Reviews
5 Best VPN Service For Streaming
As a result of the popularity of Netflix, other streaming sites started proliferating like sensual rabbits. Which is wonderful, but only if you happen to be situated in the appropriate area! You have to understand that some services just aren’t offered in certain nations, and even if they were, the content may be different in those other countries. As an example, subscribing to Netflix in Moldova will only get you access to a third of the content that is offered in the United States for around the same price. The very definition of disheartening!
Streaming VPNs, on the other hand, provide an opportunity for escape from this predicament. It may be fruitless to wait for the industry to repair itself, but the appropriate virtual private network (VPN) may assist you in unblocking the majority of the streaming material that is inaccessible in your location. Therefore, which virtual private network (VPN) should you use? Following extensive research and testing, the following virtual private networks (VPNs) emerged as our top picks for streaming in 2022.
What to look for when choosing a streaming VPN?
Different virtual private networks (VPNs), much like the majority of other things in life, are most suited for certain tasks. Because of this, not every virtual private network (VPN) will perform the job well when it comes to streaming. On the other hand, it is possible to be unclear about what to search for while selecting the best VPN for streaming. In order to be of assistance to you, here are some things to think about:
Which streaming services are available after connecting to the VPN. If you want to view Netflix, you don’t need a virtual private network (VPN) that can solely unblock YouTube. Pick the virtual private network (VPN) that enables access to the streaming service(s) you need.
How many servers are located in how many different countries the VPN provides access to. The greater the number, the better. It is important to be able to access all of the streaming service’s libraries since various streaming services have different libraries for different locales.
Simultaneous connections. This is a handy feature to have if, for instance, you want to watch two football matches at the same time so that you don’t miss any of the action.
Speed. This is of the utmost importance for uninterrupted streaming of information free from interruptions and buffering. Nobody enjoys getting all settled down on the sofa with a new season of their favourite Netflix programme, only to find out that the episode is having trouble loading.
The best VPNs for streaming – our detailed list:
When we evaluate virtual private networks (VPNs), we always make sure to verify how capable they are of circumventing restrictions on streaming media. In most cases, we test out a new streaming service using Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and DAZN. If you wish to access streaming content that isn’t accessible in your country, you may use any of the services on this list, since they have all been shown to be effective and have passed all of the relevant testing.
Editor’s disclosure: We are aware of the Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) that was only just made public by the Department of Justice in the United States, and it worries us. It names Daniel Gericke, the Chief Information Officer of Express VPN, as one of the individuals who were given monetary penalties and agreed to “full cooperation with the relevant Department and FBI components” as a result of their past misuse of covert surveillance tools, which targeted citizens of the United States as well as journalists and political parties.
At this time, there have been no findings that indicate a direct relationship between the inappropriate use of such technologies and ExpressVPN. However, in order to provide our audience with only the most dependable and secure virtual private network (VPN) options that are currently on the market, we have decided to temporarily remove ExpressVPN from our lists until additional privacy, data security, and ethical assessments have been completed. You may get the whole of our report on the agreement at this link.
When we evaluate virtual private networks (VPNs), we always make sure to verify how capable they are of circumventing restrictions on streaming media. In most cases, we test out a new streaming service using Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and DAZN. If you wish to access streaming content that isn’t accessible in your country, you may use any of the services on this list, since they have all been shown to be effective and have passed all of the relevant testing.
Editor’s disclosure: We are aware of the Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) that was only just made public by the Department of Justice in the United States, and it worries us. It names Daniel Gericke, the Chief Information Officer of Express VPN, as one of the individuals who were given monetary penalties and agreed to “full cooperation with the relevant Department and FBI components” as a result of their past misuse of covert surveillance tools, which targeted citizens of the United States as well as journalists and political parties.
At this time, there have been no findings that indicate a direct relationship between the inappropriate use of such technologies and ExpressVPN. However, in order to provide our audience with only the most dependable and secure virtual private network (VPN) options that are currently on the market, we have decided to temporarily remove ExpressVPN from our lists until additional privacy, data security, and ethical assessments have been completed. You may get the whole of our report on the agreement at this link.
1. NordVPN – best VPN for streaming
People who are looking for the best VPN for streaming tend to ignore one of the most significant features, which is the reliability of the connection. Nobody enjoys having their movie cut off in the middle of a tense chase scene due to the fact that the video is still buffering. Your experience will not be negatively impacted by events of this kind if you use NordVPN.
