Best VPN for AT&T in 2024

AT&T (ATT) is one of the largest U.S. internet service providers. However, if you're a subscriber to this ISP, you may want to consider getting a VPN for ATT to avoid intrusive monitoring and usage limitations.

AT&T is known for closely monitoring and controlling customers' internet speeds based on their online activities, whether streaming, gaming, or torrenting. As with many other ISPs, AT&T can also track your browsing history, which raises privacy concerns for anyone concerned about online security. What's worse, they can sell or use that data as they wish.

In this article, I’ll explore the best VPNs for AT&T customers and explain why these tools are essential for protecting your online experience. Plus, I’ll also examine AT&T's own VPN solution and discuss why it might be best to avoid it.

Top 5 best AT&T VPNs: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   The overall best VPN for AT&T
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Affordable and secure AT&T VPN
   9.5
3. PrivateVPN

   Versatile AT&T VPN
   8.7
4. Bitdefender VPN

   High-performance VPN for AT&T
   8.2
5. CyberGhost VPN

   AT&T VPN with a large server network
   8.9

Why do you need to set up a VPN for AT&T?

Setting up a VPN with AT&T is essential for safeguarding your online privacy. AT&T can legally collect and sell your data to advertisers, putting your online privacy at risk. This practice became more prominent after Congress, under the Trump administration in 2017, repealed regulations that would have required ISPs to obtain explicit consent from users before selling their data. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) introduced these regulations originally to protect user privacy, but they were overturned for ISPs like AT&T to collect and sell browsing history, app usage, location data, and more without users' consent.

For those interested in P2P activities, a VPN is crucial, as AT&T prohibits torrenting on its network. Without a VPN, users risk copyright notices, connection blocks, or even potential fines from copyright holders if AT&T reports their activity. Additionally, AT&T is known for ISP bandwidth throttles, limiting speeds based on what you're doing online or your plan type.

Luckily, with a reliable VPN, AT&T can’t throttle your internet speed since it effectively hides your traffic. This allows you to connect to servers worldwide, giving you access to geo-blocked streaming content and ensuring a smoother online gaming experience. For example, using a VPN with AT&T has been a game-changer for my time in Final Fantasy XIV, significantly enhancing my gameplay and overall enjoyment.

Best VPNs for AT&T: overview

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for AT&T
2. Surfshark – VPN for AT&T with unlimited connections
3. PrivateVPN – security-focused VPN for AT&T
4. Bitdefender VPN - online anonymity with VPN for AT&T
5. CyberGhost – cheap and versatile AT&T VPN

I tested 18 of the most reputable VPN providers to find the best VPN for AT&T, and I found that NordVPN, Surfshark, and PrivateVPN work best with AT&T by preventing throttling of your internet speed while also protecting your browsing history from prying eyes.

My goal was to ensure they offered solid virtual protection, and I looked closely at their security features, encryption strength, and ability to block ISP tracking. I also reviewed their no-log policies, audit histories, and the jurisdictions they operate in to gauge their commitment to privacy. Other key factors, like global server coverage, bonus features, and the ability to bypass geo-restrictions, helped determine the ranking.

1. NordVPN – the ultimate VPN for AT&T

NordVPN stands out as the top choice for an AT&T VPN, offering excellent coverage and impressive speeds without overpromising. It provides the key features to protect your privacy and security while using AT&T's network.

With NordVPN, you can access over 6900 RAM-only servers across 113+ countries, including 1,970 servers in the US, making it easy to connect to nearby locations at fast-lightening speeds. Its user-friendly interface simplifies server selection. The NordLynx tunneling protocol is incredibly fast, so long load times are not an issue. NordVPN's commitment to privacy is also clear, with an independently audited no-logs policy that guarantees no tracking of my online activity. I also know AT&T cannot monitor my browsing habits with AES-256 encryption.

