Best VPN for Streaming of April 2024 (2024)

Have you ever wanted to stream a TV show or movie only to realize you can’t access it because of international copyright and licensing restrictions? Or have you experienced annoying location-based sports blackouts that prevent you from supporting your favorite team? Virtual private networks (VPNs) can bypass these kinds of restrictions and enable you to stream content libraries from other parts of the world. But not all VPNs are created equal.

In this guide, we identify the four best VPNs for streaming—breaking down their strengths and weaknesses to help you decide which one is right for you.

Best VPNs for Streaming of 2024

There are several factors to consider when choosing any VPN. Below, we break down each of our choices to help you understand what makes them special and why they made this list.

Best Overall VPN for Streaming

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

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Connections

Up to 8

Server Locations

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105 countries

Servers

3,000+

Split Tunneling

Yes

Why We Chose It

ExpressVPN is fast and exceptional at unblocking streaming services globally. It gives users access to many countries, and all of ExpressVPN’s servers are obfuscated—enabling it to bypass VPN firewalls in restrictive regions like China.

Pros

• Access and unblock global content easily
• Wide scope of server network
• Fast speeds prevent buffering when streaming

Cons

• Expensive
• Limited to eight simultaneous connections
• No dedicated IP option

Additional Information

• Obfuscated servers for easier content unblocking and circumvention of VPN firewalls
• Secure and fast Lightway protocol
• MediaStreamer smart DNS service improves streaming experience on devices that don’t normally support VPNs
• Kill switch, full leak protection and split tunneling
• Easy to install on routers thanks to a well-designed router app
• Lowest starting price is $8.32 per month for a 1-year subscription
• Unblocked streaming services: Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Sling TV, HBO Max, DAZN, Kayo, Peaco*ck and more

Best for Extra Features

NordVPN

NordVPN

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Connections

Up to 6

Server Locations

111 countries

Servers

6,200+

Split Tunneling

Yes

Why We Chose It

NordVPN‘s SmartPlay feature reliably unblocks content without any user intervention, and its large server count decreases the likelihood that servers will overcrowd. Users who want a more versatile VPN enjoy NordVPN’s suite of extra features, including Double VPN servers, Meshnet for creating virtual LAN parties, Threat Manager that behaves similar to antivirus and more.

Pros

• High server numbers
• Versatile solution with many features
• Additional options for users in Plus and Ultimate plans

Cons

• Pricey after introductory offer
• Interface and extra features can overwhelm beginners
• Only six simultaneous connections

Additional Information

• Integrated SmartPlay feature bypasses DNS blocking while encrypting traffic and masking your IP
• DoubleVPN servers provide extra security
• Obfuscated servers hide VPN activity
• Threat Manager blocks ads, trackers and malicious websites and scans files for malware
• Kill switch, full leak protection and split tunneling
• Lowest starting price is $3.09 per month for the first 2 years
• Unblocked streaming services: Netflix, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Sling TV, DAZN, HBO Max and more

Best for Unlimited Connections

Surfshark

Surfshark

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Connections

Unlimited

Server Locations

100 countries

Servers

3,200+

Split Tunneling

Yes

Why We Chose It

Surfshark has a broad server network and allows unlimited connections—making it useful for families or individuals who need to connect many devices to their VPN. Like the other VPNs on this list, Surfshark delivers reliable speeds that prevent buffering, and it also provides a small but practical suite of features that make it well worth its competitive price point.