It is beneficial that the business has 5,400 servers located in 60 different locations. This means that you will have a diverse range of possibilities from which to make your selection. If you wish to connect to a certain national broadcaster and require a specific IP address for your disguise, you won’t have any issues doing so. You won’t be able to connect to any national broadcasters. Speaking of which, we tested NordVPN and found that it was able to unblock not just Netflix but also every other streaming service imaginable.
The tool that you’re employing may often become the source of the issue itself. For instance, it’s possible that some of the media players in your house don’t support VPN applications. Because it is equipped with the SmartPlay function, NordVPN has no issues in this regard. Even on devices that are incompatible with VPNs, such as Apple TVs and other types of Smart TVs, gaming consoles, and certain media players, it is possible to setup it. Therefore, you will have greater freedom with the devices that you are currently utilising for video content without having to make any adjustments to your routines.
This service protects the confidentiality of your connection without compromising its speed by using encryption cyphers of a military-grade standard and cutting-edge tunnelling techniques. Nobody will be able to tell what you’ve been viewing, and everyone else won’t be able to figure out what you’ve been doing online.
The price of NordVPN is not prohibitive, and the company gives a 30-day money-back guarantee, which enables you to test out the service risk-free to determine whether or not you enjoy it.
Pros
- Unblocks most streaming websites
- Large server list
- SmartPlay technology
- Split tunneling
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Stable VPN connection
- Independently-audited no-logs policy
Cons
- No free version
2. Surfshark – most affordable VPN pair with Netflix
People who are looking for the finest virtual private network (VPN) for streaming sometimes ignore one of the most critical aspects, which is connection stability. Nobody like it when the action-packed chase scene in their movie is cut off in the middle for the video to buffer. Your enjoyment of the service won’t be adversely affected by events of this kind if you use NordVPN.
It is helpful because the firm owns 5,400 servers spread out over 60 different countries. This assures that you will have a significant number of possibilities from which to pick. Therefore, there won’t be any issues for you to deal with if you wish to connect to a certain national broadcaster and want a specific IP address for your disguise. Speaking of which, we did some testing and discovered that NordVPN can unblock not just Netflix but also any other streaming service you can imagine.
Many times, the tool that you’re using might be an issue in and of itself. For instance, some of the media devices you have in your house could not support VPN applications. Because it features the SmartPlay function, NordVPN doesn’t have any issues in this regard. Even on devices that are not compatible with VPNs, such as Apple TVs and other Smart TVs, some media players, and consoles, it is possible to set it to operate. Therefore, you will have greater versatility with the devices that you are presently using for video content without having to make any adjustments to your routines.
Your connection will remain secure without compromising its speed thanks to the service’s use of cutting-edge tunnelling protocols and encryption cyphers that are on par with those used by the military. Nobody will be able to tell what you’ve been viewing, and nobody will be able to find out about any of your other activities online.
It won’t break the bank to use NordVPN, and the company has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out and see whether it meets your needs before committing.
Pros
- Allows access to the majority of streaming services
- SmartDNS feature
- Netflix library access is expanded as a result.
- Unlimited number of connections simultaneously
- Assurance of a full refund within 30 days
- Excellent results on the speed test.
Cons
- No dedicated IP
3. IPVanish – a decent choice for streaming
IPVanish is incredibly trustworthy with the streaming services that it does unblock, despite the fact that it does not unblock that many streaming platforms. This indicates that you will most likely have access to both the United States and the United Kingdom libraries of Netflix. Additionally, IPVanish will not prevent you from accessing the video-sharing website YouTube.
In addition to this, the service provides apps for Fire devices, such as Amazon Fire TV, which simplifies the process of watching material that is restricted to a certain location a great deal less difficult.
In addition, there is a diverse selection of tunnelling protocols available to you, such as IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, and both versions of OpenVPN. Regardless of the protocol that you choose, the speeds are satisfactory in most cases. On the other hand, if you want the quickest download speed possible while obtaining movies, I suggest utilising OpenVPN UDP.
