Best VPN for streaming in 2024

With the help of a VPN, you can easily bypass location-based restrictions to watch sports events without blackouts, access your streaming services to watch your favorite shows or movies while traveling, and circumvent censorship.

Accessing these services outside your usual location can be legally ambiguous, and not all major streaming providers allow the use of VPNs to access content. Therefore, it’s wise to review terms of service and online privacy policies before connecting to a remote server and spoofing your IP address.

To help you uncover the best VPNs for streaming in 2024, I joined our experts to thoroughly review dozens of providers. After days of testing, we narrowed down the list to the top 5 VPNs that worked best with top streaming platforms and provided maximum security and privacy.

Our top-rated VPNs for streaming

1. NordVPN – overall the best VPN for streaming in 2024
2. Surfshark – top VPN for watching movies on as many devices as you want
3. IPVanish – versatile VPN for streaming Netflix and online TV
4. ExpressVPN – effective VPN that unlocks all popular streaming platforms
5. CyberGhost – budget-friendly VPN for unblocking movies and TV

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Do VPNs really work for streaming?

Yes, VPNs can unblock access to streaming platforms, but not all of them work equally well. Some premium VPNs, even if they appear to have plenty of servers, simply cannot unblock streaming services or cannot offer the speed that would ensure a seamless, buffer-free streaming experience.

Free VPNs normally have fewer servers in fewer locations and, therefore, are unlikely to be very effective as well. In fact, their server IP addresses are most likely to be on the streaming providers’ blocklists, which means you won’t be able to unblock access to the content you want.

However, if you pick a VPN with a global network of servers and features that hide the use of the technology, your chances of accessing geo-restricted or censored content are much higher. When picking a VPN, make sure to select one that comes with obfuscated servers, strong AES-256 encryption, and multi-hop technology that routes traffic through several servers for extra stealth.

Of course, it’s important to understand that even top providers’ servers can be blocked by major streaming services, which is one of the top reasons to pick a VPN with a large server fleet – you need options.

Also, keep in mind that even the fastest VPNs may lead to slower performance, slight lagging, and occasional buffering. On the other hand, less powerful VPNs can lead to significant slowdowns. According to the 2024 VPN Risk Report by HPE Aruba Networking, 28% of respondents identified slow connection speeds as one of the top issues they deal with when using VPNs.

Expert comment

Šarūnas Karbauskas

Security advocate and senior tech writer

Remember that a VPN’s ability to bypass streaming service geo-restrictions can change over time, positively or negatively. For example, a streaming platform could flag a VPN provider’s server IP addresses and make them unsuitable for unblocking content. Conversely, a VPN can renew its IP addresses and upgrade its technology to better deal with geo-blocking.

In short, don’t be surprised if a well-renowned streaming VPN occasionally underperforms or if an obscure VPN service works surprisingly well.

The best streaming VPNs of 2024

The research team and I tested dozens of VPN services to learn which are the best for unblocking and streaming foreign video content. I primarily focused on movies and TV shows across famous paid and free streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for streaming and bypassing geo-restrictions

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NordVPN is the best VPN for streaming in 2024, and in-house tests prove it. With 6300+ servers across 111 countries, it has one of the largest server networks, surpassed only by CyberGhost on this list. This was one of the main attributes that helped me bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy a lag-free and buffer-free streaming experience when I reviewed NordVPN.

Streaming capabilities. To put it to the test, I used NordVPN to unblock Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and other streaming services using the Nordlynx protocol. When testing Netflix, the service worked with catalogs in the US, UK, Canada, and other countries. I was particularly impressed by the Smart DNS feature that allowed me to stream content on my Smart TV and consoles.

Speed. During in-house NordVPN tests, the NordLynx protocol retained around 90% of the initial speeds, which is imperative for smooth and lag-free streaming. This is the best result out of all providers on this list, with Surfshark and CyberGhost falling right behind.

Security. NordVPN keeps customers secure with cutting-edge features like Threat Protection Pro, a kill switch, obfuscated servers, double VPN, Dark Web Monitor, SmartPlay, and more. You won’t have to worry about malicious ads or viruses while enjoying movies or TV series from abroad. To ensure that your data is unreadable, NordVPN employs AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption.

Pricing. You can snag the top streaming VPN for a measly $3.09/month (two-year plan price) and cover up to 10 devices. If you’re having second thoughts, consider the 7-day free trial on the Google Play Store or the 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark – budget-friendly streaming VPN to bypass sports blackouts

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Surfshark is the ultimate streaming VPN if you want to cover an unlimited number of different devices. With its vast fleet of over 3200+ servers in 100 countries, it unlocks a great variety of foreign content. Also, you don't need to worry about buffering either, thanks to WireGuard – one of the top tunneling protocols on the market.

