Updated on: July 19, 2024
Short on time? Here’s 2024’s fastest VPN for streaming:
- 🥇 ExpressVPN : Can access 100+ streaming sites and multiple international libraries, maintains blazing-fast speeds across all servers, and has very intuitive apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, routers, and other devices. It offers affordable plans, allows 8 connections, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
The best VPNs for streaming I recommend provide unrestricted access to your favorite content across various streaming platforms. They’re compatible with a wide range of streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, access many different international content libraries, have large server networks, and maintain ultra-fast connection speeds for buffer-free streaming.
After testing dozens of top VPNs, I’ve found my favorites for streaming. My #1 choice is ExpressVPN because it ticks all of the boxes — it can access lots of popular and less popular streaming sites, has servers in 105 countries, and offers the best speeds on the market. Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
Quick summary of the best VPNs for streaming in 2024:
- 1. 🥇 ExpressVPN — Best VPN for streaming in 2024 (works with all top sites + has fastest streaming speeds).
- 2. 🥈 Private Internet Access — Excellent VPN for streaming & customizing your connections for fast speeds.
- 3. 🥉 CyberGhost VPN — Great VPN with streaming-optimized servers + convenient automation rules.
- 4. NordVPN — Good for streaming US content on smart TVs + allows remote access to home PC.
- 5. Surfshark — Easy-to-use apps for streaming with convenient connection options (good for beginners).
- Plus 2 more VPNs.
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Streaming Movies & TV Shows in 2024
ExpressVPN is no doubt my favorite VPN for streaming in 2024 — its servers are located in 105 countries, it consistently accesses the most popular streaming sites, including different Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ libraries, and services like BBC iPlayer, ESPN+, Hulu, and Crunchyroll. It also works with other less popular sites like Sling TV and Fubo.
It offers the fastest speeds for streaming in HD and 4K thanks to its own Lightway protocol, which is very lightweight — it has fewer lines of code compared to most other fast VPN protocols. This not only makes it faster, but it also saves battery life on your laptop and phone.
In my speed tests, all videos loaded instantly, and I could skip through them without any buffering. I was also very happy that my connections never dropped and switching from one Wi-Fi network to another was very smooth.
I’m a huge fan of ExpressVPN’s Smart DNS (MediaStreamer), which lets you stream on devices that don’t support VPNs like certain smart TVs and gaming consoles. MediaStreamer doesn’t use encryption, so it provides even faster speeds than ExpressVPN’s servers. It doesn’t let you choose a location, but it accesses all top streaming sites in the US and UK, including Netflix.
The provider includes a free password manager on desktop and mobile, so you can securely store your login credentials for different streaming platforms. I also found it pretty convenient that it auto-fills your login information, so you won’t have to copy-paste your passwords every time you want to watch your favorite TV shows and movies.
Another ExpressVPN feature I like for streaming is Shortcuts, which lets you create 1-click bookmarks to your favorite streaming sites and apps on desktop and mobile — they appear on the main screen after ExpressVPN connects to a server. It saves you a couple of taps and clicks, and if you make a habit of relying on it, it’ll mean you never accidentally stream unprotected.
With plans starting at $6.67 / month, ExpressVPN offers the best value — and its longest plan usually comes with additional months for free. It accepts various forms of payment (including cryptocurrencies) and backs all plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
ExpressVPN is definitely the best VPN for streaming in 2024. Thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN maintains super-fast speeds across all servers, and it consistently works with all of the top streaming sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime. ExpressVPN also provides easy-to-use apps for a wide range of devices and plenty of useful extras for streaming. All plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full ExpressVPN review here
🥈2. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Highly-Customizable VPN for Streaming
Private Internet Access (PIA) lets you customize your connections for streaming and get the most out of the VPN on different networks. For example, you can switch from the more secure 256-bit AES (which is the better option for stable and fast networks) to the slightly faster 128-bit AES encryption when you’re on very slow networks. You can also try different ports if you’re on unstable public Wi-Fi networks, as well as different packet sizes depending on whether you need a more stable or efficient connection.
