The Best VPNs for Streaming in 2025

In my review of ExpressVPN, I found that it combines fast speeds and reliable unblocking, making it the best VPN for streaming. While most major VPNs have implemented the WireGuard protocol, ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol, Lightway, has even fewer lines of code which is reflected in its impressive performance. I found speeds to be highly consistent regardless of whether I was connecting to servers in New York, London, or Tokyo. All in all, you’ll find some 3,000 servers in 105 countries.

With ExpressVPN, I was able to access multiple Netflix libraries including the U.S. and UK. It also successfully unblocked Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and ITVX. ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature lets you stream on devices including your smart TV or PlayStation or Xbox console. This no-logs VPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, allows up to eight simultaneous connections per account, and has arguably the best 24/7 support of any VPN.

I thought NordVPN was already great when I reviewed it, but the service recently expanded its network to 7,000+ servers in 118 countries. Some 2,000 of these servers are located in the U.S. across well over a dozen cities. As such, it’s one of the best VPNs for streaming U.S.-based services including HBO Max, Hulu, Netflix US, and YouTube TV. NordVPN’s NordLynx protocol is built on WireGuard and has proven to be highly consistent for streaming. For the same reason, it also topped our list of the best VPNs for gaming.

The Smart DNS feature of NordVPN is another reason why it works with so many different streaming platforms. With a subscription, you can connect 10 devices at once – more than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. You can get a Dedicated IP address for countries including the US (prices vary by subscription level), evading blacklisting. NordVPN is bursting with security features including Threat Protection, which blocks ads, trackers, and malicious sites.

I’ve found that Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for Netflix, accessing more Netflix libraries than most VPNs. This includes Netflix US, UK, Australia, and Japan to name a few. This ability to sidestep strict geo-blocking coupled with some of the fastest speeds of any VPN on the market makes it a particularly good value (especially with a two-year subscription, which comes out to its lowest monthly rate). Better still, it works well when streaming BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Hulu.

Unlike many VPNs, Surfshark doesn’t impose a limit on how many devices you can connect simultaneously. You’ll have 3,000 servers to choose from across 100 countries, including 22 U.S. cities. If you are in the U.S., chances are you’ll find a nearby server for a fast connection for streaming in high resolution. A no-logs provider, Surfshark offers a wealth of security features, including MultiHop servers (for two layers of encryption) and antivirus protection.

CyberGhost provides dedicated streaming servers optimized for specific platforms, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. It ranks among the best VPNs for Disney+ for this very reason. Of course, it helps that CyberGhost has one of the largest server networks of any VPN, covering 100 countries. This includes a particularly heavy presence in the U.S. (11 cities,), which is particularly useful if you need to access a U.S. streaming platform or game server.

The consistency of CyberGhost is thanks to its use of the WireGuard protocol. High-speed connections allow for smooth, interruption-free streaming. A dedicated IP costs just $2.50 a month and is a great way to bypass blacklisting. If you don’t want your ISP and other snoopers seeing what you’re streaming, know that CyberGhost uses high-end encryption. This was one of the first VPNs to introduce transparency reports, detailing data requests received by authorities.

Proton VPN is vastly underrated as a streaming VPN. Its use of the WireGuard protocol and VPN accelerator feature help make it one of the fastest VPNs around, period. It doesn’t hurt that it has a huge network of 9,000 servers in 117 countries, making it easy to sidestep geo-blocking when traveling overseas. Proton VPN offers impressive unblocking too, working with Netflix, Hulu, and ITVX. That’s not bad for a VPN with a heavier focus on security.

With Proton VPN, you can connect up to 10 devices at once. It offers numerous extra features, including an ad blocker and Secure Core servers for an extra layer of encryption. Many VPNs operate no-logs policies yet still keep non-identifying connection logs, but this isn’t the case for Proton VPN. Its transparent no-logs policy has been independently audited. It’s one of only a small number of VPNs that accepts payment in cash, potentially allowing for anonymous signup if you go about it the right way.

Since I’ve reviewed IPVanish, it has made huge improvements over the years, putting it comfortably among the best VPNs for streaming. Its network has been expanded to 2,400+ servers. Some 1,400 of these servers are in the U.S. in over 20 cities. As such, IPVanish is highly suitable for streaming; I was able to access the likes of Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu in testing. You shouldn’t have to contend with lag or buffering either because IPVanish speeds are consistently fast.

