Whether you're traveling and want to access your favorite streaming services or battling ISP throttling, a VPN is your solution. But not all VPNs are created equal; some fall short due to slow speeds or ineffective unblocking. Our rigorous speed and unblocking tests have pinpointed the best VPNs for seamless streaming of movies, TV shows, and even geographically restricted live sports.
TL;DR – Top 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, enhancing your online security. It masks your IP address, enabling 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 part? VPNs work on virtually any device—your iPhone, PC, and more. Utilize the top VPNs for streaming, listed below.
ExpressVPN
Best VPN for Streaming
Our Top Pick### ExpressVPN
0Speedy VPN 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 consistently delivers reliable streaming performance. Its proprietary Lightway protocol boasts impressive speed; in our tests, we averaged 118 Mbps. With 3,000+ servers across 105 countries, access to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video is consistently successful. The MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature extends streaming capabilities to devices without native VPN app support. ExpressVPN employs 256-bit AES encryption, allows up to 8 simultaneous connections, and offers excellent 24/7 support. Our detailed ExpressVPN review provides further insights.
NordVPN
Best VPN for Netflix
### NordVPN
0Enjoy an impressive mix of speed, unblocking, 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's extensive network (6,000+ servers in 111 countries, including 2,000 in the US) ensures easy access to Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube TV. Its NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) provides fast streaming speeds, complemented by unlimited bandwidth. The SmartPlay (Smart DNS) feature enhances compatibility with various streaming platforms. It allows 10 simultaneous connections and offers a dedicated IP option. NordVPN's no-logs policy was audited by Deloitte in December 2023.
CyberGhost
Best VPN for streaming while traveling
### CyberGhost
0With a vast server network and a Windows app, which offers gaming-optimized servers in certain cities, it's ideal for gaming away from home.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 massive server network (11,000+ servers in 100 countries, including over 2,000 in the US) ensures consistent performance. The WireGuard protocol and unlimited bandwidth contribute to smooth streaming. A dedicated IP option is available for enhanced access. CyberGhost uses strong encryption, prevents DNS leaks, and maintains a no-logs policy.
Surfshark
Best VPN for streaming on multiple devices
### Surfshark
0Inexpensive VPN that doesn’t keep identifying logs of its users and uses a high level of 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: Particularly strong unblocking; Unlimited devices. CONS: Frequent CAPTCHAs.
Surfshark offers excellent speeds, a substantial server network, and reliable geo-blocking bypass capabilities. Its value is particularly strong with one- and two-year subscriptions. It unlocks numerous Netflix libraries and works well with BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and Prime Video. Its unlimited simultaneous connections are a major advantage. Surfshark uses robust 256-bit AES encryption and includes a kill switch.
Proton VPN
Best VPN for privacy
### Proton VPN
0Proton VPN is one of the fastest VPNs and continues to grow 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 email address for signup.
Proton VPN's rapidly expanding server network (over 4,000 servers in 85 countries) makes it ideal for bypassing geographic restrictions. It provides access to Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, and its WireGuard protocol and VPN Accelerator feature contribute to its high speeds. It allows up to 10 simultaneous connections and includes an ad blocker. Its independently audited no-logs policy is a key strength.
IPVanish
Best budget VPN for streaming
### IPVanish
0High speeds coupled with unlimited bandwidth make IPVanish suitable 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: Server ping and load information; Highly affordable. CONS: Not the best customer support.
IPVanish has significantly improved, expanding its server network and implementing WireGuard for enhanced streaming capabilities. It provides access to Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Its speed (84 Mbps average in our tests) is impressive for its price point. The ability to view server ping and load helps optimize server selection. It uses 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and threat protection, and maintains a no-logs policy.
PrivateVPN
Best beginner VPN for streaming
### PrivateVPN
0Respectable 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, while smaller, effectively bypasses geo-restrictions on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and ITVX. Its speeds are suitable for high-resolution streaming. Its user-friendly apps and exceptional customer support make it ideal for beginners. It offers remote help and installation and maintains a no-logs policy with 256-bit AES encryption.
Choosing the Best VPN for Streaming:
A VPN's ability to access streaming platforms can change, reflecting the ongoing battle between VPNs and streaming services. Factors like your internet speed, server load, and server distance influence performance. The best VPNs consistently unblock services and maintain stable connections. Key considerations include global server coverage (including US and UK), speed, unblocking capabilities, strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and reliable customer support.
Using Your Chosen VPN:
- Sign up with your chosen provider.
- Download and install the app on your device.
- Log in and connect to a server in the desired streaming platform's country (e.g., a US server for Netflix US).
- Clearing your browser cookies may be necessary to ensure the new IP address is recognized.
FAQs:
Will a VPN slow my streaming speed? VPNs typically introduce some slowdown due to encryption and rerouting. However, high-quality VPNs minimize this impact through fast protocols (like WireGuard), unlimited bandwidth, and low-load servers. In some cases, a VPN can even improve speeds if your ISP is throttling your bandwidth.
Why isn’t my VPN working with Netflix? Try clearing your browser cookies, testing multiple servers, and contacting your VPN's support for guidance on compatible servers.
Can I use a free VPN for streaming? Free VPNs often have data caps, bandwidth throttling, limited servers, and weaker security, making them unsuitable for reliable streaming. Consider the money-back guarantees offered by the VPNs listed above for risk-free trials.
