The 10 Best VPNs for Streaming Online and Abroad in 2023

The best VPN for streaming will have strong unblocking capabilities and allow you to access geo-blocked streaming platforms like Netflix, iPlayer, and Prime Video without buffering or lags. At the same time, it will mask your IP address so you are shielded, and your online activities can’t be traced back to you.

With so many options on the market, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to zero in on the perfect streaming VPN, however. We’ve compared dozens of providers across aspects like speed, unblocking capabilities, security features, and value for money to create this guide to the 10 best VPNs for streaming for you. Read on and find out why ExpressVPN, PureVPN, and IvacyVPN are the best in the business.

The Top 10 Best Streaming VPNs Ranked

Here’s a quick round-up of our top picks, where we’ve highlighted their unique offerings:

1. ExpressVPN – Overall, the best VPN service for streaming with servers in a massive 160 individual locations. It unblocks absolutely everything, is super easy to use, and customer support is class-leading.
2. PureVPN – Popular value-for-money streaming VPN with over 6,500 servers in a whopping 100 countries. We love that it comes with parental controls, top-notch ad-blocking, and dedicated servers for streaming.
3. IvacyVPN – Hands down the cheapest VPN for streaming, with plans priced at a mere $1 per month. It unblocks everything with ease and comes with a streaming mode, plus a free-forever plan equipped with unblocking capabilities.
4. NordVPN – The best VPN for unblocking Netflix libraries, including hard-to-crack locations like Japan. In addition to extra security features like Double VPN and Onion Over VPN, there’s also a built-in antivirus, even with the most basic plan.
5. Surfshark – Highly recommended streaming VPN for those who want to share a VPN with their friends, family, and then some. Comes with unlimited simultaneous connections, class-leading speeds, and one of the most pocket-friendly price tags.
6. CyberGhost – Affordable VPN for streaming TV and sports events with over 9,000 servers under its belt. An excellent server sorting system to pinpoint the best servers for streaming – the perfect offering for binge-watch enthusiasts.
7. PrivadoVPN – The best free VPN for streaming with the ability to bypass geo-restrictions at no charge at all. Speeds are near-best-in-class, while paid plans give the best, cheapest VPNs a run for their money.
8. ProtonVPN – A top draw for privacy purists, thanks to its Secure Core servers and adherence to strict Swiss privacy laws. Besides being a super cheap monthly VPN, its VPN Accelerator deserves a pat on the back for delivering minimal latency.
9. IPVanish – Great budget all-purpose VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections and peak speeds of over 950 Mbps. Sorting servers by ping and load is super easy, and it unblocks every major sports streaming channel under the sun.
10. VyprVPN – Superb pick for those who don’t want to deal with hefty price jumps on renewal. Its proprietary Chameleon protocol, in tandem with over 300,000 IP addresses, provides you with unrivaled anonymity while accessing foreign streaming platforms.

Do You Need a VPN for Streaming?

Using a VPN for streaming can be a game-changer, especially if you’re a dedicated binge-watcher. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) also adds an extra layer of security to your online activities and opens up a whole new world of content.

If you’re looking for more shows, enhanced privacy, and unrestricted access to content, a VPN can be the streaming assistant you didn’t know you needed.

What Makes a Good Streaming VPN?

A good streaming VPN should offer excellent unblocking power, speed, and robust security features and offer value for money.

Here are some factors that make a good streaming VPN:

