Getting the right streaming VPN opens up a whole world of online entertainment. But, it can be tricky to work out which is the best VPN for streaming, given how many options there are out there.
Luckily, we’re here to help. We’ve taken a look at the top 9 streaming VPNs out there and analyzed them in terms of speed, features, number of servers, unblocking capabilities, price and user experience.
The 9 Best Streaming VPNs for 2024
Here’s our pick of the 9 best VPNs for streaming, plus a quick line on what makes them stand out from the crowd.
- Cyberghost VPN – The fastest VPN for streaming
- Nord VPN – Best VPN for ultra-secure streaming
- Private Internet Access – A great value for money streaming VPN
- Surfshark One – An easy to use and excellently priced streaming VPN
- Pure VPN – A seriously cheap way to liberate BBC iPlayer
- Ultra VPN – A solid all round streaming VPN
- Proton VPN – A high-end streaming VPN
- Strong VPN – A streaming VPN with a high device limit
- Express VPN – A truly global, top-quality streaming VPN
The Top VPNs for Streaming in 2024 Reviewed
That’s the list, but keep reading to learn more about each VPN provider. We’ll explore the important technical details, discuss pricing and server information, and provide some helpful pros and cons so you can figure out which streaming VPN is best for you.
1. Cyberghost VPN – The fastest VPN for streaming
With blazing fast speeds of up to 800Mbps, Cyberghost is our no. 1 choice as the best streaming VPN and the fastest VPN for streaming. It effortlessly unblocks almost every site you could think of (including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer), and has over 7,600 servers that cover 91 countries.
Needless to say, it’s our No. 1 Netflix VPN.
You’ll also get 24/7 support, and a generous 45 day refund policy (cancel within 45 days and get your money back).
Cyberghost VPN Pricing
There are 4 Cyberghost pricing plans, with a three-year plan meaning you pay the equivalent of just $2.29 per month.
- Month by Month – $12.99 per month
- One year plan – $4.29 per month ($51.48 in total)
- Two year plan – $3.25 per month ($78.00 in total)
- Three year plan – $2.29 per month ($89.31 in total)
Cyberghost VPN Pros
✅ Some of the fastest speeds around
✅ Unblock a huge range of content
✅ Generous 45-day refund policy
Cyberghost VPN Cons
❌ Limit of 7 devices
❌ Monthly plan is fairly pricey
❌ Other providers have stronger confidentiality credentials
Devices supported | No. of servers | Server locations | Price | US speed | Max devices supported | Money back guarantee |
Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Smart DNS support | 7,600+ | 91 countries | From $2.29 per month (3 year plan) | Up to 800Mbps | 7 | 45 days (on annual plan and longer) |
2. Nord VPN – Best VPN for ultra-secure streaming
Nord VPN does everything that you’d want a great streaming VPN to do, but what really sets it apart is security – it has a second-to-none focus on ensuring that what you do using its VPN stays private. For example, unlike many of its rivals, it owns and operates some of its servers, and also uses a double VPN approach that runs your connection through multiple servers.
When it comes to Nord VPN for streaming, the results are excellent. Nord VPN unblocks with aplomb, and offers speeds that get pretty close to Cyberghost.
Finally, as one of the biggest names in the VPN space, Nord VPN offers 24/7 support and a website filled with in-depth tutorials and help articles in multiple languages.
And its superlative Android support means it’s one of our favorite Android VPNs.
Nord VPN pricing
There are 3 Nord VPN pricing plans, with a two-year plan meaning you pay the equivalent of just $3.29 per month.
- Month by Month – $11.99 per month
- One year plan – $4.99 per month ($59.88 in total)
- Two year plan – $3.29 per month ($78.96 in total)
Nord VPN Pros
✅ Ultra secure
✅ Excellent speeds
✅ Powerful unblocking
Nord VPN Cons
❌ Some apps could be slicker
❌ Relatively expensive monthly plan
Devices supported | No. of servers | Server locations | Price | US speed | Max devices supported | Money back guarantee |
Windows, Mac, Android,iOS, browser extensions | 5,500+ | 60 countries | From $3.29 per month (two-year plan) | Up to 760Mbps | 6 | 30 days (on annual plan and longer) |
3. Private Internet Access – A great value for money streaming VPN
With its two-year plan costing the equivalent of just $2.19 per month, Private Internet Access is one of the best value VPNs for streaming. For your money, you get access to over 10,000 servers in 84 countries, and an impressive 10 device limit.
