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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 unreliable unblocking capabilities. Our rigorous speed and unblocking tests have pinpointed the best VPNs for streaming movies, TV shows, and even those frustratingly blacked-out live sporting events.
TL;DR – Top VPNs for Streaming:
Our Top Pick: ExpressVPN
NordVPN
CyberGhost
Surfshark
Proton VPN
IPVanish
PrivateVPN
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet traffic, boosting your online security. It also masks your IP address, enabling anonymous browsing and location spoofing. Need to access Hulu while traveling abroad? Simply connect to a US server to obtain a US IP address. Best of all? VPNs work seamlessly on iPhones, PCs, and virtually any device. Explore the top VPNs for streaming below.
- ExpressVPN: The Best VPN for Streaming
Our Top Pick: 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: Excellent streaming speeds, Smart DNS feature. Cons: More expensive than some alternatives.
ExpressVPN consistently delivers reliable streaming performance. Its proprietary Lightway protocol boasts impressive speed, outperforming many competitors in our tests. We successfully accessed Netflix (multiple libraries), BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. The MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature extends streaming capabilities to devices without native VPN app support. ExpressVPN employs robust 256-bit AES encryption and offers excellent 24/7 support.
- NordVPN: The Best VPN for Netflix
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: Extensive server network, audited no-logs policy. Cons: Suffered a data breach in 2018.
NordVPN boasts a massive server network, providing easy access to Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube TV. Its NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) ensures fast streaming speeds. The SmartPlay (Smart DNS) feature enhances compatibility with various streaming platforms. NordVPN operates under Panama's favorable data retention laws and its no-logs policy has undergone independent audits.
- CyberGhost: The Best VPN for Streaming While Traveling
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: Extensive server network including many optimized for streaming, dedicated IP option. Cons: Fewer simultaneous connections than some competitors.
CyberGhost excels with dedicated streaming servers optimized for platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Its vast server network ensures reliable access. The WireGuard protocol and unlimited bandwidth contribute to smooth streaming.
- Surfshark: The Best VPN for Streaming on Multiple Devices
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: Unlimited simultaneous connections, strong unblocking capabilities. Cons: Frequent CAPTCHAs.
Surfshark stands out with its unlimited simultaneous connections and reliable unblocking of various streaming services, including Netflix. Its speed and server network make it a strong contender.
- Proton VPN: The Best VPN for Privacy
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 offers fast speeds and a growing server network, making it suitable for bypassing geo-restrictions. Its independently audited no-logs policy prioritizes user privacy.
- IPVanish: The Best Budget VPN for Streaming
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: High speeds, affordable pricing. Cons: Customer support could be improved.
IPVanish provides good speeds and unlimited bandwidth at a competitive price point. Its server ping and load indicators help users find optimal servers for streaming.
- PrivateVPN: The Best Beginner VPN for Streaming
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, excellent customer support. Cons: Relatively small server network.
Despite its smaller server network, PrivateVPN reliably unblocks many streaming services and offers user-friendly apps and exceptional customer support.
How to Choose & Use the Best VPN for Streaming:
VPN performance can fluctuate. Factors like your internet speed, server load, and server distance influence streaming quality. Prioritize VPNs with reliable unblocking, consistent connections, a global server network, strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and responsive customer support.
To use a VPN:
- Sign up with your chosen provider.
- Download and install the app.
- Connect to a server in the streaming platform's region.
- Clear your browser cookies if necessary.
FAQs:
Will a VPN slow my streaming? While VPNs can introduce some overhead, high-quality VPNs minimize this impact with 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, connecting to different servers, and contacting your VPN's support for assistance.
Can I use a free VPN for streaming? Free VPNs often have data limits, slow speeds, and compromised security. Consider the risk-free trials offered by premium VPNs.
(Remember to replace the bracketed link-to-… placeholders with actual links.)
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