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Our experts have reviewed 53 VPN providers, which were put through extensive rounds of testing. To learn more about that process, here’s how we review VPNs, where we explain our criteria and our policy of being fully transparent.
Even the most popular streaming services are either entirely or partially limited to specific countries. For example, Hulu is available only in the US and Japan, while Paramount+ is available in the US, Canada, and a handful of European countries. Then, we have platforms like Netflix, which are available worldwide, but where each country has its own (oftentimes limited) library.
Fortunately, there is a solution: the trick is to use one of the top VPNs to bypass geo-blocks. By using a VPN, you’ll get an IP from a country of your choice. So, if you want to unblock Hulu, just connect to a VPN server from the US. This will trick the streamer into believing you’re located in that country.
In this article, we’ll share the best VPNs for streaming and show you how to use them. You’ll learn how to choose the right VPN and which countries are the best for streaming movies and TV shows. We’ll also show you the best streamers, talk about the speeds you need for streaming over a VPN, how to fix your VPN if it’s not working, and we'll go over some FAQs.
First, you need to subscribe to a suitable VPN, install its app, and then pick and connect to a server. Let’s take a more in-depth look at this procedure:
Before you can stream with a VPN, it's crucial to pick a suitable location. For example, pick a location in the United States if you wish to access Hulu, (HBO) Max, or Paramount+. Netflix's US library is filled with interesting titles as well. Or, go to a location in the UK to watch BBC iPlayer, free of charge.
You'll want a VPN that can unblock all the major streaming services. Therefore, it’s crucial to pick a VPN with an extensive server network in many different countries with popular streaming platforms—especially the US, as it supports a large majority of them.
What’s more, fast speeds and stable performance are necessary if you want to avoid interruptions. A reliable VPN should come with obfuscated servers that mask you’re using a VPN, as well as necessary security features like a kill switch, a strict no-logs policy, military-grade encryption, and multiple VPN protocols. It should also avoid VPN detection systems with ease, as well as be capable of bypassing ISP-induced throttling.
Your chosen VPN must also allow a significant number of simultaneous connections and work on different devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and routers. It should also bring an affordable price. Last but not least, you should go for a VPN that has a reliable money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support for a supportive streaming experience.
Following these criteria, and after spending plenty of hands-on time with 53 providers in total, we think these are the 6 best VPNs for streaming:
NordVPN features a vast server fleet of 6,400+ servers in 111 countries—and 1,970 of them are in the US. This makes it one of the best VPNs for unblocking various streaming platforms anywhere in the world.
In terms of speed, NordVPN provides fast and extra-stable connections, and, based on our tests, it's among the fastest VPN providers right now, suitable for extended streaming sessions as well. It delivered 513 Mbps on our 700 Mbps baseline connection when connected to a US server.
Plus, it can also bypass ISP throttling, which helps unleash your network's full potential. As a result, you’ll have an interruption-free streaming experience with Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Disney+, and more, as tested by our team.
NordVPN has obfuscated servers that will help you hide the fact that you use a VPN, as well as AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, a kill switch that activates when your connection fails, strong VPN protocols (NordLynx, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN), and a verified no-logs policy. This is a Panama-based VPN, so no data logging is involved whatsoever. Plus, our tests showed no IP or DNS leaks across the board.
This provider allows 10 simultaneous connections and has apps for your PC, laptop, phone, Fire TV Stick, and more. It also has a SmartDNS feature, so you can stream on devices that don’t natively support VPNs, such as smart TVs—making NordVPN an excellent overall option.
You can become a subscriber for $3.09/month if you pick NordVPN's 2-year plan. Also, this VPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you’re not satisfied with its services. Finally, another great benefit is its customer support, which is available 24/7.
Want more information? Here's our full NordVPN review.
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Surfshark earned its place on our list because it's an amazing VPN for TV streaming. It has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, and 600+ of them are located in the US. Therefore, this VPN will enable you to unblock all your favorite streaming services from anywhere.
Moreover, Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs on our list and provides reliable performance even across long distances. We got 449 Mbps out of our baseline 700 Mbps connection. This VPN can take a moment to connect, but you'll always have extra-stable connections.
This means you can freely stream many different Netflix libraries, Disney +, Hulu, Max, and Amazon Prime Video, along with many other services, as proven by our hands-on tests.
This Netherlands-based VPN ensures top-notch security as it has obfuscated servers that hide your VPN utilization, a kill switch feature, AES-256/ChaCha20 encryption, and strong protocols (WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN). It also produces no data leaks whatsoever. Even better, Surfshark has a third-party-audited no-logs policy. On top of that, it also works excellent for bypassing ISP throttling.
