Whether you're traveling and trying to enjoy your favorite shows on Netflix, or you're experiencing frustrating ISP throttling, a VPN can be your ultimate solution. Not all VPNs, however, are created equal, especially when it comes to speed and unblocking capabilities. Our comprehensive tests have pinpointed the best VPNs for streaming movies, TV shows, and even blacked-out live sports events, ensuring you get the most out of your viewing experience.
Our Top Pick### ExpressVPN
0See it at ExpressVPN### NordVPN
0See it at NordVPN### CyberGhost
0See it at CyberGhost### Surfshark
0See it at Surfshark### Proton VPN
0See it at Proton VPN### IPVanish
0See it at IPVanish### PrivateVPN
0See it at PrivateVPN
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet traffic, offering a robust layer of security. It also masks your IP address, allowing you to browse and stream anonymously while spoofing your location. If you're overseas and longing to watch Hulu, simply connect to a US server to gain a US IP address. The best VPNs for streaming are versatile and can be used on virtually any device, from your iPhone to your PC.
Our Top Pick### ExpressVPN
0Experience speedy streaming with unlimited bandwidth and a 30-day money-back guarantee. 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
CONS
ExpressVPN is a top choice for streaming, thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol, which boasts fewer lines of code for superior performance. In our latest speed tests, we averaged 118 Mbps, outpacing Surfshark (104 Mbps) and IPVanish (84 Mbps). With over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN excels at accessing multiple Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Its MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature extends streaming capabilities to devices like smart TVs or gaming consoles. As a no-logs VPN, it uses 256-bit AES encryption and supports up to 8 simultaneous connections, backed by excellent 24-hour support. For a deeper dive into ExpressVPN's capabilities, check out our detailed review.
### NordVPN
0Enjoy an optimal blend of speed, unblocking, and security. 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
CONS
NordVPN boasts an expansive network of over 6,000 servers across 111 countries, including 2,000 in the US, facilitating easy access to Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube TV. Its NordLynx protocol, based on WireGuard, ensures fast streaming with unlimited bandwidth. The SmartPlay feature enhances streaming across various platforms. NordVPN supports up to 10 devices and offers a dedicated IP for an extra $3.69 monthly. Operating from Panama, it adheres to a no-logs policy audited by Deloitte in December 2023.
### CyberGhost
0A vast server network with gaming-optimized servers makes it ideal for streaming on the go. 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
CONS
CyberGhost excels with its dedicated streaming servers optimized for platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. With over 11,000 servers across 100 countries, including 2,000+ in the US, it's a reliable choice for streaming. Using the WireGuard protocol and offering unlimited bandwidth, CyberGhost ensures smooth streaming. A dedicated IP is available for $2.50 monthly, helping bypass blacklisting. It employs high-end encryption, prevents DNS leaks, and maintains no identifying logs.
### Surfshark
0An affordable VPN with strong unblocking capabilities and unlimited device connections. 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
CONS
Surfshark offers excellent value with its one and two-year plans, providing fast speeds and a robust server network to sidestep geo-blocking. It accesses multiple Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and Prime Video, ranking among the fastest for streaming. With no limit on simultaneous device connections and 3,000 servers across 100 countries, including 25 in the US, Surfshark ensures a fast connection. It uses 256-bit AES encryption, adheres to a no-logs policy, and features a kill switch in all apps.
### Proton VPN
0Fast speeds and a growing server network make Proton VPN ideal for secure streaming. 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
CONS
Proton VPN has significantly expanded, now boasting over 4,000 servers in 90 countries. It's perfect for bypassing geographic restrictions to access Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. Utilizing the WireGuard protocol and its VPN Accelerator feature, Proton VPN offers some of the fastest speeds available. It supports up to 10 simultaneous connections and includes an ad blocker and Secure Core servers for enhanced privacy. Proton VPN's transparent no-logs policy has been independently audited.
### IPVanish
0High speeds and unlimited bandwidth make IPVanish suitable for budget-conscious streamers. 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
CONS
IPVanish has enhanced its service with over 2,400 servers, including 1,400 in the US, and the implementation of WireGuard. It's well-suited for streaming, allowing access to Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. With an average speed of 84 Mbps, IPVanish offers impressive performance for its price point. Its apps enable easy server selection based on ping and load, ensuring smooth streaming. Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and threat protection, all while maintaining a no-logs policy.
### PrivateVPN
0Respectable speeds for high-resolution streaming, perfect for beginners. 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
CONS
PrivateVPN, though lesser-known, offers a compelling service with its small but effective network of 200+ servers across 60 countries. It excels at bypassing restrictions for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and ITVX. With speeds suitable for high-resolution streaming, PrivateVPN's user-friendly apps and exceptional customer support, including direct access to developers, make it an excellent choice for beginners. It adheres to a no-logs policy and uses 256-bit AES encryption.
Selecting a VPN for streaming involves considering various factors, as the ability to access streaming platforms can change abruptly. VPNs and streaming services are in a constant tug-of-war, with some VPNs more adept at maintaining access. Key considerations include your baseline internet speed, the current load on the VPN server, and the distance to the server. The top VPNs for streaming reliably unblock popular services and maintain consistent connections. Here's what we look for:
Once you've selected your streaming VPN, setting it up is straightforward:
A VPN typically slows your connection due to encryption and routing through a VPN server. However, the impact can be minimal with the best VPNs, which use fast protocols like WireGuard, offer unlimited bandwidth, and maintain low-load servers for lag-free streaming. In some cases, a VPN can even improve your streaming speed if your ISP is throttling your connection, as it hides your traffic from ISP monitoring.
If your VPN isn't working with Netflix, don't panic. Start by clearing your browser's cookies to help Netflix recognize your new VPN IP address. Not all VPN IP addresses work with Netflix, so try different servers and clear your cookies between attempts. If issues persist, your VPN's support team can offer guidance on servers that are more likely to work.
Most free VPNs come with data caps, bandwidth throttling, and limited servers, making them less ideal for streaming. They may also lack robust encryption and could potentially log your activity for sale to third parties. Fortunately, many premium VPNs offer generous money-back guarantees, allowing you to try them risk-free for streaming purposes.