Whether you're traveling and trying to watch Netflix, or you're facing ISP throttling, a VPN can significantly enhance your streaming experience. Not all VPNs are created equal, however, as some struggle with slow speeds or fail to unblock content effectively. Our rigorous speed and unblocking tests have pinpointed the best VPNs for streaming movies, TV shows, and even blacked-out live sports events.
TL;DR – These Are the Best VPNs for Streaming:
Our Top Pick### ExpressVPN
0See it at ExpressVPN
### NordVPN
0See it at NordVPN
### CyberGhost
0See it at CyberGhost
### Surfshark
0See it at Surfshark
### Proton VPN
0See it at Proton VPN
### IPVanish
0See it at IPVanish
### PrivateVPN
0See it at PrivateVPN
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet traffic, offering a layer of security. It also conceals your IP address, enabling anonymous browsing and streaming, and allows you to spoof your location. For instance, if you're abroad and want to access Hulu, you would connect to a US server to obtain a US IP address. The beauty of VPNs is their compatibility with a wide range of devices, from iPhones to PCs. Below, we've listed the best VPNs for streaming to help you enjoy your favorite content seamlessly.
ExpressVPN
Best VPN for Streaming
Our Top Pick### ExpressVPN
0Experience high-speed streaming with unlimited bandwidth and a 30-day money-back guarantee. See it at ExpressVPN
Product Specifications:
- Pricing: Starting from $4.99 per month
- Simultaneous connections: 8
- Servers: 3,000+
- Countries: 105
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV
Pros:
- Great speeds for streaming
- Smart DNS feature
Cons:
- More expensive
ExpressVPN is a trusted name in streaming, thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol, which offers fewer lines of code for enhanced performance. Our recent speed tests averaged 118 Mbps on ExpressVPN’s servers, surpassing Surfshark (104 Mbps) and IPVanish (84 Mbps). With over 3,000 servers across 105 countries, ExpressVPN successfully unblocks Netflix (multiple libraries), BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Its MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature also allows streaming on devices without VPN apps, like smart TVs or consoles. As a no-logs VPN with 256-bit AES encryption, it supports up to 8 simultaneous connections and provides round-the-clock support.
For a deeper dive into ExpressVPN, our detailed review explains why it's our top pick for streaming services.
NordVPN
Best VPN for Netflix
### NordVPN
0Benefit from a blend of speed, unblocking prowess, and top-notch security with NordVPN. See it at NordVPN
Product Specifications:
- Pricing: Starting from $3.39 per month
- Simultaneous connections: 10
- Servers: 6,000+
- Countries: 111
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV
Pros:
- Vast server network
- Audited no-logs policy
Cons:
- Suffered a data breach in 2018
NordVPN boasts an extensive network of over 6,000 servers in 111 countries, including 2,000 US servers, making it an excellent choice for accessing Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube TV. Its NordLynx protocol, based on WireGuard, ensures fast streaming with unlimited bandwidth. The Smart DNS feature, SmartPlay, enhances compatibility with various streaming platforms. NordVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections and offers a dedicated IP for an additional $3.69 per month. Operating from Panama with no mandatory data retention laws, its no-logs policy was independently audited by Deloitte in December 2023.
CyberGhost
Best VPN for Streaming While Traveling
### CyberGhost
0With a vast server network and gaming-optimized servers, CyberGhost is ideal for streaming on the go. See it at CyberGhost
Product Specifications:
- Pricing: Starting from $2.19 per month
- Simultaneous connections: 7
- Servers: 11,000+
- Countries: 100
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV
Pros:
- 2,000+ US servers
- Dedicated IP option
Cons:
- Fewer simultaneous connections
CyberGhost excels with its dedicated streaming servers optimized for platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Its network exceeds 11,000 servers in 100 countries, with significant presence in the US, Canada, and the UK. Utilizing the WireGuard protocol and unlimited bandwidth, CyberGhost delivers smooth streaming experiences. A dedicated IP is available for $2.50 per month, helping to avoid blacklisting. With high-end encryption and a no-logs policy, CyberGhost ensures your streaming sessions remain private and secure.
Surfshark
Best VPN for Streaming on Multiple Devices
### Surfshark
0An affordable VPN that prioritizes privacy with unlimited device connections. See it at Surfshark
Product Specifications:
- Pricing: Starting from $2.19 per month
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Servers: 3,000+
- Countries: 100
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV
Pros:
- Strong unblocking capabilities
- Unlimited devices
Cons:
- Frequent CAPTCHAs
Surfshark offers robust speeds and a generous server network, making it a cost-effective choice for streaming. It successfully unblocks multiple Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and Prime Video. Unlike many VPNs, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections across 3,000 servers in 100 countries, including 25 US cities. Its no-logs policy and 256-bit AES encryption ensure your streaming remains secure.
