VPN speed of 100 Mbps (OpenVPN); 540 Mbps (WireGuard). *Speed tests are conducted on a local network. Real-world speeds may differ depending on your network configuration.*
- 【PERFECT PORTABLE WIFI ROUTER FOR TRAVEL】The Slate 7 is an ideal portable internet device perfect for international travel. With its mini size and travel-friendly features, the pocket Wi-Fi router is the perfect companion for travelers in need of a secure internet connectivity on the go in which includes hotels or cruise ships.
Troubleshoot a service that still does not work
- Confirm the VPN connection. Make sure the app reports that it is connected to the intended US location.
- Check the apparent public IP. Use an IP-check service to see whether your connection appears to be in the United States.
- Reopen the site or app. Close and reopen it after connecting, then test again.
- Check the service’s own requirements. Look at its terms and support guidance for account-country, payment, GPS, DNS, app-store region, or device restrictions. There is no universal fix if the service rejects a connection.
How to compare providers
Before choosing, compare the details that affect your use case rather than relying on server counts or broad claims of compatibility:
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- Device support: Confirm that the provider has an app for your phone or computer, or that its Smart DNS instructions cover your TV or console.
- Location control: Check whether you can select only the US, a city, or another location level that you actually need.
- Privacy and encryption: Understand what the VPN encrypts and read its privacy and logging policy. Smart DNS does not provide the same VPN tunnel.
- Endpoint type: Decide whether a standard VPN endpoint is sufficient or whether a dedicated or provider-described residential endpoint is relevant.
- Service compatibility and terms: Check the site or app’s rules and requirements; no provider’s US location guarantees acceptance.
- Price and renewal: Verify the current price, trial conditions, renewal schedule, device limit, and cancellation terms directly with the provider.
NordVPN’s US page reported over 2,438 US servers when accessed in 2026. That is a volatile provider-reported figure, not an independent comparison or proof of better speed. The cited provider pages do not establish an apples-to-apples speed winner.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【AXT1800 WiFi 6 Wireless Router】Slate AX offers powerful Wi-Fi 6 network connection with a dual-band combined Wi-Fi speed of 1800 Mbps (600 Mbps for 2.4GHz and 1200 Mbps for 5GHz). Enhance Wi-Fi performance with MU-MIMO, OFDMA, BSS color and able to connect to up to 120 devices simultaneously.
- 【Fast and Secure Browsing】IPv6 supported; OpenVPN & WireGuard pre-installed, compatible with 30+ VPN service providers, OpenVPN speed up to 500 Mbps; WireGuard speed up to 550 Mbps. Cloudflare encryption supported to protect the privacy.
- 【Easy File Sharing】Our NAS feature supports SAMBA and WebDav protocol. By plugging an external USB hard disc into the router, you can create a private network to store and share your documents.
- 【Runs on OpenWrt 21.02】Slate AX runs on the latest OpenWrt 21.02 operating system (Kernel version 4.4.60), with mass device connection capabilities, and significantly reduced signal interference. You can customize the router and install applications based on your preferences.
- 【Repeater for Public, Hotel WiFi】Convert a public network(wired/wireless) to a private network(wired/wireless) for secure surfing. Work with Captive Portal. (Note: Most of the Free Public Wi-Fi hotspot set a time limit for users, which will disconnect your devices once the time is over. To deal with this situation, please reconnect your router to the wifi.)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
