The best streaming VPNs

Online privacy isn't just for browsing the web. Equip the best VPN for those long sundays spent in front of your favourite streaming services.

Best streaming VPN

by Jack Barrell |
Updated on

A streaming VPN protects your personal data across all online activities. Whether you're a seasoned TV binger or just a Saturday night streamer, it's important that you choose the best streaming VPN that suits your streaming needs. The best VPNs offer a premium streaming experience that's secure and seamless.

Your perfect streaming VPN should match a specific criteria. The device(s) you plan to stream to must be available to the VPN. Luckily, the best providers accommodate most devices and operating systems. Crystal clear resolution at high speed is an expectation for many on-demand viewers. Therefore, it's vital you select a VPN service that can reliably deliver HD and 4K streaming buffer-free.

Accessing geo-blocked content is one of the most desired features of Virtual Private Networks, enabling users to stream content on worldwide servers. It's one of the most sought-after VPN selling points. The more servers your chosen VPN has access to, the faster the library of geo-blocked media you'll be able to take advantage of. It's not just about your typical streaming services though, region-specific services like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and All 4 will also require a top-drawer VPN.

The best streaming VPNs at a glance:

The best streaming VPN: ExpressVPN - View on ExpressVPN
The best streaming VPN for coverage: NordVPN - View on NordVPN
The best streaming VPN for mobile: Private Internet Access - View on PIA

We've taken a deep dive into the best VPNs for streaming, taking notes of their individual quirks and perks. Take a look at our definitive list and find the right streaming VPN for you.

Please note: All prices are correct at time of writing. VPN deals and savings are subject to change at short notice.

The best streaming VPN

Where ExpressVPN is concerned, most users never run out of good things to say. One of the most acclaimed VPNs on the market confidently surpasses any streaming expectations. Express has been applauded for its reliability over the years, and this certainly extends to its streaming capabilities.

Combining the ability to unblock all major streaming services with its exceptional worldwide coverage, you get a delightful, protected streaming experience. ExpressVPN notably has access to Japanese Netflix, which is nothing short of an anime fan's dream.

Despite most streaming being conducted directly through a platform's app, ExpressVPN does support Chrome, Firefox, and Microsoft Edge browser extensions.

Express is up there with the fastest, and its reliability across five simultaneous devices is a credit to Express' renowned Lightway tunnelling protocol. While the cost of ExpressVPN is higher than most of the competitors, users cannot deny they get a premium service. Even then, it's a premium service that can still be taken for a test drive on a brilliant VPN free trial.

Pros

  • Consistent, reliable speeds
  • Solid coverage - plenty of server choice
  • Unblocks Japanese Netflix

Cons

  • Only five simultaneous connections
  • Cheaper options don't fall far behind
Server locations:3000-plus servers in 160 countries
Simultaneous connections:5
  • Customer review: "Easily one of the best options out there. Does what I need it to and it's easy for my partner to use. Competitors either offer too much or too little, and their functionality is questionable at best. I switched to Express after my first provider kept breaking their own client then testing several other underperforming services. While I can't seem to watch DRM streams over Express, I can definitely do everything else. Would recommend!"

The best streaming VPN for coverage

NordVPN Logo
Price: $2.99 p/m+

nordvpn.com

NordVPN is known for providing a well-rounded, dependable VPN experience. Nord's streaming protection is no different, so we can see why it's so many users' first choice. We found NordVPN to shine brightest when it came to coverage and consistency across that coverage.

This VPN unblocks the major streaming services across 5500+ servers that span 60 countries. Importantly, Nord doesn't favour particular servers over others, instead delivering a premium service of high streaming speeds and maximum security across all servers. NordLynx tunnelling protocol is cutting edge and is the catalyst to the super-fast, worldwide server speeds.

When it comes to unblocking streaming sites, Nord always impresses. It can be run effectively on all major operating systems, and the SmartDNS feature enables users to stream on devices that don't even allow Virtual Private Networks. Google Chrome and Firefox extensions are also enabled. NordVPN may be one of the most inclusive streaming VPNs out there.

Your Nord subscription will allow up to six simultaneous connections and promises a lag/buffer-free streaming experience.

Pros

  • Huge supported coverage
  • Smart DNS

Cons

  • Only six simultaneous connections
Server locations:5661 servers in 60 countries
Simultaneous connections:6
  • Customer review: "Great mobile experience. Sleek, responsive, and is every bit as good and intuitive as the desktop version. I love the addition of the home screen on/off switch widget. Very handy!"

The best streaming VPN for mobile

Something that makes streaming so special is that it can be done on nearly any device, anywhere, with a strong enough network connection. So, it makes sense that VPNs would cater to mobile devices and encourage protected remote streaming. PIA is the Virtual Private Network perfect for the on-the-go streamer.

It's been said that a great VPN is subject to its apps, this is even more crucial when it comes to mobile devices. PIA excels in its iOS and Android apps; they are highly intuitive and responsive on both operating systems. There are over 20 customisation options for these mobile apps, giving every user a truly unique and personalised experience.

Mobile streaming is favoured by those travelling the world for business or pleasure, whether it be keeping the kids occupied on a long journey or winding down on a business trip. Private Internet Access is unimaginably accessible, available on a bonkers 35,000 servers in 84 countries. Users can enjoy smooth HD and 4K streaming courtesy of WireGuard, and one account can be used on unlimited simultaneous devices.

PIA may not generally hold up against the likes of ExpressVPN and NordVPN, but it's a valuable VPN in its own right. For the price and its unbeaten mobile opportunities, it's a serious contender for the best streaming VPN.

