We recommend ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark if you’re looking for a high-speed VPN that works well for streaming on multiple platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and beyond. With their fast speeds, high compatibility on various devices, and excellent security and privacy features, you can’t go wrong with any of these VPN providers.

This review will cover the nitty-gritty details about why we chose our top picks. We’ll highlight ExpressVPN for its fast speeds and ability to unlock extensive libraries on Netflix, NordVPN as the best VPN for dedicated streaming servers, and Surfshark as our best value VPN for streaming content across various platforms. Let’s dive in.

The best VPNs for streaming

• ExpressVPN: Fastest VPN for unblocking Netflix
• NordVPN: Best for dedicated streaming servers
• Surfshark: Best value VPN for streaming

Top 3 VPN services for streaming compared

VPN	ExpressVPN	NordVPN	Surfshark
Starting price	Starts at $6.67/mo	Starts at $2.99/mo	Starts at $1.99/mo
Free version
Streaming support	Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max	Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max	Yes — Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, HBO Max
Learn more	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review

ExpressVPN: Fastest VPN for unblocking Netflix

Who it’s best for

ExpressVPN provides fast speeds with server locations in over 94 countries that can unblock extensive streaming libraries, making it the best VPN for Netflix fans worldwide who enjoy streaming their favorite late-night movies and binge-watching shows. Perfect for people and travelers alike who turn on their VPN, grab some munchies, and binge-watch shows from the U.K. to Japan.

What we liked

Given the quality of ExpressVPN's lightning-fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth, we were astounded by its ability to unblock movies and TV shows on Netflix, as well as other streaming content on platforms like Hulu, Disney+, and others.

Thanks to its compatibility with various platforms, ExpressVPN offers plenty of flexibility whether using devices that run on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS — or even devices like smart TVs, gaming consoles, and routers. Thus, it works best with Netflix apps on various devices. Moreover, we were particularly pleased to discover that ExpressVPN is jam-packed with features that uphold your security and privacy.

Take a look at several of ExpressVPN’s highlighted features:

• AES-256 encryption: Encrypts your data to protect it from prying eyes.
• Network Lock kill switch: Keeps your data encrypted if your VPN connection drops.
• Split tunneling: Lets you select what device traffic you want to route via a VPN.
• Secure VPN protocols: Lightway (made by ExpressVPN), L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.
• Accepts private payment options: You can pay your ExpressVPN subscription with cryptocurrency or gift cards.
• No-logs policy: Doesn’t log identifying data, traffic data, or DNS queries.
• Headquartered in the British Virgin Islands: Based in a country without data retention laws.
• Threat Manager: Blocks apps and sites from communicating with trackers and other malicious third parties.
• Private DNS: Private, encrypted DNS is provided on every server.
• 24/7 customer support: Contact ExpressVPN any time through live chat and email.

What we didn’t like

While ExpressVPN is loaded with security and privacy features along with its fast speeds, we were disappointed to find that ExpressVPN has a hefty price range of $6.67–$12.95/mo while only supporting up to eight devices.

We were also bummed when we learned that the modern, fast, and secure VPN protocol WireGuard isn’t available. But if you’re content with using ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol Lightway or IKEv2 and other secure protocols offered, it shouldn’t be a big problem.

ExpressVPN specs

Price range	$6.67–$12.95/mo
Free version	No
Number of servers	Unknown number in 94 countries
Number of connected devices	8
VPN protocol	Lightway, L2TP/IPsec, OpenVPN, and IKEv2
Unblocks Netflix	Yes
Unblocks Amazon Prime Video	Yes
Unblocks Disney+	Yes
Unblocks Hulu	Yes
Unblocks BBC iPlayer	Yes
Unblocks Max (HBO Max)	Yes
Learn more	Get ExpressVPN Read Our ExpressVPN Review

NordVPN: Best for dedicated streaming servers

Who it’s best for

For those who enjoy watching content on Hulu, NordVPN is an excellent choice as the best VPN app for Hulu. It offers a wide range of servers around the world with quick speeds and strong security and privacy features.

What’s more, if you’re particularly concerned with privacy, you’ll also be pleased to learn that NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, with no data retention laws. This means it operates outside the Five Eyes, Nine Eyes, and Fourteen Eyes intelligence-sharing alliances.

What we liked

Similar to ExpressVPN, our second pick, NordVPN, has fast connection speeds, a high server count with server locations around the globe in 60 countries, strong levels of security and privacy, and compatibility across a plethora of streaming platforms.

NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy too, which is consistently verified by an independent audit performed by a third-party company like Deloitte, for example.

