Whether you're traveling and trying to watch Netflix, or you're suffering from ISP throttling, a VPN can be a game-changer. However, not all VPNs are created equal, especially when it comes to streaming. Slow speeds and weak unblocking capabilities can ruin your experience. After extensive speed and unblocking tests, we've pinpointed the best VPNs for streaming movies, TV shows, and even blacked-out live sporting 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, providing a layer of security. It also masks your IP address, allowing you to browse and stream anonymously while spoofing your location. If you're traveling overseas and want to access Hulu, you can connect to a server in the US to get a US IP address. The best part? VPNs are available for your iPhone, PC, and virtually any other device. Below, we'll delve into the top VPNs for streaming.

1. 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 has long been a reliable choice for streaming. While many VPNs have adopted the fast WireGuard protocol, ExpressVPN's proprietary Lightway protocol, with fewer lines of code, delivers impressive performance. In our latest speed tests, we averaged 118 Mbps when connected to ExpressVPN’s servers, outpacing Surfshark (104 Mbps) and IPVanish (84 Mbps). With 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN successfully accessed Netflix (multiple libraries), BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Its MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature is a boon for streaming on devices that don’t support VPN apps, like smart TVs or consoles. ExpressVPN is a no-logs VPN, using 256-bit AES encryption and allowing up to 8 simultaneous connections, along with excellent 24-hour support. For a deeper dive, check out our detailed review of ExpressVPN.

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 recently expanded its network to 6,000+ servers in 111 countries, one of the largest VPN networks. With 2,000 US servers, it's easy to access Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube TV. NordVPN's NordLynx protocol, built on WireGuard, ensures more than fast enough speeds for streaming, with unlimited bandwidth. Its Smart DNS feature (SmartPlay) enhances compatibility with many streaming platforms. You can connect 10 devices simultaneously and opt for a dedicated IP for an extra $3.69 a month. NordVPN, based in Panama with no mandatory data retention laws, had its no-logs policy audited by Deloitte in December 2023.

3. CyberGhost

Best VPN for Streaming While Traveling

### CyberGhost

0With a vast server network and a Windows app offering 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 stands out with dedicated streaming servers optimized for specific platforms, including multiple Netflix catalogs, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Its network of over 11,000 servers in 100 countries includes 2,000+ US servers, 500+ in Canada, and 1,100+ in the UK. Using the WireGuard protocol and unlimited bandwidth, CyberGhost ensures stutter-free streaming. A dedicated IP costs just $2.50 a month, helping to bypass blacklisting. CyberGhost uses high-end encryption, prevents DNS leaks, and doesn't keep identifying logs, ensuring your streaming activities remain private.

4. 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 good speeds, a generous server network, and the ability to sidestep geo-blocking, making its one and two-year subscription prices excellent value. It accesses more Netflix libraries than most VPNs and also works with BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and Prime Video, ranking among the fastest VPNs for streaming. Unlike many VPNs, Surfshark doesn't limit the number of devices you can connect simultaneously. With 3,000 servers across 100 countries, including 25 US cities, you're likely to find a nearby server for a fast connection. As a no-logs provider, Surfshark's 256-bit AES encryption and kill switch in all apps ensure top-notch security.

5. Proton VPN

Best VPN for Privacy

### Proton VPN

0Proton VPN is among 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 you to provide an email address for signup

Proton VPN has made significant strides, expanding its server network to over 4,000 servers in 90 countries. It's highly suitable for bypassing geographic restrictions when traveling, including access to Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. With the WireGuard protocol and its VPN Accelerator feature, Proton VPN boasts some of the fastest speeds available, even with a heavy focus on security. You can connect up to 10 devices at once and benefit from additional features like an ad blocker and Secure Core servers for extra privacy (though the latter isn't ideal for streaming). Proton VPN's transparent no-logs policy has been independently audited, setting it apart from many VPNs that keep non-identifying connection logs.

6. 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:

• Search server ping and load
• Highly affordable

CONS:

• Not the best customer support

IPVanish has improved recently, expanding its network to 2,400+ servers (1,400 in the US) and implementing WireGuard, making it more suitable for streaming. We successfully watched Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. IPVanish's speed (a global average of 84 Mbps in our tests) is impressive, especially given its affordability. It's easy to find a suitable server for streaming as you can see each server's ping and load within the apps. IPVanish ensures secure streaming with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and threat protection, all while maintaining a no-logs policy.

7. 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 is a lesser-known provider that often flies under the radar of streaming sites. Despite its small network of roughly 200 servers, these cover over 60 countries, including servers in 12 US cities and three in Canada. PrivateVPN rarely struggles to bypass restrictions on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, or ITVX. Its respectable speeds are more than sufficient for high-resolution streaming. Getting set up is easy thanks to PrivateVPN's beginner-friendly apps and excellent customer support, which includes direct access to the developers and free remote help and installation. 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 a streaming platform can change without warning due to the ongoing battle between VPNs and streaming services. Some VPNs are more successful than others. Key factors influencing performance include your baseline internet speed, current VPN server load, and the distance between the VPN server and your location.

The best VPNs for streaming are those that offer reliable unblocking of streaming services and consistent connections. However, other factors to consider include:

• Servers worldwide (including the US and UK)
• Fast and consistent connections
• Unblocks popular streaming services
• High-end encryption to keep data secure
• No collecting or storing of identifying logs
• Live chat and email support around the clock

How to Use the Best VPN for Streaming

Already chosen your streaming VPN? Here’s how to get set up:

1. Sign up with your preferred 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 want to access. For example, a server in the US for Netflix US.
5. That’s it! If the streaming site remembers your previous IP address, clear your cookies to help.

Best VPNs for Streaming: FAQs

Will a VPN slow my streaming speed?

A VPN typically slows your connection by encrypting your internet traffic and routing it through a VPN server. However, the best VPNs for streaming use fast protocols like WireGuard, offer unlimited bandwidth, and have low-load servers, ensuring lag and buffer-free streaming. Sometimes, a VPN may even improve your streaming speeds if your ISP is throttling your bandwidth, as the VPN hides your traffic from your ISP.

Why isn’t my VPN working with Netflix?

If you can’t access Netflix with your VPN, clear your browser’s cookies to help Netflix forget your previous IP address and acknowledge the VPN's new one. Not all VPN IP addresses work with Netflix, so try multiple servers, clearing your cookies between attempts. If issues persist, your VPN's support may offer guidance on specific servers that work best.

Can I use a free VPN for streaming?

Most free VPNs impose data caps and throttle bandwidth, making them unsuitable for streaming. They also offer fewer servers and locations and are less reliable for bypassing blocks. Additionally, free VPNs often lack strong encryption and may keep logs of your activity to sell to third parties. Fortunately, many top streaming VPNs offer generous money-back guarantees, allowing you to try them risk-free.