Whether you're traveling abroad and trying to access your favorite shows on Netflix or dealing with ISP throttling, a VPN can be your ultimate solution. Not all VPNs are created equal, though; some may not meet the mark due to slow speeds or ineffective unblocking capabilities. Our thorough speed and unblocking tests have pinpointed the best VPNs for streaming movies, TV shows, and even live sports events that are otherwise blacked out in your region.
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, ensuring a high level of security. It also masks your IP address, allowing you to browse and stream content anonymously and change your virtual location. For instance, if you're traveling overseas and wish to watch Hulu, simply connect to a US server to obtain a US IP address. The versatility of VPNs extends to various devices, from your iPhone to your PC. Below, we've outlined the best VPNs for streaming.
ExpressVPN
Best VPN for Streaming
Our Top Pick### ExpressVPN
0Experience rapid 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 has established itself as a top choice for streaming enthusiasts. While many VPNs have adopted the fast WireGuard protocol, ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway protocol boasts fewer lines of code, contributing to its outstanding performance. In our recent speed tests, we achieved an average of 118 Mbps when connected to ExpressVPN’s servers, outperforming Surfshark (104 Mbps) and IPVanish (84 Mbps). With over 3,000 servers spread across 105 countries, ExpressVPN provides extensive coverage.
We successfully accessed multiple Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Additionally, the VPN's MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature enables streaming on devices that don't support VPN apps, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles. ExpressVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, employs robust 256-bit AES encryption, and supports up to 8 simultaneous connections. Their 24-hour support is also noteworthy.
For a deeper dive into ExpressVPN's capabilities and why it's our top streaming pick, check out our detailed review.
NordVPN
Best VPN for Netflix
### NordVPN
0Enjoy a perfect blend of speed, unblocking capabilities, and 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 has recently expanded to over 6,000 servers in 111 countries, boasting one of the largest VPN networks available. With 2,000 US servers, accessing Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube TV is straightforward. NordVPN's NordLynx protocol, based on WireGuard, offers exceptional streaming speeds, and unlimited bandwidth ensures continuous streaming.
NordVPN’s Smart DNS feature, SmartPlay, enhances its compatibility with various streaming platforms. You can connect 10 devices simultaneously, and for an additional $3.69 per month, you can obtain a dedicated IP. Operating out of Panama, where there are no mandatory data retention laws, NordVPN's no-logs policy was independently audited by Deloitte in December 2023.
CyberGhost
Best VPN for Streaming While Traveling
### CyberGhost
0Benefit from a vast server network and a Windows app optimized for gaming in specific cities, perfect 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 dedicated streaming servers optimized for platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Its expansive network exceeds 11,000 servers across 100 countries, including 2,000+ in the US, 500+ in Canada, and 1,100+ in the UK.
CyberGhost's use of the WireGuard protocol, combined with unlimited bandwidth, ensures smooth streaming without stutters. A dedicated IP option costs just $2.50 per month and can help bypass blacklisting. With high-end encryption, effective DNS leak prevention, and no identifying logs, CyberGhost ensures your streaming activities remain private.
Surfshark
Best VPN for Streaming on Multiple Devices
### Surfshark
0Enjoy cost-effective streaming with no identifying logs and top-notch encryption. 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 excellent streaming speeds, a robust server network, and the ability to bypass geo-blocking effectively. It provides access to multiple Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and Prime Video, making it an excellent value for its one and two-year subscription plans.
Unlike many VPNs, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous device connections. With 3,000 servers in 100 countries, including 25 US cities, you're likely to find a nearby server for optimal speed. As a no-logs provider, Surfshark employs 256-bit AES encryption and features a kill switch in all its apps.
Proton VPN
Best VPN for Privacy
### Proton VPN
0Experience one of the fastest VPNs while benefiting from a growing server network. 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 an email address for signup
Proton VPN has significantly improved over the past year, expanding its server network to over 4,000 servers in 90 countries. This makes it ideal for bypassing geographic restrictions while traveling, providing access to Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. Utilizing the WireGuard protocol and VPN Accelerator feature, Proton VPN delivers some of the fastest speeds available, despite its focus on security.
You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously with Proton VPN. Additional features include an ad blocker and Secure Core servers for enhanced privacy protection (though not suitable for streaming). Unlike many VPNs, Proton VPN's transparent no-logs policy has been independently audited, ensuring your data remains private.
IPVanish
Best Budget VPN for Streaming
### IPVanish
0Experience high speeds and unlimited bandwidth, perfect for 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 made significant strides in recent years, expanding to over 2,400 servers (1,400 in the US) and adopting WireGuard. This makes it well-suited for streaming, as we were able to access Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu without any issues. IPVanish's speed, averaging 84 Mbps globally in our tests, is impressive, especially considering its affordability.
IPVanish's apps make it easy to find the best server for streaming by displaying each server's ping and load. It ensures secure streaming with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and threat protection. IPVanish also adheres to a no-logs policy that doesn't link to your identity.
PrivateVPN
Best Beginner VPN for Streaming
### PrivateVPN
0Enjoy respectable speeds for high-resolution streaming. 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 might not be as well-known, but its smaller network of about 200 servers covering over 60 countries, including 12 US cities and three Canadian cities, often flies under the radar of streaming sites. PrivateVPN consistently bypasses restrictions on platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and ITVX.
The speeds provided by PrivateVPN are more than adequate for high-resolution streaming. Its user-friendly apps and exceptional customer support, including direct access to the developers and free remote help, make it an excellent choice for beginners. PrivateVPN upholds a genuine no-logs policy and uses robust 256-bit AES encryption.
How to Pick the Best VPN for Streaming
Selecting the best VPN for streaming isn't straightforward, as streaming platforms and VPNs are constantly at odds. The most effective VPNs are those that reliably unblock streaming services and offer consistent connections. Here are the key factors we considered:
- 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
Once you've chosen your streaming VPN, setting it up is straightforward:
- 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).
- That’s it! Note that the streaming site might remember your previous IP address; clearing your cookies can help.
Best VPNs for Streaming: FAQs
Will a VPN Slow My Streaming Speed?
A VPN typically slows your connection due to encryption and routing through a VPN server. However, the best VPNs for streaming use fast protocols like WireGuard, provide unlimited bandwidth, and have many low-load servers, ensuring lag and buffer-free streaming. In some cases, a VPN might even improve your streaming speeds if your ISP is throttling your bandwidth.
Why Isn’t My VPN Working with Netflix?
If you're having trouble accessing Netflix with your VPN, start by clearing your browser’s cookies to make Netflix recognize your new VPN IP address. Not all VPN IP addresses work with Netflix, so you might need to try multiple servers. Remember to clear your cookies between attempts. If issues persist, the VPN's support team can offer guidance on the best servers to use.
Can I Use a Free VPN for Streaming?
Free VPNs often come with data caps, bandwidth throttling, and limited servers and locations, making them less reliable for streaming. They might also lack strong encryption and could potentially log your activity for sale to third parties. The best streaming VPNs usually offer generous money-back guarantees, allowing you to try them risk-free.
