Whether you're traveling and want to access your favorite streaming services or dealing with frustrating ISP throttling, a VPN can be your 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 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 you to browse and stream anonymously and change your apparent 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. Use the top VPNs for streaming listed below to experience the benefits.
- 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: Great speeds for streaming, Smart DNS feature. Cons: More expensive.
ExpressVPN has consistently proven itself a reliable choice for streaming. Its proprietary Lightway protocol delivers impressive performance, outpacing many competitors in our speed tests. We successfully accessed Netflix (multiple libraries), BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. The MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature is a significant advantage, enabling streaming on devices that don't support native VPN apps. ExpressVPN employs robust 256-bit AES encryption and allows for multiple simultaneous connections.
- 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: Vast server network, audited no-logs policy. Cons: Suffered a data breach in 2018.
NordVPN boasts an extensive server network, making it easy to access a wide range of streaming services. Its NordLynx protocol, based on WireGuard, ensures fast streaming speeds. The SmartPlay feature enhances compatibility with various platforms. NordVPN operates under a robust no-logs policy, independently audited for enhanced security.
- 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.
CyberGhost excels with its dedicated streaming servers optimized for various platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Its massive server network ensures consistent access. The WireGuard protocol contributes to smooth streaming experiences.
- 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: Particularly strong unblocking, unlimited devices. Cons: Frequent CAPTCHAs.
Surfshark stands out with its unlimited simultaneous connections and robust unblocking capabilities. It consistently performs well with various streaming services, offering strong value for its price.
- 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. Its growing server network provides excellent geographic coverage.
- 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: Search server ping and load, highly affordable. Cons: Not the best customer support.
IPVanish offers a cost-effective solution with impressive speeds and a large server network. The ability to view server ping and load simplifies server selection for optimal streaming.
- 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, unrivaled customer support. Cons: Very few servers.
Despite its smaller server network, PrivateVPN consistently unblocks popular streaming services and offers exceptional customer support.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Streaming:
A VPN's ability to access streaming platforms can fluctuate. Consider factors like your internet speed, server load, and server location. Prioritize VPNs with reliable unblocking, consistent connections, global server coverage, strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and excellent customer support.
How to Use a VPN for Streaming:
- Sign up with your chosen VPN provider.
- Download and install the app on your device.
- Connect to a server in the country of the streaming platform you want to access.
- Clear your browser cookies if necessary.
FAQs:
- Will a VPN slow my streaming speed? A VPN might slightly reduce speeds, but high-quality VPNs minimize this impact.
- Why isn’t my VPN working with Netflix? Try clearing your cookies, using different servers, or contacting your VPN's support.
- Can I use a free VPN for streaming? Free VPNs often have limitations in speed, data, and security, making them unsuitable for reliable streaming. Consider the money-back guarantees offered by premium VPNs.
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