Speeds are up to 320Mbps – nowhere near some of its premium rivals but perfectly fine for a streaming VPN.
There’s 24-7 support too, although a significant drawback is that Private Internet Access isn’t as powerful an unblocker as others. It can tackle US Netflix (but struggles with the streaming behemoth in other countries) Amazon Prime Video and Disney+, but it doesn’t work with BBC iPlayer.
Still though, overall Private Internet Access is a great VPN for streaming at a great price.
It also features excellently designed apps, and was one of our top-rated VPN apps.
Private Internet Access Pricing
There are 3 Private Internet Access pricing plans, with a two-year plan meaning you pay the equivalent of just $2.19 per month.
- Month by Month – $11.99 per month
- 6 month plan – $7.50 per month ($45.00 in total)
- Two year plan – $2.19 per month ($52.56 in total)
Private Internet Access Pros
✅ Great value
✅ Huge amount of servers
✅ Superb apps
Private Internet Access Cons
❌ Not the fastest VPN for streaming
❌ Can’t unblock BBC iPlayer
Devices supported | No. of servers | Server locations | Price | US speed | Max devices supported | Money back guarantee |
Windows, Mac, Android,iOS, Linux | 10,000+ | 84 countries | From $2.19 per month (two-year plan) | Up to 320Mbps | 10 | 30 days (on annual plan and longer) |
4. Surfshark One – An easy to use and excellently priced streaming VPN
If ease of use and price are high up on the list of things you’re looking for from the best VPN for streaming, then Surfshark One is a very strong contender.
It’s a doddle to use and a two-year plan comes in at the equivalent of just under $2.50 per month, seriously cheap for what you’re getting.
Surfshark One is one of the most powerful unblockers around – effortlessly handling US, UK, Australian, Japanese and Canadian Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer.
You won’t need to compromise on speed either, recent improvements in this area mean Surfshark now offers WireGuard download speeds of up to 790Mbps.
Some of the apps are a bit complex and OpenVPN speeds are much slower, but this is a seriously good VPN for streaming.
Surfshark One Pricing
There are 3 Surfshark One pricing plans, with a two-year plan meaning you pay the equivalent of just $2.49 per month.
- Month by Month – $12.95 per month
- One year plan – $3.99 per month ($47.88 in total)
- Two year plan – $2.49 per month ($59.76 in total)
Surfshark One Pros
✅ Really easy to use
✅ Excellent value
✅ Powerful unblocking
Surfshark One Cons
❌ Some complicated apps
❌ Slow OpenVPN speeds
Devices supported | No. of servers | Server locations | Price | US speed | Max devices supported | Money back guarantee |
Windows, Mac, Android,iOS, Linux | 3,200 | 65 countries | From $2.49 per month (two-year plan) | Up to 790Mbps | Unlimited | 30 days (on annual plan and longer) |
5. Pure VPN – A seriously cheap way to liberate BBC iPlayer
We all have different needs when it comes to the best VPN for streaming and, if you just want a cheap way to unblock BBC iPlayer, then Pure VPN is a great fit.
With a two-year plan costing the equivalent of just $2.04 per month, if you can cope with its shortcomings, Pure VPN is a great value VPN for streaming.
The major problem is that Pure VPN doesn’t unblock much apart from BBC iPlayer, it can’t do anything with US Netflix, Amazon Prime or Disney+, so you’ll need to look elsewhere for powerful unblocking.
More positively, Pure VPN has lightning fast WireGuard speeds of up to 840Mbps, and a generous 10 simultaneous connections limit.
Pure VPN has some clear and obvious limitations as a streaming VPN, but its low price means it can’t be discounted entirely for BBC iPlayer addicts.
