Streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu and Twitch have become extremely popular, and they are vital for our leisure in front of a TV, laptop or phone. As a result, we should consider a stable and constant internet connection to watch videos or movies of the highest quality. But each of us requires privacy, security and reliability online.
To provide this, users should consider using VPN services. But here is a problem. They can slow down your internet connection which is why users can face difficulties in watching videos. What is the solution for that? The VPNXpert team researched it and is ready to answer this question.
If you’re looking for a fast and reliable VPN for streaming, you’ll want to check out our list of the top 5 fastest services. We’ve tested several providers to see which are best for streaming video and music. And the results may surprise you! Keep reading to find out which VPNs made the cut.
Why Do You Need a VPN for Streaming?
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a tool that allows you to connect to the internet through a secure, encrypted connection. This means your data is protected from prying eyes and hackers.
It is also a great way to access geo-restricted content. If you live in a country where specific streaming services are blocked, a VPN can help you bypass those restrictions and access the content you want. An example is the greatest VPNXpert’s article about watching American Netflix outside America. Thanks to it, you can manage all new content for Americans in any spot on the planet.
In addition to streaming services, a VPN can be extremely helpful for:
- Providing anonymity. Due to encoding algorithms, private networks allow users to be safe and anonymous online. You can visit any web source without being recognized. And the combination of the Tor Browser and a VPN can provide the best performance results.
- Getting another blocked content like torrent files. Some countries established specific restrictions on using torrent trackers. With a privacy network, users can avoid the prohibitions and download any files they want.
HIGHLY IMPORTANT. Don’t use a VPN for criminal purposes, as you can get in trouble. You should avoid working with VPN If your country doesn’t allow using it. You must read bills considering online activity in your county and act according to the rules to prevent problems with the law.
- Access to more beneficial internet prices. You can save money on online shopping because a lot of shops set regional prices. For example, China can offer cheaper products than the USA.
The Best Streaming VPN Today
When selecting a VPN for streaming, there are several variables to consider. The most critical consideration is speed. A quick connection helps reduce buffering and provides a pleasant watching experience. Another critical issue is security. You want to ensure your VPN connection is secure and your personal information is safe. Finally, keep pricing and functionality in mind while selecting a streaming service.
Several free VPN services are accessible, but not all are appropriate for streaming. Free apps are frequently sluggish and may be unable to unblock all streaming material. ProtonVPN is our top recommendation for a free VPN for streaming. It offers fast connections and can unblock popular streaming services like Netflix and Hulu. It’s also completely free! Consider the following services for paid solutions.
ExpressVPN
| Available on: – Windows. – Mac. – Android. – iOS. – Linux. Server locations: – 160 in 94 countries. Streaming services unblocked: – Netflix. – iPlayer. – YouTube. – Amazon. – Hulu. | Features: – Unrivalled streaming access. – Excellent 24/7 customer support. – Stream on any device. – Top-quality apps. – Only five simultaneous connections. | Our tests show that ExpressVPN is the best VPN on the market. However, one of its unique features is its superior capability as a streaming VPN, offering triple speed, security and excellent international service. You can enjoy streaming on over 3,000 servers in 94 countries without leaving home. You’ll get stable connection speed, making streaming in 4K and HDR a real possibility. If you need help, you can consider 24/7 support and ask all the questions you need. Due to high-technology protocols, ExpressVPN provides excellent security and streaming quality. You can be calm while streaming because nobody will get your data and IP address. In addition, you receive a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can try it for free for a month and see if it is working. |
NordVPN
| Available on: – Windows. – Mac. – Android. – iOS. – Linux. Server locations: – 80+ in 60 countries. Streaming services unblocked: – Netflix. – iPlayer. – YouTube. – Amazon. – Hulu. | Features: – Excellent streaming performance. – Functional kill switch. – Serious speeds. – You may need to use the browser extension. | NordVPN is developed for security and is the best VPN for streaming. You will definetely get the fastest speed due to 5,500 servers in more than 60 countries. There is also a handy SmartPlay function. But remember that encrypting data efficiently can slow down connection performance. It would be helpful for HD streaming, SmartPlay from NordVPN bypasses the streaming service’s VPN blocking tools and gives you access to any content you want to watch. The NordVPN mobile application is complete and offers the same experience as the desktop client. But one thing should be changed is the map-based interface. Selecting a server on a portable screen makes it challenging to choose a server, and it would be better to see a list from the beginning. But apart from the minor issues of the application, NordVPN is the best streaming VPN that almost always works reliably. |
