Best VPNs for Streaming - Unlock Content Anywhere [2025]
With a good VPN you can unlock blocked content, fix buffering issues and bypass streaming censorship
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Looking for the best VPN for streaming? You’re in good hands. As someone who knows a lot about VPNs, I’ve looked into how they work with streaming.
Whether you want to watch shows from other countries or just keep your browsing private, picking the right VPN is key. This guide will help you find one that works well for your needs.
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Access content across the globe at the highest speed rate.
70% of our readers choose Private Internet Access
70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN
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Browse the web from multiple devices with industry-standard security protocols.
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Faster dedicated servers for specific actions (currently at summer discounts)
Best VPN for Streaming: Quick Overview
Here are the top VPNs for streaming, based on speed, reliability, server count, and ease of use:
VPN Name | Speed | Server Count | Unlimited Data | Geo-Unblocking |
---|---|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN | Fast | 3,000+ | Yes | Yes |
CyberGhost | Fast | 7,000+ | Yes | Yes |
NordVPN | Fast | 5,400+ | Yes | Yes |
Surfshark | Fast | 3,200+ | Yes | Yes |
PrivateVPN | Fast | 150+ | Yes | Yes |
Why Do I Need a VPN for Streaming?
A VPN helps bypass geographical restrictions, allowing access to content that might not be available in your region. It also mitigates buffering by preventing ISP throttling and enhances your streaming experience with improved security and privacy.
What’s the Best VPN for Streaming?
After rigorous testing, focusing on geo-unblocking capabilities, speed, data limits, and security, the following VPNs turned out to be the best for streaming.
They unlock popular platforms and ensure fast, secure, and uninterrupted binge sessions.
1. ExpressVPN: Best Streaming Speeds
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ExpressVPN shines as a top contender in the streaming arena, thanks to its unmatched speed and robust geo-unblocking capabilities.
It efficiently unlocks major streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
It lets you access a vast array of global content. With servers in 105 countries, ExpressVPN can always find a fast and reliable connection.
Its Lightway protocol ensures the VPN is minimizing buffering and load times.
The MediaStreamer feature is also a standout, specifically designed to enhance streaming on devices that don’t support VPNs natively, such as smart TVs and game consoles.
Additionally, its strong encryption and no-logs policy provide peace of mind, knowing your streaming habits are private and secure.
Pros:
- Unrivaled speed for HD streaming
- Unlocks Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more
- MediaStreamer feature for devices without VPN support
Cons:
- Higher price point
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ExpressVPN
Make ExpressVPN your go-to for seamless access to a world of entertainment.2. CyberGhost: Optimized for Streaming Services
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CyberGhost stands out with its user-friendly apps and streaming-optimized servers.
They are specifically labeled for services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and others, making it incredibly easy to select the best server for your streaming session.
With over 9,000 servers in 90+ countries, CyberGhost not only offers a wide selection but also prioritizes speed and reliability, ensuring a buffer-free streaming experience.
The automatic kill switch and strong encryption standards protect your data, while the strict no-logs policy guarantees that your streaming activities remain confidential.
Pros:
- Streaming-optimized servers for easy access
- Large server network for reliable connections
- Strong privacy features to keep your activities secure
Cons:
- Occasional slow speeds in peak hours
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CyberGhost
Tailor your streaming experience to perfection with CyberGhost VPN.3. NordVPN: Unmatched Censorship-Bypassing Features
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NordVPN pairs exceptional streaming performance with top-notch security, offering access to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and other streaming giants.
Its vast network of over 5,400 servers, including specialized servers for P2P, Double VPN, and Onion over VPN, ensures you can stream your favorite shows and movies securely and without interruptions.
NordVPN’s SmartPlay technology smartly combines VPN and DNS technologies, enabling users to effortlessly bypass geo-blocks on a wide range of devices.
Additionally, the CyberSec feature blocks ads and malicious websites, ensuring a smoother and safer streaming experience.
Pros:
- Access to Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more
- Advanced security features for safe streaming
- No-logs policy for user privacy
Cons:
- Some servers may be slow
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NordVPN
Trust NordVPN for keeping your streaming safe and unrestricted.4. Surfshark: Stream On Any Device Without Limits
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Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN that doesn’t skimp on features,
It offers unlimited simultaneous connections so the whole household can enjoy streaming services like Hulu, HBO, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer on multiple devices.
The NoBorders mode is specifically designed to overcome restrictive censorship, perfect for accessing geo-restricted content in challenging regions.
Also, CleanWeb, Surfshark’s ad-blocking feature, enhances your streaming sessions by eliminating annoying ads that pop up mid-watch.
With servers in over 100 countries, Surfshark provides the flexibility and speed required for streaming HD content without buffering.
