American streaming site Syfy isn’t geo-restricted per se, but the only way you can log in to stream the content on the platform is if you have a subscription with a US Cable provider such as Xfinity, DirecTV, or Verizon (or a corresponding provider in another country, such as Sky, Now or Virgin Media in the UK). Assuming you already have a US cable subscription, are traveling abroad, and don’t want to pay for an additional subscription, the best way to overcome geo-restriction and access Syfy is with a VPN.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) will encrypt your internet connection by routing it via a server in a location of your choice. Encryption protects your online privacy but also hides your real IP address. This means that if you connect to an American server, you will appear to be connecting from within the US and can access Syfy (and any other home streaming services) from Canada, the UK, Australia, or anywhere without paying for a new subscription!
We’ll explain exactly how to use a VPN to access Syfy from anywhere and list the best VPNs for the job. We’ll start with a quick summary, but keep scrolling for more detailed reviews of the VPNs we recommend.
Best VPNs for watching Syfy outside the US
- NordVPN: Our top choice VPN for watching Syfy abroad. Vast server network, easy-to-use apps, leak-resistant connections, and solid encryption make it a great all-rounder. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best budget-friendly VPN for streaming Syfy. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Servers in 100 countries. Robust security and privacy protocols.
- ExpressVPN: Military-grade encryption coupled with fast speeds, robust leak protection, split tunneling, and other hardy features make it a solid choice.
- CyberGhost: Top-notch security coupled with speed-optimized servers and beginner-friendly apps. Almost 1,500 in the US for accessing Syfy from abroad.
- IPVanish: Can flip your IP address for a new one at preset intervals. Consistent speeds and no logs. No connection limits. Popular with Kodi users.
- PrivateVPN: Underrated performer that punches above its weight. Excellent unblocking capabilities, along with impressive speeds and a kill switch.
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 Syfy with no restrictions for a month.
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 Syfy VPNs
There are hundreds of VPNs on the market, so it can be difficult – not to mention time-consuming – to find the right one for your needs. We’ve taken the guesswork out of it for you by only recommending those VPNs that meet the following non-negotiable criteria:
- Servers in the United States capable of accessing Syfy content
- Impressive speeds and stability of service suitable for streaming HD video
- Ability to work across all popular platforms and devices
- Strong encryption and security standards
- Provision for multiple simultaneous connections
- Money-back guarantee
This is just an overview, but you can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in our detailed methodology article. For now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made the cut.Â
Best VPNs for Syfy
Comparitech aims to publish the most accurate, useful, and comprehensive VPN recommendations on the internet. To do that, our team personally uses and tests each VPN based on expert analysis and real-world tests. The following reviews are based on our first-hand experiences.
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Syfy.
1. NordVPN
Nov 2024 unblocks syfyTested Nov 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our top recommended VPN for watching Syfy from anywhere. This veteran provider makes use of unhackable encryption in addition to a firm no-logs policy, which signifies its position as an experienced player in the VPN space. It will work very well for an HD connection to stream Syfy.
With over 5,500 servers in 60 countries around the world and almost 2,000 options in the US, NordVPN has you covered. It’s also proven to work with a host of streaming providers, including US Netflix and more. You’re also allowed to choose a server that’s specifically for your intent – HD streaming, double encryption, Tor over VPN, and more.
As we mentioned, NordVPN is known as a completely logless VPN service — the company doesn’t store any user data. It comes with best-in-class encryption and a host of other security features, including a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and malware scanning.
Apps for both Android and iOS are available, along with desktop clients for Windows and MacOS. A single subscription grants access to six devices at the same time.
Pros:
- Over 5,500 global servers, with almost 2,000 in the US
- Strong security and privacy credentials
- Military-grade 256-bit encryption for great privacy
- Consistent ability to access most popular streaming sites
- Strict no-logs policy ideal for privacy-conscious users
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Desktop app is a little clunky
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR SYFY:NordVPN is our #1 choice. It works with Syfy, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. Apps are easy to use and provide numerous advanced security and privacy features. All plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark Is a budget-friendly provider that offers a high-quality service. It has servers in 100+ countries, including the US, and unblocks not just Syfy, but even platforms like Netflix, Hulu and BBC iPlayer. Unlike most VPNs, which allow up to six simultaneous connections, Surfshark has no connection limit, making it ideal for families or homes with lots of devices.
