The best streaming VPN in 2024

Man on a sofa streaming TV shows on a laptop via a VPN
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

A streaming VPN is the simplest way to access tons of content for less. By making it look like you're in a different country, you can unblock region-restricted content, and even tap into free TV and sports broadcasts from your home country when abroad. 

That means the best VPN for streaming is an indispensable tool for travellers and general TV lovers alike. Imagine, for example, that you're an American who finds themselves overseas wanting a little taste of home with a show like "The Voice" or "Survivor" that are generally unavailable elsewhere. A VPN lets you access your usual stream. Or maybe you're a Brit who wants to watch your free Six Nations stream but finds coverage geo-blocked outside the U.K. A streaming VPN will come to your rescue there, too.

Every big provider out there will tell you that it's the best streaming VPN you can get. But they can't all be telling the truth – which is why we put them to the test, checking their unblocking power on a number of streaming platforms from around the world, in addition to their security, ease-of-use, value for money and other key criteria. Keep reading to see the results, with our top 5 picks of today's very best streaming VPNs.

My top 3 VPNs for streaming

1. NordVPN – the very best streaming VPN

1. <a href="http://go.nordvpn.net/aff_c?offer_id=704&url_id=21480&aff_id=3013&aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="go.nordvpn.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">NordVPN – the very best streaming VPN
NordVPN is seriously quick, super-secure, and can access virtually any streaming platform you point it at. That includes big platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer, and regional sites like Australia's 9Now.

With reliable speed, minimal buffering, and quick content unblocking, NordVPN is great pick. It's reasonably priced, too, and you can take it for a test run with its 30-day money-back guarantee

2. ExpressVPN – a super-secure and speedy service

2. <a href="https://go.expressvpn.com/c/4550836/1330033/16063?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.expressvpn.com%2Fgo%2Fbest-vpn-for-streaming-video-2%3Foffer%3D3monthsfree" data-link-merchant="expressvpn.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">ExpressVPN – a super-secure and speedy service
ExpressVPN is a titan of the VPN world that constantly impresses. It has one of the widest server distributions, with more than 3,000 servers in 105 countries that allow it to unblock a world's worth of content. That's great news if you want to catch up on shows from around the globe.

You get 1 year of unlimited cloud storage and 3 months of extra protection for free if you go for the 12-month subscription. However, if you’re still not fully convinced, we suggest putting it to the test with its 30-day money-back guarantee before going all in.

3. Surfshark – the best cheap streaming VPN

3. <a href="http://get.surfshark.net/aff_c?offer_id=61&aff_id=1691&aff_click_id=hawk-custom-tracking&aff_sub2=hawk-article-url" data-link-merchant="get.surfshark.net"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Surfshark – the best cheap streaming VPN
Surfshark manages to combine bargain prices with impressive unblocking power, thanks to its network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. You'll also get reliable speeds, meaning you can check out your favorite Netflix originals (and content from all over the world) in HD.

If you sign up for the 2-year plan, you'll pay from $2.49/month, and its 30-day money-back guarantee is a great way to test out this streaming VPN without committing.

Recent updates

There are no changes to the providers or rankings so far in 2024, so my latest update is mostly housekeeping. I've double checked that the information on prices, server counts, supported devices and such are all accurate and up-to-date. Private Internet Access, for example, has added additional server locations to its already impressive array.

Outside that, I've added a handy table below the top 5 (called 'What VPN works where on which streaming service?'), as a quick reference point for you to check which provider can unblock which streaming service. So if, for example, there's something you want to stream on ITVX or BBC iPlayer in the U.K. or 9Now or 10Play in Australia, you'll quickly be able to see what streaming VPN will work.

The best streaming VPNs today

Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.

Whether it's Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video or just about any other streaming site you regularly watch, the following VPNs can get you watching anywhere in the world. I test them in real-world conditions, and I'm confident recommending these to my readers as effective tools to avoid geo-blocks.

