NordVPN is the best VPN for streaming. It got into Netflix Japan, BBC iPlayer, and DAZN in my tests, its NordLynx protocol held 33 Mbps for 4K, and with 7,000+ servers in 150 countries, Smart DNS, and native TV apps, it covers more libraries and more screens than anything else I tried.
If you need something different, Surfshark streams on unlimited devices for less, ExpressVPN obfuscates every connection for restrictive work, school, and country networks, PureVPN is my pick for live sports, and CyberGhost sorts its servers by streaming platform.
Guess which is the fastest streaming VPN?
Top 3 VPNs for Streaming
Surfshark
Best for unlimited-device streams
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 39 Mbps on WireGuard
- Apps for Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV
NordVPN
Best for streaming
- 7,000+ servers in 150 countries
- Unblocks Netflix, iPlayer, DAZN
- Smart DNS and native TV apps
ExpressVPN
Best for restrictive networks
- Automatic obfuscation
- Servers in 113 countries
- Apps for PCs, phones, and TVs
You might be interested in streaming content outside of your region, such as France TV (in France), NRK TV (from Norway), or Voot (from India).
Or, you might want to unblock regional libraries on platforms (such as Netflix) already available in your region to watch Netflix US, Netflix Japan, or Netflix Canada content.
No matter which is it, these top VPNs can help.
Unblock Streaming Services and Access Regional Libraries With These VPNs
My tested streaming VPNs make it impossible for restrictive work/school networks, firewalls, and harsh geo-restrictions to stop you from streaming any content you want.
Here’s a glimpse of what they promise:
- NordVPN – Best Streaming VPN for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, and Regional Libraries.
- Surfshark – Best VPN for Unlimited Device Streaming and Unblocking.
- ExpressVPN – Automatic Obfuscation for Streaming on Restricted Networks.
- PureVPN – Best VPN for Streaming Live Content (News, Sports, Etc.).
- CyberGhost – 9000+ Servers Optimized for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Other Streaming Services.
Continue scrolling to check out the tests, comparisons, and mini-reviews below to discover which VPN best suits your streaming style.
Best VPNs for Streaming: Comparisons & Proof of Tests
These five VPNs emerged after testing 20+ VPN providers over 100+ streaming hours to determine which performs best on speed, reliable unblocking, device support, and other streaming-related features.
I tested these VPNs over a 100Mbps connection, capable of 4K streaming.
NordVPN - Best Streaming VPN for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, and Regional Libraries
NordVPN is the streaming VPN I’d hand to anyone who asks, because it clears the two hurdles that trip up most providers: it gets into the libraries that actively hunt for VPNs, and it does so from more countries than anyone else on this list.
Start with the unblocking. In my tests it opened Netflix (the Japanese library, as the Gin Tama screenshot shows), DAZN, and BBC iPlayer without a proxy error, and it’s just as dependable on Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.
Its 7,000+ servers in 150 countries are the widest reach here, well past ExpressVPN’s 113 and Surfshark’s 100, so niche regional services are covered too. India is served through virtual Mumbai locations, and Kazakhstan, Vietnam, and Turkey are all on the map now.
Closer to home, 2,000+ US servers spread across all 50 states unblock and stream US-available content and libraries without server overcrowding, and put a fast exit near you for CNN Go, YouTube TV, and Peacock TV from abroad.
Moving on, it averaged 33Mbps on the speed tests over its NordLynx protocol, a hair ahead of ExpressVPN and comfortably above the 25 Mbps 4K threshold. It isn’t the fastest here (PureVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost all posted higher numbers), but none of that extra speed buys a sharper picture once you’re past 4K bitrate.
NordVPN no longer needs a specialty P2P server section, since P2P now works on all its standard servers, and it adds obfuscated servers for networks that block VPN traffic. Those used to run over OpenVPN, which cost more speed than ExpressVPN’s always-on obfuscation; they now run on the newer NordWhisper protocol, built to pass as ordinary web traffic, which is the option I’d try first on a locked-down work or school network.
For screens, NordVPN offers ten simultaneous device connections, level with ExpressVPN and PureVPN, with native apps for Android TV, Fire TV, and Apple TV, and a Smart DNS package to unblock content on smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other streaming units that can’t run an app.
It costs about the same as ExpressVPN on a 2-year plan, though more than Surfshark, PureVPN, and CyberGhost.