The best part of Surfshark in terms of streaming is that it allows unlimited simultaneous connections on your phone, laptop, PC, Fire TV Sticks, routers, and more. In addition, Surfshark is an excellent option for streaming movies, as it has a SmartDNS feature that enables you to use it even on devices like TVs, which don’t have native VPN support.
This VPN also has a great price - only $2.19/month for its 2-year plan. Lastly, Surfshark has 24/7 customer support along with a 30-day money-back guarantee that ensures a refund if you decide it’s not the right fit.
Discover more about this provider by reading our Surfshark review.
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ExpressVPN is another capable option thanks to its extensive network of thousands of servers in 105 countries, including 15+ US locations. In addition, this is the best VPN for international streaming because it unblocks any video streaming platform worldwide.
Furthermore, ExpressVPN has lightning-fast speeds and ultra-stable performance, delivering smooth Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, and Prime Video streaming. What surprised us was that we got 623 Mbps on our 700 Mbps baseline connection without fine-tuning. That said, it didn't surprise us that ExpressVPN can also negate ISP throttling.
Security is an essential criterion, and you have nothing to worry about with ExpressVPN. It comes with a ton of obfuscated servers that will hide your VPN usage. Plus, you’ll get strong AES-256 and WolfSSL encryption, a kill switch feature, various VPN protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and Lightway), and a strict, independently audited no-logs policy. Of course, you won't have to worry about data leaks either.
What’s more, ExpressVPN allows 8 simultaneous connections and native apps for different devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. It also offers a SmartDNS feature so you can even stream on devices that don’t have native app support, such as smart TVs and digital media players like Roku or Fire TV Stick.
Everything listed above is available at $6.67/month, which is how much ExpressVPN's annual plan costs. This VPN also has knowledgeable 24/7 customer support that can help you overcome any issue. Lastly, you can have a risk-free experience due to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
Our ExpressVPN review reveals more crucial information about this provider.
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CyberGhost VPN is one of our top choices because it has a huge server network of thousands of servers in 100 countries, 2,100+ of which are in the US. As a result, this VPN is capable of unblocking streaming services globally.
Regarding speed, CyberGhost offers decent connection rates, but it’s far from being the fastest option. However, you’ll still get stable performance that supports streaming of Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Max, and Disney+, to name a few. When using its US streaming-optimized server, we managed to get 299 Mbps on a 700 Mbps connection. Those are sufficient speeds for streaming, but you won't get to count on CyberGhost to go around ISP throttling.
While CyberGhost lacks obfuscated servers, it does have NoSpy servers that only its team can access and control. Moreover, there are other strong security features, such as AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, VPN protocols (WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN), an automatic kill switch, and a no-logs policy that is frequently audited. This VPN is also free of data leaks, as tested by our team.
This Romania-based comes with 7 simultaneous connections, and it offers easy-to-use apps for phones, tablets, computers, streaming devices, and even routers. There's practically no device or platform without CyberGhost's native software.
At the moment, CyberGhost comes priced at only $2.03/month (2-year subscription). The VPN offers a 45-day money-back guarantee (on longer-term plans) and a 14-day money-back guarantee (on its monthly plan). Additionally, its 24/7 customer support is a great benefit as it’s available round-the-clock for any issue you may encounter.
Before you make up your mind, check our CyberGhost VPN review.
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Private Internet Access (PIA) has an extra-large server network, with thousands of servers in 90+ countries, including servers in all 50 US states. Thus, PIA can bypass all geo-restrictions and unblock any streaming platforms worldwide.
Compared to our other VPNs, PIA delivers fast speeds overall with stable streaming connections for Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Max, and more. However, not all its servers unblock foreign Netflix libraries, so if you encounter an issue, simply connect to a different server. It gave us 498 Mbps on a 700 Mbps connection and can even bypass ISP throttling if pushed hard enough.
PIA comes with all the necessary security and privacy features, such as AES-128/256 and ChaCha20 encryption, a kill switch, a regularly audited no-logs policy, and robust VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec. You’ll also get an additional layer of security through obfuscation, which helps this VPN prevent data leaks in all cases. Keep in mind that PIA’s settings are highly customizable, so you can prioritize speed over security.
This US-based VPN works on any device and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. So, whether you want to stream on a computer, phone, tablet, or streaming device, PIA will support it. In addition, you can use custom DNS to utilize this VPN on a router or other devices that don’t directly support VPNs.
Despite its long list of features, PIA still comes at an affordable price - $2.19/month if you pick its 2-year plan. Lastly, PIA has customer support available 24/7 and a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you’re unsatisfied.
Learn what else you can expect by visiting our Private Internet Access review.
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We had to include IPVanish in this guide because it has 2,400+ servers in 75+ locations, with 1,300+ in the US alone. This means IPVanish can unblock plenty of different streaming platforms from around the world.
