While VPNs are great for providing additional security when you’re online, they’re also great for streaming. In recent years, VPNs have gained new popularity for those who want to catch up on TV or movies from other countries.
This is all made possible by the fact that VPNs direct all your online traffic through a safe server located in a country not your own. This comes in handy when you’re on holiday or abroad and geo-blocks prevent you from watching your usual content from home.
To get around this, simply grab a VPN. Turn it on and get connected avoiding those pesky geo-blocks that are preventing your access in the first place. By doing so, you can access US shows outside of the US, or get BBC iPlayer outside the UK.
We’ve taken a look at all the best VPNs out there that allow you to stream content the world over.
How to use VPN for streaming
You need to make sure that your VPN works on a range of different devices. It’s all very well for it to work on a laptop, but it’s also great to find one that works on your phone or even a games console or Firestick.
By choosing one that’s accessible across all these platforms, you can access and enjoy content from other countries no matter where you are. With the best VPN for streaming TV series, you’ll find that you get access to a wealth of new content.
Once you have chosen and installed your VPN, it’s a simple process of turning it on and heading to your streaming service. Select the country you want to appear you are in, and you’re good to go.
As you’re now in a different country, according to your VPN anyway, when you open any of your streaming services, you’ll be greeted with a new library specific to that country.
Be aware that many streaming services such as Netflix, do have terms and conditions forbidding the use of VPNs. On top of that, many streaming services do actively seek to remove IP addresses used by VPNs.
Because of this, it’s important to find a top-quality VPN for streaming. That way, you won’t get kicked out of your streaming platform midway through an episode or movie.
Choosing the best VPN for streaming
When choosing the best VPN for streaming TV series or movies, there isn’t just one simple option. One of the things you will have to consider is which of the TV streaming services you plan to access.
Netflix, for instance, is incredibly tough to unlock, so if this is the one you want most, you’ll need to check out the options carefully. Not all VPNs have the capability to access Netflix.
If you’re looking for other options such as BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, or Hulu, then there are other options for you too.
But, not only do you need to consider looking to see which streaming providers are available, you need to also check out a number of other features. After all, you want a seamless and secure time streaming.
So, with that in mind, here are some of the important features to consider when picking the best VPN for streaming TV series and movies.
- Connection Speed: The best VPN for streaming will have high connection speeds. This means that it has a reliable connection and won’t default to buffering all the time. This is particularly important if you want to watch high-quality HD or 4K content from another country.
- Number of streaming services available: Depending on your needs, you may need a VPN that can access and unblock a range of different streaming services. Some services concentrate on Netflix, others avoid it. The best VPN for streaming will provide access to many platforms all from the one product.
- High server number: Linking back to connection speeds is high server numbers. The more servers a VPN has, the better your connection will be. There are also more options for jumping between them if a streaming platform tries to block IP addresses.
- Privacy and Security: The best VPN for streaming will also have watertight security in place to ensure you can stream safely.
- Mobile compatibility: Especially if you’re on holiday, being able to use the VPN across multiple devices is a must. You need to be able to get access on mobile devices, game consoles, and more. It’s also a good idea to look for the best VPN for streaming on Firestick and other streaming devices.
- Money-back guarantee: Getting a free trial is a great way to test out the best VPN for streaming movies, TV shows, and more. If it doesn’t work, then try another one.
- Support: Often overlooked, it’s important to get a VPN that offers stellar support services. If you run into difficulties, they can help you get back on track quickly and efficiently.
Top Five VPN for streaming
Through our careful vetting process, we have our top list of the best VPN for video streaming in 2022. Take a look at the list of top VPNs and the features that make each one great.
ExpressVPN
This VPN unblocks a range of different streaming services. It offers the best all-around platform too and is supported on a selection of different platforms including Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows.
Better still, ExpressVPN is compatible with numerous services making it the best VPN for streaming using Firestick, Roku, Apple TV, Xbox, and more. With 3000+ servers you can expect good speeds. Finally, it’s got 160 server locations so that it can give you global access to content.
