Do you often find yourself in a position where you’re browsing the libraries forever for new movies, but are limited content in just one country? Then it might be time to try a VPN and unlock more libraries for Netflix, HBO, and Disney Plus. The amount of movies and series you can see often depends on your current location. With a VPN you can manipulate your current position and unblock your favorite movies and TV shows.
Sound too good the be true, right? Well, it’s not! If you’re browsing from Denmark you have 6 Netflix libraries available whereas if you browse from Japan you have more than 11 different Netflix catalogs to choose from! This is a true game-changer and will not only make the number of movies available increase but also make your subscription worth a lot more!
Of course, not every VPN is suitable for streaming. Some VPNs focus on privacy and are therefore better suited for individuals who want to keep their internet traffic secure. However, others focus on the need for unblocking streaming services and providing users with fast connection speeds.
Whatever your requirements, there are premium VPN services out there that will ensure you get encrypted online surfing as well as unlimited access to your favorite streaming sites and their foreign libraries.
Most people like to stream TV shows and movies once in a while. It’s easier than ever due to the many streaming providers out there. However, there is a hurdle you need to pass if you want to stream and unlock additional movies and series in your local country. Depending on where you live, the number of movies you can stream changes.
On the US Netflix streaming service, you have access to tons of series, whereas in Norway or Sweden the selection may be more restricted. With a VPN, you can change your physical location to be exactly where you want to be and overcome geo-restrictions. In this case, Japan is one of the best countries to be in.
Whether you want to catch up on your favorite shows via a streaming service while you’re abroad or there is a show in a foreign Netflix library that you wish you see, then you’ll need a reliable VPN. Here are our top picks for the best VPNs for streaming.
| Max Speed: | 115000 Mbps |
|---|---|
| Type of IP offered: | Dedicated |
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 6 |
| Number of Netflix Libraries: | 12 |
| Information sharing: | None |
| OS support: | Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
Ultra-fast connection
No-logs policy
5400 servers in 54 countries
Limited payment options
No Split Tunneling on desktop
Only 6 simultaneous connection
With a specific streaming feature that’s activated upon download, NordVPN is one of the best streaming VPN services that also offer security when using streaming platforms.
To unblock a vast amount of streaming content, NordVPN is one of the best with a great track record at providing users with many streaming options.
We’ve tested NordVPN and found that it can reliably unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Sling TV, and other streaming services thanks to its obfuscated servers which hide your VPN use. These servers hide the fact you’re using a VPN which enables you to bypass strict firewalls created by streaming platforms. If you want to unblock content around the globe then NordVPN is a great choice.
You can use the NordVPN apps across many operating systems including macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Windows, Android TV, and Apple TV.
As well as the above, you can use the SmartPlay feature on your Smart TV to watch geo-blocked media content. By connecting your NordVPN to your router, you can access the SmartPlay feature which makes use of Smart DNS technologies. This doesn’t provide your device with any encryption, but it does give you a fast connection speed, HD quality, and unblocks many streaming services and online content.
NordVPN is one of the fastest VPN services and offers unlimited bandwidth; this is one of its major selling points. As long as you have a solid wi-fi connection to start with, you should enjoy good connection speeds. We found that there was a little bit of lagging on long-distance connections, particularly in Asia, but it was nothing that was too much of a concern. Since there are so many server locations to choose from with Nord, there is a low chance of using a server that is overrun with many users.
Although it may not seem like an important factor, NordVPN offers the best security to its users. Firstly it operates several protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and NordLynx. NordLynx is Nord’s own protocol which combines fast speeds and solid encryption. There is leak protection with NordVPN, which is important for streaming. We ran NordVPN through several tests and found it was completely DNS leak-proof, an encouraging sign that our device’s IP address would never be revealed.
There is also a Double VPN feature, which encrypts your data twice, and NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy. Your streaming activity while using the VPN will never be logged by the provider which means you can watch all of your favorite programs in complete anonymity.
