Today's best streaming VPNs are the perfect companion to any streaming service subscription. Not only do they ensure that you have reliable access to all of your favorite shows, sports, and movies, but they'll boost your digital privacy, too.
The TechRadar team regularly puts the best VPNs to the test to determine which services can unblock streaming content and which ones just don't cut it. We've compared their speeds, security, server networks, and how easy they are to use (even if you're totally new to the tech).
With Black Friday rapidly approaching, and tons of providers slashing their prices, there's no better time to invest in a streaming VPN. Keep reading and I'll round up our top picks, and be sure to head on over to our Black Friday VPN deals hub to bag a serious bargain over the holidays.
The five best streaming VPNs in 2024
Need a quick answer to your streaming struggles? Here's a rundown of our top five streaming VPN picks:
Recent updates
We're fresh off our latest round of VPN tests. We put the top streaming VPNs through the wringer, testing them across key parameters, such as their unblocking capabilities, network size, privacy and security, and value for money. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all retain their ranks right now. We’ve updated their in-depth reviews below to reflect all the changes we noticed in our latest test results. Check out our VPN testing methodology to know all about how we evaluate VPNs.
The 5 best streaming VPNs in 2024
Why you can trust TechRadar We spend hours testing every product or service we review, so you can be sure you’re buying the best. Find out more about how we test.
The best VPN for streaming
✔️ Streaming Netflix is your primary use case: NordVPN sits at the top of our Netflix VPN rankings, and can unblock international content libraries with ease.
✔️ You want an all-in-one security suite: a NordVPN subscription comes with ad-blocking tools, malware protection, and other handy privacy features.
✔️ You want excellent value for money: NordVPN's customizable pricing plans mean that you only pay for what you need (and what you'll use).
❌ You want a super simple interface: NordVPN's map-style interface can be a lot of fun, but if you want a simpler design without the bells and whistles, Surfshark has cleaner apps.
🔒 NordVPN is the ultimate all-rounder: it's wickedly quick, unblocks virtually any site you point it at, and doesn't cost a fortune. Check it out today with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Visit our in-depth NordVPN review for a closer look at this all-in-one security solution.
NordVPN is a streaming titan, and you'll have no problem unblocking the likes of BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, Hulu, and YouTube. NordVPN has even upped its Netflix game in recent months and can access catalogs in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. Basically, NordVPN has everything you need to check out streaming content from all over the globe – including absolutely ridiculous speeds. In fact, during my most recent tests, the service clocked in at 950 Mbps (using the NordLynx protocol), which is way more than you need to ensure smooth, buffer-free, streams.
The specific focus on streaming is also evident through NordVPN's SmartPlay technology. It's a secure proxy service that bypasses the pesky geo-restrictions that streaming sites use to restrict content to specific countries. SmartPlay is enabled by default across all NordVPN apps, automatically rerouting user requests through an appropriate remote server.
There are more than 6,400 NordVPN servers in 144 locations worldwide – which is a lot. Hopping from location to location is nice and easy, thanks to NordVPN's well-organized server lists, so you can quickly relocate and bypass any pesky geo-restrictions you encounter. There are several specialty servers to choose from, including dedicated P2P servers, obfuscated (cloaked) servers, and Onion Over VPN.
NordVPN's security features are just as intuitive. The kill switch is particularly handy, seeing as it'll cut your internet connection if the VPN drops and prevent data leaks, and an independently-audited no-logs policy means that you can go about your browsing, streaming, and downloading without worrying about nosy third parties looking over your shoulder. NordVPN also has extra add-ons like dedicated IP addresses and a dedicated Apple TV VPN app.
NordVPN provides 24/7 live chat support as well as a range of explainer guides and support articles to help you access the show or event you want to watch as smoothly as possible. In addition, its subscription plans offer even more tools and apps for a slightly higher monthly fee, including a data breach scanner, personal data removal, cross-platform password manager, and 1 TB of cloud storage. See how it stacks up against ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee to fall back on.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Design can be a little busy for some people, | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | There isn't much attention to detail and is not the best option when streaming on mobile | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of our fastest VPNs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Perfect for Netflix and other streaming services | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | An excellent all-in-one security solution | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 available, friendly, and professional | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Fantastic value for the money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best beginner VPN
✔️ You want easy-to-use top-quality apps for almost everything: ExpressVPN's apps are simple and compatible with almost all devices
✔️ You want to access content everywhere: with over 140 locations worldwide to choose from, you'll be able to access local content no matter where you are.
