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A VPN can expand your streaming service horizons by letting you access content libraries from across the globe. Due to regional licensing agreements, streaming sites like Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, HBO Max and Hulu have unique content libraries that vary by region, so you could be restricted from accessing certain movies and shows you want to watch, depending on your location. But with a VPN, you can spoof your location and access those region-specific libraries from anywhere in the world. Changing your virtual location with a VPN can also help you cut through regional sports broadcast blackouts or possibly save you money on streaming subscriptions.
Jump to details Pros
Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus and other popular streaming services
Slick app for mobile, desktop, smart TVs and streaming devices
Easiest VPN to use on routers for streaming on devices without VPN support
Fast speeds for streaming
8.8/10CNET Score
NordVPN is currently the fastest VPN based on our latest speed tests (a mere 3% speed loss), making it an outstanding choice for streaming. All VPNs will slow your internet speeds somewhat, but we registered the lowest speed dips with NordVPN in our testing.
Cons
Extreme renewal prices
Clunky Apple TV app
Limited split tunneling control on Android
8.4/10CNET Score
If you want a VPN that’s free and still able to stream the US Netflix library, then Proton VPN is the ideal choice. Proton VPN is currently the only free VPN that CNET recommends — it’s secure, safe to use and doesn’t put any limits on speed or use. Technically, Proton VPN’s free servers across 10 countries aren’t optimized for streaming, but we still achieved sufficient speeds and were able to smoothly stream Netflix content through the VPN’s free US servers. With Proton VPN’s premium tier, you get access to 15,000-plus servers in 129 countries and excellent streaming performance across platforms.
Cons
No 24/7 live chat support
App design could be more user-friendly
Struggles with Disney Plus on MacOS
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ExpressVPN can unblock virtually any streaming service on any platform, helping it secure the top spot on our list of the best VPNS for streaming.
Screenshot by CNET
NordVPN is the fastest VPN for streaming, with superb reliability and broad device compatibility, including a Fire TV app. We measured a mere 3% speed loss in our latest speed tests with NordVPN, making it excellent for 4K video streaming. It also has a unique feature called Meshnet that you may be able to use to stream more easily while traveling.
Surfshark is the best value VPN for streaming. Its excellent speeds are great for streaming movies or shows in 4K. It also has apps for tons of streaming devices, including Apple TV, Fire TV and Android TV. You may be able to use Surfshark’s unique GPS spoofer feature on Android to unblock certain streaming services that use GPS for geo-location, like YouTube TV.
Proton VPN is the most versatile VPN for streaming. It offers a free plan that’s decent for streaming and doesn’t impose any limits on speeds or use. But Proton VPN’s premium tier is one of the best options for streaming, thanks to its fast speeds, excellent geo-unblocking capabilities and expansive global network of servers.
Best streaming VPNs compared
Here’s how CNET’s top VPNs for streaming stack up side by side.
ExpressVPN
NordVPN
Surfshark
Proton VPN
Overall rating
9
8.8
8.6
8.4
Price
$13 per month, $75 for the first year or $98 total for the first two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $100 annually)
$13 per month, $60 for the first year or $81 total for the first two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $140 annually)
$15.45 per month, $48 for the first year or $54 total for the first two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $99 annually)
$10 per month, $48 for the first year or $72 total for the first two years (one- and two-year plans renew at $84 annually)
Netflix compatibility
✔️
✔️
✔️
✔️
Disney+ compatibility
✔️
✔️
✔️
✔️
Max compatibility
✔️
✔️
✔️
✔️
Prime Video compatibility
✔️
✔️
✔️
✔️
Hulu compatibility
✔️
✔️
✔️
✔️
BBC iPlayer compatibility
✔️
✔️
✔️
✔️
Simultaneous connections
10
10
Unlimited
10
Why you should use a VPN for streaming
VPNs encrypt your internet traffic while routing it through a secure server in a different location. This hides your internet activity from your internet provider and changes your IP address to the location of the VPN server you’re connected to, which can make it look like your connection is originating from another city, state or even country. For instance, if you want to access your home Netflix library while traveling outside of the US, you can connect to a US-based VPN server and access the content as if you were at home. Alternatively, you’ll be able to access international content that is not normally available in your region. All you need to do is click or tap on the country location you want to stream content from in the VPN app and you’re good to go.
Choosing the right streaming VPN allows you to keep up with new releases and global streaming video content without being locked into one regional catalog. However, not all VPNs are equally capable when it comes to unblocking geographically restricted content. Many streaming services have systems in place to detect and block VPN use. We’ve rigorously tested a bevy of VPN services over the years, putting them through their paces to see how they perform with internet speeds, app usability, connection reliability, privacy and streaming.