• Protocols: A good streaming VPN should support modern and secure VPN protocols such as OpenVPN and WireGuard, ensuring state-of-the-art data encryption and protection.
• Speeds: High-speed servers are crucial for seamless streaming without buffering. Look for a VPN with a reputation for fast and stable connections. A few great options include ExpressVPN, PureVPN, and NordVPN.
• Server Count and Distribution: A broad network of servers spread around the world will allow you to access content from multiple regions, making it easier to bypass geo-restrictions.
• Unblocking Capabilities: An effective streaming VPN should reliably bypass geo-blocks on popular platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney Plus, and more.
• Additional Features: Features like kill switches, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling for enhanced online privacy are added bonuses – unrestricted streaming may be your primary use case, but it shouldn’t come at the cost of your security.
• No-Logs Policy: A trustworthy streaming VPN should have a strict no-logs policy in place as proof that it’ll keep your online activities private. For our guide, we prioritized providers that have undergone independent security audits by third parties.
• Customer Support: Responsive and friendly customer support is essential if you encounter issues while streaming. Having 24/7 live chat or prompt email ticketing system is preferable.
• Torrenting Support: If you plan on downloading movies and episodes and using the VPN for torrenting, make sure it allows P2P (Peer-to-Peer) traffic and has servers optimized for torrent downloads.

Comparison of the Top 10 VPN Streaming Solutions

The table below outlines the most important differences between the top VPNs for TV streaming, allowing you to single out the best one for your needs:

Reviews of the Best VPN Services for Streaming

We’ll now dive into our detailed reviews of the top 10 VPNs for streaming, including their best features, pricing, and pros and cons. Buckle up.

1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for Streaming According to Reddit Users, with Servers in 160 Locations

ExpressVPN is the best VPN service overall and the best streaming VPN we’ve tested. It was able to consistently unblock every major streaming platform with ease, including Netflix, Prime Video, iPlayer, Hulu, and even 9Now and 10Play from Australia.

This is possible because of ExpressVPN’s 3,200+ servers in 105 countries. What’s even better is that it boasts the highest number of individual server locations on our list, with servers in 160 locations around the world, so no matter where you are, you’ll be able to bypass geo-restrictions.

It’s not just the US and Europe where ExpressVPN leads the charts for server locations, either. With 26 Asia-Pacific locations on offer, it’s great for K-drama and Asian content fans as well.

ExpressVPN is one of the very few providers to specify the services it’s able to unblock on its website, showing commitment from the provider.

The platform also comes with a MediaStreamer tool, which masks your real location and to access restricted content on devices that don’t natively support a VPN connection, including video game consoles and smart TVs.

Another reason ExpressVPN is at the #1 spot is its usability and wide device compatibility. There are tailor-made ExpressVPN apps for Android, iOS, macOS, and even Chromebooks and routers. Getting started is as simple as installing the app and clicking on the on/off button right at the center of the home screen.

Plus, there are loads of online tutorials, and there’s super friendly customer support that will help you should you run into any issues, including being unable to unblock a streaming service.

We were also impressed by the intuitiveness of ExpressVPN’s auto-connect feature, which established a VPN connection within seconds every time we booted our device. This will make sure you’re able to stream your favorite content from the get-go without having to waste time setting up the VPN.

2. PureVPN – Affordable VPN with 6,500 Servers in 100 Countries and Parental Controls

PureVPN eclipses most of the competition thanks to its 6,500 servers – over 2,000 of which are optimized for streaming – and unrivaled unblocking prowess. What’s more, all of this is at a much more affordable price than competitors like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and even Proton VPN offer.

The value for money is simply insane, and that’s why you’ll find PureVPN featured at the top of our guide on the best, cheapest VPN providers.

In addition to unblocking absolutely everything under the sun, including Disney Plus, Prime Video, Hulu, 9Now, 10Play, and Netflix US, UK, Australia, Canada, and more, PureVPN blew us away with its advanced security offerings.

These include a native password manager and end-to-end file encryption, available for just $1 more than the most basic plan.

On setting PureVPN to use the WireGuard connection, it was able to hit speeds of over 640 Mbps, which is on par with Express’s 750 Mbps and is more than enough to stream your favorite TV shows, movies, and sports events in the highest quality.

The experience is further boosted by PureVPN’s excellent bandwidth management – it doesn’t let background apps needlessly consume bandwidth while you’re running a streaming platform.

The provider also sets itself apart from the rest by offering parental controls on streaming. You can use its Web Filter to restrict your kids from accessing inappropriate content, for example.