✔️ You need a reliable and trustworthy VPN: between ExpressVPN's regular audits and no-logs policy, you can be certain your information is always safe.
❌ You're on a strict budget: ExpressVPN is an expensive choice. If you can't afford its prices, we'd recommend looking towards NordVPN or Surfshark.
🔒 ExpressVPN strikes a great balance between security, usability, performance, and unblocking capability, all while offering exceptional customization. Try for yourself with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our in-depth ExpressVPN review for a closer look at the service and its roster of security tools.
ExpressVPN unblocks virtually every streaming service you can think of - no matter the region. We were able to access several Netflix catalogs, Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more during our latest round of testing. ExpressVPN is also incredibly consistent, too, meaning you'll rarely be left unable to tune in to your favorite shows.
It offers a wide range of native clients, including those for Windows, Mac, Linux, and other devices, but the service truly shines in the mobile department. ExpressVPN has intuitive and well-designed iOS and Android apps that let you automatically establish a connection with the closest optimized server and reach high speeds. Besides its traditional VPN apps, ExpressVPN has its own SmartDNS tool, MediaStreamer, that helps you access the geo-restricted content on devices like Smart TVs by spoofing your location.
With its split tunneling feature, you can specify which apps are and aren't protected by the VPN, which means both access local sites and services and stream your favorite content simultaneously.
ExpressVPN boasts a 3,200 server count spread across 148 locations. The service achieved consistently solid speeds in our latest series of tests, averaging 750 Mbps. That's enough coverage to stream content anywhere in the world, and it's fast enough to simultaneously stream over a dozen TV shows or movies in 4K.
Currently, ExpressVPN offers eight simultaneous connections – which is on par with the industry average. This should be enough to cover all of your favorite gadgets (or share your login with friends and family), but Surfshark has ExpressVPN beat here, offering unlimited simultaneous connections.
It's also worth noting that ExpressVPN is undeniably more expensive than the rest of my picks. However, the provider did recently discount its two-year plan, making it cheaper than ever before, which is great news for anyone who's had an eye on the service for a while but has been put off by the pricing.
Still, ExpressVPN justifies its steep prices by offering unparalleled customer support that can provide expert advice 24/7 and resolve any issues you may have. If that's not enough, it also throws in 3 months of additional protection, a password manager, and a year of unlimited cloud storage, all for free on its 12-month plan. Don't just take our word for it, though. Put it to the test with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A clean and simple design on all your devices | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Easy-to-navigate apps with auto-connect functionality | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Fast enough for anything you could throw at it, but slower than NordVPN and Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Effortlessly gives you access to content around the world | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Express offers highly secure protocols and military-grade protection | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | 24/7 available and helpful support | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | More expensive choice compared to the competition | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best cheap streaming VPN
✔️ You want the best budget secure VPN: Surfshark provides you with many features, unbelievable speeds, and a reliable network—all at a low price.
✔️ You need the fastest VPN around: currently topping our charts with over 950 Mbps average speeds, Surfshark is faster than all of our top picks.
❌ You need a bulletproof kill switch: our testing showed some issues with Surfshark's Windows kill switch. If you are worried about an accidental data leak, we'd recommend ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
🔒 Surfshark is an exceptional value-for-money VPN. With unparalleled speeds and unlimited simultaneous connections, you get a lot of VPNs for a low price. Try for yourself and see why it's our favorite cheap VPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out our in-depth Surfshark VPN review and see why the fastest VPN is also our #1 budget pick.
When we tested it last, Surfshark comfortably unblocked Netflix (in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and more), Amazon Prime, Disney+, YouTube, and BBC iPlayer, immediately becoming a key contender in our streaming VPN round-up. We also threw several other services, including Australia's 9Now and 10Play, on top of ITV Hub and All4, which all passed with flying colors.
Surfshark also lands the #1 spot in our guide on cheap VPN providers. One subscription will cover unlimited simultaneous connections, which is another advantage compared to other best streaming VPNs. This means you can set it up on your devices and encourage those closest to you to stay safe online by sharing the subscription with your family or friends.
