Whether you're traveling abroad trying to access your favorite Netflix shows, or facing ISP throttling at home, a VPN can be a game-changer. However, not all VPNs are created equal—some struggle with slow speeds or fail to unblock content effectively. Our comprehensive speed and unblocking tests have pinpointed the best VPNs for streaming movies, TV shows, and even blacked-out live sports events.

TL;DR – These Are the Best VPNs for Streaming:

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, providing a layer of security. It also masks your IP address, allowing you to browse and stream anonymously while spoofing your location. For instance, if you're overseas and want to watch Hulu, simply connect to a US server to obtain a US IP address. The best part? VPNs are available for virtually any device, from your iPhone to your PC. Here’s a closer look at the top VPNs for streaming:

1. ExpressVPN

Best VPN for Streaming

Our Top Pick### ExpressVPN

0Speedy VPN 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

• Great speeds for streaming
• Smart DNS feature

CONS

• More expensive

ExpressVPN has long been a reliable choice for streaming. While most major VPNs have implemented the fast WireGuard protocol, ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol, with fewer lines of code, offers impressive performance. In our latest speed tests, we averaged 118 Mbps when connected to ExpressVPN’s servers, surpassing Surfshark (104 Mbps) and IPVanish (84 Mbps). ExpressVPN boasts 3,000+ servers across 105 countries.

We successfully accessed Netflix (multiple libraries), BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Another benefit is its MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature, which allows streaming on devices that don’t support VPN apps, like smart TVs or consoles. ExpressVPN is a no-logs VPN using 256-bit AES encryption and allows up to 8 simultaneous connections. It also offers excellent 24-hour support.

If you want to learn more about this option, our detailed review of ExpressVPN explains our experience and why it's our top pick for streaming services.

2. NordVPN

Best VPN for Netflix

### NordVPN

0Enjoy an impressive mix of speed, unblocking, and security with NordVPN. 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

• Vast server network
• Audited no-logs policy

CONS

• Suffered a data breach in 2018

NordVPN recently expanded its network to over 6,000 servers in 111 countries—one of the largest VPN networks. With 2,000 US servers, accessing Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube TV is straightforward. NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol, built on WireGuard, ensures speedy streaming with unlimited bandwidth.

This VPN features a Smart DNS feature (SmartPlay), enhancing its compatibility with various streaming platforms. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously (more than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost) and opt for a dedicated IP for an additional $3.69 a month. NordVPN operates from Panama, where there are no mandatory data retention laws, and its no-logs policy was audited by Deloitte in December 2023.

3. CyberGhost

Best VPN for streaming while traveling

### CyberGhost

0With a vast server network and a Windows app offering gaming-optimized servers in certain cities, it's ideal for gaming away from home. 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

• 2,000+ US servers
• Dedicated IP option

CONS

• Fewer simultaneous connections

CyberGhost stands out with dedicated streaming servers optimized for specific platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Its vast network exceeds 11,000 servers across 100 countries, including 2,000+ US servers, 500+ Canadian servers, and 1,100+ UK servers.

This VPN ensures consistent streaming using the WireGuard protocol and unlimited bandwidth, allowing for seamless streaming. A dedicated IP costs just $2.50 a month, helping you bypass blacklisting. CyberGhost uses high-end encryption, effectively prevents DNS leaks, and doesn’t keep identifying logs.

4. Surfshark

Best VPN for streaming on multiple devices

### Surfshark

0Inexpensive VPN that doesn’t keep identifying logs of its users and uses a high level of encryption. 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

• Particularly strong unblocking
• Unlimited devices

CONS

• Frequent CAPTCHAs

Surfshark offers good speeds, a generous server network, and the ability to sidestep geo-blocking, making its one and two-year subscription prices excellent value. Surfshark accesses more Netflix libraries than most VPNs and also works with BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and Prime Video, ranking among the fastest VPNs for streaming.

Unlike many VPNs, Surfshark doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect simultaneously. With 3,000 servers across 100 countries, including 25 US cities, you're likely to find a nearby server for a fast connection. As a no-logs provider, Surfshark’s 256-bit AES encryption is top-notch, and it includes a kill switch in all its apps.

