6 Best VPNs for Streaming in 2023

Even the most popular streaming services are either entirely or partially limited to specific countries. For example, Hulu works in the US and Japan only, while Paramount+ works in the US, Canada, and a handful of European countries. Then, we have services like Netflix, which is available worldwide, but where each country has its own (oftentimes limited) library.

Fortunately, there is a solution to bypass these geo-restrictions: the trick is to use the best VPN for streaming. By using a streaming VPN, you’ll get an IP address from a country of your choice. So, if you want to unblock Hulu, for example, just connect to a VPN server from the US. This will trick the streamer into believing you’re located in that country.

In this article, we’ll share the best VPNs for streaming and show you how to use them. You’ll learn how to choose the right VPN and which countries are the best for streaming movies and TV shows. We’ll also show you how to fix your VPN if it’s not working and much more.

Best VPNs for Streaming - Our Shortlist

1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Streaming TV and Movies
2. NordVPN – Best Streaming VPN with Enhanced Security
3. CyberGhost VPN – Best VPN to Stream Video on All Platforms
4. Surfshark – Impressively Fast VPN for TV Streaming
5. Private Internet Access – Advanced VPN for International Streaming
6. IPVanish – User-Friendly VPN for Streaming Overseas

How to Set Up and Use a VPN for Streaming

To set up and use a VPN for streaming, you need to subscribe to a VPN, install its app, and then pick and connect to a server. Let’s have a more in-depth look:

1. Sign up for a VPN that works for streaming (we recommend ExpressVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN on your preferred streaming device.
3. Launch the VPN app and log in to your account. 
4. Connect to a VPN server where your desired content is available to stream.
5. That’s it! Now, you can enjoy a seamless streaming experience.

The Best VPNs for Streaming in 2023

The best VPN for streaming must unblock all the major streaming services. Therefore, it’s crucial to pick a VPN with an extensive server network in many different countries with popular streaming platforms—especially the US, as it supports a large majority of them. 

What’s more, fast speeds and reliable performance are a must if you want to avoid connection interruptions. A reliable streaming VPN should come with obfuscated servers that mask you’re using a VPN, as well as necessary security features like a kill switch, a strict no-logs policy, military-grade encryption, and multiple VPN protocols. 

The best VPN service for streaming must also allow a significant number of simultaneous connections and work on different devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and routers. Last but not least, you should go for a VPN that has a reliable money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support for a supportive streaming experience.

Following these criteria, these are the 6 best VPNs for streaming:

1. ExpressVPN – Our #1-Rated Best VPN for Streaming TV and Movies

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for streaming thanks to its extensive network of 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, including 28 US locations. In addition, this is the best VPN for international streaming because it unblocks any video streaming platform worldwide. 

Furthermore, ExpressVPN has lightning-fast speeds and stable performance that deliver smooth Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, and Prime Video streaming. 

Security is an essential criterion, and you have nothing to worry about with ExpressVPN. It comes with a ton of obfuscated servers that will hide your VPN usage. Plus, you’ll get strong AES-256 encryption, a kill switch feature, various VPN protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway), and a strict, independently audited no-logs policy.

What’s more, ExpressVPN allows 8 simultaneous connections and native apps for different devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. It also offers a SmartDNS feature so you can even stream on devices that don’t have native app support, such as smart TVs and digital media players like Roku or Fire TV Stick. 

ExpressVPN also has knowledgeable 24/7 customer support that can help you overcome any issue. Lastly, you can have a risk-free experience due to its 30-day money-back guarantee that guarantees a full refund. 

2. NordVPN – Best Streaming VPN with Enhanced Security

NordVPN is another reliable streaming VPN with a vast server fleet of 5,600+ servers in 60+ countries—and 1,970 of them are in the US. This makes it one of the best VPNs for unblocking various streaming platforms anywhere in the world. 

In terms of speed, NordVPN is a tad slower than ExpressVPN, but it still provides fast and consistent connections. As a result, you’ll have an interruption-free streaming experience with Netflix, Prime Video, Max, Disney+, and more.

