One of the most popular reasons people use VPNs is to regain access to their usual streaming services (such as Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer) while traveling abroad. A VPN changes your IP address and allows you to bypass the geographic restrictions on sites and apps like these, which usually only let you watch in certain countries.
Short for Virtual Private Network, a VPN will mask your real location with that of the VPN server in a location of your choosing. This changes your IP address and makes it seem as though you’re accessing the streaming service from the US, Canada, UK, or anywhere else a server is available. A VPN also makes it possible to bypass blackout restrictions on live sporting events.
Unfortunately, many streaming sites and apps have caught on to this tactic and try to ban VPN users from accessing their websites, apps, and Kodi add-ons. But we’ll show you the best VPNs for streaming that still work in 2024. In this post, we get into detail on each of the providers that made this list, but in case you’re short of time, we’ll start with a quick summary.
Best VPNs for streaming:
- NordVPN: Our top choice VPN for streaming. Superfast servers dotted around the globe deliver high-quality buffer-free streaming. Works with all major streaming services from any location. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for streaming. - Surfshark: Best budget option. A solid all-around performer that can securely access streaming platforms with ease. Unlimited simultaneous connections mean you can watch your favorite content on every device.
- IPVanish: Fast speeds and excellent access to a range of streaming platforms. Popular with torrenters and Kodi users.
- ExpressVPN: One of the most reliable streaming VPNs. A network of RAM-only servers that manage to hit good streaming speeds without compromising on security or privacy.
- CyberGhost: Great value subscriptions with good streaming speeds and a vast network of servers for accessing geo-restricted content. Ease of setup and use makes for a decent beginners’ favorite.
- Private Internet Access: Strong security and works with US Netflix. Its network spans 91 countries. Allows unlimited device connections.
- PrivateVPN: A reliable, secure streaming VPN that can provide access to content from across the world. Works with many routers.
Many VPNs claim to work with streaming 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 streaming and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.
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 streaming with no restrictions for a month. This makes it perfect for anyone looking to stay caught up during a short trip abroad.
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
How we found the top streaming VPNs
Only a handful of VPN services have the resources necessary to access the most popular streaming sites and bypass their firewalls. In this article, we’ve selected the best VPNs for streaming based on the following criteria:
- Speed: To avoid endless buffering, it’s essential to choose a VPN that can — as far as possible — preserve your base connection speed. We carried out multiple speed tests to find which providers were least likely to bog your connection down.
- Streaming suitability: We scored providers on their compatibility with a range of streaming providers, as well as their server distribution and any streaming-friendly features.
- Value for money: If you’re already paying for several streaming subscriptions, then you won’t want to pay more than is necessary for a VPN subscription. We found the best value providers by evaluating them against eight different metrics.
- Security and privacy: So that you don’t unwittingly expose your online activities to third parties, we checked that each VPN provided adequate security and privacy measures. We did this by evaluating them against 16 different metrics.
- Ease of use: To reduce the work needed to access your favorite streaming platforms, we only chose VPNs that were easy to use. This involved evaluating them against ten different criteria.
If you want more information on the tests and the gathered data, skip forward to the methodology section.
The best VPNs for streaming: At a glance
We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for streaming.
| No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access | PrivateVPN |
| Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | IPVanish.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | PrivateInternetAccess.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for Streaming | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 74 Mbps | Total number of servers | 6,000+ | 3,200 | 2,200+ | Undisclosed | 11,000+ | Undisclosed | 200+ | Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 8 | 7 | Unlimited | 10 | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best deal (per month) | $2.99 74% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months | $1.99 87% OFF + 4 months free | $6.49 Best MONTHLY deal | $4.99 SAVE: 61% + 4 months free on 2 year plans | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free! | $2.19 SAVE 82% on the 2 yr plan + 2 months free | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
Best VPNs for streaming
Before recommending any VPN, we subject them to rigorous testing. These reviews are a reflection of those firsthand evaluations. Let’s take a closer look at the ones that made the cut.