Pure VPN Pricing
There are 3 Pure VPN pricing plans, with a two-year plan meaning you pay the equivalent of just $2.04 per month.
- Month by Month – $10.95 per month
- One year plan – $3.32 per month ($39.95 in total)
- Two year plan – $2.04 per month ($49.12 in total)
However, the one-year and two-year plans both auto renew at $69.95 per year, so make sure you watch out for this.
Pure VPN Pros
✅ Unblocks BBC iPlayer
✅ Great value
✅ Lightning fast speeds
Pure VPN Cons
❌ Can’t unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime Video or Disney+
❌ Sneaky auto renew prices
Devices supported | No. of servers | Server locations | Price | US speed | Max devices supported | Money back guarantee |
Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, browser extensions | 6,500 | 78 countries | From $2.04 per month (two-year plan) | Up to 840Mbps | 10 | 31 days (on annual plan and longer) |
6. Ultra VPN – A solid all round streaming VPN
If you’re looking for a solid, reliable VPN for streaming, then you could do much worse than Ultra VPN.
While it only has 100 servers in 10 countries, Ultra VPN has some serious unblocking prowess. It can unblock major services including Netflix, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer, but struggled with Amazon Prime Video.
Ultra VPN’s pricing is pretty complicated but a year costs the equivalent of $2.99 a month (rising to $7.50 a month on renewal), which is a pretty decent price for what you’re getting.
Speed wise, Ultra VPN is not racing out of the blocks, but speeds of around 211Mpbs are decent enough for streaming.
24/7 support tops off a pretty respectable overall package, and its excellent iPhone app means it’s one of our top iPhone VPNs.
Ultra VPN Pricing
Ultra VPN’s pricing is annoyingly complicated (with prices that increase upon renewal) but the best deal is to sign up for a year and pay the equivalent of $2.99 a month for 12 months.
- Month by Month – $6.99 per month and $8.99 per month on renewal
- Six month plan – $4.99 per month and $9.98 per month on renewal ($29.94 total for the first six months)
- One year plan – $2.99 per month and $7.50 per month on renewal ($35.88 total for the first year)
You’ll also need to pay an extra fee to increase the device limit from 3 to unlimited, this is $2.92 a month for the first year and then $5.83 per month thereafter).
Ultra VPN Pros
✅ Powerful unblocking
✅ Decent value
✅ 24/7 support
Ultra VPN Cons
❌ Relatively slow
❌ Complex pricing
Devices supported | No. of servers | Server locations | Price | US speed | Max devices supported | Money back guarantee |
Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | 100 | 10 countries | From $2.99 per month (one-year plan) | Up to 211Mbps | 3 (Unlimited for an extra fee) | 30 days (on six month plan and longer) |
7. Proton VPN – A high-end streaming VPN
Proton VPN is one of the more expensive streaming VPNs out there, but you get a lot for your hard-earned cash.
The key selling points are impressive unblocking (access Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer), a pretty decent 1,750+ servers in 63 countries, more than respectable WireGuard speeds of up to 670Mbps, and a very handy 10 device limit.
It offers great security features too, including Multihop VPN that sends your traffic through multiple servers for extra security.
You don’t get 24/7 customer support but the $9.99 monthly plan is one of the cheapest around – perfect if you don’t want a long-term streaming VPN commitment.
Proton VPN Pricing
There are 3 Proton VPN pricing plans, with a two-year plan meaning you pay the equivalent of just $4.99 per month.
- Month by month – $9.99 per month
- One year plan – $5.99 per month ($71.88 in total)
- Two year plan – $4.99 per month ($59.88 in total)
Proton VPN Pros
✅ Excellent unblocking
✅ Impressive speeds
✅ 10 device limit
Proton VPN Cons
❌ Fairly expensive
❌ Patchy customer support
Devices supported | No. of servers | Server locations | Price | US speed | Max devices supported | Money back guarantee |
Windows, Mac, Android, iOS | 1,750+ | 63 countries | From $4.99 per month (two-year plan) | Up to 670Mbps | 10 | 30 days (on annual plan and longer) |
8. Strong VPN – A streaming VPN with a high device limit
When it comes to the best VPN for streaming, Strong VPN ticks a few boxes with aplomb.
