Best VPN for Streaming: Here’s Why It Matters
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With millions of people streaming content from the comfort of their own homes, finding a good VPN for streaming is more important than ever before. A good VPN is a golden ticket to getting access to content from anywhere around the world, unblocking streaming channels, and safely enjoying your favorite shows online. However, not all VPNs are created equal. Some VPNs work flawlessly with streaming services, while others struggle to provide the necessary speed and access.
5 Key Takeaways
- A good VPN can unblock streaming content from anywhere in the world.
- Not all VPNs offer the same level of speed and access for streaming.
- Security features are crucial when choosing a VPN for streaming.
- Some VPNs are specifically optimized for streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.
- Choosing the right VPN can enhance your streaming experience by providing more content options and better safety.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is often ranked as the Reddit Best VPN for streaming, and for good reason. It boasts an overall streaming rating of 9.9/10, making it a reliable choice for accessing your favorite content.
Unblocks Netflix
ExpressVPN excels at unblocking Netflix, with a rating of 9.9/10. It works with 18 different Netflix libraries, including the US, ensuring you can watch a wide range of shows and movies.
Unblocks Other Streaming Services
With a rating of 9.9/10 for unblocking other streaming services, ExpressVPN ensures you can access platforms like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ without any issues.
Unblocks BBC iPlayer
ExpressVPN also performs well with BBC iPlayer, earning a rating of 9.8/10. This makes it a great choice for those who want to keep up with British TV shows and movies.
Privacy and Security
ExpressVPN uses military-grade AES-256 encryption to keep users safe. It comes standard with a kill switch, split tunneling, and no logs policy, ensuring your online activities remain private.
Speed
ExpressVPN offers impressive international speeds, making it ideal for streaming high-quality video content without buffering.
ExpressVPN is a secure and user-friendly VPN for streaming, based in the British Virgin Islands, with 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day refund policy.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is a top contender for streaming, offering a stellar overall streaming rating of 9.8/10. It excels in unblocking popular streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+.
Key Features
- High Speed Access: NordVPN provides consistently fast VPN speeds, ensuring a smooth streaming experience.
- Advanced Security: Features like multihop, camouflage mode, and a kill switch enhance your privacy and security.
- Dedicated Servers: Tailored for torrenting and streaming, ensuring optimal performance.
Pricing Plans
| Plan | Price |
| 2 Year Plan | $3.09/m |
| 1 Year Plan | $4.59/m |
| 1 Month Plan | $12.99/m |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Unblocks a wide range of streaming services
- Fast and reliable speeds
- Packed with features
Cons
- Apps aren’t as user-friendly as some competitors
NordVPN offers fantastic value for money, especially if you opt for the two-year plan at $3.09 per month.
3. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is an excellent choice for frequent travelers due to its large and widespread network of servers. No matter where you find yourself in the world, there’s a good chance there’s a local server you can connect to, ensuring better average speeds and reduced latency. With a generous allowance of up to seven simultaneous connections, CyberGhost is both versatile and user-friendly.
Pros
- Large, well-distributed server fleet
- Allows up to seven simultaneous connections
- Several add-ons, including antivirus
- Outstanding speed test scores
- Newly completed third-party audit
Cons
- Expensive
- Confusing privacy policies
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
| Simultaneous VPN Connections | 7 |
| Server Locations | 90 Countries |
| Geographically Diverse Servers | Yes |
| Blocks Ads | Yes |
| Free Version | No |
CyberGhost is a pricey but extremely capable VPN service with an enormous collection of servers. It worked well in testing and offers a generous seven simultaneous connections, antivirus protection, and an ad blocker, among other bonus features.
4. Surfshark
Ideal for Beginners
Surfshark is an excellent choice for those new to VPNs. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy to navigate, even for beginners. The app is particularly well-suited for use on devices like the Fire TV Stick.
Pricing
Surfshark is one of the most budget friendly vpn services, with plans starting at just $2.19 per month for a two-year plan. This makes it an attractive option for those looking to save money without compromising on quality.
Streaming Performance
Surfshark excels in streaming performance, consistently unblocking major streaming services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. Here are some of its streaming ratings:
| Service | Rating |
| Netflix | 9.7/10 |
| Other Streaming Services | 9.8/10 |
| BBC iPlayer | 9.6/10 |
Security Features
In addition to its streaming capabilities, Surfshark offers robust security features such as Camouflage Mode, which uses obfuscated servers, and CleanWeb, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware. It also supports unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for households with multiple devices.
