One does get tired with time after watching a lot of the local content online, and the need to explore content from various new regions has become the latest fashion. To access that foreign content, one needs the tool of a VPN. The tech of VPN not only helps you unblock foreign content but also allows you to watch live streamings of sports, events, and broadcasts. And while this is all happening, you get an additional layer of security as you are under the umbrella of a Virtual Private Network.
Here are some of the best VPNs for Streaming you can install on your devices in 2021.
Best VPN for Streaming
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most accessible VPNs out there. It will allow you to access all kinds of streaming sites.
Get NordVPN Read The ReviewExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the most reliable, easiest, and fastest VPN for streaming videos and Disney Plus Original Films/Movies.
Get ExpressVPN Read The ReviewSurfsharkVPN
Its apps are easy to use, and it will block almost everything with its Shadowsocks technology.
Get Surfshark Read The ReviewProtonVPN
Proton VPN has a very strict no-data logging policy as it comes from a country with very strict privacy laws.
Get ProtonVPN Read The ReviewHotSpot Shield
HotSpot Shield is one of the best VPNs to help you defeat ISP throttling.
Get HotSpot Shield Read The ReviewVPN or Virtual Private Network bypass all types of restrictions set by governments or even websites themselves as per the licensing agreements with the content available on their website.
For instance, the Netflix US libraries cannot be accessed in the UK, and the Netflix UK libraries cannot be accessed in the US. Also, streaming websites like BBC iPlayer cannot be accessed in the USA or anywhere outside the UK per se.
However, the technology of VPN has solved this query effectively and can help you access all of that streaming content from anywhere in the world.
User’s Guide of Buying a Streaming VPN
The majority of the users use a VPN to unblock the libraries of Netflix to watch their favourite shows and series. However, several other streaming websites like Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Kodi, etc., are also blocked in significant regions of the world, and people want to access the content of those websites.
Although many VPNs claim that they can unblock Netflix, many fail to do so and not only do they fail in unblocking Netflix, they also get themselves banned or blacklisted during the process. For instance, take Avast Secureline VPN. Avast VPN is blacklisted by Netflix, and it is unable to gain access to Netflix. Websites like Netflix have powerful algorithms whose primary purpose is to detect and block VPNs in addition to the accounts via which the access is being granted. Only a few VPNs successfully give their users access to Netflix, and we have listed those VPNs for your down below.
Another significant factor that must be kept in mind while getting the best VPN for streaming websites is to check whether the speed delivered by that particular VPN is fast and can establish fast connections. If the connections are not immediate or reliable, then you’ll experience lagging and buffering during your whole streaming experience.
Moreover, check that your chosen VPN has a high server count. If the number of servers is low or the distribution of those servers is not done strategically, you won’t be able to gain access to restricted content that easily.
Lastly, the most prominent factor in getting a VPN is its security to its clients. So, go through the security & privacy list of features, and see if they make any kind of sense for your online protection purposes.
1. NordVPN
Overview
NordVPN has a massive network of servers spread worldwide strategically for the sole purpose of unlocking region-locked content. Also, it has the most vigorous no-logging policy out of all the VPNs.
Specifications
- Onion over VPN
- IP servers (dedicated)
- Kill Switch
- Obfuscated Servers
- Double VPN
- No-Logs
- CyberSec
- Server filters
Free Trail?
Generally No!
NordVPN does not have a FREE Trial.
Benefits
- Fast, quick, & swift connections. Offers dedicated Onion servers.
- Strong no-logging policy.
- Budget friendly.
- Advanced security features work in coherence.
Drawbacks
- A few servers might cause lagging sometimes
The SmartPlay technology used by NordVPN is specified for streaming as it is a secure proxy service whose main agenda is to bypass the geo-restrictions set by streaming websites. This feature’s functioning is pretty impressive as it reroutes your traffic automatically through an appropriate remote server strategically placed by NordVPN.