NordVPN has obfuscated servers that will help you hide the fact that you use a VPN, as well as AES-256 encryption, a kill switch that activates when your connection fails, strong VPN protocols (NordLynx, IKEv2/IPsec, and OpenVPN), and a verified no-logs policy. 

This provider allows 6 simultaneous connections and has apps for your PC, laptop, phone, Fire TV Stick, and more. Also, it has a SmartDNS feature, so you can stream on devices that don’t natively support VPNs, such as smart TVs—making NordVPN an excellent option overall. 

NordVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you’re not satisfied with its services. Finally, another great benefit is its customer support, which is available 24/7. 

3. CyberGhost VPN – Best VPN to Stream Video on All Platforms

CyberGhost VPN is one of our top choices because it has a huge server network of 9,000+ servers in 91+ countries, 1362 of which are in the US. As a result, this VPN is capable of unblocking streaming services globally. 

Regarding speed, CyberGhost offers decent connection rates, but it’s far from the fastest option. However, you’ll still get stable performance that supports streaming of Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Max, and Disney+, to name a few. Better yet, it offers streaming-optimized servers for the best possible experience watching your favorite movies and TV shows.

While CyberGhost lacks obfuscated servers, it does have NoSpy servers that only its team can access and control. Moreover, there are other strong security features, such as AES-256 encryption, VPN protocols (WireGuard and OpenVPN), an automatic kill switch, and a no-logs policy that is frequently audited.

CyberGhost comes with 7 simultaneous connections, and it offers easy-to-use apps for phones, tablets, computers, streaming devices, and even routers. There's practically no device or platform without CyberGhost's native software.

With CyberGhost, you don’t have to worry about your purchase. The VPN offers a 45-day money-back guarantee (on longer-term plans) and a 14-day money-back guarantee (on its monthly plan). Additionally, its 24/7 customer support is a great benefit as it’s available round-the-clock for any issue you may encounter.

4. Surfshark – Impressively Fast VPN for TV Streaming

Surfshark earned its place on our list because it offers some fantastic streaming benefits. It has 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries, and 600+ of them are located in the US. Therefore, this VPN will enable you to unblock all your favorite streaming services from anywhere.

Moreover, Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs on our list and provides reliable performance even across long distances. This means that you can freely stream many different Netflix libraries, Disney +, Hulu, Max, and Amazon Prime Video, along with many other services.

This VPN ensures top-notch security as it has obfuscated servers that hide your VPN utilization, a kill switch feature, AES-256 encryption, and strong VPN protocols (WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN). Even better, Surfshark has a third-party-audited no-logs policy.

The best part of Surfshark in terms of streaming is that it allows unlimited simultaneous connections on your phone, laptop, PC, Fire TV Sticks, routers, and more. In addition, Surfshark is an excellent option for streaming movies, as it has a SmartDNS feature that enables you to use it even on devices like TVs, which don’t have native VPN support.

Lastly, Surfshark has 24/7 customer support along with a 30-day money-back guarantee that ensures a refund if you decide it’s not the right fit.

5. Private Internet Access – Advanced VPN for International Streaming

Private Internet Access (PIA) has the largest server fleet on the market, with thousands of servers in 84 countries, including servers in all 50 US states. Thus, PIA can bypass all geo-restrictions and unblock any streaming platforms worldwide.

Compared to our other VPNs, PIA delivers average speeds, but it is still reliable with stable streaming connections for Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, Max, and more. However, not all its servers unblock foreign Netflix libraries, so if you encounter an issue, simply connect to a different server.

PIA comes with all the necessary security and privacy features, such as AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, a regularly audited no-logs policy, and robust VPN protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPsec. You’ll also get an additional layer of security through obfuscation. Keep in mind that PIA’s settings are highly customizable, so you can prioritize speed over security.

