Best VPNs for IPTV streaming in 2024

Most IPTV services do not come with built-in VPNs, and it is up to the users to set up their own VPNs for better security and access. Although you can stream IPTVs without a VPN, you might miss out on geo-blocked content and put your cybersecurity at risk.

A VPN can help you access IPTV location-restricted content and expand your viewing library significantly. By changing your IP address and encrypting your web traffic, a VPN hides your internet activity from your ISP. This comes very handy if you knowingly or unknowingly access pirated content hosted on IPTV channels. A VPN can also stop ISP throttling and actually enhance your internet speeds.

So, if you want to add a VPN to your IPTV streaming arsenal, here are my Top 5 IPTV VPNs. I personally tested 23 VPNs by installing IPTV on my computer to identify the best options that not only unblock IPTV content but also offer robust security features and ease of installation.

Continue reading to discover how to use a VPN with IPTV and find out which VPN is the most suitable for your streaming needs.

Best IPTV VPN: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   Overall best IPTV VPN with excellent unblocking capabilities
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Best VPN for IPTV streaming on any device
   9.5
3. PrivateVPN

   Cheap VPN for streaming IPTV lag-free
   8.7
4. Proton VPN

   Private and speedy VPN for IPTV
   8.6
5. IPVanish

   Reliable IPTV VPN with unlimited connections
   8.4

What are the risks of using IPTV?

IPTV is not illegal in US, but its legality depends on the source of the content being streamed. Legitimate IPTV services have proper licensing agreements to distribute content, making them legal to use. However, many unofficial IPTV providers stream copyrighted material without permission, which is illegal. Streaming illegitimate IPTV channels might put you at risk of fines for copyright law infringement. To avoid these risks, it's essential to choose licensed IPTV providers or use a VPN to protect your privacy if you accidentally access unauthorized content.

A VPN hides your web traffic from your ISP and changes your IP address, allowing you to access IPTV from any location. By masking your IP, a VPN also protects against hacking attempts, ensuring your streaming activity remains private and secure. Additionally, VPNs are excellent at unblocking geo-restricted content which is really important for IPTV streaming.

IPTV providers can sometimes detect that you’re using a VPN service and block you from using their channels. To avoid such an inconvenience, you should always choose a respectable VPN service provider, such as NordVPN or Surfshark, as both of them are very capable of circumventing attempted IPTV blocks. And, since most of the IPTV channels are based in the US, you should connect to a server located there. Luckily, my top VPN choices have plenty of those in the US.

Best VPNs for IPTV: detailed overview

1. NordVPN - best IPTV VPN in 2024
2. Surfshark - fastest VPN for IPTV uninterupted streaming
3. PrivateVPN - cheapest VPN for streaming IPTV anywhere
4. Proton VPN - secure IPTV VPN with a vast server fleet
5. IPVanish - budget-friendly VPN that works with IPTV

I tested 23 different VPNs to find the best-suited VPN services for IPTV streaming. Only the ones that proved to be the best at unblocking geo-restricted content, have reliable server fleets, manage to keep excellent speeds for streaming, and were easy to install made it onto my list of the best IPTV VPNs.

1. NordVPN – best IPTV VPN with the fastest protocol for streaming

NordVPN is the best VPN for IPTV due to its fast speeds, extensive server network, and strong security features. It allows users to bypass geo-restrictions, ensuring smooth and unrestricted access to IPTV content from around the world.

With NordVPN, you can enjoy IPTV streaming in uninterrupted HD quality thanks to its impressive 10 Mbps connection speeds. I connected to a server in New York, and to my surprise, the speed retention rates were up to 92% which is an extremely good number for streaming or any other activity.

Besides the superior speeds, NordVPN boasts a massive network of 7000 servers in 118 countries. 2000+ of those servers are located in the US which is an important feat for a great IPTV streaming experience. Let me remind you that most of the IPTV providers are located in the US and that’s why it is important to have enough US servers to choose from to unlock the location restricted content.

NordVPN excels as an IPTV VPN by effectively bypassing geo-restrictions, allowing access to popular IPTV platforms like Sling TV, Yeah! TV, and Smart IPTV. Additionally, you can stream major services such as Netflix, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer without any issues.

