Best VPNs for Streaming: A Comprehensive Guide

In the current digital age, using VPNs brings more benefits than just enhancing privacy and security. At the forefront of these benefits is the capability of VPNs to bypass regional restrictions to watch streaming content worldwide. Now, leading VPN providers offer features such as streaming-optimized servers and stealth VPN protocols to unlock your favorite sites from wherever, eliminating the need to engage in a hit or miss effort when trying accessing location-limited content from your streaming provider. Therefore, a VPN’s utility while out of the country is paramount.

Notably, the restriction placed by platforms like Netflix on VPNs requires users to select a VPN that is sufficiently compatible with that streaming site. Moreover, it’s recommendable to choose a VPN with an extensive server spread so that if a server in the country you are accessing goes down, other options remain offering continuity. Our in-house team has conducted thorough tests on leading VPNs to evaluate their capacity to unlock top streaming sites, and we have compiled a summary of our top picks.

It’s worth noting that we strongly advise the use of a VPN not just for the access of location-limited content but also for enhancing your online security – one of the most significant benefits of VPNs. So, if your interest in VPNs goes beyond streaming, be sure to check out our detailed roundup of the finest VPNs across all categories.

Our Top Picks

NordVPN – The Best Overall Choice For Netflix

Based on our review, NordVPN is the most effective for streaming Netflix. It has been a chief challenger to Netflix’s VPN ban right from the onset, striving to ensure all its servers are compatible with streaming the service. At the time of our recent review, all servers that we tested allowed Netflix to stream unhindered. Regardless of the Netflix show you crave, NordVPN promises to deliver.

ExpressVPN – Top Runner-up for Netflix

If you think NordVPN doesn’t meet your demands, ExpressVPN, our chosen all-around finest VPN, comes highly recommended. ExpressVPN avails over 3,000 servers spanned across 105 nations. The service provider assures that Netflix will seamlessly stream on every server it offers. Along with impressive speeds.

CyberGhost VPN – Most Ideal for Server Locations

In using a VPN to stream Netflix or any other service, access to a large selection of servers is invaluable. Having a lot of server options is advantageous because VPNs and streaming services are always in a back-and-forth, with the former trying to maintain or restrict access. If you are seeking variety in server locations, then CyberGhost VPN is just the ticket, boasting an impressive 9,000+ servers for you to link up to.

Surfshark – Best Option for Access Across Multiple Devices

Surfshark is another top-performing VPN based on our tests, registering 61 percent of the base speed in our newest tests. This implies that Surfshark speeds are fast enough to facilitate Netflix streaming. Surfshark not only unlocks Netflix but also any other major streaming service we tried, such as Amazon Prime, HBO Max, Hulu, etc.

ProtonVPN – Top Option for Watching Netflix on a Mac

We recommend ProtonVPN as another suitable option, offered at a similar price to ExpressVPN. Unlike NordVPN, however, Netflix doesn’t stream on every single Proton server. Many of Proton’s over 1,500 servers can stream the service, but not all. From time to time, Proton has issues where a stream discontinues unexpectedly, particularly if you are working on the same PC while watching.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is a VPN?

A VPN or Virtual Private Network secures your internet traffic and disguises your online identity. This is particularly relevant when your data is sent and received online allowing you to protect your online privacy and evade websites and services from tracking your online activities. While used for streaming Netflix, a VPN redirects your traffic to a server from another location, making it seem as you are browsing from anywhere in the globe.

Are VPNs Legal?

Yes. In the bulk of countries, including the United States, VPN usage is legal. Nevertheless, some activities carried out while using a VPN may be illegal, such as downloading copyrighted content or accessing the dark web.

Will a VPN Affect My Internet Speeds?

Typically yes, although this is not as extensive as it used to be due to advancements in technology. Leading VPN providers have improved their server networks, and encryption methodologies, reducing the overall impact on speed.

Do VPNs Track My Browsing or Store My Data?

This depends wholly on your chosen VPN service. While certain VPNs may collect user data, most reliable VPNs have explicit no-logging policies, ensuring your browsing data remains private.

Conclusion

VPN services are a viable solution for streaming Netflix and enhancing your online privacy. While certain platforms like Netflix may strive to limit VPN connections, they remain a permissible tool for streaming. The trick lies in choosing your VPN smartly according to your needs and preferences, making your streaming experience smooth and enjoyable. If you’re interested in more VPN options for different uses, make sure to read our top picks on the fastest VPN, the best VPN for Amazon Fire Stick, the best VPN for gaming among others.</p