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for streaming:
1. NordVPN
Dec 2024
Great for streamingTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 9.7 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 9.6 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
| Streaming suitability: | 9.8 / 10 |
| US speed: | 10.0 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 9.5 / 10 |
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Works with:
- Netflix app
- Netflix browser
- Hulu app
- Hulu browser
- HBO Max
- BBC iPlayer
- Amazon Prime Video
- SlingTV
- Kodi
NordVPN is our top choice for a streaming VPN. This premium VPN is renowned for its smooth streaming experience.
We tested its speeds while connected to its US servers. As you can see from the chart below, it was very fast.
Its average download speed across all three tests was 223.71 Mbps. This was more than 88 Mbps faster than the combined average speed of the other tested providers. If you want a VPN for streaming in 4K, then NordVPN is the best option.
NordVPN enables access to almost everything but requires knowing which servers to connect to. We recommend heading to the NordVPN knowledge base and simply searching for the streaming video service you want to use. You can toggle those servers as favorites in the app to make them easier to find later.
NordVPN is great for users who want to watch international Netflix catalogs. We’ve successfully tested it with Netflix US, UK, Australia, Brazil, Italy, India, Netherlands, Spain, and Germany.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. You can connect up to 10 devices at a time.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want the fastest speeds available
- You want access to the largest range of streaming platforms
- You want smart DNS
- You want access to servers in lots of countries
- You’re connecting from China
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You do a lot of torrenting and want port forwarding
BEST VPN FOR STREAMING:NordVPN is our top choice. Super fast streaming speeds. Strong security features and allows up to 10 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free deal.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Great for streamingTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 9.2 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 8.9 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
| Streaming suitability: | 9.5 / 10 |
| US speed: | 8.5 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 9.7 / 10 |
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Works with:
- Netflix app
- Netflix browser
- Hulu app
- Hulu browser
- BBC iPlayer
- Amazon Prime Video
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN that provides access to around 3,200+ servers in 100 countries and works with some of the most popular streaming services. It can even securely access particularly stubborn platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
To find out whether the provider was fast enough for streaming, we tested the speeds of its US servers. You can see the results in the chart below.
Surfshark’s average download speed was 198.38 Mbps, which makes it fast enough for streaming in the highest resolution available without lag or buffering. Best of all, Surfshark has no connection limit, allowing you to protect every device you own.
This VPN doesn’t have a list of which servers are good for which platforms, but as you can reach customer support 24/7 over live chat, you can find out which server to use in a matter of seconds.
Apps are available for Windows, iOS, Android, MacOS, and Linux.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want to share an account with friends and family
- You want smart DNS
- You want a low-cost subscription
- You want fast speeds
- You’d find static servers useful
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re uncomfortable using a provider based in a Nine Eyes country
BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect, so you can stream from anywhere. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of Surfshark here.
3. IPVanish
Great for streamingTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 9 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 9.4 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
| Streaming suitability: | 9.6 / 10 |
| US speed: | 7.4 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 9.6 / 10 |
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Works with:
- HBO Max
- ITV Hub
- SlingTV
- Kodi
- Netflix US
IPVanish had no issues accessing Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, or Amazon Prime Video during testing. It allows users to choose between individual servers rather than just opting for a particular city.
Speed-wise, the provider is very fast. In our tests, IPVanish averaged an impressive 179.26 Mbps.
Its fast speeds make it suitable for streaming and activities such as gaming, gambling, and torrenting. The provider is popular with Kodi users and doesn’t restrict the number of devices you can connect.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. Subscriptions are great value, with the Essential plan costing the equivalent of $2.19 a month. The Advanced plan costs just over a dollar a month more and includes a sandboxed secure browser and a generous 1TB of cloud storage.
Buy this VPN if:
- You like being able to choose between individual streaming servers
- You want unlimited simultaneous device connections
- You want easy access to streaming services
- You’d find 1TB of cloud storage useful
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want a VPN based outside the US
- You’re connecting from China
NO CONNECTION LIMIT:IPVanish is great for families. Handles several simultaneous connections well. Recommended for its high standard of privacy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full IPVanish review.