If you're still considering NordVPN, they offer a great deal—claim a 74% discount on your subscription with a NordVPN coupon. You can also test it risk-free with a 7-day trial via the Google Play Store, and there's always a 30-day money-back guarantee if things don’t work out.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – fast and safe AT&T VPN

If you're seeking simultaneous protection for all your devices, Surfshark is an exceptional choice for an ATT VPN. This provider doesn't compromise on security features and offers a plethora of benefits at an affordable price.

Surfshark provides access to over 3200 RAM-only servers across 100+ countries, including 600+ servers in the US, ensuring a stable connection with AT&T. The high-speed WireGuard protocol makes streaming 4K videos and downloading files fast and smooth. I've also found Surfshark's ability to bypass geo-blocks useful for accessing content from around the world.

Surfshark guaranteed online privacy with an audited no-log policy. I especially liked the MultiHop feature, which added an extra layer of security by routing my connection through two servers with double AES-256 encryption. Camouflage and NoBorders modes are also valuable for hiding VPN traffic, even from AT&T. You can add Surfshark One, which includes features such as an antivirus, for a more comprehensive security suite.

If you want to test the waters, grab a Surfshark coupon for 86% savings with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a 7-day free trial by downloading Surfshark from the Google Play or Apple App Stores. This way, you can try Surfshark on all supported devices.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. Private VPN – ATT VPN with powerful security

PrivateVPN is a solid choice for AT&T users, offering strong security and reliable performance at an affordable price. With a strict zero-log policy, I can be confident that none of my online activities are tracked. PrivateVPN also supports popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max, so accessing my favorite content is easy.

While PrivateVPN has a small network of 200+ servers spread across 63 countries, the Stealth VPN feature effectively bypasses geo-blocks by disguising VPN traffic. SOCKS5 and Shadowsocks proxies provide fast and secure torrenting. PrivateVPN's standard IP servers differ from its dedicated IP servers in that dedicated IP servers allow you to keep a unique IP address just for you. This can be useful for activities requiring a consistent IP address. Still, its standard servers rotate IP addresses among multiple users so you remain anonymous.

PrivateVPN supports both OpenVPN and WireGuard tunneling protocols, providing flexibility based on your speed and security needs. WireGuard gave me speed retention of up to 11% in my tests. With AES-256 encryption, IP and DNS leak protection, and a reliable kill switch, my data was secure at all times when I tested it, even during unexpected connection drops.

PrivateVPN prices start as low as $2.00/month using an 85% off coupon, offering exceptional value for AT&T users. You can also try it risk-free with a 7-day trial, or if it's not enough, you'll have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of PrivateVPN, read our PrivateVPN review.

4. Bitdefender VPN – highly secure VPN for AT&T

Bitdefender Premium VPN is a solid choice for AT&T as it offers strong encryption, consistent speeds, and features that make browsing, streaming, and general online use safer. AT&T's network can be vulnerable to tracking, but Bitdefender’s no-logs policy ensures your data stays private. The company also operates out of Romania, which makes it outside of data-sharing agreements like Eyes alliance to feel more secure.

Bitdefender offers both a free and premium version. The free version has its limits, including a 200 MB daily data cap and no option to select server locations— insufficient for streaming or heavy usage. I tested the premium version and it unlocked access to 4000 servers in 50 countries, including 15 in the US. Whether I was connecting for speed or privacy, my download speeds hit 421 Mbps, and upload speeds reached 398 Mbps. Plus, I could stream Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Max on any Android, Windows, iOS, and macOS device.

Bitdefender's AES-256 encryption ensures secure data protection, while its SHA-256 hashing algorithm verifies data integrity by creating a unique "fingerprint" to prevent tampering. I also liked the built-in ad and tracker blocker, which kept annoying ads at bay, and the App Traffic Optimizer helped manage bandwidth for smoother experiences. The kill switch ensured I wouldn't be exposed during connection drops, and the Double Hop feature gave me extra privacy by routing me through two servers.

