best VPN for IPTV

Most legitimate IPTV services are region-locked, meaning they can only be accessed from within specific countries. That can be frustrating if you’re traveling abroad and hoping to unwind with some of your favorite shows. Luckily, it’s easy to regain access using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), and doing so will boost your online privacy, too!

VPNs work by encrypting your traffic and sending it through a server somewhere else in the world. This not only shields your activities from the prying eyes of local ISPs and the government, it means that you can appear to be browsing from virtually anywhere, letting you continue using your favorite IPTV services while traveling.

We’ll cover each of our top IPTV VPNs in more detail later. For now, we’ll start with a quick summary.

The best VPNs for IPTV:

  1. NordVPN The best IPTV VPN. Strong security and privacy features. A great choice for safely streaming geo-restricted content, including platforms like Amazon and Netflix. A strong no-logs policy and 256-bit AES encryption. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for IPTV.
  2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for IPTV. Strong security features and exceptional unblocking ability. Perfect for streaming IPTV, Prime Video, and more. No connection limit either, so it’s great for families.
  3. IPVanish: A zero-logs VPN with powerful privacy features and unlimited connections. Recently expanded its network to cover 100+ countries.
  4. ExpressVPN: Fast connection speeds and great online privacy features make this a reliable choice for those looking to access streaming services abroad.
  5. CyberGhost: This beginner-friendly VPN offers streaming-optimized servers, customizable security features, and 24/7 customer support. Huge network.
  6. PureVPN: Large network of high-speed servers and the ability to access all manner of streaming platforms. Newcomer-friendly apps and 24/7 live chat.
  7. ProtonVPN: No-logs provider with impressive performance and a vast array of privacy features. Perfect for accessing IPTV services abroad.
  8. PrivateVPN: A solid IPTV VPN that can easily access geo-restricted content. Has plenty of privacy features like a strict no-logs policy and DNS leak protection. Smaller network but still delivers reliable performance.
Get NordVPN - the #1 VPN for IPTV
Warning

Many VPNs claim to work with IPTV but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.

We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock IPTV and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.

How we found the best VPNs for streaming IPTV

There are hundreds of VPNs out there but we’d advise against just using the first one you see. That’s because if you’re looking to watch IPTV abroad, you’ll need a service that’s fast and secure, plus capable of evading detection by automated VPN-blocking systems. Here’s a brief explanation of what we looked for during our testing:

  • Speed: If your VPN is too slow, streams may not load at all. Even if they do, you might find you’re only able to watch at low resolutions or that they freeze periodically to buffer.
  • Streaming ability: IPTV services use the same location-detection systems as platforms like Netflix, so our experts performed hands-on testing to see how many streaming services each VPN could access and how reliably they did so.
  • Security and privacy: A VPN that can’t keep you safe isn’t worth using. We rated each service based on 16 security-related criteria to make sure that your data and anonymity are adequately protected.
  • Ease of use: Everyone deserves digital privacy, so we prioritize VPNs that cater to new and experienced users alike, whether by offering streamlined apps, 24/7 support, or a total lack of connection limits.
  • Value for money: Nobody wants to pay more than they have to. Our team ensures the services we suggest are fairly priced, then hunts down any discounts, trials, or guarantees to make sure you pay the absolute minimum.

Check out our in-depth methodology at the bottom of this post to learn more about this testing process and see the results of those tests.

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK FREE?

NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for IPTV with no limits, caps, or restrictions for a month—great if you want to watch your favorite channels online during a short trip abroad. 

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't a good fit and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Best VPNs for IPTV – Our hands-on review

We’ve tested and compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for IPTV.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkIPVanishExpressVPNCyberGhostPureVPNProton VPNPrivateVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comIPVanish.comExpressVPN.comCyberghost.comPureVPN.comProtonVPN.comPrivateVPN.com
Ranking for IPTV12345678
Streaming servicesNetflix
Amazon Prime Video
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Sky Go
ITV Hub
Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Sky Go
ITV Hub
Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Sky Go
ITV Hub
Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
BBC iPlayer
Hulu
Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Netflix
Amazon Prime Video
Simultaneous Connections10UnlimitedUnlimited8710Free: 1, VPN Plus: 1010
Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TVWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Chromebook, RoutersWindows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps74 Mbps
Best deal (per month)$3.09
Up to 77% off 2 year plans + 3 months free
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$1.99
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$3.59
SAVE 64% on a 2-year plan
$2.00
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The best IPTV VPNs

Our ranking methodology of the best VPNs for IPTV is based on many factors, which we have discussed in the following reviews.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for accessing geo-restricted content on IPTV:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2025 Unblocks IPTVTested Mar 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.7 / 10
Streaming: 9.7 / 10
Speed: 10.0 / 10
Security & Privacy: 9.5 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.6 / 10
Value for Money: 9.5 / 10

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is the best VPN for those who want to get IPTV video streams from back home while traveling. Its network is very large, with thousands of servers spread across 110+ countries. It also offers multiple ways to obfuscate your traffic, so you’ll even be able to watch TV in places like China or Russia.