With its fast speeds, NordVPN is ideal for streaming. Based on our testing, NordVPN unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more. And we found it among the best VPNs with fast U.K. servers, which is excellent for unblocking access to U.K. libraries across several streaming services.

Lastly, features like SmartPlay (SmartDNS) and a dedicated IP help you securely access streaming content while unblocking geo-restrictions. Here’s a quick look at the standout features NordVPN offers:

• Dedicated IP: This lets you keep an IP address specific to you to access IP-restricted networks. It's great for unblocking geo-restrictions on streaming platforms.
• SmartPlay: Bypasses DNS blocking by switching your DNS servers when you try to access unavailable content.
• Kill switch
• Split tunneling
• Double VPN: Provides an additional layer of encryption by routing you through two or more VPN servers.
• AES-256 encryption
• Headquartered in Panama: Panama isn’t part of an international surveillance alliance.
• No-logs policy
• Secure VPN protocols: NordLynx (WireGuard), IKEv2/IPsec, OpenVPN
• Multi-platform compatibility: Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Android TV, and more

Although NordVPN only covers six devices at once, if you install NordVPN on your router, it secures every device on your network while only using a single slot out of the six available. We thought this NordVPN router setup was a clever way to secure as many devices as you need (as long as they're on the same network).

What we didn’t like

NordVPN can be a bit pricey, like ExpressVPN, and costs about $2 extra when you opt for its Complete plan while paying monthly. While it’s great that NordVPN offers monthly payment options, its pricing may not be practical for people who want to save money on a VPN or have a tight budget.

We also found its multi-tiered plans confusing. For example, NordVPN offers four plan types, Ultimate, Complete, Plus, and Standard, with a monthly, one-year, or two-year payment plan to select from. That’s 12 different price points to consider.

For those with decision fatigue, these plan options may be too mind-boggling and confusing for their taste when in a hurry to choose a plan. You may also be saddened that a NordVPN free plan option isn’t offered to try its features right out of the box. That being said, you can try NordVPN risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

NordVPN specs

Price range	$2.99–$14.99/mo
Free version	No. 30-day money-back guarantee is offered.
Number of servers	5,700+ in 60 countries
Number of connected devices	6
VPN protocol	NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec
Unblocks Netflix	Yes
Unblocks Amazon Prime Video	Yes
Unblocks Disney+	Yes
Unblocks Hulu	Yes
Unblocks BBC iPlayer	Yes
Unblocks Max (HBO Max)	Yes
Learn more	Get NordVPN Read Our NordVPN Review

Surfshark: Best value VPN for streaming

Who it’s best for

As one of the best streaming VPN services available, Surfshark is the ultimate choice for anyone on a budget seeking an excellent VPN for Netflix. Surfshark also unblocks other streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.

And if you’re living in the U.K. or enjoy accessing streaming content from across the pond, you may be pleased to learn that Surfshark has been rated as one of the best VPNs for BBC iPlayer. Now, would you fancy that?

What we liked

We loved Surfshark’s budget-friendly price. But don’t be fooled by its affordability. Its low cost doesn’t mean poor quality — Surfshark is jam-packed with features that boost your security and privacy. This is great if you want to use a VPN to hide your location while keeping your data secure, as well as for those who like to use a VPN for Netflix and other streaming services.

With its fast connection speeds and a server network totaling 3,200+ in 100 countries, Surfshark makes it easier to connect to a VPN server with speeds to support your streaming habits. No suffering through buffering, we say.

However, to our surprise, with its affordable pricing range starting at $2.39/mo on the low end, we were pleased that Surfshark offers support for an unlimited number of devices, is compatible with a wide range of platforms, and supports WireGuard. Can we say winning?

Check out this list of Surfshark's features that make it worth the money:

• Streaming support: Secure access to Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more.
• Unlimited simultaneous connections: Surfshark supports an unlimited number of devices.
• Compatible with many platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Fire TV, and more.
• Kill switch
• Bypasser: A split tunneling feature that lets you choose specific apps and websites to bypass the VPN connection.
• CleanWeb: Blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing attempts.
• No history of data breaches
• Private DNS and leak protection
• Strict no logs policy: Independently audited by Cure53 and Deloitte
• AES-256-GCM encryption
• WireGuard support: Fast and secure VPN protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2/IPsec.
• Accepts cryptocurrency for private payments
• Multi-hop: Allows you to route your traffic through several servers at once.
• Rotating IP (Nexus): Lets you change your IP address every 5-10 minutes to evade trackers.
• 24/7 live chat and email support

What we didn’t like

We particularly didn’t like that Surfshark is currently headquartered in the Netherlands, a country that’s part of the Nine Eyes and 14 Eyes Alliances. If you opt for a VPN that is based in a region with strict privacy laws that doesn’t share intelligence with other countries or potentially participate in government surveillance, then other options may be more suitable for you.

