Top 5 Best VPNs for Streaming Movies / TV Shows

This post lists the best VPNs for streaming movies and TV shows. The VPNs mentioned in the article work on all streaming platforms, including FireStick, Android TV, Roku, Smartphones, Tablets, PCs, and Macs.

There are dozens of VPNs in the market these days. However, only a handful is good enough for online video streaming. A VPN while streaming would be best to bypass geo-restrictions, avoid ISP throttling, and maintain privacy.

You must have a VPN if you want unrestricted access to video content on services like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, etc. Also, if your ISP is cutting down your internet speed during streaming, you can avoid that with a VPN. Finally, and most importantly, with additional security layers, a VPN ensures you leave no digital footprint on the web, and your privacy remains intact.

The idea is to find a VPN to do all this without any performance loss. Furthermore, with high-resolution streaming in 4K becoming more popular, your VPN needs to retain a considerable percentage of the original ISP speed.

We have tested many VPN services and picked the ones we found most apt for streaming. I have selected a total of 5 VPNs and will talk about each VPN in detail. However, if you are in a hurry and need to know my top choice, ExpressVPN. You can take a quick look at the important features of ExpressVPN below:

How we selected the best VPN for streaming

Settling for the best VPNs for streaming requires a closer look at how individual VPNs perform. This can be regarding speeds, legal jurisdiction, security, and the ability to unblock various streaming sites. We also consider its value for money, among other external aspects that directly influence how the VPN works.

Speeds offered

This is a vital primary aspect that we use. By default, a VPN will slow your baseline internet speeds by a margin due to its encryption overheads. We use a speed test tool for each VPN review to measure download speeds, upload speeds, latency, and jitter.

The best VPNs for streaming should offer convincing fast speeds, allowing you to stream high-resolution content without interruptions.

Legal Jurisdiction

The legal base of operation dramatically influences how well a VPN observes its users’ privacy. The best streaming VPNs operate from regions not associated with mass surveillance.

The countries’ data privacy laws also favor VPNs in these countries, which must also have a no-logs policy.

Security standards

The level of encryption also defines how strong a VPN is regarding security. The more advanced the encryption, the better – even if the VPN offers high performance. Heavy encryptions give reduced connection speeds.

However, the best VPNs for streaming should provide excellent security features while not affecting their performance.

Compatibility

A reliable VPN service provides a wide range of dedicated apps you can install on all popular devices.

The VPN should also allow you to secure many devices concurrently.

Best VPNs for Streaming

1. ExpressVPN
2. IPVanish
3. Private Internet Access (PIA)
4. CyberGhost VPN
5. Surfshark

Now, let’s learn more about each VPN so you can decide which provider fits your requirements.

1. ExpressVPN

Express VPN is our preferred VPN for streaming services. The VPN is popularly known for its ultra-fast speeds and best-in-class encryption standards.

ExpressVPN is also registered in the British Virgin Islands, a region that doesn’t have any obligatory requirements for data retention laws. This means it’s also out of the reach of invasive authorities such as US and EU privacy laws. Therefore, the island also allows ExpressVPN to keep a strict zero policy that favors online streamers.

ExpressVPN lives up to its name as an “Express” service and one of the most reliable VPNs worldwide. This is thanks to its impressive global network of over 3000 servers in 160+ cities across 94+ countries – and these numbers are continually increasing. This means you can always find an ExpressVPN server nearby that offers maximum speeds for high-resolution streaming.

Privacy & Security

ExpressVPN uses unbreakable AES 256-bit encryption, the RSA-4096 handshake, and the SHA-512 HMAC hash authentication key for data security. This level of encryption is considered military-grade, and therefore, it offers the best protection available. Moreover, ExpressVPN also offers extra features such as an automatic Kill Switch, zero-knowledge DNS, Split Tunneling, an IP hide tool, and many more.

Compatibility

This British Virgin Islands service is compatible with various platforms and devices, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, and Blackberry. It also offers extensions for all major browsers, such as Chrome, Safari, and Firefox. ExpressVPN is also the only VPN to provide a dedicated client for routers. Finally, you’ll enjoy up to 8 simultaneous connections if you’re a premium user.

