Best VPN for Streaming

Not every VPN works with streaming services. In fact, most do not - at least not reliably. Streaming platforms actively detect and block VPN connections, and what worked last month may not work today. We test every VPN in our database monthly against 12 streaming platforms to give you an accurate picture.

How We Tested

We connected to each VPN using its recommended protocol and tested against Netflix (US, UK, Japan), Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Max, Paramount+, Peacock, DAZN, and Crunchyroll. Each test was run on a desktop browser with DNS leak protection enabled. We marked a service as "working" only if it loaded content on the first or second attempt.

Our Top Picks

1. NordVPN - Best Overall for Streaming

Score: 9.3/10 | From $2.69/mo

NordVPN unblocked 11 out of 12 streaming platforms in our tests. Netflix US, UK, and Japan all worked, as did every other major service except DAZN (which was partial). NordVPN's SmartPlay technology handles the geo-unblocking seamlessly, and its fast NordLynx protocol ensures buffer-free 4K playback.

Why it wins: Perfect Netflix record, fastest speeds for 4K streaming, and the best price-to-performance ratio.

2. ExpressVPN - Most Reliable Across All Platforms

Score: 9.4/10 | From $6.67/mo

ExpressVPN achieved a perfect 12 out of 12 in our streaming tests - the only VPN to do so. Its MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature adds streaming support for devices that cannot run VPN apps, like older smart TVs and gaming consoles.

Why to choose it: If every streaming platform must work every time, ExpressVPN is the safest bet. The premium price is the trade-off.

3. Surfshark - Best Budget Option for Streaming

Score: 8.9/10 | From $1.99/mo

Surfshark unblocked 9 out of 12 platforms. Netflix US and UK, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and most major US services all worked. It missed on Netflix Japan, DAZN, and had inconsistent Paramount+ results.

Why to choose it: Unlimited devices mean every screen in your household can stream through a single subscription. At $1.99/mo, the value is hard to beat.

4. Proton VPN - Best Free Option for Streaming

Score: 8.2/10 | Free tier available, Plus from $3.59/mo

Proton VPN's Plus tier unblocked 10 out of 12 platforms. Note that the free tier does not support streaming unblocking - you need the paid Plus plan. Netflix US and UK work, along with most major services.

Why to choose it: If you want a privacy-focused VPN that also handles streaming well, Proton VPN offers both.

5. CyberGhost - Best for Dedicated Streaming Servers

Score: 8.7/10 | From $2.03/mo

CyberGhost labels specific servers as optimized for each streaming platform, which makes finding a working server simple. It unblocked 9 out of 12 services.

Why to choose it: The streaming-optimized server categories remove the guesswork from finding working servers.

VPNs to Avoid for Streaming

Mullvad and IVPN scored 0 out of 12 in our streaming tests. Both providers explicitly state that streaming unblocking is not a priority. These are privacy-focused VPNs, not streaming tools. If streaming is your goal, they are not for you.

What to Look For

• Protocol speed: WireGuard-based protocols (NordLynx, Lightway, standard WireGuard) provide the bandwidth needed for 4K streaming
• Server locations: You need servers in the country whose content library you want to access
• Smart DNS: A Smart DNS feature lets you unblock streaming on devices that cannot install a VPN app
• Consistency: Monthly testing matters. A VPN that works today might not work next month.

Our Testing Methodology

We subscribe to every VPN with our own money. We test streaming access monthly from a standardized test environment. We report failures honestly - if a VPN does not unblock a service, we say so. We do not accept payment to improve streaming scores.

Read our full methodology