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Best Streaming VPNs- Bypass Geo-Blocks And Smooth Buffering

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Finding the best VPN for streaming has become crucial if you want to relax while watching your favorite content online. Otherwise, without such a security tool, the modern online streaming experience is summed up to be nothing more than facing buffering issues due to ISP throttling, content geo-restriction, malware attacks, ad-pops, and online surveillance. 

But a VPN helps bypass these issues by providing fast speeds, robust security to help bypass ISP throttling, a massive server list to mitigate geo-blocks, and strong encryption for online anonymity and security. A reliable VPN also has built-in ad and malware blockers to ensure ultimate online safety. 

If you’re looking for the best VPN for streaming, you’ve come to the right place. Fortunately, plenty of great VPNs out there meet these criteria. This article will look at the best VPNs for streaming and a lot more.

Quick List Of Streaming VPNs

Since sifting through the internet in search of the best VPNs for streaming is annoying, here is a quick list of the VPNs we commonly use for the best results:

CyberGhost VPN: a reliable VPN with built-in ad-blocker that unblocks all streaming platforms and sites. 
NordVPN: a secure VPN with dedicated streaming features such as SmartPlay technology
Surfshark VPN: It helps bypass geo-restrictions and ensures fast streaming speeds through camouflage mode. 
ExpressVPN: a reliable VPN with fast speeds and dedicated streaming features such as Mediastreamer. 
ProtonVPN: has a vast server network, fast speeds due to streaming features such as VPN accelerator.

These VPNs ensure a safe, secure, and reliable streaming experience with dedicated streaming features. They offer robust encryption and easily help bypass all types of geo-restrictions. 

Why do I need a VPN for Streaming?

Like most people, you love to stream movies and TV shows. But did you know that using a VPN for streaming can make your experience even better? Here’s why:

Bypass geo-blocks on streaming platforms 

Most online streaming platforms, such as BBC iPlayer, Netflix, HBO Max, and even Hulu, tend to geo-block content in their attempts to secure licensing agreements. However, a few reliable VPNs can ensure an unrestricted streaming experience by rerouting data through remote servers located in approved locations to help bypass geo-blocks 

Bypass ISP throttling 

ISP throttling is when ISPs intentionally slow down or “throttle” the connection speeds of certain users. It usually happens when users perform high bandwidth activities, such as streaming, torrenting, or gaming. A reliable VPN helps bypass ISP throttling by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address, so your ISP remains unaware of your online activity. 

Stream on a restricted network 

Streaming content like movies, TV shows, or even music is often banned in workplaces and schools. The WiFi networks in these places limit usage to browsing only or specifically have streaming platforms such as Netflix and Spotify blocked. A VPN helps bypass this issue by encrypting your connection to hide your activity from your administrators. 

Stream live sports 

Live streaming is the best way to watch games for any sports fan. However, many sporting events remain out of reach for sports fans because they are only available as pay-per-view and at a very high cost or because of geo-blocks. Even free sports streaming sites have geo-restricted content. A VPN, however, can help bypass those geo-blocks, ensuring a reliable streaming experience.

Gain online security 

Like most sites, free web-based streaming platforms collect sensitive user information such as IP addresses through cookies, trackers, and various methods. Since free sites do not earn through subscriptions, selling your personal information to third parties is an ideal way to help them gain money. A reliable VPN with built-in malware and an adblocker can help you remain secure while streaming on these sites.

Secure streaming on public WiFi

Public WiFi has undoubtedly made life easier. However, these WiFi networks are unsecure; any hacker can join the network and snoop on your online activity or steal your information. Hackers can also spy on your activity to gain access to your Netflix password, or if you are subscribing to a streaming site, they can snoop and gain access to your financial information. Therefore it is crucial to use a VPN for streaming to maintain online security. Since the VPN encrypts your connection, the hacker won’t be able to see your activity and steal your information even when you are connected to public WiFi.

How to choose the best VPN for streaming

If you’re looking for a VPN for streaming, there are a few things to consider. 