PIA works with 30+ streaming services, including several Netflix, Amazon Prime, Max, and Disney+ libraries. It has several streaming-optimized servers that access these services, though it only guarantees access via the web browser. The VPN works a majority of the time with streaming apps, too, including on its regular servers in 91 countries, and it has smart DNS that allows you to change your location to the US, the UK, the Netherlands, Japan, or Germany.
I really like how PIA allows you to automatically connect to a server if the VPN detects an untrusted Wi-Fi network. This is very handy if you like to stream at the gym on the treadmill, in a café, or on public transportation.
You can also get a dedicated IP address for a small extra price in 5+ countries, including the US, the UK, and Japan. The IP address you receive is exclusive to you and not shared with others (unlike the shared IP addresses assigned when connecting to a VPN server). This reduces the likelihood of a streaming service blocking your IP address and access to your account. Plus, PIA’s dedicated IP addresses are optimized to work with streaming sites.
Private Internet Access has very affordable plans starting at just $2.19 / month. It backs each plan with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
PIA offers great customization for streaming on different networks, so you can get more stability and faster speeds. It can access popular streaming sites and has dedicated IP addresses that support streaming. It comes with a 30-day refund policy.
Read the full Private Internet Access review here
Editors' Note: Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.
🥉3. CyberGhost VPN — Servers Optimized for Streaming
CyberGhost VPN has specialized streaming servers that access 50+ streaming services (including 15+ Netflix libraries) in 20+ countries.
These are kept in a separate tab and are clearly labeled for each streaming library, so they’re very easy to find. More importantly, they’re regularly tested to ensure they work with the streaming service. CyberGhost also has great streaming support on all of its regular servers in 100 countries.
CyberGhost Smart Rules makes it that much easier to stream on desktop. This feature lets you set auto-connection rules — for example, CyberGhost can automatically connect to a streaming server when the VPN launches and eve open a specific streaming app once connected. You can also set it to launch and connect to a specific server location when you open a particular app, like Netflix.
In addition, it allows you to choose what happens when the VPN detects a secure and an unsecure Wi-Fi network. If you choose to automatically connect to a server when it detects a new network, CyberGhost will connect to the streaming server you picked.
CyberGhost includes a smart DNS option, too, for devices that don’t have native apps. However, it works with fewer streaming services than ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access, as it only accesses Hulu, Netflix US and Netflix UK.
CyberGhost can help you protect your streaming credentials with Identity Guard. It will notify you if your email address and passwords have been leaked. CyberGhost offers dedicated IP addresses for a small extra cost — they’re located in 10+ countries, including in several locations in the US, UK, and Canada.
CyberGhost VPN offers cheap plans (starting at $2.19 / month) and backs long-term plans with a 45-day money-back guarantee (monthly plans have a 14-day money-back guarantee).
Bottom Line:
CyberGhost VPN has dedicated streaming servers that work with 50+ streaming sites in 20+ countries. It has a smart DNS feature for devices that don’t support VPN software, has excellent automatic rules, and it offers dedicated IP addresses. It backs all long-term plans with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full CyberGhost VPN review here
Editors' Note: CyberGhost and this site are in the same ownership group.
4. NordVPN — Great For Streaming US Content on Smart TVs
NordVPN is ideal for streaming on US sites with smart TVs and other devices that don’t support VPNs. Its smart DNS tool can access lots of US libraries, including Max, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Paramount+, Peacock TV, and Netflix Originals.
Its servers, which are located in 111 countries, consistently work with 10+ streaming services, including Hulu and lots of US and non-US libraries on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. However, this is fewer than ExpressVPN, which accesses 100+ streaming services.
This is thanks to NordVPN’s SmartPlay tool, which combines Smart DNS with VPN security features. The best part is that SmartPlay works in the background, so you don’t need to do anything to activate it.
