If you want to unblock streaming platforms with a VPN, you need to know the best VPN services for streaming. After testing 30+ VPN providers, we can present you our top five:
- NordVPN: Overall best VPN for streaming.
- Surfshark: An affordable streaming VPN for an unlimited number of devices.
- CyberGhost: User-friendly VPN with special streaming servers.
- ExpressVPN: Premium VPN for streaming with extra security.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Cheap streaming VPN with 33,000+ servers.
Each of these VPNs can unblock all major streaming sites. However, the clear winner is NordVPN. With ultra-fast speeds, easy to use software, and an excellent mobile app, you can take this VPN everywhere to stream your favorite shows.
NordVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee to let you test the software risk-free. Below, we take a deep dive into each VPN provider and its features and give you a step-by-step guide on installing a VPN on your device.
Get your popcorn out—we’re here to recommend the best VPNs for streaming that you can get your hands on today!
VPNs have changed the world of online streaming forever. No longer do you have to miss your favorite TV shows when you’re traveling abroad. More importantly, a VPN lets you unlock any international streaming library you want, including Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
After putting 30+ VPNs through rigorous testing, we present you with the crème de la crème, the best streaming VPNs of this year. With blazing speeds and the ability to unblock anything, NordVPN is the clear winner!
The 5 Best VPNs for Streaming
The best VPNs for streaming will offer certain features that will enhance your streaming experience from wherever you are in the world. Such features may include optimized streaming servers, dedicated IP addresses, and a wide server network.
After testing 30+ VPN providers, we have found the VPNs that work best with popular streaming platforms. In the table below, we compare the best streaming VPNs and list their main features side by side.
| Feature | #1 NordVPN | #2 Surfshark | #3 CyberGhost | #4 ExpressVPN | #5 PIA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of servers | 5,400+ | 3,200+ | 9,000+ | 3,000+ | 33,000+ |
| Number of countries | 59 | 100 | 91 | 94 | 84 |
| Streaming platforms unblocked | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more | Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and more |
| Optimized streaming servers | ✖ | ✖ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Dedicated IP addresses | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ | ✔ |
| Simultaneous connections | 6 | Unlimited | 7 | 5 | 10 |
| Price | $3.99/month | $2.30/month | $2.11/month | $6.67/month | $2.03/month |
| Money-back guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 45 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Purchase | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get CyberGhost | Get ExpressVPN | Get PIA |
Below we take a deep dive into each of the streaming features these premium VPN providers offer.
1. NordVPN: Best streaming VPN overall
What We Like
- Unblocks major streaming services
- Split-tunneling feature
- Fast and stable VPN connection
- 5,400+ servers
What We Don't Like
- No free plan available
NordVPN is our #1 pick if you’re looking for a streaming VPN. NordVPN withstood our testing perfectly, managed to unblock all major streaming platforms, and offered fast speeds for an HD viewing experience. With over 5,400 VPN servers to choose from, it can’t get better than this!
NordVPN is an unblocking powerhouse. It connected to our chosen server within seconds and was able to unblock any Netflix library, including the US and UK ones, as well as other streaming platforms like HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
Important streaming features
- High speeds and performance: With the ultra-fast NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard), you can change your IP address in seconds and stream without any buffering.
- Optimized streaming experience with SmartPlay technology: You can use NordVPN’s SmartPlay technology (Smart DNS) to stream on devices that usually don’t work with a VPN, including your Amazon Fire Stick or Smart TV.
For less than the price of a cup of coffee, you can get a monthly NordVPN subscription!
You can also use the 30-day money-back guarantee to try NordVPN risk-free.
2. Surfshark: Value-for-money VPN with unlimited connections
What We Like
- Unblocks major streaming services
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- SmartDNS feature
- Very fast connection speeds
What We Don't Like
- No optimized streaming servers
If you’re looking for the best VPN for streaming that gives you a bang for your buck, check out Surfshark.
Surfshark has 3,200+ VPN servers, a little less than NordVPN, but spread out across 100 countries. This means you get access to a wider range of international content. During our Surfshark testing circuit, we managed to unblock HBO Max, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and much more.
Moreover, Surfshark runs on the safest VPN protocols and encrypts your connection with 256-bit AES encryption. You don’t need to worry about your privacy at all.
The VPN provider allows you to have unlimited simultaneous connections. Share your VPN account with as many friends and family members as you want and pay next to nothing.
