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Best VPN for Streaming Netflix, Disney+, and Other Services in 2025

by Oliver Mar 15,2025

Whether you're traveling and want to access Netflix, or your internet service provider is throttling your bandwidth, a VPN can be a lifesaver. But not all VPNs are created equal; some suffer from slow speeds or poor unblocking capabilities. Our rigorous speed and unblocking tests have helped us identify the best VPNs for streaming movies, TV shows, and even those frustratingly blacked-out live sporting events.

TL;DR – Top VPNs for Streaming:

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Our Top Pick: ExpressVPN See it at ExpressVPN

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NordVPN See it at NordVPN

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CyberGhost See it at CyberGhost

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Surfshark See it at Surfshark

Proton VPN See it at Proton VPN

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IPVanish See it at IPVanish

PrivateVPN See it at PrivateVPN

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet traffic, adding a crucial layer of security. It also masks your IP address, allowing you to browse and stream anonymously and change your apparent location. Need to access Hulu while traveling abroad? Simply connect to a US server to obtain a US IP address. The best part? VPNs work on almost any device—your iPhone, PC, and more. The top VPNs for streaming, detailed below, make this process seamless.

  1. ExpressVPN: Best VPN for Streaming

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Our Top Pick: ExpressVPN See it at ExpressVPN

Product Specifications:

  • Pricing: Starting from $4.99 per month
  • Simultaneous connections: 8
  • Servers: 3,000+
  • Countries: 105
  • Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

Pros: Excellent streaming speeds, Smart DNS feature. Cons: More expensive than some alternatives.

ExpressVPN has consistently proven itself a reliable choice for streaming. Its proprietary Lightway protocol delivers impressive performance, exceeding Surfshark and IPVanish in our speed tests (averaging 118 Mbps). With 3,000+ servers across 105 countries, it consistently unlocks Netflix (multiple libraries), BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. The MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature extends streaming capabilities to devices without native VPN app support. ExpressVPN employs 256-bit AES encryption, allows 8 simultaneous connections, and boasts excellent 24/7 support. For a deeper dive, check out our full ExpressVPN review.

  1. NordVPN: Best VPN for Netflix

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NordVPN See it at NordVPN

Product Specifications:

  • Pricing: Starting from $3.39 per month
  • Simultaneous connections: 10
  • Servers: 6,000+
  • Countries: 111
  • Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

Pros: Extensive server network, audited no-logs policy. Cons: Suffered a data breach in 2018.

NordVPN's vast network (6,000+ servers in 111 countries, including 2,000 in the US) makes accessing Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube TV a breeze. Its NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) provides fast streaming speeds, complemented by unlimited bandwidth. The SmartPlay (Smart DNS) feature enhances compatibility with various streaming platforms. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously, and a dedicated IP is available for an extra fee. NordVPN operates from Panama, a country without mandatory data retention laws, and its no-logs policy has been independently audited.

  1. CyberGhost: Best VPN for Streaming While Traveling

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CyberGhost See it at CyberGhost

Product Specifications:

  • Pricing: Starting from $2.19 per month
  • Simultaneous connections: 7
  • Servers: 11,000+
  • Countries: 100
  • Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

Pros: 2,000+ US servers, dedicated IP option. Cons: Fewer simultaneous connections than some competitors.

CyberGhost excels with dedicated streaming servers optimized for platforms like Netflix (multiple catalogs), BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Its massive server network (11,000+ servers in 100 countries) ensures reliable connections. The WireGuard protocol and unlimited bandwidth contribute to smooth streaming. A dedicated IP option helps bypass blacklisting, and CyberGhost uses robust encryption, prevents DNS leaks, and maintains a strict no-logs policy.

  1. Surfshark: Best VPN for Streaming on Multiple Devices

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Surfshark See it at Surfshark

Product Specifications:

  • Pricing: Starting from $2.19 per month
  • Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
  • Servers: 3,000+
  • Countries: 100
  • Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV

Pros: Strong unblocking capabilities, unlimited devices. Cons: Frequent CAPTCHAs.