In terms of its performance, IPVanish delivers stable and impressive speeds. When connected to a US server, this VPN managed to get us 460 Mbps on a 700 Mbps connection, which is a respectable result. It also works for bypassing ISP throttling. Plus, you can easily unblock Max, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. You might run into issues unblocking Netflix, but that can be resolved by switching servers.
If you want to stay safe, IPVanish has the right features. It has obfuscated servers, AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption, an audited no-logs policy, a kill switch feature, and various secure VPN protocols (WireGuard, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN). When tested for IP/DNS leaks, IPVanish showed no weaknesses whatsoever.
IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections and can be installed on phones, laptops, tablets, Android Smart TVs, and media streaming devices like Amazon's Fire TV Stick. Unfortunately, though, it doesn’t provide a SmartDNS feature.
You can get IPVanish for $2.19/month for its 2-year plan. Last but not least, if things don’t work out, you can easily get a refund thanks to IPVanish’s 30-day money-back guarantee. Their 24/7 customer support will help you with any issues that may arise.
Take a look at this VPN's behind-the-scenes by checking our IPVanish review.
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Picking a VPN suitable for streaming should be done carefully, as every VPN is different in that regard. Our team tested over 50 VPNs hands-on, ensuring they can unblock various streaming apps on different devices while also checking their performance, stability, ability to bypass VPN detection, and more. Here's more information on the steps we've taken.
A capable VPN should easily go around geo-blocks, giving you unrestricted access to any streaming app. Our process of reviewing VPNs begins by choosing several streaming apps, connecting to VPN servers in specific regions (where those streaming apps are widely available), and then attempting to access geo-restricted content. We highlight the most successful VPNs in that regard.
Streaming in HD or 4K requires a fast Internet connection. To check how each VPN performs, we first run a speed test on our baseline connection using Ookla's Speed Test tool. Then, we connect to a series of nearby and remote VPN servers in the regions where the targeted streaming apps work. We calculate each connection's speed and access multiple streaming apps to check for any buffering, quality drops, or playback delays.
You don't want any connectivity interruptions when streaming movies or TV shows. Through this step, we perform stability tests by leaving each VPN app to run for a prolonged period of time while actively streaming. Our team checks and notes any connection interruptions in the form of buffering, pauses, or disconnections, and we highlight the most stable VPNs.
Different streaming apps have different anti-VPN systems, which is why some can be harder to unblock than others. We check each VPN's ability to bypass VPN detection by connecting to various servers using different protocols. We also target multiple streaming apps, such as Netflix, Hulu, Max, BBC iPlayer, and more, to check if any error messages appear at any point.
By reviewing each VPN's list of servers and comparing what it says on their websites and what's on offer through their software, we determine their suitability for streaming. We prioritize VPNs with a wide server network that targets more "popular" destinations for unblocking streaming content. Also, our team tests different locations (the US, UK, Canada, etc.) to evaluate the streaming performance on each server.
You might use streaming apps on your computer, tablet, phone, smart TV, or other device. We want to ensure that our recommended VPNs work across Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, iPadOS, tvOS, Android TV, and Fire OS - so we test VPNs on all those platforms. The VPNs we recommend are easy to install and configure, making them suitable for inexperienced users.
A VPN should be a long-term investment, meaning it should be future-proof. By checking how each VPN works with various Netflix libraries, as well as streaming services such as YouTube, Hulu, Max, Disney Plus, Hotstar, Crackle, Freevee, Channel 4, Pluto TV, Tubi TV, and more, we recommend those VPNs that can access streaming content from all those platforms without issues. That way, you'll be covered in the future as well.
Aside from being able to unblock streaming apps and deliver excellent performance, your chosen VPN should deliver high-end privacy. Our team reviews each VPN's privacy policy and checks for audits, and we also dive into and compare data encryption systems and available VPN protocols. We also test each VPN for data leaks using tools like IPLeak and DNSLeakTest and inspect their kill switch integration.
Many Internet providers employ selective throttling when streaming, which happens across the US, Europe, and other parts of the world. So, we check each VPN's ability to bypass ISP throttling by comparing the speed before and after connecting. If those numbers increase, or if the streaming quality improves or buffering decreases, that means the VPN can successfully bypass ISP throttling.
Finally, we compare the results from our hands-on tests after checking each VPN's ability to bypass geo-restrictions across multiple streaming apps, evade anti-VPN systems, prevent data leaks, and more - as described above. That allows us to highlight the most capable providers that can guarantee speedy, safe, and smooth streaming sessions.
Yes, you need a VPN to unblock content and services in countries where they are unavailable. For example, if you’re in a region where a particular movie or TV show is blocked, you will encounter a message like the following: “Oh no! This title currently isn’t available to watch in your country.”