Screenshot of NordVPN's main screen
NordVPN has a very large network and lets you select a server either from the searchable list or the map on the main screen of the app

Speed is one of the most important factors if you’re hoping to stream regularly. To find out how quick NordVPN is, we tested its US servers at three times of day using a 250 Mbps connection (which is the average household broadband speed in the US). Here are the results:

NordVPN delivered an average speed of 204.13 Mbps, with less than 10 Mbps of variance across all three tests. As such, it’s not only the fastest VPN we saw, it’s also one of the most consistent.

We have tested NordVPN with Netflix and found that it can get you into the libraries for the USA, the UK, Canada, France, and India from outside those countries. If you like Hulu, you can use NordVPN to get into video streams from the USA and Japan. NordVPN can get you into ABC in the USA and ITV and Channel 4 in the UK, even when you are outside those countries.

When you want to use NordVPN on Windows, Linux, Mac OS X, macOS, Android, and iOS devices, things get a whole lot easier because the company provides self-installing apps for those operating systems. If you want to keep apps on your computer outside of the VPN tunnel and just protect your browser traffic, you can opt to use the NordVPN browser extension for Chrome or Firefox instead of the app.

NordVPN’s Help Desk isn’t available live. However, the Customer Support team responds quickly to queries posted through the Contact form on the website or sent directly to them via email.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want the fastest speeds available
  • You want access to a large network of over 7,000 servers
  • You want to access notorious tricky platforms such as Netflix and Amazon Prime
  • A proven no-logs policy is important to you
  • You want best-in-class encryption and security protocols
  • You want to connect up to 10 devices at once

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want servers labeled by streaming platform and use case

BEST VPN FOR IPTV:NordVPN is our top choice. A high-speed all-rounder that works well with IPTV in HD. Strong security features and allows up to 10 connected devices to be used simultaneously from one account. No data caps for unlimited streaming. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark unblocks iptvTested Mar 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.4 / 10
Streaming: 9.4 / 10
Speed: 9.6 / 10
Security & Privacy: 9.5 / 10
Ease of Use: 8.9 / 10
Value for Money: 9.7 / 10

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark is a great value, fast, reliable VPN with servers in 100+ countries around the world. These features make it ideal for streaming live TV online, even before you consider that it can access popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. In stark contrast to its rivals, many of which only allow up to six simultaneous connections, Surfshark has no connection limit, making it ideal for people looking to secure their whole household.

Screenshot showing how to expand Surfshark's server selection menu
This provider has servers in 100+ places around the world and lets you choose a specific city by clicking the arrow beside the country name

Can Surfshark deliver the performance needed for flawless live streaming? We connected to its US servers and ran three speed tests over the course of a day to find out. Check out the results in the chart below:

Despite being a low-cost provider, Surfshark provides speeds that are higher than those of its more expensive rivals. It averaged 197.71 Mbps, making it the second-quickest in this list and only ever so slightly slower than NordVPN. In other words, it can handle whatever you throw at it.

This VPN pays particular attention to your security and even works in China. It uses effective, uncrackable 256-bit encryption to conceal your traffic, block ads and malware, and automatically prevent IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks. There’s also a kill switch that guarantees your online activities aren’t exposed even for a second. Perhaps most importantly, Surfshark doesn’t log any identifiable information. Customer support is available 24/7 over live chat.

Surfshark provides apps for Windows, Android, iOS, MacOS, and Linux devices.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You’re looking for a great quality, budget-friendly VPN
  • You want to connect unlimited devices simultaneously
  • You want access to static IP addresses
  • You want extremely fast speeds
  • You want to stream IPTV from China

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want the largest possible server network

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is cheap and easy to set up with IPTV, and you can use it on all your devices. Connections are secure and reliable. There is a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish Unblocks IPTVTested Mar 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.8 / 10
Streaming: 7.0 / 10
Speed: 8.9 / 10
Security & Privacy: 8.9 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.4 / 10
Value for Money: 9.6 / 10

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish owns and manages all of its own infrastructure, and with over 2,200 servers in 100+ countries to choose from, it’s a good choice for streaming as well as security. We were able to access tons of services, including NBC and CBS in the United States and ITV and Channel 4 in the UK. If you’ve got Netflix, you can get into the Netflix USA library from outside the country with the assistance of IPVanish.

Screenshot showing IPVanish's server selection menu
IPVanish offers plenty of locations and just recently added double VPN servers that send your data through two countries of your choosing

Historically, this VPN has provided impressive speeds thanks to its 10 Gbps servers and support for the ultra-fast WireGuard protocol. For our latest round of tests, though, we decided to see specifically how quick its US servers were. Let’s take a look at how it performed over the course of a day:

Not bad at all! IPVanish averaged 186.50 Mbps, putting it firmly among the top performers. For context, this is enough to download a 1GB file in about 40 seconds or to queue up a dozen 4K videos simultaneously. It’s safe to say that you won’t notice any performance issues while watching IPTV.

If you like to stream sports from the USA, you need to have a choice of locations within that country so that you can dodge the blackouts on service that sports broadcasters impose when your local team is playing, be that home or away. IPVanish has servers in 17 US cities, giving you plenty of opportunities to appear in a city other than the one your favorite team comes from. The company has roughly 1,000 servers in the USA and a presence in 100+ countries worldwide.

