Whether you're traveling and need access to your favorite streaming services or battling ISP throttling, a VPN can be a lifesaver. But not all VPNs are created equal. Some fall short due to slow speeds or poor unblocking capabilities. Our rigorous speed and unblocking tests have pinpointed the best VPNs for seamlessly streaming movies, TV shows, and even those frustratingly blacked-out 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, boosting your online security. It also masks your IP address, allowing 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. Use them with the best VPNs for streaming, as listed below.
- 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: Great speeds for streaming; Smart DNS feature. Cons: More expensive.
ExpressVPN consistently delivers reliable streaming performance. Its proprietary Lightway protocol boasts impressive speeds, averaging 118 Mbps in our tests. It offers a vast server network and successfully unblocked Netflix (multiple libraries), BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. The MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature extends streaming capabilities to devices without native VPN app support. ExpressVPN employs 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: Vast server network; Audited no-logs policy. Cons: Suffered a data breach in 2018.
NordVPN boasts a massive server network and excels at accessing Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube TV. Its NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) ensures fast streaming speeds. The SmartPlay (Smart DNS) feature enhances compatibility with various streaming platforms. It allows up to 10 simultaneous connections and offers a dedicated IP option.
- 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 ensures reliable access. It uses the WireGuard protocol and offers unlimited bandwidth for smooth streaming.
- 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: Particularly strong unblocking; Unlimited devices. Cons: Frequent CAPTCHAs.
Surfshark provides excellent speeds and unblocking capabilities, with unlimited simultaneous connections. It offers access to numerous Netflix libraries and works well with BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and Prime Video.
- 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 offers fast speeds and a growing server network, making it suitable for bypassing geo-restrictions. It boasts a transparent, independently audited no-logs policy.
- 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: Search server ping and load; Highly affordable. Cons: Not the best customer support.
IPVanish offers good speeds and affordability, with unlimited simultaneous connections. It provides easy server selection based on ping and load.
- 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; Unrivaled customer support. Cons: Very few servers.
PrivateVPN, despite its smaller server network, consistently unblocks popular streaming services and provides excellent customer support.
Choosing the Best VPN for Streaming:
A VPN's ability to access streaming platforms can fluctuate. Consider these factors: worldwide server coverage (including US and UK), fast and consistent connections, reliable unblocking of popular services, strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and readily available customer support.
Using Your VPN for Streaming:
- Sign up with your chosen provider.
- Download and install the app.
- Connect to a server in the desired streaming platform's country.
- Clear your browser cookies if needed.
FAQs:
- Will a VPN slow my streaming? While VPNs can sometimes slightly reduce speeds, high-quality VPNs minimize this impact.
- Why isn't my VPN working with Netflix? Try clearing cookies, using different servers, and contacting your VPN's support.
- Can I use a free VPN for streaming? Free VPNs often have limitations and security risks; paid VPNs with money-back guarantees are generally a safer and more reliable option.
(Remember to replace the bracketed link-to- placeholders with actual links.)