unblock movie sites school

Quick Summary
In Short

  • Schools may choose to block student access to movie sites in a bid to reduce distractions.
  • By connecting to a VPN server in a different country, students can access sites that have been restricted by the school’s network administrator.
  • I have tried dozens of leading VPNs to find out which are the most reliable options for accessing streaming services.
  • NordVPN is my top pick for unblocking movie sites at school. It’s very fast and works well at bypassing the toughest restrictions.

Would you like to access restricted movie sites at school? In this comprehensive guide, I explain how to bypass restrictions and enjoy streaming your favorite movies and TV shows during breaks or whenever you’re free. I also recommend the best VPNs for the job.

Several institutions, including colleges and universities, typically restrict access to websites deemed inappropriate or likely to lower productivity. Unfortunately, movie sites often fall into this category.

However, you can unblock movie sites at school during your breaks quite easily. All you need is a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN works by encrypting your internet traffic and tunneling it to a server in a remote location. Consequently, you’ll be able to bypass any restrictions imposed on your local network.

In this guide, you will find detailed reviews of each recommended VPN for unblocking movie sites at school. If you’re in a rush, here’s a short summary of my top picks.

The best VPNs for unblocking movie sites at school:

  1. NordVPN My #1 choice for unblocking movie sites at school. Over 9,200 servers worldwide. Robust encryption and a no-logs policy. 24/7 support. Works with popular streaming sites like Netflix, YouTube, HBO Max, and Hulu. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for movie sites.
  2. Surfshark Best budget VPN for safely accessing movie sites at school. Servers in over 100 countries and powerful obfuscation. Lets you connect an unlimited number of devices.
  3. Total VPN A swift and reliable provider that can easily bypass even the toughest online restrictions. Great for streaming movies from school or college.
  4. ProtonVPN This customizable VPN delivers impressive speed and can sidestep virtually any form of web-filtering. Strong streaming ability and powerful privacy tools.
  5. ExpressVPN Highly reliable service. Servers in 105 countries, including the US and the UK. Works with Hulu, HBO Max, and more. Includes a smart DNS service.
  6. IPVanish A great all rounder. Designed with privacy in mind. Fully featured apps for all platforms. Plenty of servers worldwide.
  7. CyberGhost Excellent choice for beginners. Apps are available for all platforms. Plenty of servers where you need them, and 11,500+ in total. Lists servers for specific streaming platforms.
  8. Private Internet Access Servers in 91 countries, including the US. No bandwidth throttling and unlimited simultaneous connections per account. Works with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
Get NordVPN - the #1 VPN for movie sites
Warning

Many VPNs claim to work with movie sites 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 movie sites and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.

How to unblock movie sites at school with a VPN

Here’s how to unblock movie sites at school with a VPN:

  1. Choose a reputable VPN service provider. I strongly recommend NordVPN because it is fast and has thousands of fast servers.
  2. Download the VPN app and install it on your device. My VPN recommendations have apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
  3. Log in using your preferred app and select a server.
  4. As soon as the VPN connects, head over to your browser and browse your favorite movie sites.
  5. The restricted movie sites should now work without any issues. Should you encounter an error, clear the cookies and cache in your browser and refresh the page.

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 unblocking movie sites with no restrictions for a monthgreat if you want to binge your favorite movies while on breaks at school.

There are no hidden termsjust 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.

