“Hide IP.” It’s code for someone saying, “ hide my IP so I can stay under the radar on the Internet.” Actually, it’s short for “I don’t want anyone to know my real IP.”
Whether you know all about IP addresses or not much at all, this page is the right place to be. We’re not going to get very technical at all, so don’t fret. On that note, if you’re want some details, check out our article on the IP address basics. That article too is straightforward and written for everyone. We’re going to quickly cover four ways to hide your IP address. Those four ways are: (details
- Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) (simple easy to use and likely the best option for most).
- Use the Torbrowser
- Use a proxyserver
- Use public Wi-Fi. (not available everywhere and likely not safe but free to use)
Let’s talk about what you might really want to know first. That is:
Borrow a different IP address to go anywhere online and stay hidden.
The reasons why you might want to mask your IP address may include: Hiding your geographical location, preventing Web tracking, avoiding a digital footprint, or bypassing any content filters, bans, or blacklisting.
There are a few ways to hide your IP address…that unique number assigned to the network connection on the computer.
Four ways to hide your IP address:
OPTION 1 – Use a VPN Service – The Best Way
Sign up with these services and when you go online, you’ll be showing the world a different IP address…one that’s on loan from the service you’re using.
There are many more advantages to using a personal VPN service over a proxy such as high-speed bandwidth, usability, a secure connection, private access to blocked sites, and the ability to choose the country and city where you appear to be.
There are hundreds of VPN companies you could choose from…many of them shady or poor quality.
Guess what?
We have reviewed and recommend the following best VPN services:
OPTION 2 – Use the Tor Browser – The Slowest Choice
People from all over the world use Tor to search and buy products and communicate with others with restricted Internet access, such as what exists in some foreign countries.
The Tor Browser (like Chrome, Firefox, or Safari) is a free software program that you download onto your computer that conceals your IP address every time you go online anonymously. This free process is layered with heavy-duty encryption, which means your data is layered with security and privacy protection.
OPTION 3 – Use a Proxy Server – The Riskiest Method
A Proxy Server (sometimes called an “open proxy” or just “proxies”) can be used to re-route your browser (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, or Edge) around a company or school content filters.
There are risks involved in using free proxies to mask your IP address: Many will slow down your internet connection, some are run on compromised machines, and may not be legal in some countries.
A safer solution is to use proxies managed by a company such as Smartproxy, one of the best residential proxy solution providers.
OPTION 4 – Use Public WiFi – The Long Distance Way
An IP address doesn’t travel with you. So if you simply go to a coffee shop, bookstore, or hotel lobby and tap into their WiFi, you will temporarily hide your usual IP address. How so? You’ll be using their network’s IP address for as long as you’re online.
Try it out. First, click view my ip to see your current IP address, and then visit any place with free WiFi, log in to their Internet and check it again.
However, if you don’t use a VPN, your Internet activity is at risk of being spied on or intercepted by a bad guy without your knowing it.
How likely is that?
Who knows! But don’t make online purchases or check your bank account while drinking your Grande Espresso.
Compare VPN Service Providers
VPN services offer up different “gateway” cities, allowing you to choose where the IP address assigned to your computer is located. This allows you to access websites typically only available to users from that country. It also allows you to access websites that may be blocked/censored in your own country. This application is particularly important for travelers who need to access websites from their home country, as well as for people living in regions rife with Internet censorship, such as China and Iran.
FreeServerMonitor.com has compiled a list of VPN service providers. Click on the logo or name to visit their site to learn more about the services they provide.
| Provider | Countries | Devices | P2P | |
| NordVPN | 59 | 6 | Yes | Check Prices |
| ExpressVPN | 94 | 5 | Yes | Check Prices |
| Private Internet Access | 77 | 10 | Yes | Check Prices |
| Surfshark | 80 | Unlimited | Yes | Check Prices |
| PureVPN | 141 | 5 | Some | Check Prices |
| ProtonVPN | 54 | 10 | Yes | Check Prices |
| IP Vanish | 60 | 5 | Yes | Check Prices |
| Hide My Ass | 290 | 5 | Yes | Check Prices |
| Hotspot Shield | 80 | 5 | Yes | Check Prices |
| Tunnel Bear | 26 | 5 | No | Check Prices |
| StrongVPN | 30 | 12 | Yes | Check Prices |
In conclusion…
Use a VPN service for high-speed bandwidth, usability, a secure connection, private access to blocked sites, and the ability to choose the country and city where you appear to be.
Don’t know which VPN is right for you? Check out list of VPN provider below. If you want to save time then check out our review of Top 3 VPN providers.