Its ad blocker service is on par with industry juggernauts like ExpressVPN and Surfshark and keeps annoying ads and pop-ups at bay, providing you with a smooth browsing and streaming experience.

While it’s not open-source, PureVPN is very reliable and trustworthy, thanks to its Always-on Audit feature, which means that the VPN can be inspected by anyone at any time without prior notice. This offers assurance that the product works exactly as it’s described.

3. IvacyVPN – Cheapest VPN for Streaming, Priced at $1 Per Month 

IvacyVPN is, without a doubt, the cheapest streaming VPN you can get your hands on in the industry right now. It’s astonishingly cheap, with a price tag of just $1 per month on its 5-year plan.

If that sounds like too long a commitment for you, you’ll be delighted to hear that IvacyVPN is also the cheapest monthly subscription out there, and you can get it for as little as $9.95 per month – with almost every other provider asking for upwards of $12 for a month-to-month subscription.

IvacyVPN is an absolute workhorse when it comes to unblocking streaming sites. From pretty much every Netflix library to Aussie platforms like 10Play and everything in between, there’s not a service strong enough to stop IvacyVPN from getting through its geo-blocks.

Much of its power comes from its vast network of servers. It has more than 5,700 servers in 100 countries, so it doesn’t really matter where you are or what content you wish to watch – you’ll always find a fast, super-secure server where you need it.

IvacyVPN is also close to the top of the list for speed, with connections that are 25 times more than you need to stream content in 4K and Ultra HD.

The good news keeps coming as IvacyVPN offers a dedicated streaming mode, which will help you zero in on the best servers for streaming for your location, time, and streaming platform.

If that isn’t reason enough to give IvacyVPN a try, how about the fact that it also comes with a free-forever plan, which even includes unblocking capabilities?

The only catch here is that the free plan will limit you to speeds of 35 Mbps, so if you’re someone who hates buffering, IvacyVPN’s super cheap paid subscriptions will serve you better.

4. NordVPN – Best VPN for Unblocking Netflix Libraries, with Built-In Antivirus

NordVPN is simply the best Netflix VPN, thanks to its unreal ability to unblock every Netflix library without breaking a sweat. In addition to popular Netflix locations like the US and UK, you’ll also have easy access to Netflix Japan, Australia, and more, providing you with a much larger spectrum of content to enjoy.

Beyond Netflix, sites like Disney Plus, Prime Video, Hulu, iPlayer, and more work as you’d expect, and we were able to stream everything without any delays or lags.

What adds to the experience is NordVPN’s proprietary NordLynx protocol, which is able to reach speeds of over 950 Mbps. This makes NordVPN the fastest VPN provider in the industry, eliminating speed-related issues, including ISP throttling – when your Internet Service Provider intentionally limits your connection speeds.

What’s more, NordVPN has more servers than rivals ExpressVPN and Surfshark, and with 5,500 servers in 60 countries, a smooth-sailing streaming experience is just a click away.

Besides being a top draw for streaming, NordVPN is a superb choice for privacy purists, as it comes with a few advanced security features when compared to its peers. One of those is Double VPN, wherein the provider routes your internet traffic through two NordVPN servers instead of one, meaning your data is encrypted twice.

Unlike other VPNs, NordVPN’s desktop and mobile interface experiences are slightly different. While the neat map-style interface is a joy to use on an iPad, Mac, and Windows, the same becomes a little clunky to operate on smaller screens such as those of mobile phones, and a simple list of servers in the latter would have fared better.

However, NordVPN’s streaming is still pretty plug-and-play, so there’s hardly anything to complain about.

5. Surfshark – Affordable, Lightning-Fast VPN with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

Surfshark is hands down the best VPN for international streaming for those with lots of devices to cover, such as large families and traveling groups. You’ll be able to share your VPN account with as many devices as you want, and that too, for under $2.50 per month.