Important streaming features
- Speed and performance: Surfshark is the fastest VPN of the moment, giving you the ultimate streaming experience. Thanks to Surfshark’s SmartDNS feature, you can configure your VPN on all sorts of devices, increasing your chances of bypassing geo-blocks.
- Dedicated IP address: Surfshark allows users to buy dedicated IP addresses that will be theirs alone. This is a very useful feature as streaming platforms often recognize if the same IP is used multiple times, and they can then block that IP.
With some of the cheapest VPN plans to choose from, you might already be convinced of Surfshark.
Moreover, you can try Surfshark for free through its standard 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can give this VPN a go without paying a dime.
3. CyberGhost: Stream global content with this cheap VPN
What We Like
- Unblocks major streaming services
- Dedicated Netflix streaming servers
- 9,000+ VPN servers in 91 countries
- Very affordable plans
What We Don't Like
- Speeds can vary a bit
CyberGhost is dedicated to providing you with a great streaming experience. A CyberGhost subscription won’t cost you more than a couple of dollars a month, and they have a 45-day money-back guarantee. These are a few of the reasons we have included it in our best streaming VPN list.
With CyberGhost, you can unblock content from all around the world and connect to over 9,000 different VPN servers in 91 countries.
Moreover, while testing CyberGhost, we were able to use it on multiple devices and stream our favorite content without lag from popular streaming platforms.
Important streaming features
- Optimized streaming servers: We managed to unblock all major streaming services, including the British, German, and US Netflix libraries.
- Dedicated IP addresses: With a dedicated IP, you get a private IP address that’s just for you to use. It makes it way more difficult for streaming services to block your IP address when they suspect you’re using a VPN.
- User-friendly VPN: This virtual private network is very easy to use and has a well-functioning desktop and mobile app. You can connect up to seven devices at the same time. CyberGhost’s streaming servers even work on the Amazon Fire Stick.
CyberGhost is already a very affordable VPN, yet they also give new customers a chance to try out the service for a full month and a half before committing.
We definitely recommend making use of CyberGhost’s free trial.
4. ExpressVPN: Premium and secure streaming VPN
What We Like
- Unblocks major streaming services
- Auto-connects to fast servers for streaming
- SmartDNS (MediaStreamer)
- 90+ global server locations
What We Don't Like
- More expensive than other VPNs
ExpressVPN is a reliable VPN for streaming that can unblock all the best TV streaming services. With 3,000+ server locations in 90+ countries, ExpressVPN offers more than enough options to watch global and local series and movies, and this is why we have included it in our best VPN for streaming list.
With ExpressVPN, high performance is guaranteed. We managed to easily unblock Netflix and plenty of other streaming services, including streaming platforms Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus.
This VPN provider is one of the best no-logs VPNs, as it is known for delivering on its promise to keep your data private. ExpressVPN has got a built-in kill switch (Network Lock) that prevents you from connecting to the internet if the VPN malfunctions and RAM-only servers to protect your data.
Important streaming features
- Lightway protocol: This particular protocol will give you super-fast streaming speeds and keep your connection stable when switching between networks.
- MediaStreamer: With this feature, we were able to stream content on different platforms easily and use it on various devices. It helped us hide our true location, so we were able to bypass geo-blocks.
ExpressVPN is on the pricier side compared to other VPNs. But like any premium VPN provider, Express has a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you test this high-quality streaming VPN without any risks.
Read more about this provider and all the features it offers in our ExpressVPN review.
5. Private Internet Access: Streaming VPN with the largest server network
What We Like
- Unblocks major streaming services
- Optimized servers for streaming
- Large server network: 33,000+ servers
- Additional security features
What We Don't Like
- Some issues with less popular Netflix libraries
Private Internet Access (PIA) is our final recommendation in our best VPN for streaming list. This streaming VPN has the largest server network in the world: over 33,000 servers.
This is probably one of the reasons it could unblock various popular platforms and libraries throughout the world. For example, when testing PIA, we were able to easily access various Netflix libraries in different countries, such as Japan and Brazil.
The VPN provider also has a strong privacy policy, does not keep any logs, and offers strong encryption and protocols that will keep your data safe from prying eyes and give you the best speeds, too.
Important streaming features
- Unblocks major streaming platforms: While unblocking some lesser-known video libraries can require switching between servers, we experienced no issues getting access to Netflix, HBO Max, and other streaming services.
- Optimized streaming servers: PIA offers optimized servers for streaming automatically. Moreover, you can configure the offered VPN speeds to make streaming even better.