NordVPN: the best streaming VPN available

NordVPN on a range of devices

(Image credit: NordVPN)

1. NordVPN

The best streaming VPN that's also hot on security

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers | Server locations: 80+ in 61 countries | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, ITVX, All4, 9Now, 10Play | Maximum devices supported: 6 | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Support: 24/7 live chat, knowledgebase

Excellent streaming performance
Functional kill switch
Serious speeds
You may need to use the browser extension
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a VPN to stream Netflix: NordVPN is, hands down, the best choice for streaming HD or 4K Netflix content from anywhere in the world.

✔️  You want the perfect quality-cost combo: NordVPN delivers excellent performance in terms of speed, security, and unblocking capabilities for a good price.   

✔️ You like to stream local websites: with security as its strongest suite, NordVPN will safeguard your device against phishing and malware threats from local websites.  

Avoid if:

❌ You’re looking for a simple interface: while NordVPN’s map-style interface is backed by several tutorials, if you want the simplest of interfaces, I recommend ExpressVPN. 

❌ You want access to content all over the world: NordVPN has 6,000+ servers in 80+ locations across 61 countries. If your location isn't included, have a look at ExpressVPN or Surfshark, which both cover 100+ countries.  

❌ You have tons of devices: NordVPN allows 6 simultaneous connections, but those with lots of devices might prefer Surfshark's unlimited policy.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

NordVPN is a perfectly balanced streaming VPN that ensures both accessibility and security at a reliably high speed. Try it for yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee. 

NordVPN is built for security, and it's my #1 streaming VPN – for a more in-depth analysis, check out my NordVPN review. The fact that it offers more than 6,000 servers in 61 countries is just a bonus which ensures great speeds no matter where you end up.

Streaming service providers keep challenging VPNs with constant updates to prevent geo-unblocking, but NordVPN has consistently cracked the code to almost every streaming site you could wish to get your hands on. To put it simply, you get access to dozens of streaming services, including Netflix, iPlayer, Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube.

> Sign up to my top-rated streaming VPN

On top of excellent encryption, there's a handy SmartPlay feature. This combines Smart DNS with your base VPN connection to allow you to eke out every last drop of performance from your connection for smoother, faster streaming. Especially useful for streaming in HD, Nord's SmartPlay also sidesteps streaming services' VPN blocking tools, meaning you're near-guaranteed to have access to anything you want to watch.

If you're loyal to just one streaming platform, NordVPN tops the list of my top Netflix VPN recommendations. This is down to its ability to effortlessly bypasses geo-restrictions and get you into tons of global libraries, including the U.K., U.S., Canada, and Japan.

When it comes to speed, NordVPN impresses, topping out at over 950 Mbps in my testing. In fact, this was faster than any other provider! Plus, you can also use your subscription on up to 6 devices at a time. That should be sufficient if you’re looking for a streaming VPN for your family, but it is on the stingy side – even the traditionally tight-fisted ExpressVPN has recently upped its policy to 8 devices.

Along with reliable speeds, NordVPN won’t fail you on the security front either, thanks to its special obfuscated servers for enhanced privacy. Obfuscated servers make it look like you aren’t using a VPN when in reality, you are. This gets you a green light from tools meant to block VPN traffic.

Nord’s kill switch is pretty flawless, in that it’s very reliable and doesn’t allow any leaks if activated. Additional security options include a dedicated IP address and Onion Over VPN.

Despite having the same set of features and being similar to the desktop site, NordVPN’s mobile app interface is a little less intuitive than rivals ExpressVPN and Surfshark. However, NordVPN has plenty of explainer guides and support articles (plus excellent 24/7 live chat support) to help you along your way and combat any issues you may be having when trying to access your show or TV event of choice.

If all of this fits your expectations, try NordVPN with its 30-day money-back policy. If you don’t like it, just cancel within the first month, and you’ll get a 100% refund. 