I particularly like NordVPN’s Meshnet feature, which lets you connect all of your devices to a single, secured network. This means you can remotely connect to your home PC while traveling to securely stream on an unsecure Wi-Fi network.
NordVPN includes a dark web monitor that sends you real-time alerts of breaches affecting your streaming credentials and any personal information linked to it. It also has dedicated IP addresses in 15+ countries that come at a small extra cost.
NordVPN has budget-friendly plans, starting at $3.39 / month, and all purchases are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
NordVPN is a great pick for watching content on US libraries on smart TVs, gaming consoles, and any other devices that don’t support VPNs. Its servers work with top streaming sites and other non-US libraries, and the provider has a unique Meshnet feature for streaming from your home PC regardless of your location. NordVPN covers all plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full NordVPN review here
5. Surfshark — Great for Streaming for Beginners
Surfshark is a great beginner-friendly VPN for streaming. Its app includes lots of 1-click connection options, like auto-connecting to any server of your choice on trusted networks (like your home network), but I particularly like its customizable quick-connect feature that allows you to choose any server for secure streaming.
Surfshark’s servers in 100 countries access 50+ streaming services, including several Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Max libraries.
Surfshark has a smart DNS tool for watching your favorite content on a smart TV or your gaming console. The drawback is it only accesses Netflix US, Hulu, and Disney+ US. Private Internet Access works with other non-US content libraries, and ExpressVPN can access UK streaming services, too.
I really like Surfshark’s Alternative ID feature. It lets you create a fake online identity, including a fake email address, to protect your personal information for your streaming accounts. Any email from streaming services sent to the fake contact information is forwarded to your real email address, so you won’t miss anything. Additionally, Surfshark offers dedicated IPs in 10+ countries.
Surfshark has affordable plans that start at $2.19 / month, and it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Surfshark has user-friendly apps for beginners who need a good streaming VPN. It can access 50+ streaming sites, has a smart DNS tool, and comes with a unique Alternative ID feature that protects your real email address when you’re signing up for a streaming service. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Surfshark review here
6. PrivateVPN — Minimalistic VPN for Streaming
PrivateVPN is a great choice for streaming with a VPN that does everything in the background. Its apps have a very simple design — all you have to do is pick a server from any of the 63 countries and click the big Connect button.
PrivateVPN works with 20+ streaming services, including top streaming sites like Netflix, Max, and Amazon Prime and their different libraries. It can also access lesser-known sites like ABC, DAZN, and RaiPlay.
The VPN leaves some room for customization, which you may need on very slow networks (and potentially older devices). Just like with Private Internet Access, you can switch from 256-bit AES encryption to 128-bit AES encryption to get slightly faster speeds for streaming on congested networks.
PrivateVPN is also one of the few VPNs on this list and on the market that offers free dedicated IP addresses for 5+ locations, including the US and the UK. The downside with PrivateVPN is that you don’t get a smart DNS feature for streaming like with ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access.
PrivateVPN has plans that start at $2.00 / month and backs all plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
PrivateVPN offers simplistic apps for streaming and works with all of the popular streaming sites. It doesn’t have a smart DNS feature, but it offers some level of customization for streaming on slow networks, and offers free dedicated IP addresses. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full PrivateVPN review here
7. Proton VPN — Great Streaming Support With Speed Boosting Tool
Proton VPN has a unique feature that increases your speeds for streaming. It’s called VPN Accelerator, and it boosts speeds on distant servers to reduce buffering and annoying slowdowns. In my tests, I always had faster speeds while connected to servers located on the other side of the world with it enabled than when I turned it off.
Proton VPN can access 50+ streaming services, including several Netflix, Max, and Amazon Prime libraries, as well as Hulu and BBC iPlayer. One of the drawbacks is it lacks a smart DNS feature, which you get with ExpressVPN.
Proton makes it very easy to connect to a streaming server — they’re all marked with a play sign next to them. Plus, it’s one of the only VPNs that lets you connect to a city, and not just a country. This way, you can connect to a location that is the closest to your location for the best possible speeds for streaming.