5. Proton VPN

Best VPN for privacy

### Proton VPN

0Proton VPN is among the fastest VPNs and continues to grow its server network. 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

• Impressive speed
• Genuine no-logs policy

CONS

• Requires you to provide an email address for signup

Proton VPN has made significant strides, expanding its server network to over 4,000 servers in 90 countries. It’s highly suitable for bypassing geographic restrictions when traveling, including access to Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. With the WireGuard protocol and its VPN Accelerator feature, Proton VPN offers some of the fastest speeds available, perfect for streaming while prioritizing security.

You can connect up to 10 devices at once, and Proton VPN offers additional features like an ad blocker and Secure Core servers for extra privacy protection (though the latter isn’t ideal for streaming). Unlike many VPNs, Proton VPN’s transparent no-logs policy has been independently audited, ensuring your privacy.

6. IPVanish

Best budget VPN for streaming

### IPVanish

0High speeds coupled with unlimited bandwidth make IPVanish suitable for gaming and streaming. 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

• Search server ping and load
• Highly affordable

CONS

• Not the best customer support

IPVanish has improved, expanding its network to over 2,400 servers (1,400 in the US) and implementing WireGuard. It’s now more suitable for streaming, allowing access to Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu without issues. IPVanish's speed (a global average of 84 Mbps in our tests) is impressive, especially considering its affordability.

We appreciate IPVanish's server selection process, where you can see each server’s ping and load within the apps. You can stream securely with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and threat protection. IPVanish doesn’t keep logs that can be linked to your identity.

7. PrivateVPN

Best beginner VPN for streaming

### PrivateVPN

0Respectable speeds for high-resolution streaming. 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

• Works with many streaming services
• Unrivaled customer support

CONS

• Very few servers

PrivateVPN may be less known, but it effectively flies under the radar of streaming sites. With about 200 servers covering over 60 countries, including servers in 12 US cities and three Canadian cities, PrivateVPN rarely struggles with restrictions from Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, or ITVX.

PrivateVPN offers respectable speeds, sufficient for high-resolution streaming. Its beginner-friendly apps and excellent customer support (with direct access to developers and free remote help) make it easy to set up and use. PrivateVPN has a genuine no-logs policy and uses 256-bit AES encryption.

How to pick the best VPN for streaming

A VPN’s ability to access streaming platforms can change unexpectedly due to the ongoing battle between VPNs and streaming services. Some VPNs consistently outperform others. Factors influencing performance include your baseline internet speed, current VPN server load, and the distance to the VPN server.

The best VPNs for streaming are those that reliably unblock streaming services and maintain consistent connections. Here’s what we considered:

• Servers worldwide (US and UK included)
• Fast and consistent connections
• Unblocks popular streaming services
• High-end encryption to keep data secure
• No collecting or storing of identifying logs
• Live chat and email support around the clock

How to use the best VPN for streaming

Once you've chosen your streaming VPN, here’s how to get started:

1. Sign up with your preferred VPN provider.
2. Download the app compatible with your device.
3. Install the VPN app and log in.
4. Connect to a server in the country of the streaming platform you want to access. For example, a US server for Netflix US.
5. Start streaming! Note that the streaming site may remember your previous IP address. Clearing your cookies can help.

Best VPNs for Streaming: FAQs

Will a VPN slow my streaming speed?

A VPN typically slows your connection due to encryption and routing through the VPN server. However, the best VPNs for streaming use fast protocols like WireGuard, offer unlimited bandwidth, and provide plenty of low-load servers, ensuring lag-free streaming. Sometimes, a VPN can even improve your streaming speeds if your ISP is throttling your bandwidth, as the VPN hides your traffic.

Why isn’t my VPN working with Netflix?

If your VPN isn’t working with Netflix, don’t panic. Clear your browser’s cookies to help Netflix forget your previous IP address and recognize the new one from the VPN. Not all VPN IP addresses work with Netflix, so try multiple servers and clear your cookies between attempts. Your VPN’s support may also provide guidance on specific servers that work best.

Can I use a free VPN for streaming?

Most free VPNs impose data caps and throttle bandwidth, making them less than ideal for streaming. They offer limited servers and locations, are less reliable at bypassing blocks, and often lack strong encryption. Additionally, free VPNs may keep logs of your activity to sell to third parties. Fortunately, many streaming VPNs offer generous money-back guarantees, allowing you to try them risk-free.