The Best VPN For Streaming in 2023

Finding the best VPN for streaming TV is complicated as many VPN providers compete to be on top. Unfortunately, the competition has given users many choices to choose from.

Streaming services are brilliant for watching and enjoying your favorite movies like Booksmart and shows. However, some services are region restricted and can only be accessed in some regions. The reason for all this is licensing rules.

But the good news is that you can easily bypass the geo-restrictions of streaming platforms using the best streaming VPN.

We have made the list of the best VPNs so that you don’t have to worry about which VPNs are best for streaming in 2023!

After rigorous VPN services testing, the shortlisted VPNs are the most reliable VPNs. You can watch the content of any streaming platform using these VPN services just like Bump on CW.

How Do I Choose the Best VPN For Streaming?

The best VPN for streaming movies on the market combines lightning-fast connection speeds with impenetrable security. A fast and dependable connection is beneficial for steady streaming with no buffering. Also, many servers are often a big help when getting a solid connection.

Best VPNs for Streaming Comparison

Depending on download speed, availability of Smart DNS, and access to streaming platforms, use the table below to evaluate the fastest and most dependable streaming VPNs.

Apps for macOS, Windows, Fire TV, iOS, and Android are available for all five VPNs. They also provide Smart DNS to unblock streaming services on Xbox, PlayStation, and Apple TV aside from PrivateVPN.

The Top Streaming VPNs: Summary Test Ratings

Each VPN is evaluated for streaming by our specialists using a methodical testing process.

Specifically for streaming, we look for the following:

• Simple access to a variety of Netflix libraries and regular access to BBC iPlayer
• Support for streaming services, including HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and others.
• For buffer-free broadcasting, choose a fast connection speed
• VPN applications for several streaming devices, including  Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, and others Smart DNS technology to make circumventing geo-restrictions simpler

Here is a summary of each testing category and how much of the total rating it contributes to, providing a more in-depth look at the science behind our rating methodology.

Netflix Streaming: 20%

The most widely used streaming platform is Netflix, which is also the biggest factor in VPN use.

As a result, 20% of a VPN’s overall rating is determined by its capacity to access Netflix.

Because American Netflix has the most programming, most users seek access to it. However, we also give VPNs that operate with Netflix Canada or Netflix Japan more importance.

The higher a VPN’s rating, the more trustworthy it is for using foreign Netflix libraries.

BBC iPlayer Streaming: 20%

Another well-known geo-restricted streaming platform that is notoriously difficult to use from overseas is BBC iPlayer.

We honor VPNs with a history of bypassing the BBC’s strict bans. The rating of a VPN increases with reliability.

Accesses Other Streaming Services: 20%

We honor the VPNs that remain competitive and provide access to a wide range of platforms as additional streaming services join the market.

On HBO Max, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus, and Hulu, we test each VPN. The VPN has ranked better in this aspect the more websites it supports.

Speed: 20%

The speed of the VPN is crucial for streaming. You will encounter less latency and buffering the quicker the VPN is.

When you use a streaming VPN, you need to be able to watch in Full HD or 4K.

To keep our speed testing data current, our specialists undertake human and automated speed tests regularly. To get an overall ranking for each VPN’s speed capabilities, we analyze local and long-distance connections.

Smart DNS: 10%

Using Smart DNS, you may redirect your online traffic via a different nation using a VPN’s DNS servers.

Without a native VPN app, this is the simplest method to access region-restricted entertainment on consoles, TVs, and other devices.

We evaluate each streaming VPN’s compatibility with Smart DNS. Reputable firms provide straightforward Smart DNS capability that makes it easy to access foreign streaming content.

Streaming Device Support: 10%

All of the streaming apps can employ a VPN as soon as you can set one up on your network.

But this procedure is difficult and unintuitive. We honor VPNs that have developed VPN applications for certain platforms and devices.

Each VPN is tested for compatibility with Apple TV, Fire TV Stick, Xbox, PS5, and other devices.

Then, our experts put these applications to the test to determine whether they’re easy to use and beneficial for streaming media.

Here is a more detailed look at the factors that we considered while selecting the best VPN for streaming video:

Which VPN is Best for Streaming in 2022 [Full Analysis]

After extensive testing of 20+ VPNs, we have shortlisted 5 VPNs that are best in terms of speed, security, privacy, and server count.

These VPNs were tested to unblock 20+ international streaming platforms.

