Whether you're traveling and want to access your favorite streaming services or dealing with frustrating ISP throttling, a VPN can be a lifesaver. But not all VPNs are created equal. Some fall short due to slow speeds or ineffective unblocking capabilities. Our rigorous speed and unblocking tests have pinpointed the best VPNs for streaming movies, TV shows, and even those hard-to-reach live sporting events.

TL;DR – Top VPNs for Streaming:

Our Top Pick: ExpressVPN See it at ExpressVPN

NordVPN See it at NordVPN

CyberGhost See it at CyberGhost

Surfshark See it at Surfshark

Proton VPN See it at Proton VPN

IPVanish See it at IPVanish

PrivateVPN See it at PrivateVPN

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet traffic, boosting your online security. It also masks your IP address, allowing for anonymous browsing and location spoofing. Need to access Hulu while traveling abroad? Simply connect to a US server to obtain a US IP address. The best part? VPNs are compatible with a wide range of devices, from iPhones to PCs.

1. ExpressVPN: Best VPN for Streaming

Our Top Pick: ExpressVPN 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 consistently delivers reliable streaming performance. Its proprietary Lightway protocol contributes to impressive speeds; in our tests, we averaged 118 Mbps. It boasts a vast server network and successfully unblocked Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Its MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature extends streaming capabilities to devices without native VPN app support. ExpressVPN employs 256-bit AES encryption and offers excellent customer support.

2. NordVPN: Best VPN for Netflix

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's extensive server network (6,000+ in 111 countries) and its NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) ensure fast streaming speeds. Its SmartPlay feature enhances compatibility with various streaming platforms. It allows for 10 simultaneous connections and offers a dedicated IP option. NordVPN's no-logs policy has been independently audited.

3. CyberGhost: Best VPN for Streaming While Traveling

CyberGhost 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 features dedicated streaming servers optimized for platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Its massive server network and WireGuard protocol provide consistent, high-speed streaming. A dedicated IP option is available for enhanced unblocking capabilities. CyberGhost uses strong encryption and maintains a strict no-logs policy.

4. Surfshark: Best VPN for Streaming on Multiple Devices

Surfshark 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 excellent unblocking capabilities, fast speeds, and the unique advantage of unlimited simultaneous connections. It provides access to numerous Netflix libraries and works well with other streaming services like BBC iPlayer and Peacock.

5. Proton VPN: Best VPN for Privacy

Proton VPN 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 email address for signup.

Proton VPN combines strong privacy features with impressive speeds and a growing server network. It effectively bypasses geo-restrictions for services like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Its independently audited no-logs policy ensures user privacy.

6. IPVanish: Best Budget VPN for Streaming

IPVanish 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 delivers good speeds at an affordable price, making it a budget-friendly option for streaming. Its server list displays ping and load times, simplifying server selection. It uses 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch for enhanced security.

7. PrivateVPN: Best Beginner VPN for Streaming

PrivateVPN 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, despite its smaller server network, effectively unblocks many streaming services, including Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Its user-friendly apps and excellent customer support make it ideal for beginners.

How to Choose and Use a VPN for Streaming:

VPN effectiveness can vary. Factors like your internet speed, server load, and server distance influence performance. Prioritize VPNs with reliable unblocking capabilities, fast and consistent connections, strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and responsive customer support.

To use a VPN:

1. Sign up with your chosen provider.
2. Download and install the app.
3. Connect to a server in the desired streaming platform's region.
4. Clear your browser cookies if needed.

FAQs:

• Will a VPN slow my streaming speed? While VPNs can introduce some slowdown, high-quality VPNs minimize this impact through fast protocols and ample server capacity. In some cases, a VPN might even improve speeds if your ISP is throttling your bandwidth.

• Why isn’t my VPN working with Netflix? Try clearing your browser cookies, using different servers, and contacting your VPN's support for assistance.

• Can I use a free VPN for streaming? Free VPNs often have limitations like data caps and slow speeds, making them unsuitable for reliable streaming. They may also compromise security and privacy.