It’s got some serious unblocking credentials, and easily handles Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. A very generous 12 device limit is one of the best around, and speeds of up to 450Mbps are more than enough to enjoy online entertainment from all over the world.
However, in other areas, Strong VPN is, well, a bit weak. Its privacy credentials are questionable and app updates are sporadic at best.
Finally, it offers an unusual bonus – all plans come with 250GB of cloud storage, very handy if you love to back up data.
And, with the one-year plan costing the equivalent of just $3.66 per month, it’s pretty good value too.
Strong VPN Pricing
There are 2 Strong VPN pricing plans, with the one-year plan meaning you pay the equivalent of just $3.66 per month.
- Month by Month – $10.99 per month
- One year plan – $3.66 per month ($43.92 in total)
Strong VPN Pros
✅ Superb unblocking
✅ 12 device limit
✅ Free cloud storage
Strong VPN Cons
❌ Sporadic app updates
❌ Questionable privacy credentials
Devices supported | No. of servers | Server locations | Price | US speed | Max devices supported | Trial period |
Windows, Mac, Android,iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Smart DNS | 950+ | 40+ countries | From $3.66 per month (one-year plan) | Up to 450Mbps | 12 | 30 days |
9. Express VPN – A truly global, top-quality streaming VPN
While it’s an expensive option, Express VPN is a truly superb VPN and boasts superbly designed apps, expert 24/7 support and an impressive 3,000+ servers in a globe-spanning 94 countries.
When it comes to Express VPN for streaming, Express VPN offers the sort of performance you’d expect from one of the biggest names in the VPN space. Unblocking is first class, with the metaphorical doors of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer all springing open at Express VPN’s touch. Speeds are pretty good too, peaking at around 630Mbps, which should be more than quick enough for all but the most demanding users.
Aside from cost, the downsides are pretty minor. A 5 device limit isn’t top end but should be fine for the majority of users, but that’s about it really.
As long as you’re prepared to pay the equivalent of at least $8.32 per month on the one-year plan, then Express VPN is one of the best VPNs for streaming around.
Express VPN Pricing
There are 3 Express VPN pricing plans, with the one-year plan meaning you pay the equivalent of $8.32 per month.
- Month by Month – $12.95 per month
- Six month plan – $9.99 per month ($59.95 in total)
- One year plan – $8.32 per month ($99.84 in total)
Express VPN Pros
✅ First class unblocking
✅ Superbly designed apps
✅ Impressive speeds
Express VPN Cons
❌ Relatively expensive
❌ 5 device limit
Devices supported | No. of servers | Server locations | Price | US speed | Max devices supported | Money back guarantee |
Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Linux | 3,000+ | 94 countries | From $8.32 per month (one-year plan) | Up to 630Mbps | 5 | 30 days (on six month plan and longer) |
Why use a VPN for streaming?
Using a VPN for streaming has several advantages, including being able to watch blocked TV shows and sporting events, keeping your internet speed fast, and ensuring your online activity is private.
Watch blocked TV shows
Because of those wonderful things called licensing agreements, the content you can stream online varies according to which country you’re in. So, for example, US Netflix has different shows to UK Netflix, and the same applies to Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ etc. With a VPN, you can trick these sites into thinking you’re in a different country and watch whichever content you want – opening up a whole world of online entertainment.
Watch blocked sporting events
The same applies to popular sporting events like NFL and EPL fixtures. In the US, using a VPN server from another state could help you get past regional blackouts, while UK soccer fans often use VPNs to get around the 3pm blackout on televising soccer games on the other side of the Atlantic.
Keep your internet speed fast
This gets a bit technical but streaming puts a lot of strain on your internet and, to ensure that everyone still gets reasonable speeds, your internet service provider (ISP) may reduce your speed so that you’re putting less strain on the network (this is throttling). If you use a VPN, your ISP won’t know that it’s your streaming straining the network and so won’t be able to reduce your speed. This is also why using one of the best gaming VPNs can ensure that your internet speed stays fast while playing online.
