Streaming VPNs for 2021

Streaming platforms multiplied like sensual rabbits after Netflix's success. It's great, but only if you're located in the right place! Some services are not available in certain countries, and even if they are, they may have different content. As an example, Netflix in Moldova costs about the same, but you'll get a third of what's available in the US. How disappointing!

Fortunately, there is a solution - VPNs. The right VPN can help you access most of the streaming content unavailable to you in your area, even if you cannot wait for the industry to fix itself. So which VPN is best for you? Here are the top VPNs for streaming in 2021, based on our testing.

Best VPNs for streaming:

NordVPN – best VPN for streaming

Surfshark – most affordable VPN pair with Netflix

IPVanish – a decent choice for streaming

VyprVPN – most underrated VPN for streaming

PrivateVPN – very consistent and safe streaming VPN

VPNs for streaming - our detailed list:

We always check how well VPNs defeat streaming media blocks when reviewing them. We usually test the service with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and DAZN. All of the services listed here passed all the tests and are useful if you want to unblock streaming media that isn't available in your country.

Disclosure from the editor: We are aware of and concerned about the Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA) issued by the US Department of Justice recently. Daniel Gericke, CIO of Express VPN, is listed as one of the individuals who received monetary penalties and agreed to "full cooperation with the relevant FBI components," due to their past misuse of covert surveillance tools targeting US citizens as well as journalists and political parties.

Presently, there is no direct connection between the misuse of such tools and ExpressVPN. Nevertheless, to make sure that our readers have access to only the most secure and reliable VPN solutions, we will temporarily take ExpressVPN off our list until we finish our privacy and ethical evaluations. Our full story about the agreement can be found here.

1. NordVPN – best VPN for streaming

When searching for the best VPN for streaming, connection stability is one of the most important features. Nobody likes to see a movie interrupted during an intense car chase because the video is buffering. You can be assured that NordVPN will prevent such occurrences from interfering with your experience.

5500 servers are located in 59 countries, which is helpful. The options are many. Therefore, if a specific IP address is required to connect to a particular national broadcaster, you won't encounter any issues. As far as we could tell, NordVPN unblocked all streaming sites we tried.

It is possible for the device you're using to pose a problem in and of itself. Suppose you have a media device at home that doesn't support VPN apps. NordVPN's SmartPlay feature makes that impossible. Even devices that aren't compatible with VPNs, such as Apple TVs and other Smart TVs, consoles, and certain media players, can be set up to work with them. You get more flexibility by using devices you're already using to watch video content.

We use military-grade encryption ciphers and tunneling protocols to keep your connection secure without sacrificing speed. No one will ever know what you've watched online because all your online activity will remain hidden.

NordVPN allows you to test it out for 30 days and get a refund if you don't like it.

Pros

The majority of streaming websites are unblocked

Servers with a lot of resources

SmartPlay technology

Split tunneling

Guarantee of 30 days' money back

Stable VPN connections

Audit of the no-logs policy by an independent auditor

Cons

No free version

2. Surfshark – most affordable VPN pair with Netflix

Surfshark has grown steadily over the past couple of years. One of its main selling points is its speed, which means instant loading times, even if you connect to Japanese Netflix.

Surfshark also unblocks US Netflix. Access to British, Indian, Italian, Norwegian, German, Australian, and many other libraries is available. Despite having some of the most titles, Netflix US does not have them all. Surfshark makes it possible for you to access any country's exclusive titles.

Although most media players and gaming consoles do not support VPN apps natively, Surfshark offers SmartDNS. Your device will connect as if it were using a VPN, bypassing content blocks that would otherwise prevent you from watching it.

Don't think you're compromising your privacy either. Surfshark VPN is among the safest VPNs available. During your connection, they use impenetrable encryption ciphers to keep all your information private.

Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which means you can use it with as many devices as you want. Everyone in your household will have access to it.

With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try the service first.