  • A large number of servers: A VPN with an extensive server list is essential to bypass geo-restrictions, evade VPN blocks, and play a vital role in VPN speeds. 
  • Fast speed: Make sure the VPN you choose offers robust AES-256-bit encryption that easily helps bypass geo-restrictions and ensures fast and reliable streaming.
  • Unlimited bandwidth: you may consider a VPN with unlimited bandwidth to stream as much as you want without worrying about exceeding your data limit. 
  • Device compatibility: choose a VPN service that offers high device compatibility so the VPN is compatible with the devices you’re using to stream. 
  • Encryption: make sure that the VPN you choose uses robust encryption ciphers and protocols to encrypt your data 
  • Streaming features: the VPN you choose should have dedicated streaming features such as encrypted DNS and obfuscation mode. 

When looking into these features while choosing a VPN for streaming, you can ensure you get a VPN that best suits your needs. 

Our list of the best VPN for streaming 

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is an essential tool for anyone who wants a seizure, fast and reliable streaming experience. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in another location, making it appear like you are accessing the internet from that server. This allows you to bypass restrictions and access content that may be blocked in your location.

Many different VPN providers are available, but not all are suitable for streaming. Some VPNs are faster than others, and some have servers in more locations around the world. To help you find the best VPN for streaming, we’ve compiled a list of our top picks:

1. CyberGhost VPN 

CyberGhost VPN values itself as a “Fast, Secure and Anonymous VPN service,” which makes it an ideal VPN for streaming. It ensures super fast 4K HD quality streaming and comes with various dedicated streaming features such as:

  • Fast speeds through dedicated servers 
  • Specialized streaming servers 
  • More than 6000 servers in 88 countries 
  • Compatibility with all streaming platforms 
  • Built-in malware and tracker protection 
  • It helps prevent ISP throttling 
  • NoSpy feature to help bypass geo-blocks 
  • Unlimited bandwidth 
  • Compatibility with all streaming platforms 
  • Dedicated IP address to help bypass VPN filtering 

CyberGhost is an excellent VPN for streaming that you can use on any free streaming site to watch movies, TV shows, NFL, or UFC matches. The VPN help watch the streaming content in HD quality streams without significant buffering or connection drops. It also guarantees ultimate online privacy and security through robust AES-256-bit encryption and a strict no-logs policy. CyberGhost VPN comes with a hassle-free 45 days money-back guarantee, costing $12.99/month.

2. NordVPN 

NordVPN is one of the most reputed VPN providers known for its smooth and reliable streaming experience. It offers dedicated features that help provide the ultimate online streaming experience, such as:

  • Super fast speeds through the NordLynx protocol 
  • 4KHD Streaming 
  • 5252 VPN servers in 59 countries to avoid traffic congestion 
  • SmartPlay proxy to help bypass geo-restrictions 
  • Encrypted DNS to help bypass VPN firewalls 
  • Compatibility with all popular streaming platforms 
  • Unrestricted access to Netflix US.
  • Compatibility with streaming devices. 
  • Helps bypass ISP throttling. 
  • Threat protection feature that blocks ads and malicious links 

NordVPN offers robust AES-246-bit encryption along with all these features to ensure online privacy and security. Apart from that, NordVPN also promises a strict no-logs policy backed by a log report, which helps ensure data safety and security. The VPN costs $5.99/month and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

3. Surfshark VPN 

Although a relatively new VPN, Surfshark VPN is a great streaming VPN provider that allows users to enjoy HD and 4K quality streams with fast speeds. It offers several dedicated streaming features, such as:

  • Fast speeds with optimized servers
  • Secure and fast VPN protocols, including the WireGuard
  • 3200 servers in 100+ countries 
  • Servers engineered to help evade traffic congestion
  • No Borders mode to help bypass geo-blocks 
  • Camouflage mode to help bypass VPN blocks 
  • SmartDNS feature to help evade firewalls and ISP blocks. 
  • Compatibility with all streaming platforms 
  • CleanWeb feature that blocks ads and malicious links
  • Compatibility with all streaming devices. 

The best thing about Surfshark VPN is that it unblocks all sporting sites and almost 15 Netflix libraries making it an ideal VPN for streaming. Apart from that, it also offers robust AES-256 encryption along with secure VPN protocols that help you stream safely online. It also has a strict no-logs policy backed by a log audit report which guarantees ultimate data privacy and security. The VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and costs $12.95.month

4. ExpressVPN

Based in the British Virgin Islands, ExpressVPN is known for its remarkable privacy and security features. The VPN has been aorund for a considerable time and allows users an exceptional streaming expeirnce through the following features:

  • Super fast speeds through the proprietary lightway protocol 
  • vast server network spread over 3000 servers in 94 countries
  • Unlimited bandwidth 
  • smart DNS technology is known as Mediastreamer to bypass geo-blocks
  • stealth mode servers that help bypass censorship and allow users to unblock streaming content
  • Compatibility with all streaming platforms 
  • Works compatibly with all streaming devices 

One best things about ExpressVPN, when you choose a server within the ExpressVPN app, you can perform a speed test to know if the server is best suited for streaming.  It also helps users stay safe online streaming through secure encryption ciphers and protocols. The VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, and its subscription cost $12.95 per month.

