Whether you're traveling and trying to enjoy your favorite shows on Netflix or dealing with ISP throttling, a VPN can be a game-changer. However, not all VPNs are created equal; some struggle with slow speeds or fail to bypass geo-restrictions effectively. 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 and hides your IP address, allowing you to browse and stream anonymously while spoofing your location. For instance, if you're overseas and want to watch Hulu, you can connect to a US server to get a US IP address. The best VPNs for streaming can be used on various devices, including iPhones and PCs, as detailed below.

1. 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 has long been a reliable choice for streaming. Its proprietary Lightway protocol, with fewer lines of code, contributes to its impressive performance. In our latest tests, we averaged 118 Mbps when connected to ExpressVPN's servers, surpassing Surfshark (104 Mbps) and IPVanish (84 Mbps). With 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN successfully accessed multiple Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Its MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature enables streaming on devices without VPN support, like smart TVs or consoles. ExpressVPN is a no-logs VPN with 256-bit AES encryption, allowing up to 8 simultaneous connections and providing excellent 24-hour support. For a detailed look at ExpressVPN, our review explores our experience and why it's our top pick for streaming services.

2. 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 boasts one of the largest networks with 6,000+ servers in 111 countries, including 2,000 US servers for easy access to Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube TV. Its NordLynx protocol, built on WireGuard, ensures fast streaming with unlimited bandwidth. NordVPN's Smart DNS feature (SmartPlay) enhances its compatibility with streaming platforms. You can connect up to 10 devices at once and opt for a dedicated IP for an additional $3.69 a month. NordVPN operates from Panama, where there are no mandatory data retention laws, and its no-logs policy was audited by Deloitte in December 2023.

3. CyberGhost

Best VPN for Streaming While Traveling

### CyberGhost

0Ideal for gaming and streaming away from home with dedicated servers in certain cities. 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 specific platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Its extensive network of over 11,000 servers spans 100 countries, including 2,000+ in the US, 500+ in Canada, and 1,100+ in the UK. CyberGhost's WireGuard protocol and unlimited bandwidth ensure smooth streaming. A dedicated IP costs $2.50 a month and helps bypass blacklisting. CyberGhost uses high-end encryption, prevents DNS leaks, and maintains no identifying logs.

4. Surfshark

Best VPN for Streaming on Multiple Devices

### Surfshark

0An affordable VPN with strong unblocking capabilities and no device limits. 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 good speeds, a wide server network, and the ability to bypass geo-blocking effectively. It accesses more Netflix libraries than most VPNs and works with BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and Prime Video. Surfshark's unlimited device connections and 3,000 servers across 100 countries, including 25 US cities, ensure fast connections. As a no-logs provider with 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch, Surfshark is a top choice for streaming.

5. Proton VPN

Best VPN for Privacy

### Proton VPN

0Experience fast speeds and growing server network with 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 an email address for signup

Proton VPN has significantly expanded its network to over 4,000 servers in 90 countries, making it ideal for bypassing geographic restrictions when traveling. It supports streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ with the WireGuard protocol and its VPN Accelerator feature, ensuring some of the fastest VPN speeds available. Proton VPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections and offers features like an ad blocker and Secure Core servers for enhanced privacy. Its transparent no-logs policy has been independently audited.

6. IPVanish

Best Budget VPN for Streaming

### IPVanish

0Enjoy high speeds and unlimited bandwidth for seamless streaming and gaming. 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 improved its network to 2,400+ servers, with 1,400 in the US, and implemented WireGuard, making it more suitable for streaming. We successfully accessed Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. IPVanish's global average speed of 84 Mbps is impressive for its affordable price. Its apps display server ping and load, aiding in finding the best server for streaming. IPVanish secures your data with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and threat protection, all while maintaining no logs that can be linked to your identity.

7. PrivateVPN

Best Beginner VPN for Streaming

### PrivateVPN

0Experience reliable speeds for high-resolution streaming with beginner-friendly support. 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 effectively bypasses streaming site restrictions with servers in over 60 countries, including 12 US cities and three Canadian cities. It reliably accesses Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and ITVX. PrivateVPN's speeds are sufficient for high-resolution streaming, and its user-friendly apps and excellent customer support, including direct developer communication and free remote help, make it ideal for beginners. PrivateVPN maintains a genuine no-logs policy and uses 256-bit AES encryption.

How to Pick the Best VPN for Streaming

A VPN's ability to access streaming platforms can change unexpectedly due to the ongoing battle between VPNs and streaming services. The best VPNs consistently unblock streaming services and maintain reliable connections. When selecting a VPN, consider the following:

• Servers worldwide (including US and UK)
• Fast and consistent connections
• Unblocks popular streaming services
• High-end encryption for data security
• 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 chosen your streaming VPN, follow these steps to get started:

1. Sign up with your chosen VPN provider.
2. Download the app compatible with your device.
3. Install the VPN app and log in.
4. Connect to a server in the country of the streaming platform you wish to access (e.g., a US server for Netflix US).
5. Start streaming! If the 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 a VPN server. However, the impact can be minimal with the best VPNs, which use fast protocols like WireGuard, offer unlimited bandwidth, and have low-load servers. In some cases, a VPN can even improve your streaming speeds if your ISP is throttling your connection, 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, try clearing your browser's cookies to reset your IP address recognition. Not all VPN IPs work with Netflix, so you may need to try different servers. Clear your cookies between attempts, and reach out to your VPN's support for guidance on servers that are most likely to work.

Can I use a free VPN for streaming?

Free VPNs often come with data caps, bandwidth throttling, and fewer servers, making them less suitable for streaming. They may also lack strong encryption and could keep logs of your activity. Instead, consider using the best VPNs for streaming, which often come with money-back guarantees, allowing you to try them risk-free.