Pros

Most streaming services are unblocked

SmartDNS technology

Adds additional Netflix libraries to your account

Parallel connections are unlimited

Money back guarantee for 30 days

Excellent speed test results

Cons

No dedicated IP

3. IPVanish - a decent streaming option

IPVanish does not unblock that many streaming platforms, but for the ones it does, it is really reliable. Thus, you are very likely to have consistent access to Netflix's US and UK libraries. IPVanish also allows you to access YouTube.

Additionally, the service offers applications for Fire devices, including Amazon Fire TV, which makes it much easier to view geo-blocked content.

Also available are tunneling protocols like IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec, PPTP, and both versions of OpenVPN. All protocols offer decent speeds. For the fastest download speed, I recommend using OpenVPN UDP.

The connection is encrypted using the military-grade AES-256 cipher. Hackers won't be able to decrypt it to find out what you're doing online. It is also possible to block LAN traffic and avoid connections from private networks. No logs are kept by IPVanish as it's a no-logs VPN.

IPVanish isn't particularly expensive, with prices starting at $38.38 a year (for the first year). A money-back guarantee is also available, but it only applies to yearly plans.

Pros

Split-tunneling on Android

Customizable kill switch

Unlimited connections

Unblocks Netflix

Automatization options

Free SOCKS5 proxy

Good customer support portal

Cons

No Linux app

Price increases after a year

4. ViyprVPN - the most underrated VPN for streaming

This is one of the best VPN services overall, and even if you want to stream 4K videos, this product delivers.

Most popular streaming services and local broadcasters are unblocked by this VPN. From Netflix to DAZN or niche choices like NRK TV, you'll have access to media from around the world. You will never again receive a message stating that a video has not been made available to you in your country.

With a VPN that you use only for streaming movies, but for everything else you'd rather use a direct connection, you don't have to switch the service on and off. A split tunneling feature is available, which can be configured however you like. For example, you can use the VPN only with media apps.

However, all of these quality of life improvements aside, VyprVPN doesn't forget the essentials. The service has a working kill switch and encrypts your connections with the unbreakable AES-256 cipher. And while in the past VyprVPN was notorious for its data monitoring, currently the service keeps no logs.

You can have all these benefits for a reasonable monthly fee. In addition, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, and supports five simultaneous connections.

How about the cons? It doesn't support Smart DNS, and the speeds can vary outside of the WireGuard protocol. But that's all!

Pros

The majority of streaming sites are unblocked

Speeds that are consistent across VPN connections

Money back guarantee for 30 days

VPN service with no logs

Long-term subscriptions at a bargain price

Using split tunneling

Cons

Small server fleet

Mixed experience with non-Wireguard protocols

No Smart DNS

5. PrivateVPN – an excellent tool for circumventing censorship

In addition to IKEA and Dolph Lundgren, PrivateVPN is another Swedish export. The VPN service is also a reliable streaming service.

In our testing, we checked how it worked with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and DAZN. There were no buffering issues with any of them. This shouldn't be surprising given their track record. Most other VPNs get stuck on error screens when PrivateVPN resolves them.

Furthermore, the overall speeds are terrific, and the UI is easy to use. The VPN is easy to set up, even if you have never used one before. Also, your family members will appreciate the fact that it supports six simultaneous connections.

Don't forget that PrivateVPN contributes to your online security, too. Data is kept private using customizable encryption and open-source tunneling protocols.

You can try the service for free for seven days without providing payment information. It should be plenty of time for you to decide if their service is worth your money.

However, if you sign up for a longer subscription plan, you can get some pretty steep discounts, so the service is still a good value.

Pros

7-day free trial

Most streaming services are unblocked

Simple to use

Subscriptions with discounts

Cryptography that can be customized

Cons

Limited options for tunneling protocols

A fleet of small servers

Split tunneling is not permitted

6. Hide.me VPN – easy to use VPN for new users

Hide.me VPN goes far beyond hiding your IP address. With it, you can watch a lot more media on your screen and download movies with ease.

You can unblock Netflix, DAZN, BBC iPlayer, and many more with Hide.me. You simply connect to one of the 47 countries. By appearing to be in the country, you will have access.

