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So much content, so little time. While options for TV shows and movies seem endless, using a VPN for streaming can make your experience all the better. Our experts tested dozens of trusted VPNs to find the very best ones that could offer compatibility with multiple devices, provide a global network of servers with unlimited data, and prevent speed throttling by internet providers like Xfinity and Spectrum.
With the right provider, you can bypass geo-restrictions with ease and stream content securely and anonymously from anywhere. Here’s a list of the best streaming VPNs in September 2023 to get you started.
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Why do I need a VPN for streaming?
Each streaming service carries different shows and movies depending on where you are in the world. While this sounds intuitive, streaming services place geo-restrictions on any content outside a user’s set location.
When you use a VPN, a user’s real IP address is hidden from your ISP, streaming providers, or any other online group. VPNs then reroute user traffic through secure servers around the world, changing your IP address to one in a country where the desired content is unrestricted. That way, you can watch different content libraries from your favorite streaming services, and even discover some new ones like BBC iPlayer.
If you’re abroad, a VPN will allow you to stream your favorite programs anywhere from outside your home country. You’ll just want to choose the right provider that’s safe, fast, and proven to unlock the best content. Here are some of the top streaming features to look out for when making your selection.
| Index | Our Picks | Lowest Price | Server Network | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  1. NordVPN | $3.99/mo. | 60 Countries | |
| 2 |  2. CyberGhost | $2.23/mo. | 91 Countries | |
| 3 |  3. Private Internet Access | $2.19/mo. | 84 Countries | |
| 4 |  4. Surfshark | $2.49/mo. | 95 Countries | |
| 5 |  5. ExpressVPN | $8.32/mo. | 94 Countries |
1. NordVPN
#1 VPN for streaming with blistering connection speeds & strong security
1. NordVPN
#1 VPN for streaming with blistering connection speeds & strong security
Pros
Optimized for speed
Sleek, easy-to-use app
Unblocks major streaming platforms
Cons
Expensive short-term plans
Limited browser extensions
Additional features hidden behind a paywall
Pros
Optimized for speed
Sleek, easy-to-use app
Unblocks major streaming platforms
Cons
Expensive short-term plans
Limited browser extensions
Additional features hidden behind a paywall
When it comes to streaming VPNs, NordVPN delivers on all fronts. It’s fast, safe, secure, and easy to use. NordVPN provides the key streaming features necessary for users to access the geo-restricted content on multiple devices, with ease. NordVPN delivers some of the fastest connection speeds we have tested thus far and offers over 5,500 servers in 59 countries to connect to. This is ideal for heavy streamers or those looking to access content libraries outside their region.
Many competitors have some form of smart DNS services that can bypass most DNS blocking, but they do nothing to keep you secure or private. In contrast, NordVPN provides its own proprietary SmartPlay DNS feature that bypasses DNS blocks while also hiding your IP address and encrypting your traffic to ensure you remain safe and anonymous when streaming.
In addition, NordVPN offers strong security measures like AES 256-bit encryption, an automatic kill switch, and double VPN encryption – all of which protect you from security vulnerabilities like data leaks or your devices getting breached while accessing streaming or torrenting sites.
Along with its standard encryption protocols, NordVPN also comes equipped with its proprietary NordLynx technology. NordLynx works on top of the WireGuard protocol. While WireGuard offers significant gains in connection speed, there are some security flaws. NordLynx aims to secure those flaws, while still allowing users the great speeds given by WireGuard.
If streaming is a priority for you, we recommend giving NordVPN a try. They offer a standard 30-day money-back guarantee and several NordVPN deals to choose from. For more in-depth information about our test results, read our full NordVPN review.
2. CyberGhost
Fast VPN with a massive server network & servers optimized for streaming
2. CyberGhost
Fast VPN with a massive server network & servers optimized for streaming
Pros
Unblocks 35+ streaming services
Fast, secure & easy to use
Works in China
Cons
Short 1-day free trial
Doesn’t work with Chromebook
Fastest speeds on nearby servers
Pros
Unblocks 35+ streaming services
Fast, secure & easy to use
Works in China
Cons
Short 1-day free trial
Doesn’t work with Chromebook
Fastest speeds on nearby servers
CyberGhost is arguably one of the best streaming VPNs. It has fantastic server network coverage and offers an advanced Smart DNS feature that allows users to unblock Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and nearly any other streaming library.
To top it off, CyberGhost has VPN servers optimized for streaming, which are routinely tested by CyberGhost technicians to make sure they work on popular streaming sites. You can also favorite specific streaming servers within the app for a quicker connection during your next stream.
CyberGhost also offers a solid VPN proxy for Chrome and Firefox. Built on the Ethereum blockchain, this CyberGhost proxy encrypts your browser traffic to help bypass censorship and keep user data private at all times. Coupled with a kill switch, CyberGhost is a very secure VPN for both in-browser and device-level protection.