Pricing

Thankfully, ExpressVPN recently updated the pricing rates of its subscription plans, making them reasonably affordable. Their best package saves you up to 49% if you choose a 12-month plan. Moreover, regardless of your chosen plan, ExpressVPN will cover you with a no-questions-asked 30-day money-back guarantee.

Even though the prices may seem a bit high compared to other VPNs, ExpressVPN is the most secure and fastest. You are paying for the best.

Visit ExpressVPN.com

2. IPVanish

IPVanish is an excellent choice for streamers, thanks to its impeccable balance of high speeds and performance. This can be attributed to the VPN owning and running its servers – a rare, impressive occurrence only seen in two other VPNs in the industry. The VPN also does well with its server coverage of over 1400 servers in 75+ locations globally.

Privacy & Security

Sadly, IPVanish operates from the US, where it’s registered, which doesn’t interfere with online privacy and freedom. However, IPVanish claims to observe a strict zero-logs policy and doesn’t store users’ information. The VPN has somehow found a way to overcome the invasive privacy laws from the US. Therefore, your streaming activity won’t be traced back to you.

The VPN also does very well in terms of security. For instance, it offers the best-in-class AES-256 bit encryption and the RSA-2048 bit encryption key. Besides, IPVanish issues various connection protocols depending on your client’s app. It also provides multiple security features such as an automatic kill switch, split tunneling, double VPN, DNS&IPv6 leak protection, WiFi protection, Perfect Forward Secrecy, and more.

Compatibility

IPVanish is available on multiple platforms and devices. You can install it on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome OS, Fire TV, Windows Phone, and Routers. Moreover, the VPN is very generous regarding the number of concurrent connections allowed since you can secure unlimited devices under a single package.

Pricing

IPVanish offers three paid plans. The VPN has also made massive changes to its previous pricey plans – now offering very affordable rates. For instance, the 2-year plan saves you 72%  (billed $79.99 at an average of $3.33 monthly). The 1-year plan saves you 62% (billed $53.99 at an average of $4.50 monthly). Both these plans come with a 30-day money-return guarantee. If you like going month-on-month, you can pay $11.99 per month.

Visit IPVanish.com

3. PIA (Private Internet Access)

PIA is another excellent VPN service for streamers looking for affordability and a reputation in their VPN service provider. This VPN has been a market contender for over ten years. PIA guarantees outstanding features like user anonymity with its 100% no-user policy logs and 27/7 user support via chat or email. In addition, its VPN apps are open source, 100% accessible, and auditable to any user.

Privacy and Security

PIA has robust privacy features protecting your data from accessibility and leakage. As noted earlier, PIA has a 100% no-user logs policy and uses open-source protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN. It has the added benefit of anonymous payments with gift cards and cryptocurrency to ensure online anonymity. PIA has a kill switch function kicks in anytime your VPN connection drops, so you’re not unexpectedly exposed.

Regarding security, PIA offers exclusive IP ownership, where you have a unique IP address that only you can access. In addition, you can connect your dedicated IP address to various home-use devices like cameras and smart doorbells to protect your connection from data breaches.

You can set up individual rules for specific websites and apps to bypass or use the VPN tunnel. Additionally, PIA uses the MACE ad-blocker to help you avoid malware, ads, and online trackers. Other outstanding PIA VPN security features include an antivirus to remove malware without logging details, detailed security reports, web shield updates, and a prevention engine to fix any vulnerabilities in the device’s system that make it susceptible to malware attacks.

Compatibility

PIA works seamlessly with all popular devices and platforms. Examples include Windows, Android, macOS, Nvidia Shield, Linux, and FireStick. You can also configure this VPN to work with devices like smart TVs and gaming consoles, making it highly suitable for office and home use.