Streaming capabilities. Overall, Surfshark is an ideal streaming VPN for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, Paramount+, Apple TV+, Hulu, and FuboTV. Like NordVPN, Surfshark lets you watch movies and bypass sports blackouts on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. It also works well on Android TV, Firestick, and Chromecast devices. When I tested Surfshark, it unblocked Netflix US and many other regional libraries, including the British, Italian, Norwegian, German, and Australian. I was impressed that Surfshark is one of the few VPNs that unblock Netflix India, too.

Speed. When comparing Surfshark vs NordVPN, it’s evident that both providers are quite similar. Surfshark is also very fast, and when I connected to the WireGuard tunneling protocol, the VPN retained around 86% of the initial speed, which led to a completely lag-free streaming experience.

Security. Just like NordVPN, Surfshark runs on RAM-only servers and employs AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption for maximum data security. You can also rely on tools like CleanWeb (ad blocker), Antivirus (comes separately), and the NoBorders mode for improved protection against malware and network restrictions.

Pricing. Surfshark is quite affordable with its $2.19/month starting price for the two-year plan. However, you can start with a 7-day free trial available for Android, iOS, and macOS users. You can also do a month-long test run using the 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. IPVanish – all-around streaming VPN for unlocking content

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IPVanish is a reliable VPN for streaming on unlimited devices. IPVanish and Surfshark are the only two providers on this list to offer that, but there are some differences between the two. Perhaps most importantly, IPVanish has over 2400+ servers available in 55 countries, which means its server fleet is smaller and not as global as that of Surfshark.

Streaming capabilities. IPVanish offers applications for Amazon Fire devices, like Fire TV and Fire Stick. Moreover, IPVanish can unblock Netflix libraries, BBC iPlayer, Max, Disney Plus, Hulu, and other major streaming services. During IPVanish evaluations, I didn’t uncover significant issues accessing these platforms; however, I struggled a bit with the European Netflix libraries. So, if you want to access British or Italian Netflix, NordVPN and Surfshark are the better options.

Speed. With a massive server fleet and the swift WireGuard protocol, you are ensured stable connections for lag-free streaming. Based on in-house tests, IPVanish performed well and retained around 80% of initial speeds. While this puts IPVanish behind NordVPN and Surfshark, that’s still a great result that should help you stream in HD from anywhere.

Security. Market-leading AES-256 cipher protects your connection and online activity from cybercriminals. Meanwhile, a functional kill switch secures your IP at all times, even if the VPN connection drops. There’s also the Threat Protection feature that blocks ads, malicious trackers, and even malware.

Pricing. IPVanish is another budget-friendly option, as prices start from $2.19/month (two-year plan). Just like previously mentioned providers, IPVanish also offers a 7-day free trial, which you can register for on Android and iOS devices. Annual plans include a 30-day money-back insurance as well.

4. ExpressVPN – fast streaming VPN for geo-restricted content

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Consider ExpressVPN if you need a streaming VPN compatible with the most popular devices, including Apple TV, Fire TV, and Android TV. The provider has numerous apps for various gadgets and even offers routers preinstalled with VPN software. The provider’s geo-block removal capabilities are also impressive, thanks to its global server fleet across 105 countries.

Streaming. ExpressVPN cracks even the toughest streaming tasks – it unlocks the famously finicky Japanese Netflix library, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, Max, and BBC iPlayer. That said, I did experience occasional issues with a few Netflix libraries not working. Fortunately, simply connecting to a new server fixed the issue right away. Regarding additional ExpressVPN benefits, the service includes easy router setup and the MediaStreamer feature for streaming your favorite shows on devices that don’t support VPNs.

Speed. The proprietary Lightway protocol makes ExpressVPN and NordVPN the only two providers on this list to use something other than WireGuard. However, NordVPN’s NordLynx is much faster – during tests, ExpressVPN retained around 77% of the baseline speed. While that’s the slowest result on the list, I was still able to watch everything in high-definition quality.

Security. This VPN runs on RAM-only servers, meaning all your information is regularly purged from the database. On top of that, an audited no-logs policy and the opportunity to opt-out from usage information collection guarantee no information about you is collected.

Pricing. ExpressVPN is a premium VPN with a hefty price tag – the 1-year plan subscription costs $6.67/month, which is the highest starting price out of all providers on this list. However, you can test the premium plans with no risk using a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee on up to 8 devices at once.

