Best Ohio VPN to Bypass Age Verification 2025

Last updated: 2025/10/02 at 11:35 AM

News Room Published 2 October 2025

Comprehend the essential role a VPN plays in safeguarding your digital life
Gain a deep understanding of how VPNs function under the hood
Develop the ability to distinguish fact from fiction in VPN promotions

VPN Hands-On Testing

To see how each VPN performs, I combined real-world use with structured lab tests. Read on to get a complete picture of what you can expect from my recommended Ohio VPNs.

Speed Test Comparison

(Higher is better) (Higher is better) (Lower is better)

NordVPN is the fastest VPN in regular tests, but both Surfshark and ExpressVPN provide excellent speeds for local and long-distance connections.

Server Networks & Coverage

Servers	Countries	Strengths	Geography
Over 8,200	127	Over 2,800 U.S. servers; specialty servers (P2P, double VPN)	Global; very strong in North America & Europe
Over 3,200	100	10 Gbps, RAM-only servers worldwide	Global coverage across 6 continents
Thousands*	105	Servers in all 50 U.S. states	Global network with comprehensive U.S. coverage

*Undisclosed

NordVPN has the largest global network and deep U.S. coverage, but ExpressVPN stands out as the only VPN offering servers in all 50 states.

Streaming Unblocking Results

Security & Privacy Analysis

Protocol	Encryption	Logs Policy
NordLynx, NordWhisper, OpenVPN	ChaCha20, AES-256	Zero logs, audited
WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2	ChaCha20, AES-256	Zero logs, audited
Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2	ChaCha20, AES-256, Camellia	Zero logs, audited

All three VPNs have strong encryption and protocols for speed and security, and each uses proprietary DNS servers to avoid leaks.

1. NordVPN — Best VPN for Smooth Streaming and Online Privacy

Try NordVPN risk-free for 30 days.

Pros:

Widespread global network
Excellent streaming performance
Independently audited zero-logs policy

Cons:

Desktop apps feel cluttered
Requires some manual setup

NordVPN’s smooth streaming across platforms and high-quality privacy protections make it ideal for use in Ohio. It’s reliably fast and has a trustworthy zero-logs policy, which works well for Ohio residents who value unrestricted, private access to content.

What Makes NordVPN Special

With a user-friendly app and near-instant connections, NordVPN is effortless to use. It’s consistently fast and has a proven record of unblocking streaming platforms, as well as avoiding network restrictions. Plus, it’s passed five independent audits to guarantee that your online activity is never tracked or stored.

When to Choose NordVPN

NordVPN is a smart choice if you want streaming power and strong privacy at a good price. It’s slightly more expensive than Surfshark, but you’re paying for a huge global network and impressive security. Plus, you can try NordVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Find out more in our NordVPN review.

Basic

**VAT may apply
Unlimited GB
10
Yes

Plus

*The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
Unlimited GB
10
Yes

Complete

*The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
Unlimited GB
10
Yes

Prime

**The prices are applicable only for the first 24 months. Secure, high-speed VPN Threat Protection Pro™: Anti-malware and advanced browsing protection Threat Protection Pro™: Ad and tracker blocker Password manager with Data Breach Scanner 1 TB of encrypted cloud storage Identity and SSN monitoring and alerts Credit monitoring services Up to $1M in identity theft insurance Up to $100K in cyber extortion insurance
10

2. Surfshark — Best Low-Cost Ohio VPN

ohio vpn surfshark — Surfshark is a budget option with plenty of U.S. servers.

Subscribe for as little as $1.99 per month.

Pros:

Reliable streaming access
Affordable long-term plans
Unlimited simultaneous connections

Cons:

Expensive monthly plans
Struggles with high latency

Surfshark is a top cheap VPN for Ohio with solid speeds, reliable streaming connections and support for unlimited devices.

What Makes Surfshark Special

You’ll find that Surfshark packs in a lot of features at a budget price, from unlimited devices and CleanWeb ad-blocking to split tunneling and MultiHop connections. The apps are also easy to use despite seeming a bit cluttered at first glance.

ohio vpn surfshark features — Surfshark has plenty of configurable settings and extra features.

When to Choose Surfshark

Surfshark is a top choice if you want strong security and access to streaming content at a low price point. It’s cheaper than NordVPN and ExpressVPN, so it’s a smart pick if you want premium features on a budget. You can try Surfshark for 30 days risk-free, or find out more in our Surfshark review.