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NordVPN test results
FeatureCommentsRating
DesignGenerally useful interface but might seem a little crowded for some users ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useThough simple to use, the map-like design might not work for everyone ⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceOne of the fastest with an average speed of 950Mbps on NordLynx⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingEffortlessly unblocks most content streaming platforms⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyStrong encryption with additional features like Threat Protection for safe streaming⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportReliable 24/7 customer support⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceProvides ample value for the price.⭐⭐⭐⭐

ExpressVPN: premium provider is excellent for streaming

ExpressVPN on a range of devicesEditor's Choice

(Image credit: ExpressVPN)

2. ExpressVPN

A great VPN for streaming – and everything else

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, routers | Server locations: 160 in 105 countries | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, ITVX, All4, 9Now, 10Play | Maximum devices supported: 8 | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Support: 24/7 live chat, knowledgebase

Unrivalled streaming access
Excellent 24/7 customer support
Stream on any device
Top-quality apps
Previously suffered some minor issues with Netflix
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a VPN that excels in privacy: ExpressVPN ensures class-leading privacy with a built-in password manager, AES 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch. 

✔️ You need a straightforward streaming VPN: with an auto-connect feature, 24/7 customer support, and online tutorials, you’ll find it easy to run ExpressVPN even if you aren’t tech-savvy. 

✔️ You use multiple devices for streaming: the VPN is compatible with almost all operating systems and devices, including Android, iOS, Microsoft, and even smart TVs and gaming consoles.

Avoid if:

❌ You want a Linux App: you can install ExpressVPN on a Linux device, but you won’t get a graphical user interface (GUI).

❌ You want your VPN to have multi-hop servers: if you want an additional layer of security that rests in a multi-hop or Double VPN, you’re better off with NordVPN.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

ExpressVPN is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a fast and reliable VPN with servers all over the world for limitless content unblocking. Its wide coverage, 360-degree security, strong unblocking capabilities, and 24/7 customer support make for a silky-smooth streaming experience. Try it first-hand with its 30-day money-back guarantee.  

In my ExpressVPN review, the British Virgin Islands-based provider came out as my #1-ranked VPN. One of its standout features is its excellent performance as a streaming VPN, as it offers a triple whammy of speed, security and excellent international coverage.

ExpressVPN is premium-priced, but its streaming-focused MediaStreamer tool for devices like Smart TVs and gaming consoles really adds value. Even if you don't have a device that VPNs work on, ExpressVPN can still get you extra content with this tool. It spoofs your location to help you access geo-restricted and overseas content. 

You get seamless unblocking of Netflix, iPlayer, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and more – all the more impressive when you know these streaming services are constantly trying to block VPNs. Plus, connection speeds are reliably fast, so even streaming in 4K and HDR shouldn't be an issue. 

ExpressVPN boasts 3,200 servers spread across 105 countries in 160 different locations. While this may not be as high as NordVPN’s 6,000+ servers, I’ve never had buffering issues while streaming – every server is super reliable and delivers good speeds across the board.

ExpressVPN provides the best coverage in U.S. and Europe, but it's pertinent to note that it has more global locations than many of its rivals, with 27 in Asia-Pacific locations alone. Fans of Asian content and K-dramas needn’t look any further. 

Although seamless streaming is the goal we’re trying to achieve, security should always be a priority with any VPN. With a secure DNS (Domain Name System), multiple layers of privacy, and industry-standard AES-256 encryption along with a selection of protocols, the company provides ample assurance that it prioritizes data protection so that you can freely browse through any website and stream the content you love.

It’s a plus that ExpressVPN has a rock-solid no-logs policy, meaning whatever you decide to do online is private knowledge. I recommend turning on the kill switch to protect your sensitive data from being left vulnerable to detection in case the VPN connection lapses. In my testing, it’s very stable and allows no leaks.

Overall, ExpressVPN is a fantastic VPN for accessing streaming content, and in truth it only sits behind close rival NordVPN here because Team Blue is considerably more affordable. If you want a VPN to trust your life with, I'd recommend Express – but for casual streaming, Nord looks a little more tempting to me.