Despite this drawback, Surfshark has never suffered from a data breach, and it has a lot of potential to be a one-size-fits-all VPN solution for most people.

Surfshark specs

Price range	$1.99–$19.99/mo
Free version	Yes — 7-day free trial for Android, iOS, and macOS
Number of servers	3,200+
Number of connected devices	Unlimited
VPN protocol	WireGuard, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec
Unblocks Netflix	Yes
Unblocks Amazon Prime Video	Yes
Unblocks Disney+	Yes
Unblocks Hulu	Yes
Unblocks BBC iPlayer	Yes
Unblocks Max (HBO Max)	Yes
Learn more	Get Surfshark Read Our Surfshark Review

Honorable mentions

When we evaluated several VPN solutions to select the best streaming VPN services, we selected our top three picks, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark, for a myriad of reasons. Those reasons included streaming support, compatibility with various platforms, server locations available, pricing, and, most importantly, privacy and security features offered.

But if those three picks don’t meet your needs, Private Internet Access (PIA), CyberGhost, and IPVanish are also worth a look.

Private Internet Access

PIA VPN offers a suite of security features and a broad server network. It allows for unlimited simultaneous connections and includes an ad-blocking feature. Last but certainly not least, PIA’s price is one of the lowest out there.

However, compared to our top picks, PIA VPN demonstrated slower download speeds in our tests, which can impact streaming quality.

Get PIA | Read Our PIA VPN Review

CyberGhost

CyberGhost is another budget-friendly VPN with a lot of features to ensure your streaming session remains secure and uninterrupted. We also like that it’s headquartered in Romania, outside the 14 Eyes Alliance.

Our only gripe with CyberGhost is that we needed some help getting it to unblock Netflix in some of our tests. We couldn’t load the Australian or Canadian libraries on our initial go-around, but later tests showed CyberGhost successfully unblocked all Netflix servers with no hiccups.

To be fair, this is common since streaming services and VPNs are constantly trying to “one-up” each other to either block or unblock foreign libraries.

Get CyberGhost | Read Our CyberGhost Review

IPVanish

IPVanish stands out with its unlimited simultaneous connections and strong security features. Like the best streaming VPNs, it's able to unblock multiple Netflix libraries.

However, in our tests, IPVanish showed slower download speeds compared to our top picks. While it has many great features, speed is of the essence when it comes to streaming, and in this area, IPVanish fell a little short.

Get IPVanish | Read Our IPVanish Review

Best streaming VPNs FAQs

Bottom line: The best VPNs for streaming

When it comes to selecting the best VPNs for streaming, it’s important to choose a VPN that offers fast connections and a plethora of high-speed servers, along with robust security and privacy features that can help you unblock any restrictions that streaming services may impose.

ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark made it to our top three list of the best VPNs for streaming. And Private Internet Access, CyberGhost, and IPVanish are alternatives that might do the trick if our top three picks don’t meet your needs.

3 best VPNs for streaming

	Starting price	Best for	Learn more
ExpressVPN	Starts at $6.67/mo	Fastest VPN for unblocking Netflix	Get ExpressVPN Read ExpressVPN Review
NordVPN	Starts at $2.99/mo	Best for dedicated streaming servers	Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review
Surfshark	Starts at $1.99/mo	Best value VPN for streaming	Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review

How to choose a VPN for streaming

When selecting a VPN for streaming, it’s important to consider features that are helpful for streaming support before making a decision.

Look for these important features:

• Fast-speed connections
• A large server network spanning worldwide
• AES 256-bit encryption
• Secure VPN protocols (e.g., WireGuard, IKEv2, OpenVPN, etc.)
• No-logs policy independently audited by a third-party company
• 24/7 live chat support or email
• Advanced security features like a kill switch, split tunneling, and smart DNS.

How does a VPN unblock streaming services?

Using a VPN, you cleverly swap your actual IP address with a chosen one, fooling streaming platforms into thinking you're in a different region. This “trick” allows you to bypass geo-restrictions and access content otherwise unavailable to you.

A VPN is a clever trick to hide your online activities and true IP address. Plus, it ensures your ISP can't slow down your internet (ISP throttling) by encrypting your traffic.

Finally, obtaining a dedicated IP address, which is an IP address specific to you, can help you unblock streaming content on streaming services that vigorously block VPNs. That’s because it also tricks the streaming platform into believing it’s not a VPN since there’s hardly any traffic coming from your IP address since it isn’t shared.

Read more about the best VPN services available and learn more about other VPN options.