Beyond its excellent unblocking capabilities, NordVPN offers top-notch security features. This IPTV VPN includes a kill switch that disconnects your internet if the VPN connection fails, ensuring your ISP can’t see your online activities. Another great perk is the Threat Protection Pro feature that blocks malicious websites and ads, while the Dedicated IP offers a personal VPN-guarded IP address just for you.

Setting up NordVPN for IPTV streaming is straightforward. Simply download the app to your streaming device, install it, connect to a server, and start streaming. I had no trouble setting it up on devices like Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and even a router.

You can get all of this plus excellent cybersecurity features like a kill switch, Threat Protection Pro, and Dedicated IP for $2.99/month. You can also try out this service with a 7-day free trial or use the 30-day money-back guarantee if you need it.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – fastest VPN for IPTV with unlimited connections

Surfshark is the best IPTV VPN, supporting an unlimited number of devices and easily bypassing ISP throttling and content restrictions. Furthermore, Surfshark is based on one of the fastest WireGuard protocol around; I was able to get 10 Mbps download speeds every time I connected to the service. Because of this, I seamlessly streamed shows and movies on IPTV in no less than HD quality because of its incredible 86% speed retention rate.

As for the server fleet, Surfshark has over 3200 in 100. It’s a good thing, too, that 600+ of them are located in the US. And, with this many US-based servers to choose from, I had absolutely no trouble unblocking the geo-restricted content on my chosen IPTV service providers. Surfshark successfully unblocked the US Netflix library, Prime Video, and Hulu. Besides these popular streaming platforms, Surfshark granted me access to Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Smart IPTV, too.

Surfshark is user-friendly and perfect for IPTV streaming, as you only have to install the app onto the device you want to stream on. Although it worked great for me when I tried it, if you find your Surfshark app not working with your IPTV, first try connecting to a different server. If that does not do the trick, uninstall and reinstall the IPTV application while the VPN is running. Lastly, check if Surfshark is running on the default protocol. If not - change it back, and it should solve the problem.

You can start streaming geo-blocked content and enjoy the next level of cybersecurity with Surfshark for just $2.19/month. If you’d like, you can also try out the service with a 7-day free trial or use the 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. PrivateVPN – VPN for IPTV with specialized servers for streaming

Private VPN is a pretty versatile VPN for IPTV streaming that combines speed and security. While testing it, I got stable 8 Mbps download speeds, which allowed me to enjoy my streams without buffering or lagging. And while Private VPN has a smaller fleet of 200 in 63, I had no issues finding available US servers and connecting to my chosen IPTV service providers.

Private VPN easily unblocked Netflix and Prime Video, and worked perfectly fine with streaming service providers such as Sling TV, Smart IPTV, and Yeah! TV. And while the connection speeds were a bit slower compared to NordVPN and Surfshark, I still had a great time watching my preferred shows. After all, its 70% speed retention rates are more than enough for seamless streaming.

PrivateVPN is very simple to use for IPTV streaming as I only had to download the app, install it, and start streaming. Besides the ease of use and great speeds, PrivateVPN also comes with industry-standard AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and is based on the reliable OpenVPN protocol. All of these features mask your web traffic from your ISP and make your network hacker-proof. You can get PrivateVPN for $2.00/month. Alternatively, you can try out the 7-day free trial first or exercise the 30-day money-back guarantee if you need it.

For a deeper investigation of PrivateVPN, read our PrivateVPN review.

4. Proton VPN – reliable IPTV VPN with global server fleet

Proton VPN is a good VPN for IPTV choice for those who’d take cybersecurity over streaming speeds any day. I got around 6 Mbps every time I connected and that made the loading times longer and I had an occasional lag when streaming. Despite that, Proton VPN has an excellent cybersecurity feature set.

Proton VPN has an impressively sized fleet of 9200 in 110. 5 of those servers are located in the US which is especially important since most IPTV service providers are based there, too. As for Proton VPN security features, it has the industry standard AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, a strict third-party audited no-logs policy, and is based on the WireGuard protocol. To make up for its slightly slower download speeds, Proton VPN has the VPN Accelerator feature, which can make your IPTV streaming experience more pleasant and less prone to hiccups. Proton VPN has a speed retention rate of about 85%, plus the VPN Accelerators boosts it an additional 2-3%.