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ExpressVPN test results
FeatureCommentsRating
DesignSimple, navigable design that’s easy on your eyes and straightforward to understand⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useBeginner-friendly, little to no expertise needed⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceReliable and very fast, although some others deliver higher peak speeds.⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingServers in 160 locations and 105 countries ensure limitless content⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyTop-notch security with 256-bit AES encryption⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportExpert assistance is available 24/7⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceSlightly more expensive than other options ⭐⭐⭐

Surfshark: the best cheap streaming VPN

Surfshark on a variety of devices

(Image credit: Surfshark)

3. Surfshark

Bargain provider that's great for streaming

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux (GUI), routers | Server locations: 143 in 100 countries | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, ITVX, All4, 9Now, 10Play | Maximum devices supported: Unlimited | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Support: 24/7 live chat, knowledgebase

Class-leading connection speeds
24/7 Live chat support
Excellent value for money
Use it on as many devices as you want
Some kill switch issues in extreme conditions
Subscribe if:

✔️ You need unlimited simultaneous connections: one Surfshark subscription is enough to cover the streaming needs of all your friends and family members.

✔️ You're looking for the best budget VPN: for the price, Surfshark is an unbeatable streaming VPN that can unblock just about anything you want.

✔️ You want a fast VPN: Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs, thanks to its WireGuard tunneling protocol, offering a lag and buffering-free streaming experience. 

Avoid if:

Kill switch is non-negotiable for you: When pushed to its limit in my review, Surfshark’s kill switch did have an issue. While this is very unlikely to happen in real life, other providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN are marginally better equipped.

You’re using older versions of Windows: Windows versions below 8.1 do not receive Surfshark updates, nor is the 7-day trial you get on mobile available for Windows.  

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐½

Surfshark provides unlimited simultaneous connections, extraordinary speed, and value for money, along with solid security measures like RAM-only servers. Get started with the best budget VPN risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee on all platforms.

In my hands-on Surfshark review, I found that the provider delivers an excellent mix of speed and value. It's an ideal streaming VPN for use with Netflix, Amazon Video, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, 10Play, and 9Now, as it comfortably unblocks these services in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and more. 

One thing I really like about Surfshark is that it provides unlimited simultaneous connections. With just one subscription, you, your family, and your friends can stream your favorite content together with as many devices as you please, and Surfshark will never throw anyone out. 

Of course, this is meant to be limited to your household, but that rule is rather tricky to enforce when the VPN boasts a strong no-logs policy and collects no data about its users.

Surfshark also has a GPS spoofing feature which allows you to get secure access to content from across the globe by coordinating your current location to that of your chosen VPN server. This means that even if some apps request your physical location before granting access, you will be covered.

In my testing, Surfshark peaked at around 950 Mbps, making it one of the fastest VPN services I’ve tested, and this makes streaming a breeze, even in 4K. And not just streaming – if you’re someone who likes to watch downloaded content, Surfshark, with one of the best download speeds around, is an ideal pick. 

Surfshark’s RAM-only servers ensure you’re kept extra safe online. In short, this means that the servers that you connect to store absolutely no data about you or your activity. While ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and many other VPNs also only use RAM-only servers, it’s definitely a big green tick.

In my testing, I found Surfshark excels as a Fire Stick VPN since it has a custom app for the Amazon Fire TV. It's simple to use, which is perfect for beginners, but there's a fair number of settings to tweak, too. In practice, it’s one of the easier VPNs to use on Fire Stick.

However, Surfshark’s biggest selling point is its price. It’s almost always less than $2.50/month, and promotions have seen this drop to under the $2-mark. Thanks to this combination of value and performance, I rate it as my #1 cheap VPN.

Note that if you have older versions of Windows like 7, 8, or 8.1, this probably isn’t the best choice for you because compatible apps no longer receive updates from the VPN’s end. That said, having an updated OS will benefit your streaming in more ways than just Surfshark updates. 

You get a 7-day free trial for your Android, iOS, and Mac, and if you’re still not 100% sure that this VPN is cut out for you, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. Combined with that bargain price, Surfshark's an excellent streaming VPN that should be on your list.

