Best VPN for Streaming

Streaming services have become the primary way people watch entertainment, but geo-restrictions mean that content availability varies dramatically by country. A show available on Netflix in one region might be completely blocked in another, while services like Hulu, BBC iPlayer and HBO Max are entirely restricted to specific countries.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, lets you bypass these geographic restrictions by securely connecting to servers around the world. This unlocks access to streaming platforms and content libraries that would otherwise be unavailable in your location.

In this guide, we look at two VPN providers that excel at streaming across all major platforms, NordVPN and Surfshark. Both offer fast speeds for buffer-free HD and 4K streaming, reliable connections to global content libraries, and strong privacy features that keep your viewing activity secure.

What a VPN is and how it works for streaming

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through secure servers in different countries. When you connect to a server in the US, UK or Japan, streaming services see that country's IP address instead of your real location, giving you instant access to content available in that region.

Streaming platforms use geo-blocking to restrict content based on licensing agreements. A VPN bypasses these restrictions by masking your true location, making it appear as if you're browsing from the country where the content is available.

Here's how it works:

1. Install the VPN app on your streaming device
2. Connect to a server in your desired country
3. Open your streaming service (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, etc.)
4. Stream content from that region with no buffering or interruptions

Why you may need a VPN for streaming

Content availability on streaming platforms varies dramatically by region due to licensing restrictions and regional agreements. A VPN gives you access to the full global catalog of content across all your streaming subscriptions.

Using a VPN for streaming helps you:

• Access geo-restricted streaming services like Hulu, BBC iPlayer and HBO Max
• Unlock different Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video libraries worldwide
• Watch live sports and events that are region-locked
• Continue watching your shows when travelling abroad
• Stream in HD and 4K with fast, reliable connections
• Protect your streaming activity and viewing history from your ISP

For anyone who wants unlimited access to global streaming content, a VPN removes all geographic barriers and unlocks thousands of additional shows and movies.

VPNs that work reliably for streaming

NordVPN: unblocks everything, everywhere

NordVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs for streaming, consistently bypassing geo-restrictions on Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max and countless other platforms. Its SmartPlay technology is specifically optimized for streaming.

Highlights of NordVPN:

• Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Prime Video and more
• SmartPlay technology for seamless streaming
• Lightning-fast speeds for buffer-free HD and 4K streaming
• 6,000+ servers in 60+ countries for global access
• Works on Smart TVs, Firestick, Apple TV, Roku and all devices
• Independently audited no-log policy
• 24-hour live chat support
• 30-day money back guarantee

Best for: Streamers who want the fastest speeds, most reliable connections, and access to every major streaming platform worldwide.

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Surfshark: unlimited streaming on every device

Surfshark excels at unblocking all major streaming services while supporting unlimited simultaneous connections. Perfect for families and households who stream on multiple devices at once.

Highlights of Surfshark:

• Unlimited device connections on one account
• Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max and more
• Fast speeds for smooth HD streaming
• 3,200+ servers in 100+ countries
• Works with Smart TVs, Firestick, gaming consoles, mobile devices
• CleanWeb feature blocks ads and trackers during streaming
• Affordable long-term pricing
• 30-day money back guarantee

Best for: Families and multi-device households who want unlimited simultaneous streaming with excellent value for money.

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VPN comparison for streaming services

Both NordVPN and Surfshark excel at unblocking streaming platforms worldwide. See the quick comparison below to choose the best fit for your streaming needs.

NordVPN is ideal if you want the absolute fastest streaming speeds, access to the most platforms and regions, and flawless 4K performance on every device.

Surfshark is better if you have multiple people streaming simultaneously in your household and prefer unlimited device connections with budget-friendly pricing.

Which streaming services can you access?