Besides providing quality service, Surfshark can help you avoid ISP throttling, also known as bandwidth throttling—a common practice of internet service providers (ISPs) that involves limiting high connection speed to encourage you to switch to more expensive internet plans. By masking your online activities, Surfshark prevents your ISP from throttling your connection, allowing you to enjoy your favorite TV shows and movies at high speeds. Additionally, Surfshark has proven it can reach blazing-fast speeds, with peaks of 950 Mbps, which means comfortable streaming in 4K.
However, our recent testing showed some issues with Surfshark's kill switch, a downside to its overall quality and reliability. If you are concerned about privacy and want to avoid a potentially dangerous accidental IP leak, you should go for ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Although Surfshark has excellent unblocking abilities, NordVPN did way better in recent tests. Additionally, Surfshark is incredibly easy to use—making it a good choice for beginners. But it also means it lacks a couple of extra features some power users with more extensive plans for their VPN might require.
Overall, Surfshark is excellent value for money, and all but guarantees a fantastic streaming experience. You can always test it yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee period.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Intuitive and easy to use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | An excellent option for beginners and seamless connections | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The fastest of all of our top picks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocked everything we threw at it with ease | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Some kill switch issues; doesn’t provide a comprehensive security suite | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Lots of supporting articles, but awkward to navigate when you need help on the fly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | The best cheap VPN on the market | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Other VPNs I've tested and recommend
✔️ You need a fast VPN: hitting peaks of 690 Mbps average speeds, Hide.me is an excellent option for those to whom speed is crucial.
✔️ You are a more experienced user: beginners or less experienced users might find access to all of Hide.me’s features overwhelming. If that's the case, providers like ExpressVPN or Surfshark might be a better choice.
❌ You want a recent independent security audit: Hide.me hasn't updated this information in recent years, so if this is important for you, we recommend going for ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
❌ You want to install it on more than 10 devices: Hide.me only lets you have up to 10 installations at any one time, which will not work for you if you have more in mind.
🔒 Hide.me is a popular choice for those who value speed above everything else.
All VPNs stream in high definition (HD), but Hide.me is exceptionally good when streaming in 4K. Learn about its other helpful features in our Hide.me review.
Hide.me has been creeping up in our estimations in the last year, making a name for itself as a formidable streaming VPN thanks to its strong track record of unblocking many of the popular streaming services and boasting some of the fastest speeds in our biannual tests. However, despite being impressively quick still, Hide.me has seen its speeds fall off somewhat, dropping to 690 Mbps from its previous score of 950 Mbps when using WireGuard.
Although its speeds may have dropped, Hide.me is still a superb choice for streaming. While it has previously struggled when it comes to unblocking Netflix catalogs in different countries, this time around there were no such issues. It was also able to unblock Disney Plus, Prime Video, UK services BBC iPlayer, All4, and ITV Hub without an issue, including Australia’s platforms 9Now and 10Play.
Besides its connection speeds, Hide.me offers exceptional security features you can benefit from throughout the day, especially while streaming content. Its MultiHop feature lets you simultaneously connect to two servers to increase anonymity and privacy, similar to NordVPN’s Double VPN. However, Hide.me allows you to pick two servers, making it a flexible solution that won’t slow you down too much.
Still, it has its drawbacks. If you're hoping to make the most of its excellent free VPN offering, you'll be disappointed, as the streaming service unblocking is limited to paying customers only. Also, some kill switch issues persist, leaving users vulnerable when changing locations. It also quotes a security audit from 2015, which feels a little outdated if you ask us. Therefore, privacy-concerned users should choose ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
It is compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Routers, Consoles, and Smart TVs. Additionally, it is hugely configurable. Now with an affordable 3-year plan (plus three months for free), Hide.me still stands up as a reliable VPN for unblocking streaming services, with speeds that'll make easy work of 4K streams.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Clear and straightforward interface | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | More suitable for experienced and demanding users | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Very fast, beaten only by Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks all the major streaming services | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Some kill switch issues; a security audit is outdated | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Lots of supporting articles, live chat is available 24/7 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Overall a good value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You want great unlocking capabilities: PureVPN worked like a charm during my tests, unblocking a long list of platforms.