As one of the cheapest VPN services and only one of the two on our list to offer unlimited simultaneous connections, Surfshark makes it possible to stream with your friends and family members, all of whom will enjoy Surfshark’s class-leading unblocking capabilities.

Effortlessly unblock streaming websites like Netflix, iPlayer, Prime Video, YouTube, Hulu, and the rest of the lot.

The value for money is top-notch, and the power under the hood makes it even better. For starters, Surfshark is on par with NordVPN as the fastest VPN service. With peak speeds of over 950 Mbps, you can rest assured that your binge-watch sessions won’t be plagued with lags or buffering issues in the slightest.

Such high speeds also make it possible for you to download content within seconds, so in case you plan on traveling to far-off regions with a weak internet connection, speedy offline downloads with Surfshark will help you meet your streaming needs without any fuss.

Next, Surfshark’s GPS spoofing feature is a sight to behold. It allows you to bypass streaming services that ask for your location by masking your real location and displaying one for your chosen VPN server’s location.

The only slight pain point of the service is that it no longer rolls out any updates for its app on Windows 7, 8, and 8.1. In practice, this won’t be a real issue for most users, given that Windows 10 has pretty much become the baseline for all Windows OS devices.

6. CyberGhost – Best VPN for Streaming Sports, with Over 9,000 Servers and an Excellent Server Sorting System

CyberGhost is a Romania-based provider with dedicated servers for gaming, torrenting, and streaming, which is proof of its commitment to providing its users with a seamless experience. In total, there are over 9,000 servers in 100 countries – a powerful combination that’s tough to find anywhere else.

Also, the list of platforms it claims to unblock and has therefore mentioned on its website is staggeringly long.

There’s your usual Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, 9Now, and 10Play, but we were pleasantly surprised to find it lives up to its claims to unblock streaming platforms like Sonyliv and Sky Sport, making it possibly the best VPN for those who want to stream sports events from around the world.

With the highest number of servers, including streaming-optimized servers, you’re probably wondering whether we could have placed CyberGhost a little higher up on our list. Unfortunately, it failed to unblock Disney Plus in our last round of testing, missing out on a clean sweep of streaming platforms.

A plus point is that you’ll have a neatly presented interface to work with, and sorting servers based on their distance and load will allow you to zero in on the best server at that particular moment.

The best part is that CyberGhost gives you recommended locations for different streaming services, so connecting to a good server for streaming is simple.

A slight downside to the service is its seven simultaneous connections, which is a little disappointing in an industry where ten has become the norm.

However, with a price tag of just a few ticks over $2, there’s plenty of value on offer, and three months of extra protection for free, along with a 45-day money-back guarantee (the longest in the industry), make the deal even sweeter.

7. PrivadoVPN – Best VPN for Video Streaming for Free, with 12 Free Server Locations

PrivadoVPN is the best free streaming VPN and one of the very few services whose free version comes with unblocking capabilities – Proton VPN does not. Also, unlike Proton VPN’s free plan, which comes with access to just 3 locations, you can select any one from PrivadoVPN’s 12 free server locations for buffer-free streaming.

These locations include the US, UK, Canada, Germany, and the Netherlands. All in all, you won’t be short of connection options if you want to stream content in Europe and South America, and the only real miss is an Asian location, which is certainly available with PrivadoVPN’s paid subscription.

Speaking of the paid plans, the service is one of the cheapest you’ll find, and a price tag of just $1.99 per month is as tempting as it can get. It’s worth noting that we recommend opting for a paid plan once you’ve had a good run with the free one and are certain of a commitment.

That’s because the free plan, regardless of its unblocking might, comes with just 10 GB of data per month, which may not be enough for an avid streamer.

You can rest assured you won’t be short-changed, as peak speeds getting around the toughest of geo-restrictions is a walk in the park for PrivadoVPN and at speeds of over 880 Mbps. We tried it first-hand and were able to access US and UK Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, Prime Video, 9Now, and more.