Surfshark Starter

Unlimited GB bandwidth, Unlimited devices, Secure VPN, Ad blocker, Cookie pop-up blocker. Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
Unlimited GB
Unlimited
Yes

Surfshark One

Everything in Starter, plus Antivirus protection, Identity protection, Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts, Online Alias Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
Unlimited GB
Unlimited

Surfshark One+

Everything in One, plus Data removal Pricing for the annual and biennial plans only apply for the first payment. Renewal fees vary.
Unlimited GB
Unlimited

3. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for US Server Coverage

ohio vpn expressvpn — ExpressVPN has an impressive U.S. server network.

Try ExpressVPN with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

Consistently fast speeds
Servers in all 50 U.S. states
RAM-only servers don’t log data

Cons:

Expensive monthly plans
Few configurable features

ExpressVPN’s U.S. server locations ensure that you can find a connection near Ohio for fast, smooth streaming and unrestricted access to your content.

What Makes ExpressVPN Special

The proprietary Lightway protocol delivers reliably fast speeds on local and long-distance servers, ensuring smooth streaming. The apps have a user-friendly interface, but they’re a little lacking in configurable options.

ohio vpn expressvpn ease of use — ExpressVPN is easy to configure, even for beginners.

When to Choose ExpressVPN

Pick ExpressVPN when you need comprehensive U.S. coverage and high-quality streaming performance — and you’re prepared to pay a little extra for it. Rest assured, you can use its 30-day money-back guarantee to test ExpressVPN risk-free. Read more in our ExpressVPN review.

ExpressVPN Basic

Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
Unlimited GB
10
Yes

ExpressVPN Advanced

Advanced Protection, ExpressVPN Keys, 3 days unlimited eSIM data, Identity Monitoring, IDP Insurance, Credit Monitoring, 25-50% off on Aircove Router Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
Unlimited GB
12

ExpressVPN Pro

Everything on the Advanced Plan, Credit Monthly Report, Data Removal, 50-75% off on Aircove Router Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
Unlimited GB
14

Can You Use a Free VPN for Ohio?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for Ohio, but most come with trade-offs that affect your internet connection and privacy. Free services offer limited VPN protocols and speeds, and they may log your activity. If your goal is to access local content while protecting your data, a paid provider is a better choice. Take a look at our best free VPNs article for more details.

How to Use a VPN to Get Around Ohio Age Verification

You can use a VPN to hide your Ohio IP address and avoid handing over your personal details. Here’s how to do it using my top choice, NordVPN.

Download & Install
Get your chosen VPN from the official website or app store, and download it to your device
Connect to an Optimal Server
Choose a nearby server outside of Ohio where your chosen content is available.
Start Browsing Freely
Visit sites and services without having to hand over your personal data.

Methodology: Testing Framework for VPNs & How You Choose

To recommend the best Ohio VPNs, I followed a structured testing framework to look at speeds, security and overall reliability. Each provider is tested using the same criteria for fair comparisons and trustworthy results.

Speed & Location Testing

Why this matters: A VPN that slows down your internet significantly isn’t useful, even if it’s very secure. Speed is important for smooth streaming, plus activities like online gaming and video calls.
How we test: I run multiple speed tests at different times of day on U.S. and international connections to identify peak performance times and speed consistency.
What to look for: Providers that deliver stable speeds with minimal slowdowns compared to your baseline connection.

Security Audit & Verification

Why this matters: Strong encryption and proven zero-logs policies keep your data and online activity secure and private.
How we test: I verify the available protocols, check the encryption standards, and run DNS and IP leak tests. I also read and review third-party audits for each VPN.
What to look for: Services with AES-256 or equivalent encryption, modern protocols like WireGuard and independently audited no-logs policies.

Streaming & Unblocking Capability

Why this matters: A VPN that consistently unblocks restricted sites and streaming platforms ensures that you can maintain access to services that may be unavailable in Ohio.
How we test: I test different servers with platforms like Netflix and Disney+ — along with sites that will be affected by Ohio’s age verification law — to confirm that access is available.
What to look for: A VPN that works reliably with popular streaming platforms and services under stricter access rules.

Final Thoughts: Use a VPN to Get an IP Address Outside Ohio

The best VPN services give Ohio residents enhanced security, a range of server locations and the option to choose a virtual location that best suits your needs. Whether your focus is streaming, online privacy or just browsing, providers like NordVPN deliver reliable performance and security.