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Surfshark test results
FeatureCommentsRating
DesignMinimalistic, clean, and intuitive design ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useBeginner-friendly and easy to understand⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceSeriously impressive speeds⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingGreat at unblocking streaming apps and getting around censorship⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyKill switch isn’t the best, but everything else is excellent⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportDecent 24/7 customer support and tons of help articles⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceCheap VPN with excellent value for money⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Proton VPN on a range of devices

(Image credit: ProtonVPN)

The best of the rest

4. Proton VPN

Great streaming VPN with free option

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux (GUI), routers | Server locations: 97 in 71 countries | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, ITVX, All4, 9Now, 10Play | Maximum devices supported: 10 | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Support: Email, knowledgebase

First-class Netflix unblocking
Good speeds
Powerful, secure apps
Relatively expensive
Free version can't stream
Subscribe if:

✔️ You want a VPN to set and forget: Proton VPN’s always-on feature will ensure that you’re always connected.

✔️ You value a trustworthy VPN provider: As an open-source platform, anybody is free to check out Proton VPN’s code. Also, the platform has been independently audited.

✔️  You have a number of devices to connect: Proton VPN allows you to stream on up to 10 devices simultaneously with the same VPN plan, making it ideal for most families.  

Avoid if:

❌ You’re looking for a free streaming VPN: while Proton VPN’s free version works perfectly for normal use with access to three locations, rival PrivadoVPN free is a much better choice for streaming.

❌ You want tons of servers: with around 3,400 servers, Proton VPN falls behind the likes of PIA and NordVPN. 

❌ Speed is your primary requirement: despite some nifty tech in VPN accelerator, Proton’s connection speeds are middling at best.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Proton VPN, with features like the always-on VPN, a unique Stealth protocol especially for streaming, and an open-source platform, sets the bar quite high for a trustworthy streaming VPN. However, it can't quite match the very best when it comes to usability.

Proton VPN understands why users would turn to a VPN for streaming and delivers exactly that. In my Proton VPN review, I discovered that not only is the Swiss provider one of the most secure VPNs on the market, but that it's a real streaming powerhouse as well.

It can easily evade Netflix's blocks in a good number of locations, including some hard-to-crack countries like Japan. Additionally, it can unblock content across multiple different streaming services, including Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, meaning whatever you want to watch, you'll be able to access it with Proton VPN.

Proton doesn’t disappoint when it comes to keeping you safe online, either. Alongside essentials like AES-256 encryption and an effective kill switch, you’ll also be able to use Proton’s Stealth protocol which allows you to bypass VPN blocks by making the VPN traffic look like regular traffic, thereby allowing access to even the most privacy-unfriendly countries. 

As of February 2024, Proton VPN's server count is at around 3,400. This is more in line with big providers like Surfshark and ExpressVPN, and while some like Private Internet Access and NordVPN offer considerably more, I consider anything around the 3,000 mark to be sufficient to deliver seamless connections at all times.

If you’re someone who just can't stand buffering, you'll be relieved that Proton VPN uses a unique VPN Accelerator technology, turned on by default, that can amp up your server speed by 400%. No other renowned VPN provider has officially accepted using this next-gen technology, making it all the more special. 

However, I’ve not noticed any significant speed drops when not using the VPN Accelerator, and peak speeds of around 460 Mbps when using WireGuard aren't going to set the world ablaze.

Auto-reconnect is a nifty feature that will re-establish connection in the unlikely case of the current connection failing. Also, note that the always-on VPN feature is permanently activated on Proton VPN’s iOS VPN app, but Android VPN users will have to turn it on manually.

With Proton VPN, you can stream anything completely anonymously. The company clearly states that there’s no recording or tracking of your activities, and there are even Bitcoin and cash payment options for extra privacy. 

At €4.99/month (Proton's Switzerland base explains the currency) on the 2-year plan, it’s not the cheapest option out there, but if you want to take it for a test run, it’s worth checking out its free VPN, too. Be aware, though, that the free service isn’t any good for streaming.

Overall, Proton VPN is a great privacy-focused streaming VPN – and you’ll even get a 30-day money-back guarantee to make sure it works for you. 