When evaluating a VPN’s streaming capabilities, we test how smoothly the VPN is able to unblock regional streaming content from a wide variety of streaming services through various international server locations across different platforms like mobile, desktop and dedicated streaming devices. Based on that testing, we’ve designated ExpressVPN as our top pick for the best VPN for streaming, but NordVPN, Surfshark and Proton VPN are each worthy alternatives. Whether you want to stream NFL games or unblock content on Netflix or Hulu, a VPN for streaming has you covered.
Factors to consider in a VPN for streaming: How to choose the right VPN
Based on our years of experience using and testing VPNs, here’s what you should consider when choosing a VPN for streaming.
Streaming capabilities
Your VPN’s capacity to access streaming content is the top factor to consider in a VPN for streaming. If your VPN can’t help you access geo-restricted streaming content, it isn’t fit for this purpose. It’s also important to make sure that the VPN you choose works well for the specific streaming services you want to access. Think about the streaming services you want to watch, like Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Disney Plus, Hulu, Max, Netflix, Peacock, Sling and YouTube TV — then try your VPN with those services to see if it works. We’ve found that ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Proton VPN and Surfshark all work reliably with each of those streaming services across most platforms.
Keep in mind that a streaming service that works with a specific VPN today may not tomorrow (and vice versa). Sometimes a simple server switch can do the trick and get you access to the content you’re looking for. If not, you can alert your VPN’s support team to the issue and they may be able to get it resolved. Each of these VPNs will give you your money back within 30 days of purchase, so if it happens to not work as well as you want, you can get a refund. Check out the best VPNs for Amazon Prime Video and the best VPNs for Netflix for more information.
Speed
Your VPN’s speed performance plays a major role in the overall quality of your streaming experience. You’ll need a VPN that’s fast, especially if you’re streaming in 4K or if you’re accessing geo-blocked content from a region that’s a considerable distance from your physical location. Generally, you’ll need download speeds of 25Mbps at a bare minimum for 4K streaming, but you’ll want at least 50Mbps for reliable 4K streaming. You can get by with far less (10Mbps to 20Mbps) for HD streaming. All VPNs will slow your speeds somewhat (sometimes by 50% or more), but if your VPN is slowing your connection too much, you may end up experiencing a lot of buffering or lower-quality video playback. A fast streaming VPN will only reduce your download speeds minimally — ideally by 25% or less on average. As long as your connection is fast enough to begin with, the speed loss shouldn’t be noticeable.
Privacy
Regardless of what you’re using your VPN for, privacy is a key consideration for any VPN service. Your VPN should have privacy measures in place, like DNS leak protection, a kill switch, modern encryption protocols and a no-logs policy (ideally one that’s been audited or tested in the wild). A VPN that provides the necessary privacy protections will ensure that your internet activity is never leaked.
Network
A good VPN for streaming should have a network of servers in locations across the globe. If you’re looking to fully optimize your streaming and get access to the largest selection of streaming content, then you’ll probably want to choose a VPN with servers located in the largest number of countries. If you’re looking to access content from a specific region, you should check to ensure the VPN you want to use has servers in the region(s) you need. You can check the VPN’s server page on its website to see what countries it has servers in before purchasing a subscription. Most of our top picks feature thousands of servers in 100-plus countries. To unblock streaming content from a specific country, all you need to do is use the VPN app to connect to a server located in the country from which you want to stream content. For example, to access the US Netflix library, ensure you’re connected to a server in the US. Or if you want to access content on BBC iPlayer, connect to a UK server.
Device compatibility
You’ll also want to make sure that the streaming VPN you choose is compatible with the device on which you want to stream content, whether that’s a mobile device, laptop, smart TV or streaming device. Most VPNs are compatible with a wide range of devices, but it’s always a good idea to confirm that the service you’re considering will work with your device. Many VPNs have apps for Fire TV and Android TV that work on streaming devices or smart TVs, but not every provider has an Apple TV app yet. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, PIA and IPVanish are a few of the providers that do have Apple TV apps. (Disclosure: IPVanish is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.) You can use a VPN on your router if you want to use a VPN with devices like PlayStation 5 and Xbox consoles or Roku streaming devices that don’t support native VPN apps.
