Whether you're traveling and need access to 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 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, boosting security and masking your IP address 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, listed below, work seamlessly across various devices, from iPhones to PCs.
- ExpressVPN: The 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.
ExpressVPN consistently delivers reliable streaming performance. Its proprietary Lightway protocol boasts impressive speed; in our tests, we averaged 118 Mbps. Access to Netflix (multiple libraries), BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video was consistently successful. The MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature extends streaming capabilities to devices without native VPN app support. ExpressVPN employs 256-bit AES encryption, allows 8 simultaneous connections, and offers excellent 24/7 support.
- NordVPN: The 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 network (6,000+ servers in 111 countries) and 2,000 US servers ensure easy access to Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube TV. Its NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) provides fast streaming speeds. The SmartPlay (Smart DNS) feature enhances compatibility with streaming platforms. It allows 10 simultaneous connections and offers a dedicated IP option. NordVPN operates from Panama, with no mandatory data retention laws, and its no-logs policy was audited by Deloitte in December 2023.
- 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: 2,000+ US servers, dedicated IP option. Cons: Fewer simultaneous connections.
CyberGhost features dedicated streaming servers optimized for platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Its extensive server network (11,000+ servers in 100 countries) ensures consistent streaming. The WireGuard protocol and unlimited bandwidth contribute to smooth streaming. A dedicated IP option helps bypass blacklisting. CyberGhost uses strong encryption, prevents DNS leaks, and maintains a no-logs policy.
- 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: Strong unblocking capabilities, unlimited devices. Cons: Frequent CAPTCHAs.
Surfshark offers excellent speeds, a large server network, and reliable geo-blocking bypass. Its pricing, especially for longer subscriptions, is very competitive. It provides access to numerous Netflix libraries and works well with BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and Prime Video. The 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 server network continues to expand, making it suitable for bypassing geographic restrictions. It supports Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. The WireGuard protocol and VPN Accelerator feature contribute to its fast speeds. It allows up to 10 simultaneous connections and offers features like an ad blocker and Secure Core servers (though the latter isn't ideal for streaming). Its no-logs policy 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 better.
IPVanish has improved its streaming capabilities with the expansion of its server network and implementation of WireGuard. It offers access to Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Its speeds are impressive for its price point. The ability to view server ping and load simplifies server selection. It uses 256-bit AES encryption, includes DNS leak protection and a kill switch, and maintains a no-logs policy.
- 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 few servers.
PrivateVPN, despite its smaller server network, effectively bypasses geo-restrictions on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and ITVX. Its speeds are suitable for high-resolution streaming. The user-friendly apps and exceptional customer support make it ideal for beginners. It has a no-logs policy and uses 256-bit AES encryption.
Choosing the Best VPN for Streaming:
A VPN's ability to access streaming platforms can fluctuate. Factors influencing performance include your internet speed, server load, and server distance. Prioritize VPNs with reliable unblocking, consistent connections, a global server network (including US and UK servers), fast speeds, strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and responsive customer support.
Using Your VPN for Streaming:
- Sign up with your chosen VPN provider.
- Download and install the app on your device.
- Log in and connect to a server in the streaming platform's region (e.g., a US server for Netflix US).
- Clear your browser cookies if necessary.
FAQs:
Will a VPN slow my streaming speed? While VPNs can introduce some slowdown, 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 by preventing ISP throttling.
Why isn’t my VPN working with Netflix? Try clearing your browser cookies, trying multiple servers, and contacting your VPN's support for assistance.
Can I use a free VPN for streaming? Free VPNs often have data caps, limited servers, and weaker security. Paid VPNs offer better performance and reliability, and many provide money-back guarantees.
