We earn commissions using affiliate links.
Companies throughout Cleveland such as cafés and restaurants provide their guests with access to free Wi-Fi. This can be beneficial if you are traveling, so that you should not need to make use of expensive international data services.
However, free Wi-Fi networks are unsecured and unencrypted, putting users in danger of hacking from criminals. This is why you need a fast Cleveland VPN and IP when visiting Ohio and this state, to stay secure when being online.
1. Best Cleveland VPN in December 2023
While in Cleveland on business or holiday, you can use a VPN to secure your information. The following VPNs have been named the five best VPNs to use in Cleveland:
1.1 NordVPN – Best Overall Cleveland VPN
NordVPN has an extensive network, with more than 5000 servers located in 59 countries around the world. It is one of the best, most trustworthy VPNs to use when in Cleveland. This extensive network helps ensure that you get some of the fastest internet speeds. This VPN has you covered in all aspects. It keeps your IP address and other browsing information private and allows you access to a wide range of streaming services.
Traveling abroad may prevent you from having access to your favorite sports match or event. Thankfully, NordVPN provides access to sporting channels that would otherwise be blocked in Cleveland.
Another thing to note about NordVPN is its high level of security. It employs a “double VPN” function that adds another layer of security and gives you six simultaneous connections with a 30-day money-back guarantee, and even a seven-day trial period. Plans are also affordable.
1.2 ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for Cleveland
ExpressVPN has claimed the title of one of the best VPNs on the market currently. It has extensive coverage with more than 3000 servers in over 90 countries worldwide and employs military-grade security to keep its users’ information secure. It uses RAM-only servers, so you never have to worry about your activity logs being stored.
This VPN makes use of AES-256 type encryption, and an internet kill-switch to protect your information even if you lose VPN connectivity. ExpressVPN has a feature called Lightway Tunneling that prevents any drop in speed. That means that even if you do not have access to a fast internet connection where you are, your internet speed should still be good wherever you are. This is a bonus, especially for those who travel a lot.
With MediaStreamer, you have access to a large range of video streaming services. A list of these video streaming and other services that Express VPN offers, can be found on the company’s website. There are so many advantages to using this VPN, the only disadvantage is that subscriptions can be pricey.
1.3 IPVanish – Cleveland VPN With Many Locations
IPVanish is an excellent choice of VPN choice for surfing the internet safely in the United States. With servers in every continent worldwide except Antarctica, you are guaranteed to get great speed and connectivity.
This VPN has been around for eight years and has become one of the leading VPNs in the world. Their prices are reasonable, with a monthly fee of 4.87 dollars on a yearly plan. They also give you a seven-day money-back guarantee.
1.4 Private Internet Access VPN – Best Budget VPN for Cleveland
Private Internet Access makes accessing your favorite shows and sporting events easy, with servers in over 70 countries and several plans to choose from. With this VPN, you get ten connections and incredible privacy, as PIA employs a no-log policy.
You get superior security with this VPN as it is focused on preventing IP leaks, and has Internet Kill Switch protection to keep its users safe. It makes use of SOCKS5 protocols to make traffic less detectable.
It also employs WireGuard protocol to block pop-up advertisements and prevent any third party from hacking into your computer’s software to access your data, or cause harm to your computer. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Another thing that sets PIA apart from other VPNs is that you get a full 30-day trial period to try this VPN on for size, while other VPNs only offer a trial period of seven days.
Private Internet Access Review
1.5 PureVPN – Secure VPN for Cleveland
PureVPN is another great choice for a VPN if you are in Cleveland. It has a wide range of coverage, with servers in over 180 locations. This means that it can give you fast, secure connections and access to many streaming services that help keep you up to date with your latest series despite a change in your location.
It also has split tunneling, and great customer service. You get a seven-day trial period, and 10 simultaneous connections per subscription. PureVPN has become a trusted name, having been in operation since 2007.
An advantage to choosing PureVPN is the prices. You can get dedicated IPs for only 2.99 dollars if you are in Cleveland, or anywhere else in the United States. The only disadvantage is that monthly plans can be expensive, and there have been a few reports of a poor connection.
2. Cyber Security and VPNs in Cleveland
When traveling to Cleveland, you have access to many free Wi-Fi networks at cafés, restaurants, and shopping malls. The great thing about readily available free Wi-Fi is that it gives you access to social media platforms, gaming, emails, and the like. However, with free Wi-Fi comes a host of dangers.
Free Wi-Fi servers are open servers that have little to no security, or encryption in place to keep your sensitive information safe. In 2015, more than 594,000,000 people were victims of cybercrime. 21 percent of those people had their emails hacked, and 12 percent had financial information stolen. Therefore, it is so important to make use of a VPN while traveling to ensure that you do not fall prey to cybercrime.
VPNs or virtual private networks are tunneling protocols that help to keep your IP address, browser history, passwords, banking information, and the like safe. They also block harmful ads, protect your devices against viruses, remove suspicious links, and detect malware.
Safety is not the only reason to invest in a monthly VPN subscription. VPNs also help you gain access to content that may otherwise be blocked in the city or country you are currently in. Roobet for example is an online casino that is inaccessible in Cleveland due to restrictions placed on the site by the United States. However, if you are in Cleveland and would like to gamble on Roobet, you can access the site through a VPN.
All you need to do to get past geo-restrictions is to connect to a server in a country where that content or website is accessible. The VPN essentially tricks the website or software into believing that you are in a different location, and grants you access.
3 How to Connect to a VPN in Cleveland
You can connect to a VPN of choice in Cleveland from a mobile device or computer to secure your information and get around geo-restrictions by following these steps.
- Go to the website of the VPN you have chosen. Click on “Sign Up” and follow the prompts to create your account.
- Download the application for the respective VPN on your computer or mobile device.
- Once you have launched the application, enter your log-in details.
- The VPN then connects your device to the nearest server to ensure that you are getting the best speed and connectivity. If there are any issues with connection or speed, the application should suggest connecting to another server.
- If you are connecting to a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions, you need to connect to a server located in a country where the website or streaming service is not restricted. You can do this by searching for servers in that location on the application. Most VPNs have handy guides and a list of their servers with their respective locations online.
Customer services are always available if you are having any difficulties with connecting to a server. Most VPNs offer a 24-hour chat service that answers common questions. They also have guides online to help you with any concerns you may have.
4 Final Thoughts on Using VPNs in Cleveland
Cleveland is a city located on the southern shore of Lake Erie in the state of Ohio in the United States. It offers many benefits of a first-world country, including access to free Wi-Fi in almost all its public spaces. While this may sound like a great thing, it can be dangerous, and put you at risk of cybercrime.
However, choosing to use a VPN while surfing the net via free Wi-Fi connections keep you safe by encrypting and securing your connection to prevent any attacks from cybercriminals. Currently, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, IPVanish, Private Internet Access, and PureVPN are among the most trusted and reliable VPNs to use when traveling, or holidaying in Cleveland.
Learn how to stay safe online in this free 34-page eBook.