4. ExpressVPN
Great for streamingTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.1 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 9.3 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 9.2 / 10 |
| Streaming suitability: | 9.5 / 10 |
| US speed: | 3.9 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 8.4 / 10 |
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Works with:
- Netflix app
- Netflix browser
- Hulu app
- Hulu browser
- HBO Max
- fuboTV
- Amazon Prime Video
- SlingTV
- Kodi
ExpressVPN is one of the most trustworthy streaming VPNs, although it doesn’t advertise itself as such. Because of that, it’s not very obvious which servers users should connect to. We won’t post them here because they occasionally change, and we don’t want to draw undue attention. Instead, users will have to contact customer service to ask which servers to connect to for which streaming service.
Luckily, ExpressVPN has a live chat service on its website that rarely keeps customers waiting for more than five minutes. They are professional staff who know the product well. They might ask you to prove that you are a genuine customer, not a company shill, by asking for the email address under which you signed up for an account and the last server you connected to. Once you’ve passed the test, you’ll be given a shortlist of servers that should bypass the firewall.
We tested ExpressVPN’s speeds while connected to its US servers. The provider consistently achieved speeds over 110 Mbps, which is a solid result.
ExpressVPN is fast enough for streaming in 4K, as long as your base connection speed is up to it. Our test machine had a download speed of 250 Mbps.
Apps are available on Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Linux, and certain wi-fi routers. You can connect eight devices at once.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a smart DNS for a VPN-incompatible device
- You want a router app
- You’d find always-on obfuscation useful
- You want consistent access to streaming services
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re on a tight budget
- You want lots of customization options
STREAM WITH EASE:ExpressVPN is fast and reliable. Works with most major streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Great privacy features and keeps no logs. Try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
5. CyberGhost
Great for streamingTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.1 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
| Streaming suitability: | 6.9 / 10 |
| US speed: | 6.3 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 9.5 / 10 |
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
Works with:
- Netflix app
- Netflix browser
- Hulu app
- Hulu browser
- HBO Max
- BBC iPlayer
- Prime
- SlingTV
- Kodi
CyberGhost recently ramped up its efforts to make more streaming services available to its users. It worked with all of the websites we tested. Furthermore, the app has a separate list of dedicated streaming servers that clearly state which service they’re designed for.
Overall, the provider has more than 10,000 servers in over 100+ countries. We connected to its US servers to find out how fast they were.
The provider was very quick, with an average download speed of 160.16 Mbps. This compared favorably against the combined average download speed of the other providers. In short, CyberGhost is a great choice for smooth streaming.
Users can take advantage of 24/7 live chat in case they have any issues. Still, with most of this VPN’s security tools pre-configured, you shouldn’t have too much trouble.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. You can connect up to seven devices at the same time.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want servers optimized for particular streaming platforms
- You’re new to VPN software
- You want a low-cost subscription
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You might need to connect more than seven devices
- You’re connecting from China
VALUE & PERFORMANCE:CyberGhost is great for beginners Streams HD video reliably. Works well with Netflix but not some other popular streaming sites. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
6. Private Internet Access
Great for streamingTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 7.4 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 9.6 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 9.3 / 10 |
| Streaming suitability: | 7.7 / 10 |
| US speed: | 2.4 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 8.2 / 10 |
Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Works with:
- Netflix app
- Netflix browser
- Hulu app
- Hulu browser
- BBC iPlayer
- Amazon Prime Network
- Kodi
Private Internet Access (PIA) earns a spot on our list thanks to its extensive server network, reliable performance, and user-friendly interface for beginners. PIA has RAM-only servers in 91 countries, including several locations optimized for streaming and bypassing content restrictions. This ensures users enjoy smooth and uninterrupted access to popular streaming services like Netflix, SlingTV, NowTV, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
We tested the provider’s US server speeds to find out whether they were suitable for streaming. You can see the results in the chart below.
PIA’s speeds were a little variable, so you may need to switch between servers if you want the fastest speeds. Alternatively, you can try lowering the level of encryption if a speed boost is needed.
Security is a priority for PIA, with military-grade 256-bit AES encryption and support for multiple VPN protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. A strict no-logs policy, automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection further enhance user privacy.