Nord VPN
One of the easiest VPNs to use, NordVPN offers access to a dazzling array of different streaming services including UK Netflix. It, too, is accessible via a number of different platforms and is compatible with a range of different devices including Chromecast, Roku, and Apple TV.
This VPN has an impressive 5000+ servers at its disposal across 80 locations. This ensures fast connection speeds and good streaming options.
Surfshark
Surfshark is one of the cheaper options out there, this still offers a range of top sites including US Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and more. It’s compatible with many different platforms, supports a range of devices including game consoles, and allows unlimited devices.
It’s got 3200 servers in place across 100 locations. In fact, in terms of value for money, this is one of the best there is. It’s just a little less fancy compared to others out there.
ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN continues to make good inroads into the industry. It unblocks a range of the top streaming services including Amazon, Netflix, and the BBC.
It’s available on a number of different platforms. However, its device compatibility is limited to Chromecast and Android TV.
CyberGhost
CyberGhost, similar to the others on this list, has got a good selection of streaming platforms that it unblocks. The only downside is it can only unblock US Netflix.
With 7000 servers, CyberGhost boasts the greatest number of all the VPNs here and has some of the fastest speeds around.
Is it a good idea to get a VPN for streaming?
The answer to this really does depend on you and what you want to stream. If you are content with the streaming catalogs offered to you by your streaming services as they are, then there’s no need for one.
However, if you have an appetite for moves and series, want to catch up on TV from other countries, or get early access to shows released in the US, then you need the best VPN for streaming TV series and movies.
If you want to get access to content from other countries or be able to enjoy continued access when you go on holiday, you need a VPN for streaming. Not only that, but you can use the best VPN for streaming sports too.
So yes, for you, a VPN will be an essential part of your online world.
Why content is not accessible globally
The need for the best VPN for streaming is a simple one. Content is not accessible around the world simply due to copyright and broadcasting issues.
It’s not that the streaming services want to make your life difficult. It’s simply that film and TV studios have different agreements with countries and broadcasters around the world.
So, to get around these and access all your favorites, look at our best VPN for streaming options.
Streaming services that can work with a VPN
As online streaming is becoming more popular there are a growing number of different streaming platforms available. In fact, this is almost endless now and will differ depending on which corner of the world you’re in.
With that being said, not all of them work with a VPN. As we mentioned, Netflix, in particular, is a tricky one and is constantly fighting to block all VPNs.
Some top streaming services that are regularly accessed via a VPN include Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Peacock, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube, ITV Hub, FuboTV, All 4, and Sling TV. There’s also a whole lot more domestic services specific to each country around the world.
If you have a specific streaming platform you would like to be able to access, you might need to check the specific VPN to make sure it’s available. However, this is quite easy to do.
Most of them offer 30-day money-back guarantees or give you a free trial. Taking on one of these options means you can test it out to see if it meets your needs before committing long term.
Using a VPN for streaming sport
You don’t just have to use the best VPN for streaming movies for that alone. Many of them are excellent options for accessing sporting events too.
In fact, being able to access sporting events, or sports coverage in other countries where the coverage is more detailed is becoming more and more popular. For instance, the Super Bowl is becoming a popular global event.
However, currently, most of the best Super Bowl coverage is on US channels. These channels aren’t easily accessible in other countries.
Other reasons to get a VPN for sport include heading on holiday and retaining access to your expensive Sky Sports package and so on. In fact, VPNs work very well on a number of different sports services including Sky GP, Star Sports, Kayo, and DAZN.
Finding the best free VPN for streaming
You may also be tempted to take a look at the best free VPN for streaming. This can give you a taster of what you can expect, but generally, we recommend avoiding them completely.
This is because they are not as easy or convenient as a paid VPN service. Usually, free VPNs have severe caps on data usage and limit the bandwidth.
This means that even if you get access to the content you want, you won’t be able to watch it for very long. The quality will also be poor resulting in you getting choppy or interrupted feeds.
For serious users, getting the best VPN for streaming is a must if you want a good experience.