Best VPN for Streaming in 2022: Unblock HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix

Finding out the best VPN for streaming is a difficult task as there are a lot of VPN providers competing with each other to be on top. The competition has given users a lot of choices to opt from.

More often than not, even if you do settle upon a VPN, you are likely to face at least one of the following problems:

• The VPN becomes slow and starts lagging.
• The VPN won’t support cross-functional devices or allow multi-logins.
• The VPN offers poor customer service.

We know how frustrating that can be. Therefore, we have gone through the rigorous VPN services testing process so you won’t have to. So, take a look at our list of the 5 best streaming VPNs before you invest in one.

Features to Consider When Choosing a VPN

Streaming Services VPNs can Unblock

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A Detailed Look at the Best Streaming VPNs

Before we delve into a more elaborated description of the VPN services that offer the best performance for streaming geo-blocked websites such as Netflix, let’s get the most basic thing straight: They all have excellent unblocking abilities, no matter where in the world you are.

1. ExpressVPN – Recommended VPN for Streaming

ExpressVPN tops our list of recommended VPNs due to numerous reasons, but especially because it is the fastest. It has been in the business since 2009 and has an extensive network of VPN servers in over 94 countries worldwide with more than 3000 servers on 160+ server locations.

In the speed tests we conducted with US servers, it managed to offer a download speed of 91.04 Mbps and an upload speed of 54.46 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

ExpressVPN has a built-in useful Kill Switch feature, which avoids system statistics from dripping external VPN app tunnels if the VPN connection flops. It also offers some great security features like 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection and also guarantees a no-log policy.

Its cheapest plan is just $6.67/mo (Save 49% and get 3 extra months FREE with 12-month plan) that comprises 12+3 free months and also offers a 30 day money back guarantee as well.

2. Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN for Streaming

Despite being a small network, Surfshark is giving the ultimate tough time to its competitor with excellent features like unlimited simultaneous connections through which you can support your entire office or home in just $2.49/mo (81% Off on 2 Years Plan). Surfshark is one of the best affordable streaming VPN app.

It also provides you with features like ad-blocking, anti-tracker, and anti-malware tools and has 3,200 servers in 65 locations.

The loss of speed was just 17% on average during the speed test we conducted, which pushes it ahead of many competitors.

This VPN managed to offer a download speed of 75.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 38.01 Mbps when tested on a 100 Mbps connection.

This cheapest streaming VPN extension support for top browsers like Chrome and Firefox has ranked It up among its competitors as it is strongly recommended by the German Cyber Security Firm Cure 53.

They have excellent apps compatible with streaming devices like Windows, iOS, Mac OS, iOS, Smart TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, and routing devices. Game console configuration is also supported by DNS. It also provides 30 day money back guarantee.

Repeated buffering and sudden speed drops are the main symptoms of bandwidth throttling, which Internet Service Providers use to slow down their users’ internet connections. This Virtual private network has a solution for you as it provides bufferless streaming.

You can also use 5 Best VPNs to Watch Disney Plus From Anywhere to unblock any streaming service of your choice.

Surfshark provides three special modes to facilitate its users:

1. The Camouflage Mode hides your activity
2. The Multihop Mode hops your data through various countries to hide you
3. The No Borders Mode enables you  to use Surfshark in restraining areas

3. NordVPN – VPN with the Largest Server Network

NordVPN is one of the most popular VPN providers in the industry, owing to its vast number of servers. While most of its competitors offer 5 connections, it offers 06 with its servers. It is operating in 62 countries with more than 5300 servers on more than 80 server locations.

When you connect to it, it automatically links you to the fastest server available in the location. This reliable service user can also reach them to provide a Private IP option to run the dedicated VPN service. Its Kill Switch feature turns the VPN into TOR in a single click.

When we tested, the VPN managed to give a download speed of 88.45 Mbps and an upload speed of 46.42 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

NordVPN will cost you $3.71/mo (Save 68% on 2 Years Deal) and includes a full 30-day refund policy.

4. CyberGhost – VPN with unique unblocking features

CyberGhost is a unique VPN for streaming. It has a huge network of 6400 servers in 90 countries that will allow you to change your local IP address so that you can access geo-restricted content in your region.

When tested on a US server, it managed to offer a download speed of 85.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 42.18 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

CyberGhost’s 3-year bundle costs $2.75 per month and includes top-of-the-line security features such as 256-bit encryption, dedicated IP, Wi-Fi protection, and seven simultaneous connections.

It has a strict no-logs policy and also offers a money-back guarantee.

5. Ipvanish – VPN with some Surprising Features

IPVanish is a VPN service provider based in the United States that focuses on speed, security, and anonymity. It currently has over 1,300 servers (and counting) in over 75 countries.

It is one of the best options for streaming as all of its servers use the AES 256-bit encryption protocol, and no IP or DNS leaks are permitted.

On a 100 Mbps connection, this VPN managed to offer a download speed of 75.52 Mbps and an upload speed of 38.74 Mbps.

It allows 10 multi-logins with the same account, and for all of this, it charges only $6.95 for a subscription.

Why Choosing the Right VPN is Important for Streaming

Geo-blocks ensure that you are allowed to watch only that content which airs in your country. Needless to say, they annoy the hell out of streaming enthusiasts who are interested in a variety of content from all around the globe.

Thankfully, there is a workaround for this frustrating restriction: you can sign up for a premium VPN. Right VPN can unblock many streaming websites of your choice.

However, you must keep in mind that many popular streaming sites have begun to employ anti-VPN technology to identify connection attempts from outside of the regions they are restricted to.

This often means that when users connect to these platforms through a VPN, their IP address gets logged and checked against an internal list of known VPN services IPs. If the user’s real IP matches one on the list, they are blocked from access for a set amount of time before being able to log back in.

Therefore, you must remember that we only recommend a premium VPN over the free VPN services because a reliable VPN is able to successfully evade the identification mechanisms these streaming platforms employ.

A VPN can be used on any device like Android TV, Apple TV, Smart TV, Amazon Fire TV, and many others.

Worst VPNs For Streaming

There are many great VPNs, but not all of them work for streaming movies.

1 – TunnelBear – Free Version

The free version of TunnelBear is only compatible with Hulu, and it provides 500 MB per month. This means you can unblock Hulu but not use any other streaming services. The paid version of VPN may give you more options to get a better streaming service.

2 – CactusVPN

CactusVPN will not unblock popular streaming services like Netflix unless you switch from the encrypted to a more insecure, non-encrypted service type. I attempted to use both with streaming Netflix US and found that to be a major issue with CactusVPN.

3 – Hotspot Shield – Free Version

Hotspot Shield’s free VPN version is one of the best, but it’s not ideal if you want to stream movies. The 500 MB data cap only gave us about 30 minutes of streaming in HD each day for a month with no throttling. Thankfully, there are paid versions that offer more and don’t throttle you.

FAQs

Conclusion

Only high-quality VPNs can bypass geo-restrictions and let you stream content from platforms such as Netflix US from any location. However, it can be difficult to choose the best VPN for streaming, but it won’t be with the help of the above guide.

Finally, you can stop worrying about finding the best streaming VPN and start enjoying your streaming experience!

Jane davies

Austin-based content writer and life long learner, I enjoy staying in touch with daily trends in the entertainment industry, and building informative and opinionated stories based on them.