This provider works on any device and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. So, whether you want to stream on a computer, phone, tablet, or media streaming device, PIA will support it. In addition, you can use custom DNS to use this VPN on a router or other devices that don’t directly support VPNs. 

Lastly, PIA has customer support available 24/7 and a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you’re unsatisfied.

6. IPVanish – User-Friendly VPN for Streaming Overseas

We had to include IPVanish in this guide because it has 2,200+ servers in 75+ locations, with 1,267 in the US alone. This means IPVanish can unblock plenty of different streaming platforms from around the world. 

In terms of speed, IPVanish is one of the slowest providers on this list, but its performance is still stable and consistent. Therefore, you can easily unblock Max, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. You might run into issues unblocking Netflix, but that can be resolved by switching servers.

If you want to stay safe, IPVanish has the right features for you. It comes with obfuscated servers, AES-256 encryption, an audited no-logs policy, a kill switch feature, and various secure VPN protocols (WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, and L2TP/IPsec). 

IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections and can be installed on phones, laptops, tablets, and even Android Smart TVs and some media streaming devices like Fire TV Stick. Unfortunately, though, it doesn’t provide a SmartDNS feature. 

Last but not least, if things don’t work out, you can easily get a refund thanks to IPVanish’s 30-day money-back guarantee. Their 24/7 customer support will help you with any issues that may arise. 

Best VPNs for Streaming: Compared

Why Do You Need a VPN for Streaming?

You need a VPN for streaming to unblock content and services in countries where they are unavailable. For example, if you’re located in a region where a particular movie or TV show is blocked, you will encounter a message like the following: “Oh no! This title currently isn’t available to watch in your country.”

With a VPN for streaming, you’ll be able to unblock various streaming platforms around the world and access their geo-restricted content. However, there are also other reasons why you might need a VPN:

• Bypass Geo-Blocks – Most streaming platforms are geo-restricted, so their content is only available in certain regions. A VPN can bypass geo-blocks by giving you a different IP by connecting to a server in a specific country, such as the US.
• Get More Movies & TV Shows - Due to broadcasting rights, video streaming services have country-based libraries, like Netflix, for example. You can use a VPN to access servers in different countries, which is how you'll get access to more movies and TV shows.
• Bypass Bandwidth Throttling – ISPs frequently engage in throttling. A VPN encrypts your traffic and hides your activities, which prevents your ISP from monitoring your day-to-day habits, which is how you'll regain the full speed of your Web connection.
• Unblock Streaming Platforms While Traveling – A VPN allows you to use all the streaming platforms that you usually do at home, even while you’re traveling. Just connect to a VPN server from your home country, and you'll stream as if you were at home.
• Hide Your Browsing History - Your Internet provider knows what you do online, as well as various trackers that follow you on the Web. Since a VPN encrypts your traffic, it makes sure no one can see your browsing history or your online activity.
• Hide Your IP Address - Your IP address points to your physical location. So, to hide your location and bypass geo-blocks, you can use a VPN. That's because every time you connect to a VPN server, you get a new IP address.
• Block Ads & Trackers While Streaming - If you're tired of ads that many of today's video streaming services aggressively push, know that a VPN can employ special DNS servers that get rid of online advertisements.
• Connect Safely from Public/Hotel Wi-Fi - If you travel a lot, you know the hassle of trying to connect to public or hotel Wi-Fi. On top of that, those networks are prone to all kinds of manipulation, which is something a VPN can stop.
• Avoid Local Censorship - Just like you can bypass geo-blocks imposed by streaming apps, you can also avoid local censorship in any country. Pick a server in a different location or back in your home country, as you'll access the Web the way you used to.