As for the app itself, CyberGhost’s interface is very intuitive and clean, with clear labels on settings and servers to help users navigate the service. It also offers up to 7 simultaneous connections on a single subscription, so you never have to prioritize security over your entertainment needs.
If you’re still on the fence, consider testing out this VPN risk-free with its 45-day money-back guarantee or browsing current CyberGhost deals for ways to save.
For more in-depth information, read our CyberGhost VPN Review.
3. Private Internet Access
Reliable streaming VPN with the best network coverage & impressive speeds
3. Private Internet Access
Reliable streaming VPN with the best network coverage & impressive speeds
Pros
Affordable subscription
Up to 10 device connections
Fantastic connection speeds
Cons
User interface is lacking
Unverified zero-log policy
Lacking extra features
Pros
Affordable subscription
Up to 10 device connections
Fantastic connection speeds
Cons
User interface is lacking
Unverified zero-log policy
Lacking extra features
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a good VPN for streaming from what we saw during our tests. It boasts unrestricted US, UK, Netherlands, Canada, Romania, Germany, France, Sweden, and Swiss-based internet services, and in total, has over 35,000 servers across 78 countries. This gives users substantial coverage, and the ability to access international content without much dealy or any issues.
PIA comes with a native ad blocker called PIA MACE, along with features designed to make the streaming experience more secure like dedicated IP addresses, a kill switch, and built-in antivirus software. PIA also supports WireGuard, which by default provides users with more efficient encryption that helps optimize connection speed.
Moreover, PIA is one of the few VPN providers able to unblock a wide variety of streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer. This, coupled with its impressive speed performance and 10 device connections, makes Private Internet Access a shoo-in service for streamers.
PIA offers some of the lowest prices you’ll find on the market and backs its service with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can test before you try risk-free, or take advantage of a PIA coupon if available.
To learn more about our PIA testing, read our full Private Internet Access Review.
4. Surfshark
Affordable VPN with unlimited device connections & a sleek user interface
4. Surfshark
Affordable VPN with unlimited device connections & a sleek user interface
Pros
Unblocks various streaming platforms
Custom ad blocker included
Unlimited device connections
Cons
Steep single-month pricing
No IPv6 support
Inconsistent speed test results
Pros
Unblocks various streaming platforms
Custom ad blocker included
Unlimited device connections
Cons
Steep single-month pricing
No IPv6 support
Inconsistent speed test results
Overall, Surfshark is viewed as one of the best VPNs for streaming movies and popular shows outside the US. We were able to unblock Netflix with Surfshark as well as BBC iPlayer and Disney+. And although it’s a newer provider, Surfshark’s server network has a pretty decent spread. Users can choose from over 3,200 VPN servers across 63 countries, many of which are optimized for streaming and torrenting.
Surfshark includes a NoBorders feature, giving users the power to quickly bypass censorship across the world, even in the most restricted countries. So whether you’re trying to stream, use Facebook, or access the best torrenting sites, this NoBorders feature can help you bypass geo-blocks while remaining anonymous online.
Additionally, Surfshark comes built with an ad blocker called CleanWeb and a split-tunneling tool called Bypasser – both features will make streaming more user-friendly.
By blocking unwanted ads, CleanWeb reduces the amount of data your device has to process while streaming, which helps with speeds. Bypasser allows you to choose which traffic gets routed through your VPN connection. This can help you prioritize what gets slowed down on your device and when.
If you want to get your hands on the service to test out, you’ll be happy to learn it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Or, you can see if there’s a Surfshark coupon within your budget to jump right in.
For our full results from testing this VPN, you can read our Surfshark VPN Review.
5. ExpressVPN
Secure VPN that easily unlocks streaming libraries & offers blistering speeds
5. ExpressVPN
Secure VPN that easily unlocks streaming libraries & offers blistering speeds
Pros
Reliably fast speeds
Great device compatibility
Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer & more
Cons
Subscription can be expensive
No kill switch for iOS devices
Only allows up to 5 device connections
Pros
Reliably fast speeds
Great device compatibility
Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer & more
Cons
Subscription can be expensive
No kill switch for iOS devices
Only allows up to 5 device connections
ExpressVPN is a great VPN for streaming, with a sleek user interface, strong security practices, and a diverse selection of servers located around the world. Users with find consistently fast connection speeds and the ability to unblock Netflix and virtually any other streaming service with ease.
For a better look, ExpressVPN offers over 3,000 server locations in 94 countries, with key locations including the US, the UK, Israel, South Africa, Canada, Brazil, France, Germany, Australia, and India.