If you frequently change your IP address, some streaming media providers may get suspicious. To solve this issue, Hide.me allows you to reserve an IP address on a public VPN server. You will always be assigned the same IP address whenever you connect to it. As a result, you will be able to fly under the radar without incurring any additional costs!

Keeping your information private isn't the only way to do it. VPNs use the AES-256 cipher, widely endorsed by financial institutions and government agencies. Also, there is a kill switch, and the DNS servers are owned by them.

Despite the fact that there isn't a free version, you can test the service with their 30-day money-back guarantee. If something rubs you the wrong way, you can always request a refund and get your money back.

Pros

Free version

Unblocks most streaming services

Privacy-friendly jurisdiction

IP address reservation

App-level kill switch

Modern tunneling protocols

Cons

Basic mobile apps

Pretty expensive

Our selection and testing of VPNs

If you're looking for a VPN for streaming, you should adjust your search criteria accordingly. It may even depend on the type of service you are trying to unblock. It's not guaranteed that DAZN or BBC iPlayer will work if a service unblocks Netflix. Make sure.

Streaming methods like Kodi add-ons rely on copyrighted content, so protecting your privacy is also a good idea. Let's look at the qualities we considered when ranking them. With this list, you should also be able to choose the right VPN for streaming services.

Streaming options are available. Each VPN's streaming capability was tested with Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and DAZN (+ a few others). This gives a good indication of how well a service unblocks different platforms.

Effort. Just bypassing blocks is not enough. In order to stream in UHD and 4K resolutions, you need high and consistent speeds. You will be able to watch TV shows and movies without buffering. While the movie loads, nobody wants to stare at a blank screen.

It has useful features. SmartDNS, for example, enables you to set up VPN-like connections. It is possible to unblock geo-restricted media without even installing a VPN with them. Others, like split tunneling, can make managing a VPN connection easier. When picking a streaming VPN, you should consider many useful VPN features.

Size of the network. If you're interested in unblocking more than just US services and libraries, what should you do? Would you be able to unblock some local broadcaster while on vacation if you were from a smaller country? Your provider's total number of countries covered will determine whether or not this is possible. The better the coverage – the better your chances to unblock even niche content from local broadcasters.

Privacy and security. A VPN should not collect or compromise your data. This is one of the first boxes you'll need to check if you're streaming through Kodi add-ons.

Price. Paying the highest price doesn't automatically mean you'll be getting the best possible performance. You have to take into consideration how much you're actually getting for your money.

Do I really need a VPN for streaming?

Whether you need it or not depends entirely on what you want out of your streaming experience (and your location). If you're a local living in the US, there probably aren't that many shows that you're missing out on due to geo-restrictions. However, of you're almost anywhere else, a VPN could be very useful.

Then again, if your go-to streaming method is Kodi, it's a good reason to get a VPN regardless of where you live. Each platform that meddles with copyrighted content can get you in trouble, so hiding your IP is a top priority.

VPNs that do not work for streaming

VPNs don't mix well with streaming services, and that's no secret. Generally, there are free VPNs and non-streaming VPNs.

VPNs that are free are usually very reductive versions of their full paid products. As a result, some non-essential features are removed to make the paid product more appealing. Most often, streaming capabilities are cut out. Therefore, the IP addresses assigned to you when you use a free version are already blacklisted by streaming services.
Non-streaming-oriented services – these are VPNs that don't regard streaming as a priority. You may not even be able to test if their product can unblock Netflix because they are all about helping you hide online activity from your ISP. We have to decide where to put our resources. In other senses, Mullvad is among the worst choices for streaming, but they have one of the best VPN services out there.

How to stream with a VPN?

There is no one method that works with every VPN service you encounter. Streaming media may require additional steps with some VPNs. Some of these will require connecting to special streaming servers, while others will be ready to use right out of the box. Here's how it's done, if you're not too concerned with the details.

