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 2025. 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.
- Total VPN: This no-logs VPN delivers high speeds and exceptional streaming ability. Servers in 80+ countries, 24/7 support, and very easy to use apps.
- ProtonVPN: A privacy-first VPN with impressive performance and the ability to access almost anything. One of the largest networks we’ve seen.
- 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.
- IPVanish: Fast speeds and excellent access to a range of streaming platforms. Popular with torrenters and Kodi users. No connection or bandwidth limits.
- 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 beginner’s 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 compared
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 | TotalVPN | Proton VPN | ExpressVPN | IPVanish | CyberGhost | Private Internet Access | PrivateVPN |
| Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | TotalVPN.com | ProtonVPN.com | ExpressVPN.com | IPVanish.com | Cyberghost.com | PrivateInternetAccess.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for Streaming | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 74 Mbps | Total number of servers | 7,425 | 3,200 | 1,800 | 12,660 | Undisclosed | 2,400 | 8,000+ | 1,000+ | 200+ | Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited | 5 | Free: 1, VPN Plus: 10 | 8 | Unlimited | 7 | Unlimited | 10 | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV | Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Apple TV | Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best deal (per month) | $3.39 Up to 76% off 2 year plans + free Amazon Gift Card | $1.99 87% OFF + 3 months free | $1.58 SAVE $80 on an annual plan | $3.59 SAVE 64% on a 2-year plan | $3.99 SAVE: Up to 69% + 4 months free on 2 year plans | $6.49 Best MONTHLY deal | $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
Aug 2025
Great for streamingTested Aug 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 9.4 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 9.6 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
| Streaming suitability: | 9.9 / 10 |
| US speed: | 10.0 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 7.9 / 10 |
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
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, and as you can see from the chart below, it was very fast.
Its average download speed across all three tests was 227.05 Mbps, the fastest of all the providers we tested, and 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 possible streaming speeds, with tested averages over 220 Mbps
- You need access to a variety of Netflix libraries, including the US, Brazil, and Italy
- You value smart DNS to stream on devices without VPN apps (like Apple TV)
- You’re traveling to or connecting from high-censorship countries like China
- You want guidance on the best servers for each streaming platform
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 Aug 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 9 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
| Streaming suitability: | 9.4 / 10 |
| US speed: | 8.7 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 8.1 / 10 |
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
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 204.05 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 your streaming VPN with unlimited devices at once
- You’re looking for a budget-friendly VPN with strong unblocking
- You want smart DNS to access streaming services on consoles and smart TVs
- You’d find static IP servers useful for consistent streaming access
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. Total VPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.8 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 9.4 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Streaming suitability: | 9.3 / 10 |
| US speed: | 7.7 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 8.5 / 10 |
Website: TotalVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Total VPN is an affordable, novice-friendly provider with a lot to offer. For starters, it has 1,800+ servers in more than 80 countries. Additionally, it’s able to securely access platforms like YouTube TV, Disney Plus, and Netflix. It even supports split tunneling, allowing you to use geo-blocked services from two regions at once! If you need help, there’s a ticket system in place, with staff replying to queries 24 hours per day. A maximum of five devices can be connected at the same time.
Streaming is considered a high-bandwidth activity, which means that you’ll need a reliable high-speed connection for the best experience. To see if Total VPN was up to the challenge, we speed tested its servers in the US at multiple points throughout the day. The chart below shows how quick this service was and also gives us an idea of the kind of slowdown you can expect during busier periods like evenings or weekends. See for yourself:
With an average speed of 186.9 Mbps, Total VPN was actually one of the fastest providers we tested. That’s great news for anyone hoping to watch live broadcasts or 4K content, since with performance like this, you’re unlikely to notice any stuttering, buffering, or lag, even while multi-tasking. The results were very consistent too, only varying by around 7 Mbps over the course of our real-world testing.
This provider does things a little differently from most. Instead of overwhelming new users with customizable features, for the most part, it takes care of security for you. By default, you’re protected from IPv6 and DNS leaks, your data is shielded with 256-bit AES encryption, and the built-in kill switch will stop you from accidentally browsing without a VPN. Most importantly, Total VPN doesn’t keep any logs of your activities. There’s also has a custom protocol named Hydra that was designed to help you browse on networks that normally block VPN traffic entirely.
Total VPN offers apps for iOS, MacOS, Android, and Windows systems.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a beginner-friendly VPN that handles most security settings
- You want a very fast streaming VPN with consistent speeds
- You’d like split tunneling to stream from multiple regions at once
- You want a subscription with antivirus and password manager included
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want more than five simultaneous streaming connections
- You want a VPN that reliably works in high-censorship countries
STREAMING MADE SIMPLE:Total VPN takes the stress out of watching your favorite shows abroad, while making sure you can stream safely. Beginner-friendly VPN offering a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans (and 14 days on shorter-term subscriptions).
Check out our full Total VPN review for more info.
4. ProtonVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.4 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 9.6 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 9.3 / 10 |
| Streaming suitability: | 9.3 / 10 |
| US speed: | 6.5 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 7.3 / 10 |
Website: www.ProtonVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ProtonVPN is a well-respected provider boasting more than 13,000 servers in over 120 countries. Not only that, its streaming abilities are exceptional. We’ve had great results using this VPN to access stubborn platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, among many others. Users are allowed to connect up to 10 devices at the same time, stream without any bandwidth limits, torrent on any server, and chat directly with support staff in the unlikely event that anything goes wrong.
