Whether you're traveling and want to access Netflix, or your internet service provider is throttling your connection, a VPN can be a lifesaver. However, not all VPNs are created equal; some suffer from slow speeds or poor unblocking capabilities. Our rigorous speed and unblocking tests have identified the best VPNs for streaming movies, TV shows, and even geo-blocked live sporting events.
TL;DR – Top VPNs for Streaming:
Our Top Pick: ExpressVPN See it at ExpressVPN
NordVPN See it at NordVPN
CyberGhost See it at CyberGhost
Surfshark See it at Surfshark
Proton VPN See it at Proton VPN
IPVanish See it at IPVanish
PrivateVPN See it at PrivateVPN
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet traffic, enhancing your online security. It also masks your IP address, allowing for anonymous browsing and location spoofing. Need to access Hulu while traveling abroad? Simply connect to a US server to obtain a US IP address. The best VPNs for streaming, detailed below, offer this functionality across various devices, including iPhones and PCs.
- ExpressVPN: Best VPN for Streaming
Our Top Pick: ExpressVPN 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: Excellent streaming speeds; Smart DNS feature.
- Cons: More expensive than some competitors.
ExpressVPN consistently delivers reliable streaming performance. Its proprietary Lightway protocol boasts impressive speed, outperforming many competitors in our tests. We successfully accessed Netflix (multiple regions), BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. The MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature extends streaming capabilities to devices without native VPN app support. ExpressVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, utilizes 256-bit AES encryption, and allows up to 8 simultaneous connections.
- NordVPN: Best VPN for Netflix
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: Extensive server network; Audited no-logs policy.
- Cons: Suffered a data breach in 2018.
NordVPN's vast server network, including a substantial number of US servers, ensures easy access to Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube TV. Its NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) provides excellent streaming speeds. The SmartPlay feature enhances compatibility with various streaming platforms. NordVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections and offers a dedicated IP option. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited.
- CyberGhost: Best VPN for Streaming While Traveling
CyberGhost 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: Large number of US servers; Dedicated IP option.
- Cons: Fewer simultaneous connections than some competitors.
CyberGhost features dedicated streaming servers optimized for platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Its extensive server network ensures reliable access. The WireGuard protocol contributes to smooth streaming. A dedicated IP option helps bypass blacklisting. CyberGhost employs strong encryption, prevents DNS leaks, and doesn't keep identifying logs.
- Surfshark: Best VPN for Streaming on Multiple Devices
Surfshark 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: Unlimited simultaneous connections; Strong unblocking capabilities.
- Cons: Frequent CAPTCHAs.
Surfshark offers excellent speeds, a large server network, and reliable geo-blocking bypass. It excels at accessing multiple Netflix libraries and works well with BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and Prime Video. Its unlimited simultaneous connections are a significant advantage.
- Proton VPN: Best VPN for Privacy
Proton VPN 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 address for signup.
Proton VPN's growing server network makes it suitable for bypassing geo-restrictions. It provides fast speeds and a transparent no-logs policy that has been independently audited.
- IPVanish: Best Budget VPN for Streaming
IPVanish 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: High speeds; Affordable.
- Cons: Customer support could be improved.
IPVanish offers good speeds and a substantial number of US servers, making it suitable for streaming. Its server ping and load information helps users find optimal servers. It uses 256-bit AES encryption and includes a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
- PrivateVPN: Best Beginner VPN for Streaming
PrivateVPN 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; Excellent customer support.
- Cons: Relatively small server network.
PrivateVPN, despite its smaller server network, consistently unblocks popular streaming services. It offers user-friendly apps and exceptional customer support.
Choosing the Best VPN for Streaming:
A VPN's ability to access streaming platforms can change. Consider these factors: global server coverage (including US and UK), speed and connection consistency, unblocking capabilities, encryption strength, logging policies, and customer support.
Using a VPN for Streaming:
- Sign up with your chosen VPN provider.
- Download and install the app on your device.
- Connect to a server in the desired streaming platform's region.
- Clear your browser cookies if necessary.
FAQs:
- Will a VPN slow my streaming speed? Generally, yes, but high-quality VPNs minimize this impact.
- Why isn’t my VPN working with Netflix? Try clearing cookies and using different servers.
- Can I use a free VPN for streaming? Free VPNs often have limitations that make them unsuitable for streaming.
(Remember to replace link-to-expressvpn, etc. with actual links.)