With a VPN, you’ll be able to unblock various streaming platforms and access their geo-restricted content. However, there are also other reasons why you might need a VPN:
Choosing the best option can sometimes be challenging, as there are hundreds of VPNs on the market. That’s why we created some key points that will help you decide which VPN fulfills your needs. Check out the following tips:
There's a streaming service for just about any type of content these days. With that said, the most popular (and, for many, the best) TV streaming service is Netflix. Here's our list of the best on-demand streaming services available today:
Aside from on-demand streaming services, live TV streaming services also exist. Those allow you to stream dozens of TV channels live while also offering on-demand libraries. So, here are the most popular live TV streaming services:
Above, we discussed "traditional" on-demand and live TV streaming services. Aside from those, countless niche streaming apps focus on specific types of content, requiring specialized VPNs. In other words, you need a VPN for anime to access your favorite shows online, or you might need a VPN for porn to bypass age verification in the US States.
The best VPN server location for streaming TV shows and movies depends on a number of factors. First, consider whether streaming over a VPN is legal in the country. It’s also important to check if the country imposes restrictions on VPN usage.
Most importantly, the country in which you choose to connect to a VPN server depends on what content you want to stream and where it's available.
In the below table, you'll find a list of countries with access to the most extensive streaming libraries:
Streaming services block VPN users due to broadcasting and distribution rights to ensure their content is available only in certain countries or regions.
For example, streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Max bid for individual TV shows and movies. That's how they acquire the rights to offer that content in select countries only for a limited period. If you want to dive deeper into this topic, we recommend our guide, which explains why Netflix blocks VPN services and includes actionable tips.
Consequently, streaming services are obliged to prevent access to users from other countries, and they even go one step further by trying to block VPNs. As you already know, VPNs are often used to unblock streaming platforms, which is why you truly need the best one if you wish to unblock "hidden" titles.
In general, the lowest requirement to stream any type of content is 1 to 3 Mbps. With that speed, be prepared for some buffering, and you'll also get the lowest possible video resolution.
If you're after streaming in HD, you need a 5- to 8-Mbps connection. And if you want to stream in 4K (available on select media streaming services if you have a subscription that supports 4K streaming), you need a 16- to 25-Mbps Web connection.
For more precise information, check out the following table. As you can see below, we made sure to cover the most popular streaming platforms.
Know that no matter which VPN you pick, it will slow down your Web connection to a certain degree. Here's more info on why a VPN slows you down, which includes handy tips on getting the most out of your VPN's performance.
Yes, you can use a VPN to stream sports. In fact, a reliable VPN will give you something you won't find elsewhere if you're into sports.
We're talking about sports blackouts here. As a consequence of various deals, sports streaming services are forced to introduce blackouts to specific markets, making it impossible for you to watch those games as they happen.
Just like it unlocks new content, a VPN will help you bypass blackout restrictions by making you appear as if you're somewhere else. That means you'll get to watch the following sports without any blackouts:
If you're experiencing issues with streaming over a VPN, you can inspect your baseline connection, go for another VPN protocol, or try a different server. Here are some tips to help you out:
In general, it's not recommended to use free VPNs for streaming. We don't recommend them because they often collect and sell your data, as well as compromise your security and privacy.
Moreover, free VPNs are slow, have limited bandwidth, and small server networks. Plus, they can expose you to malware threats. Free providers are also unreliable and can lead to a subpar streaming experience full of buffering and disconnections. Also, they don’t have great content-unblocking capabilities.
Premium VPNs are a much better solution for streaming, as most of them offer affordable prices, top-notch security, and seamless streaming. Even better, go with a VPN free trial, giving you access to high-end VPN features for a limited time.
More precisely, we recommend a trial period of NordVPN, which lasts 7 days and can be activated on Android. For other devices and platforms, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back policy. And if you're set on using a free option, opt for Proton VPN, which comes with unlimited bandwidth.
Using a VPN for media streaming can take your digital entertainment to the next level. You won't have to worry about geo-blocks, sports blackouts, or ISP throttling. In fact, using a VPN helps you get the most out of your money spent on streaming, as that's how you unlock new types of content without paying extra. Plus, a VPN helps you secure your privacy, ensure you're not tracked online, and more.
Just make sure to pick a VPN with strong content-unblocking capabilities and fast speeds, like those recommended above. That's because practically all streaming platforms employ geo-blocks, as they're legally forced to do so based on broadcast rights. In other words, not all VPNs are powerful enough to unlock online content while evading detection.
We'll also remind you that the best option right now is NordVPN, as it easily unblocks any streaming service you might want to watch. With access to 6,400+ servers in 111 countries that offer seamless 4K streaming, it’s not surprising that it's the best VPN for streaming. Also, you get plenty of simultaneous connections and apps for any device, allowing your entire household to stream with no limitations.
That’s all we've prepared for you in this guide. If you have any additional comments or remarks, feel free to share them via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!