You can use NordVPN to unblock streaming services like Disney Plus, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Kodi, Amazon Prime Video, etc. As mentioned earlier, streaming websites do not let anyone access their content that is easily against their website’s policies. That’s why NordVPN gives you tremendous support on their site for the sole purpose of guiding you to access that blocked content with ease.
NordVPN has excellent speeds and establishes connections quickly and swiftly. This means that you’ll have a lag-free experience without any kinds of interruptions while you are streaming your favourite shows. Even though the consensus is this, VPN slows down your internet connection, but that’s not the case with NordVPN.
NordVPN offers 5,400+ servers in over 62+ countries. This vast network of servers promises you that you’ll not have a problem with connection breakdown or slow servers.
Moreover, NordVPN has its jurisdictions set in Panama, and we all know that the Panamanian laws are pretty strict regarding internet privacy and the protection of the citizens. The same rules are abided by NordVPN, and the benefit of all of those laws are implied upon all of the customers of NordVPN.
The feature of Double VPN integrated by NordVPN in their applications makes your traffic go from two different servers and encrypts your streaming traffic twice to make it impossible for anyone to decrypt that information/data over the internet.
The Kill Switch feature also works great during the performance of the VPN, as this feature will cut off your internet connection once the VPN connection drops or gets cut off for some reason. This closes all the loopholes that the hackers can use to take advantage of your dropped VPN connection.
The encryption of NordVPN is done by various security protocols ranging from WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2, and their very own NordLynx security protocol. In addition to those VPN protocols, they use 256-bit encryption to cipher your internet traffic. You can also use their dedicated IP address features along with their Onion over VPN or Tor VPN.
NordVPN offers applications on all the major platforms like iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, and Linux. You can also set up NordVPN extensions on Chrome and Firefox.
2. ExpressVPN
Overview
ExpressVPN kills two birds with one stone, i.e., it delivers excellent privacy & security while unblocking all types of geo-restricted content.
Specifications
- Defeat ISP Throttling
- Lower Pings Levels
- Lagging Prevention
- Split Tunneling
- TrustedServer Technology
- Kill Switch (Network Locked)
- Private DNS
- AES-256 bit Encryption
- Zero-Logs Policy
- Public WiFi Safety
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- Network Lock Kill Switch
- Advanced Leak Protection
Free Trail?
Yes!
Start your ExpressVPN journey with a 30-Day money-back Guarantee. Start your ExpressVPN journey with a 30-Day money-back Guarantee.
Benefits
- Reliable connections.
- Unblocks geo-restricted content with ease.
- Own Onion Site.
- Security & privacy features are robust
Drawbacks
- It’s a bit costly.
App Available on
ExpressVPN effectively unblocks all types of streaming websites like Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Kodi, BBC iPlayer, etc. You can even unlock Netflix libraries of various regions. ExpressVPN has defined and listed all the regions libraries of which it can give access to its users.
Moreover, ExpressVPN makes it easy to watch TV shows, sports streams, and even twitch streams. It has speedy servers which are dedicated for the sole purpose of streaming videos online. You can even visit their support site, which offers a 24/7 live chat support staff who can help you optimize your ExpressVPN application according to your needs.
Right now, ExpressVPN has almost 3,000+ servers spread across 94+ countries of the world. You can use these servers to access those websites which cannot be accessed from your original location. The speed scenarios are consistent, reliable, and swift. The connections are strong, and you will not face that many amounts of variations while being online.
Coming to the security offered by ExpressVPN, it has:
- Kill Switch
- Lithway Protocol (wolfSSL)
- OpenVPN
- L2TP
- IKEv2
- PPTP
- 256-bit AES Encryption
- Leak Protection of DNS & IP Address
- Zero-Logging
The Kill Switch functionality of ExpressVPN works brilliantly. Suppose you are online and watching your favourite shows on Netflix, and suddenly your VPN connection breaks down somehow. You will be exposed, and hackers or trackers will get the opportunity to track you down and take advantage of your switched off VPN shield; this is where the Kill Switch comes into action. The Kill Switch will turn off your internet connection at once, i.e., it will instantly take you out of the line of fire.