Since VPNs can be tricky at times, especially with all the extra features they provide, it’s essential to have accessible customer service. Nord is one provider that caters to the needs of users with its extensive knowledge hub. As well as this, there is 24/7 live chat support on the website.
You can connect NordVPN to 6 devices at once, which means you can enjoy uncensored streaming on your phone and computer. For a trustworthy VPN connection that delivers first-rate results, NordVPN is a great VPN for watching streaming content.
| Max Speed: | 300000 Mbps |
|---|---|
| Type of IP offered: | Dynamic |
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
| Number of Netflix Libraries: | 12 |
| Information sharing: | None |
| OS support: | Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
No-log policy
Unlimited Bandwidth
Free version available
No dedicated IP option
Only 5 simultaneous devices
Few payment options
A VPN provider with four plans to suit users’ needs, ProtonVPN’s Plus plan is the best option for avid streamers.
ProtonVPN is well-known for the privacy it provides users but it’s also a good option if you want a secure streaming experience. Its main protocols are OpenVPN and IKEv2, the best protocols for security and speed. It employs military-grade AES-256 bit encryption, so your streaming is secure.
Since streaming sites block users based on their real IP address, it’s great to see that ProtonVPN has DNS leak protection. This will prevent your real IP address and location from getting leaked and resulting in you being unable to access your favorite streaming platform and watch your favorite content online.
There is a good amount of servers available on Proton’s network, and they are located around the globe, even in locations that are often ignored like African nations. This offers more options when it comes to streaming and the ability to get around geo-restrictions. With the Plus plan, there are excellent speeds and will provide you with an HD quality and buffer-free streaming experience.
We were pleased to find during our tests that ProtonVPN can unblock Netflix, as well as most streaming services including BBC iPlayer, HBO Now, and Hulu. With the option to connect the VPN to 5 of your devices, you can enjoy streaming from multiple platforms with its apps for laptops and smartphones such as Windows, Android, Linux, macOS, and iOS.
Customer support with ProtonVPN doesn’t appear to be that great at a first glance, but we were surprised by the service. Firstly, the information hub on the website is very informative, with information and guides on how to use the VPN. Although there is no live chat support, there is a ticketed service and an email that you can contact. Email responses are fast, helpful, and informative.
Speed is good with ProtonVPN’s Plus plan but on the free and Basic plan, the speed was not as impressive, despite the lack of data caps. With ProtonVPN, the plan you choose will affect the features you have access to. For this reason, we recommend paying a little bit more to unlock all of the fantastic Plus features and have a better streaming experience overall.
| Max Speed: | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| Type of IP offered: | Shared |
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | Unlimited |
| Number of Netflix Libraries: | 15 |
| Information sharing: | None |
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
Full 15 Netflix Libraries
Tons of server locations
Great deal on 24 months
No Apple Pay Payment Option
Very expensive monthly
Allows P2P from all servers
Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for streaming as it provides encrypted streaming at a fraction of the cost.
Surfshark is an extremely impressive VPN provider thanks to the incredible range of features it offers for a low annual price. You can protect an unlimited number of devices and access streaming sites on all of them. Surfshark has compatible VPN apps for all the leading platforms including macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Windows.
Since there are unlimited simultaneous connections, you can use the VPN on as many devices as you want. You can even connect your Surfshark VPN to your Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV. We were pleased to see that Surfshark works with Netflix, Hulu, HBO, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and many other TV streaming services. Every single member of your family can enjoy uncensored TV shows from these streaming providers, without having to pay any extra.
Since Surfshark is cheap and offers a lot in terms of device compatibility, you might be wondering what the catch is. The truth is, there isn’t one. Surfshark provides fast connection speeds and makes use of IKEv2/IPSec protocols which are known to help with a fast connection. Surfshark’s servers provided us with a stable connection, HD quality, and buffer-free video.