How to Choose the Best Streaming VPN

Choosing the best VPN for streaming can sometimes be challenging, as there are hundreds of VPNs on the market. That’s why we created some key points that will help you decide which VPN fulfills your needs. Check out the following tips:

• Ability to Unblock Streaming Platforms - Not every VPN can access streaming platforms, as they often utilize anti-VPN blocks. The best streaming VPN must offer you unrestricted access to any streaming platform you plan to use.
• Server Network Size & Distribution - You'll want a VPN with servers in as many countries as possible, as that's how you'll unblock more streaming platforms. Also, if a VPN has a large server network, it's likely to perform better overall.
• Fast Speed & Performance - Streaming video requires you to have a relatively fast Web connection. Knowing that a VPN will slow you down, find a VPN for streaming that comes with minimal throttling.
• Access to Obfuscated Servers - Obfuscation helps you hide that you use a VPN, making it more difficult for streaming platforms to block your access. Also, obfuscation is a must in countries like China and the UAE, where censorship is widespread.
• Privacy & Security - The VPN should be powered by OpenVPN and WireGuard, offer a no-logs policy (an audited one, preferably), as well as encryption such as AES-256 or ChaCha20.
• Sufficient Number of Simultaneous Connections - Streaming platforms offer a limited number of simultaneous streams, while VPNs offer the same in terms of connections. So, make sure your VPN allows you to stream from multiple devices at once.
• 24/7 Customer Support - When something goes wrong, you'll want to have access to responsive customer support. That's why we recommend getting a VPN that offers 24/7 live chat customer support.
• Generous Money-Back Policy - Any reputable VPN will offer a money-back policy, allowing you to test-drive its services for a limited period. In most cases, you can count on having 30 days to test-drive a VPN and ask for a refund if you change your mind.

What Are the Best TV Streaming Services?

There's a streaming service for just about any type of content these days. With that said, the most popular (and, for many, the best) TV streaming service is Netflix. Here's our list of the best on-demand streaming services available today:

Aside from on-demand streaming services, live TV streaming services also exist. Those allow you to stream dozens of TV channels live while also offering on-demand libraries. So, here are the most popular live TV streaming services:

Best VPN Country for Streaming TV Shows and Movies

The best country to connect to using a VPN for streaming TV shows and movies depends on a number of factors. First, consider whether streaming is legal in the country. It’s also important to check if the country imposes restrictions on VPN usage.

Most importantly, the country in which you choose to connect to a VPN server depends on what content you want to stream and where it's available. 

In the below table, you'll find a list of countries with access to the most extensive streaming libraries: 

Why Do Streaming Services Block VPN Users?

Streaming services block VPN users due to broadcasting and distribution rights as a way to ensure their content is available in certain countries or regions only.

For example, streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Max bid for individual TV shows and movies. That's how they acquire the rights to offer that content in select countries only for a limited period.

Consequently, streaming services are obliged to prevent access to users from other countries, and they even go one step further as they try to block VPNs as well. As you already know, VPNs are often used to unblock streaming platforms, which is why you truly need the best VPN if you wish to unblock "hidden" titles.

If you want to dive deeper into this topic, we recommend our guides that explain why Netflix blocks VPN services, as well as why Hulu blocks VPN users.

How Fast Does Your VPN Need to Be for Streaming?

Once you connect to a VPN server, the speed of your Web connection should be from 1 to 3 Mbps to be able to stream any video at all.

If you're after streaming in HD, you need a 5- to 8-Mbps connection. And if you want to stream in 4K (available on select media streaming services if you have a subscription that supports 4K streaming), you need a 16- to 25-Mbps Web connection.

For more precise information, check out the following table. We made sure to cover the most popular streaming platforms, as you can see just below.

Know that no matter which VPN you pick, it will slow down your Web connection to a certain degree (here's why a VPN will slow you down). With that said, here's how much a VPN will slow you down and how to speed up a slow VPN.

Can You Use a Streaming VPN to Watch Sports Online?

Yes, you can use a streaming VPN to watch sports online. In fact, a reliable VPN will give you something you won't find elsewhere if you're into sports.

We're talking about sports blackouts here. As a consequence of various deals, sports streaming services are forced to introduce blackouts to specific markets, making it impossible for you to watch those games as they happen.