Figure out which streaming service you need: Netflix, Hulu, or something else? This will help you narrow your options.
When you've chosen your VPN provider, you'll need to sign up and create an account.
Setting up your device's software will be the next step. The app is available in an App store or on the provider's website.
After installing your software, launch the program and log in
As soon as you're on the main screen, you'll need to connect to a server that unblocks the streaming service (this step will heavily depend on your VPN provider).
Go to the streaming service's website or launch their app while connected to a VPN. It is likely that you will also need to create an account and pay for a subscription.
That's it, enjoy!

Can I use a free VPN for streaming?

Sadly, most free VPN services aren't designed for streaming. This is because unblocking streaming platforms isn't an easy task. VPN users continue to be blocked by Netflix, making it necessary for services to acquire new IP addresses after their IP addresses are blacklisted. Because of this, you are unlikely to use a free VPN to bypass these restrictions.

Nevertheless, some free VPN services might work. As no one is sweating to ensure that free edition users get the best performance, the performance won't be amazing. Furthermore, it might suddenly stop working one day. When you're using a free version, you don't get consistency.

Can I use a streaming VPN to watch sports?

You can certainly watch NHL, MLB, NBA All Stars, and other favorite sports games with trustworthy streaming VPNs. The key word is trustworthy. Low-quality VPNs are detected and blocked by major streaming service providers.

To avoid detection, reliable VPNs have servers whose IP addresses are continuously updated. Moreover, they use innovative technologies to circumvent VPN blocks. This allows users to watch UFC fights or other sports online with unlimited access to international streaming sites.

Additionally, premium VPNs provide blazing-fast speeds and stable connections, both of which are essential for seamless streaming of sports events. If you don't want to miss another buzzer beater while watching an NBA game, you should definitely invest in one.

Which are the best TV streaming services?

You have a lot of choices these days when it comes to streaming services. Obviously, not all of them will be available everywhere, so you'll need a VPN service to access them.

Athletes

Sling and Fubo TV offer the best sports channels, whether you are a fan of the NBA or mixed martial arts. Both offer NBA TV, ESPN, and more. Your favorite team will never be out of your sight.

Sling: Available only in the U.S.

Fubo TV: Available only in the United States, Canada, and Spain

TV series & Movies

Based on whether you're more interested in original content or in services with the largest aggregated libraries. There are several options. Netflix has exclusive TV series and shows that aren't available anywhere else, but so does Hulu. To make an informed decision, you need to research the content available.

Netflix is available in 190 countries, but the library size varies. Check out our article on the best VPNs for Netflix.

Hulu: available only in the United States and Japan. You might be interested in our best VPNs for Hulu article.

HBO Max: available only in the United States. You might be interested in our how to unblock HBO Max article.

Peacock TV is only available in the United States. Check out our article on how to watch Peacock TV.

For kids

Disney+ is a no-brainer for young children who need to be entertained during quarantine. Whether your kid prefers The Muppets or The Avengers, there is no shortage of titles available.

Disney+: available in 55 countries

FAQ

What is the fastest VPN for streaming?

On our list, NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN are the three fastest VPNs for streaming. Additionally, they can be set up as Smart DNS, which allows you to unblock services without going through a VPN.

Which VPN is the best for Netflix?

Naturally, NordVPN is the best VPN for Netflix and the best VPN for streaming. Streaming services are unblocked by this VPN consistently, and it keeps a great track record for providing fast connection speeds.

How can I be safe when streaming?

When streaming, you only need to be concerned about your safety if the content is copyrighted or illegal in your country. It becomes imperative to conceal your IP address in those cases. A VPN can help with this as well.

How much data does streaming use per hour?

Data-intensive tasks like streaming require a lot of computation. As an example, a low-quality video uses 0.3 GB/hour, a medium video uses 0.7 GB/hour, and a high-quality video can consume anywhere from 3 GB to 7 GB/hour. Streaming media can easily exceed data caps if your ISP has them.

Is VPN enough to bypass streaming service blocks?

Typically, a VPN is enough to grant you access to most streaming services. However, some require additional credit card verification at purchase time. When you don't have an American card, you won't be able to register and pay for your subscription, preventing you from using the service.