A comparison of the best VPNs for unblocking movie sites

I’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – my #1 choice for unblocking movie sites at school.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkTotalVPNProton VPNExpressVPNIPVanishCyberGhostPrivate Internet Access
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comTotalVPN.comProtonVPN.comExpressVPN.comIPVanish.comCyberghost.comPrivateInternetAccess.com
Ranking for unblocking
movies at school
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Devices SupportedWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, LinuxWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TVWindows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Apple TVWindows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, RoutersWindows, MacOS, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, AndroidWindows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux
Server countries13010080+12910511810090
Works in China
Best deal (per month)$3.09
Up to 76% off 2 year plans
$1.88
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$1.59
SAVE 80% on an annual plan
$2.99
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My criteria for the best VPNs for unblocking movie sites at school

When assembling my list of the top VPNs for safely accessing movie sites at school, I tested providers based on the following:

  • Speed: To find out which providers were most suitable for streaming movies in the highest resolution available, I carried out multiple speed tests while connected to their servers in the US.
  • Streaming capabilities: I gauged how suitable providers were for streaming by scoring them on a combination of their network size, ability to access popular streaming services, and whether they offered obfuscation and an ad-blocker.
  • Value for money: Getting a good deal is great, which is why I try to fully gauge each provider’s true worth using eight different value-for-money metrics.
  • Security and privacy: This is a key area if you don’t want to be caught accessing movie sites. I rejected any VPNs that performed poorly against my 16 different security and privacy criteria.
  • Ease of use: Not everyone has VPN experience. With this in mind, I found user-friendly providers by evaluating them against 10 individual ease-of-use metrics.

The above is just a summary of my testing process. You can read about it in full and see the results of my tests in the methodology section later in the article. But first, let’s look at the VPNs that impressed me.

The best movie site VPNs

Here’s a list of the best VPNs for unblocking movie sites at school:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN May 2026

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN

9.3

Scores calculated algorithmically.

Ease of use 9.6
Security & privacy 9.5
Streaming capabilities 10.0
US Speed 9.7
Value for money 7.9

NordVPN is my top recommended VPN. This veteran, Panama-based provider has everything you need to ensure your online privacy, security, and freedom on campus.

It has a huge network, with more than 9,200 servers in 126+ countries. Thanks to a handy map in the app’s location section, you can easily see the available locations. If you prefer, you can find a server by searching the country list or entering a name into the search bar.

NordVPN servers.
NordVPN has servers around the globe.

The provider also has specialist servers that provide additional security. These include obfuscated servers that help users in countries like China get connected and multi-hop connections for those worried about compromised servers. There’s also one-click access to the Tor network to explore the Dark Web.

NordVPN's specialty servers.
Dedicated IP addresses are an optional add-on to subscriptions.

NordVPN has its own connection protocols, NordWhisper and NordLynx. NordWhisper is handy if you want to access movie sites in a particular country but are worried about being detected by your school’s network. NordLynx is more suited to speed and comes with an option for post-quantum protection if you’re worried about computers of the future decrypting captured traffic.

I used the NordLynx protocol for speed testing and connected it to the provider’s servers in the US. As you can see from the chart below, the provider was very quick.

Speeds averaged 161.72 Mbps, which is more than fast enough for streaming the latest movies in 4K. Overall, NordVPN was more than 40 Mbps faster than the combined average speed of the other providers.

The apps are easy to use and have a clean, intuitive interface. Settings are easy to access and include options for the kill switch, app-based split tunneling, and an ad, tracker, and malware blocker. Leak protection is built-in, which makes more sense than being optional.

IP leak test.
NordVPN didn’t leak my UK location while connected to a server in the US.

NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, meaning it never stores any records about what you do online. This has been verified through multiple independent audits. This is backed up by RAM-only servers that cannot store data long-term.

The provider is known for its streaming prowess, and it’s easy to see why. It worked with every platform I tested, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus. It also has a smart DNS service that you can use to access geo-restricted content on VPN-incompatible devices like game consoles.

Streaming Amazon Prime Video using NordVPN
Streaming Amazon Prime Video using a NordVPN server in the US.

NordVPN has apps for all platforms, as well as apps for Amazon Fire TV and Android TV. It allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections, though you can eke out more by configuring a router connection. This applies VPN settings to all connected devices while only using one of your 10 allotted connections.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You need a lightweight VPN with fast, secure apps.
  • You’re looking to access geo-blocked streaming services.
  • You’d prefer to have lots of server locations to choose from.
  • You want a provider that’s had its no-logs policy independently audited.