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Proton VPN test results
FeatureCommentsRating
DesignIntuitive and dynamic design with the dark mode as a standout⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useSome desktop features may be too technical for regular users to understand⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceDespite proprietary technologies to increase speed, it’s mid-pack⭐⭐⭐
UnblockingUnblocks most sites on the paid subscription⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyState-of-the-art security with Swiss law protection and an independent audit⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportDecent response time with countless guides⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceNot the most budget-friendly, but there’s a free plan to try before you buy⭐⭐⭐⭐

PIA on a range of devices

(Image credit: Private Internet Access)

5. Private Internet Access

Tons of configuration and great streaming performance

Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux (GUI), routers | Server locations: 150+ in 91 countries | Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, ITVX, All4, 9Now | Maximum devices supported: 10 | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Support: 24/7 live chat, knowledgebase

Great breadth of streaming sites
Plenty of customization
Huge number of servers
Middling speeds
Apps aren't quite as polished as rivals'
Subscribe if:

✔️  You need access to more servers and regions: PIA claims it gives you access to more than 60,000 servers in 91 countries, with a server in every U.S. state. No other VPN provider comes anywhere near it.

✔️ You value a proven track record of security: PIA has proven its no-logs policy in court twice, which stands as a testament to its commitment to user privacy.

✔️  You want a budget-friendly VPN: PIA’s annual plan is cheaper than most VPNs at just $3.33/month, and the three-year plan is even better at around $2/month, making it ideal for a long-term commitment. 

Avoid if:

❌ Your watchlist is mostly on 10Play: PIA doesn’t unblock 10Play geo-restrictions, so if you cannot do without 10Play, you might want to settle with another VPN on this list.

❌ You want a super fast VPN: there are better choices in the market in terms of speed, like NordVPN or Surfshark.

Bottom line: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Private Internet Access is one of the best bargain deals that give you a highly configurable and secure VPN for streaming your favorite shows from 84 countries without worrying about geo-restrictions. However, for full coverage of almost every streaming site out there, one of our top 3 will be a better pick.  

In my Private Internet Access review, I found that the well-established and popular provider is one of the very best streaming VPNs. From Netflix and BBC iPlayer to Hulu and YouTube, it's a force to be reckoned with for its unblocking capabilities

In fact, it's only sitting fifth on this list thanks to the strength of the competition. I found that some sites, like the Australian 10Play, proved too much for PIA, Amazon Prime Video is inconsistent and a couple of less popular Netflix locations were off-limits. However, for the vast majority of sites, it’s smooth sailing.

PIA’s stand-out feature is that it’s very configurable, meaning you can easily adjust settings like server location, encryption level, port forwarding and others to optimize the VPN for a superior streaming experience with reduced latency and enhanced security. Thanks to some of those, PIA is an excellent torrenting VPN.

PIA is also a great choice if you're less tech-savvy as it allows you to connect to VPN from its app interface with just one touch, making it virtually seamless to set up. It also provides a great range of options on its server locations list, allowing you to find the best server for the content you want to watch, no matter where you are in the world.

Still, it can be a little annoying to shuffle between regular applications and the browser in between your binge-watching sessions. In that case, you can enable the Bypass List functionality and specify the streaming websites for which you don't want to use the VPN. This isn’t unique to PIA, but it’s a very well-implemented form of split tunnelling.

While it doesn’t have the highest speeds, PIA is still decent enough for streaming your favorite shows without interruption. Speed might not be PIA's strongest suit, but security is, and it’s just as important an aspect as speed for any streamer that goes beyond the popular global websites for content. 

For this, it has an excellent kill switch. Also, the company has an independently audited no-logging policy, which it has proven twice in court. So, rest assured that your personal data won't go beyond you. 

More important for many, though, will be the price. As the cheapest provider on this list, it's an absolute steal considering the power under the hood. So, if you're looking for a bargain VPN for streaming, PIA may well be the one for you.