As for the simplicity of use, I found Proton VPN pretty intuitive and straightforward with no issues installing and running it. Once I connected to my chosen server, I was able to bypass geo-restrictions and successfully unlocked Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. As for the IPTV service providers, I tried YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Smart IPTV and was able to successfully stream on each of them.

You can get the services of this Swiss-based IPTV VPN for $3.59/month. While Proton VPN does not offer a free trial of its premium service, you can still try it out with the 30-day money-back guarantee it provides.

For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

5. IPVanish – affordable VPN for safely streaming IPTV restricted content

If you’re looking for an affordable IPTV VPN that offers unlimited connections, IPVanish is a great choice. Although it’s not as fast as NordVPN or Surfshark and has a smaller server fleet of 2200 in 51 it still pleasantly surprised me with 6 Mbps download speeds every time I connected.

Back to the server fleet for a moment. Out of its servers 2200, a bunch is located across 20 US cities, which is quite enough for accessing and unblocking IPTV service providers that are based in the US. And if you’re wondering whether its security features match the top providers on this list, you can rest assured that IPVanish comes with AES-256 encryption and a kill switch. The WireGuard protocol used by IPVanish makes it a well-performing, speedy service, too. It kept a solid 80% speed retention rate when I tested it, which is a truly great number for any VPN.

IPVanish is simple to use for IPTV streaming. However, while the process of downloading-installing-streaming is the same as with the other providers, I found it to be a bit less intuitive. That said, it wasn’t a huge vibe killer for me.

If you want to try out IPVanish and enjoy its unlimited connections, you can get it right for $2.19/month. You can also try it out with a 7-day free trial before committing, or use its 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of IPVanish, read our IPVanish review.

Comparison of the best IPTV VPNs

To summarize and to make the choice for you a little easier, we’ve highlighted the top benefits of each VPN.

Tips on choosing the best VPN for IPTV streaming

Not every VPN is cut equally - while some are excellent for IPTV streaming, others might excel at different tasks. Here’s my go-to checklist for finding the best VPN for IPTV streaming:

• Choose a premium VPN for reliable streaming. Premium VPNs will have better speeds and performance and will allow you to stream your content in HD quality without lagging or buffering. Premium services are also much safer than free IPTV VPNs since they do not monetize your data in any way. Lastly, premium VPNs have way more reliable servers for you to choose from, and good quality servers are very important for IPTV streaming.
• Ensure your VPN offers strong protection. A VPN should, first and foremost, protect your data from leaks and hacks, provide you with a secure IP alternative, and mask your web traffic. That applies to using a VPN for IPTV streaming, too, as any streaming puts you at risk of data breach. So, look for strong encryption, like AES-256, and proven protocols such as WireGuard or OpenVPN.
• Look for additional features. To make your VPN service purchase truly worthwhile, look for ones that come with handy features like ad and tracker block. This feature blocks all of the annoying ads you might encounter and safeguard you from accidentally loading malicious websites.
• Check reviews to find a well-trusted VPN. Look for a VPN service that’s well-reviewed and has a good track record of satisfied customers. Look up for this info in customer reviews or on review pages. Additionally, a VPN that has been audited by a third-party is always a safe and reliable choice.

I always base my choices on these features. It has proved to me time and again to work wonders in helping me choose the best VPN for any particular use.

Get NordVPN for IPTV streaming

How to use VPN with IPTV?

IPTV VPN setup is fairly simple and requires just a couple of steps to actually get your chosen VPN to work with IPTV. Here’s what you should do:

1. Select a trustworthy VPN. I recommend NordVPN as it has proven to be the best choice for this task during my tests.
2. Download and install the app. Make sure you install the app on the device through which you’ll be accessing and streaming IPTV.
3. Log in and connect to a server. Choose a server in the same country where your preferred IPTV service provider is located. This way, you’ll be able to unblock any geo-restricted content.
4. Start streaming and enjoy your IPTV with a fast and secure connection.

