Best VPNs for streaming online in 2025
The best way to catch up on your favorite films and television shows on a flexible schedule is through streaming services. However, some platforms are restricted to a few countries. License regulations are the cause of all of this.
All streaming services employ region blocking to restrict access to movies and TV shows to users in specific nations. For instance, you cannot access BBC iPlayer from outside the UK or watch HBO Max or Hulu if you are in the UK.
The good news is that a Virtual Private Network (VPN) can be used to get past these restrictions and keep yourself safe online whilst doing so. This article will explain how to unblock Netflix and other content platforms from anywhere with a VPN.
Best VPNs for streaming movies and videos
- NordVPN – the best VPN overall for streaming
- Surfshark – great streaming VPN with unlimited devices
- Atlas VPN – affordable VPN for streaming
- ExpressVPN – super-fast VPN for streaming
- CyberGhost – good VPN with dedicated streaming servers
Overview of the top 5 VPNs for streaming
To pick the very best VPNs for streaming, we look closely at the features like performance, range of servers, ability to unblock content, and security.
Below are our Top 5 picks for best VPNs for streaming in 2025.
1. NordVPN – the best streaming VPN
The best and fastest VPN for streaming overall is NordVPN. With a network of more than 7100+ RAM-only servers spread over 118 nations, you won't be short on content libraries. No matter which connection point you choose, godlike speeds are guaranteed by the exclusive NordLynx protocol. NordVPN delivers lag-free streaming on Netflix, Peacock, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services.
This VPN is based in Panama and upholds a no-logs policy that has been independently reviewed. It also offers a wealth of top-notch features to guarantee privacy and security, such as two kill switches, leak protection, and market-leading encryption.
If your home needs more than six connections at once, NordVPN can be set up on a router for complete coverage. As for other hardware, you can watch without restriction on Android and Apple devices, Android TVs, and Amazon Fire TV Sticks.
Finally, this excellent streaming VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee along with a 7-day free trial. Today, you can still get NordVPN with 72% OFF.
2. Surfshark – reliable VPN for streaming
Surfshark is a great streaming VPN for individuals and big families thanks to its unlimited simultaneous connections. You also get some useful features like a kill switch and military-grade encryption. Surfshark also offers solid speeds for streaming in HD and even 4K without any annoying lag.
This provider has a fleet of 3200+ servers in 100+ countries – no other VPN covers so many locations. Surfshark also unblocks the likes of Netflix, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services.
Surfshark VPN also offers apps for Android TV and the Amazon Fire TV Stick and extensions for popular browsers. Additionally, virtually every streaming device you own can benefit from a VPN, thanks to Smart DNS. Using the router, you can also connect PlayStation and Xbox consoles.
All this comes with an impressing Surfshark 86% discount. You can also benefit from a useful 30-day money-back guarantee that makes subscribing risk-free. Finally, 24/7 live chat is available to contact the helpful customer care team if you experience any issues.
3. Atlas VPN – good freemium VPN for streaming
Atlas VPN offers 1000+ servers in 42+ countries, meaning you’ll have a wide selection of streaming platforms to choose from. Among those, you will find Netflix, Disney+, YouTube TV, and many more. Also, thanks to the WireGuard protocol, you can stream HD content from anywhere in the world.
At the moment, Atlas VPN has dedicated apps for Windows, Android, Linux, macOS, iOS, Amazon Firestick, and Android TV devices. It cannot be set up on a router, so streaming via game consoles or Roku is currently not an option. Atlas VPN allows infinite simultaneous connections.
There is also a brilliant freemium plan for those who don’t want to part with their hard-earned cash. However, it won’t give you streaming, just like virtually any other free provider. On the other hand, it’s a great way to test Atlas VPN’s features and see if it fits your needs before buying.
A huge Atlas VPN 86% discount makes this provider incredibly affordable. As a bonus, you get a 30-day money-back guarantee, so there’s totally no risk in trying this streaming VPN. Plus, once you become a client, you get exclusive 24/7 live chat support.
4. ExpressVPN – blazing-fast VPN for streaming
ExpressVPN allows for a pleasant streaming experience thanks to excellent speeds offered by the Lightway protocol. Thanks to it, your content will be free of stuttering and buffering as well, so you can enjoy your favorite movies and shows in HD or even 4K.
You can connect to 3000+ RAM-only servers in 105+ countries, which can bypass the geo-blocks of most streaming services. This will give you Netflix, Paramount+, Apple TV+, and many more.
When it comes to security and privacy, you get a verified and court-proven no-logs policy, as well as a dedicated kill switch and leak protection, to keep away any snoopers. Additionally, due to the bank-grade encryption, no third party will see your traffic.
ExpressVPN works on practically any streaming device, thanks to the MediaStreamer feature. Other than that, you get dedicated apps for popular OS, including Android TV and Amazon Fire TV Stick. There's also a router applet for easier configuration in case you wish to enjoy more than 8 simultaneous connections.
This streaming VPN is one of the more expensive options out there – but you can cut the price in half by using our ExpressVPN 61% off coupon. Alternatively, you can take advantage of the provider's 30-day money-back guarantee for a full free experience.