Pros:
- Unlimited device connections
- Unlocks Hulu, HBO, Netflix, BBC iPlayer
- Ad-blocking with CleanWeb
Cons:
- Speed can vary between servers
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Surfshark
Get Surfshark and dive into global streaming waters without breaking the bank.5. PrivateVPN: Streaming with Speed and Privacy
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PrivateVPN might have a smaller network, but it packs a punch with high-speed servers capable of unlocking Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and more, ensuring users have access to their favorite content worldwide.
Its dedication to privacy and security is evident in its military-grade encryption and IPv6 leak protection, making sure no one can detect and block your VPN.
Despite its smaller server base, PrivateVPN offers an impressive balance of speed and security, making it a strong contender for streaming enthusiasts focused on privacy.
The simple interface makes it easy to use, even for VPN novices, offering a straightforward path to unlocking global streaming content.
Pros:
- Unlocks major streaming platforms including Netflix and Hulu
- High-speed servers for HD streaming
- Strong focus on user privacy and security
Cons:
- Smaller server network
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PrivateVPN
Get your key to private and unrestricted streaming access by connecting to PrivateVPNWhat Streaming Apps Work with VPNs?
Most popular streaming apps, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO, work seamlessly with the recommended VPNs. These services regularly update their geo-blocking measures, but the VPNs listed here are known for their reliability in maintaining access.
How to find the best VPN country for streaming?
Firstly, many popular streaming services are not available everywhere. While some provide global coverage, there are still plenty of countries where users can’t access them.
Therefore, the most reliable solution you can try is to use a VPN to change your IP address and spoof your geolocation.
Secondly, even if a streaming platform is available in multiple countries, its catalogs may differ. For instance, Netflix has different content libraries for each country.
That is due to certain territorial licensing agreements between the streaming providers and local content distributors.
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As such, if you want to stream content from a foreign library, you’ll still have to use a VPN to circumvent geo-detection. Otherwise, you’ll be redirected to the version available for your country.
So, before purchasing a subscription, you should check where the platform is available. Then, you should get a VPN that offers servers in the supported countries.
In the table below, we included some popular streaming services (video and audio), coupled with their country availability and subscription type.
You can use them as a reference, but keep in mind that the country lists are periodically updated.
Streaming services country availability
No. | Streaming service | Availability | Subscription |
---|---|---|---|
1. | Netflix | 190+ countries (except China, Crimea, North Korea, Russia, and Syria) | Premium |
2. | Disney+ | 135+ countries and territories | Premium |
3. | HBO Max | 75 countries and territories | Premium |
4. | Amazon Prime Video | Worldwide (except China, Iran, North Korea, Russia, and Syria) | Premium |
5. | Hulu | USA (including Puerto Rico), Japan | Premium |
6. | Peacock | USA, UK, Ireland, Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Italy | Premium |
7. | Paramount + | 30+ countries | Premium |
8. | YouTube TV | USA | Premium |
9. | Sling TV | USA | Premium |
10. | Pluto TV | 30+ countries | Free |
11. | fuboTV | USA, Canada, Spain | Premium |
13. | Crackle | USA | Free |
14. | Crunchyroll | 200+ countries and territories | Freemium |
15. | Spotify | 230+ countries and territories | Freemium |
16. | Tidal | 60+ countries | Premium |
17. | Deezer | 185+ countries | Freemium |
18. | Pandora | USA | Freemium |
19. | iHeartRadio | USA, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand | Freemium |
20. | BBC iPlayer | United Kingdom | Free |
Evidently, there are many platforms that you’ll need a VPN to access.
Alternatively, proxies and Smart DNS services might help but are easily detectable and don’t provide satisfactory privacy and security.
Therefore, VPNs are the most dependable solution for unblocking streaming services and protecting your devices against various online threats.
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However, free VPNs don’t do a good job of circumventing VPN blocks. In fact, most of them can be easily detected by popular platforms.
Therefore, you should pick a strong and fast product that can bypass VPN detection to stream your favorite content hassle-free.
Is It Legal to Use a VPN for Streaming?
Yes, using a VPN for streaming is legal in most countries. However, it may violate the terms of service of some streaming platforms. It’s important to check the legal stance in your specific country and the policies of the streaming service.
Can I Get Banned for Using a VPN for Streaming?
While it’s rare, some streaming services may restrict or ban accounts using VPNs to access their content, as it may go against their terms of service. The use of VPNs for such purposes is a grey area, and enforcement varies by service.
The Bottom Line
Streaming content from around the world should be easily available. Our best VPN for streaming list will help you pick the right provider.
These VPNs provide reassurance that a physical location doesn’t become an obstacle to your favorite streaming content. You can have the freedom to access Spotify, Netflix, Hulu Popcorn Time, and an array of other services and foreign channels.
In order to enjoy flawless HD streaming, all while keeping your digital information concealed, it’s also necessary to consider the speed and encryption levels of your VPN provider.
The VPNs outlined in this article will give you a clearer idea of which VPN is an ideal choice for your streaming freedom.
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