A Virtual Private Network or VPN allows you to bypass geographic restrictions on sites and apps. When your device is equipped with a VPN, there is no reason why you will be limited on what you can access and watch, no matter where you are. The best VPN for streaming can unblock services that are otherwise blocked, maybe due to geo-restrictions or content locked in certain regions of the world. Owners of entertainment content are trying very hard to block the distribution of their wares, especially in the international market. However, VPN providers are going to great lengths so their services can bypass these restrictions.
How to Choose the Best VPN for Streaming
To choose the best VPN for streaming, you must consider connection speeds, security, server network, support for various devices, and 24/7 live chat support. Fast connection speeds lead to strong and high-resolution stream with no buffering. Great security ensures that your payment details are kept tightly locked. Meanwhile, a vast server network will give you the option to switch servers if the connection becomes slow.
You also want support for your devices so that you can view content in multiple bits of hardware – computers, phones, and streaming devices. The VPN provider should also have a fast and reliable 24/7 live chat support, so they can assist you in case you encounter problems with streaming.
At a Glance – Best VPNs for Streaming
This post will list the best VPNs for streaming. But just in case you’re in a hurry, here are our top choices.
Best VPN for Streaming: Top 5
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN occupies the number 1 spot on our best VPN for streaming list. It has 3,000+ servers spread across 105 countries. ExpressVPN unblocks most of the world’s major streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBCiPlayer, Apple TV+, Showtime, Sling TV, DAZN, Kayo, Peacock, and many more.
With this VPN’s fast speeds, you won’t encounter any buffering issues while watching your favorite shows. It maintains fast speeds across all servers, consistently working with all of the leading streaming sites. So, whether you are watching movies, sports coverage, or TV shows, ExpressVPN’s speedy servers are very well up to the task.
Subscribers are given access to ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer tool, which is custom-made to ensure accessing overseas content is easier. Furthermore, there’s a kill switch (called Network Lock) that will ensure your privacy and security are always safeguarded.
ExpressVPN supports a wide range of platforms and devices. This includes support for Linux, Windows, and Mac, as well as Android and iOS. It also has an app for routers.
Known for its excellent customer service, ExpressVPN will ensure that your questions and concerns are addressed through its 24/7 live chat support. ExpressVPN is not among the most affordable VPNs, but you’ll get your money’s worth thanks to its premium features. If you want to save money, we recommend subscribing to the annual plan (comes with 3 months free).
Getting this VPN is “risk-free.” If you’re not satisfied with the service, you can take advantage of ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee. In simple terms, you can claim a refund within 30 days from date of purchase if you feel dissatisfied with the VPN service.
PROS
- Unblocks most streaming services
- Wide range of servers and locations
- Supports various operating systems and devices
- Excellent 24/7 customer support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Up to 5 simultaneous connections only
2. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is an excellent streaming VPN. It offers specialized streaming servers, fast speeds, and solid security features. This VPN provider has 10,400 servers in 100+ countries, which is one of the largest server networks in the industry.
Use this VPN to unblock Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. In some cases, you may have to connect to specialized streaming services. But overall, CyberGhost provides a nice HD streaming experience with no buffering.
There is no frustrating bandwidth or data limit. It has a great interface that is easy to use. The maximum number of simultaneous connections is 7.
CyberGhost has a list of streaming-optimized servers that state which service they are for. These dedicated servers for streaming provide a slightly better experience in case you need it, let’s say for example for BBC iPlayer or Netflix.
Subscribers get an unmatched 45-day money-back guarantee (the longest in the industry) for the 6-month and 2-year plans. If you opt for a 2-year plan, you’ll get 4 months free and subscribe to this VPN for only $2.03 per month. That’s a great deal!
PROS
- Vast server network
- One of the fastest VPNs on the market
- Dedicated streaming servers
- Budget-friendly VPN
- 45-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- No option to allow local networking
3. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) provides fast speeds, has intuitive and customizable mobile apps, and works with various streaming sites such as Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
This VPN comes with robust security features. It has full leak protection, RAM-only servers, and open-source apps. This VPN also excels in its ease of customization. The settings are explained with tooltips which help even the least tech-savvy person to know what to do and how to set them up. This includes kill switch options, DNS server settings, and port forwarding. This means you will easily be able to get the desired performance by changing a few settings.