Here is the complete analysis of the best 5 VPNs for streaming:

1. ExpressVPN – Recommended VPN For Streaming

The following subcategory ratings are used to determine this overall score. You can check here its speed and other features for a quick overview of the performance:

ExpressVPN is the recommended VPN for streaming as it offers fast-speed servers and premium features.

ExpressVPN has an extensive network of VPN servers. This VPN has a network of 3000+ servers in 94+ countries and also a total of 25+ US locations.

We used the ExpressVPN New York server and were able to unblock American Netflix. As a result, we enjoyed bufferless streaming of our favorite shows on American Netflix. This VPN is also considered to be the best VPN for twich streaming and Best VPN for Firestick.

Get ExpressVPN for streaming to enjoy unlimited content on Netflix.

In the speed tests we conducted, ExpressVPN offered a download speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection while streaming Netflix with ExpressVPN.

The US-based New York server provided us with super-fast speed!

Here is the more detailed speed test result of ExpressVPN on various servers:

Connection	Ping – ms download	Download Speed – Mbps	Upload Speed – Mbps
Regular Speed	79	89.42	84.64
America	110	96.03	98.65
Canada	108	83.24	84.33
Australia	105	90.78	89.12
UK	98	76.98	88.34
Germany	101	86.21	84.23

ExpressVPN has a built-in useful Kill Switch feature, preventing system statistics from trapping external VPN app tunnels if the VPN connection flops.

ExpressVPN offers excellent security features like 256-bit encryption and DNS leak protection and guarantees a no-log policy. In addition, ExpressVPN is the VPN for TV streaming, allowing you to watch out-of-market NFL games, Fox TV with its Free Trial, Sling TV and YouTube TV or USTV Streaming channels services that are actively blocking VPNs.

You can use ExpressVPN on operating systems and devices like Windows, iOS, MAC, iPhone, Roku, Smart TV, etc.

The cost of ExpressVPN is US$ 6.67/mo - Save 49% and get 3 extra months FREE with 12-month plan and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

1. Unblocks all major streaming platforms
2. Fast-speed servers
3. Unlimited bandwidth
4. MediaStreamer for unsupported devices
5. Compatible with all major OS and devices

Cons

1. Slightly expensive

Get ExpressVPN for StreamingThe Recommended VPN

2. Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN For Streaming

• Streaming services unblocked: Disney+, Netflix, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, ESPN+, HBO Max, Kayo, Hulu.
• Servers: 3200+ servers in 65+ countries
• Supporting devices: Firestick, Xbox, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, PlayStation
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Best deal: US$ 2.30/mo - 82% Off on 2 Years Plan

The following subcategory ratings are used to determine this overall score. You can check here its speed and other features for a quick overview of the performance:

Overall streaming Rate	8.8/10
BBC iPlayer Streaming	7.5/10
Netflix Streaming	9.2/10
Other streaming platforms	9.3/10
Speed	8.6/10
Smart DNS support	9.9/10
Device support for streaming	9.3/10

Surfshark is budget-friendly for streaming as it costs only US$ 2.30/mo - 82% Off on 2 Years Plan and offers unlimited multi-login through which you can support your entire office or home.

Surfshark has a network of 3200+ servers in 65+ countries and 600+ US servers in 23+ locations.

We used the Atlanta server and unblocked Netflix with Surfshark. We enjoyed the bufferless streaming with a VPN and even watched Harry Potter on Netflix and arranged them in worst to best order for you to feel convenience in deciding which to watch first.

You can use Surfshark for streaming your favorite content on Netflix or any other streaming platform.

During the speed test on a 100 Mbps connection, Surfshark offered a download speed of 86.51 Mbps and an upload speed of 51.86 Mbps.

The US-based Atlanta server provided us with super-fast speed!

Here are the more detailed speed test data of Surfshark on various servers:

Connection	Ping – ms	Download Speed – Mbps	Upload Speed – Mbps
Regular Speed	79	86.51	51.86
America	110	83.45	80.76
Canada	108	82.31	84.33
Australia	105	76.98	85.43
UK	98	87.00	76.54
Germany	101	86.21	71.09

Surfshark has impressive features like ad-blocking, anti-tracker, and anti-malware tools. In addition, it offers excellent apps compatible with streaming devices like Windows, iOS, Mac OS, iOS, Smart TV, Apple TV, Fire TV, and routing devices.

Surfshark comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and offers 24/7 live chat support.