5. ProtonVPN 

ProtonVPN is a reliable VPN that offers everything that a user looks for in the best streaming VPN. Some of its streaming features are:

  • super-fast connection speeds,
  • server network comprises 1600+ servers in over 60 countries
  • VPN accelerator feature that maximizes the speeds
  • alternate routing technology to bypass censorship and geo-blocks
  • Works on all streaming platforms 
  • Compatible with all streaming devices.
  • NetShield feature, which is a built-in adblocker 

The VPN ensures a secure online experience through robust exception protocols and ciphers. Although the VPN offers a free version, it does not work well with Netflix and has limited bandwidth. If you want a reliable streaming experience with Proton VPN, it is best that you get the paid version that costs $9.99/month.

6. VyprVPN 

VyprVPN is another good option that you can consider using for streaming. It allows the users to access the geo-blocked content in High definition quality and impressive speeds through the following streaming features:

  • Dedicated servers that ensure lightning-fast speeds 
  • 700+ servers offering 300,000 IP addresses 
  • Compatibility with all streaming platforms 
  • Chameleon feature that helps bypass geo-blocks 
  • Deep packet inspection to bypass VPN blocks 
  • Bypasses ISP throttling issues. 
  • Compatibility with all streaming platforms. 

Vypr VPN also allows users to watch the live streaming of NFL, UFC, cricket, and football matches across the globe.  The connection and streaming speeds are above average, with slight connection lags and buffering. The VPN also ensures privacy and security through secure encryption protocols and ciphers. Additionally, it follows a strict no-logs policy backed by a log audit report. VyprVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and costs $10/month. 

7. PIA VPN 

PIA VPN also ranks among the best VPN for streaming, which ensures secure and reliable online streaming to its users. Some of its distinctive features that help in reliable streaming are:

  • Ensures reliable and fast streaming speeds 
  • 35,000+ optimized servers in more than 80 counties
  • Dedicated server locations to help bypass geo-blocks 
  • WireGuard protocol for super-fast streaming speeds 
  • Compatibility with all streaming platforms 
  • dedicated IP address feature
  •  smart DNS feature that changes the virtual location to bypass geo-blocks 
  •  PIA MACE feature to block ads
  • Compatibility with all streaming devices 

Apart from providing exceptional streaming, PIA VPN ensures robust online privacy and security. The VPN offers in-class AES-256 bit encryption and secure streaming protocols such as OpenVPN that ensure a safe online experience even on free streaming sites.  PIA VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee and costs $11.95/per month 

8. IPVanish 

IPVanish VPN is another option to consider using when it comes to streaming. The VPN provider offers some of the best streaming features, such as:

  • Super fast speeds 
  •  Scramble option to bypass firewalls and systems that detect VPN traffic.
  •  a vast network of 2000 servers in over 75 locations.
  • Compatibility with all streaming platforms 
  • It helps bypass ISP throttling 
  • Works with all streaming devices. 

IPVanish VPN ensures reliability, but sometimes you can witness buffering and connection drops during streaming. Apart from that, it ensures secure streaming through secure encryption protocols. The VPN subscription is available at  $10/month.

9. AtlasVPN

AtlasVPN is also a great VPN that you can use for streaming. It has several streaming features, such as:

  •  allows streaming 4K and HD quality streaming 
  • dedicated servers in all major locations,
  • 750+ servers in over 44 locations 
  •  SafeSwap servers are designed for anonymity.
  • multihop servers are for evading online censorship
  • Works compatibly on all major devices 
  • Compatible with major streaming platforms
  • Built-in adblocker 
  • WireGuard protocol for fast speeds

Along with ensuring good speeds and helping users bypass geo-blocks, Atlas VPN also ensures online security while streaming. The VPN uses robust encryption protocols and ciphers which help users stay safe from online snooping and spying. Atlas VPN subscription costs $1.83/month 

10. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN also ranks in the list of the best streaming VPN providers. The VPN offers several features that help ensure reliable online streaming experience such as:

  • Super fast speeds
  • 200+ servers in 63 locations
  •  Stealth VPN feature to bypass geo-blocks and censorship 
  • Compatible with multiple streaming platforms 
  • Works well on all streaming devices 

While the VPN does have various outstanding features. It does not provide good speeds. you can experience buffering and connection drops while streaming. The VPN costs $5.95/month.