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want full functional parity on all versions of the app.

BEST VPN FOR ACCESSING MOVIE SITES AT SCHOOL:NordVPN is my #1 choice for safely bypassing school restrictions on movie sites. Has fast servers that are great for gaming, HD streaming, and torrenting. It works seamlessly with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more.

Read the full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark

9.2

Scores calculated algorithmically.

Ease of use 9.1
Security & privacy 9.5
Streaming capabilities 9.5
US Speed 10.0
Value for money 8.1

Surfshark provides superb value for money. Its subscription prices are low despite its extremely high quality. Perhaps best of all, you can use a single subscription on an unlimited number of devices. This allows you to share it with friends and split the bill.

The provider has servers in 100 countries and a cleverly designed app that makes it easy to find and connect to any of them.

The Surfshark dashboard.
The Surfshark dashboard has an aesthetically pleasing interface.

If you need to use the same IP address repeatedly, static IP addresses are available in six countries. Multi-hop connections are possible, too; just pick an entry and exit server. Dedicated IP addresses cost extra, but it’s nice to know they’re possible.

Users have a choice of two connection protocols: WireGuard and OpenVPN. WireGuard tends to be faster, though most users will be better off letting Surfshark choose by leaving the default “Automatic” option selected.

Apps are available for all platforms, and each comes with a full GUI—even the Linux app. Features include a kill switch, obfuscation, an ad, tracker, malware blocker, and leak protection.

WebRTC leak test.
Surfshark passed the WebRTC leak test.

Security-conscious users can enable Rotating IP, which automatically changes their IP address without disconnecting and reconnecting.

Split-tunneling is available for domains and apps, which means you can access movie sites using the VPN while using other sites with a regular internet connection.

Surfshark's Bypasser feature.
Surfshark refers to its split-tunneling feature as “Bypasser”.

One of the provider’s more unique features is the Alternative ID tool. This lets users create a proxy email address and online persona, complete with a name, date of birth, and address. It’s particularly useful for signing up to sites you might only use once – like an obscure movie site.

On the subject of movies, Surfshark is excellent for accessing a wide range of streaming platforms. It works with over a dozen Netflix regions, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, foreign TV channels, and tons of game servers.

Surfshark has a smart DNS feature, should you wish to access geo-restricted content on a games console or a smart TV with a non-Android-based operating system.

Streaming Disney Plus using Surfshark
Streaming Disney Plus using Surfshark.

Speeds while connected were excellent. Over the course of three tests, the provider averaged 172.09 Mbps – more than 53 Mbps faster than the combined average speeds of the other tested providers.

In practice, this means you’ll be able to stream your favorite movies in the highest resolution available (as long as you have a decent base connection speed).

Reassuringly, Surfshark has a solid no-logs policy verified by third-party auditors. If you’d like to try the service out, you can do so and change your mind within 30 days for a full refund.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a budget-friendly VPN with super-fast speeds.
  • You’d like to connect all of your devices at once.
  • You’re hoping to access several popular streaming platforms.
  • You want to protect your email address online.

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You don’t want to use a provider based in a Nine Eyes country.

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is the best budget VPN for accessing restricted movie sites while at school. Unlimited connections. WireGuard protocol makes it super fast. Zero logs policy and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Surfshark review.

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3. Total VPN

TotalVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  TotalVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

TotalVPN

9

Scores calculated algorithmically.

Ease of use 9.4
Security & privacy 9.1
Streaming capabilities 9.3
US Speed 8.6
Value for money 8.5

Total VPN takes the stress out of accessing your favorite sites at school. It’s a reputable provider with more than 1,800 fast and reliable servers spread across 90+ countries, and best of all, it works flawlessly with major streaming platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Customer support is available via a ticket system on Total VPN’s website, and each account lets you secure up to five devices at the same time.