If you’re a fan of split tunneling and want to only use a VPN for streaming websites and tunnel the rest of your online activity through your regular Internet Service Provider’s network, then Surfshark will allow you to do so. The Whitelister feature is available on most of Surfshark’s dedicated VPN apps and allows users to decide which sites they want to be encrypted by the streaming VPN and which not. You can use this feature to encrypt your favorite streaming service and nothing more if you wish to do so.
We like Surfshark at VPN servers as it doesn’t overcomplicate the process of using a VPN. Its desktop clients for Windows and Mac are easy to use and enable you to select a server in your country of choice and switch on and off extra security features like a kill switch.
| Max Speed: | Unlimited |
|---|---|
| Type of IP offered: | Dedicated |
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 7 |
| Number of Netflix Libraries: | 4 |
| Information sharing: | None |
| OS support: | Amazon Fire TV, Android, Android TV, iOS, Linux, macOS, Windows |
Servers in unusual countries
Great support options
Great blog and guide universe
Limited payment options
Poor press area for affiliates
Few Netflix libraries
CyberGhost offers incredible server coverage to provide users access to streaming providers around the globe.
One of the best streaming VPNs is CyberGhost. Its server network is expansive and guarantees that you can unblock content on regional services in the most far-reaching countries. This streaming VPN can unblock popular services such as Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, HBO, Disney+, and CyberGhost’s Smart DNS even works with Netflix. It has VPN apps for the most popular streaming devices including iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS, and there is even a dedicated app for Amazon Fire TV.
With the option to protect 7 devices simultaneously, CyberGhost is an excellent choice for all the family. Alternatively, if you have many devices on which you stream, you can ensure that it is connected to all of these for more freedom when it comes to streaming websites.
CyberGhost is one of the best streaming VPN providers thanks to the fast connection speeds it provides. When you use a VPN to unblock content on Netflix, it’s important to know that you won’t be dealing with a low-quality picture and constant buffering on streaming websites. Although CyberGhost takes a little longer to connect to a server than other providers, the overall speeds were good once the connection was established.
Not only is CyberGhost fast, but it provides users with security and privacy online. It employs the industry-standard encryption that other streaming VPNs on this list uses, and supports various protocols including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec.
CyberGhost has an in-built ad-blocker, which reduces the risk of your device coming into contact with adware. If you want guaranteed anonymity, then you can access CyberGhost’s NoSpy servers. These are CyberGhost’s own servers which are located in Romania. Romania is not a part of the 5 Eyes Alliance, which means all your internet traffic will not be seen.
This streaming VPN also has a strong no-logging policy. Anything you do online while using this VPN will never be stored or shared.
Customer support is just as impressive as some other streaming VPN options in the VPN industry, as there is 24/7 customer support and very detailed and thorough help guides on its website.
| Max Speed: | 58000 Mbps |
|---|---|
| Type of IP offered: | Dedicated |
| Simultaneous connections / Users: | 5 |
| Number of Netflix Libraries: | 12 |
| Information sharing: | None |
| OS support: | Android, ChromeOS, iOS, Linux, macOS, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows |
Tons of payment options
24-hour live chat suppot
30-day money back guarantee
More expensive than competitors
Only 5 simultaneous connections
No servers in Russia
ExpressVPN is a great VPN for streaming and is one of the best for unlocking geo-blocked content around the world.
One of the best VPNs for streaming is ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN unblocks all of the major streaming services including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and HBO Now. What’s more, thanks to the far-reaching server locations, users can bypass region restrictions and access more Netflix content than ever before.
Speed is important when it comes to most streaming services, and this is why ExpressVPN is a great option. It offers fast speeds, even when connected to servers in far-off locations such as in Asia. This is partly due to the abundance of server choice which means servers are never overloaded with users.
The great speeds are also due to the choice of protocols. Users can select from OpenVPN, L2TP/IPsec, IKEv2, and PPTP. For faster speeds, you can use a different protocol like PPTP or IKEv2 which also helps you stay private online.
ExpressVPN supports many platforms with apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Windows. This means you can stream content from any device. As well as this, with just one subscription you can use ExpressVPN on 5 different devices at the same time, meaning that you can switch between platforms to access your censored content.