Surfshark is a top choice for budget-conscious users who need a reliable and fast VPN for streaming and security.
5. Private Internet Access
Key Features
- Transparent VPN option with a proven no-logs policy.
- Advanced split tunneling for customized settings.
- Kill Switch to prevent data leaks.
- Port forwarding for easy torrenting.
- Open source for scrutiny.
Pricing
| Plan | Price per Month |
| 24-Month | $2.03 |
| 1-Month | $11.99 |
Compatibility
- App support: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, web browsers, and more.
- Server locations: 100
- Server countries: 91
- Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
- Refund period: 30 days
Private Internet Access is great for power users but might be overwhelming for beginners due to its extensive control options.
6. IPVanish
Impressive Speeds
IPVanish is renowned for its impressive speeds. Thanks to its robust server infrastructure and the implementation of the WireGuard protocol, IPVanish consistently delivers blazing-fast connection speeds. Whether you’re streaming HD content or downloading large files, IPVanish’s fast speeds ensure a smooth and lag-free internet experience. This is a significant advantage for users who demand high-speed connections for their streaming activities.
Strict No-Logs Policy
IPVanish’s strict no-logs policy ensures that your streaming activity remains private and anonymous. This commitment to privacy is crucial for users who value their online privacy and want to prevent their internet service provider from tracking their online activities. IPVanish has also passed a third-party audit to verify its no-logs claims.
Unlimited Connections and Kodi Compatibility
IPVanish is compatible with Kodi, making it an excellent option for those who use the popular media player to stream content. IPVanish is also a great VPN if you are looking for unlimited connections. It allows you to connect as many devices as you want simultaneously, making it an ideal choice for larger households.
Highly Configurable
IPVanish is a highly configurable product. Its native apps are intuitive, and the user interface has excellent performance graphics. It’s easy to see the current status of servers, so you can connect to locations where the server load is less likely to impact your streaming experience.
In conclusion, whether you’re looking to enhance your streaming experience, secure your online activities, or enjoy content from around the globe, IPVanish is a strong contender in the VPN market for streaming.
Pros
- Strong security features, multiple VPN protocols, and a kill switch
- Extremely fast and reliable connection speeds
- Wide range of reliable apps
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Audited, no-logs policy
7. Hotspot Shield
Key Features
- Multi-hop technology: Route your internet connection through multiple servers for enhanced security.
- Kill switch: Ensures your data remains protected if the VPN connection drops.
- Split tunneling: Allows you to choose which traffic goes through the VPN.
- Netflix: Accessible, but not in all regions.
- Torrenting: Supported.
Pricing
| Plan | Cost |
| Monthly subscription | $12.99 |
| Yearly subscription | $7.99/mo ($95.99 upfront) |
Hotspot Shield also offers the best free VPN service. There is a 45-day money-back guarantee on all plans.
Platform and Device Support
- Windows
- MacOS
- iOS
- Android
- Linux
- Android TV
- Browser extensions: Chrome
Performance
- Upload speed: 14% decrease
- Download speed: 31% decrease
Hotspot Shield is a popular free VPN that claims to be the fastest on the market. However, our tests show otherwise, and it struggled in our stream unblocking tests.
8. VyprVPN
VyprVPN is a solid choice for streaming due to its robust security features and reliable performance. It offers a unique Chameleon protocol that helps bypass VPN blocking.
Key Features
- Chameleon protocol to bypass VPN blocking
- No-logs policy
- High-speed streaming
- Unlimited bandwidth
Server Network
VyprVPN has a network of over 700 servers in more than 70 locations worldwide. This extensive network ensures that you can always find a server close to your location for optimal streaming performance.
| Feature | Details |
| Servers | 700+ |
| Locations | 70+ |
| Simultaneous Connections | 5 |
Performance
VyprVPN offers impressive speeds, making it ideal for streaming high-definition content without buffering. The service also provides unlimited bandwidth, so you can stream as much as you want without worrying about data caps.