Pros

1. Unblocks all major streaming platforms
2. Fast-speed servers
3. Unlimited simultaneous connection
4. Easy-to-use apps
5. Compatible with all major OS and devices

Cons

1. Some servers require some time to connect

Get Surfshark for StreamingBudget-Friendly VPN

3. NordVPN – VPN With the Largest Server Network

• Streaming services unblocked: Disney+, Netflix, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, ESPN+, HBO Max, Kayo, Hulu.
• Servers: 5543+ servers in 94+ countries
• Supporting devices: Firestick, Xbox, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, PlayStation
• 6 simultaneous connections
• Best deal: US$ 3.49/mo - Save 60% on 2 Years Deal

The following subcategory ratings are used to determine this overall score. You can check here its speed and other features for a quick overview of the performance:

Overall streaming Rate	9.4/10
BBC iPlayer Streaming	9.7/10
Netflix Streaming	9.0/10
Other streaming platforms	9.3/10
Speed	8.5/10
Smart DNS support	9.9/10
Device support for streaming	9.3/10

NordVPN has the largest server network to watch any streaming platform. It has 5543+ servers in 94+ countries and 1970+ US servers in 15 locations.NordVPN also works great with Japanese Netflix in USA.

We used the US server #9457 to unblock Netflix with NordVPN and enjoyed bufferless streaming.

Get connected to the fastest US server of NordVPN and experience bufferless streaming.

On a 100 Mbps connection speed test, NordVPN provided an upload speed of 48.42 Mbps and a download speed of 85.48 Mbps during the speed test.

Here are the more detailed speed test data of NordVPN on various servers:

Connection	Ping – ms download	Download Speed – Mbps	Upload Speed – Mbps
Regular Speed	79	85.48	48.42
America	110	84.35	80.76
Canada	108	76.54	65.43
Australia	105	76.12	65.12
UK	98	76.51	76.87
Germany	101	65.46	71.32

When you connect to NordVPN, it automatically links you to the fastest server available in the location.

NordVPN offers 6 simultaneous connections. In addition, its Kill Switch feature turns the VPN into TOR in a single click.

It has amazing features like AES encryption, Thread Protection, and DNS leak protection. In addition, it guarantees a no-log policy.

You can use NordVPN on all major OS and devices like Windows, iOS, Mac OS, iOS, Smart TV, Apple TV, and Fire TV. Streaming with NordVPN also lets you watch Youku, Rakuten TV, Prime Plus 1, SIC TV, Teletoon in USA, Oxygen TV and ESPN+the outside the USA.

The cost of NordVPN is US$ 3.49/mo - Save 60% on 2 Years Deal, and it comes with 30 days money-back guarantee.

Pros

1. Unblocks all major streaming platforms
2. Smooth lag-free streaming
3. 6 simultaneous connection
4. Compatible with all major OS and devices

Cons

1. The desktop app can be a bit slow

Get NordVPN for StreamingLargest Server Network

4. CyberGhost – VPN with Unique Unblocking Features

• Streaming services unblocked: Disney+, Netflix, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, ESPN+, HBO Max, Kayo, Hulu.
• Servers: 7700+ servers in 90+ countries
• Supporting devices: Firestick, Xbox, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, PlayStation
• 7 simultaneous connections
• Best deal: US$ 2.23/mo (3 Years + 4 Months)

The following subcategory ratings are used to determine this overall score. You can check here its speed and other features for a quick overview of the performance:

Overall streaming Rate	8.6/10
BBC iPlayer Streaming	9.0/10
Netflix Streaming	8.0/10
Other streaming platforms	8.5/10
Speed	8.7/10
Smart DNS support	9.9/10
Device support for streaming	9.2/10

CyberGhost is a unique VPN for streaming. It has a massive network of 7700+ 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.

We used the CyberGhost US server to access American Netflix and enjoyed our favorite content without any buffer the ng.

Enjoy content library of US Netflix using CyberGhost.

During the speed test, CyberGhost offered a download speed of 81.98 Mbps and an upload speed of 40.90 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

CyberGhost offers great speed on 100 Mbps internet connections.

Here are the more detailed speed test data of CyberGhost on various servers:

Comms downloading png	Ping – ms	Download Speed – Mbps	Upload Speed – Mbps
Regular Speed	79	81.98	40.90
America	110	67.90	54.32
Canada	108	65.43	65.98
Australia	105	76.13	65.0
UK	98	76.44	54.32
Germany	101	60.98	51.23

CyberGhost offers unique features like dedicated IP, 256-bit encryption, and Wi-Fi protection. You can use this VPN on 7 different devices.

CyberGhost is compatible with Android, MAC, iPhone, iOS, Windows, and other OS and devices.