Both NordVPN and Surfshark reliably unblock all major streaming platforms:

Video streaming:

• Netflix (15+ regional libraries including US, UK, Japan)
• Disney+ (all regions)
• Hulu (US only)
• HBO Max / Max (US and select regions)
• Amazon Prime Video (multiple libraries)
• BBC iPlayer (UK)
• Apple TV+ (all regions)
• Peacock (US)
• Paramount+ (US and select regions)
• Discovery+ (multiple regions)

Live TV and sports:

• ESPN (US)
• DAZN (multiple regions)
• fuboTV (US, Canada)
• Sling TV (US)
• YouTube TV (US)
• Sky Go (UK)
• Channel 4 (UK)
• 10 Play (Australia)

International platforms:

• Hotstar (India)
• Stan (Australia)
• TVNZ (New Zealand)
• ITV Hub (UK)
• 9Now (Australia)

Both VPNs work across dozens of countries and hundreds of streaming platforms worldwide.

How to set up a VPN for streaming

Setting up a VPN for streaming is straightforward and takes just a few minutes.

Step-by-step setup:

1. Purchase and install your chosen VPN on all your streaming devices
2. Open the VPN app and connect to a server in your desired country
   • US servers for Hulu, HBO Max, US Netflix
   • UK servers for BBC iPlayer, UK Netflix
   • Japan servers for Japanese Netflix, anime content
3. Open your streaming app or website
4. Start streaming - content will automatically show from that region
5. Switch servers anytime to access different countries and platforms

Pro tips for optimal streaming:

• Choose nearby servers for fastest speeds
• Use wired Ethernet or 5GHz WiFi for 4K streaming
• Clear browser cache if content doesn't load correctly
• Contact 24/7 support if you encounter any issues
• Keep your VPN app updated for best compatibility

Can I use a free VPN for streaming?

Free VPNs are not recommended for streaming and rarely work with major platforms:

• Most are already blocked by Netflix, Hulu and other services
• Extremely slow speeds cause constant buffering
• Data caps limit how much you can watch each month
• Poor security and questionable privacy policies
• No customer support when issues arise
• Limited server options and overcrowded connections

Premium VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark invest heavily in maintaining access to streaming platforms, providing fast speeds, and offering 24/7 support. The affordable monthly cost is worth it for unlimited, buffer-free streaming.

Streaming with a VPN on different devices

Both NordVPN and Surfshark work seamlessly on all streaming devices:

Smart TVs: Native apps for Android TV, LG WebOS, Samsung Tizen, Fire TVStreaming sticks: Amazon Firestick, Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast, Apple TVGame consoles: PlayStation 4/5, Xbox One/Series X|SMobile devices: iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tabletsDesktop: Windows, macOS, LinuxBrowsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge extensionsRouters: Configure once to protect all devices on your network

NordVPN supports 6 simultaneous connections, perfect for most households.

Surfshark offers unlimited connections, ideal for larger families or multiple devices.

Does streaming with a VPN affect speed?

Premium VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark are optimized for streaming and cause minimal speed reduction. In most cases, you won't notice any difference when streaming in HD or 4K.

Factors that affect streaming speed:

• Your base internet speed - You need at least 5 Mbps for HD, 25 Mbps for 4K
• Server distance - Closer servers provide faster speeds
• Server load - Both VPNs have thousands of servers to prevent overcrowding
• Time of day - Peak hours may show slight slowdowns

Both NordVPN and Surfshark offer unlimited bandwidth and are specifically optimized for streaming, ensuring smooth playback without buffering.

Final recommendation: best VPN for streaming 2026

A VPN transforms your streaming experience by removing all geographic restrictions and giving you access to global content libraries. Whether you want to watch US Netflix, UK shows on BBC iPlayer, or catch up on Japanese anime, a VPN unlocks everything.

NordVPN is the top choice for streamers who want the fastest speeds, most reliable platform access, and premium 4K streaming performance across all devices.

Surfshark is ideal for families and households who need unlimited simultaneous connections and prefer excellent value for money without compromising on quality.

Both are premium VPNs that consistently work with all major streaming platforms, deliver buffer-free HD and 4K streaming, and provide 24/7 support whenever you need it. Choose either one and unlock unlimited entertainment from around the world.