IPVanish offers one of the best value month-by-month plans, so it is great for those who don’t want long-term commitments. It also recently began offering a great value Advanced Tier, which comes with a Secure Browser and 1TB of cloud storage.

The app for the VPN works well on mobile devices, so if you are traveling and rely on public wifi hotspots for your internet connection, you can install the system on Android and iOS devices. The company also produces apps for Windows, Mac OS X, macOS, and Amazon Fire. You can manually install the IPVanish VPN on Linux computers, flashed routers, and set-top boxes.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want to connect unlimited devices at once
  • You want to make the most of the Advanced Tier with Cloud Storage
  • You want a reasonably priced month-by-month plan
  • You want visibility of server latency
  • You want a proven no-logs policy

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want to pay in Bitcoin
  • You want a VPN that’s based outside the US

SECURE EVERY DEVICE:IPVanish has a large network of servers. Handles several simultaneous connections well. OK with IPTV in HD. Works in most places except China. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN Unblocks IPTVTested Mar 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.4 / 10
Streaming: 9.4 / 10
Speed: 5.6 / 10
Security & Privacy: 9.2 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.3 / 10
Value for Money: 8.4 / 10

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN is a fast and reliable VPN with over 3,000 servers in 100+ countries. It’s very good at getting around the regional restrictions imposed on access to video and IPTV sites and can even get you into the US library for Netflix from outside the country. It can also get cross-border access to Netflix libraries in the UK, Canada, and Germany. You can access Hulu content for both the USA and Japan with ExpressVPN, and you can also get into Sky Go and Amazon Prime Video from abroad with this VPN service. The company is also able to get into the major TV services around the globe including the BBC iPlayer.

Screenshot showing how to expand ExpressVPN's server selection menu
Clicking the three dots below the power button opens the server selection menu, allowing you to choose a country (or city, in some cases)

ExpressVPN has a reputation for consistency, even if its speeds aren’t quite as fast as some of its rivals. With this in mind, we performed three tests (one in the morning, one at noon, and one in the evening) to see exactly how reliable its speeds were. Here are the results:

This provider’s average speed was 135.44 Mbps, which is quite impressive. However, what really stands out is that there was minimal variance — its highest and lowest results were just 3 Mbps apart. This is hugely significant because it means that you’re unlikely to notice any performance issues stemming from wildly varying speeds.

If you aren’t very good with technology, the round-the-clock online Help Desk will come in handy. The company is able to solve problems quickly and has a back office team of technical experts to solve really complicated problems.

Overall, customers are very happy with the ExpressVPN service, and the company knows it. This is why they are prepared to offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. You get an allowance of five simultaneous connections to the service, so that’s great for loading the VPN on your router and also having it operating on your mobile-connected devices for when you are out and about.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want extremely consistent server speeds
  • You want a provider with consistently excellent unblocking ability
  • Knowledgeable 24/7 customer support is important to you
  • You want industry-leading encryption and security standards
  • You want a VPN that works in China and the UAE

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re looking for the least expensive VPN available
  • You want a full complement of advanced features

ExpressVPN has best in class encryption and privacy standards, fast servers in 100+ countries. Unblocks IPTV and streaming platforms with ease. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost Unblocks IPTVTested Mar 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.4 / 10
Streaming: 7.1 / 10
Speed: 7.3 / 10
Security & Privacy: 8.9 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.1 / 10
Value for Money: 9.5 / 10

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost offers very good speeds on international connections, and that makes this service a good choice for streaming IPTV in HD. CyberGhost can get you into the Netflix USA library from outside the country, and it can also get you into the top online streaming services of TV stations.

Screenshot showing CyberGhost's streaming servers
Unblocking your favorite streaming services is as simple as choosing the appropriately labeled server

As an experienced user, I can say with confidence that CyberGhost is fast enough for 4K streaming. However, to get a better understanding of its reliability and how it compares to its rivals, we tested its American servers three times. Let’s see how they performed throughout a typical day:

CyberGhost delivered an average speed of 162.58 Mbps. That’s on the higher end and more than enough for day-to-day tasks like torrenting or playing online games. Realistically, you won’t even notice a difference once connected unless you’re used to extremely fast base speeds.

The session establishment encryption of CyberGhost is very strong. That makes it a good option for China and other countries, such as Iran and Saudi Arabia, where the government monitors and blocks internet activity. Fortunately, that security doesn’t slow down connections, so this is also a good choice for internet telephone and chat apps as well as HD video streaming.

CyberGhost operates servers in 100+ countries and has hundreds of servers in the USA. The app enables you to specify a city location when you connect, and CyberGhost’s US servers are distributed around 19 cities. That will help you when you are streaming sports in HD from the USA.

