Whether you're traveling and eager to watch Netflix or dealing with ISP throttling, a VPN can be your best ally. Not all VPNs, however, are created equal—some struggle with slow speeds or fail at unblocking content. Our thorough speed and unblocking tests have pinpointed 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, offering a shield of security. It also masks your IP address, allowing you to browse and stream anonymously and change your virtual location. For instance, if you're abroad and want to access Hulu, simply connect to a US server to obtain a US IP address. The beauty of it? VPNs are compatible with almost any device, including iPhones and PCs. Here are the top VPNs for streaming:
ExpressVPN
Best VPN for Streaming
Our Top Pick### ExpressVPN
0Experience speedy 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 is renowned for its reliability in streaming. While many VPNs have adopted the fast WireGuard protocol, ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway protocol boasts fewer lines of code, which translates to impressive performance. In our recent speed tests, we 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 excels in accessing multiple Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Its MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature enhances streaming on devices like smart TVs or consoles that don't support VPN apps. As a no-logs VPN, it uses 256-bit AES encryption and supports up to 8 simultaneous connections, complemented by excellent 24-hour support.
For a deeper dive into ExpressVPN, our detailed review explains why it stands out as our top pick for streaming.
NordVPN
Best VPN for Netflix
### NordVPN
0Benefit from a robust blend 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 boasts an expanded network of over 6,000 servers across 111 countries, including 2,000 US servers, making it perfect for accessing Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube TV. NordVPN's NordLynx protocol, based on WireGuard, ensures fast streaming with unlimited bandwidth. Its Smart DNS feature, SmartPlay, enhances compatibility with many streaming platforms. NordVPN allows up to 10 device connections and offers a dedicated IP for an additional $3.69 a month. Operating from Panama, NordVPN's no-logs policy was audited by Deloitte in December 2023.
CyberGhost
Best VPN for Streaming While Traveling
### CyberGhost
0Enjoy a vast server network and a Windows app with gaming-optimized servers in certain cities, ideal for gaming 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 is notable for its dedicated streaming servers optimized for platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. With over 11,000 servers in 100 countries, including 2,000+ in the US, 500+ in Canada, and 1,100+ in the UK, CyberGhost ensures consistent streaming performance. It uses the WireGuard protocol and offers unlimited bandwidth for smooth streaming. A dedicated IP is available for $2.50 a month, helping bypass blacklisting. CyberGhost employs high-end encryption, prevents DNS leaks, and maintains a no-logs policy.
Surfshark
Best VPN for Streaming on Multiple Devices
### Surfshark
0An affordable VPN that doesn’t keep identifying logs and uses high-level 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:
- Strong unblocking capabilities
- Unlimited devices
CONS:
- Frequent CAPTCHAs
Surfshark offers good speeds, a robust server network, and the ability to sidestep geo-blocking, making its one and two-year subscription plans excellent value. It accesses numerous Netflix libraries and works with BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and Prime Video. Unlike many VPNs, Surfshark allows unlimited device connections and provides 3,000 servers across 100 countries, including 25 US cities for fast connections. As a no-logs provider, Surfshark uses 256-bit AES encryption and includes a kill switch in all apps.
Proton VPN
Best VPN for Privacy
### Proton VPN
0Experience some of the fastest VPNs with a growing 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 an email address for signup
Proton VPN has significantly improved, expanding its network to over 4,000 servers in 90 countries, making it ideal for bypassing geographic restrictions abroad. It supports streaming on platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ with the WireGuard protocol and its VPN Accelerator feature, offering some of the fastest VPN speeds. Proton VPN allows up to 10 device connections and includes additional features like an ad blocker and Secure Core servers for enhanced privacy. Its transparent no-logs policy has been independently audited.
IPVanish
Best Budget VPN for Streaming
### IPVanish
0High speeds and unlimited bandwidth make IPVanish ideal 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 search
- Highly affordable
CONS:
- Not the best customer support
IPVanish has enhanced its capabilities, expanding to over 2,400 servers (1,400 in the US) and implementing WireGuard, making it more suitable for streaming. We successfully accessed Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. IPVanish offers impressive speeds with a global average of 84 Mbps. Its apps display server ping and load, making it easy to find the best server for streaming. IPVanish uses 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and threat protection, maintaining a no-logs policy.
PrivateVPN
Best Beginner VPN for Streaming
### PrivateVPN
0Enjoy 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, though lesser-known, often flies under the radar of streaming sites. It covers over 60 countries with roughly 200 servers, including servers in 12 US cities and three Canadian cities. PrivateVPN reliably bypasses restrictions for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and ITVX. Its speeds are sufficient for high-resolution streaming, and its beginner-friendly apps and excellent customer support, including direct developer access and free remote help, make setup a breeze. PrivateVPN maintains a no-logs policy and uses 256-bit AES encryption.
How to Pick the Best VPN for Streaming
The ability of a VPN to access streaming platforms can fluctuate due to the ongoing battle between VPNs and streaming services. Some VPNs consistently outperform others. Factors such as your baseline internet speed, VPN server load, and the server's distance from your location all play a role.
The best VPNs for streaming offer reliable unblocking, consistent connections, and additional features like:
- Servers worldwide (including the US and UK)
- Fast and consistent connections
- Unblocks popular streaming services
- High-end encryption to secure your data
- No collecting or storing 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, here's how to set it 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 US server for Netflix US.
- That’s it! Note that the streaming site may remember your previous IP address. Clearing your cookies can 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 its servers. However, the best VPNs for streaming minimize this impact with fast protocols like WireGuard, unlimited bandwidth, and low-load servers, ensuring lag-free streaming. Sometimes, a VPN can even improve your streaming speeds if your ISP is throttling your bandwidth, as it hides your traffic from your ISP.
Why isn’t my VPN working with Netflix?
If you're unable to access Netflix with your VPN, start by clearing your browser's cookies to make Netflix recognize your new VPN IP address. Not all VPN IP addresses work with Netflix, so try different servers. Clearing cookies between attempts is crucial. If issues persist, contact your VPN's support for guidance on servers that might work better.
Can I use a free VPN for streaming?
Free VPNs often impose data caps, throttle bandwidth, and offer limited servers and locations, making them less reliable for streaming. They may also lack strong encryption and could log your activity for sale to third parties. Instead, consider using these recommended streaming VPNs, which often come with generous money-back guarantees, allowing you to try them risk-free.