One of PIA’s standout features is its split tunneling option, which allows users to choose which apps and websites utilize the VPN connection and which ones bypass it. This is particularly useful for streaming, as it enables users to optimize their bandwidth usage and access local content without disconnecting from the VPN.
PIA is compatible with various devices and platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. The VPN also supports unlimited device connections, making it perfect for users with multiple devices or those who want to share their VPN access with friends or family.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a low-cost subscription
- You want streaming-optimized servers
- You want to share an account with friends and family
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re uncomfortable using a US-based service
- You want to connect from China
BIG ON PRIVACY:Private Internet Access includes WireGuard support for ultra-fast streaming, a built-in ad blocker, and doesn’t collect logs. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Private Internet Access review.
7. PrivateVPN
Great for streamingTested Dec 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 6.5 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 8.6 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 8.6 / 10 |
| Streaming suitability: | 6.2 / 10 |
| US speed: | 1.0 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 8.2 / 10 |
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Works with:
- Netflix app
- Netflix browser
- Hulu app
- Hulu browser
- HBO Max
- BBC iPlayer
- SlingTV
- Kodi
PrivateVPN is a smaller provider that’s nevertheless great at accessing a range of big-name streaming platforms. We’ve been able to securely access Netflix in pretty much every country we’ve tested so far, including the US, UK, Italy, Japan, and France. PrivateVPN also works with Hulu in both a browser and on the app, though the number of servers that you can use with Hulu is a bit more limited. We had to ask customer service which to connect to.
We tested the provider’s US servers to find out what sort of speeds users might expect while connected.
PrivateVPN wasn’t the fastest VPN provider we tested, but it was nevertheless fast enough for streaming 4K video without interruption — so long as you have a decent base connection speed (ours was 250 Mbps). If not, opt for one of the faster providers already mentioned.
A live chat service is available, but unfortunately, it is not 24/7. You can submit a ticket during the off hours.
PrivateVPN offers up to 10 simultaneous internet connections on a single account, making it a great bargain. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a low-cost subscription
- You want customizable apps
- You want powerful obfuscation
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You have a slow internet connection
- You want access to a large server network
Great Speeds:PrivateVPN good family choice. Good for Netflix. Perfect for HD Streaming. Could do with having more servers and lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for streaming
It’s harder than you might think to find a VPN that works for streaming. To make sure we cover all bases we tested each provider in all of the following areas:
Speed
Live streaming requires a fast, stable connection that many VPNs just can’t provide. We speed-tested providers to find out which were best-placed to support streaming without any lag or buffering issues.
We took measurements using the desktop version of the Ookla speed-testing app. This was installed on a virtual machine that had been rate-limited to 250 Mbps. This figure is the median average of fixed broadband speeds in the US, and enables us to get an idea of the average user’s experience with each provider.
As you can see from the above chart, NordVPN was the fastest provider overall. Surfshark and IPVanish also achieved impressive speeds. All three are great options if you enjoy streaming in the highest resolution available.
Streaming suitability
Very few providers work with the big-name streaming platforms, so we first scored VPNs on their compatability with popular services. We also scored them on the number of countries they supported, and on which Netflix libraries they worked with. We checked whether they worked with routers (so users can spoof their location on VPN-incompatible devices) and whether they offered split tunneling.
These scores were combined for ease of comparison. You can see the results in the chart below.
Again, NordVPN was the best option. It worked with the greatest number of streaming platforms, has servers in 111 countries and offers support for routers and split tunneling. IPVanish also scored highly, as did Surfshark and ExpressVPN.
Value for money
Getting good value requires more than just finding the cheapest subscription. Things like free trials, money-back guarantees, and discounts for longer commitments all play a part. You can see how each provider performed against the metrics we used to evaluate value for money in the table below.