Bitdefender Premium VPN costs just $2.92 per month, offering excellent value for the wide range of features it provides. Also, you can try it risk-free with a 7-day free trial to see if it meets your needs. On top of that, there's a 30-day money-back guarantee, giving you a full month to experience its benefits while knowing you can get a refund if you're not completely satisfied.

For a deeper investigation of Bitdefender VPN, read our Bitdefender VPN review.

5. CyberGhost – AT&T VPN with a large number of servers

CyberGhost is a great choice for streaming, torrenting, and online gaming on AT&T. It provides fast speeds using the WireGuard protocol, ensuring a secure and smooth experience with robust encryption and an always-on kill switch. As well as being based in privacy-friendly Romania, CyberGhost upholds a strict no-logs policy. It has been independently audited by Deloitte in 2022 and again in May 2024, ensuring your online privacy is fully protected.

Using CyberGhost, I was able to access Hulu, DAZN and Amazon Prime Video without any difficulties because there are over 11700 servers in 100 countries. I could even set up dedicated servers for gaming, P2P file-sharing, and streaming, allowing me to optimize my performance for each activity.

Setting up CyberGhost on my devices was simple—it worked seamlessly across all major platforms, including Android TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick. It’s possible to configure your router to cover all your connections if you don't think the 7-device limit is enough.However, Apple devices lack certain features available on other platforms, such as Windows and Android.

CyberGhost is budget-friendly, especially when you can get it at an 83% discount through the best CyberGhost deals. There's no risk since the 45-day money-back guarantee is the longest in the industry and gives you plenty of time to get a refund should you choose to do so. Also, you can test it beforehand with the free 7-day trial available on iPhone and iOS.

For a deeper investigation of CyberGhost VPN, read our CyberGhost VPN review.

Comparing the top VPNs for AT&T

How I selected and tested these AT&T VPNs

I carefully tested against specific criteria before selecting the best VPN for ATT. If you’re considering conducting your own research, here are the main factors to look at:

• Guaranteed privacy. Opt for VPN providers with strict zero-logs policies, indicating their commitment to user privacy. The best providers operate outside the jurisdiction of the Fourteen Eyes alliance and undergo third-party audits for maximum transparency.
• Solid security. Look for VPNs that offer robust encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS leaks. These features shield your online activities from AT&T and other potential snoopers.
• Server networks. Choose a VPN that has servers all over the world and across the US. Consider options with advanced hardware configurations like bare-metal, RAM-only, or self-managed servers for enhanced security.
• High performance. I chose the fastest VPNs that ensure smooth streaming, minimal buffering, and fast browsing. Look for VPNs with modern tunneling protocols, such as WireGuard, to improve performance.
• Broad compatibility. A VPN should support multiple platforms, including popular operating systems and streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV Stick or Roku. Extra points for VPNs that you can manually configure on your router for full coverage for all devices in your household.
• Value for money. Choose a VPN that offers the features you need at an affordable price. Almost every provider on my list offers a money-back guarantee, giving you a risk-free opportunity to try out their services.

After extensive testing, I confidently recommend NordVPN as the best option for AT&T users. Not only does it excel at safeguarding my privacy with high-quality security features, but it also prevents AT&T from tracking and selling my data.

How to set up VPN on AT&T: a detailed guide

Setting up a VPN on the most popular devices is a quick and straightforward process, usually taking less than 5 minutes. Whether you're using a PC, smartphone, or other device that supports VPNs, the steps are almost identical. Here's what you need to do:

1. Select a reliable VPN provider that meets your privacy, speed, and security needs. I recommend NordVPN, now 74% off, due to its strong encryption, fast speeds, and ability to prevent AT&T's data throttling.
2. Choose a VPN plan, then download and install the VPN app on your AT&T devices, whether your smartphone, tablet, or computer.
3. Launch the VPN app and log in with your account details.
4. Select a server based on your needs, such as a server nearby for optimal speed. If you want to unblock geo-restricted content, connect to a server in the country where the content is available.
5. You can now enjoy unrestricted browsing, faster downloads, and better privacy!