Proton VPN
Best VPN for Privacy
### Proton VPN
0Experience fast streaming speeds with a strong focus on privacy and security. See it at Proton VPN
Product Specifications:
- Pricing: Starting from $0 per month
- Simultaneous connections: 10
- Servers: 4,900+
- Countries: 85
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
Pros:
- Impressive speed
- Genuine no-logs policy
Cons:
- Requires email for signup
Proton VPN has significantly expanded its network to over 4,900 servers in 85 countries, making it an excellent choice for bypassing geographic restrictions. It supports streaming on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ with the WireGuard protocol and VPN Accelerator feature, offering some of the fastest speeds available. Proton VPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections and includes additional features like an ad blocker and Secure Core servers for enhanced privacy, though the latter isn't recommended for streaming. Its transparent no-logs policy has been independently audited.
IPVanish
Best Budget VPN for Streaming
### IPVanish
0Enjoy high speeds and unlimited bandwidth for seamless streaming and gaming. See it at IPVanish
Product Specifications:
- Pricing: Starting from $2.19 per month
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Servers: 2,400+
- Countries: 50
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV
Pros:
- Search server ping and load
- Highly affordable
Cons:
- Not the best customer support
IPVanish has enhanced its offerings with over 2,400 servers, including 1,400 in the US, and the implementation of WireGuard. This makes it suitable for streaming services like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. With a global average speed of 84 Mbps in our tests, IPVanish is impressive for its price point. It's easy to find a suitable server for streaming due to its in-app server ping and load display. IPVanish secures your data with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and threat protection, all while maintaining a no-logs policy.
PrivateVPN
Best Beginner VPN for Streaming
### PrivateVPN
0Experience respectable speeds for high-resolution streaming with user-friendly apps. See it at PrivateVPN
Product Specifications:
- Pricing: Starting from $2.00 per month
- Simultaneous connections: 10
- Servers: 200+
- Countries: 63
- Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV
Pros:
- Works with many streaming services
- Unrivaled customer support
Cons:
- Very few servers
PrivateVPN may be lesser-known, but it excels in unblocking streaming sites due to its low profile. Despite its small network of around 200 servers across 63 countries, it offers coverage in 12 US cities and three Canadian cities. PrivateVPN consistently unblocks services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and ITVX. Its speeds are more than adequate for high-resolution streaming, and its beginner-friendly apps and outstanding customer support, including direct access to developers, make setup a breeze. PrivateVPN maintains a no-logs policy and uses 256-bit AES encryption for secure streaming.
How to Pick the Best VPN for Streaming
The ability of a VPN to access a streaming platform can change unpredictably due to the ongoing battle between VPNs and streaming services. The best VPNs consistently unblock these services and maintain stable connections. Key considerations include:
- Servers worldwide (US and UK included)
- Fast and consistent connections
- Unblocks popular streaming services
- High-end encryption to keep data secure
- No collecting or storing of identifying logs
- Live chat and email support around the clock
How to Use the Best VPN for Streaming
Ready to start streaming with your chosen VPN? Follow these steps:
- Sign up with your preferred VPN provider.
- Download the app compatible with your device.
- Install the VPN app and log in.
- Connect to a server in the country of the streaming platform you want to access (e.g., a US server for Netflix US).
- Clear your cookies if the streaming site remembers your previous IP address.
Best VPNs for Streaming: FAQs
Will a VPN slow my streaming speed?
A VPN can slow your connection due to encryption and routing through a VPN server. However, the best VPNs for streaming use fast protocols like WireGuard, offer unlimited bandwidth, and have low-load servers to minimize any impact, ensuring lag-free streaming. In some cases, a VPN can even improve your speed if your ISP is throttling your connection.
Why isn’t my VPN working with Netflix?
If your VPN isn't working with Netflix, try clearing your browser's cookies to help Netflix recognize your new VPN IP address. Not all VPN IP addresses work with Netflix, so you may need to try multiple servers. If problems persist, contact your VPN's support for guidance on which servers might work best.
Can I use a free VPN for streaming?
Free VPNs often come with data caps, bandwidth throttling, and fewer servers, making them less reliable for streaming. They may also compromise on encryption and privacy by selling user data. Given the money-back guarantees offered by the streaming VPNs listed above, it's advisable to opt for a paid service for a more secure and enjoyable streaming experience.
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