Best VPNs for Twitch streaming in 2023

Twitch, a subsidiary of Amazon, provides niche content, including video game live streams, esports competitions, and music broadcasts. While you can access Twitch from various locations across the globe, some countries such as China and Russia block access to the streaming platform entirely. Luckily there’s an easy solution to this, using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for streaming Twitch.

A VPN sends your traffic through an encrypted tunnel via an intermediary server in a location of your choosing. That means it can spoof your location and enable access to geo-locked streaming sites including Twitch, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. A VPN can also bypass ISP (or government) firewalls so you can unblock censored content. Plus it improves your online security, keeping you safe and your activity private. This article will list the best VPNs for streaming Twitch, and talk you through some common VPN questions.

This post goes into detail on each of the VPNs that made our list, but here is a quick summary in case you are short of time.

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Twitch. Huge server network. Superfast, reliable, and secure connections. Great at unblocking. 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget provider. Decent speeds and super unblocker. Strong security and unlimited connections.
3. ExpressVPN: Vast network of servers to choose from. Secure, reliable connections and military-grade encryption.
4. CyberGhost: Great for beginners wanting to stream Twitch. Easy-to-use apps, low price and fast speeds.
5. IPVanish: Built its reputation on fast download speeds, a favorite with Kodi users, torrenters, and P2P downloaders.
6. PrivateVPN: Newest VPN to make this list with a small yet growing, speedy server network. Secure and able to unblock most popular sites and services including Twitch.

The best VPNs for streaming Twitch

The one problem with VPNs is trying to select the right one. There are so many to choose from but they don’t all offer a comparable service. We’ve narrowed down the choice for you and have selected the best VPNs for Twitch by ensuring they meet the following criteria:

• Has a large selection of servers.
• Provides a fast and reliable service
• Uses strong encryption
• Maintains no logs of user activity
• Offers excellent customer support

This is just an overview but you can read more on our VPN testing methodology below.

Best VPNs for Twitch – at a glance

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

Here is our list of the best VPNs for Twitch in 2023:

1. NordVPN

Mar 2023 Unblocks TwitchTested Mar 2023

NordVPN is our first choice for a Twitch VPN. It provides access to a huge network of more than 5,000 servers in around 60 countries. Its speeds are the best we’ve seen, making streaming and gaming a breeze. It even has servers optimized for viewing video content.

Aside from Twitch, it can enable access to plenty of other sites, such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. What’s more, top-notch customer support is always there to lend a helping hand.

Your online security is a priority for NordVPN and it offers 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. You can rest assured none of your details are recorded, as it adheres to a strict no-logs policy.

A basic plan enables you to connect up to six devices at a time, which is ideal for families or those who like to switch between devices. Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

BEST VPN FOR TWITCH:NordVPN is our #1 choice. Blazing speeds and works reliably with Twitch and most popular streaming sites. Connects up to 6 devices simultaneously. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Unblocks TwitchTested Mar 2023

Surfshark is a low-cost VPN that’s highly adept at providing access to all sorts of content, including Twitch. Speeds are fast enough for HD streaming and you get access to a growing network of more than 3,200 servers in over 95 countries.

Surfshark doesn’t keep and logs and secures your data with strong encryption, protection against IP leaks, and a kill switch in all apps. You also get automatic wifi protection, a split tunneling feature, and a double VPN option.

Surfshark offers easy-to-use apps for Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android, and can be set up on select routers. You never have to worry about going over your device limit because there isn’t one, Surfshark offers unlimited connections.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a stellar budget alternative. It unblocks restricted content and is highly secure. Doesn’t log user data. No connection limit. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

Unblocks TwitchTested Mar 2023

ExpressVPN operates a vast network of over 3,000 servers spanning 94 countries. Servers are optimized for speed, meaning you should never have an issue accessing HD content from the streaming platform Twitch and other sites such as Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

Security-conscious users will be more than happy with ExpressVPN’s military-grade encryption that’s coupled with SHA256 authentication and perfect forward secrecy. The built-in kill switch and protection against DNS leaks help ensure data is always locked inside the encrypted tunnel. No user activity is ever tracked and minimal logs are kept.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and ExpressVPN can be configured with some routers. A basic plan allows up to five simultaneous connections.