However, it couldn’t quite establish itself as an out-and-out powerhouse for unblocking, as sites like Disney Plus and Japan, Australia, and Canada Netflix libraries successfully blocked it. For the most part, though, and especially for those who want to stream American and British content, it’s a solid and affordable choice.

The 400-ish servers could use a little cranking up, but it’s impressive that the server network is spread across 46 countries. Also, the ten simultaneous connections is a great feature and beats top providers like NordVPN and CyberGhost, who are quite stingy in this department.

8. Proton VPN – Superb for Privacy Purists Thanks to Secure Core Servers and Swiss Privacy Laws

Proton VPN is widely regarded as one of the most secure VPNs on the market. As it’s based out of Switzerland, it neatly adheres to some of the strictest user data privacy laws.

Plus, its Secure Core servers that route your internet traffic through ultra-secure servers in either Sweden, Iceland, or Switzerland before establishing a connection with what was your original location of choice add to your overall security.

With that said, Proton VPN’s unblocking capabilities are right up there with the very best. You’ll be able to evade blocks placed by pretty much every streaming site there is, including Netflix Japan and Australia, 9Now, Disney Plus, and the UK’s BBC iPlayer – that’s a clean sweep of streaming servers.

The network is continually expanding, and it now boasts over 3,200 servers – increasing from under 2,000 just over a year ago. It’s also toe-to-toe with ExpressVPN, thanks to its Always-on VPN feature, which ensure you’re connected to a VPN server 24/7, without any effort from your end.

Also, if you’re a Linux user, you’ll be better off with Proton VPN than, say, ExpressVPN, as the latter doesn’t offer a graphical user interface (GUI) on Linux installations.

It consistently clocked over 500 Mbps, and while that’s not hitting it out of the park, a proprietary VPN Accelerator technology ensures that all Proton VPN servers are at full tilt at all times, eliminating any chances of lags and buffering.

At $4.99 per month, it’s not the cheapest around, but a free plan, which comes with access to three server locations, unlimited bandwidth, and zero ads, takes the sting out of Proton’s price tag. Proton VPN’s free version doesn’t come with unblocking capabilities, though, which are only available with PrivadoVPN.

9. IPVanish – All-Purpose VPN with Excellent Speeds and Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

IPVanish is a superb all-purpose VPN, which is excellent on multiple fronts, including streaming. While it doesn’t get past every streaming service, you’ll have access to the most prominent Netflix regions, Prime Video, iPlayer, Hulu, and more.

The biggest selling point of IPVanish as a streaming VPN is its ability to unblock every important sports event there is, whether that’s the NFL, Champions League, IPL (Cricket), Tennis Grand Slams, or F1 races.

But there are even more reasons to like IPVanish. First, it comes with unlimited simultaneous connections, as we’ve discussed in our full IPVanish review. This means that a single IPVanish subscription will be ample for any number of users you want to share your account with.

Second, speeds are lightning-fast and on par with the fastest in the business – Surfshark and NordVPN. Here, too, you’ll enjoy peak speeds of over 950 Mbps, which, coupled with a pocket-friendly price of just $2.99 a month, is an excellent deal.

Like CyberGhost, IPVanish, too, boasts an excellent server filtering system, and while it doesn’t recommend servers to you, you’ll be able to quickly sort servers by ping, load, country, and favorites in just a few clicks.

IPVanish has been offering 2,200-odd servers in 50 countries for a long time now, and it’s about time it pumps up those numbers, especially if it wants to compete with industry leaders like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Proton VPN.

The only significant miss that may have you looking at other services on our list is Disney Plus. Other than that, IPVanish holds up quite nicely, and it’s a force to reckon with as far as streaming sports events is concerned.

10. VyprVPN – Proprietary VPN Protocol for Excellent Obfuscation and No Renewal Hikes

VyprVPN is able to bypass VPN blocks with ease, courtesy of its proprietary Chameleon protocol that comes loaded with excellent VPN obfuscation protection.

