Best VPN for Streaming in 2024
We love that the internet has given us the ability to watch any movie or television show no matter how old or new it is. Until we run into geo-blocking, preventing us from accessing our favorite streaming site. Luckily, you bypass this obstacle by using the best VPN for streaming in 2024.
We've tested hundreds of VPNs and recommend only the most reputable ones for your streaming needs. To come up with this list of best VPNs for streaming, we evaluated each using these criteria:
- Unblocks Netflix and other streaming platforms
- Fast enough speeds for watching in 4K
- Offers a good price
No time to go through the whole "best of" list? Here are our top VPNs for streaming in 2024:
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is the best VPN for streaming in 2024. Having 7000+ servers in 118 countries allows for the top-notch speeds.
You can watch Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and other platforms with NordVPN and its SmartPlay feature. Additionally, there are P2P optimized servers. This service allows six simultaneous connections and also supports routers.
In terms of security, NordVPN is a no-logs provider that uses military-grade encryption and comes with a built-in kill switch. Furthermore, there have been no leaks to speak of. Finally, NordVPN has an excellent 24/7 live chat support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Unblocks: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming platforms
Doesn't unblock: N/A
For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark VPN
Surfshark VPN has great value for money, especially because it allows an infinite number of devices. Secondly, it offers amazing speeds throughout the entire network. In fact, Surfshark VPN is among the fastest providers in 2024.
It may have a smaller network than some on this list, but 3200+ servers in 100+ countries is still formidable. Additionally, this service has an app for Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Surfshark also offers excellent security: military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and advanced anti-censorship features. Its NoBorders and Camouflage modes make this service great for streamers in China. Should you encounter any issues, a 24/7 live chat will be there for you.
Unblocks: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and other streaming platforms
Doesn't unblock: BBC iPlayer
For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.
3. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN has 200+ servers in 63+ countries, managing to translate this into 4K-ready speeds. It's also one of the more affordable options for those unafraid of comitting for the annual package.
The company offers six simultaneous connections and supports routers. PrivateVPN works in China and allows P2P on all servers. Furthermore, it has a lengthy 7-day free trial.
PrivateVPN has great security and privacy credentials. The service comes with bank-grade encryption, leak protection, and strict no-logs policy. You can also pay for it anonymously, as well as exercise a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Unblocks: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming platforms
Doesn't unblock: N/A
For a deeper investigation of PrivateVPN, read our PrivateVPN review.
4. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN is a great service for streaming. It boasts a huge server fleet of 11700+ servers in 100+ countries. This means fast speeds accross the globe.
Streaming fans will love CyberGhost's sleek apps. There are apps for Android TV, Fire TV, and Fire Stick. CyberGhost also supports a number of routers and allows 7 simultaneous connections.
CyberGhost VPN protects its customers by using military-grade encryption, a reliable kill switch, and leak protection. It's based in privacy-friendly Romania and has a no-logs policy. Finally, this service has the industry's longest 45-day money-back guarantee and a 24-hour free trial.
Unblocks: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming platforms
Doesn't unblock: N/A
For a deeper investigation of CyberGhost VPN, read our CyberGhost VPN review.
5. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is an exceptionally reliable and fast service for streaming. It has a server park with 3000+ servers in 105+ countries. In addition, ExpressVPN works great in China.
In terms of security, it uses military-grade encryption, secure tunneling protocols, and NetworkLock – a very reliable kill switch. So far, there have been no identity leaks and no logging.
Furthermore, ExpressVPN has user-friendly apps for Android TV, Fire TV & Fire Stick, and routers. Also, you can use MediaStreamer (SmartDNS) to connect almost any device. You can use 5 devices at a time with ExpressVPN.
Unblocks: Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming platforms
Doesn't unblock: N/A
For a deeper investigation of ExpressVPN, read our ExpressVPN review.
Streaming VPN FAQ
1. Is it legal to unblock streaming with a VPN?
Yes, it is. Using a VPN to access Disney+ or any other platform won’t get you into legal trouble.
2. Can a streaming service ban my account for using a VPN?
No, it can't. As of today, there have been no instances of banning anyone just because he or she was using a VPN.
3. Can streaming services detect VPNs?
Yes, they can. Netflix and BBC iPlayer VPN geo-blocking systems are pretty advanced, capable of detecting most VPN providers. Even a VPN that can unblock your favorite streaming platform today won’t necessarily manage that tomorrow.
4. Why the available content differs across the countries?
Netflix blames the differences in copyright laws. Also, the rights holders for each movie or show can limit the showing rights to as many countries as they want.
This means that sometimes a streaming platform is forced to comply, and the users get different content libraries for their country and are banned from accessing other libraries.
5. Is it possible to unblock streaming services with a free VPN?
Most of the time, it's impossible, but you can still try. Find more on this in the section below.
Are there any good free VPNs for streaming?
The answer is, unfortunately, no. Netflix, Hulu, and other content providers are actively trying to block access from countries where making all those movies and TV shows legally available is a tough nut to crack.
Even paid VPNs have trouble providing a good streaming experience. So if a free service manages to unblock Netflix and other platforms, it often runs into the connectivity issues. As free servers are often overloaded, getting enough downloading speed is tricky. And we're not talking about 4K video – even an HD stream might prove to be more than a free VPN can handle.
Popular VPNs that aren't good for streaming
1. TunnelBear
TunnelBear is a good VPN with a limited free version, but it no longer unblocks Netflix or other streaming platforms. Its servers in the US, Canada, Australia, and the UK will get you nowhere near your favorite shows.
2. Private Internet Access (PIA)
While Private Internet Access is a highly popular and highly-rated VPN provider, it officially said "No" to unblocking streaming services, Netflix included. While you might find some success when trying multiple servers, don't expect to stay lucky for long with PIA.
3. IPVanish
IPVanish is another provider that no longer promotes itself as an option for streaming fans. This means that Netflix and other platforms will block the majority of its servers. And our tests show as much.
4. TorGuard VPN
Even though TorGuard VPN is among the best VPN services you'll ever find, streaming with it is possible only if you buy a dedicated IP address. Without one, finding a server that still unblocks Netflix will require an iron will.
5. Mullvad VPN
Known for its privacy credentials and solid P2P performance, Mullvad VPN is also among the worst services for Netflix and other content platforms. That's mostly because they use their own servers and have just a bunch of IPs that get blacklisted easily.