5. CyberGhost – streaming VPN with the largest server fleet

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CyberGhost is an effective and wallet-friendly streaming VPN. It's a solid all-around option, offering robust security features, decent overall streaming speeds, and 11500+ servers in 100 countries, giving it one of the most extensive selections of different IP addresses for watching TV abroad. Even NordVPN does not come close to that.

Streaming. During in-house CyberGhost VPN tests, I was able to unblock some of the most popular Netflix libraries, Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. For best results, I connected to dedicated streaming servers, but in some cases, the initial loading times were worse than average, and not all streaming sites worked from the first try. I’d say I had the most difficulty with this provider out of the 5, which is one of the reasons it occupies the last spot.

Speed. CyberGhost routinely clocked stable connection speeds with WireGuard, maintaining around 86% of the initial speed. It certainly is one of the fastest VPNs, along with NordVPN and Surfshark. Unfortunately, while swift, the connections weren’t stable all the time. That said, you are unlikely to notice too many interruptions while streaming videos, movies, or shows.

Security. CyberGhost offers reliable protocol options for secure and quick streaming, while the automatic kill switch keeps your online privacy safe when the connection is lost. Moreover, residing in Romania and having an audited no-logs policy means your privacy is kept intact.

Pricing. Go with CyberGhost if you’re on a tight budget and need a decent streaming VPN with extra perks – prices start from just $2.03/month (two-year plan, 7 simultaneous connections). Free trials are available (1 day for Windows and macOS, 3 days for Android, and 7 days for iOS), and there’s also a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Best VPNs for streaming compared

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How we tested and selected VPNs

Together with experienced researchers on our team, I carefully assessed and ranked each VPN provider. Initially, we reviewed dozens of providers to eliminate those that did not have large enough server fleets, good enough security features, or reasonable prices.

For VPN testing, I used all popular operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Using a VPN with the fastest available protocol (WireGuard, NordLynx, or Lightway), I connected to different servers in the UK, the US, Australia, Germany, Japan, Italy, Greece, Spain, France, and other countries. The servers I used to access streaming services depended on the service and its available locations.

After extensive testing, I selected 5 VPNs that made the final list. Below are the main criteria in order of importance I considered when choosing these VPNs:

1. Speed (30%). When choosing the top VPNs for streaming, speed and the overall performance are the most crucial aspects to consider. Speedy servers can guarantee best video quality without buffering. During in-house testing, I connected to the nearest servers and compared the internet connection speed to the original baseline to determine the speed retention rate. I also tested servers in the US, UK, and Germany for consistency. To perform the analysis, I used Ookla’s speed test tool, and I made sure to only include providers that retained no less than around 75% of the original speed.
   
2. Server network (20%). Another important aspect to consider when choosing a VPN is the network of servers. Although a VPN with fewer servers in fewer locations can satisfy your demand, you are likely to have better results if you choose a provider that has a vast global network with servers in even more remote or unusual locations. Together with the research team, I reviewed each service's server network to find those with global coverage, only including VPNs with excellent worldwide server distribution. Extra points go to VPNs that include streaming-optimized servers.
   
3. Unblocking (15%). Unfortunately, a large server network does not guarantee that a VPN will unblock the steaming platform you’re after. A streaming VPN must be capable of unblocking various content libraries on popular platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Max, BBC iPlayer, and others. This should also apply to sports-focused services like MLB.TV and their accompanying region-specific blackouts. I tried numerous country server and streaming service combinations to test this and determine how well each VPN provider fares. I tallied the results and ranked the VPNs accordingly.
   
4. Streaming quality (10%). The quality of the service is also very important because while a VPN might unblock access to Netflix, Hulu, or another popular platform, you are unlikely to enjoy it if you keep facing buffering and lagging issues or low quality streams. When testing different providers, I made sure to select VPNs that combine speedy servers with global server networks and unblocking capabilities to guarantee top streaming quality.
   
5. Features for streaming (10%). When choosing top providers, it’s crucial to assess the features that are there to assist you. While security and online privacy features (e.g., kill switch and DNS leak protection) matter when picking a VPN, if you’re focused on streaming, you want your chosen app to offer dedicated streaming servers, obfuscated servers, smart DNS, and other features that will make streaming easier and safer.
   
6. Compatibility (5%). A VPN must be compatible with desktop and mobile devices for accessibility and ease of use. Of course, top providers are compatible with the most popular operating systems: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. However, when selecting the top VPNs for streaming, I focused on compatibility with various streaming devices like smart TVs, media boxes, and beyond. Since some of these gadgets are incompatible with VPN software, I emphasized the inclusion of Smart DNS and router configuration options.
   