This simply means that it hides the fact that you’re using a VPN, even though you are, and allows you to access websites that would have otherwise restricted incoming VPN traffic.

VyprVPN does well to get past Disney Plus, which has been throwing up a few issues for a lot of other providers, including CyberGhost, PrivadoVPN, and IPVanish, so full marks there. Other supported services include Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more.

What’s more, speeds at 420 Mbps aren’t class-leading, but they’re just about enough to serve the purpose. Also, while its 700+ servers don’t seem like a lot, they’re nicely spread out in as many as 94 locations, and that’s a huge reason why VyprVPN boasts fantastic unblocking capabilities.

Another reason why VyprVPN punches above its weight as far as support for streaming is concerned is its 300,000 IP addresses. They do a fantastic job at anonymizing you on the internet and getting around the most stringent blocks.

A slight downside is that it doesn’t quite challenge US Netflix’s geo-blocks, so if you just can’t do without that, we’d recommend you consider opting for one of our top providers.

On the plus side, though, VyprVPN is the only VPN on our list not to impose renewal hikes. Yes, it’s a tad expensive to get started with, but if you’re looking for a VPN for the long term and you don’t want to worry about canceling on time to avoid the hefty price jumps, VyprVPN is a terrific pick.

What is the Best VPN Protocol for Streaming?

WireGuard is hands down the best VPN protocol for streaming movies, TV shows, sports events, and more.

It’s the fastest VPN protocol by a significant margin. While OpenVPN speeds are around the 200 Mbps mark, using NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN on a WireGuard connection will give you speeds of around 950 Mbps.

What’s even better is that the speeds remain consistent, resulting in a seamless experience while streaming. WireGuard is extremely stable, and you won’t face any jitters even if you’re switching from a WiFi network to cellular data or vice versa.

With WireGuard, it’ll take you less than a second to connect to a VPN server – and providers like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Proton VPN also come with an auto-connect feature, so it’s even faster.

Beginners will love how simple it is to set up and use WireGuard. Unlike OpenVPN or IKEv2/IPSec, you won’t be bombarded with customization options or complex setup processes.

Here’s a table highlighting the differences between the most popular VPN protocols:

Proprietary VPN Protocols for Streaming

Is WireGuard the best you can get as a VPN user? There are also two more protocols worth your attention – ExpressVPN’s Lightway and NordVPN’s NordLynx.

NordLynx is possibly the fastest of the lot – and NordVPN is officially the fastest VPN on the market right now.

It’s also pretty solid, security-wise, given that it makes use of the ChaCha20 encryption technology and the Double NAT system to assign dynamic IP addresses to its users. This makes it near-impossible for anyone to trace your online activities back to you.

On the other hand, Lightway is more secure than WireGuard because it supports both UDP and TCP. TCP will amp up your security in places like airports and corporate offices when you connect to public WiFi networks.

On paper, Lightway isn’t as quick as NordLynx or WireGuard, but, speeds of 630 Mbps are still around 25 times more than you need to stream 4K or Ultra HD content. Lightway is also the easiest to audit since it only features 2,000 lines of code, compared to WireGuard and NordLynx’s 4,000.

To conclude, WireGuard is good, NordLynx is better, and Lightway is the best. Speeds aren’t going to be an issue with Lightway, as you’ll be connected in less than a second, security is top-notch, and there are few VPNs better than ExpressVPN when it comes to sorting out any issues you may run into.

What is the Best Free VPN for Streaming?

While Proton VPN Free comes with just three server locations, PrivadoVPN’s free plan will give you as many as 12 locations, which include the US, UK, Germany, and Canada, all of which are considered hubs for good international content.

It’s worth noting that IvacyVPN, too, comes with a free-forever plan loaded with excellent unblocking capabilities. However, speeds are limited to just 35 Mbps – you’ll enjoy peak speeds of over 880 Mbps on PrivadoVPN’s free version.