The cost of CyberGhost is US$ 2.23/mo (3 Years + 4 Months), and it also offers 45-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

1. Unblocks all major streaming platforms
2. Free browser extension
3. 7 simultaneous connection
4. Compatible with all major OS and devices

Cons

1. Slow speed on distanced servers

Get CyberGhost for Streaming

5. IPVanish – VPN With Some Surprising Features

• Streaming services unblocked: Disney+, Netflix, Sling TV, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, ESPN+, HBO Max, Kayo, Hulu.
• Servers: 1900+ servers in 60+ countries
• Supporting devices: Firestick, Xbox, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, PlayStation
• 10 simultaneous connections
• Best deal: US$3.99/mo

The following subcategory ratings are used to determine this overall score. You can check here its speed and other features for a quick overview of the performance:

Overall streaming Rate	8.9/10
BBC iPlayer Streaming	8.6/10
Netflix Streaming	9.2/10
Other streaming platforms	9.3/10
Speed	8.7/10
Smart DNS support	9.9/10
Device support for streaming	9.3/10

IPVanish has some surprising features for streaming. It has 1900+ servers in 60+ countries.

We used the US server to watch Peaky Blinders on Netflix. We enjoyed bufferless streaming.

Watch your favorite shows on American Netflix using the US server of IPVanish.

IPVanish offered a download speed of 70.05 Mbps and an upload speed of 32.15 Mbps over a 100 Mbps connection. You can also enjoy streaming Netflix with IPVanish.

For uninterrupted HD viewing, IPVanish provides superb speed.

Here are the more detailed speed test data of IPVanish on various servers:

Comms downloading	Ping – ms	Download Speed – Mbps	Upload Speed – Mbps
Regular Speed	79	70.05	32.15
America	110	65.43	76.43
Canada	108	68.65	65.9
Australia	105	54.31	54.32
UK	98	54.21	41.21
Germany	101	51.10	45.67

IPVanish is one of the best options for streaming as AES 256-bit encryption is used on its servers, and IP and DNS leaks are not allowed.

You can use IPVanish on all mainstream devices and OS like Android, iPhone, Windows, PC, iOS, and many more. IPVanish support 10 simultaneous connections.

The cost of IPVanish is US$3.99/mo and 30-dayes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros

1. Unblocks all major streaming platforms
2. Super affordable price
3. 7 simultaneous connection
4. Compatible with all major OS and devices

Cons

1. Speed is not consistent
2. Low server count

Get IPVanish for Streaming

Why Do You Need a VPN for Streaming?

A VPN is needed for streaming because most streaming platforms are geo-restricted and can only be accessed in some regions.

If you try to access a geo-restricted streaming platform in your region, you will get an error message.

Disney Plus can only be accessed in some regions; thus, when we try to access it where it is not launched, we receive the following error message on the screen:

“Sorry, Disney+ is not available in your region.”

When you use a VPN, it hides your actual IP address so that you can trick the streaming service into thinking you are in one of the supported nations. You can use this to access all the content that isn’t available in your area.

So, with a VPN, you can easily access the content of Hulu, Disney Plus, HBO Max in New Zealand, Paramount+ I,n South Africa and others without any geo-restriction.

A premium VPN like ExpressVPN guarantees that you stream without DNS or IP leaks and offers the best security and privacy features.

How to Access Different Streaming Services Using a VPN?

You must configure a VPN to access international streaming services or content. You can easily get around geo-restrictions and watch anything you want with the help of a VPN.

Once you’ve decided on a VPN, follow these instructions to utilize it from any location to access various streaming services:

1. Get a subscription to a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app on your device.
3. Enter your credentials to log in.
4. Get connected to your desired server from the location list.
5. Open any streaming platform and select any title.
6. Enjoy streaming your favorite movie or show with the best VPN for streaming!

Get ExpressVPN for StreamingThe Recommended VPN

Video Guide on Using A VPN For Streaming

Here is a short video guide on how you can use a VPN to unblock any geo-restricted streaming platform:

Which Streaming Services Can I Use With a VPN?

You can access a thousand streaming services and their content with the help of a VPN. Below are some top streaming platforms you can watch with a VPN.

Platforms
	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
	✔	✔	✔	✘	✔
	✔	✔	✔	✔	✘
	✔	✔	✔	✘	✔
	✔	✘	✔	✔	✔
	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
	✔	✔	✔	✔	✔
	✔	✔	✔	✘	✘

What is the Most Unsafe VPN for Streaming?