The app is available for computers running Windows, Mac OS X, and macOS operating systems. If you want to install the Virtual Private Network on your mobile device, CyberGhost provides apps for Android and iOS.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a VPN tailored to beginners and tech novices
  • You want one of the largest server networks available
  • You want great value for money
  • You want the longest money-back guarantee available (45 days)

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want a provider that works reliably from China and the UAE
  • You want a provider suited to advanced users

EASY TO USE APPS:CyberGhost is great for beginners. Great privacy policy and security. Reliable with IPTV in HD. Vast global server network. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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6. PureVPN

PureVPN Unblocks IPTVTested Mar 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.3 / 10
Streaming: 9.1 / 10
Speed: 6.6 / 10
Security & Privacy: 8.7 / 10
Ease of Use: 9.1 / 10
Value for Money: 8.1 / 10

Website:  www.PureVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS

PureVPN operates more than 6,000 servers in 60+ countries around the world. The apps are very beginner-friendly but support staff are available 24 hours per day just in case you need them. Users can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, which is a huge bonus; most providers only have a six connection limit.

Screenshot showing how to find PureVPN's streaming servers
PureVPN actually has streaming-optimized servers, but they’re hidden under the “Shortcuts” section of the server menu

You’re probably wondering how fast this VPN is. Well, it came second in our industry-wide speed tests, so that’s a great start. Still, regular retesting is vital since services change and optimize their networks all the time. The chart below shows how well PureVPN’s US servers performed at various times of day:

With an average speed of 151.35 Mbps, there’s no need to worry about stuttering or lagging IPTV streams. In fact, PureVPN is fast enough for you to queue up a ton of videos while other people in your home are using the internet at the same time.

There’s no need to worry about your privacy either since PureVPN uses uncrackable encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch that stops sending data the moment your connection drops. Further, this provider follows a true no-logs policy and has been audited four times to prove it. However, If you’re interested in automatic tracker-blocking or port-forwarding functionality, you’ll have to pay a little extra. That’s a shame since quite a few providers include these tools as standard.

PureVPN has its own apps for Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux devices. It can also be manually installed on most home routers in case you need to secure more than 10 devices simultaneously.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want great functionality at a great price
  • You want access to a variety of streaming platforms and restricted services
  • You want the option of dedicated IPs or port forwarding (for an extra cost)
  • You want a choice of VPN protocols

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want some advanced features like Tor over VPN and multi-hop servers
  • You want a built-in ad blocker

UNINTERRUPTED TV:PureVPN is faster than most of its competitors and excels when it comes to streaming. Makes it easy to stay safe online even if you’re a complete novice. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our complete review of PureVPN.

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7. ProtonVPN

Proton VPN Unblocks IPTVTested Mar 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.9 / 10
Streaming: 6.9 / 10
Speed: 7.1 / 10
Security & Privacy: 9.3 / 10
Ease of Use: 8.8 / 10
Value for Money: 7.4 / 10

Website:  www.ProtonVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ProtonVPN has more than 11,000 servers, and its network covers an impressive 100+ countries. It can reliably access a huge range of geo-blocked streaming platforms and IPTV services. If you run into any problems, customer support staff are on hand 24 hours per day via live chat. In our experience, you’ll almost always get a reply in a matter of seconds. There’s a generous connection limit too, with paid users being able to secure 10 devices at a time.

Screenshot showing ProtonVPN's streaming server icon
This VPN displays a play button in its server list to indicate whether an individual server is optimized for streaming or not

This service has gained a following for its strong privacy tools and exceptional streaming ability, but how quick is it? Our team of experts tested its US servers to find out. Let’s take a look at its speeds, broken down by time of day:

ProtonVPN never fell below 155 Mbps in our testing, and managed to deliver an average speed of 159.43 Mbps. In simple terms, this means that it can deal with data-intensive tasks like streaming or torrenting without any noticeable drop in performance.

This VPN offers a ton of control over your security. By default, it keeps you safe with unbeatable encryption, a kill switch, automatic tracker-blocking, and leak protection. However, there are also special Secure Core servers in case you need a little extra privacy (their low speeds mean they’re not as good for streaming, though). ProtonVPN follows an independently-audited no-logs policy which means even it doesn’t know what you get up to online. Bitcoin and cash payments are accepted too, which gives you a way to sign up anonymously.

ProtonVPN apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and MacOS. If you’d prefer, the help section of the website provides step-by-step instructions for installing it on your router.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You’re looking for advanced functionality such as Split tunneling and Port forwarding
  • You want to pay anonymously in cryptocurrency or cash
  • You want customizable security protocols

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want simple, novice-friendly apps
  • You’re looking for the cheapest subscription available

GREAT PERFORMANCE:ProtonVPN has a large network , ultra-fast speeds, and a great set of security tools. Not only that, it can protect up to 10 of your devices at the same time.

Read our in-depth ProtonVPN review.

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8. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN Unblocks IPTVTested Mar 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 6.3 / 10
Streaming: 5.1 / 10
Speed: 1.0 / 10
Security & Privacy: 8.6 / 10
Ease of Use: 8.6 / 10
Value for Money: 8.2 / 10

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN was created by torrenting enthusiasts and activists for internet freedom. They made privacy a big feature of the service. PrivateVPN is also good for streaming TV in HD. It offers good speeds and has a lightweight, easy-to-use app. This service can get you into Netflix USA, UK, Canada, Japan, Spain, Brazil, Italy, and France. It can also help you access the world’s major TV station’s online streaming services.