Router installation
It isn’t necessary to use a router to stream geo-blocked content with a VPN, but it can help if your smart TV or streaming device doesn’t natively support VPN apps. Also, with a VPN router setup, you can protect all of the devices on your network at once while using only one of your allotted simultaneous connections. Installing a VPN on a compatible router can sometimes be difficult and even risky if you try it yourself, so be sure you have the technical know-how to do so before proceeding. Alternatively, you can purchase a router with a VPN preinstalled from a company like FlashRouters. If you’re an ExpressVPN user, you can purchase the provider’s Aircove router or use its intuitive router app on your existing VPN-compatible router.
Cost
VPN prices can vary considerably from one provider to another. A monthly VPN subscription can range anywhere from about $5 to $15 per month. Longer-term VPN subscription plans often feature introductory pricing around $40 to $100 for the first year. But be aware that renewal prices can sometimes double or even quadruple — with VPN renewal pricing coming in anywhere from $50 to $150 or more per year after the introductory term. If you’re on a budget, take a look at our list of the best cheap VPNs. You can even use a VPN to save money on your streaming subscriptions because a VPN can help you access more global content without you having to subscribe to as many streaming services.
Sports streaming
If you’re a sports fan, you can use a VPN to avoid regional blackouts and stream sports from anywhere. To do so, just connect to a VPN server in a location where the sporting event is accessible online — whether it’s a specific US city, or a different country — and you should be able to stream all the sports you want. For instance, you can use a VPN to stream out-of-market NFL games or watch NFL matches while traveling abroad.
Best VPN for streaming in 2026
Cons
Expensive
No multihop connections
ExpressVPN is our pick for the best streaming VPN. It’s a top-notch VPN provider that demonstrates a steadfast commitment to privacy and transparency. It’s a safe choice for privacy-conscious VPN users, and also a fantastic option for casual users because it’s extremely simple to use, fast and excellent for streaming.
Why we like it for streaming
During our testing, we were able to access geo-restricted content from popular streaming sites like Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, HBO Max, Hulu and Netflix through various global server locations. Streaming quality was excellent across all devices we tested on, with no buffering or video quality issues, even when playing 4K videos. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously with ExpressVPN, which is on par with NordVPN and Proton VPN but fewer than Surfshark. If you need to connect more devices — or stream on smart TVs that don’t natively support VPN apps — ExpressVPN’s Aircove VPN router lets you bypass the company’s 10 device limit.
With ExpressVPN, you’ll get a simple interface and consistent user experience across platforms, making it an ideal choice for beginners. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire TV Stick and even a GUI app for Linux. You can make ExpressVPN work with smart TVs or devices that don’t offer native VPN apps using the provider’s own Aircove router with the VPN built right in. Alternatively, you can use ExpressVPN’s intuitive router app on a compatible third-party router for whole-network coverage. You’ll want fast speeds for streaming and other data-heavy activities like gaming and torrenting. ExpressVPN delivers — we lost only 18% of our base internet speeds in our latest round of speed testing with ExpressVPN. The company also continues to roll out new ways for users to boost their privacy online, most recently with its new email protection tool and privacy-focused AI platform.
ExpressVPN is a well-rounded VPN and one of the very best you can buy for streaming or practically any other use case. But the catch is that you’ll pay a premium. The monthly subscription plan costs $13 per month, which is pretty standard across the industry. You’ll pay $75 for the first year or $98 total for the first two years combined (the one- and two-year plans renew at $100 annually). That’s about on par with NordVPN and Surfshark, but more expensive than the value-packed Proton VPN. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available on all plans, so you can test ExpressVPN risk-free to see if it works well for your streaming needs before committing.
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Pros
Fast speeds for buffer-free streaming in 4K
Vast network of servers offers tons of global streaming options
Apps for all major platforms
Lots of privacy features
Get it now
Cons
Long-term subscription prices more than double upon renewal
Issues streaming Hulu on certain platforms
If you’re on a budget or you’re a Netflix user seeking to get the most out of your subscription, Surfshark is a good choice. It supports almost every device you can think of, including the Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV and Android TV streaming boxes. We found that Surfshark is more than capable of streaming content on various streaming services, like Disney Plus and Amazon Prime Video. However, we did run into a few issues when attempting to stream content on Hulu, including the Fire TV Stick app detecting the VPN.
Why we like it for streaming
Surfshark really excelled when we tested its ability to stream Netflix. Surfshark says it can unblock 22 different countries’ Netflix libraries, but it unblocked even more during our testing, including libraries from countries like Denmark, Bulgaria, Belgium and Hungary. Other VPNs can unblock multiple Netflix libraries, but a VPN can rarely do it to the degree that Surfshark can.