Remember, a reliable VPN will not only hide your true IP address and browsing history from potential prying eyes, but will also improve your network connection. Since that AT&T throttles your internet speeds, concealing your online activities will let you browse freely with no unnecessary interruptions.

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What do I do if AT&T is not working with VPN?

A connection issue might be causing sluggish speeds or access issues with your ATT VPN. Don't panic – there are options you can try if AT&T is not working with your VPN. Here are potential causes and remedies for ATT VPN errors:

• Blocked or overcrowded servers. While AT&T doesn’t explicitly prohibit VPNs, you may encounter snags with restricted services or server congestion. The server IP address you’re using might be blocked by the website, or you could be connected to a server with excessive traffic. An immediate server hop should resolve the issue.
• Conflicting tunneling protocols. Certain VPN protocols work more effectively than others when combating ATT’s internet limitations. If you are unsure of which VPN client is right for you, experiment with different available options within it.
• Leaking IP addresses. VPNs can be disrupted by IP and DNS leaks that give away your location. Ensure that you haven’t accidentally disabled any security settings while adjusting your VPN configuration. Cleaning your internet cookies could also help.
• Outdated software. Always remember to update your VPN software as soon as a patch is available. Regular updates bring essential improvements, bug fixes, and overall security enhancements. Also, there may be a lack of compatibility with older versions.
• Corrupted TAP drivers. If you’ve tried setting up the VPN on an ATT-connected router, your routers’ TAP drivers might have become corrupted in the process. Refreshing them can often resolve the problem once you’ve removed the previous ones.

If these steps fail to resolve the issue, contact your VPN provider's customer support for further assistance. It's possible that the service you're using is no longer compatible with ATT, so you’ll need a reliable VPN for AT&T to avoid further complications.

Should I use a free VPN for AT&T?

You can use a free VPN for AT&T, but it’s not recommended. Free VPNs often compromise your privacy by collecting and selling your data to cover their operating costs. In AT&T’s case, you’d just be trading one form of data collection for another, defeating the purpose of using a VPN to protect your privacy. Paid VPNs, on the other hand, provide stronger encryption, no-logs policies, and better protection from AT&T’s data tracking practices, making them a much more reliable option.

However, most free or freemium VPNs are not suitable for network-intensive tasks, despite their transparency and honesty about their policies. Free VPNs often suffer from slow and unreliable connections or impose restrictive data caps.

Luckily, many top VPN providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee and free trials, allowing you to try their services essentially for free. This gives you an opportunity to assess their performance and determine if they meet your needs and expectations.

Try NordVPN risk-free

How to add a VPN to an AT&T router?

Installing a VPN on your home router is a great way to expand your VPN benefits to the whole household. It’s especially useful if your VPN doesn’t offer unlimited simultaneous connections or you own devices that don’t support VPNs directly. There might, however, be some roadblocks along the way.

The AT&T routers that are provided directly by AT&T actively block VPNs. The most likely reason is that AT&T is forcing people to use its proprietary AT&T ActiveArmor software, which has a built-in VPN. A VPN-compatible router with one of the best VPNs for routers would be the easiest solution in this situation.

Setting up your VPN will require some preparation. AT&T support suggests using DMZplus configuration to run third-party VPN apps, while some users on Reddit recommend switching your AT&T modem to "bridge mode." This disables its router functions, allowing you to connect your own VPN-compatible router easily.

Once your router is ready, the final step is installing VPN software. If you need more guidance, I recommend that you refer to a detailed step-by-step guide on how to set up a VPN on your router.

Is AT&T ActiveArmor good?