However, if a free VPN for streaming sounds too good to be true, it probably is. For instance, PrivadoVPN’s free plan comes with just 10 GB of data per month, which won’t last for more than a few hours of streaming. For an average or avid streamer, 10 GB per month simply won’t do.

That’s why paid VPN subscriptions are far superior. Not only do they come with state-of-the-art unblocking capabilities, but they’re also more secure, reliable, and loaded with extra security features, such as ad and pop-up blockers, data breach alerts, support for multiple protocols, and more.

Another huge advantage of paid VPN plans is that they allow you to log in so you can stream on multiple devices at the same time. Every free VPN service will limit you to a single device, which is a major hurdle.

Last but not least, most paid plans won’t break the bank. All our providers are fairly cheap, and you can get started for as little as $1 per month. Additionally, all of them come with either a free trial or a month-long money-back guarantee, allowing you to try a service out without putting any money on the line.

How to Choose the Best VPN for Streaming TV and Sports?

With the abundance of VPN services available, making an informed choice that aligns with your streaming needs is essential. We’ll break down the core aspects that will help you find the VPN best suited for enhancing your streaming experience:

Lightning-Fast Speeds

Streaming HD content or live sports events demands a consistent and swift internet connection, so buffering and lags are minimal.

Therefore, choose a VPN with a proven track record of providing exceptional speeds. This entails a network of servers optimized for streaming, low latency, and minimal throttling.

Testing the VPN’s speed on your own connection can be beneficial, as it ensures that your chosen service will deliver a smooth and uninterrupted streaming experience, even for bandwidth-intensive sports events or 4K content.

Evading Geoblocks

Geo-blocks are restrictions on content by streaming services (sometimes, it’s the government that places these restrictions) to limit access based on the user’s geographical location.

You’ll want a VPN that effectively bypasses these restrictions so you’re able to enjoy a wider range of TV shows, movies, and sports events, particularly those outside your physical location.

Opt for a VPN with a large server network and a strong track record of unblocking popular platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, 9Now, iPlayer, Disney Plus, and more. You’ll find that almost every VPN provider on our list has tons of servers in 100+ locations worldwide.

Countries & Servers

A diverse server network with servers strategically located in various countries is vital for accessing geo-restricted content. The more servers a VPN has, the better your chances of seamlessly unblocking content worldwide.

Make sure that the VPN you choose provides servers in the countries where your favorite streaming services are based. For instance, if you want to watch the Cricket World Cup, you’ll have to select a VPN that successfully unblocks Disney Plus.

A wider server distribution can also lead to faster streaming, as it reduces server congestion and provides options to select the server with the lowest latency, optimizing your viewing experience.

Trial Length and Price

Many reputable VPN providers offer trial periods or money-back guarantees, which allow you to test the service risk-free before committing.

A longer trial period is advantageous as it gives you more time to assess the VPN’s compatibility with your preferred streaming platforms, unblocking capabilities, and overall performance.

Furthermore, evaluating the price is crucial, as it should align with your budget while also providing the necessary features and server locations for streaming content worldwide.

Balancing affordability with robust features is the name of the game as far as choosing the ideal VPN for streaming TV and sports.

Compatibility and Simultaneous Connections

The VPN you choose must be compatible with the devices you use, whether that’s a gaming console, a smart TV, a desktop, a Linux device, or a mobile phone. Every single one of our chosen providers offers maximum compatibility, meaning you’ll be able to enjoy content on various screens.

Look for a VPN that offers multiple simultaneous connections on a single subscription. This feature is especially important for households or users who want to stream on multiple devices simultaneously without the hassle of disconnecting and reconnecting.

Services like Surfshark and IPVanish offer the flexibility to share your VPN account with an unlimited number of devices, making for a seamless and convenient streaming experience.

Security Features

A VPN’s primary use case is to anonymize you on the internet and keep you safe from the prying eyes of hackers, ISPs, and government entities.

Select a VPN with strong encryption methods, such as AES-256, as that will safeguard your data and online activities. Also, a strict no-logs policy (the VPN won’t store your browsing history or connection data) is non-negotiable.