It’s also compatible with all major devices and platforms – even obscure ones like routers, gaming consoles, and Linux. You’ll have no problem safely unblocking just about any piece of content thanks to this coverage and its streaming-optimized servers.
In addition, ExpressVPN comes with extra security features to protect your connection while streaming. These include standard AES-256 encryption, IP leak protection, and its Network Lock kill switch. These especially protect devices against data leaks should your connection ever drop.
Moreover, ExpressVPN offers its advanced Lightway protocol. While many VPN providers include WireGuard, ExpressVPN has developed a proprietary protocol as its own solution to providing speedy connections while maintaining strong encryption.
You can find an active ExpressVPN deal to try this VPN out risk-free for 30 days and utilize its 24/7 customer support if you run into any issues.
For more in-depth information, read our ExpressVPN Review.
Commercial Top Blocks
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So much content, so little time. While options for TV shows and movies seem endless, using a VPN for streaming can make your experience all the better. Our experts tested dozens of trusted VPNs to find the very best ones that could offer compatibility with multiple devices, provide a global network of servers with unlimited data, and prevent speed throttling by internet providers like Xfinity and Spectrum.
With the right provider, you can bypass geo-restrictions with ease and stream content securely and anonymously from anywhere. Here’s a list of the best streaming VPNs in September 2023 to get you started.
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Add new blocks within this block to appear below vpn list.
Why do I need a VPN for streaming?
Each streaming service carries different shows and movies depending on where you are in the world. While this sounds intuitive, streaming services place geo-restrictions on any content outside a user’s set location.
When you use a VPN, a user’s real IP address is hidden from your ISP, streaming providers, or any other online group. VPNs then reroute user traffic through secure servers around the world, changing your IP address to one in a country where the desired content is unrestricted. That way, you can watch different content libraries from your favorite streaming services, and even discover some new ones like BBC iPlayer.
If you’re abroad, a VPN will allow you to stream your favorite programs anywhere from outside your home country. You’ll just want to choose the right provider that’s safe, fast, and proven to unlock the best content. Here are some of the top streaming features to look out for when making your selection.
Streaming VPN FAQs
- Does a VPN make streaming better?
- Can a streaming service ban my account for using a VPN?
- Is a VPN good for streaming?
- Is it legal to use a VPN for streaming?
- What happens if you don’t use a VPN for streaming?
- What is the fastest VPN for streaming?
1. Does a VPN make streaming better?
Depending on the prover and the circumstance, using a VPN can actually increase your streaming speeds. It’s not uncommon that ISPs will throttle, aka slow down, your connection based on your data plan and the streaming platforms you’re using.
VPNs circumvent this by connecting you to an IP address that’s different than the one from your device’s location. That way, your internet provider and streaming providers will not only be unable to access your data or slow you down– all while your VPN allows you to access streaming content from just about any country.
2. Can a streaming service ban my account for using a VPN?
While some streaming services block VPNs, it’s highly unlikely that your account will be banned for it. You may just get a warning notice or lose connection. Platforms that restrict access to certain content because oftentimes they don’t have the rights to air certain content in many countries.
3. Is a VPN good for streaming?
A VPN is a great way to access geo-restricted content your streaming platform has to offer. Many streaming services are required to restrict the content users can watch based on their geographical location.
When you use a VPN, your real IP address – that number code that signals to different websites and servers where your physical location is – is hidden to avoid tracking. For example, if you live in the US but want to watch the British version of The Office, you can sign into Netflix with a UK IP address if you have a VPN and watch content otherwise hidden from your streaming account.
4. Is it legal to use a VPN for streaming?
Yes, streaming with a VPN is perfectly legal. Although it may go against the terms and conditions of certain streaming services, you shouldn’t run into any problems in most countries. Countries with VPN restrictions include China, Iraq, Russia, North Korea, and Turkey as these countries have either banned or limited the use of VPNs.
Some streaming services like Netflix will track VPN servers if a lot of users are connected to one simultaneously. When this happens, you’ll receive an error message on your device, but won’t get into any legal trouble. All you need to do is connect to a different server that isn’t flagged, but you’re less likely to run into this issue with a premium VPN.
5. What happens if you don’t use a VPN for streaming?
You’ll still be able to access the regular content you stream on your favorite streaming services, so nothing drastic happens, but you’ll be safer and have more options if you use a VPN.
Since your VPN hides your IP address, your ISP won’t be able to track your activity, meaning it can’t slow down your speeds while you’re streaming. Plus, you’ll be able to access tv shows and movies from all over the world with a VPN due to their massive server libraries.
6. What is the fastest VPN for streaming?
We found that NordVPN was the fastest with our speed test, but Private Internet Access and ExpressVPN are close seconds. Your speeds are going to depend on how you configure your VPN as well as which protocols you use.
