Whether you're traveling and trying to watch Netflix, or you're suffering from ISP throttling, a VPN can be a game-changer. However, not all VPNs are created equal; some may struggle with slow speeds or fail to bypass geo-restrictions effectively. Our comprehensive speed and unblocking tests have helped us pinpoint 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, providing a robust layer of security. It also conceals your IP address, allowing you to browse and stream anonymously while spoofing your location. For instance, if you're abroad and want to access Hulu, you can connect to a U.S. server to acquire a U.S. IP address. The beauty of VPNs is their versatility; you can use them on your iPhone, PC, or virtually any device. Below, we delve into the best VPNs for streaming.
ExpressVPN
Best VPN for Streaming
Our Top Pick### ExpressVPN
0Experience speedy streaming with unlimited bandwidth and a reassuring 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 long been a stalwart in the streaming world. While many VPNs have adopted the fast WireGuard protocol, ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway protocol boasts fewer lines of code, resulting in exceptional performance. Our latest speed tests averaged 118 Mbps when connected to ExpressVPN’s servers, surpassing Surfshark (104 Mbps) and IPVanish (84 Mbps). With over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN effortlessly unblocked Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Its MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature also enables streaming on devices without VPN app support, such as smart TVs or gaming consoles. As a no-logs VPN, it employs 256-bit AES encryption and allows up to 8 simultaneous connections, complemented by round-the-clock support.
For a deeper dive into why ExpressVPN is our top pick for streaming services, check out our detailed review.
NordVPN
Best VPN for Netflix
### NordVPN
0Benefit from a remarkable blend of speed, unblocking capabilities, and security. 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 recently expanded its network to over 6,000 servers in 111 countries, making it one of the largest VPN networks available. With 2,000 servers in the U.S., it's an excellent choice for accessing Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube TV. NordVPN's NordLynx protocol, built on WireGuard, ensures fast streaming with unlimited bandwidth. Its Smart DNS feature, SmartPlay, enhances compatibility with numerous streaming platforms. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously and opt for a dedicated IP for an additional $3.69 a month. Operating from Panama, NordVPN benefits from no mandatory data retention laws and its no-logs policy was independently audited by Deloitte in December 2023.
CyberGhost
Best VPN for Streaming While Traveling
### CyberGhost
0Ideal for travelers with a vast server network and gaming-optimized servers. 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+. With over 11,000 servers across 100 countries, including 2,000+ in the U.S., 500+ in Canada, and 1,100+ in the UK, it's consistently reliable for streaming. Utilizing the WireGuard protocol and unlimited bandwidth, CyberGhost ensures smooth, stutter-free streaming. A dedicated IP costs just $2.50 a month, helping to bypass blacklisting. CyberGhost employs high-end encryption, prevents DNS leaks, and doesn't keep identifying logs, ensuring your streaming remains private.
Surfshark
Best VPN for Streaming on Multiple Devices
### Surfshark
0An affordable VPN with strong unblocking capabilities and 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
- Particularly strong unblocking
- Unlimited devices
CONS
- Frequent CAPTCHAs
Surfshark offers excellent speeds, a robust server network, and the ability to sidestep geo-blocking. Its one and two-year subscription plans are great value, granting access to multiple Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and Prime Video. Surfshark ranks among the fastest VPNs for streaming, and its no limit on simultaneous device connections means you can use it across 3,000 servers in 100 countries. With 25 U.S. cities covered, you're likely to find a fast connection nearby. Surfshark's 256-bit AES encryption and kill switch across all apps ensure top-tier security.
Proton VPN
Best VPN for Privacy
### Proton VPN
0Enjoy fast streaming speeds and robust privacy features. 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 expanded its server network to over 4,000 servers across 90 countries, making it ideal for bypassing geographic restrictions when traveling. It supports streaming on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. With the WireGuard protocol and its VPN Accelerator feature, Proton VPN delivers some of the fastest speeds available, all while prioritizing security. You can connect up to 10 devices at once and benefit from extra features like an ad blocker and Secure Core servers for enhanced privacy. Proton VPN's transparent no-logs policy has been independently audited, ensuring your data remains private.
IPVanish
Best Budget VPN for Streaming
### IPVanish
0High speeds and unlimited bandwidth make IPVanish 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 enhanced its offerings with over 2,400 servers (1,400 in the U.S.) and the WireGuard protocol, making it more suitable for streaming. We successfully streamed Netflix U.S., BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. With a global average speed of 84 Mbps, IPVanish provides impressive performance for a budget-friendly VPN. Its apps make it easy to find a suitable server for streaming by showing each server’s ping and load. IPVanish secures your streaming with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and threat protection, while maintaining a no-logs policy.
PrivateVPN
Best Beginner VPN for Streaming
### PrivateVPN
0Stream high-resolution content with ease, thanks to respectable speeds. 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 less known, but it excels in flying under the radar of streaming sites. With about 200 servers across over 60 countries, including servers in 12 U.S. cities and three in Canada, PrivateVPN consistently bypasses restrictions on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and ITVX. Its speeds are more than sufficient for high-resolution streaming, and its user-friendly apps, coupled with exceptional customer support, make it an excellent choice for beginners. PrivateVPN also offers free remote help and installation, ensuring a hassle-free setup. It maintains a genuine no-logs policy and uses 256-bit AES encryption for your security.
How to Pick the Best VPN for Streaming
The ability of a VPN to access a streaming platform can change abruptly due to the ongoing battle between VPNs and streaming services. Some VPNs consistently outperform others. Factors influencing this include your baseline internet speed, current VPN server load, and the distance between your location and the VPN server.
The best VPNs for streaming should offer reliable unblocking of services and consistent connections. Additionally, consider these factors:
- Servers worldwide (including U.S. and U.K.)
- Fast and consistent connections
- Unblocks popular streaming services
- High-end encryption to keep data secure
- No collection or storage of identifying logs
- Live chat and email support around the clock
How to Use the Best VPN for Streaming
Once you've selected your streaming VPN, follow these steps to get set up:
- 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. For example, a U.S. server for Netflix U.S.
- That's it! If the streaming site remembers your previous IP address, clear your cookies to 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 the VPN server. However, the impact can be minimal with the best VPNs for streaming, which offer fast protocols like WireGuard, unlimited bandwidth, and low-load servers for lag-free streaming. Sometimes, a VPN can even improve your streaming speed if your ISP is throttling your bandwidth, as it hides your traffic from your ISP.
Why isn’t my VPN working with Netflix?
If your VPN isn't working with Netflix, clear your browser's cookies to help Netflix acknowledge your new VPN IP address. Not all VPN IPs work with Netflix, so try multiple servers and clear your cookies between attempts. Your VPN's support team may also provide guidance on servers that work best.
Can I use a free VPN for streaming?
Most free VPNs have data caps and throttle bandwidth, making them unsuitable for streaming. They often have limited servers and locations, and are less reliable for bypassing geo-blocks. Additionally, free VPNs may lack strong encryption and might keep logs of your activity for sale to third parties. Instead, consider VPNs with generous money-back guarantees for a risk-free trial.