How to add VPN to IPTV Smarters?

IPV Smarters is an IPTV streaming app for all iOS and Android devices, including Amazon Firestick and Android TV devices. Since it’s a third-party app, I strongly recommend using a VPN for all Smart IPTV activities, just to be safe. The easiest way to combine an IPTV and VPN is to simply download the NordVPN or Surfshark app and run it while streaming, but if you’d like to get a VPN service within the IPTV Smarters app, here are the steps:

1. Download VPN configuration files. You can find these files on your provider’s webpage. In NordVPN’s case, you can download them here.
2. Prepare the files. Here, you should first unzip them and then move the server configuration files to your Android or Fire Stick device storage.
3. Open the IPTV Smarters app. Launch your app and tap on the “Connect VPN” option.
4. Add a VPN certificate by clicking on the “Add certificate” section.
5. Import configuration file to the app. Under the “Add certificate” option, mark “File.” Then, click “Browse” and navigate to the place you put your unzipped configuration files. Select your file and press “Import.”
6. Connect to VPN. Tap on the imported server file and enter your VPN username and password. Tap “Save” and then “Connect.”
7. Check if you have successfully connected. If you’re connected to a VPN, you’ll see a green circle or the word “Connected” next to the IPTV Smarters app top menu selections.

This is quite a complicated way to get a VPN directly to your IPTV Smarters app. If you feel like this is a bit too advanced for you, you can simply install a VPN app to your streaming device and use it that way.

Stream IPTV with #1 VPN

Why is IPTV not working with VPN?

As with any tech, some issues might happen, and one of them is IPT not working properly with VPN. Here are some of the most common reasons why it might be happening and how to fix it:

• Blocked server IP addresses. Chances are, your chosen IPTV service provider has blocked some VPN IP addresses. If that’s the case, simply connect to a different server, and you should be all set.
• Browser cookies expose your real location. If you do not clear cookies from your browser often enough, they could leak your true location, rendering a VPN ineffective. Clear your cookies or use incognito browsing mode to fix the issue.
• Misconfigured VPN settings. There might be some misconfiguration in your VPN app settings. If that’s the case, simply resetting them back to default should solve the issue.
• VPN is incapable of passing geo-restriction. Not all VPNs are able to break through the elaborate safety nets IPTV providers might use to guard their content. That’s why I recommend using providers like NordVPN or Surfshark, because they have all the latest tech to bypass all content location restrictions.
• Your chosen VPN is in the wrong location. Sometimes the problem is as simple as this. In this case, check if your chosen VPN server is based in the same location as your IPTV provider. If not, choose the nearest possible available server.

If nothing works or you’d like to have personalized assistance, you can always reach out to your VPN provider's customer service. I found the 24/7 live chat available for all NordVPN customers to be particularly helpful whenever I had any questions.

Video review: best VPNs for IPTV and how to ensure they work

Top 5 legal IPTV providers in USA

There are hundreds of IPTVs available for streaming, but how to know which one of them is the most trusted IPTV provider? I did all the digging for you and compiled this list of the Top 5 legal IPT providers in the USA. All of them are licensed, safe, and simple to use, and here’s what they offer:

1. PrimeSalto

PrimeSalto is one of the most popular IPTV service providers in the US. It has 23,500 channels in its library, so you are sure to find something that you like. Another bonus is that you can catch up with your favorite movies and shows whenever you like. And if there are too many things to watch and too little time for it, you can use the multi-display feature that allows you to watch several channels at once on a single screen.

You can try out PrimeSalto with a paid 24-hour trial for $3.99 or just get a one-year subscription for $64.99 right away.

2. DigitLizard IPTV

DigitaLizards offers around 20,000 live TV channels, which also means you get more than 80,000 movies and TV shows on demand whenever you stream. You can enjoy your content in full HD or 4K quality with anti-freeze technology. DigitaLizard is also fully licensed and legal.

You can try this service with a free 24-hour trial or get a yearly subscription for $45.

3. TyphoonLabs TV

TyphonnLabs TV has a great lineup of English TV channels, international cinema, live sports, and more - over 20,000 live TV channels in total. One of the bonuses you get with TyphoonLabs TV is the ability to stream on multiple devices without any additional fees. It is a legal and licensed service, trusted by many users.