The apps are easy to install, very secure, and very intuitive. The download speeds are good. There is minimal latency and unlimited bandwidth. PIA allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
Price-wise, PIA is one the most budget-friendly VPNs on the market today. You can get this VPN for as low as $2.03 per month if you subscribe to the 2-year plan (comes with 4 months free). Subscription plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
PROS
- 30,000 servers in 91 countries
- Streaming-oriented servers
- Unlimited device connections
- Affordable pricing
- 30-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Based in the USA (5 Eyes country)
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4. NordVPN
NordVPN has 5,400 servers spread across 60 countries. This Panama-based VPN provider is meant for more than just streaming because it keeps the security front as well. There is a Double VPN feature which encrypts data twice, sending them through two separate servers, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and support for all major security protocols.
You can use NordVPN to unblock Netflix US, UK, and other libraries. Additionally, you can use it to unblock other streaming services such as Disney Plus, Hulu, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer.
NordVPN’s focus on streaming is evident in its SmartPlay technology, which the provider uses to bypass geo-restrictions of streaming websites. This security feature is enabled in NordVPN apps by default, rerouting the user’s requests automatically through an appropriate remote server.
This VPN has many explainer guides and support articles, plus good 24/7 live chat support, which will help you solve issues in trying to access the streaming service that you want.
PROS
- Fast speeds
- Extensive server network
- Good for security and privacy
- Military grade encryption
- 30-day money-back guarantee
CONS
- Not quite as good on mobile
5. IPVanish
IPVanish has 2000+ servers in over 75 locations. IPVanish is rated as a reliable VPN for streaming, even though it does not unblock as many streaming platforms. This VPN can unblock various Netflix libraries, as well as HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Disney Plus.
Aside from Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, and Android, IPVanish has an app for Fire devices, such as Amazon Fire TV, which makes viewing of geo-blocked content much easier.
The military-grade AES-256 encryption secures the connection itself. No one will be able to decrypt it to know what you have been up to online. IPVanish uses the WireGuard protocol to get the fastest streaming experience. All plans support unlimited simultaneous connections, so all family members can use this VPN for their devices.
IPVanish is in the middle of the pack when it comes to pricing. For the annual plan, you’ll have to pay $3.99 per month. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee, but it’s applicable to the annual plan only.
PROS
- Unlimited connections
- Customizable kill switch
- Split tunneling on Android
- SOCKS5 proxy
- 30-day money-back guarantee on the annual plan
CONS
- Based in the USA (5 Eyes country)
Best VPN for Streaming FAQs
Is a VPN worth it for streaming?
The answer will depend on what you like to stream and how often. If you are a sports fan or have an insatiable appetite for films and TV series, the content of which is not available in your location, then a VPN will enable you to watch them with more comprehensive coverage from other countries. For us, the best VPN for streaming is ExpressVPN.
How does a streaming VPN work?
All VPNs work in the same way. They divert your device’s connection away from the internet provider and instead use one of their own servers. This means your ISP cannot see what you are viewing and that the VPN server traffic is encrypted.
A VPN can give you access to overseas content by rerouting the connection through one of its servers in a foreign country. Doing this to any website would seem like you are in that country, able to access any content that otherwise can only be available if you are physically present in that area.
What can you use a streaming VPN for?
There are 2 basic situations for using a streaming VPN: you are abroad and want to watch geo-blocked content from back home; or you are at home and like to watch geo-blocked content from abroad.
Whatever your reason is, there is a big amount of content being offered that you can get only with a streaming VPN. For example, Netflix has a huge amount of content that is available only in certain areas, while services like BBC iPlayer and Hulu are available only in one country. A VPN can help you access such streaming services.
Why do you need a VPN for streaming?
A reliable VPN provider helps unblock geo-restricted content or platforms which are not available in your location.
Some streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and HBO Max limit content based on geographical location. For example, Netflix US offers 5,000+ titles, while Spain has only 3,500+. So, a VPN is the best solution to access all available shows a streaming platform has to offer.
That’s not all; a streaming service may not be available in your country. Whether you’re there or you’re traveling, a VPN can help you bypass restrictions and enable you to explore different platforms, be it streaming movies, sports entertainment, or your favorite TV shows.
A VPN is a valuable tool for streaming sports games. Whether the game is not available because you are in a different location or there are local game blackouts, changing the VPN server location will allow you to access the games you want to watch.
Does a VPN slow down your connection speed?
A VPN encrypts the data going between your device and the Internet. It’s typical for this extra step to slightly reduce connection speed. However, it’s possible that a VPN will actually increase your connection speed if you currently have sluggish connections as a result of ISP throttling. The fastest VPNs offer unlimited bandwidth and are fast enough for HD and even 4K viewing.
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