Whether you're traveling and want to access your favorite streaming services or dealing with frustrating ISP throttling, a VPN can be a lifesaver. But not all VPNs are created equal. Some fall short due to slow speeds or unreliable unblocking capabilities. Our rigorous speed and unblocking tests have helped us pinpoint the best VPNs for streaming movies, TV shows, and even those hard-to-catch 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 streaming, and the ability to spoof your location. Need to access Hulu while traveling abroad? Simply connect to a US server to obtain a US IP address. The best part? VPNs work seamlessly on iPhones, PCs, and virtually any device.
- 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 speed, averaging 118 Mbps in our tests, outperforming competitors. It offers extensive server coverage and successfully unblocks major streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Its MediaStreamer feature extends streaming capabilities to devices without native VPN app support.
- 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's expansive server network, including a substantial number of US servers, ensures easy access to various streaming platforms. Its NordLynx protocol, based on WireGuard, provides fast streaming speeds. The SmartPlay feature enhances compatibility with streaming services.
- 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 excels with its dedicated streaming servers optimized for specific platforms, ensuring consistent access. Its massive server network provides ample choices.
- 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 offers excellent value with its unlimited simultaneous connections and strong unblocking capabilities.
- 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 prioritizes privacy with its independently audited no-logs policy and fast speeds.
- 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 provides a cost-effective option with good speeds and a decent server network.
- 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 offers user-friendly apps and excellent customer support, making it ideal for beginners.
How to Choose & Use a VPN for Streaming:
Consider server locations (US and UK are crucial for many services), speed consistency, unblocking reliability, encryption strength, logging policies, and customer support availability. To use a VPN, sign up, download the app, install it, connect to a server in the desired country, and start streaming. Clearing your browser cookies may be necessary.
FAQs:
- Will a VPN slow my streaming? Potentially, but 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? Generally not recommended due to limitations and potential security risks. Consider the money-back guarantees offered by the VPNs listed above.