US dollars · checked Oct 22
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
Grab these NordVPN discounts for your subscription. Since you’ll lean on it for all your streaming services, check our NordVPN coupon code page for every deal we verified before subscribing.
Pros
- Unblocked Netflix (including Netflix Japan), DAZN, and BBC iPlayer in my tests
- 7,000+ servers in 150 countries, the widest reach on this list
- 2,000+ US servers across all 50 states to unblock US content at home and abroad
- 33Mbps speeds on NordLynx protocol for 4K streaming
- Native Android TV, Fire TV, and Apple TV apps plus Smart DNS for devices without them
- Ten simultaneous connections and NordWhisper for blocked networks
Cons
- Slower than PureVPN and Surfshark in my speed tests
- Obfuscation is limited to its obfuscated servers
Surfshark - Best VPN for Unlimited Device Streaming and Unblocking
Most streaming services restrict simultaneous streams to a few options.
But if you’re streaming NRK TV (from Norway), the free Voot (from India), CNN Go (US), or other platforms without simultaneous stream restrictions, get Surfshark.
This fast-streaming VPN offers unlimited simultaneous connections across PCs, mobile devices, routers, smart TVs, and other streaming units you connect to. You get unlimited bandwidth, too, ensuring zero server-side lags or buffering.
On top of that, Surfshark carries 600+ US servers in 15+ cities to unblock Amazon Prime Video, Hulu US, HBO Max, Netflix US, and other content libraries.
It also carries 4,500+ servers in 100 countries, second only to NordVPN for reach on this list, to access content in almost any country. That means front-row seats to BBC iPlayer, Netflix Japan, Hulu Japan, and other content libraries you can think of.
But that’s not all.
Surfshark impresses with 39Mbps speeds on its WireGuard protocol, second only to PureVPN, to ensure seamless 4K content unblocking.
You also get native apps for Fire TV, Android TV/Google TV, and Apple TV (tvOS 17+), while smart TVs (LG, Samsung, etc.) and gaming consoles (Xbox, PlayStation) need a router or a Windows hotspot.
Note that these speeds take a hit on obfuscation (not as much as NordVPN’s obfuscated servers did when they ran over OpenVPN), making Surfshark unsuitable for highly-restrictive networks and regions (where ExpressVPN shines).
Reach, not performance, is where NordVPN has more to offer: 100 countries and 4,500+ servers against 150 and 7,000+, which matters when the show you want lives in a small market. For a household streaming on a dozen screens, though, Surfshark is the smarter buy.
For all that, Surfshark doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, lower than ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
US dollars · checked Oct 13
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
Remember to grab these HUGE discounts before they expire to enjoy mouth-watering prices. For a household streaming on every screen, our page of Surfshark deals lists each discount we could verify, from referrals to YouTuber offers.
Pros
- 600+ US servers in 15+ cities to unblock US content anywhere
- 4,500+ servers to unblock content in 100 countries
- 39Mbps speeds ensure HD and 4K content streaming
- Native app support for mobile devices, PCs, and TV platforms
- Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV apps, plus router setup for consoles
- Unlimited simultaneous connections from a highly affordable VPN provider
Cons
- Fewer countries and servers than NordVPN
- Obfuscation isn’t as fast as ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN - Automatic Obfuscation for Streaming on Restricted Networks
ExpressVPN’s best feature for streaming is the automatic yet fast obfuscation on all servers and protocols. This prevents streaming sites and network admins from finding out you’re using a VPN, bypassing VPN traffic blocks put in place.
While the other VPNs (except CyberGhost) also offer obfuscation, it’s a mode you switch on rather than the default, and it costs them more speed.
Thus, ExpressVPN is your best bet to:
- Unblock and stream content on workplace/school networks blocking such activities behind firewalls.
- Unblock and stream content in restrictive countries like China, Russia, and Vietnam.
Furthermore, ExpressVPN offers server locations in all 50 US states to access US content libraries on Netflix, DAZN, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc.
You can also use these servers to stream US-only content like CNN Go, YouTube TV, and Peacock TV from abroad.
This VPN has servers in 113 countries, behind only NordVPN for reach, to unblock local and niche content in almost any country.
Additionally, ExpressVPN averaged 32Mbps in the speed tests, which can stream 4K content, though it was the lowest result of the five.