| VPN Provider | Money-back guarantee | Connection limit | Subscription terms | Sale frequency | Monthly pricing | Lowest price | Free trial available | Student discount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Value for Money | Value for Money | Value for Money | Value for Money | Value for Money | Value for Money | Value for Money | Value for Money |
| NordVPN | Yes | 6+ | 3 terms+ | Frequently running deals | <$13 | <$5 | Yes | Yes |
| Surfshark | Yes | Unlimited | 3 terms+ | Frequently running deals | <$10 | <$5 | Yes | Yes |
| IPVanish | Yes | Unlimited | 3 terms+ | Frequently running deals | <$13 | <$5 | Yes | Yes |
| ExpressVPN | Yes | 6+ | 3 terms+ | Frequently running deals | $15+ | $5+ | Yes | Yes |
| CyberGhost | Yes | 6+ | 3 terms+ | Frequently running deals | <$13 | <$5 | Yes | Yes |
| PIA | Yes | Unlimited | 3 terms+ | Frequently running deals | <$13 | <$5 | Yes | No |
| PrivateVPN | Yes | 6+ | 3 terms+ | Frequently running deals | <$10 | <$5 | Yes | No |
We assigned a score to each of these metrics so that we were left with an overall score out of ten. This makes it easier to directly compare providers.
Surfshark was the best value provider overall, thanks to its winning combination of low subscription prices and unlimited device connections. IPVanish scored well for the same reason.
Security and privacy
All of our top VPNs keep you safe using 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Further, they all follow no-logging policies that help your online activities remain private after the fact. You can see how each provider performed against all 16 of the criteria we use to measure security and privacy in the table below.
| VPN Provider | Activity logs | IP logs | Encryption | Authentication | Keys | Perfect Forward Secrecy | DNS leak protection | IPv6 leak protection | Private DNS | Torrenting allowed | Kill switch | HQ outside 9 eyes | Obfuscation | Supported protocols | Anonymous payment options | Additional security features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security | Security |
| NordVPN | No activity logs | No IP logs | AES-128 or higher | SHA-384 | 4096-bit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | All platforms | Yes | Stealth | Own protocol | Multiple | Yes |
| Surfshark | No activity logs | No IP logs | AES-128 or higher | SHA-512 | 4096-bit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Mobile app-level | No | Stealth | Secure protocols only | Multiple | Yes |
| IPVanish | No activity logs | No IP logs | AES-128 or higher | SHA-256 | 4096-bit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | All platforms | Yes | Stealth | Secure protocols only | None | No |
| ExpressVPN | No activity logs | No IP logs | AES-128 or higher | SHA-512 | 4096-bit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Mobile app-level | Yes | Automatic | Own protocol | Multiple | No |
| CyberGhost | No activity logs | No IP logs | AES-128 or higher | SHA-256 | 4096-bit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | All platforms | Yes | Stealth | Secure protocols only | Multiple | No |
| PIA | No activity logs | No IP logs | AES-128 or higher | SHA-256 | 4096-bit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | All platforms | No | Stealth | Secure protocols only | Multiple | Yes |
| PrivateVPN | No activity logs | No IP logs | AES-128 or higher | SHA-256 | 2048-bit | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Some platforms | Yes | Stealth | Secure protocols only | One | No |
Providers were scored on each of these criteria. These scores were combined to give a score out of 10 for comparison.
NordVPN and Surfshark provided the greatest levels of security and privacy overall. They both use strong encryption and can help users bypass the most stringent VPN blocks. PIA is an excellent alternative.
Ease of use
We looked for novice-friendly VPNs with multi-platform support and live chat (amongst other things). You can see how the providers performed against all of our ease-of-use criteria in the table below.
| VPN Provider | Apps for all major platforms | Novice-friendly design | Ease of signup (reviewer to score) | Router support | Unblocking consistency | Task specific servers | Network | Ease of cancellation | Interface | Feature parity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Ease of Use | Ease of Use | Ease of Use | Ease of Use | Ease of Use | Ease of Use | Ease of Use | Ease of Use | Ease of Use | Ease of Use |
| NordVPN | Yes | Yes | 5 (easy) | Standard | Great | Yes | 60+ countries | Very easy | Well-organised | Most features available on all versions |
| Surfshark | Yes | Yes | 4 | Standard | Great | No | 60+ countries | Very easy | A little cluttered | Most features available on all versions |
| IPVanish | Yes | Yes | 5 (easy) | Standard | Great | No | 60+ countries | Very easy | Well-organised | Most features available on all versions |
| ExpressVPN | Yes | Yes | 5 (easy) | App | Generally works | No | 60+ countries | Very easy | Well-organised | All features available on all versions |
| CyberGhost | Yes | Yes | 4 | Standard | Great | Yes | 60+ countries | Very easy | A little cluttered | Most features available on all versions |
| PIA | Yes | Yes | 5 (easy) | Standard | Great | Yes | 60+ countries | Very easy | Well-organised | Most features available on all versions |
| PrivateVPN | Yes | Yes | 4 | Standard | Generally works | No | 60+ countries | Very easy | Well-organised | Most features available on all versions |
Each of these criteria was given a score, which we combined to create an overall score out of ten. This makes it easier to compare providers.