Another thing I like about IPVanish as a streaming VPN is that it’s easy to find a suitable server because each server’s ping and load is displayed in the apps. It has unlimited simultaneous connections with all devices benefitting from encryption for a secure streaming experience. IPVanish has introduced a number of intriguing new features to its lineup, including a secure browser, cloud protection, and Double Hop (Double VPN) servers.

Disclosure: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, IGN's parent company.

PrivateVPN is a lesser-known provider but that may be to its advantage because it seemingly flies under the radar of popular streaming sites. Although it only offers a small network of a little over 200 servers, these servers cover over 60 countries. What’s more, you’ll find servers in 12 U.S. cities and three cities in Canada. PrivateVPN rarely has trouble bypassing the restrictions surrounding streaming platforms such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, or ITVX.

The respectable speeds PrivateVPN provides are more than sufficient for high-resolution streaming. Getting set up and connected is simple thanks to PrivateVPN’s beginner-friendly apps and excellent customer support. Free remote help and installation is available to make things even easier. PrivateVPN has a genuine no-logs policy and uses 256-bit AES encryption for anonymous online streaming, although it's lighter on features than rivals.

How We Picked the Best VPNs for Streaming

Netflix recommends a minimum of 15Mbps for 4K streaming which means that all of the best VPNs for streaming listed are more than fast enough. So while speed is important, it’s far from the only factor to consider when choosing a VPN:

• Content unblocking: The ability to bypass restrictions of popular streaming services including Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Prime Video.
• Server locations: Servers across dozens of countries worldwide (with an emphasis on countries such as the U.S. and UK) for navigating content restrictions.
• Fast speeds: High-speed connections and unlimited bandwidth so you can stream in the highest resolution without suffering low resolution, lag-filled streams.
• Strong security: Secures your streaming and browsing with strong encryption (256-bit AES or ChaCha20) as well as DNS leak protection.
• Strict no-logs policy: Absolutely no identifying logs such as your browsing history or the content you’re streaming.
• Live chat support: Live chat and email support so you can find out which server works best with specific streaming platforms.

Keep in mind that VPN speeds can fluctuate. Influencing factors include your baseline speed, the current VPN server load, and the distance data has to travel between the VPN server and your location. Likewise, a VPN’s ability to access a streaming platform can change without warning. There’s a constant battle between VPNs and streaming services. It’s just that some VPNs are on the winning side more often than others.

Best VPN for Streaming FAQs

Will a VPN slow my streaming speed?

A VPN usually slows your connection because it encrypts your internet traffic and routes it to the VPN server before sending it to its destination. However, the difference needn’t be noticeable. The best VPNs for streaming offer fast VPN protocols such as WireGuard, unlimited bandwidth, and plenty of low load servers, so you can stream lag- and buffer-free.

Sometimes, a VPN may even improve your streaming speeds if your ISP is throttling your bandwidth. That’s because the VPN hides your traffic so that your ISP can’t see what you’re doing online (and won’t throttle your streaming as a result).

Why isn’t my VPN working with Netflix?

If you can’t access Netflix with your new streaming VPN, don’t panic. Not all VPN IP addresses work with Netflix, so try multiple servers – there can be some trial and error involved. Be sure to clear your cookies between each attempt. This helps Netflix forget your previous IP address. Finally, your VPN’s support may be able to provide further guidance such as specific servers that are likely to work best.

Can I use a free VPN for streaming?

Most free VPNs impose data caps and throttle bandwidth, which is far from ideal if you want to use them for streaming. They also tend to offer very few servers and locations and are less reliable for bypassing blocks. Not to mention the fact that free VPNs can lack strong encryption and may even keep logs of your activity to be sold to third parties. Besides, you can try the best VPNs for streaming risk-free anyway thanks to generous money-back guarantees.

Mark Gill is a freelance VPN writer for IGN, bringing over five years of dedicated experience from Comparitech, where he delves deep into the intricacies of VPNs. When he’s not testing VPNs, Mark is an avid gamer with a soft spot for the Sega Mega Drive, reliving the classics for a dose of nostalgia.