Pros

• Unlimited connections
• Competitive, up-front pricing
• Broad server network and useful features for unblocking content

Cons

• Not as feature-rich as competition
• VPN router support is limited
• Gets expensive after promotional prices run out

Additional Information

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Split tunneling with the Bypasser feature
• Camouflage mode obscures VPN activity from your internet service provider (ISP)
• NoBorders mode bypasses government censorship and automatically activates when it detects VPN network restrictions
• Killswitch, full leak protection, ad blocker, cookie pop-up blocker and masked email generator
• Lowest starting price is $2.39 per month for the first 2 years + 1 month free
• Unblocked streaming services: Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Hulu, DAZN, Hotstar, YLE Areena, AbemaTV and more

See Also

Best VPN for Firestick and FireTV

Best Open Source VPN

Proton VPN

Proton VPN

See Offers

Connections

Up to 10

Server Locations

88 countries

Servers

4,100+

Split Tunneling

Yes

Why We Chose It

Proton VPN unblocks many streaming services, provides multiple ways to bypass censorship and includes a speed accelerator feature for streaming anywhere on the globe without hiccups. Proton VPN’s apps are completely open source which allows anyone to inspect their code for discrepancies and makes the solution reliably secure and trustworthy.

Pros

• Extra transparency and security with open-source apps
• Multiple features for bypassing censorship and blocking
• Top-performing speeds thanks to VPN Accelerator feature

Cons

• Streaming is limited to Plus servers
• Server network isn’t as extensive as competition
• Simultaneous connections limited to 10

Additional Information

• Apps are 100% open source and regularly audited
• Custom VPN Stealth protocol disguises VPN connection
• VPN Accelerator increases speeds by up to 400%
• Alternative routing and Smart Protocol features allow connection even when services are blocked
• Full leak protection and split tunneling
• NetShield feature blocks ads, trackers and malicious scripts
• Lowest starting price is $4.99 per month for 2-year plan
• Unblocked streaming services: Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, BBCi Player, DAZN, ESPN+, Hulu, Paramount+, Sling TV and more

Vault’s Viewpoint: Compare the Best VPN for Streaming of 2024

All providers on this list have commendable server networks with pros and cons. NordVPN has an advantage in this category with over 6,200 servers. However, you also want your server network to blanket as many countries as possible to give you streaming access to more regions of the world. NordVPN also wins here, with ExpressVPN coming in a close second.

For simultaneous connections, Surfshark wins considerably by allowing unlimited connections. It’s important to note that NordVPN, Surfshark and ExpressVPN are all compatible with VPN routers. If you install your VPN on a router, it will protect every device that’s connected to the router and only count as one connection.

All VPNs on this list include split tunneling, which is useful for people who stream regularly. Split tunneling allows you to route certain traffic through your VPN and the rest through the regular internet. Any traffic routed through the normal internet will not be slowed down by your VPN at all. You’re able to route your content stream through your VPN and route other tasks like surfing the web through the normal internet.

Learn More About VPNs for Streaming

VPNs were originally designed to increase online privacy, but now they are also tools to stream content from around the world. For those who are less familiar with the nuts and bolts of VPNs, here’s a short rundown.

What Is a VPN?

Virtual private networks change your internet protocol (IP) address to increase privacy. Your IP address is similar to your physical mailing address, but it’s for your computer. All internet activity that happens at your IP address is linked to your identity, and this activity can be tracked and viewed by your ISP, hackers or even your government. But changing your IP address to one in another location entirely—such as in another country—makes it difficult to create a link between your internet activity, your real IP address and your identity. Changing (or masking) your IP address is one of the primary functions of a VPN.

VPNs also send all of your internet activity—otherwise referred to as traffic—through encrypted tunnels to completely obscure what you’re doing. Think of traffic encryption as a message written in secret code. Even if someone else were to intercept your message, they wouldn’t be able to read it because it’s scrambled.

How Do VPNs for Streaming Work?

Streaming services offer different content based on the region of the world in which they’re accessed. For instance, users watching Netflix in the United States access TV shows that aren’t available to users watching Netflix in Japan, and vice versa. This process of blocking content based on region is commonly referred to as geo-blocking, and each service achieves geo-blocking a little differently.

VPNs can trick these streaming services by changing your real IP address to one located in a country that streams a show or movie you want to watch. Streaming services are well aware of these tactics and take regular action to detect and prevent them, which only drives VPNs to figure out new ways to bypass the new geo-blocks.