On top of that, the VPN is compatible with mobile devices and PCs via its apps. It also has a MediaStreamer (SmartDNS) feature to stream content on your smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices that can’t download a VPN, though it can’t change your location, so it won’t unblock other countries’ libraries.
The downside is that it isn’t cheap: Surfshark, PureVPN, and CyberGhost all cost less. Its Basic plan now covers ten simultaneous connections, level with NordVPN, so the old device complaint is gone, but you’re paying about what NordVPN costs for the lowest speed result here and no specialty streaming or P2P servers. If your streaming happens behind a strict firewall, it offers the one thing the others can’t match; everywhere else, NordVPN does the same job with a bigger network.
US dollars · checked Oct 23
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
Save more on ExpressVPN with these HUGE discounts.
Pros
- US servers in all 50 states to stream US-only content and libraries
- Servers in 113 countries to unblock content almost anywhere
- Fast, automatic obfuscation on all servers to bypass VPN traffic blocks
- 32Mbps on a 100Mbps connection for 4K streaming and unblocking
- MediaStreamer (SmartDNS) support for smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other streaming units
- PC, mobile, and TV apps to unblock/stream content on-the-move
Cons
- Pricier than budget picks like Surfshark and PureVPN
- Lowest result in my speed tests
- No specialty streaming or P2P servers
PureVPN - Best VPN for Streaming Live Content (News, Sports, Etc.)
I prefer PureVPN for its ease of unblocking and streaming lag-free live content.
Live content demands stabler and faster connections to ensure you don’t miss any action from lag/buffering. Thanks to this VPN’s massive 87Mbps speeds on its WireGuard protocol, you have nothing to worry about.
PureVPN is also impressive at unblocking US content libraries, boasting 1800+ US servers (second only to NordVPN) in 10+ cities. Thus, it’s ideal for bypassing NBA League Pass and MLB game blackouts to stream these live sports games in your region.
Furthermore, its extensive library of 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries is a decent spread, though NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all cover more countries. Also, be aware that PureVPN doesn’t work with DAZN. Luckily, the other providers are reliable for content platforms with rigid VPN blocks.
If you’re not a DAZN fan, you’ll appreciate PureVPN’s robust mobile and PC apps to stream content on those devices. But it lacks the Smart DNS that NordVPN offers (ExpressVPN’s can’t change your location, and CyberGhost’s no longer works with streaming services), leaving you with only router support to unblock content on your smart TV, gaming console, or other streaming units.
The downside to the router support is that:
- It uses OpenVPN, the obfuscation protocol, which means slower speeds.
- PureVPN doesn’t work on all routers.
- The setup method can be tedious.
PureVPN makes up for these by being the cheapest provider and offering ten simultaneous connections, level with NordVPN and ExpressVPN.
So, grab these one-time discounts if you’re primarily interested in live-streaming content on your PCs or mobile devices.
Pros
- 1800+ servers in 10+ US cities to stream live games, Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc.
- 6,000+ servers to unblock content and libraries in 65+ countries
- 87Mbps speeds for ultra-fast live streaming in 4K quality
- Ten simultaneous connections, three more than CyberGhost
- Robust PC and mobile apps to unblock content streams
Cons
- Doesn’t offer smart DNS support
- Doesn’t work with some platforms like DAZN
CyberGhost - 9000+ Servers Optimized for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu and Other Streaming Services
CyberGhost’s major selling point is its streaming-optimized server section.
This easily-accessible section on its apps shows you VPN servers optimized for unblocking different platforms anywhere.
Thus, CyberGhost is one of the easiest-to-use streaming VPN services.
Additionally, CyberGhost still offers Smart DNS, but it now says the feature no longer works with streaming services. On smart TVs and consoles, use its Android TV or Fire TV app, or a router, instead.
This VPN provider also offers 9000+ servers to unblock content in 100 countries, ahead of PureVPN, though short of NordVPN’s 150. You’ll have no issues watching ThreeNow from New Zealand servers, NRK TV from Norway servers, Bilibili from Hong Kong servers, or other content on this VPN service.
On top of that, you get 1400+ servers in 10+ US cities to unblock American content, bypass game blackouts in your region, or securely stream US libraries over unsecured networks.
However, only some of these servers are streaming-optimized.
The good news is that you can also connect to non-streaming-optimized servers to unblock content. Speed tests averaged on 39Mbps, making it the third fastest VPN provider listed.
