Whether you're on the go and eager to catch up on your favorite Netflix series, or you're facing internet throttling from your ISP, a VPN can be your ultimate tool. However, not all VPNs are created equal—some may lag behind due to slow connections or ineffective unblocking capabilities. Our rigorous speed and unblocking tests have pinpointed the best VPNs for seamlessly streaming movies, TV shows, and even accessing 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 shield of security. It also conceals your IP address, allowing you to browse and stream anonymously while spoofing your location. If you're traveling abroad and crave Hulu, simply connect to a US server to snag a US IP address. The beauty of it? VPNs are compatible with a range of devices, from iPhones to PCs. Dive into the best VPNs for streaming listed below.
ExpressVPN
Best VPN for Streaming
Our Top Pick### ExpressVPN
0Experience swift 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 go-to option for streaming enthusiasts. Although many VPNs now support the fast WireGuard protocol, ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway protocol boasts fewer lines of code, contributing to its exceptional performance. Our recent tests showed an average speed of 118 Mbps, surpassing Surfshark (104 Mbps) and IPVanish (84 Mbps). With over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, it's versatile.
We effortlessly accessed various Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. The MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature is a boon for streaming on devices without VPN app support, like smart TVs or gaming consoles. As a no-logs VPN, ExpressVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption and supports up to 8 simultaneous connections, complemented by top-notch 24-hour customer support.
For a deeper dive into ExpressVPN, our comprehensive review details our experience and explains why it's our top pick for streaming.
NordVPN
Best VPN for Netflix
### NordVPN
0Benefit from a robust mix 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 has expanded its network to over 6,000 servers across 111 countries, making it one of the largest VPN networks available. It's particularly advantageous with 2,000 US servers, facilitating easy access to Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube TV. NordVPN's NordLynx protocol, based on WireGuard, ensures speedy streaming, and unlimited bandwidth means you can stream as much as you want.
Its Smart DNS feature, SmartPlay, enhances compatibility with various streaming platforms. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously (more than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost) and opt for a dedicated IP for an additional $3.69 a month. Operating from Panama, where there are no mandatory data retention laws, NordVPN's no-logs policy was audited by Deloitte in December 2023.
CyberGhost
Best VPN for streaming while traveling
### CyberGhost
0Boast a vast server network and a Windows app with gaming-optimized servers, 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 dedicated streaming servers optimized for platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. With a network exceeding 11,000 servers in 100 countries, including 2,000+ in the US, 500+ in Canada, and 1,100+ in the UK, it's a reliable choice for streaming.
CyberGhost leverages the WireGuard protocol and unlimited bandwidth for smooth, uninterrupted streaming. A dedicated IP costs just $2.50 a month and helps bypass blacklisting. With high-end encryption, effective DNS leak prevention, and a no-logs policy, your streaming remains private and secure.
Surfshark
Best VPN for streaming on multiple devices
### Surfshark
0An affordable VPN that maintains user privacy with strong encryption and no identifying logs. 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 impressive speeds, a robust server network, and excels at bypassing geo-blocking. Its one and two-year subscription plans are especially cost-effective. Surfshark successfully accesses multiple Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and Prime Video, making it one of the fastest VPNs for streaming.
Unlike many VPNs, Surfshark allows unlimited simultaneous connections, offering you 3,000 servers across 100 countries, including 25 US cities. As a no-logs provider, it uses 256-bit AES encryption and includes a kill switch in all apps for added security.
Proton VPN
Best VPN for privacy
### Proton VPN
0Experience one of the fastest VPNs as it expands its 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 you to provide an email address for signup
Proton VPN has significantly improved its offerings, expanding to over 4,000 servers in 90 countries. It's well-suited for overcoming geographic restrictions while traveling, supporting streaming on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. With the WireGuard protocol and VPN Accelerator feature, Proton VPN boasts some of the fastest speeds, perfect for streaming while prioritizing security.
You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, and it includes features like an ad blocker and Secure Core servers for enhanced privacy (though the latter isn't ideal for streaming). Proton VPN's transparent no-logs policy has been independently audited, distinguishing it from other VPNs that may keep non-identifying logs.
IPVanish
Best budget VPN for streaming
### IPVanish
0Enjoy high speeds and unlimited bandwidth, perfect for gaming and streaming. 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 seen improvements, expanding its network to over 2,400 servers, with 1,400 in the US, and adopting WireGuard. This makes it suitable for streaming, as we could watch Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu without issues. IPVanish's global average speed of 84 Mbps is commendable, especially for its affordable pricing.
One standout feature is the ability to see each server's ping and load within the apps, making it easy to choose the best server for streaming. With 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and threat protection, IPVanish ensures your streaming remains secure. It also maintains a no-logs policy, safeguarding your identity.
PrivateVPN
Best beginner VPN for streaming
### PrivateVPN
0Achieve 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 may be lesser-known, but it's adept at flying under the radar of streaming sites. Despite its small network of around 200 servers, it covers over 60 countries, including servers in 12 US 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 make setup a breeze, bolstered by excellent customer support where you can even speak directly to the developers. Free remote help and installation are available. With a genuine no-logs policy and 256-bit AES encryption, PrivateVPN ensures your streaming experience is both secure and private.
How to pick the best VPN for streaming
Choosing the right VPN for streaming involves understanding that a VPN's ability to access streaming platforms can fluctuate due to the ongoing battle between VPNs and streaming services. Some VPNs consistently outperform others. Key factors to consider include your internet speed, the current load on the VPN server, and the distance between the VPN server and your location.
The best VPNs offer reliable unblocking of streaming services and consistent connections. Additional considerations include:
- Servers worldwide (including US and UK)
- Fast and consistent connections
- Unblocks popular streaming services
- High-end encryption to secure data
- No collection or storage of identifying logs
- 24/7 live chat and email support
How to use the best VPN for streaming
Once you've selected 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 wish to access (e.g., a US server for Netflix US).
- That's it! If the streaming site remembers your previous IP, 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, top VPNs for streaming utilize fast protocols like WireGuard, offer unlimited bandwidth, and provide low-load servers, ensuring lag-free streaming. In some cases, a VPN might even boost your streaming speed if your ISP is throttling your bandwidth, as the VPN hides your traffic from your ISP.
Why isn’t my VPN working with Netflix?
If your VPN isn't working with Netflix, don't worry. Start by clearing your browser's cookies to help Netflix recognize your new VPN IP address. Not all VPN IP addresses work with Netflix, so you might need to try different servers. Clear your cookies between attempts. If issues persist, your VPN's support team can offer guidance on servers that are more likely to work.
Can I use a free VPN for streaming?
Free VPNs often come with data caps and bandwidth throttling, which can hinder streaming. They typically offer fewer servers and locations and may struggle to bypass blocks. Additionally, free VPNs might lack robust encryption and could log your activity for sale to third parties. Instead, consider the streaming VPNs listed here, which offer generous money-back guarantees for a risk-free trial.