In terms of customer support there is 24/7 live chat support should you need to ask a question about any issues. The response time is fast and the support staff is extremely knowledgeable.
ExpressVPN provides other great privacy and security features such as protection in the form of DNS leak protection. This is an important feature since DNS leaks can reveal your true IP address, which could ultimately leave you blocked from the streaming platform you wish to access. The best streaming VPN providers should have this protection and it’s good to see that ExpressVPN does.
If you connect your ExpressVPN to your router, then you can set up the MediaStreamer app. This smart DNS feature unblocks regionally blocked content on any device you connect it to. However, by using this, you aren’t encrypting all of your data traffic which will continue to go through your regular network.
To use the MediaStreamer app you need to first set up your VPN to your router, and then tell your devices to use ExpressVPN’s DNS servers. If you like the idea of not encrypting all of your data and having a separate feature for unblocking streaming service content on your smart TV or computer, then you can do so with ExpressVPN.
All in all, ExpressVPN is a great choice for your streaming needs. It unblocks several platforms, works with devices such as Amazon Fire TV and Apple TV as well as usual operating systems, and has fast speeds. Its price plans are at the more expensive end of VPNs, but we feel that the cost reflects the quality of service you get from this VPN.
When you’re searching for a VPN for streaming service needs, there are several things that you should look for.
This should be your top priority. It’s incredibly important that you purchase a VPN that can actually bypass strict firewalls since each streaming service blocks VPNs. The best VPNs offer consistent access to streaming services including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max.
You can also use a VPN to watch live sports streams from anywhere in the world. The best VPNs for streaming sports are those featured on our list above.
The better speeds a streaming VPN provides, the better it is for streaming. We’ve reviewed many of the best VPN services that deliver lightning-fast speeds which make them perfect for a streaming performance free from buffering and one that will provide you with HD movies and TV shows. Unlimited data is also a must.
The higher the server count, the better. Since you’ll want to unblock streaming sites from around the world, you’ll need to get a streaming VPN that provides server locations in multiple regions for a variety of IP addresses.
Keep in mind that security is still an important factor when you’re using a streaming VPN. You don’t want your ISP, hackers, or other third parties to spy on your VPN traffic including the shows you watch on your favorite streaming service. A VPN provider that offers first-rate security features, including a kill switch, will most likely deliver in other areas too, and help you stay secure and private on the web.
If you use your computer and your mobile to watch series on streaming services, then you’ll want to get a VPN that is compatible with various operating systems including Smart TVs and games consoles which can support VPN apps. What’s more, look for a plan that offers multiple connections so you can protect several devices at once with intuitive apps.
If you have any issues with your VPN, you’ll want to know that you can get immediate support. Not all VPNs offer live chat support, so ensure you choose a VPN provider that does. Although it might not seem like a vital feature, customer service is essential.
If you’re a fan of TV series and films then you’ll most likely have subscriptions to major streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and HBO Max. However, depending on your territory, you’ll be limited to content on different platforms in certain countries. To access your favorite TV shows on Netflix for example, you need a streaming VPN. A VPN is the easiest way to watch your favorite TV shows and movies.
Each device has an IP address that shows your location. This means when you sign in to Netflix, if you’re located in the US, the service will recognize your location due to your IP address and log you onto the US version of Netflix. With a streaming VPN service, your real IP address is masked and hidden from your Internet Service Provider and the websites that you visit which are keeping tabs on what you get up to. If you are living in the US and want to watch Australian Netflix, you can connect to a VPN server in Australia and gain access to different shows and films.
A VPN is great for streaming if you want to watch a newly released TV show that isn’t yet available in your country, on a foreign streaming service. Many people want to watch BBC original programs on the network’s BBC iPlayer. However, since BBC iPlayer is restricted solely to people in the UK, you’ll need a VPN to connect to a different server in the UK in order to watch British TV shows on the popular streaming site.
