Best VPN for Streaming
Unblock Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and more streaming services from anywhere in the world.
What to Look for in a VPN for Streaming
Unblocking Capability
Ability to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms
Speed
Fast enough for HD and 4K streaming without buffering
Server Locations
Servers in countries with desired content libraries
Smart DNS
Alternative for devices that don't support VPN apps
Top 5 Best VPNs for Streaming
Based on our testing specifically for streaming, these VPNs performed best. Each has been evaluated for the features that matter most for this use case.
ExpressVPN
Key Features
- Kill Switch
- No-Logs Policy
- Split Tunneling
- Netflix Support
- P2P Torrenting
- 8 Devices
Pros
- Fastest VPN speeds with Lightway protocol
- Best-in-class streaming unblocking
- User-friendly apps on all platforms
Cons
- Premium pricing compared to competitors
- Only 8 simultaneous connections
NordVPN
Key Features
- Kill Switch
- No-Logs Policy
- Split Tunneling
- Double VPN
- Netflix Support
- P2P Torrenting
- 10 Devices
Pros
- Industry-leading security features
- Massive server network in 111 countries
- Excellent streaming unblocking capabilities
Cons
- Occasional server connection delays
- No free trial available
Surfshark
Key Features
- Kill Switch
- No-Logs Policy
- Split Tunneling
- Double VPN
- Netflix Support
- P2P Torrenting
- Unlimited Devices
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Best value for money in the market
- Strong security with CleanWeb ad blocker
Cons
- Speeds can be inconsistent on some servers
- Relatively newer provider
CyberGhost
Key Features
- Kill Switch
- No-Logs Policy
- Split Tunneling
- Netflix Support
- P2P Torrenting
- 7 Devices
Pros
- Largest server network with 11,500+ servers
- Specialized servers for streaming and torrenting
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Owned by Kape Technologies
- No obfuscation for restricted countries
ProtonVPN
Key Features
- Kill Switch
- No-Logs Policy
- Split Tunneling
- Double VPN
- Netflix Support
- P2P Torrenting
- 10 Devices
Pros
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland
- Open-source and independently audited
- Secure Core multi-hop servers
Cons
- Smaller server network than competitors
- Free tier has limited server access
Quick Comparison
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, a VPN allows you to connect to servers in different countries, giving you access to that region's Netflix library. Top VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN reliably unblock Netflix US, UK, Japan, and more.
Premium VPNs have minimal impact on streaming speeds. Services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer speeds fast enough for 4K streaming without buffering. Free VPNs typically cause significant slowdowns.
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are the most reliable for Disney+ streaming. They consistently unblock Disney+ libraries in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and other regions.
Some streaming services try to block VPN traffic. Premium VPNs invest heavily in staying ahead of these blocks. ExpressVPN and NordVPN have dedicated teams to ensure consistent access.
For HD streaming, you need at least 5 Mbps. For 4K, 25 Mbps is recommended. A quality VPN will only reduce your speed by 10-20%, so factor this into your connection requirements.
Yes, you can use VPNs on smart TVs through router installation, Smart DNS features, or streaming devices like Fire Stick with native VPN apps.
Using a VPN is legal in most countries. However, accessing geo-restricted content may violate streaming service terms of service, though enforcement is rare for personal use.
Connect to servers in the country whose content library you want to access. For US Netflix, connect to a US server. Many VPNs have servers optimized specifically for streaming.
Yes, VPNs are excellent for accessing geo-blocked sports streams. You can watch events on services like ESPN+, DAZN, BBC iPlayer, and regional sports networks.
Free VPNs rarely work for streaming due to blocked servers, slow speeds, and data caps. We recommend premium VPNs for reliable streaming experiences.