Pricing

With our special deals, you can get the PIA 2-yearly plan (with 3 extra months) for $2.11 per month (billed $56.94). The 6-month is billed $45 and costs you nearly $7.5 monthly. If you want to go on a month-on-month basis, you may choose the $11.99 monthly plan. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Visit PIA here

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is another excellent VPN for streaming online content. This is thanks to its remarkable speed, efficiency, and top-notch privacy and security balance. In addition, CyberGhost is registered and has legal jurisdiction in Romania—a region with high regard for privacy and cybersecurity. CyberGhost also runs an extensive server network of over 5,900 servers in 89+ locations worldwide. This means you can virtually connect to any region globally and enjoy streaming.

Privacy and Security

CyberGhost ensures maximum security through advanced techniques, including AES-256 encryption and an RSA-2048 bit key. Furthermore, CyberGhost recently upgraded from the previous HMAC MD5 hash authentication to an advanced HMAC SHA-2 to meet the new recommendations suggested by the OSTIF OpenVPN audit.

CyberGhost also provides several protocols on limited servers, including OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPSec. The VPN doesn’t support dated protocols like SSH and SSTP. CyberGhost offers exciting features like an automatic kill switch, WiFi protection, split tunneling, double VPN, and DNS & IP leak protection.

Compatibility

CyberGhost offers a wide range of dedicated apps for multiple devices and platforms. You can get CyberGhost for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Chrome OS, Linux, Routers, Raspberry PI, FireStick, and all major gaming consoles. You can also secure up to 7 devices simultaneously.

Pricing

CyberGhost is continuously updating its subscription plans and pricing rates. The 2-year (with 3 extra months) is the best value plan, billed at $56.97 and $2.11 monthly. The 6-month plan costs $41.94 ($6.99 per month, effectively). Both these plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee. The monthly plan costs $12.99 and comes with a 14-day money-return guarantee.

Visit CyberGhostVPN.com

5. Surfshark

Surfshark is another excellent option for streaming services. It offers a good blend of speed, reputation, and affordability. For example, Surfshark has over 3,200 servers in over 100 countries, so you’ll likely find a server in any country you choose without hassle.

Additionally, Surfshark has an automatic connection for users who don’t have a server or location preference. Suppose you’re the type of user who prioritizes modern technology in a VPN. In that case, you’ll be happy with Surfshark’s up-to-date encryption protocols and systems, guarantee top-notch data security.

Privacy and Security

Surfshark has a robust privacy policy that ensures your data is safe. This VPN service is registered in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and doesn’t require reporting or storing personal information. It also has secure and highly-rated security protocols that ensure your data is always protected.

Surfshark allows users to add another security layer with its dynamic multihop function. This function lets you connect to two servers, usually in different countries. You can choose the servers manually, or Surfshark can select them automatically. This function is excellent for security and peace of mind as you enjoy streaming.

Other highlights of the Surfshark VPN include WireGuard, IKEv2/Ipsec protocols, AES 256 GCM data encryption, and two-factor authentication.

Compatibility

Surfshark works well with multiple devices and platforms, including Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows. It also offers extensions for major web browsers. You can also use one account for multiple devices, making it a suitable VPN for family use.

Pricing

Surfshark offers affordable subscription plans and runs several discount offers throughout the year. You can get a monthly plan for $ 12.95 billed monthly or the annual plan for $3.99 monthly. They also have a two-year plan (plus 2 extra months) for $2.30 monthly. This VPN accepts various payment methods, including credit cards, crypto, and PayPal. They also have a 30-day money-back guarantee with no questions asked.

Visit Surfshark Website

Final words

There’s no doubt that a VPN is a crucial tool for secure streaming digital content. However, choosing a VPN that can offer the right balance of speed, performance, tight security, and privacy is tricky. We’ve tried many VPNs and settled on the five that offer the best streaming capabilities. We’ve also listed the dangers of streaming media without a VPN and provided the aspects to look at when selecting a VPN. Otherwise, you can choose from the listed VPNs and enjoy streaming HD content without getting caught between copyright infringement, ISP throttling, and geo-restrictions.

Related:

Best VPN for FireStick
Best VPN for Kodi
Why should you use a VPN
Is VPN Legal and Safe to use?
How to choose the right VPN

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