Who Are VPNs Best For?

VPNs used to be best primarily for users who were concerned with internet privacy and security. Users who handle sensitive information regularly, such as journalists, find the extra privacy and security provided by a VPN to be invaluable for keeping themselves and their informants safe. While VPNs are still a recommended choice for these users, they have widened their appeal.

Streaming enthusiasts find significant use for VPNs, especially if they want to access more content from abroad or if they travel across borders regularly and want access to their home country’s content library. VPNs are also important for users who need to bypass internet restrictions or censorship.

Types of VPNs for Streaming

Certain types of VPNs are better suited for streaming than others. Consider the following types of VPNs when looking for VPNs for streaming:

• Personal/Consumer VPN: The best type of VPN for general streaming, personal/consumer VPNs allow you to connect to servers around the world and access those region’s streaming libraries.
• Mobile VPN: Mobile VPNs use cellular networks to create an encrypted connection between a cellular device and a VPN server. Mobile VPNs are good options for streaming especially if you are constantly on the go, and they can provide better mobile device security if you regularly use public WiFi.
• Remote Access VPN: Remote access VPNs allow you to safely connect to remote networks. You don’t get hundreds or thousands of servers as options to connect to as you do with personal/consumer VPNs, however, you can connect to your home network and access personal files and streaming services from your home region remotely. Some personal/consumer VPNs come with remote access capabilities, such as NordVPN’s Meshnet feature.

How to Choose the Best VPN for Streaming

There are so many VPN services on the market that it can be overwhelming to figure out which ones work best for streaming. Make sure you look for these three factors when shopping for a VPN specifically for streaming.

Fast Speeds

Using a VPN inevitably slows your internet speeds because of encryption and traffic routing. If your VPN slows your speeds down too much, your streaming experience can be compromised with issues like excessive buffering and video stuttering. The best VPNs for streaming should maintain fast enough speeds so you don’t experience lag or slow-downs.

Streaming Support

You could get the fastest VPN in the world, but if it doesn’t offer any streaming support, chances are it will get detected and blocked by most popular streaming services. Make sure the VPN you’re looking at advertises support for the streaming services you intend to use, and check reviews to ensure the provider unblocks these services successfully.

Server Locations

It’s worth the time to find out where a VPN provider’s servers are located before you commit to one. If you have certain streaming services in mind, find out what regions of the world have access to those services, and make sure the VPN you’re looking at has servers in those areas. If you’re not certain what streaming services you’d like to use but want a lot of options, choose a VPN that has a wide server network.

Strong Security and Privacy

A good VPN should always provide ample privacy and security, even if you’re just using it for streaming. Look for industry-standard encryption like AES 256-bit and extra security measures like a kill switch and full leak protection. Additionally, make sure the company has a strict and transparent no-logs policy that’s been audited by a third party to prove its legitimacy.

Other VPN for Streaming Alternatives

CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a reliable VPN that offers fast speeds and unblocks popular streaming services like Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, BBCi player and more. CyberGhost has around 11,700+ servers in 100 countries, which means users will have many options when looking for regions to stream from. CyberGhost provides servers specially optimized for streaming, and it includes standard security features like a kill switch and full leak protection.

Private Internet Access (PIA)

PIA is a budget-friendly VPN, costing only $1.98 a month for three years and four months. Its server network covers 91 countries worldwide—a decent scope for streaming purposes. It has a kill switch and full leak protection, and it allows unlimited device connections. It also comes with some nice-to-have features like split tunneling and obfuscation. PIA works with most popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video and HBO Max as well as international Netflix libraries in Japan, Denmark, Germany and more.

IPVanish

IPVanish is a great option if you stream Apple TV regularly because it has a dedicated Apple TV app. It has 2,400+ servers in 90 global locations, comes with the industry-standard kill switch and full leak protection and is also capable of split tunneling by app or by domain. IPVanish supports Netflix, Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, ESPN+ and more.