- Dedicated IP address: Like CyberGhost, our #3 recommendation for the best streaming VPN, PIA offers dedicated IP addresses to bypass restrictions. This is a great plus!
If you’re looking for a budget streaming VPN, Private Internet Access is one of the most affordable VPNs around. They do also offer a 30-day trial if you’d rather try the service for yourself first.
Want to learn more about PIA? Check out our comprehensive Private Intenet Access review.
How We Picked the Best VPNs for Streaming
Not every VPN can successfully unblock streaming services like Netflix and HBO Max, so when testing our VPNs, we ensure they meet a certain standard and include features like optimized streaming servers and dedicated IP addresses.
Here are the main criteria we keep in mind when choosing the best VPN for streaming:
- Ability to unblock popular streaming sites: The best VPNs for streaming don’t work with a single streaming service but with all of them. Each VPN recommended in this article can unblock Netflix and other major streaming sites.
- Speed and performance: We do regular and extensive VPN speed tests to ensure you can stream content without buffering or delays. Some VPN protocols are faster than others. If you have the choice, we always recommend streaming over the WireGuard protocol, which generally gives you the best speeds.
- Extra streaming features: The best streaming VPNs offer extra features that optimize your streaming experiences, such as dedicated streaming servers or Smart DNS. A dedicated IP address can be useful when sites like Netflix block VPN use. Surfshark, one of our top VPNs, recently started offering dedicated IPs.
- Large server network: The larger your VPN provider’s server network, the better your chances of accessing a wide range of international streaming platforms and libraries.
- Privacy and security: Keeping your real IP address hidden is a necessary feat for a good streaming experience. The most private VPNs are so-called no-logs VPNs; they don’t store any of your personal data.
How to Install a VPN for Streaming: NordVPN
Installing a VPN for streaming is very easy and straightforward. You can take a look at our detailed Netflix VPN guide as an example or simply follow the steps outlined below. They’re generally the same for any VPN or streaming service.
Since NordVPN is the best VPN for streaming, we’ll take you through the installation process for this VPN provider.
1. Sign up with NordVPN
The first thing you’ll need to do is get a VPN subscription with NordVPN or any other streaming VPN.
- Head to the NordVPN website and get the current deal.
- Choose any subscription you like. Each one works for streaming!
- Enter your email and select a payment method to create a NordVPN account.
2. Install the NordVPN app
Once you’ve created your account, you can download the NordVPN client for any operating system you want. Streaming on your Amazon Fire Stick or Smart TV? NordVPN works on all types of devices.
The installation only takes a minute.
It’s also possible to get the NordVPN browser extensions so you can stream directly in your browser.
3. Open your VPN and connect
Now that you’ve downloaded the software and created an account, all there’s left to do is start using the VPN. Log in with your credentials and go through the quick setup for new users.
You’ll be automatically connected to a NordVPN server.
For streaming any international content, all you need to do is connect to a different VPN server and head over to the streaming service of your choice.
Why You Need a VPN for Streaming
You need a VPN for streaming for one simple reason: not all streaming libraries offer the same content.
Due to limitations on distribution rights, streaming platforms like Netflix or Amazon Prime Video can’t offer the same content in every single country around the world. Moreover, certain streaming services such as Hulu and HBO Max are exclusively available in a select few countries.
With a VPN, you can get around any geographical restrictions. Want to watch The Last of Us, but HBO Max is unavailable in your country? With a VPN, you can change your virtual location to the United States or anywhere else in the world.
In other words: a VPN unblocks a world of content for you with a single click!
Pro Tip:
The best VPNs offer multiple server locations in a single country to prevent overcrowding. NordVPN, for example, has 400+ servers in the UK alone! This ensures that your VPN speeds are always optimized and it’s less likely that your VPN connection will be blocked.
Can I Unblock a Streaming Service With a Free VPN?
While there are some great free VPNs to watch Netflix and other streaming platforms with, generally, we don’t recommend getting a free VPN for streaming.
First off, it’s quite a task for a VPN to unblock a streaming service since platforms are getting savvier at blocking IPs and VPN use, and most of the time, free VPN services are just not capable of getting around these restrictions.
Additionally, there are other limitations to free VPNs:
- Small server network: Free VPNs usually don’t offer many server locations. This means you won’t be able to access as much international content as you would with a paid VPN. Moreover, a limited number of VPN servers means that servers can get overcrowded and blocked more easily.
- Low performance: It must be said: some free VPNs are great. However, most free services are slower and don’t run as smoothly as paid services. If you’re simply trying to hide your IP, this might not be such an issue, but for HD streaming, you need a fast VPN.