The security of the connection itself is ensured by the use of the AES-256 encryption. It will be impossible for a hacker to decode it and find out what you have been doing online. You also have the choice to halt traffic on your local area network (LAN) and prevent connections that originate from private networks. Since IPVanish is a VPN service that does not maintain any surfing history, the company does not monitor what websites its users visit.
IPVanish is a service that does not come with a particularly high price tag, as the monthly costs begin at just $3.33. You may also take advantage of the company’s money-back guarantee, but bear in mind that this offer is valid only for the annual plans.
Pros
- Split-tunneling on Android
- Customizable kill switch
- Unlimited connections
- Unblocks Netflix
- Automatization options
- Free SOCKS5 proxy
Cons
- No Linux app
- Price increases after a year
4. Atlas VPN – easy to use VPN for new users
Although it only has 750 servers spread across 38 countries, Atlas VPN is still an excellent choice for streaming media despite the fact that it has the lowest server fleet overall on our list. It allows unblocking of several Netflix libraries, the BBC iPlayer, and access to YouTube without any problems, making it superior than many other market leaders in this area.
In terms of the service itself, Atlas VPN employs encryption of a military-grade, a kill switch that functions very well, and a stringent no-log policy. When you leave the streaming service and go out into the world, features such as SafeBrowse will keep you safe by easily filtering websites that are known to have dangerous content.
Atlas VPN has seen a significant increase in its throughput capabilities ever since the WireGuard tunnelling technology was put into operation. The consistent performance guarantees a pleasant experience when streaming.
The finest feature of Atlas VPN is that it allows for an infinite number of simultaneous connections. This means that any member of your family may watch the geo-restricted versions of their favourite programmes. Apps are available for use on several platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
In addition to a money-back guarantee that lasts for thirty days, you can buy Atlas VPN for just $2.05 per month. Therefore, if you are seeking for a Virtual Private Network (VPN) that is both economical and capable of assisting you in unblocking Netflix as well as a number of other streaming services, this is an excellent way to consider.
Pros
- Unblocks most streaming services
- IP address rotation
- unlimited simultaneous connections
- WireGuard protocol
- Free version
Cons
- Based in the US
- Small server fleet
5. PureVPN – most underrated VPN for streaming
PureVPN is a good choice for streaming, since it is able to unblock a wide variety of streaming services with ease, including Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, and more. There are 6,500 servers located in 78 different countries, which is probably one of the causes for this enormous server fleet.
You may already have an idea of how PureVPN managed to make it into our list since it has an excellent list of tunnelling protocols, which includes the very quick and secure WireGuard.
This virtual private network (VPN) has all the right features to make your streaming experience as enjoyable as it possibly can be. These features include port forwarding, split tunnelling, which allows you to enable (or disable) VPN access to specific applications only, and options for purchasing a dedicated IP.
Because PureVPN allows simultaneous usage on ten different devices, you and your family will be able to watch content from almost any electronic device you possess. The virtual private network (VPN) offers mobile applications for all major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
You have plenty of time to determine whether or not the service is good for you since not only is there a free trial that lasts for 7 days, but there is also a money-back guarantee that lasts for 31 days. In addition to this, the rates for PureVPN start at just $1.99 per month for a two-year membership plan. All things considered, this is a really excellent deal for a solid streaming VPN. What could possibly be unpleasant about that?
Pros
- Unblocks most streaming websites
- 31-day money-back guarantee
- No DNS leaks
- Huge server fleet
- Always-On audit
- Military-grade security features
Cons
- Limited Linux app
- Connection issues
Do I really need a VPN for streaming?
Whether you need it or not depends largely on what you want out of your streaming experience (and your region) (and your location). If you’re a local living in the US, there probably aren’t too many programmes that you’re losing out on owing to geo-restrictions. However, if you’re virtually anyplace else, a VPN might be quite handy.
Then then, if your go-to streaming method is Kodi, it’s a solid incentive to acquire a VPN regardless of where you reside. Each platform that meddles with copyrighted information might land you in trouble, thus masking your IP is a vital concern.
Can I use a streaming VPN to watch sports?
Using a reliable virtual private network (VPN) to stream your favourite sports events, such as the NHL, MLB All-Star Game, or NBA All-Star Game, is absolutely possible. However, the adjective “trustworthy” best describes this situation. The largest streaming service providers are able to identify and ban VPNs of lower quality.