What matters most to you when choosing a VPN service? Do you want to access local content or sites in other countries? Would you trust a free VPN to protect your personal data when accessing restricted sites? Let us know in the comments, and thanks for reading.

FAQ: VPN Services for Ohio Residents

Yes, a VPN can make it appear as though you’re connecting from another location, which could potentially help you avoid online restrictions set by specific states.
ExpressVPN has servers in all 50 U.S. states and Washington, D.C
The police typically can’t track your online activity through a VPN if it follows a strict no-logs policy. However, investigators could still obtain data through court orders or by targeting websites you visit, so no VPN offers complete anonymity.

Key Takeaways: These Are the Best VPNs for Ohio

NordVPN — Best balance of speed, security and privacy. Try NordVPN risk-free for 30 days.
Surfshark — Affordable and feature-rich, with plans starting at $1.99 per month.
ExpressVPN — Offers servers in all 50 U.S. states and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Facts & Expert Analysis: Ohio’s Age Verification Law

Adult content platforms must verify users’ ages before granting access: The Ohio law applies to any site hosting content considered “obscene or harmful to juveniles.”
Sites must use geofencing to block Ohio IP addresses: It’s up to the websites to detect when a visitor is in Ohio and deny access until age verification is complete.
Critics warn that this law raises privacy and free speech concerns: The requirement to submit personal data or payment details creates risks of data breaches or misuse.

Ohio’s age verification law is set to change how millions of residents access certain websites, raising concerns about privacy and data security. Using an Ohio VPN (virtual private network) can help protect personal data and your browsing activity.

Being a Cloudwards VPN writer, I’ll show you how a VPN can get around geoblocks and suggest the best VPNs for the job. For a broader look at the top providers, take a look at our list of the best VPNs.

Why You Need a VPN for Ohio

You need a VPN for Ohio because VPN encryption shields your online activity from prying eyes. Additionally, VPN lets you connect to servers outside of Ohio, which could help you avoid age checks while keeping your data safe. With a new law requiring identity checks for certain sites, many Ohio residents are worried about handing over personal data that could be stolen or misused.

What Is Ohio’s Age Verification Law: Explained

The Ohio law requires websites that host adult content — or material deemed “harmful to juveniles” — to verify that visitors are 18 or older. These checks must be repeated every two years, and platforms must block access for Ohio IP addresses until verification is complete.

The law went into effect on Sept. 30, 2025.

This law has sparked debate as it shifts the responsibility onto users and requires them to hand over sensitive data, raising questions about privacy and digital security. Even if the intent is to protect minors from harmful material, the risk of identity theft or data misuse is a concern for those living in or visiting Ohio.

What Types of Sites Are Affected?

The law applies to websites that provide content deemed “obscene” or “harmful to juveniles.” This covers primarily adult content platforms, but other site categories could be interpreted as hosting said content.

Examples:

Adult entertainment sites: Platforms like Pornhub, xHamster and OnlyFans.
Explicit forums or communities: Subreddits hosted on Reddit or Discord communities that feature adult content.
Some niche content providers: Sites that host erotic literature or fetish content, like Literotica or Bellesa.

How Do Sites Conduct Age Checks?

Sites typically rely on third-party verification tools that check information from government-issued ID, like a driver’s license or passport, or credit card details. Some services can confirm age through mobile carriers, AI facial scans or government databases.

For privacy-conscious users, the main concern is that this data won’t be handled securely. Sites and services promise that your data won’t be stored by third-party tools, but it’s difficult to gauge how accurate that is. If data is stored, it could be tied to user activity and potentially be exposed in a breach.

Cloudwards’ VPN Choice: NordVPN

Cloudwards’ VPN Choice: NordVPN

Kate Hawkins is a Cloudwards expert in VPNs and online security.

I’ve used NordVPN for years as I can rely on it to provide secure and private connections for all of my online activities. It takes only a couple of seconds to connect to a server, and I can rest assured that my online viewing and my personal data are safe and anonymous. You can try NordVPN for yourself risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Top 3 Best Ohio VPNs — Quick Comparison

Here’s a look at the top Ohio VPNs to see how they compare side by side:

Comprehend the essential role a VPN plays in safeguarding your digital life
Gain a deep understanding of how VPNs function under the hood
Develop the ability to distinguish fact from fiction in VPN promotions

VPN Hands-On Testing

To see how each VPN performs, I combined real-world use with structured lab tests. Read on to get a complete picture of what you can expect from my recommended Ohio VPNs.