Surfshark excels at security, too: it uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection to keep your activities safe from prying eyes. There’s an ad-block feature and a malware scanner. Surfshark has a strict no-logging policy, so your privacy is guaranteed. 24/7 customer support is available over live chat, should you need it.
Surfshark has apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. It can be manually installed on home routers.
Pros:
- Servers in 100 countries
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
- Strong unblocking and streaming abilities
- Robust security and privacy features
- 24/7 customer service
Cons:
- Some features require an upgrade to a premium plan
Our score:
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is great value thanks to its fast speeds, wide server network, unlimited connection allowance and proven streaming abilities. Try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN offers superior service, military-grade encryption, and ease of use. It has a server network of over 3,000 servers around the globe, with plentiful options in the United States. Its unblocking capabilities extend across Hulu, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, and Fox, so accessing Syfy should pose no issues.
There are no logs stored that could potentially identify a user. A sliver of information pertaining to popular servers and time of connection is recorded but used to improve service levels.
Apps for both Android and iOS are available, as are desktop clients for Windows and MacOS. This provider can be configured to some wifi routers and allows five devices to connect with one account.
Pros:
- Top-class security and privacy protection features
- Works with many major streaming services
- Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries
- 24/7 live chat support
- User-friendly apps for a variety of operating systems
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than some other providers
- Streaming servers aren’t labeled
Our score:
SPEED AND RELIABILITY:ExpressVPN is a strong choice for Syfy due to its robust, fast speeds and consistant unblocking capabilities. Try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Here’s our review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is a solid all-rounder, scoring points on both safety and speed, so it should definitely occupy a place on your list. It delivers the full package with strong encryption, DNS leak protection, and an internet kill switch to ensure your connection is well-protected.
Currently, this provider offers access to more than 9,000 servers in 90 countries, including almost 1,500 in the United States. It’s able to securely access several streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
It performs very well from a video streaming perspective – with quick speeds and no logs. Plus, additional security features such as an adblocker, anti-malware defense, and anti-tracking ensure that your connection is protected at all times.
A paid subscription grants access for seven devices at the same time. You’ll find apps for both Android and iOS, along with desktop support for Windows and MacOS.
Pros:
- Vast server network of over 9,000 with almost 1,500 in the US
- Offers 24/7 live chat
- Provides a secure, encrypted connection
- Works with Netflix US, UK, and others
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Less suitable for power users
- Doesn’t work in China
Our score:
IDEAL FOR NEWCOMERS:CyberGhost is fast, intuitive, and excellent for streaming. It comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of CyberGhost.
5. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish has been around for several years and offers speedy, robust connections around the globe. Its encryption capabilities are among the best in the business.
At the time of writing, this provider gives you an option of more than 2,000 servers spread across 60 countries, with more than 1,000 of those in the US. Some of the streaming services it unblocks are HBO Now, Sling TV, and BBC iPlayer, so accessing Syfy from abroad will be no problem.
IPVanish is another ‘no-logs’ provider, as it follows a policy of not storing any data that could identify a user. It owns all the servers it operates rather than outsourcing to third parties, giving it much more control over user traffic.
This provider is quite popular with Kodi users for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it enables them to download the Android APK directly to their device. Secondly, the interface is remote control-friendly for Kodi devices that don’t have a keyboard and mouse.
IPVanish allows unlimited devices to connect at the same time and apps are available for both Android and iOS, and there’s desktop software for Windows and MacOS.
Pros:
- Very fast speeds – ideal for streaming
- Owns rather than rents its servers
- No-logs policy
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons:
- Apps don’t work in China
- Based in the US
Our score:
STREAMING VPN:IPVanish is ultra-secure, quick, and has all the facets of a modern-day VPN. It comes armed with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of IPVanish.
6. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN is one of the younger providers on our list, but it does the job very well. The service is optimized for both speed and location-evading tech.