Screenshot showing Total VPN's Columbus US servers
Total VPN makes it as easy as possible to get connected, offering beginner-friendly apps, high speeds, and servers in dozens of US cities.

There are hundreds of providers out there, but you’d be surprised to learn how many aren’t even fast enough for streaming. To make sure Total VPN was up to the task, I performed multiple speed tests at different times of day. The chart below shows those results and gives us a better understanding of how much Total VPN’s speeds vary at peak times.

This service achieved an average speed of 156.65 Mbps, making it the third-fastest provider I tested after Surfshark and NordVPN. Total VPN is significantly quicker than is required for 4K streaming, and can even handle tasks like playing online games, making video calls, and torrenting without breaking a sweat.

Total VPN does things a little differently from most of its competitors. Rather than offering a million customizable features, it takes care of your security automatically, only providing a couple of changeable settings (protocol selection and split tunneling). As such, you’re protected from DNS and IPv6 leaks, and your data is encrypted the moment you connect. This VPN also boasts a no-logs policy, a kill switch (on most platforms), and the Hydra protocol, which can help hide the fact that you’re using a VPN in the first place.

Total VPN has its own apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS devices.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You demand consistently high speeds.
  • You want to access a wide variety of streaming sites.
  • You need a no-logs VPN that takes care of security for you.
  • You want a service that was designed for novice users.

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want a highly customizable service.

IDEAL FOR STREAMING:Total VPN has the speed and security needed for you to stream movies safely at school, college, or work. Very easy to use, with exceptional unblocking ability. Annual subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee, with a 14-day guarantee on shorter plans.

For more details, read the in-depth Total VPN review.

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4. ProtonVPN

Proton VPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.ProtonVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Proton VPN

8.6

Scores calculated algorithmically.

Ease of use 9.6
Security & privacy 9.3
Streaming capabilities 9.7
US Speed 7.2
Value for money 7.3

ProtonVPN is a well-respected provider with more than a decade of industry experience. It also has one of the largest networks I’ve seen, with over 19,600 servers in 145+ countries. This VPN excels at beating online restrictions, whether you’re trying to access region-locked streaming platforms or just access movie sites at school. Users can protect up to 10 devices at once and speak directly with support staff if anything doesn’t work as expected.

Screenshot showing ProtonVPN's recent servers
If you don’t want to scroll through ProtonVPN’s 145+ countries manually, you can search for one specifically or simply view recently-used locations.

Streaming requires quite a lot of bandwidth, especially if you’re trying to watch in 4K. To make sure I only recommend the fastest VPNs on the market, I performed three speed tests on their US servers (using a 250 Mbps connection). Below, you’ll see just how quick Total VPN was at different times of day, and how much slowdown you can expect during busier periods:

Delivering an average speed of 141.16 Mbps, ProtonVPN was fast enough to handle anything you throw at it. Whether you’re looking to watch movies, play online games, or make video calls, this service is up to the challenge. It was fairly reliable too, speeds varying by just 11 Mbps across three tests.

When it comes to security, ProtonVPN is one of the best services I’ve seen. It has an independently-verified no-logs policy, accepts Bitcoin payments, and offers a stealth protocol designed to help you beat stubborn VPN-blocking systems. There’s also uncrackable encryption, automatic tracker-blocking, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. In other words, you can safely access whatever you want at school, and network admins won’t even be able to tell you’re using a VPN.

ProtonVPN offers apps for Linux, macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS systems. Further, it can be manually configured to work with most routers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want to use one of the most privacy-conscious VPNs around.
  • You’d like access to over 19,600 servers.
  • Your main priorities are privacy and streaming ability.
  • You want 24/7 support over live chat.

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re searching for a beginner-friendly service.

HUGE NETWORK:ProtonVPN has thousands of secure servers and can beat almost any geographic limitation, making it perfect for watching movies safely. Powerful privacy features, 24/7 customer support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all paid plans.

