Best VPN for Streaming Netflix, Disney+, and Other Services in 2025

Whether you're traveling and want to access your favorite streaming services or dealing with frustrating ISP throttling, a VPN can be your solution. But not all VPNs are created equal; some fall short due to slow speeds or ineffective unblocking capabilities. Our rigorous speed and unblocking tests have pinpointed the best VPNs for seamless streaming of movies, TV shows, and even geo-restricted live sports.

TL;DR – Top VPNs for Streaming:

Our Top Pick: ExpressVPN See it at ExpressVPN

NordVPN See it at NordVPN

CyberGhost See it at CyberGhost

Surfshark See it at Surfshark

Proton VPN See it at Proton VPN

IPVanish See it at IPVanish

PrivateVPN See it at PrivateVPN

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet traffic, boosting your online security and masking your IP address for anonymous browsing and location spoofing. Need to access Hulu while traveling abroad? Simply connect to a US server to obtain a US IP address. Best of all, VPNs are compatible with a wide range of devices, from iPhones to PCs. Let's explore the top VPNs for streaming:

1. ExpressVPN: Best VPN for Streaming

Our Top Pick: ExpressVPN See it at ExpressVPN

• Product Specifications: Pricing Starting from $4.99 per month; Simultaneous connections: 8; Servers: 3,000+; Countries: 105; Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV
• Pros: Excellent streaming speeds, Smart DNS feature.
• Cons: More expensive than some alternatives.

ExpressVPN consistently delivers reliable streaming performance. Its proprietary Lightway protocol boasts impressive speeds—averaging 118 Mbps in our tests—surpassing competitors like Surfshark and IPVanish. With over 3,000 servers across 105 countries, it effortlessly unlocks Netflix (multiple libraries), BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. The MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) feature extends streaming capabilities to devices without native VPN app support. ExpressVPN maintains a strict no-logs policy, utilizes 256-bit AES encryption, and allows up to 8 simultaneous connections.

2. NordVPN: Best VPN for Netflix

NordVPN See it at NordVPN

• Product Specifications: Pricing Starting from $3.39 per month; Simultaneous connections: 10; Servers: 6,000+; Countries: 111; Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV
• Pros: Extensive server network, audited no-logs policy.
• Cons: Suffered a data breach in 2018.

NordVPN's vast network (6,000+ servers in 111 countries, including 2,000 in the US) makes accessing Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and YouTube TV a breeze. Its NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) ensures fast streaming speeds, complemented by unlimited bandwidth. The SmartPlay (Smart DNS) feature enhances compatibility with various streaming platforms. NordVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections and offers a dedicated IP option. Its no-logs policy has been independently audited.

3. CyberGhost: Best VPN for Streaming While Traveling

CyberGhost See it at CyberGhost

• Product Specifications: Pricing Starting from $2.19 per month; Simultaneous connections: 7; Servers: 11,000+; Countries: 100; Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV
• Pros: 2,000+ US servers, dedicated IP option.
• Cons: Fewer simultaneous connections than some competitors.

CyberGhost excels with dedicated streaming servers optimized for platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Its massive server network (over 11,000 servers in 100 countries) ensures reliable access. The WireGuard protocol and unlimited bandwidth provide smooth streaming. A dedicated IP option is available for enhanced anonymity. CyberGhost uses robust encryption, prevents DNS leaks, and doesn't keep identifying logs.

4. Surfshark: Best VPN for Streaming on Multiple Devices

Surfshark See it at Surfshark

• Product Specifications: Pricing Starting from $2.19 per month; Simultaneous connections: Unlimited; Servers: 3,000+; Countries: 100; Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV
• Pros: Strong unblocking capabilities, unlimited simultaneous devices.
• Cons: Frequent CAPTCHAs.

Surfshark offers a compelling combination of speed, server network size, and unblocking capabilities, making its subscription prices highly competitive. It unlocks numerous Netflix libraries and works well with BBC iPlayer, Peacock, and Prime Video. Its unlimited simultaneous connections are a significant advantage. Surfshark maintains a no-logs policy and utilizes 256-bit AES encryption.

5. Proton VPN: Best VPN for Privacy

Proton VPN See it at Proton VPN

• Product Specifications: Pricing Starting from $0 per month; Simultaneous connections: 10; Servers: 4,900+; Countries: 85; Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux
• Pros: Impressive speed, genuine no-logs policy.
• Cons: Requires email address for signup.

Proton VPN boasts a rapidly expanding server network and consistently fast speeds, making it suitable for bypassing geo-restrictions. It unlocks Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. The WireGuard protocol and VPN Accelerator feature contribute to its speed. Proton VPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections and offers additional features like an ad blocker. Its independently audited no-logs policy is a key strength.

6. IPVanish: Best Budget VPN for Streaming

IPVanish See it at IPVanish

• Product Specifications: Pricing Starting from $2.19 per month; Simultaneous connections: Unlimited; Servers: 2,400+; Countries: 50; Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV
• Pros: High speeds, affordable pricing.
• Cons: Customer support could be improved.

IPVanish offers a good balance of speed and affordability. Its expanded server network (2,400+ servers, including 1,400 in the US) and implementation of WireGuard make it suitable for streaming. It unlocks Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. The ability to view server ping and load simplifies server selection. IPVanish uses 256-bit AES encryption and includes a kill switch and threat protection.

7. PrivateVPN: Best Beginner VPN for Streaming

PrivateVPN See it at PrivateVPN

• Product Specifications: Pricing Starting from $2.00 per month; Simultaneous connections: 10; Servers: 200+; Countries: 63; Platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV
• Pros: Works with many streaming services, excellent customer support.
• Cons: Relatively small server network.

PrivateVPN, despite its smaller server network, consistently unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and ITVX. It offers respectable speeds for high-resolution streaming and user-friendly apps. Exceptional customer support, including remote assistance, is a major plus. PrivateVPN maintains a no-logs policy and uses 256-bit AES encryption.

Choosing the Best VPN for Streaming:

A VPN's ability to access streaming platforms can fluctuate. Factors like your internet speed, server load, and server distance influence performance. The best VPNs offer reliable unblocking, consistent connections, a global server network (including US and UK), fast speeds, strong encryption, a no-logs policy, and responsive customer support.

Using Your VPN for Streaming:

1. Sign up with your chosen VPN provider.
2. Download and install the app on your device.
3. Log in and connect to a server in the streaming platform's region (e.g., a US server for Netflix US).
4. Clear your browser cookies if necessary to ensure the new IP address is recognized.

FAQs:

• Will a VPN slow my streaming speed? While VPNs can introduce some slowdown, the best options minimize this impact with fast protocols, unlimited bandwidth, and low-load servers. In some cases, a VPN might even improve speeds if your ISP is throttling your bandwidth.

• Why isn’t my VPN working with Netflix? Try clearing your browser's cookies, testing multiple servers, and contacting your VPN's support for guidance.

• Can I use a free VPN for streaming? Free VPNs often have data caps, limited servers, weaker security, and may log your activity. Consider the risk-free trial periods offered by paid VPNs.