Just like it unlocks new content, a VPN will help you bypass blackout restrictions by making you appear as if you're somewhere else. That means you'll get to watch the following sports without any blackouts:

• MLB (Major League Baseball)
• NFL (National Football League)
• NHL (National Hockey League)
• NBA League Pass

To give our recommended VPNs a proper test, check out the best sports streaming services and the best NFL streaming services.

Streaming VPN Not Working - How to Fix?

If your streaming VPN isn’t working and you’re having issues watching your favorite streaming service, you can follow a few simple steps to try to solve the problem. Here are some tips to help you out:

• Restart Your Device / VPN App - Sometimes, the main problem might be your device itself, as streaming activities have the potential to overwhelm it. Therefore, if nothing else works, we recommend restarting it and trying again.
• Check Your Internet Connection - Ensure your Web connection works properly by opening a Web browser. See if you can open websites normally. If things don't look normal, you can restart your modem/router or contact your Internet provider.
• Clear Your Browser's Cache and Cookies - If you accessed streaming platforms before without a VPN, residual cache and cookies still point to your actual location. What you need is to remove those files, fire up your VPN, and try again.
• Switch to Another Server – There are various reasons why a particular server may give you challenges. For example, it might lack optimization for streaming, or it may be overcrowded. By connecting to another server within your VPN’s network, you will probably get better performance and solve your streaming issue.
• Switch to an Obfuscated Server - By using an obfuscated server, you add another layer of privacy to your connection, making it more difficult for video streaming services to identify your VPN.
• Connect to a Different Protocol – Outdated protocols like PPTP, SSTP, L2TP, and IPsec are not that effective for unblocking streaming sites. Therefore, you should connect to a newer and stronger VPN protocol like OpenVPN or WireGuard. As a result, you’ll enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted streaming experience.
• Update Your VPN Software – You may encounter streaming issues even if your VPN software is out of date. This is because it may lack new and optimized features or bug patches that are crucial for avoiding problems. 
• Disable Your Device's Firewall Temporarily - This is often an issue on Windows PCs, whose firewall might be overly aggressive and block VPN connections. To see if your firewall is causing issues, try disabling it temporarily.
• Disable Your Device's GPS Tracking - On mobile devices, streaming apps typically rely on GPS to track your location. You can prevent that from happening by going to your phone's 'Location Services' in the Settings app and disabling GPS tracking.
• Contact Your VPN Provider's Support - If you have tried everything else, it's time to visit your VPN's website and contact its customer support. Hopefully, you'll find a live chat functionality, so you talk to support agents directly.

Can You Use a Free VPN for Streaming?

Yes, you can use a free VPN for streaming. However, we don’t recommend it because free VPNs often collect and sell your data, as well as compromise your security and privacy. 

Moreover, free VPNs are slower, have limited bandwidth, and have smaller server networks that can’t unblock the most popular, high-quality streaming platforms. Even worse, they can expose you to malware threats.

Free VPN providers are also unreliable and can lead to a subpar streaming experience full of buffering and disconnections. Also, they don’t have great content-unblocking capabilities, so the number of global streaming platforms they can access is very limited.

Premium VPNs are a much better solution for streaming than free ones. Therefore, we recommend checking out the best VPN services, which come with affordable prices, top-notch security, and seamless streaming.

Final Thoughts

Most streaming platforms are only available in certain regions, so you have to be located in their respective countries to unblock them. Also, even if a streamer is available in a particular country, the content it offers is geo-restricted, too. However, as explained in this guide, there's a way to get everything your favorite streaming platforms offer.

With a VPN, you’ll be able to access your favorite platforms and media anywhere. That said, we recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN for streaming, as it easily unblocks any streaming service you could want to watch. With access to 3,000+ servers worldwide that offer seamless 4k streaming, it’s not surprising that ExpressVPN stands out from its competitors.

That’s all for our comprehensive guide to the best VPN for streaming. If you have any additional comments or remarks, feel free to share them via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!