Screenshot showing how to access favorited servers in PrivateVPN
This VPN doesn’t have streaming servers but if you find one that works, you can favorite it for faster access next time by hitting the star icon

We’ve been testing consumer VPNs for years, so we know that PrivateVPN tends to be slower than some of its rivals. Still, it’s previously always been fast enough to tackle day-to-day activities like streaming. Let’s see how fast its American servers are on a typical day:

As we expected, PrivateVPN’s average speed was lower, at 52.43 Mbps. It was remarkably consistent though, and well above the 25 Mbps you’ll need to watch 4K without interruption. If you have a slower connection, though, you may want to consider one of the VPNs above instead.

You can use the PrivateVPN service in China. However, the company warns that its regular OpenVPN service is blocked there. They offer the fastest L2TP VPN system for customers who are behind the Great Firewall of China. The company runs servers in 60+ countries, and it has a presence in nine cities in the USA. You are able to specify a city preference when you connect to the VPN service, so PrivateVPN will help you get around blackouts on sports streaming systems.

PrivateVPN offers all customers a 30-day no-questions money-back guarantee.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want excellent unblocking ability
  • You want to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously
  • You want torrenting on all servers

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want the fastest VPN available
  • You’re looking for a large server network

GREAT SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is easy to use. Allows up to 10 devices on the same account. A small network of servers but fast connections with no data caps. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

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How to access IPTV from anywhere using a VPN

These days, most legitimate IPTV providers geo-restrict their streaming content. That said, it’s still possible to stream your favorite shows while traveling abroad. Below is a step-by-step explanation.

From our experience, here’s how to use IPTV with a VPN:

  1. Start by signing up for one of the VPNs above (we recommend NordVPN).
  2. Next, download the VPN app, making sure to install it on any device you plan to use for streaming. Most providers allow around five connections at once, but this varies.
  3. Log in to the VPN and connect to a server in the required location. You’d need a US server to access Hulu with Live TV, for instance, or a British server to access the UK Xumo library.
  4. Now, just visit your chosen IPTV service like you usually would and try watching something. If all has gone to plan, your stream should begin right away. If not, you may want to clear your browser’s cookies, use another server, or contact your VPN’s support team for further assistance.

Our Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for IPTV

There are hundreds of Virtual Private Networks on the market, and their quality can vary substantially. Some features are more important than others, particularly when it comes to watching IPTV services. To find the best VPNs for IPTV, we carefully examined five key areas. We’ll lay these out below and explain why each matters.

Speed

Arguably the most important factor when it comes to streaming IPTV is fast server speeds. After all, you need a quick connection to watch 4K content or live broadcasts. If your VPN is too slow, you’ll notice problems like constantly buffering video, forced low-resolution streams, and possibly even sporadic disconnection from the VPN itself.

To get the most accurate and fair test results, our experts tested each VPN three times (in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon). We used the US servers and a 250 Mbps connection since this is the average broadband speed for American homes. Once all of the data had been collected, we normalized the results to provide a score out of 10 for each VPN, as shown below:

Our top performers were NordVPN, Surfshark, and IPVanish. On the other hand, PrivateVPN was the slowest. It was still fast enough to stream 4K content, though; its low score is just a byproduct of the fact that we normalize scores relative to the fastest provider.

Streaming ability

Even if a VPN has servers in a particular country, that doesn’t automatically mean it can access all of that country’s geo-blocked services. In fact, most streaming services employ geo-location and VPN-detection systems, which can make it tricky to access your usual content during a trip abroad.

With this in mind, we personally tested each VPN to see, firstly, how many major streaming apps it could access and, secondly, how reliably it did so. Providers were awarded higher scores for unblocking a larger number of platforms and penalized for making the users try multiple servers. Here are the final scores:

NordVPN took first place in this category, working flawlessly with every service we threw at it. Surfshark and ExpressVPN tied for second place, PrivateVPN, meanwhile, had the lowest score due to struggling with a handful of popular services.

Security and privacy

Digital threats are constantly evolving, so it’s important that your VPN has what it takes to keep you safe. At a bare minimum, we looked for industry-approved connection protocols, unbreakable encryption, a privacy-first logging policy, and safeguards like leak protection and a kill switch. All in all, we rate providers based on what they offer in the 16 areas laid out below:

FeatureNordVPNSurfsharkIPVanishExpressVPNCyberGhostPureVPNProton VPNPrivateVPN
Activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logsNo activity logs
IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logsNo IP logs
EncryptionAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higherAES-128 or higher
AuthenticationSHA-384SHA-512SHA-256SHA-512SHA-256SHA-256SHA-512SHA-256
Keys4096-bit4096-bit4096-bit4096-bit4096-bit4096-bit2048-bit2048-bit
Perfect Forward SecrecyYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
DNS leak protectionYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
IPv6 leak protectionYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Private DNSYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Torrenting allowedYesYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Kill switchAll platformsMobile app-levelAll platformsMobile app-levelAll platformsSome platformsAll platformsSome platforms
HQ outside 9 eyesYesNoYesYesYesYesYesYes
ObfuscationStealthStealthStealthAutomaticStealthAutomaticStealthStealth
Supported protocolsOwn protocolSecure protocols onlySecure protocols onlyOwn protocolSecure protocols onlySecure protocols onlySecure protocols onlySecure protocols only
Anonymous payment optionsMultipleMultipleNoneMultipleMultipleOneOneOne
Additional security featuresYesYesNoNoNoNoYesNo