- Privacy risks: Any product that’s free has hidden costs. In the case of a free streaming VPN, the price you pay is your data. More often than not, free VPNs collect and sell your data to third parties. While it won’t hinder your streaming, it’s not great from a privacy point of view.
- Software issues: Finally, free VPNs tend to have more software issues than premium providers. This makes you more vulnerable to malware.
If you don’t want to spend a lot of money on a VPN, it’s good to know that most VPNs for streaming offer a money-back guarantee.
CyberGhost, #3 in our list of VPN recommendations, has a whooping 45-day money-back guarantee and offers some of the cheapest subscriptions overall. A great choice if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on your VPN.
Is Streaming With a VPN Legal?
In most cases, streaming with a VPN is legal. However, there are some complications and things to keep in mind before you use a VPN for streaming:
- In certain countries, using a VPN is illegal, no matter what you use it for. If you’re in Russia or Iran, for example, you’ll find VPN use highly restricted and even punishable by law.
- A VPN doesn’t make illegal activity legal. If you use your VPN to do anything that is prohibited by law in the country you’re located in, the VPN won’t protect you on a legal level. For example, downloading copyrighted material is still illegal with a VPN. In largely uncontrolled online spaces like the dark web, you must be especially careful.
What about streaming services and VPNs?
In recent years, more and more streaming services have started pushing back against VPN use, including Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime.
When you use a certain service, you have to agree to the terms of service. Major streaming services often include a clause that states that VPNs may not be used to access geo-restricted content. This is because not all countries have equal distribution rights.
Should you be worried? Not really. As long as you’re in a country where VPNs are not prohibited by law, nothing terrible will happen. If your streaming VPN does get detected by a streaming service like Netflix or HBO Max, most of the time, your access will simply be revoked. That’s all.
If you’re in an area where VPN use is more regulated by law, you might be fined or face different consequences. This is why you should always ensure you’re up to date with your country’s legislation on VPN usage. Also, keep in mind that any legislation can be subject to change.
VPNs to Avoid
It’s important to know which providers are the best streaming VPNs and which services to stay away from. Not all VPNs are suited for streaming, and we recommend staying clear of the following VPN providers.
| VPN Provider | Why You Should Avoid It |
|---|---|
| IPVanish | During testing, we ran into issues regarding unblocking streaming services. This VPN also has low speeds. |
| PureVPN | Very small server network (only five server locations) and leaks your data. |
| Hola VPN | This is a very unsafe VPN that logs user data and can’t actually unblock any streaming sites. |
| Secure VPN | Very small server network (only five server locations) and leaks your data. |
Get Started With the Best Streaming VPN Today
The best VPNs for streaming give you access to multiple streaming sites and have ultra-fast servers. They change your IP address easily and get around geo-blocks with a single click. On top of that, they must have a large server network to unblock global and local content.
After researching and testing 30+ VPN providers, we recommend NordVPN for streaming. It can bypass geo-blocks easily and has a server network that unlocks plenty of global content for you. You can get started with NordVPN today if you use their 30-day free trial.
Want to find out more about the best VPNs for different purposes? Check out our articles below:
- What is the Fastest VPN?
- The Best VPNs for Online Banking: Protect Your Bank Account
- Best VPN for Torrenting and P2P: Tested and Proven
Do you have any questions about streaming with a VPN or which VPN is the best to unblock streaming sites? Check out our FAQ below for some quick answers.
The best VPN for streaming services is NordVPN. This VPN has ultra-fast servers to let you stream HD content and has over 5,400 servers to unblock international streaming libraries. It out-performed the competition in our extensive testing.
Yes, VPNs work for streaming. The best VPNs, like NordVPN, can unblock all major streaming sites, even against push-back from platforms like Disney Plus and Netflix. If you want to watch Netflix with a VPN, NordVPN is your best bet.
A VPN slows down your internet connection to a certain extent, but it is possible to watch high-definition streams with a VPN. We recommend getting a subscription with the fastest VPN of the moment: Surfshark. This VPN barely makes a dent in your speed.
To set up a VPN for streaming, follow these four easy steps:
- Subscribe to a good streaming VPN. We recommend NordVPN for its fast speeds and unblocking capabilities.
- Download the VPN software. NordVPN has apps for all sorts of devices, including Smart TVs and Amazon Fire Stick.
- Connect to a VPN server in the country where you want to access the streaming platform from.
- Go to the streaming platform and enjoy!