Other than the features list, ExpressVPN comes optimized with a wide range of VPN security protocols, and you can choose any one of them manually based on your needs or requirements. It also features a complete zero-logging policy, where none of your data is collected, kept, or stored by the VPN company.
Additionally, ExpressVPN proposes a complete DNS and IP leak protection for its customers, thus ensuring a full protective shield of online privacy and security.
ExpressVPN is currently available on all the major platforms like Linux, Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac. Even though it is a bit pricey, it does deliver a robust security system for your online privacy needs and unblocking requirements.
3. Surfshark VPN
Overview
Surfshark VPN is a feature-packed VPN that offers unlimited simultaneous connections while unblocking all types of streaming websites. It also maintains the highest standards of security while performing.
Specifications
- Beats ISP Throttling
- Zero-logging policy
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections.
- DNS and IP leak protection
- CleanWeb
- OpenVPN & IKEv2 security protocol
- WireGuard protocol
- AES-256 bit encryption
Free Trail?
Benefits
- Complete anonymity.
- Massive list of security & privacy features.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Multi-hop features work great.
- Fast
- Cheap (affordable)
Drawbacks
- Privacy policy could be stronger
- It is only available on mobile
- You need to turn the virtual private network on every time you open the app in free mode
In our detailed review on Surfshark VPN, we have already discussed that this VPN efficiently unblocks Netflix, Disney Plus, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Kodi, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc. So, the fact of the matter is this, Surfshark VPN is a top contender VPN for the best VPN for streaming list.
Surfshark VPN has been on every list we have compiled so far and has always been able to take one of the top three positions on our Best VPN lists. It’s affordable, fast, and secure. It’s excellent for a value for money VPN, without a doubt.
Furthermore, you can utilize the unlimited connections feature of Surfshark VPN to cover your Chromecast, Roku, Apple TV, iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Smart TV, Gaming Consoles, and all other devices of that type. This means that you can cover up all your home, business environment and even set up the neighbours devices if it stirs your gravy.
The user interface of Surfshark is user friendly, and one can easily navigate through the entire app without facing a problem or issue of any kind. It has a great support site that offers 24/7 support for its customers and has detailed guides on setting up your VPN on all of the devices you want to.
Surfshark VPN is offering a wide range of applications for all types of consumers. Some of the powerful platforms include Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android.
4. ProtonVPN
Overview
ProtonVPN is simply a streaming VPN that can unblock all types of streaming sites like Netflix and is also equally effective in delivering security & protection.
Specifications
- All apps of ProtonVPN are open source.
- Strict No-Logging policy (Switzerland Jurisdiction).
- Adblocker (NetShield).
- AES-256 bit encryption.
- Forward secrecy.
- OpenVPN Protocol
- IKEv2 Protocol
- L2TP Protocol
- PPTP Protocol
- DNS Leak prevention.
- Tor over VPN.
- Kill Switch is Always-On
Free Trail?
No! BUt Free Version is available
Benefits
- A robust VPN for unlocking region-locked content.
- Leak protection.
- Privacy policy is air tight.
- No-logs.
- Speeds are great
Drawbacks
- Customer support only happens via Email.
- Configuration is complex.
- P2P is limited.
ProtonVPN is one of those VPNs that also offers a free version. However, the accessible version of ProtonVPN will not that effectively unblock streaming sites. You see, free VPNs have their flaws and can cause you inconvenience in meeting up with your demands. So, one should always go for a paid VPN of the highest quality so that you will not have to compromise on your requirements.
Further, ProtonVPN offers unlimited data bandwidth, which means that you can binge-watch your favourite shows all day long on streaming sites like Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Kodi, BBC iPlayer, etc.