A kill switch is crucial as well, as it prevents data leaks by shutting down your internet connection in case the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. DNS leak protection and split tunneling will also enhance your security and privacy while streaming, ensuring your personal information remains confidential.

Additional Features 

Extra features such as a dedicated IP address, which will give you stable and uninterrupted access to streaming services, can be deciding factors when out shopping for a streaming VPN.

Moreover, advanced security options like Double VPN or Multi-Hop, which route your connection through multiple servers for added anonymity, will provide an extra layer of privacy while streaming.

All our chosen VPNs also offer split tunneling, allowing you to route only a part of your total traffic through the VPN tunnel while leaving the rest to your regular internet connection.

This is a handy feature to have when you need to access local content alongside international streaming platforms. Finally, features like ad-blocking, malware protection, and built-in speed tests can enhance your streaming quality and overall online security.

Provider Reputation 

We’ve tried the tools hands-on alongside combing multiple review websites to choose only those VPN services that boast a solid and trustworthy reputation.

They offer consistent and reliable performance and adhere to a strict no-logs policy, safeguarding your privacy. They’re also less likely to suffer frequent server downtime, ensuring uninterrupted access to your favorite streaming content.

Additionally, we also considered a provider’s responsiveness to customer concerns and issues, which reflects their commitment to user satisfaction.

Providers like ExpressVPN, PureVPN, and NordVPN are at the top of the ladder as far as support is concerned. That said, all the others on our list also boast 24/7 support and in-depth knowledge hubs for lightning-fast troubleshooting.

Techopedia’s Top VPN Guides

Having helped you find the best VPN for TV streaming, it’s time we tell you about some more VPN guides on our network, which cater to specific use cases:

• The Best VPN Service Provider
• The Best VPN for iPhone
• The Best VPN for Android
• The Best VPN for Gaming
• The Best VPN for Torrenting
• The Fastest VPNs for Buffer-Free Streaming and Gaming

How to Use a VPN for Streaming?

Below is a step-by-step guide on how to set up and use a VPN for streaming. It’s worth noting that while we’ve used ExpressVPN in our example, the process is pretty similar, no matter what VPN you use.

Step 1. Sign Up and Get a Subscription

Sign up for an ExpressVPN account and select the plan best suited to your needs and budget. We recommend opting for the annual plan because it’s the best value for your money and comes with three months of extra protection for free.

Step 2. Download and Install the VPN Application

The ExpressVPN app you download will depend on your device type. Next, proceed with the installation, which involves just a few simple clicks.

Step 3. Select a Server That’s Suitable for Streaming 

Once you’ve launched the application and logged in, scroll through the list of servers and select one, depending on the streaming service you wish to access. For instance, if you want to unblock BBC iPlayer, connect to a server in the UK.

Step 4. Connect and Start Streaming

Tap on the big power button at the center, and in less than a second, you’ll be connected to a secure ExpressVPN server in the location of your choice.

Conclusion — What is the Best Streaming VPN to Use in 2023?

To make our VPN streaming guide as comprehensive as possible, we’ve taken care to include VPN providers for all needs and preferences.

Whether you’re looking for a premium VPN capable of unblocking every streaming site and keeping you safe online, an affordable yet value-packed solution, or the cheapest VPN for your streaming needs, you’ll find a service suitable for your use case on our list.

However, ExpressVPN is certainly the cream of the crop and the best all-purpose VPN in the industry. With servers in more than 160 locations worldwide, easy-to-use apps for every device type, unrivaled unblocking prowess, and class-leading security features, it performs excellently on every front.

Besides there being loads of customization options for tech experts, help for beginners is just a few seconds away, thanks to ExpressVPN’s friendly, 24/7 customer support.

What’s even better is that you’ll get three months of extra protection for free should you sign up for the 12-month plan. And a 30-day money-back guarantee is just the cherry on top, allowing you to try it out risk-free.

Streaming VPN FAQs