Best VPNs for Streaming - Unlock Content Anywhere [2023]
8 min. read
Updated November 24th, 2023
Published June 23rd, 2023
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If you’re ready to cozy up and watch your favorite show, movie, or sports event without geo-restrictions, then you need the best VPN for streaming online content worldwide.
Having a VPN that excels in the streaming market allows you to bypass geo-blocks.
Browse the web from multiple devices with industry-standard security protocols.
70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN
70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN
Access content across the globe at the highest speed rate.
Connect to thousands of servers for persistent seamless browsing.
With a VPN your location is absolutely concealed so not only can you freely binge-watch your favorite shows from any country, but you can protect your digital information from hackers and government entities, all without leaving your comfy couch.
With that said just having any VPN is not enough. High speeds and privacy are essential to stream endless content without breaking a sweat.
How does a VPN for streaming work?
With a VPN you can unlock streaming content from anywhere in the world. It’s a fantastic tool.
On the other hand, without a VPN, even while you’re casually browsing the Internet your IP address is public domain for all to see.
This means all your internet traffic is exposed and visible, including your streaming history.
You may think “Who cares about my streaming history?” Well, many government entities do, especially those residing under oppressive regimes.
Even if you’re relying on a torrent or a P2P protocol to download and stream content, you’re still not safe.
Here’s why: since your IP address is pooled along with the torrent swarm, any curious eye with the same file has the ability to see your IP address, report it, and soon after a copyright infringement charge would be heading your way.
Particularly in the United States, the practice of using torrents is forbidden by law and your ISP takes this very seriously. Tread lightly if you don’t want something like the below in your inbox.
However, using a VPN for your streaming will benefit your privacy in several ways.
Firstly, since the VPN provides encryption you leave no breadcrumbs to your location behind for those curious eyes. Additionally, a VPN masks your actual location by making it seem you are connecting from a different country giving you the keys to the candy store of all streaming content.
How to Choose a VPN to Stream Online Content
As noted previously in this article, the best VPNs for streaming are very fast and have the ability to give ultimate privacy through an abundant amount of servers and an infinite amount of server switches.
These two are vital VPN features. For example, if your prospective VPN provider limits the number of users for each server, then your streaming time is going to plummet as you experience overcrowding.
Additionally, the type of encryption you’re using can also influence your speed. The more secure the slower the VPN can perform.
As an example, the L2PT protocol ranks much higher in security than PPTP encryption and it is, therefore, a bit slower. So if you don’t absolutely need a Fort Knox-type security, chose to use a lower level when you have the option. Keep however in mind that it is always highly recommended to use OpenVPN protocol since it is the most secure at the moment.
Another factor to consider when picking a VPN for streaming is simultaneous devices. If a VPN service allows you to use your VPN on multiple devices, streaming content becomes that much easier.
Many VPN providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer this option, NordVPN offers 6 concurrent connections. It’s certainly a handy tool especially if you like streaming different sports games at the same time or have your kids watch cartoons while you catch up on your shows.
What Streaming Services Can You Access?
With a VPN you will have the power to access any streaming platform. If you live outside of the United States, you can easily access Netflix US. You will also have access to services like Popcorn Time, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Hot-Star.
Since these services are geo-restricted, your VPN for streaming would be the key to unlocking all streaming content no matter where it originates from.
One note of caution though, services like Netflix and Hulu are blacklisting known IP addresses of VPN providers. However, top-notch VPN providers are staying ahead of these blocks.
NordVPN
NordVPN is a tried and tested VPN provider. This privacy-driven company is a serious competitor when choosing a host for your streaming content.
It has over 10 years of experience and 58 countries hosting a staggering amount of 744 servers, Although its speeds are not as good as with other VPNs on this list, NordVPN is noteworthy for no log keeping and being one of the few VPNs to accept payments in Bitcoin. Being ahead of the curve in this way, you cant help but wonder what else they have up their sleeves.
NordVPN Pros:
- Provides protection for your content
- Experienced name
- Money back guarantee
- 6 device connectivity
- Uses bitcoin
NordVPN cons:
- Slightly slower speeds
NordVPN
Bypass unfair IP bans that prevent you from watching your favorite content in your region.CyberGhost
CyberGhost is yet another formidable option for your streaming needs. Since CyberGhost is a Romanian-based company, it has a strict no-logging rule. So as the name implies, this VPN provider will give you the superpower you always wanted – invisibility.
Now that you know you’re safe, let’s talk speed. This VPN provider has excellent downloading and uploading speeds. In fact, it performs with the fastest VPN connections on the market, which translates to no buffering or endless loading circles when streaming.
CyberGhost pros:
- Top-notch streaming capabilities
- Absolutely no-logs
- Live Support in various languages
- Encrypted not just once but twice
- 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost cons:
- Free trial is 1 day
CyberGhost
Your content will load faster than ever and your privacy will be protected at all times.Surfshark
Surfshark is consistently proving to be one of the best VPN service providers and for sure one of the most affordable. Hence another excellent choice for your digital streaming needs.
What you surely will appreciate with Surfshark is the blazingly fast speed. Even if you are connecting to a streaming service on the other side of the world, Surfshark guarantees a short loading time. Moreover, it is one of the most user-friendly VPNs on the market. Connecting to a server, switching locations, and unblocking websites for streaming is extremely simple.
As a plus, Surfshark unblocks several Netflix libraries, not only the US. Therefore, you can switch to Netflix USA, British, Australian, Italian, Indian, and many more without problems. The amount of movie titles you will access is just astounding.
Surfshark Pros:
- Unblock US Netflix
- Access all top streaming services
- Unlimited devices
- Very good VPN Network
- Get your money back after 30 days
Surfshark cons:
- No dedicated IP
Surfshark
Surfshark is a reliable VPN service that is ideal both for beginners and advanced users.ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is one of the overall best services in the industry and our first choice among the VPNs for streaming. With a whopping network of 500 servers scattered over 78 lands, you’ll have a wide choice at all times.
The fact that they offer more servers than channels you can surf doesn’t mean your information is anything less secure. Actually, their bandwidth allows for an infinite amount of server switching in addition to their SSL-secured network. The service also offers 256-bit encryption. Such a strong encryption protocol is guaranteed to keep you under the radar while streaming movies and online content.
ExpressVPN Pros:
- Infinite Server Changes
- No Logging
- 500 servers in 78 countries
- Login Concurrently from 3 devices
- 256-bit encryption
ExpressVPN Cons
- Pricier than most
ExpressVPN
Choose this robust VPN that gives you high privacy and streaming benefits along with great compatibility.IPVanish
IPVanish is one VPN provider you shouldn’t ignore. Unlike many other VPN services, IPVanish claims to be a Top Tier Virtual Private Network. That basically means they don’t use hosting services of third-party providers, so your relationship with them would be as exclusive as your privacy is.
Since no third-party providers are allowed this also means they have full control over their vast network expanding to some 500 servers in more than 60 countries. Their obsession with control gives them bragging rights for a reliable no-logs reputation. The control doesn’t stop there. It extends into their network speeds, which are not just exceptionally fast but, sustainably fast and perfect for a wide range of streaming needs.
IPVanish Pros:
- Sustainable Streaming speeds
- No logs
- Uni-controlled networks
IPVanish Cons:
- They don’t believe in free trials
IPVanish
Stream any content you want with mind peace thanks to IPVanish.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.