Interested? Check out the full ProtonVPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN

8.1

Scores calculated algorithmically.

Ease of use 9.0
Security & privacy 9.2
Streaming capabilities 9.6
US Speed 5.7
Value for money 7.0

ExpressVPN might be a little bit pricier than its competitors, but it’s also a service that is highly praised by consumers. The service adheres to a no-logs policy to ensure that whatever you do online stays private. All its apps implement robust OpenVPN connections with military-grade AES-256 encryption that prevents your school from tracking you constantly while you’re connected to the local network. So, in addition to streaming movies, you can play Roblox, Fortnite, or unblock any other games at school.

Its apps can be installed on up to 14 devices simultaneously, and are available across all popular platforms (Windows, macOS, Android, iOS). You can also use ExpressVPN on Firesticks, Smart TVs, and consoles thanks to its useful setup guides and its free Smart DNS service. Should you encounter any challenges, you can always contact the 24/7 live chat support.

Speed-wise, the provider wasn’t the fastest I tested. It averaged 82.53 Mbps overall, some 54 Mbps slower than the combined average speed of the other tested providers.

While this is certainly fast enough for streaming video in the highest resolution available, you may want to look to another provider if your school has a very slow base connection speed.

ExpressVPN apps have all the vital privacy and security features you need. This includes a kill switch, obfuscation (enabled by default on OpenVPN and Lightway connections), and DNS leak protection.

Servers are located in a whopping 105 countries, allowing ExpressVPN to work with over 20 Netflix regions, iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max, sports streaming services, and tons of other international services, including torrent sites.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You value reputation and consistency.
  • You demand a high level of privacy.
  • Streaming ability is one of your top priorities.

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re looking for lots of customizable features.

RELIABLE AND FAST:ExpressVPN is a versatile VPN that unblocks dozens of popular services. Proprietary Lightway protocol for streaming and gaming. Access to more than 20 Netflix regions. Servers in 105 countries. Live chat support. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full ExpressVPN review to find out more.

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6. IPVanish

IPVanish

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish

8.1

Scores calculated algorithmically.

Ease of use 8.1
Security & privacy 8.7
Streaming capabilities 9.1
US Speed 7.2
Value for money 7.3

IPVanish is a US-based VPN that runs on a proprietary network of around 3,100 servers. These are based in 145+ locations, which you can see from the handy map on the app’s dashboard.

The IPVanish dashboard.
The IPVanish dashboard has a map of available servers.

This allows it to provide fantastic speeds for data-intensive tasks such as streaming and videoconferencing.

In my tests, IPVanish averaged 176.92 Mbps. This was more than 53 Mbps faster than the combined average speeds of the other tested providers. What’s more, this VPN permits torrenting and is a superb all-rounder.

Apps are available for all popular platforms and are fully featured and easy to use. During my tests, IPVanish worked with Netflix US. However, it is worth noting that it does not work to stream iPlayer or Hulu. So, if it is a streaming VPN that you primarily desire, you may prefer to shop elsewhere.

That said, this VPN is solid in terms of privacy. It adheres to a watertight no logs policy, and its apps are equipped with kill switches, XOR obfuscation, robust AES-256 encryption, and DNS leak protection. This ensures your data is secure against hackers, even on public Wi Fi.

In addition, this VPN can be used on an unlimited number of devices. It, therefore, offers excellent value for money as you can share a single subscription with several friends and family.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You’re looking for an inexpensive VPN with strong streaming ability.
  • You have lots of devices and want to protect them all.
  • You want a service with a proven zero-logs policy.

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You need port forwarding functionality.

PERFECT FOR FAMILIES:IPVanish is a US provider with a no-logs policy. Can be used on an unlimited number of devices. Works to stream Netflix shows on the US catalog. Easy to use. Live chat support. Fast servers for HD streaming. SOCKS5 proxy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full IPVanish review to discover more.