7. Simultaneous connections (5%). A streaming VPN must support many simultaneous connections so everyone in your household can unblock their desired movies and series without restrictions. I prioritized VPNs that support an unlimited number of devices, but I also included providers that support enough devices for a comfortable service-sharing experience.

How to choose the best VPN for streaming

When choosing a streaming VPN, prioritize three things: reliable access to streaming sites, a variety of servers, and robust security measures.

Many VPN providers clearly state which streaming services they support and what servers they offer. Popular services like Netflix and Disney+ usually work, but access to all geo-locked content may vary.

Also, consider the VPN's security track record. Always choose VPNs open to external audits with no recent major data breaches. Look for providers that continually and transparently improve their security.

Surfshark, IPVanish, and CyberGhost are few of the top virtual private networks that have never suffered data breaches. Moreover, they all follow strict no-logs policies that have been audited by such reputable companies as Deloitte, Cure35, and PwC.

Do I recommend a free VPN for streaming?

No, you’re unlikely to unblock geo-restricted streaming content using free VPNs. Even if you do, the so-called best free VPN for streaming is likely to disappoint you in other areas, such as streaming speeds, security, and device compatibility.

Furthermore, trustworthy free VPNs for streaming typically include monthly data caps that limit the number of movies and TV shows you can binge-watch. Meanwhile, a less-reliable free VPN may collect your data or inject malware into your device or whole network. Free installers could even be used to lure gullible internet users into downloading malware.

I recommend using premium VPNs with free trials to save yourself from frustration and risks. This may appear as a temporary solution, but it’s your best bet to watch a specific geo-restricted movie for free. Another approach is taking advantage of a provider’s money-back guarantee.

Why do streaming sites block VPNs?

There are multiple reasons why streaming websites block VPNs. First and foremost, streaming service providers are often bound by content distribution and licensing agreements that restrict where certain content can be shown. By blocking VPNs, the providers simply protect themselves against the potential ramifications of permitting access to content that’s linked to strict licensing and content distribution restrictions.

Second, streaming providers may block VPNs in an attempt to prevent piracy. Although using VPNs is completely legal in most countries, they can help gain access to content that’s not available to the global audience. For example, if Amazon Prime Video promotes an early-release version of a movie or show in one country, online pirates could use a VPN to gain access, copy, and and distribute that version illegally.

We must also take service integrity into account. In many cases, streaming providers offer different service pricing in different regions. For example, Netflix users in the US pay more than Netflix users in India, and a VPN can help users spoof their locations and enjoy lower prices. Netflix, specifically, does not permit the use of VPNs when streaming live events or on its ad-supported plan to ensure that revenue is not compromised.

Overall, streaming providers introduce restrictions – whether in terms of access to content or censorship – for specific reasons, and VPNs can help bypass them. Therefore, in some cases, blocking VPNs is the only preventative measure available to them.

What streaming services work with a VPN?

Although hundreds of streaming services are available, I focused my testing efforts on the most popular options (listed below). You’ll have no trouble unblocking these platforms regardless of which recommended streaming VPN you choose. Plus, these virtual private networks will most likely work with countless other well-known and obscure streaming platforms I didn’t test.

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Can I watch local TV channels with a VPN?

If you're on the go and want to enjoy your preferred home media or desire to stream international shows, movies, or sports events from wherever you are, a VPN can provide the solution. Nevertheless, it's essential to choose a VPN service that offers a wide range of servers in diverse locations.

The main concern here is that only strong VPNs – like the ones in my final lineup – can evade throttling by ISPs (internet service providers). When your ISP detects activity that consumes lots of bandwidth, it may throttle the speeds to save money. A reliable VPN, on the other hand, will hide your activities from your ISP, thus preventing unwanted slowdowns.

Take a look at the following compilation of the top VPN providers for TV and their server locations, along with helpful resources on accessing various TV channels from any part of the world.

Final thoughts

While reviewing different VPNs for streaming, I discovered that not all of them are capable of bypassing censorship and local restrictions, like sports blackouts, or granting access to content that’s only available in specific regions. Some are simply too slow and could not offer me 4K quality, while others do not have the features necessary to unblock geo-restricted content.

Fortunately, the top VPNs I selected for this lineup can do more than just unlock that Netflix library that has your favorite movie. They can also enhance your online security and privacy by encrypting your traffic, making your activities anonymous, and protecting you from unwanted surveillance and potentially dangerous cybercriminals.

While there are at least 5 great VPNs for streaming, I recommend NordVPN because it has all the attributes that guarantee a seamless streaming experience – fast speeds, large server network, unblocking capability, and great quality streaming. Plus, it’s compatible with popular devices, supports plenty of simultaneous connections, and has streaming-focused features that can help you access Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Max, and various other popular platforms with ease.

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