Privacy and Security
VyprVPN uses AES-256 encryption to secure your data. It also has a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities remain private. The Chameleon protocol is particularly useful for bypassing VPN blocks, making it easier to access geo-restricted content.
VyprVPN’s unique Chameleon protocol sets it apart from other VPNs, offering an extra layer of security and the ability to bypass VPN restrictions effectively.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Unique Chameleon protocol
- No-logs policy
- High-speed streaming
- Unlimited bandwidth
Cons:
- Limited to 5 simultaneous connections
- Slightly more expensive than some competitors
9. ProtonVPN
Overview
ProtonVPN is renowned for its strong stance on digital privacy and its efforts to combat censorship globally. With fast servers, excellent unblocking capabilities, and a comprehensive suite of additional features, it is a popular choice among users.
Pricing
- Monthly subscription: $9.99
- 12-month subscription: $4.99/mo ($59.88 upfront)
- 24-month subscription: $4.49/mo ($107.76 upfront)
Money-Back Guarantee/Free Trial
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Platforms
ProtonVPN is available on multiple platforms including:
- Windows
- Android
- iOS
- MacOS
- Linux
- Fire TV Stick
- Android TV
Simultaneous Connections
- 10 simultaneous connections
Server Network
- 4,400+ servers in 90+ countries
Speed Test
- Upload: 21% decrease
- Download: 47% decrease
Kill Switch
- Yes
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Useful free version
- Straightforward pricing
- Wide range of additional security features
Cons
- Average speeds in our testing
ProtonVPN’s free version stands out for having many of the same security features as its paid version. Free users can access encrypted data cloud storage and secure email services, although they are limited to servers in five countries: Japan, Poland, Netherlands, U.S.A., and Romania.
10. Windscribe
Windscribe is a privacy-friendly VPN service that offers a robust free plan, making it an attractive option for users who want to test the service before committing to a paid plan. However, the free VPN is no longer able to unblock American Netflix from overseas.
Key Features
- Free Plan: Windscribe offers a free plan with a 10GB monthly data cap, which is roughly equivalent to 4 hours of HD streaming per month.
- Privacy: The service is designed with privacy in mind, avoiding unnecessary bells and whistles.
- Streaming: While effective for unblocking many US streaming sites, it falls short when it comes to American Netflix.
Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Free plan available | 10GB monthly data cap |
| Privacy-focused | Cannot unblock American Netflix |
| User-friendly |
Conclusion
Windscribe is a solid choice for those who prioritize privacy and are looking for a free VPN option. However, if unblocking American Netflix is a priority, you may need to look elsewhere.
Windscribe offers a balanced mix of privacy and functionality, making it a reliable choice for many users.
Conclusion
In conclusion, choosing the best VPN for streaming is crucial for unlocking a world of entertainment while ensuring your online safety. With the right VPN, you can access content from different countries, bypass streaming blocks, and enjoy your favorite shows in high quality. However, not all VPNs are created equal. It’s essential to select a VPN that offers fast speeds, robust security features, and reliable access to streaming services. By considering these factors, you can find a VPN that meets your streaming needs and enhances your viewing experience. So, invest wisely and enjoy seamless streaming with the best VPNs available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which VPN is best for streaming?
The best VPN for streaming depends on your specific needs, but ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost are consistently highly rated for their ability to unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.
How can I access streaming services from a different country?
You can access streaming services from a different country by using a VPN to connect to a server located in the desired country. This will make it appear as though you are accessing the service from that country.
Why do streaming services block VPN users?
Streaming services block VPN users to enforce content licensing agreements that restrict access to content based on geographic location. They use various techniques to detect and block VPN traffic.
How fast does my VPN need to be for streaming?
For streaming, your VPN should offer high-speed connections to ensure smooth playback without buffering. Generally, speeds of at least 25 Mbps are recommended for HD streaming, while 4K streaming may require speeds of 50 Mbps or more.
Is a VPN worth it for streaming?
Yes, a VPN is worth it for streaming if you want to access content from different regions and ensure your online safety. A high-quality VPN can bypass geo-restrictions and keep your data secure.
How can I optimize the speed of my VPN connection for streaming?
To optimize the speed of your VPN connection for streaming, choose a server that is geographically closer to your location, use a wired connection instead of Wi-Fi, and select a VPN provider known for high-speed servers.