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7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost

7.9

Scores calculated algorithmically.

Ease of use 9.1
Security & privacy 8.9
Streaming capabilities 5.2
US Speed 9.0
Value for money 7.2

CyberGhost is a popular option that I typically recommend to those in search of a VPN that’s functional yet easy to use. This provider offers excellent value for money, and you can use one subscription on up to seven devices simultaneously.

The VPN has apps for all platforms, and despite having fewer advanced features, it still has everything you need to safely bypass your school’s restrictions. A kill switch prevents data leaks, while robust AES-256 encryption means the VPN tunnel always protects your traffic even when accessing restricted content.

CyberGhost has thousands of servers located in 100 countries to provide you with excellent coverage and fast speeds. In my tests, the provider’s maximum speed was 209.13 Mbps.

Although this was extremely quick, the overall average speed was dragged down by two other slower results. The take-home message here is that it would be worth switching servers if you find yourself with a relatively slow CyberGhost connection.

The VPN permits torrenting and works reliably with popular services, including Disney Plus, Netflix, iPlayer, and Hulu at school. This makes it a great all-rounder.

It even has live chat support, so you can direct any issues to their support team. Best of all, you can test it out risk-free thanks to its generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You’d find task-specific servers helpful.
  • You want a user-friendly VPN at a good price.
  • Having a large number of locations to choose from is important to you.

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want a service that’ll work anywhere in the world.

GREAT OPTION FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost has superb apps for all platforms. Easy to use and a good option for beginners. Kill switch and AES-256 encryption. Genuine no logs policy. Works with around a dozen Netflix regions. Seven simultaneous connections. 45-day money-back guarantee.

To learn more, check out the full CyberGhost review.

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8. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access

Apps Available:

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

Website:  www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Private Internet Access

6.6

Scores calculated algorithmically.

Ease of use 8.6
Security & privacy 9.3
Streaming capabilities 7.5
US Speed 1.0
Value for money 6.5

Private Internet Access doesn’t specify the number of servers it has, although I do know that its network covers approximately 90 countries. What’s particularly impressive is that it has servers in dozens of US cities.

This makes it very easy to unblock movie sites at school, be it Netflix, Disney+, or Hulu. PIA won’t throttle your bandwidth either, so you’re highly unlikely to suffer performance issues as a result.

PIA’s speeds are suitable for streaming in 4K, provided that your school has a decent broadband connection.

In my tests, the provider averaged 64 Mbps. Although much slower than the other VPNs I tested, it’s actually a solid result when compared to the market as a whole.

There’s no limit to the number of devices you can connect simultaneously with PIA. This makes it a particularly good choice if you have a lot of devices to secure or want to share your VPN with family members. All internet traffic is secured with 256-bit AES encryption, and there’s also DNS leak protection and a kill switch. A no-logs provider, PIA provides around-the-clock support via live chat as well as email.

PIA has apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. It also offers Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Use with compatible wi-fi routers requires manual configuration.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You’d prefer a VPN with a novice-friendly design.
  • You want to share an account with friends or family.
  • You’re hoping to watch TF1, M6, and more while on vacation abroad.

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want the fastest speeds available.

SERVERS IN 91 COUNTRIES:Private Internet Access unblocks movie sites at school, including Netflix and Prime Video. Absolutely no bandwidth throttling, and it lets you secure all of your devices at once. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Private Internet Access review.

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Recent VPN product updates

I update reviews on a regular basis. VPN providers are constantly adding new features, and my scoring is modified to reflect that. Here are some of the more significant changes that have happened since my last update.

NordVPN

  • An AI-assisted “Fastest server” feature now recommends optimal Windows servers using live network data (December 2025).
  • Threat Protection Pro™ began scanning email links in Gmail and Yahoo to identify potentially dangerous URLs (December 2025).
  • Linux users received tray enhancements alongside stability and compatibility improvements (December 2025).
  • NordVPN released its Linux app as open source, supporting public security review (October 2025).
  • Timezone spoofing was added to browser extensions to align with selected VPN locations (October 2025).