VERSATILE VPN:ExpressVPN is a reliable choice. Great at unblocking all major geo-restricted streaming services. Top privacy and online security features and keeps no logs. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our in-depth review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

Unblocks TwitchTested Mar 2023

CyberGhost is making a push to become seriously competitive in the field of streaming with its growing network of over 9,000 servers in 90 countries. Its fast speeds and ability to unblock popular sites mean it’s an excellent choice for those wanting to view video content. Aside from Twitch, you can unblock Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more. Plus it’s ideal for playing online games.

Your privacy and online security are top priorities for CyberGhost. The service uses 256-bit encryption which is considered pretty much as good as it gets. This comes with SHA256 authentication and perfect forward secrecy. There’s a built-in kill switch, DNS and IP leaks protection, and automatic wifi protection for unfamiliar networks.

A basic plan gives you the ability to connect five devices simultaneously. Apps can be downloaded for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS.

BEGINNERS' CHOICE:CyberGhost has a simple set up. Comes with streaming-optimized servers. Good on privacy. Streams HD video reliably. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our in-depth review of CyberGhost.

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5. IPVanish

Unblocks TwitchTested Mar 2023

IPVanish is a very popular provider with torrenters and Kodi users, but it’s ideal for accessing the Twitch streaming platform too. It has more than 1,900 servers in over 75 locations worldwide, and it pegs some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen and can provide access to popular streaming sites.

On the security front, it uses 256-bit encryption along with SHA512 authentication and perfect forward secrecy. The kill switch and DNS (including IPv6) leak protection provide an additional layer of online protection and ensure your information stays safe. No logs are kept whatsoever.

IPVanish has apps available for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. You can connect every device you own devices simultaneously.

FAST AND RELIABLE:IPVanish has a large network of servers. Uncongested network with exceptional speeds. Strong privacy and security features. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our in-depth review of IPVanish.

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6. PrivateVPN

Unblocks TwitchTested Mar 2023

PrivateVPN might only have around 200 servers globally but these are all completely self-owned and hosted for maximum privacy. Further, PrivateVPN’s speeds are fast enough for streaming, torrenting, or gaming without any issues. It excels at flying under the radar too, with the ability to securely acess  Twitch, Netflix, and Hulu from anywhere.

Security comes in the form of 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption, depending on which protocol you decide to go with. You also have perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. PrivateVPN maintains a strict no-logging policy, holding true to its name.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. A basic plan enables you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Unblocks Twitch. Also good for secure and private browsing and torrenting. Could do with having more servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our in-depth review of PrivateVPN.

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Twitch VPN testing methodology

Comparitech reviewers do their best to produce the most accurate and useful VPN reviews and recommendations on the internet. To do that, we evaluate each VPN based on real-world experience, expert analysis, and a battery of tests. When it comes to Twitch VPNs, we specifically looked at:

• Speed: Bandwidth is hugely important to both streamers and their viewers. We measure and record connection speeds to VPN servers around the world to ensure your stream stays steady.
• Server network: If you’re trying to get around a Twitch ban, having a wide selection of servers and locations is valuable. Most of the VPNs we recommend have servers in 60+ countries.
• Security: Twitch streamers can be targets for hackers and scammers. The VPNs they use should be resistant to data and IP leaks and DDoS attacks. We test each VPN for a range of leaks and strong, up-to-date encryption.
• Device support: Most VPNs make native apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Some go above and beyond with browser extensions, Linux apps, Fire TV apps, and router support.
• Customer support: Our reviewers contact each VPNs customer support staff to measure response times and gauge the quality of responses.
• Streaming: VPNs are wildly popular for unblocking region-locked content from abroad. We use real-world tests to find out which VPNs are best at unblocking geo-restricted streaming sites and apps.
• Logging policy: We only recommend VPNs that don’t collect any personally identifiable information or online activity while using the VPN.