A good reason for using a VPN is if you want to watch home content on streaming platforms when traveling abroad. You’ll never have to miss your favorite shows but will be able to watch content like your favorite movies from anywhere.
So, should you use a VPN for streaming? Overall, using a VPN is good for streaming media online, especially if you are a TV junkie and want to have unlimited access to your favorite shows. Of course, there are many things to consider when choosing a VPN for streaming websites, as some providers are far better than others.
There is nothing worse for an avid streaming fan than buffering. Imagine you’re at the pivotal point of a film or TV show, and then suddenly your connection drops and your show starts to buffer. This is incredibly frustrating and is often caused by a bad wi-fi connection.
Many people are under the impression that a VPN can stop buffering from occurring; this depends. If your ISP (Internet Service Provider) is throttling your bandwidth, then you’ll likely experience buffering anyway. Usually, a VPN can help you to avoid throttling from Internet Service Providers, but it doesn’t always guarantee perfect streaming conditions unless you use one of the fastest VPNs for streaming.
If you’re experiencing buffering when you’re using a VPN, this could be for a number of other factors including:
Of course, it’s important that you have a strong internet connection, to begin with, and aren’t connected to a network that is providing internet for many other devices. These are factors that can be controlled by you and are also major causes of buffering when streaming.
Most VPN services come with guides on how to set up and use a VPN for streaming. It is relatively easy, as you simply need to install the VPN app on your device, adjust the settings to suit your needs, and then connect to a server! You can then visit your streaming site of choice and enjoy VPN protection.
We’ve detailed the best streaming VPN services for accessing the most popular streaming services and watching your favorite geo-blocked movies and TV shows. However, all good VPNs cost money to use. Some providers have free VPNs, but these are often less effective when it comes to streaming.
If you’re on a budget but really want to try out a free VPN for streaming purposes, here are the best free VPNs for streaming.
ProtonVPN’s Plus plan is one of the best streaming VPN services and enables users to access HD content at high speeds. Its free VPN is not the best VPN for streaming, but it does work with Netflix, enabling you to watch restricted movies and TV shows.
The free VPN plan gives you reliable access to 3 server locations: in the US, Japan, and the Netherlands. There is also unlimited bandwidth with this option, so you can stream as much as you want. We had some success accessing the Japanese Netflix, but our connection was not as fast as on the Plus plan.
All in all, ProtonVPN is one of the best VPN providers if you want to try a VPN for free. You may not be able to unblock content from the best TV streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, but it works on Japanese Netflix.
Windscribe is another VPN provider that offers users a free version of its services. On its free service plan, you can access 10 servers, which is more than Proton, and enjoy first-rate security and privacy features.
Although customers on the free plan aren’t able to use the special Windflix servers that are designed to bypass Netflix’s strong firewall, it doesn’t guarantee that they cannot access Netflix on the other servers. There is a 10GB monthly data limit, which, depending on your Netflix consumption, could be too low.
Windscribe is not only a good free streaming VPN for Netflix but also works with Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.
The best VPN country for streaming depends on what you’re looking for. However, in terms of offering the most content, the US, the UK, and Japan are well-known for the diverse range of TV shows and films they offer.
For a fast and secure streaming experience, you should use the best VPN protocol for streaming. The best protocol for speed and security is OpenVPN.
There are plenty of great streaming VPNs and some are able to unblock certain streaming services that others cannot. However, one of the best all-around VPNs for streaming is NordVPN.
Some streaming services impose firewalls to stop VPN users from gaining access to geo-restricted content. However, most streaming services work with the best streaming VPNs and can successfully bypass VPN blocks.
A streaming VPN works by connecting you to a server in another country, changing your IP address, and tricking streaming services into thinking you are based elsewhere.
Hi there! I'm Monique, and I am a writer at VPNSurfers. I live in New York, but I'm originally from Delware. I love traveling, but the US will always be home to me.
I have more than 5 years of experience using VPNs, and I ha...
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