NordVPN and PIA were the easiest-to-use providers overall. They both have well-designed interfaces and streamlined onboarding and offboarding processes. IPVanish is a strong alternative.
How to use a streaming VPN
Using a VPN to access geo-restricted content on streaming platforms is simple. Just follow the instructions below to get started:
- Sign up for a VPN for streaming. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
- Download the VPN app to your preferred streaming device and sign in.
- Connect to a VPN server in the correct country. For example, if you want to access US content, choose a US server to gain a US IP address.
- Head over to your favorite streaming service and try to load a show or movie. You should be able to stream without any issues.
- If you still can’t access content, try clearing your cookies and cache. Once done, reload the video and try again. If problems persist, you may need to contact your VPN’s customer support team.
VPN not working? Try this
Before you leave an angry comment saying one of the VPNs we recommend doesn’t works with a particular streaming service, try the following:
- Disable IPv6 (see instructions below)
- Clear your browser cache, cookies and hosted app data (see instructions below). You might have attempted to access a site in the past and encountered an error due to being outside the country or using a proxy. The website in question could retain such information in a cookie or browser cache and continue blocking you even though a VPN is enabled now.
- Make sure DNS leak protection is enabled, and you are using the VPN provider’s DNS servers.
- If you’re logged into any Google accounts, including the one on Chrome browser, log out of them. Google caches IP addresses, which can reveal your actual location.
- Disable GPS and any other location services on your computer, smartphone, or browser. If you’ve given Netflix permission to see your location in the past, you’ll need to toggle this off in your browser settings.
- Flush your DNS cache. In Windows, run Command Prompt in Administrator mode and typing
ipconfig /flushdns - Change your device’s time zone to the country in which you’re trying to access Netflix.
When your device sends a web page request, most secure VPNs force those requests onto the IPv4 protocol. However, some apps and websites can force requests to be sent on all possible channels, which results in a mismatched location, exposing the use of a proxy service such as a VPN. Hulu and Netflix both use this tactic to weed out VPN users. To get around this, a simple solution is to disable IPv6 on your device altogether.
How to disable IPv6 on a Windows PC (Windows 10):
- Disconnect and close the VPN app
- Tap Windows Key+R to open the Run prompt
- Type ncpa.cpl and hit Enter to open your Network Connections
- Find the connection you are using, right click it, and select Properties
- On the Networking or General tab, uncheck the box that says “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)”
- Click OK to save changes and close the Window
- Tap Windows Key+R and select Command Prompt (Admin), then hit Yes when asked if it’s okay for the program to make changes to your computer
- In the command prompt (black window), type ipconfig /flushdns and hit Enter.
- Reconnect to the VPN, refresh the Hulu page, and enjoy the video!
How to disable IPv6 on MacOS:
- Disconnect and close the VPN app
- Open the Apple menu.
- Choose System Preferences > Network > AirPort > Advanced
- Select TCP/IP.
- Click on the Configure IPv6 pop-up menu and select Off.
- Click OK and Apply (to apply the change).
- Reconnect to the VPN, refresh the Hulu page, and enjoy the video!
How to clear your browser cache, hosted app data, and cookies on Chrome
- Click the three dots in the top right corner of Chrome and go to Settings
- Scroll all the way down and click on Show advanced settings
- Under Privacy, click Clear browsing data
- Check Cookies and other site and plugin data, Cached images and files, and Hosted app data
- Hit Clear browsing data and wait for the process to finish
- Go back to the video and refresh the page with the VPN enabled. You will be prompted to log in again. After that, the video should be accessible. Enjoy!