Pros

  • Fully customisable iOS and Android apps
  • 35,000 servers in 84 countries
  • Unlimited simultaneous devices

Cons

  • Not as fast as the bigger brands
Server locations:35,000 servers in 84 countries
Simultaneous connections:Unlimited
  • Customer review: "Been using pia for several years now. Excellent application of its kind. Plenty of easy to install updates. Excellent choice of servers and best of all very fast and reliable. Prices for the year which i choose are spot on, affordable, reliable, and easy to use. Great front end with plenty of security options, and you can go to their web site for a full explanation of things you don’t understand. I won’t be going anywhere else."

The best streaming VPN for affordability

Surfshark logo
Price: $1.94 p/m+

surfshark.com

No matter what you pay for a VPN, you deserve to get your money's worth. Surfshark is a provider that has always gone above and beyond for its customers, issuing you the very best in online privacy for as little cost. It just so happens that Surfshark is also one of the highest-ranking Virtual Private Networks for streaming.

Surfshark runs a constantly growing network. Despite only currently having 3200 servers, these are scattered across an impressive 100 countries though. At a lower price than most of the competitors, Surfshark users can enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections. You can access all major streaming services and experience uninterrupted streaming thanks to WireGuard.

Just because Surfshark caters towards a tighter VPN budget, don't think for one minute its privacy package is any less fortified. It's still an airtight Virtual Private Network for streaming, even automatically blocking ads and malware.

The only time Surfshark's budget roots might reach the surface is through the provider's apps. They're a tad simplistic and don't offer a handful of unique, sought-after features. It's likely that this could put off the more advanced VPN users, but even they shouldn't deny the value for money Surfshark may hold for some streaming users.

Pros

  • Great value for money
  • Unlimited simultaneous connections

Cons

  • Small network currently
Server locations:3200 servers in 100 countries
Simultaneous connections:Unlimited
  • Customer reviews: "I've been using this VPN for a while now and I'm really impressed with its performance. Surfshark's servers are lightning-fast, I've been enjoying a smooth and seamless browsing experience without any lag. The download speed is pretty much the same as without the VPN, so I don't have to sacrifice speed for security. The commitment to innovation, the team is constantly updating the service and adding new features, which means there's always something new to look forward to."

The best streaming VPN for beginners

Those new to the world of VPNs should know you're just as vulnerable to data breaches through streaming on Netflix as you are browsing the web on your desktop. CyberGhost provides a VPN experience made simple for streaming.

As a beginner to Virtual Private Networks, there's plenty of boxes that CyberGhost ticks off. First of all, the apps have been designed with VPN freshers in mind. The app is simple to navigate and totally user-friendly. Not only that, but it's effortlessly easy to set up.

The security tools in the CyberGhost app are pre-configured, meaning that beginners don't have to worry about any confusing VPN jargon that doesn't quite make sense to them yet. CyberGhost's pre-configured privacy and security settings cover all the bases for a protected streaming experience.

Users will have near-endless streaming libraries at their fingertips. CyberGhost runs 9700 servers in 91 countries. Even the most experienced VPN user will admit this is a treat. The servers promise consistently sharp, no buffer streaming that's protected by solid privacy tools. No logs, transparency reports, and an automatic kill switch are just some of the measures CyberGhost takes to ensure total streaming privacy.

Naturally, any service providing a more basic set-up will likely deter any user looking for a more comprehensive experience. CyberGhost's whopping 45-day money-back guarantee is great in any instance, so you'll never be left short-handed if the provider isn't for you.

Pros

  • Easy, pre-configured app set-up
  • Wide selection of streaming libraries
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons

  • Too simple for advanced users
Server locations:9022 servers in 91 countries
Simultaneous connections:7
  • Customer review: "Great VPN, I’ve been using this app for well over a year now on multiple devices and found it works very well. I get occasional problems with it blocking access to some sites, but rare. Also, any issues have been solved quickly by their support. Overall excellent and does what it's supposed to do."

Glossary of terms

VPN – Virtual Private Network

Geo-blocked content – Region-specific content

Streaming services - On-demand online entertainment sources accessible to multimedia devices

Kill switch - If internet connection is lost, it kills any internet connection until a secure VPN link is re-established

Simultaneous devices - Number of devices that can connect to the VPN at once

How to use a VPN for streaming

Streaming with a VPN is really simple. Just install the VPN to the device that you plan to stream on. Once the VPN has been activated, it will keep your data protected while you stream.

Do VPNs work on Netflix?

Yes, VPNs are commonly used on Netflix. In fact, many VPN subscribers use their Virtual Private Network, especially on Netflix. This is because, with the real deal Netflix VPN, you can access different Netflix libraries around the world and view geo-blocked content.

Do VPNs work on Amazon Prime Video?

Just like Netflix, Virtual Private Networks can also be used in conjunction with Amazon Prime Video. The same method applies, make sure to find a reputable Prime VPN and just install it on the device you plan to stream on. Activate the VPN, and enjoy your favourite shows and movies with total internet privacy.

Is it illegal to use a VPN for streaming?

Not at all. Using a VPN to stream is completely legal as long as the streaming services you're using are legitimate and authorised. Some of the major platforms include Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, HBO Max, ITVX, Paramount+, and so many more. It might feel like you're being a bit naughty when you're unblocking these to watch your favourite British television overseas, but it's perfectly above board.

Jack Barrell is the Commercial Content Writer for VPNs. He's hands-on when it comes to producing best-of articles, how-to guides, and product reviews for Virtual Private Networks. On his off-days, Jack can be found in the gym, at the movies or flicking through a car mag.

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