This is just a sample of our full methodology. For more info, check out our page on how we rate and review VPNs.

How to stream Twitch using a VPN

Streaming your favorite content on Twitch with a VPN is a simple process. Check out the steps below to get started.

Here’s how to stream Twitch using a VPN:

1. Sign up for a VPN. Our top choice for Twitch is NordVPN.
2. Download and install the app for your chosen device and log in with your account credentials.
3. Select your nearest server from the list of locations or tap connect to be hooked up to your fastest server.
4. Head over to Twitch via a web browser or the Twitch app and log into your account to start streaming.
5. Clear your cookies and browser cache if you encounter any connection errors.

Can I use a free VPN with Twitch?

No doubt you’ll come across a ton of free VPN services while doing even the slightest bit of research. These are certainly tempting but are generally not recommended. On the practical side of things, a free VPN often means limited access to server locations, long wait times, and slow, unreliable connections.

Even though they’re offering a subpar service, it doesn’t really come without cost. Free VPN providers need to make money somehow. This often leads to shady business practices that jeopardize the privacy and security of users.

It’s not unusual for a free VPN provider to track user activity, inject ads, or sell user information to third parties. Others can be even more harmful and inject malware. We’ve even seen a case of a free VPN provider taking users’ bandwidth and using it in a massive botnet.

With so many potential issues, it’s worth the few bucks a month you pay for a top-quality provider.

How to sign up for a free Twitch account

Although Twitch is reportedly blocked in some locations, such as China and Russia, once you’re signed up to a VPN, you should be able to access it from anywhere. Simply connect through a server in a country where Twitch isn’t blocked, access the Twitch website, and you’re free to stream. Even without signing up for an account, you can access a limited number of features.

However, when you opt for a free account, you’ll be able to “interact with broadcasters and the community via chat, follow your favorite broadcasters to receive alerts when they go live, and, of course, broadcast your own games to the Twitch community.” Simply select Sign Up and connect through Facebook or provide a few details.

How to sign up for Twitch Prime

For more perks, such as in-game loot and ad-free viewing, you can upgrade to Twitch Prime. This must be linked to an Amazon Prime or Amazon Prime Video account. If you already have one of those, you can simply link your Twitch account to your existing Amazon account.

While logged into Twitch, select Try Prime in the navigation menu.

In the resulting screen, select connect your Twitch account, and in the next screen, select Confirm.

And that’s it, you have Twitch Prime.

If you don’t have an Amazon Prime or Amazon Prime Video account, you’ll have to pay for one. Prices vary depending on which country you’re in. In the US, a full Amazon Prime account is $99.99 (GBP £73.76) per year, which isn’t a bad deal, considering all of the perks you get. These include free shipping on many Amazon products, access to Amazon Prime Video, and discounts on pre-release box games.

Before you go ahead and sign up, it’s worth noting a rather large caveat. Your Amazon Prime billing address needs to match the location you’re in. Amazon Prime accounts are available for the following countries:

• United States
• Mexico
• Canada
• United Kingdom
• Germany
• Austria
• Netherlands
• Luxembourg
• France
• Belgium
• Spain
• Italy
• Japan
• Singapore

Many Twitch users who try and sign up from abroad encounter this message:

“Sorry! Twitch Prime isn’t available in your country”

If you think you should be able to access Twitch and you’re seeing the above error, this guide released on the Twitch blog should be able to help you out.

For most countries not on the list, however, you might want to create an Amazon Prime Video account available anywhere the Prime Video site can be accessed. Aside from being able to upgrade to Twitch Prime, you’ll be able to access Amazon Prime Video content, but you don’t get some of the other perks that a regular Prime account offers, such as free shipping.

Streaming Twitch with VPN FAQs