At the moment, there are over 200 servers in 60 countries. The server network isn’t as extensive as some of the other providers we’ve recommended, but there are options in the United States. What’s more, PrivateVPN does a really good job of unblocking geo-restricted media sites.
Some of the sites it works well with are Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and ITV Hub. It’ll do the job for Syfy without breaking a sweat.
Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS. A single subscription allows for 10 devices to connect simultaneously.
Pros:
- Keeps no logs whatsoever
- Very fast speeds
- Accepts Bitcoin payments for added anonymity
Cons:
- Small number of servers to choose from
- Customer support is not quite 24/7
Our score:
UP-AND-COMING VPN:PrivateVPN is fast, stable, and capable of securely accessing a large number of streaming sites. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of PrivateVPN.
Using a free VPN to access Syfy
Free VPNs exist in droves across the interwebs, but they’re a poor fit if your aim is to stream HD video. Such services normally only offer a few servers per thousands of users, leading to long wait times, slow speeds, bandwidth throttling, and a frustrating streaming experience.
Free VPNs also go to extreme lengths to make money off you, such as injecting malware and tracking cookies or collecting your data to sell to third parties. Yes, they’re tempting because of the lack of any upfront payment, but you’ll probably end up regretting your decision to use them.
If you’re trying to access Syfy from a location outside the United States, your best bet is to use a paid VPN that has servers optimized for speed as well as hardy, location-evading technology in-built. If you’re worried about the cost, consider making the most of the money-back guarantees of the VPNs listed above or finding a quality VPN provider with a free trial. That way, you can ensure you’re totally happy with the service before you commit.
Read more Syfy articles here:
How to access Syfy with a VPN
Provided you have a US cable subscription, you can access Syfy from anywhere with a VPN, and it’s not as complicated as you might think. Just follow the simple steps below, and you’ll be streaming Syfy from anywhere in no time.
Here’s how to watch Syfy outside the US with a VPN:
- Register for a VPN (our recommendation is NordVPN) and proceed to download and install the app directly from the provider’s site or an app marketplace.
- Select a server in the United States. If you’re unsure, just check with customer support.
- Connect to the VPN before logging on to Syfy.
- Once the connection is established, navigate to Syfy’s website and log in with your cable account.
- You should now be able to stream all the content you want. If it doesn’t work immediately, just clear your browser cookies and try again.
Streaming Syfy on Android Box, Apple TV, Xbox One, Fire TV and other devices
Other than PCs, Macs, iOS devices, and Android devices, Syfy is also compatible with Apple TV, Android TV, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV, and some smart TV apps. It also has its own Android and iOS app that you can use for streaming.
These devices don’t offer native support for VPN apps, so it’s not a question of simply downloading VPN software and following the step-by-step instructions. However, there are workarounds.
One way to leverage a VPN for the devices in question is to use a virtual router. In this situation, a PC equipped with a wifi card is able to transmit its own wifi signals – just like how smartphones set up wifi hotspots.
You can read our tutorials on how to set up a VPN on a virtual router for Windows and Mac devices.
You can also set up a VPN on a physical router if the firmware supports it.
One such firmware is DD-WRT, a free and open-source option that works on a wide range of router models. Paid VPN providers also offer tutorials on how you can set up their individual apps on routers; check individual sites for more details.
Related:
How to install a VPN on an Amazon Fire Stick/Fire TV
Best VPNs for Amazon Fire Stick/Fire TV
Best VPNs for Smart TVs in 2018
Watching Syfy with a VPN: FAQs
What content can I stream on Syfy?
Some of the popular titles on Syfy are:
- Gary and his Demons
- San Andreas
- Alien News Desk
- Krypton Happy
Why is Syfy only available through cable operators?
Syfy is a cable affiliate, meaning it doesn’t cost customers extra to stream the service as long as they have an existing cable connection. Unfortunately, what that also means is that there’s no separate livestream that cord-cutters can pay for, bypassing the need to get a cable subscription first.
Syfy’s status as a cable affiliate means that’s how it generates the bulk of its revenue. Cable providers pay a certain amount of money to provide the service to their customers. There’s also some additional advertising that it permits on the platform to earn more money.