❌ You rely on your kill switch: You rely on your kill switch: PureVPN's kill switch didn't quite hold up to scrutiny during testing, so I'd suggest sticking to NordVPN if it's a red flag.
❌ You need great customer support: PureVPN lacks the depth of support that you find in ExpressVPN's help center.
🔒 PureVPN has a great affordable price package and reliable access to all sorts of streaming services, big and small, but can't top its competitors.
Pure VPN has some of the best and most affordable subscription packages, and it's fast enough to support HD TV streaming. But is it really worth it? Read our full Pure VPN review to find out.
PureVPN is another fantastic budget option that'll help you check out your favorite shows for less, no matter where you are, but it also has its hangups. However, if you're less concerned with privacy and more focused on Netflix, it could be worth checking out.
PureVPN is undoubtedly back on top of its game as an excellent choice for bypassing geo-restrictions on streaming services. It unblocked every service we tested, including Netflix catalogs worldwide, BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, and Prime Video, making it part of our best streaming VPNs.
Its mobile experience has also seen some great improvements, including the addition of live chat within the app, steering you to the PureVPN website rather than, previously, an unbranded page. You can also create shortcuts, which is helpful for those who want to connect to a server and immediately launch their chosen streaming service.
In addition, its speeds sit above average in our latest results, with peaks of 880 Mbps. While a touch lower than the speeds of our other recommended VPNs, it still serves as a speedy and reliable connection that'll handle 4K streams with ease.
However, if speed is a priority NordVPN or Surfshark is a better choice. Additionally, in our testing, some security concerns did crop up, including apps sending crash reports without asking. PureVPN's support website also didn't meet our expectations, and there were also a few problems with the Windows and iOS clients, including kill switch issues and the inability to cancel connections.
If you're having doubts, PureVPN offers a 31-day money-back guarantee window. It is a solid streaming VPN with an impressive track record for unblocking. However, if you want more of the whole package, you'd be better off with other providers, such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Straightforward interface design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Simple to use, but we’ve noticed some app annoyances and concerns | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Reliable, but average speeds | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks all the major streaming services | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Some kill switch issues; we saw apps sending crash reports without asking | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Significantly behind our other top providers | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Good value on the longer-term plans | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How we test VPNs
Testing VPNs involves hours of hard work and research – something our experts are very good at. It’s a tricky process, though, as there are lots of variables to keep in mind, such as a VPN’s speeds and unblocking powers varying from one location and time to another and certain features not working identically across different apps. The bottom line, therefore, is that we had to undertake several rounds of testing with every single variable to get comprehensive (and accurate) test results.
Network size: We visit the VPN’s website to check the number of servers it claims to have and the locations it operates in. This is generally very important, but even more so if the VPN wants to be adept at unblocking streaming sites. We ensure that the servers are nicely spread out all over the world so that users can connect to and from everywhere.
Unblocking abilities: Needless to say, the most important criteria for a streaming VPN is the number of content libraries it unblocks. We test the unblocking powers of a provider by throwing multiple big-name streaming services at it from various server locations. This includes attempts to access regional Netflix titles from a number of servers worldwide, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus content from multiple US VPN servers, and BBC iPlayer from all available UK servers.
Customer support: Some of the most reliable VPNs, such as ExpressVPN, offer you to contact their support in case you cannot unblock a geo-restricted streaming site. We try this out firsthand and see whether the support agent recommends a server that works with the platform we’re looking to access. Alternatively, we’re also happy if we’re redirected to any troubleshooting articles that resolve our query. Most importantly, though, we look for responsiveness and how accurate the solutions are.
Privacy and security: A VPN’s privacy and security credentials are among the first things we verify. In addition to carefully reading its privacy and data management policies – and checking whether there are any changes from the last time we reviewed it – we evaluate the encryption methods the VPN employs (AES-256 data encryption is the norm) and if it offers the most relevant VPN protocols, primarily OpenVPN and WireGuard.