5. CyberGhost – streaming VPN with a huge server fleet
CyberGhost comes with dedicated streaming servers that are capable of unblocking popular streaming services. Among those, you will find Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu, to name but a few.
You’ll have access to a staggering 10200+ servers in 100+ countries, so there will be plenty of content platforms to choose from. Moreover, CyberGhost utilizes the WireGuard protocol, which means you can expect to watch in HD without any bother. You can improve your streaming experience even more by opting for a dedicated IP.
CyberGhost is always about protecting its users, which can be seen from the independently-audited no-logs policy, leak protection, and a kill switch. There’s also an ad and malware blocker for your browser.
Dedicated apps are available for major platforms, plus Amazon Fire TV Stick and Android TV, so streaming on the big screen is simple. You can also use the Smart DNS feature for devices that don’t support VPN software.
It’s one of the more affordable VPNs on this list. You can get CyberGhost with 83% off. What’s more, this VPN for streaming has an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.
How we picked the best VPNs for streaming
Some VPNs are better for streaming than others, and it's down to the feature set each service has that makes them differentiate.
Below are some features we look for to pick the best VPN for streaming:
- Speed. To enjoy your favorite shows in HD without being interrupted by lag and buffering, a good VPN for streaming needs to have excellent server speeds.
- Servers. Having a large number of servers in different countries around the world means a better possibility of bypassing geo-locked content and unlocking content libraries. Therefore, we look at VPNs that have a large server and country list.
- Features. VPNs that offer split tunneling, Smart DNS, dedicated streaming servers, and other useful features rank highly. This allows you to get the best experience on any device you want to stream on.
- Safety. A killer set of security and privacy features like a no-logs policy, tight encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch is a must for streaming VPNs. This will keep you safe when watching your favorite shows.
- Cost. We look for VPNs with lower monthly costs or those that offer a money-back guarantee to ensure you get your money’s worth.
Why use a VPN for streaming?
There are several benefits to using a VPN when streaming. For example, if you are traveling abroad from the US and want to watch Hulu in another country, you can only do this by using a VPN and mimicking your IP address.
They are also extremely useful for unlocking a plethora of new content libraries on services like Netflix. The US Netflix has a huge range of content compared to some other places around the world. Using a VPN allows you to connect to a server in a country like the US, so you can access its version of Netflix.
Another key reason is overall security. A reliable VPN for streaming, such as NordVPN, keeps you safe online from any potential hackers and snoopers who might be trying to access your data, such as streaming account details.
How to use a VPN for streaming services?
A VPN can be used to unblock new content libraries on Netflix or other popular streaming services, and it’s super easy to get up and running. Just follow these basic steps:
- Download and install a reliable VPN onto your device. We recommend trying NordVPN, the top VPN for streaming.
- Launch your VPN and connect to a server in a country where your chosen content platform is available.
- Log in to the content platform with your details.
- That’s it! You can now start watching.
Is a free VPN good for streaming?
As tempting as they might be, we would not recommend using a free VPN for streaming. This is mainly due to the fact that they offer little to no security. Previously, some free VPNs were found to have sold customer data to third parties and advertisers.
They also have tiny data caps imposed, which means you wouldn’t be able to watch a full-length film or a few episodes of a TV show. It is also unlikely they bypass geo-blocks, as they have such a small range of servers and get blocked easily. If that wasn’t enough, the speeds are often too slow for watching in HD without buffering.
Instead, we recommend that you try a premium service like NordVPN, which offers a 7-day free trial as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee for a hassle-free purchase.
Best TV streaming services to use with a VPN
Below are some of the best streaming services you could use a VPN with for a seamless and safe viewing experience:
- Netflix
- Hulu
- Disney+
- BBC iPlayer
- Channel 4
- HBO Max
- Amazon Prime Video
- Paramount+
- Apple TV+
Final words
A VPN allows you to watch the movies and shows you love from anywhere in the world, with improved safety and speed.
You can use them to bypass geo-blocks and unlock a plethora of new content on some of the major streaming giants or simply access your favorite service when you’re traveling abroad.
For the best experience, we recommend using NordVPN, our top streaming VPN. With it, you can rest assured you’ll be getting the fastest speeds and access to loads of streaming services while knowing your personal data is kept safe from snoopers and hackers.
FAQ
Is a VPN good for live streaming?
Yes, provided it’s fast enough. For that reason, we offer NordVPN, which uses in-house optimized NordLynx protocol to deliver great speeds and performance that is perfect for live streaming.
Can I stream anything with a VPN?
Pretty much. With a solid streaming VPN, you can watch live sports, Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, or listen to Spotify, even if these services are unavailable in your country due to geo-restrictions.
Which VPN is the best for streaming?
NordVPN is the top streaming VPN in 2025. It has the fastest speeds and unblocks plenty of streaming services from the US and other countries. NordVPN has reliable servers in 118+ countries.
Is it illegal to stream with a VPN?
No. It is not illegal to stream anything using a VPN. It does go against the service guidelines for most streaming providers, but it is entirely legal.
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