Are there any VPNs with built-in malware blockers?

VPNs are the ultimate solutions to online privacy and security. Since ads also cause a violation of your online privacy, several VPNs come with built-in malware blockers to ensure a safe online experience. Some of the best VPNs that have built-in ad blockers are as follows:

  1. NordVPN– a Panama-based VPN with a dedicated ad blocker known as CyberSec. 
  2. SurfShark VPN– A reliable VPN with reliable security features, including the adblocker CleanWeb. 
  3. CyberGhost VPN– a Romanian VPN provider with a built-in adblocker 
  4. Express VPN- a secure VPN provider that blocks ads and malicious trackers through the dedicated Threat Management feature. 

These VPNs are known to provide ultimate privacy and security to ensure a safe online experience.

FAQs

What is the fastest VPN for streaming?

Nord VPN is one of the fastest VPNs for streaming. NordLynx, its proprietary protocol, uses the WireGuard encryption protocol to ensure lightning-fast speeds.

Which VPN is the best for Netflix?

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Netflix. It provides unrestricted access to all Netflix libraries, including Netflix US, and ensures super-fast speeds by bypassing ISP throttling issues. It also offers robust encryption protocols for security purposes.

Is VPN enough to bypass streaming service blocks?

Yes, a VPN is enough to bypass streaming service blocks. When using a VPN, your traffic is encrypted, and your IP address is hidden. This makes it much more difficult for streaming services to block you.

Does a VPN improve streaming quality?

Yes, a VPN can improve streaming quality by encrypting your data traffic and hiding your IP address. This can help bypass ISP throttling issues and ensure a more reliable streaming experience.

Is streaming movies with a VPN legal?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as the legality of streaming movies with a VPN will vary from country to country. In some countries, using a VPN to stream movies may be illegal if the movies are copyrighted. However, in other countries, it may be perfectly legal. It is advisable to check your local laws and regulations before streaming any film with a VPN.

Is a VPN worth it for streaming?

A VPN is worth it for streaming. Not only does it help bypass ISP throttling issues, providing super-fast streaming, but it also helps access geo-restricted content. This means you can watch your favorite shows and movies from anywhere worldwide without worrying about government censorship or other restrictions.

What streaming services work with a VPN?

The most popular streaming services that work with a VPN are Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

Can I use a streaming VPN to watch sports?

Yes, you can use a streaming VPN to watch sports. A VPN helps access geo-restricted content and allow  users to watch live stream sports in restricted regions.

Should I go for a free streaming VPN?

We would not recommend using a free VPN for streaming. While they may seem enticing, they are often unreliable and provide limited bandwidth. Additionally, most streaming services like Netflix have their IP addresses blocked by free VPNs.

Which VPN is best for live streaming?

There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on several factors, including the specific live streaming service you are using and your personal preferences. Some popular VPNs often recommended for live streaming include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost.

How do I know which VPN to choose?

There is no easy answer when choosing a VPN, as there are many factors to consider. However, some tips on choosing a VPN may include looking for a reputable provider with strong security features, unlimited bandwidth, and servers in the locations you need.

Final Words 

There are a lot of different VPNs on the market, and it can be tough to know which is the best for streaming. However, the VPNs mentioned in this article promise reliable and secure streaming. They offer robust encryption that helps bypass some of the toughest geo-restrictions and online censorship. In addition, these VPNs have unlimited bandwidth, which ensures a reliable streaming experience.

So If you’re looking for a VPN to help access your favorite streaming content, you’ve come to the right place. This article gives you our top picks for the best VPNs for streaming.

It also provides some valuable tips for getting the most out of your VPN for streaming purposes. So whether you’re looking to unblock Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or any other streaming service, read on to find out which VPN is best for you.

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Shigraf is a cybersecurity journalist and privacy advocate who write on topics related to cybersecurity and internet privacy. She spends her free time watching movies and TV shows online and shares her fellow netizen's frustration over geo-blocks and streaming issues.

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