ProtonVPN effectively unblocks all of the sites mentioned earlier by bypassing restrictions and unlocking their libraries of various regions. It is optimized to break down all types of defences set up by websites and governments.
The support site of ProtonVPN does not have live chat support. However, you will find beneficial literature on several things relating to setting up your VPN on different platforms, configuration issues, and other DIYs.
ProtonVPN is offering applications on Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Mac. You can also set it up on your routers and give access to all your home devices.
5. Hotspot Shield
Overview
Hotspot Shield is known for its great uploading and downloading speeds, hiding third-party trackers, and helps in the P2P file transfer scenario.
Specifications
- Military-Grade Encryption (AES-256 & AES-128).
- Hydra VPN Protocol.
- Unlimited Bandwidth.
- Premium VPN Servers.
- Ad-Free.
- Malware Protection.
- Privacy Browsing.
- No-Logs.
- Kill Switch.
Benefits
- Speedy & reliable.
- Unblocks streaming websites with ease.
- Lag free streaming of videos, and smooth P2P file transfer.
- The privacy and security features are great.
Drawbacks
- Doesn’t work with LinuxOS or with routers.
- Support can improve themselves
Hotspot Shield uses its own made Catapult Hydra protocol, which is optimized to deliver you incredible speeds from anywhere in the world. Hotspot Shield has 1,800+ servers in 80+ countries, and their sole purpose is to offer you increased uploading and downloading speeds while fulfilling your streaming and downloading needs.
It is one of the only VPNs in the market which can deliver you a 4K streaming experience while unblocking various websites like Netflix, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc. Also, Hotspot Shield will get you access to region-locked content without any problem or hurdle. Although, the accessible version of Hotspot Shield offers limited bandwidth; and you can forget about binge-watching your favourite shows on any of the streaming websites.
Hotspot Shield offers live chat support to its customers and is very helpful for people looking to customize their Hotspot Shield application following their requirements. All of its applications are easy to set up and are easy to navigate.
Hotspot Shield is currently offering applications on iOS, Linux, Android, Windows, and Mac. You can also set it up on your Chrome, Router, or Smart TVs.
Final Say
To put it simply, if you are a streamer head who loves to watch videos online on websites like Netflix and will go to the depths of the internet to access those shows, movies, and series which are otherwise not available in your region, then going for a VPN will make your life easier than you can imagine.
Just by turning a switch On and Off, you can get over the restrictions and gain access to your favourite streaming websites. So, take a look at the above best-streaming VPNs, and select that VPN that meets your needs.
Comparison Chart - The Best VPN Services
Servers | Location of Servers (Countries) | No-logs | Kill Switch | Unlimited Bandwidth | Jurisdiction | Simultaneous Connections | Encryption | Free Trial | Pricing | |
NordVPN | 5,400 | 62 | Panama | 6 | AES-256-GCM | $4.92/month (1-Year) | ||||
ExpressVPN | 3,000+ | 94 | The British Virgin Islands | 5 | AES-256 | $4.92/month (1-Year) | ||||
SurfSharkVPN | 3200 | 65+ | The British Virgin Islands | Unlimited | AES-256 | $2.49/month (1-year) | ||||
PureVPN | 6,500 | 140 | Hong Kong | 10 | AES-256 | $4.00/month to $24.00/month(1-Year) | ||||
AtlasVPN | 700+ | 27+ | Delaware, USA | Unlimited | AES-256 | Free Version | $4.99/month(1-Year) | |||
ProtonVPN | 1,246 | 55 | Switzerland | 4-10 | AES-256 | Free Version | $4.00/month to $24.00/month(1-Year) | |||
VPNUnlimited | 500+ | 80 | NewYork, USA | 5-10 | AES-256 | $4.99/month(1-Year) | ||||
CyberGhost | 6,000 | 88 | Romania | 1-7 | AES-256 | $3.99/month(1-Year) | ||||
HotspotShield | 1,800 | 80 | United States | 5 | AES-256 | $7.99/month to $11.99/month(1-Year) |