Performance: Good streaming VPNs must boast high connection speeds so that they can support buffer-free streaming, even in 4K. We test a VPN's speeds with different devices using a 1 Gbps internet connection and run a total of over a hundred tests. Next, we record the connection speeds multiple times throughout the day (and regularly throughout the year) and leverage various speed test websites, protocols, settings, etc. to ensure the speeds we finally note down are as accurate as they can be. Additionally, we also benchmark DNS queries, look at connection times, and stream high-res videos to evaluate the VPN's real-world experience.
How to choose a VPN
Really, much of what your choice of VPN provider will come down to is which streaming services you want access to no matter where you are. While our best streaming VPNs tick off most services across the board, it's fair to say some platforms put up more of a fight.
All the VPNs on our list can unlock the most popular channels and services. But check out our guides below if you need something more specific:
1. Best Netflix VPN
2. Best BBC iPlayer VPN
3. Best Amazon Prime VPN
4. Best Apple TV VPN
5. Best Hulu VPN
This includes Netflix, the most popular streaming service in the world, and incidentally the toughest to unblock. BBC iPlayer has also been known to be many VPNs' kryptonite in the past. Whichever you want to tune into, though, we'll detail below which VPN provider can unblock what.
Lightning fast connection speeds and great security should also be top of your list of requirements. While fast speeds lend themselves to a strong, high-resolution stream with no buffering, security ensures your payment details are kept tightly under lock and key. You'll also want one with a decent network of servers, giving you a choice of ones to switch to on the off-chance connection proves slow.
You’ll also want wide support for various devices, as you may well be viewing content across multiple bits of hardware—from phones and computers to individual streaming devices like Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. We also favor streaming VPN providers that have fast, effective 24/7 live chat support—just in case you struggle to get things working.
FAQs
What is the best streaming VPN 2024?
Our latest round of testing shows that NordVPN is the best streaming VPN. It unblocks a ton of streaming services, including smaller regional platforms, to ensure that you never run out of new content (or old favorites) to check out. NordVPN is also our fastest VPN—so don't worry about being held up by that pesky buffering circle.
Is a VPN worth it for streaming?
The answer to that question entirely depends on what you want to stream and how often. If you're somebody who has an insatiable appetite for films and box sets and will go to any means to get all the content, then a VPN is an essential tool as it means you can start watching Netflix and Amazon Prime content that may not be available in your location.
Similarly, if you're a massive fan of a particular sport, but the coverage in the country where you live (or are visiting) just isn't up to snuff, then a VPN will help you to watch your favorite team or player with more comprehensive coverage from around the world.
If you need help getting set up, or want to know how to use a VPN, be sure to check out my in-depth guide.
What streaming services work with a VPN?
The list is practically endless here. It would probably be quicker to list services that aren't unblockable by a VPN.
From our testing and using VPNs ourselves we've found that you can unblock Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, BBC iPlayer, Sling TV, DAZN, YouTube, Disney Plus, Fubo, All 4, ITV Hub, and a whole host more domestic networks. If you're a little unsure and don't want to commit to a service without first knowing whether it will work with your streaming service of choice, then we'd recommend going for a VPN with a free trial and putting it through its paces risk-free.
It is possible that a VPN will work to unlock a service one day and not the next. This is more common with lower-quality providers, but if you find it happening to you, check out our guide on what to do when your VPN doesn't unblock Netflix anymore.
Can I use a streaming VPN to watch sports?
Absolutely, and over the last few years this has become a really popular reason to get hold of a VPN.
Want to watch the Super Bowl online through your usual domestic broadcaster while abroad? Or without commercials with the BBC's Super Bowl coverage? A VPN is an ideal tool to help get around geo-restrictions.
The same goes if you pay for a costly Sky or BT Sport package for football and want to watch when you're on holiday. Or Aussie cricket and footie fans who just can't get the coverage they need when not Down Under.
In our testing, we've had success using VPNs for a variety of services, including Sky Go, Kayo, DAZN, Star Sports, and many, many more.
Should I go for a free streaming VPN?
I'd recommend avoiding free VPNs if your main purpose is reliable stream unblocking. They tend to come riddled with data limits, bandwidth restrictions, and seldom unblock streaming services reliably.
Even the best free VPN, PrivadoVPN, comes with data limits, and while our testing showed it unblocked US Netflix, it still pales in comparison to the likes of ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.
River helps take care of cybersecurity content on TechRadar—ranging from breaking news pieces, reviews, and buying guides.
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.