CyberGhost
| Available on: – Windows. – Mac. – Android. – iOS. – Linux. Server locations: – 7,800 in 91 countries. Streaming services unblocked: – Netflix. – iPlayer. – Disney+. – Amazon. – Hulu | Features: – Excellent speeds – Dedicated streaming servers – Powerful apps – No independent audit – Support site is lacking | CyberGhost is a trendy and respected name in the VPN business and has established itself as the best streaming service in recent years. It can unlock Netflix, Prime and Disney + from the US and works excellent as a BBC iPlayer. However, CyberGhost is not as polished as the rest of this list, and there are minor inconveniences such as the lack of notifications when logging in or logging out and the fact that you can perform some actions on the support site. It does not mean that CyberGhost is not worth considering as a streaming VPN. High value, a large number of servers, you can try it for 45 days, and you can request a refund if you do not like the service. |
Proton VPN
| Available on: – Windows. – Mac. – Android. – iOS. – Linux. Server locations: – 1,700+ servers in 61 countries. Streaming services unblocked: – Netflix. – YouTube. – Amazon – Prime. – Disney+ | Features: – First-class Netflix unblocking. – Great speeds. – Powerful, secure apps. – Free version is excellent. – Relatively expensive. | The Swiss provider is not only one of the most secure VPNs on the market but also a real streaming power. First Netflix. Proton VPN had problems in Japan in our tests, but it easily bypassed Netflix blocks in most locations. This is not a significant flaw with Proton’s laptops; historically, we considered the Japanese library one of the hardest to break for any reason. Since then, Proton VPN has wholly cleaned up streaming services, including Disney +, BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video. It means you can access anything you want to see with Proton VPN. You will need to upgrade to the Plus plan to unlock streaming content, but you have the option to purchase a free VPN from Proton, which is very capable. It’s not exactly cheap, but the special offers can make Proton affordable, and I think it’s worth the service you get |
Surfshark VPN
| Available on: – Windows. – Mac. – Android. – iOS. – Linux. Server locations: – 100 in 65 countries. Streaming services unblocked: – Netflix. – iPlayer. – YouTube. – Amazon. – Hulu. | Features: – Great connection speeds. – Live chat support. – Excellent value. – Use it on as many devices as you want. – Privacy policy short on detail. | We found that the provider offers an excellent combination of speed and value but does not scratch with security. American Netflix, Amazon Video, BBC iPlayer, YouTube and more are for you. Another bonus is that the Surfshark Fire Stick works very well as a VPN, making it a great way to stream geo-locked media content to large-screen TVs. It’s easy to use and suitable for beginners, but there are a few settings you can change. It doesn’t have many configurations compared to others at the top of the list. But if you’re interested in accessing Netflix from abroad, this shouldn’t be a problem, and unlimited simultaneous connections will protect any device you own. With a very attractive price and a 30-day warranty, Surfshark is an excellent streaming VPN that should be on your list. |
Can a VPN Slow Down Streaming?
Yes, a VPN can slow your connection speed and can do so for a long time. The thing is that many VPNs offer smart connections to use your location to choose the best server to get the fastest speeds possible.
As for the numbers, VPNs can slow down Internet connection by 10-20%. This means if you usually receive 100 megabits per second, you can expect up to 90-80 megabits with a VPN. There will be no noticeable difference for most uses.
Features of a Great Streaming VPN?
There are a few crucial qualities to look for while looking for a VPN that is best suited for streaming. A good streaming VPN will provide:
- Fast speeds.
- Stable connections.
- Strong security.
A VPN for streaming should also be simple to set up and use.
FAQs
Why do I need to choose a VPN?
A VPN creates a private tunnel so hackers, your ISP, and the government can’t see what you’re doing. But, even at home, a VPN can help protect you from other privacy threats since our online activity can be tracked any time you visit a website or open an online application.
Is streaming faster with a VPN?
Yes. A VPN can make streaming faster and give you a better viewing experience. A couple of ways it does this include bypassing ISP throttling and bypassing inefficient connections.
What VPN do streamers use?
Whether you’re just starting or already have a large fanbase, there are many reasons to use a reliable VPN as a streamer. NordVPN ticks all the right boxes as the best VPN for streamers, from protecting your online privacy to boosting performance.
Do I need to pay for a VPN?
Not, but the most reliable VPNs are paid. On average, VPNs cost about $10 per month, but they can cost as much as $20 and as little as $3 per month. Most VPNs have pay-by-the-month options if you don’t want to sign up for a yearly contract. However, monthly subscriptions are generally the most expensive.
