The Best VPNs for Streaming

While Surfshark only works with 10 Netflix regions, which is considerably fewer than ExpressVPN and NordVPN, I was amazed at the VPN’s ability to unblock every regional library on Disney+.

In fact, the VPN works with Disney+ through every single server; an industry-leading feat.

Surfshark unblocked all popular Disney+ regions.

If you’re in the US and using Surfshark, you’ll be able to unlock all of Hulu’s content without the need to get a Disney+ Bundle.

And while Surfshark works with 6 fewer streaming platforms than NordVPN, it actually works with JioHotstar and Sky Go, which its rival can’t.

Surfshark offers one of the best VPN apps for Android TV and excellent native apps for all other streaming devices, including Fire TV and Apple TV.

But, what really stands out with Surfshark is its Android app’s ability to spoof your GPS location.

Several mobile apps use your device’s GPS data services, in addition to your IP address, to figure out where you really are.

Most VPNs require you to use a separate third-party “fake GPS” app in parallel, however Surfshark has developed its own integrated solution.

Once activated, Surfshark’s Override GPS location syncs your VPN IP and GPS data to place you in the same matching location.

Setting up Surfshark’s ‘Override GPS’ location setting.

Thanks to the tool, I streamed NHL blackout games on the ESPN+ Android app, and beat out-of-market restrictions on NFL+.

Sadly, the tool only works on Android devices since iOS doesn’t allow GPS spoofing at the system level.

IPVanish is the fastest service among my top 10 reviewed VPNs, decreasing my download speed by just 4% on a nearby server.

During streaming tests, videos always loaded instantly at maximum resolution, with buffer-free 4K/UHD playback on Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

To get similar speeds at home, ensure WireGuard is selected in the protocol settings. In my experience, IPVanish sometimes defaults to OpenVPN, which adds overhead and makes it harder to unblock streaming services.

IPVanish currently unblocks 17 Netflix regions, matched only by NordVPN, and surpassed only by ExpressVPN and Windscribe Pro. Highlights include the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and Japan.

The VPN unblocked popular Netflix libraries, like Canada, with ease.

It also works reliably for UK-based platforms like BBC iPlayer, ITVX, and Channel 4. I did notice IPVanish struggles with Sky Go, a problem many VPNs face, but I was able to solve this by swapping from a UK server to an Irish one.

The VPN’s a strong choice for US platforms too. After my UK Disney+ subscription expired, I used IPVanish to connect to the US and continue watching Grey’s Anatomy on Netflix.

The main gaps in IPVanish’s unblocking capabilities were Australian platforms (ABC iView and Kayo Sports), most DAZN libraries, and several popular European services (RTÉ Player, Mediaset Infinity, and Movistar+).

You can use IPVanish on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, making it a great choice for households with multiple screens.

You can use IPVanish on several devices at once.

There are custom apps for desktop, mobile, tablet, tvOS, Android TV, and Fire TV. In my opinion, the Fire TV app is the standout as it’s the best-designed and compatible with Vega OS, Amazon’s latest operating system.

Without a Smart DNS tool or router app, your options are more limited for streaming on devices that don’t run VPN software (e.g. game consoles).

I also found Secure Browser, IPVanish’s alternative to traditional browser extensions, a poor choice for streamers since it massively degrades your video quality.

If you want to stream in your web browser, or on one of the devices that don’t support VPNs, it’s much easier to use ExpressVPN.

Proton VPN has upped its game across the board, but I had the most success with streaming services in the UK and Australia.

It unblocked every British streaming service I tested, including BBC iPlayer and Sky Go, which are renowned for their VPN blocks.

I had similar success with Proton VPN’s Australian servers, which consistently unblocked Netflix Australia, 7plus, ABC iView, and Kayo Sports. Only 9Now detected my VPN connection and blocked streaming.

However, my resolution often dropped to 720p when connected to Australia. If you don’t mind this, then Proton VPN remains a viable pick thanks to its affordable plans and renewal rate.

Despite unblocking more Netflix libraries than ever, Proton VPN is still far behind my other picks for international platforms.

In my streaming tests, it failed to unblock free-to-air broadcasters and paid OTT services alike. Noteworthy misses include JioHotstar, Germany’s ZDF, and every version of DAZN outside of Canada.

If you need to access these platforms, then I recommend using ExpressVPN instead.

Proton VPN is a versatile and secure service that keeps your streaming traffic completely private.

I recommend using it for streaming while in heavily censored countries. In my experience, its obfuscated servers (accessible via Stealth protocol) unblock most US and UK streaming services from anywhere in the world.

Your online activity isn’t logged, which was proven in a court case, and your internet connection is secured using WireGuard’s ChaCha20 encryption.

That said, download speeds can fluctuate and affect your video playback. For example, I noticed dropped frames while streaming UK Netflix and enabling the Secure Core feature almost always led to buffering.

Personally, I got my best video quality with Proton VPN by turning off Secure Core and activating the VPN Accelerator feature.