Whether you're traveling and want to access your favorite streaming services or battling ISP throttling, a VPN can be your 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 streaming movies, TV shows, and even those frustratingly blacked-out live sporting events.
TL;DR – Top VPNs for Streaming:
Our Top Pick: ExpressVPN
NordVPN
CyberGhost
Surfshark
Proton VPN
IPVanish
PrivateVPN
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet traffic, boosting your online security. It also masks your IP address, allowing for 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 seamlessly across various devices, from iPhones to PCs. Explore the top VPNs for streaming below.
- ExpressVPN: Best VPN for Streaming
Our Top Pick: 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: Excellent streaming speeds, Smart DNS feature. Cons: More expensive than some competitors.
ExpressVPN consistently delivers reliable streaming performance. Its proprietary Lightway protocol boasts impressive speed, outperforming many competitors in our tests. We successfully accessed 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 robust 256-bit AES encryption and offers excellent 24/7 support.
- NordVPN: Best VPN for Netflix
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: Extensive server network, audited no-logs policy. Cons: Suffered a data breach in 2018.
NordVPN's vast server network, including a substantial number of US servers, ensures easy access to major streaming platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube TV. Its NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) provides fast streaming speeds. The SmartPlay feature enhances compatibility with various streaming services.
- CyberGhost: Best VPN for Streaming While Traveling
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 than some competitors.
CyberGhost excels with its dedicated streaming servers optimized for platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Its massive server network ensures consistent access. The WireGuard protocol contributes to smooth streaming.
- Surfshark: Best VPN for Streaming on Multiple Devices
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: Unlimited devices, strong unblocking capabilities. Cons: Frequent CAPTCHAs.
Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections and robust server network make it ideal for households with multiple devices. It consistently unblocks major streaming services.
- Proton VPN: Best VPN for Privacy
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
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: High speeds, affordable. Cons: Customer support could be improved.
IPVanish offers a good balance of speed and affordability, making it a strong contender for budget-conscious streamers.
- PrivateVPN: Best Beginner VPN for Streaming
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, excellent customer support. Cons: Relatively small server network.
PrivateVPN's user-friendly interface and exceptional customer support make it a great choice for beginners.
Choosing the Best VPN for Streaming:
A VPN's ability to access streaming platforms can fluctuate. Factors like your internet speed, server load, and server location all play a role. The best VPNs offer reliable unblocking, consistent connections, a global server network, strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and responsive customer support.
Using Your VPN for Streaming:
- Sign up with your chosen VPN provider.
- Download and install the app on your device.
- Log in and connect to a server in the desired streaming platform's region.
FAQs:
Will a VPN slow my streaming speed? While VPNs can introduce some slowdown, high-quality VPNs minimize this impact with fast protocols and ample server capacity. In some cases, a VPN might even improve speeds if your ISP is throttling your bandwidth.
Why isn’t my VPN working with Netflix? Try clearing your browser's cookies and testing different servers. Contact your VPN's support for further assistance.
Can I use a free VPN for streaming? Free VPNs often have limitations like data caps and slow speeds, making them unsuitable for streaming. They may also compromise security and privacy.
Remember to replace "[link-to-expressvpn]", "[link-to-nordvpn]", etc. with the actual links.