My favorite Proton VPN feature for streaming is Profiles, which lets you build 1-click custom connections. These profiles include which server and country to connect to and which protocol to use. You can create several profiles for streaming on different streaming platforms.
Proton VPN’s Plus plan starts at $3.59 / month. All plans come with a prorated 30-day money-back guarantee.
Bottom Line:
Proton VPN speeds up streaming speeds with a unique VPN Accelerator feature and works with all of the major streaming platforms. It lets you pick specific servers, and not just server locations, for more control, and make it easy to automate your connections. Proton comes with a prorated 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read the full Proton VPN review here
Quick Comparison Table
Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria
To identify the best VPNs for streaming movies and TV shows, I followed our tried-and-true testing methodology and used real-world scenarios to ensure each VPN meets our high standards of performance and reliability. Here’s a more detailed look at how I chose and ranked each VPN on my list:
- I checked streaming compatibility. Every VPN on this list can access at least 10+ streaming services, including popular ones like Netflix, Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. What’s more, the VPNs can access different libraries on these streaming sites.
- I tested each VPN’s speed. All the VPNs recommended here demonstrated excellent speeds, allowing for buffer-free streaming and high-quality video playback. The fastest of the bunch is ExpressVPN.
- I looked for ease of use in desktop and mobile apps. The VPNs I selected offer user-friendly interfaces, ensuring a smooth experience whether you’re on a computer or smartphone. Also, most of them include a smart DNS feature so you can stream on devices like smart TVs and gaming consoles that don’t natively support VPN software.
- I evaluated security features of each VPN. Every VPN in this list includes industry-standard security features such as 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. In my tests, my IP address never leaked and I only ever saw the VPN’s IP address I was testing.
- I examined the overall value offered by each VPN. The VPNs I recommend come with lots of extras for streaming, allow multiple simultaneous connections, and a money-back guarantee — all in addition to great deals on their plans!
Top Brands That Didn’t Make the Cut
- TunnelBear. TunnelBear is a user-friendly VPN that works with many sites like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. However, it can’t access Disney+ and ESPN+, and it’s slower compared to the VPN I recommend here.
- IPVanish. IPVanish has good streaming support and can access top sites like Netflix and Max. However, it doesn’t have many streaming extras like the VPNs on my list.
- Mullvad VPN. Mullvad VPN is a very privacy-focused VPN with pretty fast speeds and really good torrenting support, but it’s unable to access a lot of streaming apps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which VPN has the fastest streaming speeds?
In my tests, ExpressVPN was the fastest streaming VPN in 2024 — I was able to instantly load HD and 4K videos on all servers. ExpressVPN also works with top streaming sites like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu, has very user-friendly apps, and provides excellent security features.
Is streaming faster with a VPN?
VPNs usually slow down your speeds because they encrypt your data. But all the VPNs on this list minimize the speed loss — ExpressVPN, my top pick, didn’t affect my streaming experience as content instantly loaded and videos played without any interruptions.
What’s the best VPN for streaming US content?
The best VPN for streaming US content is ExpressVPN as it can access lots of US libraries on Netflix, Amazon Prime, Max, and Disney+. It also works with Hulu, ESPN+, and Crunchyroll. On top of that, its smart DNS feature gives you a US IP address and can access all top US streaming sites.
What’s the best Netflix VPN?
ExpressVPN is hands-down my favorite VPN for watching Netflix. It consistently works with Netflix, maintains blazing-fast speeds on nearby and distant servers, and has easy-to-use apps for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, routers, and smart TVs.
Are free VPNs good for streaming?
No — most free VPNs have slow speeds and don’t work with the top streaming sites like Netflix and Amazon Prime. Also, they typically set a limit on your data, have buggy apps, lack important security features, and might log your traffic.
Instead, I suggest getting a premium VPN like ExpressVPN — it maintains extremely fast speeds, has great streaming support, provides top-notch security, offers user-friendly apps, and comes with a money-back guarantee.