Surfshark

  • An AI-driven email scam detection tool was added to Surfshark One and One+, scanning messages for phishing risks (December 2025).
  • Linux GUI users gained access to Dedicated IP functionality for greater IP control (December 2025).
  • Surfshark deployed 100Gbps servers in Amsterdam to improve capacity (October 2025).
  • Server numbers grew to over 4,500 locations worldwide (October 2025).
  • A new tool designed to block inappropriate content for minors was rolled out (October 2025).

Total VPN

  • Apple television ecosystem accessed through tvOS app development.
  • Apple device intelligence leveraged through “connect on demand” features.
  • Universal performance enhanced via WireGuard protocol implementation.
  • User flexibility increased through Android split tunneling functionality.

Proton VPN

  • Proton VPN stopped supporting iOS 16 and iPadOS 16, ending updates for those versions (January 2026).
  • The tvOS app was updated to version 1.4.0, adding preferred city selection (December 2025).
  • Linux CLI enhancements introduced manual selection of P2P, Secure Core, and Tor servers (December 2025).
  • iOS server lists were updated to sort locations by load (December 2025).
  • Cryptocurrency payment support expanded to include Monero, Litecoin, and Ethereum (October 2025).

ExpressVPN

  • Router v4.2.8 launched with stability-focused Lightway updates (December 2025).
  • Linux users gained a redesigned app with Favorites, speed testing, and easier access to settings (November 2025).
  • The iPad interface was refreshed to better suit tablet use (October 2025).
  • New tiered pricing options expanded plan flexibility (September 2025).
  • ExpressVPN entered the free VPN space with EventVPN (September 2025).

IPVanish

  • IPVanish released its Q4 2025 transparency report, restating its no-logs commitment (January 2026).
  • App updates added the ability to sort servers by RAM-only status (December 2025).
  • Support for Amazon’s Vega OS expanded IPVanish availability on Fire TV platforms (December 2025).
  • RAM-only servers launched in locations including France, the Netherlands, and the US (October 2025).
  • Network expansion pushed total IPs past 56,000 worldwide (October 2025).

Movie sites at school FAQs

Can I use a free VPN to unblock movie sites at school?

Although there are some free VPNs available that you can trust, it’s important to remember that the vast majority of free services are incredibly insecure. Free VPNs have been known to lack reliable encryption, follow dodgy data practices, and have apps that suffer vulnerabilities or contain malicious code. As a result, free VPNs are not suitable for gaining online privacy.

In addition, free VPNs are often slow or have data caps that make them unsuitable for accessing streaming services, torrenting, or gaming. In case you’re worried about wasting your precious cash, the money back guarantees offered by the VPNs on this list will allow you to try a full, unrestricted VPN with robust security.

Can a VPN hide my web history from my university?

Yes. The encrypted tunnel provided by a reliable VPN service is designed to guarantee online privacy. Furthermore, a VPN proxies your DNS requests, making it impossible for your school to track your web history.

However, please remember that whenever you use a computer that belongs to the university, your history may accumulate on that device. Therefore, it’s important to use private browsing mode along with a reputable VPN to ensure you don’t leave any data in the browser itself.

Are VPNs too slow to stream movies?

The VPNs I’ve recommended in this article are all more than capable of streaming movies without interruption, provided that your base connection speed is fast enough (a VPN cannot make your connection speed faster).

There are, however, many VPNs that will slow your connection down to the point where smooth streaming becomes impossible. This is particularly true of free VPNs, which tend to have overly congested servers.

Unfortunately, even subscription-based services can be a little hit-and-miss. If you’re unsure which VPN to go for, opt for one of the providers with a 30-day money-back guarantee. That way, you can get your money back if the resulting connection is too slow for streaming.

Related: How to unblock websites on a school Chromebook