The next step is awarding points based on what each VPN offers. For context, a perfect score is 10, with points taken away for each area where improvements could be made. Here’s a look at the final standings:

NordVPN and Surfshark lead the pack with 9.5 out of 10, thanks to advanced functionality and powerful security tools. ProtonVPN and ExpressVPN each did well scoring over nine points.

Ease of use

Good VPNs provide a high level of security and performance. Great VPNs do all of this while ensuring their apps are easy enough for complete beginners to use. We examined each potential recommendation to see how user-friendly it is and how seamless everyday usage is. This involved looking for the presence of task-specific servers, generous connection limits, and well-described settings. We also checked how easy it was to speak with customer support since if things go wrong, the less time you’re unprotected, the better.

NordVPN (9.6) and IPVanish (9.4) were the top-scoring services in this category. NordVPN has gone above and beyond to remain accessible despite adding lots of advanced functionality, and IPVanish’s removal of connection limits really helped it beat the competition.

Value for money

In an ideal world, you’d be able to get first-class online security for free. Sadly, the reality is quite different. Still, our priority is making sure you get a service that meets your needs and your budget. We first make sure that each VPN is fairly priced relative to what it offers, then check how frequently it goes on sale. Points are awarded for offering free trials, money-back guarantees, or student discounts, among other things.

Surfshark came out on top here, closely followed by IPVanish. Both services offer affordable monthly plans, student discounts, and reduced rates for customers who choose long-term subscriptions. ProtonVPN had the lowest score, though it is the only provider in this list with a free trial that doesn’t impose data caps or a time limit.

While a VPN may claim to offer the above, we test it for ourselves to find out the truth. Our VPN testing methodology involves examining areas such as server speed and security strength. This is all designed to provide you with information that’s accurate and current.

Using a free VPN to stream IPTV

Not all VPNs will help you when you want to stream video from abroad. The technology involved in protecting video streams, adapting the service whenever a TV service upgrades its blocking technology, and providing adequate speed for streaming high-quality HD video costs money. Some VPN services don’t even try to get into video streaming services that have tough content access restrictions. Online TV sites don’t just block access from overseas, but they also take every available measure to detect and block VPN traffic.

A VPN service that is free or very cheap may seem attractive. The problem is, they aren’t any good. There isn’t any way that a genuine VPN company could provide a service that breaks through access blocks and is capable of carrying HD video without charging.

Many free and cheap VPN services are not being completely honest with their users. They cover their costs and make a profit by other means. For example, some so-called VPNs don’t include any encryption, which means that their advertisers are lying when they call them VPNs. Free and cheap VPNs make money by selling their customers’ personal information. Others inject paid adverts into the sites that users access and allow paying marketers to monitor the online activities of the VPN’s customers. There are even a few “VPNs” that appropriate the internet bandwidth of their users and sell that capacity to paying customers — letting other people route their internet traffic through your computer.

Common IPTV streaming problems

Although you might be used to streaming video at home or on your mobile device during your daily commute, you might not have encountered one of the major problems of online video access, which is the issue of international access blocks.

There are several very good reasons that video streaming services restrict access to their libraries by country. The two biggest reasons are legal. Video delivery systems have to buy into their content. Producers of entertainment sell the rights to show their productions by country. So, different TV companies have the right to show the same show but in different countries. Broadcasting companies have to commit to restricting access to videos to only those people located in the countries that are written into the contract. In order to enforce this obligation, video streaming services block access from overseas.

The second legal reason relates to national broadcast licensing. Governments allow only authorized companies to show entertainment within their borders. Not only that, but all content shown in a country has to be approved by the government. This rule applies to all countries in the world, not just strict nations, such as Iran or Indonesia. Even though you may see the same show scheduled for broadcast in different countries, the video that is available in each place is different.

Broadcasters and producers of entertainment have to edit their content to comply with the laws of each country. In some cases, the show might be so far from what anyone is legally allowed to show in a country that it just isn’t feasible to cut out all of the illegal bits and no one will broadcast that show in that place. Online content streaming services can be sued, and their employees might be sent to prison if their content is shown in places where that edit breaches local laws.

VPNs can get around these content access restrictions for you when you are traveling abroad. So, even though the government of China doesn’t want you to watch US documentaries from home, their efforts to block video streaming are nullified by the privacy protection that the secure encrypted VPN tunnel provides.

Related: How to unblock video streaming sites

IPTV providers to use and some to avoid

Here is a list of ten popular IPTV providers to use:

Warning: the legality of many IPTV services has been called into question. The IPTV services listed just below appear to be legitimate at the time of writing, and some are even free to use. However, you’ll find a list of IPTV to avoid at the bottom of our article as well. As always, please do your own research and stick to legal streaming services.