We’re impressed with Surfshark’s consistently fast speeds over the past few years, with an average speed loss hovering in the high-teens. We measured an average speed loss of 21% in our 2025 speed tests — which is technically slower than previous years, but shouldn’t result in a noticeable difference in practice.
As well as being an excellent VPN for streaming, Surfshark packs a ton of useful privacy features. You can boost your privacy by routing your connection through two servers of your choice using Surfshark’s Dynamic Multihop feature or shuffling your IP address using the VPN’s IP Rotator feature. Its GPS spoofer — only available on Android — may even let you unblock certain streaming services, like YouTube TV, that rely on GPS for geo-location. Surfshark also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which goes beyond what most others allow. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS and streaming devices, including Apple TV, Fire TV Stick and Android TV dongles or boxes. You can also set Surfshark up on a VPN-compatible router for whole-network coverage and to stream on smart TVs that don’t natively support VPN apps.
Surfshark’s monthly plan costs $15.45 per month, but its longer-term plans are more reasonably priced. The introductory price for its yearly plan is $48 for the first year, or if you opt for the two-year plan, you’ll pay $54 upfront for the initial two years combined, which is a tremendous bargain. However, be aware that the annual and two-year subscription price more than doubles to $99 per year upon renewal — something Surfshark doesn’t make adequately clear at checkout. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available with all subscription plans.
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Pros
Excellent for streaming
Unblocks Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and others
Fast speeds for streaming
Vast network of server locations for international streaming
Get it now
Get it now
Private Internet Access
The wallet-friendly Private Internet Access, or PIA, is an open-source VPN provider with a strong focus on privacy. PIA costs just $12 monthly, $40 for the first year (then $50 annually upon renewal) or $79 every three years. Although PIA worked well enough for Netflix and Disney Plus during our tests, it struggled with Amazon Prime Video. PIA has apps for nearly every platform, including Windows, MacOS, Linux (with a GUI that’s more beginner-friendly than a command-line interface), web browsers, iOS/iPadOS, Android/Android TV and Apple TV.
Despite its affordability compared with many VPN rivals, PIA is tough to recommend for streaming because of its middle-of-the-road speed performance. In our testing, we clocked an underwhelming 49% average speed loss. Users with fast internet speeds (50 megabits per second or more) should be fine, but slower or more unreliable internet connections like satellite internet might not work as well. (For reference, Netflix recommends a minimum 15Mbps download speed for a single 4K video stream.) Ultimately, PIA has strong privacy features, but its streaming shortcomings limit its appeal for VPN users who want to unblock a wide selection of streaming content.
IPVanish is a decent VPN for streaming if you’re new to VPNs and want a solution that’s simple to use and can help you watch content on various streaming platforms. During our testing, we were able to access Netflix libraries from a handful of regions, along with content on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus. Although some VPNs may struggle to deliver across platforms, we were able to access each of the streaming services we tested on each of the devices we tested them on with IPVanish. The main area where IPVanish struggles is its speed. The inconsistency of IPVanish’s speeds — we measured a 44% average speed loss in our 2024 tests — may put a damper on your streaming experience, especially while watching 4K ultra-high-definition videos.
A monthly subscription to IPVanish costs $13 per month, which is on par with many other VPNs, but its annual plan starts off cheaper than both NordVPN and ExpressVPN at $40 for the first year. IPVanish offers a two-year plan that costs $52 total for the first two years combined. The annual and two-year plans both renew at $90 per year after the initial subscription term. IPVanish’s unremarkable feature set, average overall performance and sluggish speeds make it comparably unattractive compared to top VPNs — and not an ideal choice for streaming enthusiasts. (Disclosure: IPVanish is owned by the same parent company as CNET, Ziff Davis.)
Mullvad is an excellent choice for privacy-conscious VPN users and posted a reasonable 24% average speed loss in our latest testing. It worked well with Netflix, Disney Plus, and Hulu, but it struggled with Amazon Prime Video during our tests and doesn’t offer full, native support for smart TVs or streaming devices like the Amazon Fire TV Stick or Apple TV. That, combined with its comparatively small network of servers in just 50 countries, makes Mullvad a tough sell for people looking to use the VPN for streaming.
Mullvad requires zero personal information to sign up — not even an email address — and costs a flat fee of 5 euros (about $6) per month whether you use it for a month, a year or five years. You can pay for and add as many months to your account as you want, but Mullvad doesn’t have recurring subscriptions of any sort because it strives to collect as little data as possible. If you’re not satisfied with the service, then you can request a refund within the first 14 days of purchase.