But it lacks obfuscation, so it might not work for streaming on highly-restricted networks or when traveling to some harsh censorship countries.
Otherwise, you’re good to go.
CyberGhost beats NordVPN and ExpressVPN on price, though its seven simultaneous connections are the fewest on this list.
US dollars · checked Oct 23
Original pricing screenshot
Offers shown in this screenshot may differ from the current deal.
If its easy app interface appeals to you, use these CyberGhost discounts to save more and test it risk-free for 45 days.
Pros
- 9000+ servers to unblock content across 100 countries
- 1400+ US servers in 10+ cities to unblock content and avoid game blackouts
- 39Mbps guarantees buffer-less HD and 4K content streams
- Streaming-optimized servers on mobile and PC apps
- Android TV and Fire TV apps for the big screen
- Affordable VPN service with seven simultaneous connections
Cons
- Doesn’t offer obfuscation
- Fewest simultaneous connections on this list
How to Set up a VPN for Streaming?
You must choose the fastest VPN protocol and connect to a relevant VPN server to properly set up a VPN for streaming.
Here’s a stepwise guide to help you:
- Buy a preferred streaming VPN. I recommend NordVPN (get discounts).
- Download the VPN app for your streaming device. I’ll download the Windows PC app for this example.
- Launch the VPN and log in with your account credentials (username and password you created in step #1 above).
- Choose the fastest protocol for the best streaming speed. On NordVPN, open Settings > Connection and select “NordLynx.”
- Enable the VPN kill switch to keep streaming platforms from deanonymizing you. On NordVPN, go to Settings > Kill Switch and turn on “Internet Kill Switch.”
- Select a server location to unblock content from. Use the search bar or scroll the country list on the left to find a preferred server. I’ll use the United States server for this example.
- Click the country to connect, wait for the VPN connection confirmation, then test for leaks. I use www.ipleak.net. Ensure you now see the VPN-assigned IP address, not your actual location.
- Launch your streaming app/open the streaming website to unblock your favorite content.
The steps above only apply to mobile, PC, and Android TV users.
If you’re using a device that doesn’t support native VPN apps, you can still set up your preferred VPN for streaming via:
- Smart DNS – my NordVPN SmartDNS guide walks through the exact settings for smart TVs and consoles.
- Router – my NordVPN router guide covers the setup step by step and puts every device in the house behind the VPN at once.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can You Stream Content With a Free VPN?
Free VPNs aren’t ideal for streaming content. They impose bandwidth restrictions, often lack enough servers in preferred streaming locations, and are unreliable at unblocking content streams.
They’re also slow, causing lags and buffering, and making them frustrating for any streaming experience.
Does VPN Improve Streaming Quality?
A VPN may not improve your streaming quality if you’re already on a slow connection, you use a poorly-engineered VPN or free VPN providers known for throttling bandwidth.
However, a reliable VPN like NordVPN can help bypass your internet service provider (ISP) throttling, unlock better speeds, and maintain an above-decent (up to 4K) streaming quality, depending on your base speeds.
Why Are Streaming Services Blocking VPNs?
Popular streaming services block VPNs to keep up with licensing laws and content distribution agreements. However, most streaming services can only block poorly-engineered and free VPNs, making reliable options like NordVPN your best bet to bypass any restriction.
Will Netflix Ban You for Using a VPN?
Netflix won’t ban your account for using a VPN. However, it may stop you from streaming content if it discovers you’re using a VPN.
Thus, it’s best to use reliable VPNs with obfuscation like NordVPN to prevent the streaming service from knowing you’re using a VPN.
Does Streaming Over VPN Consume More Data?
Streaming over a VPN consumes more data than streaming without one since the encryption load of the VPN increases data consumption by an extra 5-10%.
Fortunately, well-engineered VPNs like NordVPN are optimized for speed and minimal data consumption, streaming content without consuming too much of your data plan while at it.
Watch What You Want Anywhere
You don’t have to suffer from limited content libraries or wait until you get home (if traveling) to keep up with your favorite content. Get a VPN, and you’ll have a new world of content streams opened to you.
The top choice is NordVPN for its servers in 150 countries, reliable unblocking of Netflix, DAZN, and BBC iPlayer, and the widest device support here, from phones to Apple TV to Smart DNS.
Grab these NordVPN discounts and test the VPN risk-free for 30 days.