Xumo

Xumo is a free IPTV service that offers over 100 live channels. You’ll find content from major news networks like Bloomberg, Newsy, Cheddar, CBC, and MSNBC, as well as sports content from options like Fox Sports, Sports Illustrated, PGA, NCAA Football. There are even unique, 24/7 movie channels like Filmrise, and Hi-Yah, as well as TV favorite channels for kids.

Xumo has apps for a large number of devices, as well as a plugin available for Kodi users.

Xumo may need a VPN to work in some international locations, however.

Pluto.TV

Pluto TV is similar to Xumo. It offers over 100 live TV channels for free. You can watch it on the web or through a plugin for Kodi. The only difference between Pluto. TV and Xumo are some of the unique channels, so you may find it useful to download both on your favorite device.

You’ll also find Pluto.TV is blocked in many locations outside of the US, so a VPN will be required to get easy access in many locations.

Sling TV

Sling TV is one of the most popular IPTV streaming services around and one of the oldest. It’s a current leader in the “cord-cutting” movement and offers over 40 channels for $25 per month. There are three packages to choose from, and you’ll get a mixture of sports, entertainment, news, and local TV through the platform.

Sling TV is blocked outside the US; however, signing up requires US payment information. However, if you’re traveling, you can still sign up via a VPN and use your current US-based account information.

Hulu with Live TV

Hulu’s on-demand service is just another feature of Hulu with Live TV. Through this $40 per month service, you’ll get over 50 channels, including local networks, sports channels like ESPN, and entertainment networks like AMC, History, Discovery, and more.

Hulu is also one of the most feature-rich options, offering a 50-hour cloud DVR, two simultaneous streams per account, and apps that function with a wide set of devices, including the Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

As with most US-based streaming options, you’ll need US payment information to sign up, and you’ll need a VPN to stream anything while outside the US.

Here are some IPTV providers to avoid:

Some IPTV providers offer what is essentially a “good to be true” deal. They deliver hundreds, and sometimes thousands of television channels over the web, often for less than 20 per month. These types of services are regularly found to be infringing on copyrights, as they often avoid paying the carriage fees required to offer these channels.

While we cannot verify whether or not these services are operating in that manner, the following popular IPTV options fit into the “too good to be true” category.

Insight TV

Insight TV claims to offer over 1,500 channels for a low cost: only $75 for a one-year subscription. The service only takes payment in euros and allows payments to be received in 3, 6, or 12-month subscription periods.

There is no official app on any reputable streaming device for this service.

RocketStreams

RocketStreams states that it offers over 1,500 channels, with a subscription cost that comes in at just under $80 per year for a 12-month subscription.

You will not find an app for RocketStreams on any streaming device or operating system.

IPTV Forest

IPTV Forest states that it offers a somewhat surprising 6,000+ channels, with over 500 Arabic channels and over 400 UK channels. What is the cost of this? Only $10 per month, which is a bit hard to fathom for what it’s claiming to offer.

There are no official apps for this service.

Premium IPTV

Premium IPTV’s benefits seem fairly clear on the surface. It only streams in HD, claims to offer more than 3,000 channels, and has an on-demand section with over 4,000 movies. It also offers all of that for a suspiciously low price of just $17 per month, or $112 per year.

The company processes payments through PayPal and charges in Euros. You can take out a subscription for one month for 15 Euros ($17), two months for 19 Euros ($22), six months for 59 Euros ($70), or a year for 95 Euros ($112). You probably won’t be likely to sign up for the one-year package because, at just 4 Euros more, you can get a lifetime subscription for 99 Euros ($117).

International IPTV services to watch with a VPN

When you install a VPN you can get an IP address in many different regions around the globe. This means that you can watch a wide variety of international TV streaming platforms (IPTV services). Above, we already gave you a list of US services you can access with a VPN.

To give you even more options, we have provided a list of IPTV services from around the world:

UK IPTV

If you want to watch any of the official UK IPTV services below, simply connect to a VPN server in Britain.

  • BBC iPlayer
  • ITVX
  • Channel 4 on demand
  • Now TV (Sky)
  • TNT Sport

Spanish IPTV

If you want to watch any of the official Spanish IPTV services below, simply connect to a VPN server in Spain.

  • Mitele
  • Movistar Plus
  • ATRES Player
  • Rakuten TV

Italian IPTV

If you want to watch any of the official Italian IPTV services below, simply connect to a VPN server in Italy.

  • Mediaset Infinity
  • TIM Vision
  • Sky Italia

German IPTV

If you want to watch any of the official German IPTV services below, simply connect to a VPN server in Germany.

  • Joyn
  • Magenta TV
  • Zattoo
  • ProSieben

Australian IPTV

If you want to watch any of the official Australian IPTV services below, simply connect to a VPN server in Australia.

  • Kayo Sports
  • Foxtel
  • Ten Play
  • Seven

Canadian IPTV

If you want to watch any of the official Canadian IPTV services below, simply connect to a VPN server in Canada.