Keep your online activity private
By default, your ISP can see whatever you do on the internet and, using your IP address, track that activity to your front door if they want to. Understandably many people aren’t so keen on this, so a VPN will make it look like you’re in a different place and encrypt your data to ensure that your ISP or other interested parties don’t know what you’re doing online.
How do streaming VPNs work?
This is a pretty basic explanation, as the actual mechanics are pretty complicated and technical.
In short, a VPN tricks your ISP into thinking that your computer/laptop/phone/tablet/smart TV etc. is somewhere else.
The way it does this is to send your internet traffic to another server before you connect through that server.
So, if you open your VPN and connect to a server in Toronto, Canada, then the site you’re on thinks you’re actually in Canada and treats you the same as any other Canadian web user.
However, not all streaming VPNs are created equal. Major streaming services are creating increasingly sophisticated tech that detects and blocks people using VPNs, but if you’re using our best VPN for streaming, Cyberghost VPN, then you can be confident that your VPN is powerful enough to get past these countermeasures.
Are streaming VPNs safe?
We’ll cover the legality of streaming VPNs later, but first let’s tackle whether streaming VPNs pose a threat to your computer or your data.
In theory, a VPN could pose dangers to both, you generally need to download files that could potentially contain viruses or malware, and your data could theoretically be seen by others as you use the VPN.
However, every VPN on this list is a big name with an established track record, so you don’t need to be worried about your devices or your data if you use one of our approved best streaming VPNs.
Free VPNs for streaming
Realistically, it’s very difficult to find a good free VPN for streaming.
While there are some OK free VPNs out there, most specifically disable streaming or have slow speeds that are unsuitable for streaming.
If you just want to try a VPN for free, many leading providers – including our No. 1 Cyberghost VPN – offer a money back guarantee on longer-term plans.
Really though, when it comes to streaming VPNs, you get what you pay for and it makes a huge difference to spend a few dollars a month and get one of the best streaming VPNs.
Are streaming VPNs legal?
Generally speaking, using a VPN is legal but might be against the streaming service’s terms of use.
However, certain countries have bans or specific restrictions on VPNs, including:
- China
- North Korea
- Egypt
- Iraq
- Russia
- Belarus
- UAE
So, always make sure to check the specific laws in the country where you live if you’re not sure.
What is the best VPN country for streaming?
Fundamentally, which country’s servers you connect to using a streaming VPN depends on what you want to watch.
But, to give you some idea:
- Japan has the world’s largest Netflix library, with approximately 5,963 titles
- The US has the largest choice on Amazon Prime Video, giving users access to around 18,250 titles
You should also consider speed, your streaming VPN should give an idea of which servers have the best speeds when you’re selecting which to connect to.
How to use a VPN on streaming
Using a streaming VPN is very easy, you can get all set up in just a few simple steps.
Step 1: Choose a Cyberghost VPN plan
Simply head to the Cyberghost VPN website, choose a plan and complete the billing process.
Step 2: Download the right app for your devices
As you can see, Cyberghost VPN is available on a huge range of devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, smart TVs and games consoles.
Find the app you need and download it.
Step 3: Open the Cyberghost VPN app and choose a server
Once you’ve downloaded the app, open it and head to the list of servers.
Cyberghost VPN gives you three ways to choose a server:
- Automatically connect to the best server for you
- Click a pin on the world map
- Scroll down the list of server locations and select the one you want to connect to
Step 4: Open your streaming service
Once you’re connected to a server, just open your streaming site of choice and start enjoying a whole world of online entertainment.
Conclusion: What is the best VPN for streaming in 2024?
Overall, our top choice for the best streaming VPN is Cyberghost VPN.
With some of the fastest speeds around, support for loads of devices, superb unblocking and 24/7 support, Cyberghost VPN is the ideal solution for your streaming VPN needs.
And, with a two-year plan costing the equivalent of just $2.29 per month, it’s ultra affordable too.