Surfshark offers a compelling combination of speed, a generous server network, and robust unblocking capabilities. It unlocks more Netflix libraries than many competitors and works well with BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and Prime Video. Its unlimited simultaneous connections are a significant advantage. The large server network (3,000+ servers across 100 countries, including 25 US cities) ensures fast connection speeds. Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy and uses strong 256-bit AES encryption.

  1. Proton VPN: Best VPN for Privacy

Proton VPN See it at Proton VPN

Product Specifications:

  • Pricing: Starting from $0 per month
  • Simultaneous connections: 10
  • Servers: 4,900+
  • Countries: 85
  • Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux

Pros: Impressive speed, genuine no-logs policy. Cons: Requires email address for signup.

Proton VPN's rapidly expanding network (over 4,000 servers in 85 countries) makes it ideal for bypassing geo-restrictions. It unlocks Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, and its WireGuard protocol and VPN Accelerator feature contribute to exceptional speeds. You can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. Proton VPN offers additional features like an ad blocker and Secure Core servers (though the latter may not be ideal for streaming). Its transparent no-logs policy has been independently audited.

  1. IPVanish: Best Budget VPN for Streaming

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IPVanish See it at IPVanish

Product Specifications:

  • Pricing: Starting from $2.19 per month
  • Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
  • Servers: 2,400+
  • Countries: 50
  • Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV

Pros: High speeds, affordable pricing. Cons: Customer support could be improved.

IPVanish has significantly improved, expanding its server network (2,400+ servers, 1,400 in the US) and implementing WireGuard. It now reliably unlocks Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Its speed (84 Mbps in our tests) is impressive for its price point. The ability to see server ping and load within the apps simplifies finding optimal servers. IPVanish uses 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and threat protection, while maintaining a no-logs policy.

  1. PrivateVPN: Best Beginner VPN for Streaming

PrivateVPN See it at PrivateVPN

Product Specifications:

  • Pricing: Starting from $2.00 per month
  • Simultaneous connections: 10
  • Servers: 200+
  • Countries: 63
  • Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV

Pros: Works with many streaming services, excellent customer support. Cons: Relatively small server network.

PrivateVPN, despite its smaller network (around 200 servers), reliably bypasses geo-restrictions on Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and ITVX. Its speeds are sufficient for high-resolution streaming. Beginner-friendly apps and exceptional customer support (direct access to developers) make setup easy. PrivateVPN offers a no-logs policy and uses 256-bit AES encryption.

Choosing the Best VPN for Streaming:

A VPN's ability to access streaming platforms can change, reflecting the ongoing battle between VPNs and streaming services. Factors like your internet speed, server load, and server distance influence performance. The best VPNs consistently unlock streaming services and maintain reliable connections. Key considerations include global server coverage (including US and UK), speed, unblocking capabilities, strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and responsive customer support.

Using Your VPN for Streaming:

  1. Sign up with your chosen VPN provider.
  2. Download and install the app on your device.
  3. Log in and connect to a server in the streaming platform's region (e.g., a US server for Netflix US).
  4. Clear your browser cookies if necessary to ensure the streaming site recognizes your new IP address.

FAQs:

  • Will a VPN slow my streaming speed? A VPN might slightly slow your connection, but the best VPNs minimize this impact with fast protocols (like WireGuard), unlimited bandwidth, and low-load servers. In some cases, a VPN can even improve speeds if your ISP is throttling your bandwidth.

  • Why isn’t my VPN working with Netflix? Try clearing your browser's cookies, testing multiple servers, and contacting your VPN's support for assistance.

  • Can I use a free VPN for streaming? Free VPNs often have data caps, limited servers, weak encryption, and may even log your activity. The paid options offer better performance and privacy, often with money-back guarantees.