  • Crave
  • CTV
  • Club Illico

Accessing IPTV services in other countries

The VPNs we have recommended have servers in dozens of countries around the globe. You can use your VPN to access IPTV services and TV streams in all of those countries. To access the IPTV service that interests you, simply connect to a VPN server in the country you require. This will give you a local IP address that works to watch local streaming services from that country.

Beware IPTV Piracy

Besides paid IPTV services, there are many free IPTV streaming options. However, you are unlikely to find a legal free service.

You may find it strange that many IPTV providers boast that their systems are compatible with VPNs. As the providers have already stripped out the regional restrictions on the channels that they broadcast, you don’t actually need a VPN in order to watch those channels from outside of their intended country of broadcast. So why use one?

The truth is that many IPTV providers pirate their channels from official sources and resell them to subscribers. We can’t vouch for or against any of the providers listed above, but it stands to reason that an IPTV provider shouldn’t be able to sell access to channels cheaper than the channels themselves do. Nor should they be free from the regional content licensing restrictions on content that all other streaming services must abide by.

If there is even a chance that you could inadvertently stream pirated video, you need to protect your identity. That’s why you still need a VPN to watch IPTV, even though you pay for the service.

Authorities don’t seem to be as tough on those who accidentally stream video illegally as those who download torrents. However, there is no guarantee that the same attitude will prevail forever. Right now, the most probable risk that you face with paid IPTV providers is that they get shut down before your subscription expires.

IPTV VPN: FAQ

How does IPTV work?

There’s no great mystery as to how IPTV works; IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) is a system that delivers television programming and other content over IP networks, such as the internet, instead of using traditional methods like antennas, satellite dishes, or fiber-optic cables.

Users typically access IPTV services using set-top boxes connected to their TVs or through software on personal computers. IPTV can also be accessed on other devices like smartphones and tablets.

It uses the same client-server model as other internet-based services, like email and websites. In fact, if you’ve ever used Twitch, YouTube, or streamed live TV on the ABC, NBC, or BBC websites, you’ve already used IPTV services.

Are subscriptions to IPTV legal?

Usually, yes. For instance, IPTV Services like fuboTV, YouTube TV, and Hulu are completely legitimate. However, it usually is if something sounds too good to be true. This means that if you find a website offering access to any movie or TV show you can think of for $1 a month, it’s almost certainly illegal. This kind of site is extremely unlikely to have the rights to the content, plus there’s no telling what the owners will do with your payment information. 

What is an IPTV Set-Top Box (STB)?

An IPTV set-top box is a small device that receives streaming signals from the internet before decoding and displaying them on your TV screen. IPTV set-top boxes are typically quick and easy to use and can be used on almost any TV model. The IPTV set-top box is an alternative to the smart TV on which you can download an app to use a particular service or watch a specific channel.

Can I watch IPTV via streaming devices like Kodi and Firestick?

Yes! Streaming devices are specifically designed to provide access to IPTV platforms (live streaming and on-demand). The important thing to remember is that every time you stream TV shows and broadcasts via the internet, you are enjoying IPTV.

Streaming devices like Kodi, Firestick, Apple TV, and Roku are all designed to give you access to popular IPTV services. You can watch content via IPTV apps like Hulu, ESPN, Fox, Sling TV, DirecTV STREAM, AT&T TV, HBO Max, Peacock, and many other platforms and services from around the globe.

The important thing to remember is that some streaming players, such as Kodi, can provide access to unofficial streaming repositories and add-ons. These types of IPTV streams are illegal because they involve piracy. This is why you must learn the difference between genuine (official) IPTV streams and dodgy pirated IPTV services.

Bear in mind that just because an IPTV service is paid does not mean it is legal. Piracy companies all around the globe set up illegal IPTV services that provide access to illegal broadcasts of popular live TV services and PPV events.

Using these services is against the law even if you pay for access – so be sure to check the legitimacy of IPTV apps and services before using them.

Can Internet providers block IPTV?

Yes, it’s possible for your Internet Service Provider (ISP) to block IPTV. This is done by blocking the DNS of the IPTV service in question so that you can’t access it. To get around this, you should use a VPN. This ensures your internet traffic is encrypted so that your ISP cannot see what you’re doing online as a result. IPTV should then be accessible as normal.

If your ISP is blocking any online content, be it IPTV, a social media platform, or news site, you can bypass such censorship with a VPN. A VPN reroutes your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel to a server in the location of your choosing. 

To access a particular IPTV in your country, you’ll need to connect to a VPN server in a country in which that IPTV service is available. Your ISP won’t be able to see what you’re doing online and won’t be able to block the IPTV service as a result.

What is the best IPTV box I can buy?

Several options come to mind regarding the best IPTV boxes on the market. However, one of the frontrunners is the Formuler Z11 Pro Max. This remarkable device has all the features you look for in an IPTV box. It boasts 4K Ultra HD streaming capabilities with HDR10+ support, to name one

Another great option is Amazon’s Fire TV Stick 4K Max which is also a highly popular choice among consumers due to its high level of quality at an affordable price point.

Finally, NVIDIA Shield stands tall among its competitors as one of today’s most powerful streaming boxes.