The majority of VPNs are unreliable. They infect your device with malware and sell your information. As a result, the list of VPNs that are unsafe for streaming is provided below in case you’re wondering which ones you should avoid:

TigerVPN	OperaVPN
Browsec	Hola
GetFlix	Unlocator
OneVPN	HideIPVPN
AnonymousVPN	IVPN
Turbo	BTGuard
Earth VPN	WorldVPN

Streaming VPN Not Working – Try These Fixes

Most streaming providers attempt to prevent customers from using a VPN to get their content.

By banning IP addresses they suspect are associated with VPN servers, they do this. This often occurs when several people attempt to use the same IP address to access the service.

You’ll see a proxy error message when your VPN IP address has been blocked:

These restrictions are often unpredictable and arrive in waves. A good streaming VPN will make every effort to get past these restrictions, however.

If your streaming VPN is not working, you can follow these quick fixes:

• Restart the streaming service after flushing your DNS cache and clearing your cache and cookies.
• Use a different VPN server. If your preferred streaming service doesn’t have any dedicated servers, you should get in touch with the customer care team of your VPN company to learn which VPN servers are currently compatible with it.
• Use a different browser to access the streaming service. For instance, occasionally, you can use Mozilla Firefox to access a particular service even though Google Chrome cannot do so.
• Turn off location services and GPS on your smartphone, computer, and browser.
• Turn off IPv6 on each device.
• If none of these work, try a new VPN provider.

FAQs

Do streaming services work with VPN?

Yes, streaming services work with VPN. The VPN service works well with most popular streaming services, including US Netflix, Disney+, and HBO Max.

Which VPN Is good for streaming?

We recommend ExpressVPN for streaming. It has servers in almost every country and of content-unblockingtent unblocking performance and excellent speed.

Is a VPN worth it for streaming?

Yes, VPN is worth it for streaming. VPNs keep you safe and secure while enabling you to access everything the Internet offers. They are the perfect option whether you want to maximize the use of your streaming services or are concerned about your digital footprint. VPNs make accessing everything on the Internet simpler and safer.

Should I go for a free streaming VPN?

Yes, you can go for a free VPN, but you have to select the best free VPN for Netflix or any other streaming service that can give reliable security and performance; you’ll need to cut through the thick fog of the free VPN industry.

Can I use a streaming VPN to watch sports?

Yes, you can stream sports using a VPN. Sports lovers can watch any sport using VPN services to connect to many servers worldwide.

Is It Illegal to use a VPN for streaming?

No, it is not illegal to use a VPN for streaming. Using a VPN while streaming is completely legal in most nations, including the US and other western countries. Your internet connection and privacy are protected in this way.

Is ExpressVPN good for streaming?

Yes, ExpressVPN is good for streaming. You can access Netflix, Disney+, and any streaming platform with ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN continuously tracks the effectiveness of its servers in unblocking traffic, which is one of the reasons it is so dependable for accessing streaming websites.

Can You Use a VPN to Stream with Kodi?

Yes, you can use a VPN to stream with Kodi. Using Kodi with its official add-ons is entirely safe and legal. However, a VPN will enable you to access geographically restricted content and protect your data from outside parties and your internet service provider.

What VPN do streamers use?

Most streamers use ExpressVPN because of its high-speed servers, unblocking capabilities, and security.

Is streaming faster with VPN?

Yes, sometimes streaming can be faster with a VPN. Speed for some services can be increased via VPNs. ISPs occasionally throttle—or artificially slow down—certain types of traffic.

For instance, several large ISPs have throttled Netflix and other streaming entertainment providers; hence using a VPN can efficiently enhance the speed of your streaming service.

Which are the best TV streaming services?

Here are some of the best TV streaming services:

• YouTube TV
• Hulu + Live TV
• FuboTV
• Sling TV
• Philo
• DirecTV Stream

Which VPNs Are Bad for Streaming??

Due to data and bandwidth limitations, most free VPNs aren’t the best options for streaming. Even some premium VPNs don’t put out much effort into circumventing VPN prohibitions. Smart DNS, Dedicated servers, and consistently fast international connections are features of good streaming VPNs. However, maintaining these features is expensive. Thus, many widely used VPN providers are out of the running. A few well-known VPNs that are not good for streaming include:

TorGuard

Perfect Privacy

TunnelBear

Avira Phantom

Trust

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 challenging 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 VPN streaming and start enjoying bufferless streaming by using a premium VPN service.

Jane Davies

An entertainment enthusiast located in Austin. She is a tech geek, movie fan, and a dedicated binge-watcher. She is someone who enjoys keeping up with the current events and entertainment gossips.