You can try TyphoonLabs TV with a 30-day free trail, while yearly subscription will set you back at $55.99. However, subscription payments are only available via PayPal.

4. IPTV USA

IPTV USA is another fully licensed and well-trusted IPTV service provider. It offers over 50,000 live tv channels over 80,000 video-on-demand in HD, FHD, and 4K qualities. This provider has the biggest live tv channel selection out of all the competition.

IPTV USA offers a free 24-hour trial, and if you like it, you can get it for $70 a year.

5. XCodes IPTV

At number five, I have XCodes IPTV which might be the best choice if you’re into live sports as it has the most available sports channels out of the ones I checked. In total, it offers over 20,000 live TV channels and another 40,000 on-demand videos. Another thing making XCode TV great for live sports is the pay-per-view option if you only want to check out a particular event.

XCode IPTV offers a paid 24-hour trial for $3.00, and if you want to get it for a year, it’ll cost you $75.

Conclusion

Most IPTVs do not have a built-in VPN and you will need to install it separately. You should always use a VPN for IPTV streaming to unlock geo-restricted content and stream it from wherever you are. In addition to unblocking content, a VPN gives you a security shield for you data by masking your real location with a different IP, obscuring your data traffic from your ISP, and guarding your network from any hacking attempt, leaks, and snooping.

I found NordVPN to be the best VPN for IPTV streaming as it gave me unparalleled download speeds and was capable of unblocking any location-restricted content that I tried. Furthermore, NordVPN is built on the NordLynx protocol which proved the service to be lightning-fast for streaming in 4K and safe as houses. Its advanced privacy features kept my data safe, so I could simply connect and relax knowing that my cybersecurity is well-taken care of while I stream.

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FAQ

Do IPTV have VPN built in?

No, most IPTV service providers do not come with a built-in VPN. However, you can solve it easily by downloading NordVPN or Surfshark VPN and installing the app on your device. A reliable VPN helps bypass geo-blocks, allowing you to enjoy IPTV no matter your location.

Is it okay to use IPTV without VPN?

No, using IPTV without VPN can be risky. While streaming legal IPTV service providers might be relatively safe, you might also encounter unlicensed providers. Streaming them with your own IP can lead to legal trouble. Additionally, safeguarding your network with a VPN is always a good idea.

Do you need a VPN for IPTV on Firestick?

No, you don’t need to have a VPN to stream IPTV on Firestick. However, I highly advise you to install it anyway to ensure your connection is safe from snooping and data leaks.

What is the best VPN for IPTV streaming?

NordVPN is the best VPN for IPTV streaming. It has incredible download speeds, reliable performance, and all the security features of a premium VPN.

Can I use a free VPN for IPTV?

I don’t recommend using a free VPN for IPTV. You can always try using a free VPN for IPTV streaming; however, free VPNs are usually unsafe and monetize on your data. Additionally, you don’t have a lot of servers to choose from and download speeds are usually insufficient for streaming. Instead, you could try one of the premium VPN services with a free trial and see if that wouldn’t be a better option for you.

What country should I set my VPN to for IPTV?

You should set your VPN to the same country your IPTV service provider is located. This way, you’ll be able to unblock any geo-restricted content. Since most of the IPTV providers are based in the US, it’s very likely you’ll need to connect to a server located there, too.

What is the best VPN protocol for IPTV?

WireGuard and NordLynx are the best protocols for IPTV. Both are much faster compared to others (like OpenVPN) and will allow you to stream your content in HD or 4K quality.

Will a VPN stop my IPTV from buffering?

Yes, VPN can stop your IPTV from buffering. Because you’re using an alternative IP with a VPN, your ISP is less likely to throttle your speeds. Alternatively, some VPNs have the VPN Accelerator feature which makes the connections smoother and faster.

Which IPTV is legal in US?

The top 5 legal IPTV providers in the US are PrimeSalto, DigitaLizard, Typhoon Lab TV, IPTV USA, and XCodes IPTV. All of these providers are fully licensed and well-trusted by users.