Let’s talk about performance. After all, if your VPN can’t keep up, streaming is going to be a frustrating experience. Our team of experts tested ProtonVPN’s American servers three times (once each in the morning, at noon, and in the evening). This way, we can measure how its speeds change during peak times and also see just how fast the service is on average. You’ll find the results in the table below:
ProtonVPN’s average speed was 165.05 Mbps, which is an impressive result, well above what most of its competitors can provide. For context, this is quick enough to download a 1GB file in around a minute, and is roughly 10 times the minimum required speed for watching 4K content. In short, this service is fast enough to handle whatever you throw at it, even if multiple people in your home are all using the internet at the same time.
This VPN has outstanding security credentials, having been created by the team behind Proton Mail. For starters, it keeps you safe using unbreakable AES-256 encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch that ensures you never browse unprotected after an outage. There’s also a proven zero-logs policy, stealth protocol, and a feature that blocks ads and trackers automatically. Better still, ProtonVPN support split tunneling and port forwarding as standard, with no additional payments required to use these features.
ProtonVPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Users can also follow manual configuration instructions to get this VPN up and running on their home router.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a privacy-first streaming VPN from the team behind Proton Mail
- You’d like access to 120+ countries for global streaming options
- You want advanced features like split tunneling and port forwarding included
- You need up to 10 simultaneous device connections for streaming
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re planning a trip to China (it’s not reliable there)
- You prefer the simplest, most beginner-focused interface possible
SECURE AND VERSATILE:ProtonVPN works with a huge range of streaming platforms and boasts an expansive set of privacy tools. Generous connection limit and a 30-day money-back guarantee on all paid plans.
Read our complete ProtonVPN review.
5. ExpressVPN
Great for streamingTested Aug 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 7.9 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 9.0 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 9.2 / 10 |
| Streaming suitability: | 9.4 / 10 |
| US speed: | 4.9 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 7.0 / 10 |
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
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, and was the most consistent provider we tested with less than 3 Mbps of variance across the day.
ExpressVPN is fast enough for streaming in 4K, as long as your base connection speed is up to it. For reference, 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 consistent streaming access with minimal speed variance
- You need a VPN app for your router to stream on all connected devices
- You value built-in obfuscation that’s always on for bypassing VPN blocks
- You want smart DNS for VPN-incompatible devices
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re on a tight budget (ExpressVPN is pricier than most)
- 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.
6. IPVanish
Great for streamingTested Aug 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 7.9 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 8.1 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 8.7 / 10 |
| Streaming suitability: | 9.1 / 10 |
| US speed: | 6.2 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 7.3 / 10 |
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
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 161.26 Mbps, almost 10 Mbps faster than the combined average of the other providers.
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 want to choose specific streaming servers, not just cities
- You need unlimited connections for streaming on multiple devices
- You want solid unblocking for Netflix US, Hulu, and HBO Max
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want a VPN based outside the US (Five Eyes)
- 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.
7. CyberGhost
Great for streamingTested Aug 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 7.8 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
| Streaming suitability: | 8.6 / 10 |
| US speed: | 5.4 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 7.2 / 10 |
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
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 145.82 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 dedicated, labeled streaming servers for specific platforms
- You prefer a beginner-friendly setup for streaming with minimal configuration
- You want over 10,000 servers for diverse international streaming options
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You might need to connect more than seven devices
- You’re connecting from China or other restrictive regions
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.
8. Private Internet Access
Great for streamingTested Aug 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 6.8 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 8.6 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 9.3 / 10 |
| Streaming suitability: | 7.2 / 10 |
| US speed: | 2.3 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 6.5 / 10 |
Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
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 unlimited device connections for household-wide streaming
- You want split tunneling to stream foreign and local content at once
- You like customization options for protocols and encryption strength
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.
9. PrivateVPN
Great for streamingTested Aug 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 5.9 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of Use: | 8.2 / 10 |
| Security & Privacy: | 8.6 / 10 |
| Streaming suitability: | 5.2 / 10 |
| US speed: | 1.0 / 10 |
| Value for Money: | 6.5 / 10 |
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
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 VPN with strong streaming unblocking for Netflix
- You need stealth mode obfuscation to bypass streaming VPN blocks
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.
Recent VPN product updates
To keep our reviews current, we track the latest developments from leading VPN services. Here are the most notable recent additions:
NordVPN
- Better connection handling with automatic reconnect technology (June 2025)
- Streamlined Meshnet sharing through drag-and-drop interface (June 2025)
- Dark Web Monitor capacity increased to 50 monitored emails (June 2025)
- Enhanced Threat Protection Pro with advanced anti-malware (May 2025)
- Linux GUI application officially released (May 2025)
Surfshark
- Game-changing Nexus technology introduced using SDN architecture (February 2025)
- Bypasser functionality extended to all supported devices (April 2025)
- Dedicated IP locations increased with seven new options including Istanbul, Warsaw, and Las Vegas (April 2025)
- Flatpak distribution method added for Linux compatibility (October 2024)
- Bypasser feature integrated into iOS mobile app (October 2024)
Total VPN
- Apple TV compatibility through new tvOS app
- “Always on” killswitch implemented for Android
- “Connect on demand” protection for iOS and macOS users
- WireGuard protocol rollout completed universally
- Android split tunneling feature now live
Proton VPN
- Apple TV streaming app made available (October 2024)
- IPv6 support integrated into browser extensions and Linux client (2024)
- Anonymous guest mode launched for Android users (2024)
- NetShield ad-blocker upgraded with phishing detection (Spring 2025)
- Streaming platform support expanded to approximately 100 services (Spring 2025)
ExpressVPN
- Windows Copilot+ device compatibility established (September 2024)
- Identity Defender service activated for US market (November 2024)
- Account management improvements with easier deletion (March 2025)
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…. 🙁