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Private Internet Access test results
FeatureCommentsRating
DesignLoads of customization options, can be a bit overwhelming⭐⭐⭐⭐
Ease of useGreat for tech-savvy users, not too beginner-friendly⭐⭐⭐
PerformanceDecent speeds but falls behind the industry heavyweights like NordVPN and Surfshark⭐⭐⭐
Unblocking60,000+ servers in 91 countries for smooth and fast content unblocking⭐⭐⭐⭐
Security and privacyBest-in-class encryption with a proven no-log policy⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Customer supportAdequate resources, plenty of guides, and a contact form to reach the team⭐⭐⭐⭐
PriceOne of the cheapest VPNs, all the more ideal for the long term.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

How to choose a quality streaming VPN

When choosing a streaming VPN, there are three things to prioritize – reliable access to plenty of streaming sites, a decent variety of servers, and excellent speeds. Our top pick NordVPN combines all these with a clean, polished interface that makes streaming overseas content super simple, all alongside excellent privacy.

Not all VPNs have that combination, and it's worth mentioning that in mid-2021 Netflix cracked down hard on VPN use. Subsequently we saw almost every provider begin to struggle, although the best have now rallied and are performing well.

Do note that most streaming sites forbid the use of VPNs, and threaten deactivation of your account. However, in our experience, we've never heard of this ever happening. If you're comfortable with that, then we suggest using one of our top five VPNs.

What VPN works where on which streaming service?

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Header Cell - Column 0 NordVPNExpressVPNSurfsharkProton VPNPIA
NetflixWorking (UK, US, CA, AU, JP)Working (UK, US, CA, AU, JP)Working (UK, US, CA, AU, JP)Working (UK, US, CA)Working (US, UK, AU, CA, JP)
Amazon PrimeWorkingWorkingWorkingWorkingWorking
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Streaming VPN FAQs

What is the best streaming VPN?

We rate NordVPN as the best streaming VPN on the market. It delivers excellent speeds, unrivalled content unblocking performance, and has servers in just about every country you could ask for. What's more, you'll get a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test the service risk-free for a month.

How does a streaming VPN work?

Every VPN works in the same way – it diverts your device's connection away from your internet provider's and instead uses one its own servers. Doing this means your ISP can't see what you're viewing, and an added bonus is that VPN server traffic is much more encrypted than the naked connection from your router.

A streaming VPN can get you access to overseas content by rerouting your connection through one its servers in a foreign country. By doing that, to any website it seems like you're in that country, and subsequently you'll be able to access any and all content that's usually only available if you're physically in that area.

What can I use a streaming VPN for?

Wondering how to use a VPN for streaming? Well, you're either abroad and want to watch familiar but now geo-blocked content form back home, or you're at home and want to watch geo-blocked content from abroad.

Whatever your reasons, there's a huge amount of content on offer that you can only get with a streaming VPN. Netflix has a vast amount of content that's only available in certain areas, and services like Hulu and BBC iPlayer are only available in one country.

However, there's more to be had if you're a sports fan. If you're away from home and don't want to miss a game that's being shown on domestic TV, you can access that through a streaming VPN. The same goes if you're a paying customer of a sports streaming service – just turn on your streaming VPN, log in to your streaming service and watch.

What are the best TV streaming services?

There are more video services to pick from these days than there were big chain video rental stores in the nineties. We've come a long way. But some practices still seem outdated, like geo-restrictions to keep certain content for particular locations. All the best services have these in place, but many don't seem too concerned about VPNs which get around the issue.

From Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in 4K and HDR to BBC iPlayer, Hulu and YouTube and Disney+ – there are lots of streaming services to pick from and enjoy anywhere using a VPN. Want to find the best one for you? Check out our best video streaming services guide.

Disclaimer

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 

1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Mo Harber-Lamond
VPN Editor

Mo is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide. Day-to-day he oversees VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity content, and also undertakes independent testing of VPN services to ensure his recommendations are accurate and up to date. When he's not getting stuck into the nitty-gritty settings of a VPN you've never heard of, you'll find him working on his Peugeot 205 GTi or watching Peep Show instead of finally putting up those shelves.

With contributions from