How to clear your browser cache, hosted app data, and cookies on Firefox
- In the History menu, select Clear Recent History
- Press Alt to make the menu bar visible
- From the Time range to clear: drop-down menu, select Everything
- Next to Details, click the down arrow and choose select all items
- Click Clear Now
- Exit FireFox and re-open the browser. Navigate to the video page and log in again. Enjoy the video!
Not every VPN server is suitable for streaming
NordVPN, Surfshark, IPVanish, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, PrivateVPN, and PIA, are at the top of their game when it comes to streaming content. They are the only VPNs we know of that work with Netflix US both on a browser and when using the Netflix app. They can also work with Hulu, which has some of the most robust anti-VPN barriers in our experience.
However, you can’t expect every server to work. The range of servers that can work with Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and HBO–even in a web browser–is very limited. Typically, only a handful of servers will be able to bypass a firewall at any one time, so it may be worth getting in touch with your VPN provider’s customer support to check which are the best servers to use for your needs.
We’ve curated the above list of VPNs based on how well they work with some of the most popular streaming services. They also meet certain performance, security, and privacy standards that ensure high-speed connections to stream HD video, a no-logs privacy policy, and strong encryption.
VPNs for streaming: FAQs
Can I use a free VPN to access streaming platforms?
Although you might be tempted by free VPN services, we advise against it. Streaming platforms put a lot of time and money into detecting and blocking VPNs, so in all likelihood, a free VPN just won’t work. Also, these services are almost always slower than their paid-for counterparts. This means that even if you do manage to gain access, the streaming video playback may be choppy or buffer endlessly.
Also, since free VPN services can’t charge their users directly, they’ve been known to rely on shady tactics to generate income. These include injecting targeted ads on the pages you visit, selling your browsing habits to third parties, and using tracking cookies to keep tabs on you even after you disconnect. In addition, these providers can come bundled with malware and even go as far as to sell their users’ bandwidth for use in botnets.
For these reasons, we highly recommend using a reputable VPN service with a focus on customer privacy instead.
Do I need a VPN to stream on Kodi?
Just like streaming websites and apps, official Kodi addons are often geo-blocked. By connecting to a VPN server in another country, your real IP address is masked by the VPN server, so the streaming source will see the server’s location and not yours.
We advise using a VPN with Kodi even if the addon you’re using isn’t geographically restricted. Even if a Kodi addon is used to access an official stream, the addon itself might not be official (e.g. the iPlayer WWW addon for BBC iPlayer). An addon that’s safe one day could be modified to be malicious a day later. A VPN will help protect against many common threats to Kodi users, including man-in-the-middle attacks that attempt to steal login credentials.
Finally, a VPN protects your privacy so that third parties can’t monitor what you watch, including your internet service provider.
How can I reduce buffering when streaming video?
Buffering is usually either the result of a slow internet connection or an underpowered streaming device. You can reduce buffering when streaming video by reducing the video resolution. A video playing in 720p will require a lot less data than a video playing at 1080p. Most video players allow users to manually adjust the resolution.
Make sure your base internet speed is fast enough to stream the resolution you want to watch. 10 Mbps is usually good enough for 1080p HD, and 25 Mbps is needed for 4K UHD.
A VPN will slow your connection somewhat, but all of the VPNs we recommend should offer sufficient bandwidth for HD streaming.
Check to see no other programs on your device or devices in your household are sapping available bandwidth.
If you have an underpowered device, it won’t be able to decompress the video fast enough to play without stopping to buffer. And if you’re using a VPN, then the device will also have to decrypt the video stream as it downloads, adding a further burden and causing more buffering.
I have the first 2 on your list and neither are fast enough to stream videos to Europe. If you say these are the 2 fastest, then that means there is no vpn in the world fast enough to stream with. They both buffer and lag every 10 seconds or so, no matter what app I’m using, and no matter the speed of my WiFi, fast or slow. Really sucks, cause any good sports or anything requires “being in the U.S.” to view. How disappointing…. 🙁