When I compared AT&T's ActiveArmor VPN with NordVPN, the differences were pretty striking, especially regarding privacy and price. AT&T's ActiveArmor is part of their broader security package, but it comes at a steep price, both financially and in terms of privacy. It’s more expensive than most mainstream VPNs like NordVPN, which is already a red flag for me. As far as I'm concerned, AT&T has access to your data and can use or resell it to third parties.

On the other hand, NordVPN is a well-known, security-focused service that doesn’t compromise privacy. Their prices are much more reasonable, and discounts frequently bring the cost down to around $2.99/month on longer plans, compared with AT&T's less transparent and higher pricing. Plus, NordVPN offers high-quality encryption, no logs, and excellent speed retention—key features I value for streaming or gaming.

In my experience, ActiveArmor is more like an ISP service with added "protection" but at the expense of your privacy. Meanwhile, NordVPN is a trusted VPN for AT&T that offers better control and transparency at a lower price point. Personally, I avoid services that limit my cybersecurity tool options, especially when they sell more expensive and less effective tools.

Bottom line

Using a VPN with AT&T stops AT&T from monitoring you and limiting your services as a result. Also, it protects you from other tracking and government surveillance by encrypting your internet traffic. This means your sensitive information is shielded from hackers, particularly on public Wi-Fi, thanks to CyberGhost’s encryption and IP cloaking that prevent tracking and unauthorized access.

Plus, a high-quality VPN not only allows you to bypass geo-restricted content but also improves connection speeds by preventing your ISP from throttling your bandwidth during high-usage activities like streaming or gaming.

After testing several options, NordVPN stood out as the best VPN for AT&T. Thanks to its NordLynx protocol, it offers top-notch privacy, excellent reliability, and impressive speeds. The combination of NordVPN and AT&T allows you to browse seamlessly, keep your data secure, and access more online content quickly and easily.

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FAQ

Does AT&T offer a VPN service?

AT&T offers a security feature called ActiveArmor, but it's not a full-fledged VPN. ActiveArmor focuses on network protection, helping to block fraud calls, detect security threats, and providing some basic privacy features. However, it doesn't encrypt your internet traffic or allow you to bypass geo-restrictions like a VPN does. If you're looking for more comprehensive protection, especially for privacy and unblocking content, I’d recommend a VPN like NordVPN.

What VPN works with AT&T?

I've tested that NordVPN works exceptionally well on AT&T. No matter whether you're using AT&T's home internet or mobile network, it's fast, reliable, and easy to set up. NordVPN's servers are optimized for speed, so even when streaming or gaming, you won't experience slowdowns. Plus, it has strong security features like encryption and a no-logs policy, which ensures your data stays private.

Does NordVPN work with AT&T?

Yes, NordVPN works perfectly with AT&T. With NordVPN, you can access geo-restricted content, secure your connection, and protect your privacy. Speeds are great, especially when using NordLynx, their custom protocol designed for high performance. Plus, it’s easy to set up on any device, and it won’t interfere with your AT&T connection.

How do I setup a VPN on AT&T?

You can set up NordVPN on AT&T by signing up for an account and downloading the app. After installation, log in with your credentials and select a server from NordVPN’s extensive list. Once connected, your internet traffic will be encrypted, giving you added privacy and security on AT&T's network. In just a few steps, you’ll have a secure, reliable VPN running on AT&T.

Can you put a VPN on an AT&T router?

Yes, you can put a VPN on some AT&T routers, but not all models support VPN configurations directly. If your router allows it, I recommend NordVPN for whole-home protection. When you use a VPN at the router level, you protect all your connected devices simultaneously. If your AT&T router doesn’t support VPNs, you can either use a VPN-compatible router or set up NordVPN on individual devices for easy protection.

Can AT&T know I downloaded a movie via VPN?

No, if you’re using a VPN like NordVPN, AT&T won’t know you downloaded a movie. When you connect to NordVPN, all of your internet traffic is encrypted. This means AT&T can only see that you’re connected to a VPN, not what you're doing. This is precisely why NordVPN keeps your data secure and hidden from your ISP.