Best Ohio VPN to Bypass Age Verification in 2025
This guide explains the new age verification law, outlines why a VPN is a great way to protect your data, and highlights the best Ohio VPN services for privacy and streaming.
Written by Kate Hawkins (Editor, Writer)
Reviewed by Valentina Bravo (Managing Editor)
Last Updated:
All our content is written fully by humans; we do not publish AI writing. Learn more here.
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.
Cloudwards’ VPN Choice: NordVPN
Cloudwards’ VPN Choice: NordVPN
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:
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- Develop the ability to distinguish fact from fiction in VPN promotions
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- : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, JCB, UnionPay, Bitcoin, Ethereum, X-Coin
- : 10
- :
- :
- :
- :
- 2
- : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, Amazon Pay
- : Unlimited
- :
- :
- :
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- 3
- : PayPal, Credit card, Bitcoin, UnionPay, iDeal, Sofort, Giropay, Pixpay, Sepa Direct Debit
- : 8
- :
- :
- :
- :
Average speedDownload Speed183 MbpsUpload Speed27 MbpsLatency5 ms
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.
Server Networks & Coverage
| Service: | 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 |
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
| Service: | Pornhub | OnlyFans | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||
| ||||||
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All three providers reliably unblock major streaming services like Netflix and Disney+, and they also work for adult content sites like Pornhub and OnlyFans.
Security & Privacy Analysis
| Provider: | Protocol | Encryption | DNS Leaks | Kill Switch | 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
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.
- **VAT may apply
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- *The prices are shown only apply for the first 12 months.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
- **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
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.
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.
- 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
- 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
- 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
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.
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.
- Pricing for the annual and biennial plans applies only on the first year.
- Unlimited GB
- 10
- Yes
1-year plan + 3 months, 2-year plan + 4 months
- 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
- 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.
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.