Reliable Virtual Private Networks, on the other hand, contain servers with IP addresses that are continually changed so as to evade discovery. In addition to this, they use cutting-edge technology to get around VPN restrictions. Users will get unrestricted access to overseas streaming sites, which will make it much simpler for them to watch UFC bouts and other sporting events online.
In addition, premium Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) provide blazing-fast speeds and dependable connections, both of which are required for the uninterrupted streaming of sporting events. If you don’t want to miss any more buzzer-beating shots while you’re watching NBA games, you should most certainly go for one.
What are the best TV streaming services?
When it comes to the availability of streaming services in today’s world, consumers are presented with an overwhelming amount of options. That is not to suggest that each and every one of them will be accessible in every location; thus, you will need to depend on a virtual private network service in order to get access to them.
Sports
The greatest sports channel bundles are available with Sling and Fubo TV, regardless of whether you follow the NBA or mixed martial arts. Both of them have NBA TV, ESPN, and a great deal of additional channels. You won’t miss a single minute of the activity that your favourite team is having.
The Sling is a product that is exclusive to the United States.
Only residents of the United States, Canada, and Spain are allowed to watch Fubo TV.
TV series & Movies
Depending on whether you want services that have the largest aggregated libraries or if you are more interested in services that provide original material. There is potential value in each of these choices. Hulu, like Netflix, produces its own original episodes and shows for television, which can’t be found on any other streaming service. In order to make an educated choice, you will need to investigate the many kinds of information that are offered.
For kids
It’s a no-brainer to sign up for Disney+ if you need some kid-friendly entertainment to keep the little ones occupied while you’re in quarantine. There is a never-ending supply of titles to pick from, so it doesn’t matter whether your child is like The Muppets or The Avengers.
Disney+ may be accessed in 55 different countries.
Can I unblock streaming content with a free VPN?
Using a free VPN to watch content is not possible. Sorry. This is due to the fact that removing restrictions on streaming platforms is not an easy task. Netflix still blocks IP ranges that are connected with VPN users, which means that once a service’s IP addresses have been banned, they will need to obtain new ones. Because of this, it is expensive, which is one of the primary reasons why you probably won’t utilise a free VPN to get around these limitations.
Having said that, it is possible that certain free versions of expensive VPN services will function. The performance won’t be impressive since no one is putting in extra effort to make sure that customers of the free version are receiving the best performance possible. In addition, it can perform well one day, and then all of a sudden cease doing so. When you use a free version, you are not guaranteed any certain outcomes, and consistency is not one of those outcomes.
FAQ’s
Does VPN improve streaming?
Does using a VPN slow down your Internet connection? VPNs have the potential to improve connection speeds for certain services under certain conditions. ISPs will sometimes “throttle,” or intentionally slow down, certain kinds of traffic. For instance, a number of the most prominent ISPs have recently begun to limit streaming entertainment services such as Netflix.
What VPN Do streamers use?
As a streamer, there are several reasons why you should utilise a dependable VPN, regardless of whether you are just starting out or already have a significant audience. As the finest virtual private network (VPN) for streamers, NordVPN checks all the necessary boxes, from safeguarding your online privacy to improving performance.
Does a VPN slow down streaming?
The encryption procedure often results in a use rise that ranges from around 5 to 10 percent. Your virtual private network (VPN) can only achieve the same level of speed as your primary internet connection. When utilising a virtual private network (VPN), it is perfectly OK for your connection speed to decrease by as much as 10 to 20 percent since the VPN’s primary focus should always be on protecting your anonymity.
Final thoughts
It is only natural for us to want to watch everything that is available on the various streaming platforms now that there are so many of them. However, some of the platforms are exclusively accessible in certain nations, while others provide access to distinct libraries depending on the user’s physical location. However, we no longer have to waste time watching television without access to our favourite programmes.
Regardless of where you are located, you will be able to access a multitude of streaming services and their libraries if you use a virtual private network (VPN) that can help you avoid geo-restrictions. However, not all virtual private networks (VPNs) are able to unblock all streaming services.
We did some research and determined that NordVPN is the finest virtual private network (VPN) for unblocking streaming sites and letting us view material without any interruptions. Right on its heels comes the user-friendly and inexpensive Surfshark, and leading the pack in terms of safety is IPVanish.