Best VPN for Streaming: ExpressVPN, NordVPN & 3 Others Tested

Do you want to keep your online privacy while enjoying your favorite shows? Well, you’re in luck because we’re diving deep into the top five VPNs for streaming services and privacy.

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What Features Are Most Important When Choosing a VPN for Streaming?

If you want to enhance your streaming experience with a Virtual Private Network (VPN), there are a few important factors to keep in mind.

Speed is crucial – nobody wants to deal with buffering while trying to enjoy their favorite shows or movies. To avoid this, be sure to select a VPN that offers fast speeds and reliable connections for smooth streaming.

Another consideration is server locations. To access geo-restricted content from different regions choose a VPN that has a wide range of servers in various locations. This way, you’ll be able to bypass any restrictions and enjoy content from around the world.

It’s worth noting that some VPNs may not be compatible with popular streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, or HBO. To ensure that you’re able to access the streaming content you want, select a VPN that supports the streaming services you want.

Let’s take a look at the top five VPNs for streaming services. These providers are not only user-friendly but also affordable and trustworthy.

1. ExpressVPN (Best Overall VPN for Streaming)

If you’re looking for an ideal VPN for streaming, then ExpressVPN is a great option. It offers excellent streaming VPN service and provides top-tier security with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Although it can be slightly more costly than some others, the list of features is worth it, and if you go for the year plan, it comes in at $6.67, which is quite reasonable for what you get.

ExpressVPN International Ltd was founded in 2009 by Peter Burchhardt and Dan Pomerantz. In September 2021, ExpressVPN was purchased by Kape Technologies PLC, a United Kingdom-based cybersecurity software company.

The company has its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands (BVI), a well-known location for foreign business registrations. One of the reasons for its popularity as a jurisdiction to register foreign companies is the confidentiality of information, which is protected by the country’s company and trust legislation. As an autonomous state, the BVI is not bound by UK laws.

The British Virgin Islands (BVI), which has strict rules about disclosing information, has no laws limiting VPN usage and is not part of the international signals sharing agreement (9 Eyes/14 Eyes associations). As a result, users of ExpressVPN need not concern themselves with intrusive laws or agreements commonly observed among 14 Eyes nations.

Also, ExpressVPN doesn’t require any privacy policies or data retention restrictions, allowing them to avoid gathering personally identifiable data from their users’ online activities, except for what is necessary to activate their account and provide the service.

ExpressVPN Features

Encryption software is the foundation of any VPN service. ExpressVPN uses Advanced Encryption Standard with 256-bit keys (AES-256) for their encryption, a symmetric block cipher preferred by the US government for safeguarding classified information.

There are several different kinds of encryption. They are UDP, TCP, L2TP/IPsec, IPsec, IKEv2, and PPTP. Sometimes you can only get one type of encryption on your device. You need to check which country uses which type of encryption by visiting the ExpressVPN server page.

When you sign up for ExpressVPN, it will decide the protocol for you. You can change this manually if you want to, but if you’re unsure which one to choose, use the version of the protocol that’s automatically selected.

ExpressVPN also does not keep any information about what you do online. They have a strict no-log policy.

ExpressVPN is suitable for streaming. They provide access to Amazon Prime, Kodi, Netflix, and other services that you wish to unblock restricted content.

Read our full ExpressVPN review →

2. NordVPN (Best VPN for Streaming at Fast Speeds)

NordVPN is owned by Nord Security (previously Tefincom SA). It is registered in Panama and subject to its laws. By using NordVPN, you can evade surveillance even if you live in a country that is monitored by the 14 Eyes Alliance.

Internet service providers (ISPs) are increasingly seeking more information about their users, including tracking their online activities and locations. Fortunately, NordVPN has not entered into any agreements allowing sharing of user information with other nations.

Importantly, NordVPN doesn’t retain any logs of your online activities. Even in the event of a raid or government inquiry, they would be unable to access any information about your internet usage.

NordVPN Features

NordVPN has a strict no-logging policy, ensuring user data remains confidential. To further bolster user privacy, NordVPN offers two kill switches – one for the internet and another for applications – to prevent any data, DNS, or IP leaks in case the VPN connection drops.

The internet kill switch blocks internet access if NordVPN is not enabled and can be easily turned on or off via the Settings menu.

In addition, NordVPN’s App Kill Switch halts specific applications in the event of a sudden VPN connection slowdown. Users can select which applications to apply the switch to, and it operates automatically, providing added assurance that their traffic won’t be unintentionally leaked.

A Distributed Denial-of-Service (DDoS) attack is a coordinated effort to overwhelm your computer or website with excessive traffic, leading to a shutdown. It is a common occurrence when a website gets hacked, and hackers often use this technique as a diversion while they carry out other nefarious activities, like data theft or malware implantation.

However, a VPN with anti-DDoS protection can help prevent such attacks and keep you safe. To ensure that your traffic remains encrypted and secure, you can utilize a DDoS Protected dedicated IP provided by a VPN service like NordVPN. Routing all your website’s traffic through these specialized servers ensures your IP address remains hidden from attackers.

It’s worth noting that NordVPN is reputable and secure. They also offer commercial plans for small businesses that require additional security but are not yet ready to invest in dedicated Linux servers or expensive virtualization software like KVM.

Also, online gamers would benefit from using this VPN as it offers protection against DDoS attacks during intense gaming sessions where opponents may resort to unethical tactics.

Although some websites claim to be encrypted, they can still contain harmful elements like viruses. Fortunately, NordVPN’s CyberSec filter can effectively block such websites from accessing your computer and causing harm.

You can further enhance your safety by enabling NordVPN’s CyberSec feature displayed when you log in. It can be easily turned on or off within the settings section of your account.

Read our full NordVPN review →

4. TorGuard (Best VPN for Streaming and Torrenting)

TorGuard VPN, originally catering to torrenting needs, now offers a full-fledged VPN service that makes torrenting effortless. The company has its headquarters in Florida, USA, which initially raised some concerns due to the USA’s membership in the 14 Eyes Alliance. However, TorGuard has a strict no-log policy, so they have none of your data stored.

With time, TorGuard VPN has gained a reputable position in the VPN industry, expanding its services beyond torrenting. Presently, it has a vast network of 3,000+ servers spread across 50 countries worldwide, offering users a wide range of server locations to select from, which means you’ll have optimized upload and download speeds, regardless of your whereabouts.

TorGuard VPN offers the convenience of compatibility with multiple devices and a subscription allows for eight simultaneous connections. You can add additional devices for an extra $1 per month per device, allowing your entire family or friend group to stay protected from online threats.

TorGuard is also up there with the fastest VPNs like Surfshark or hide.me VPN.

This VPN has a DNS leak-proof design, ensuring that your traffic remains encrypted even when hardware or network fails.

TorGuard Features

Kill switch: TorGuard’s built-in kill switch will terminate your connection if your VPN drops suddenly. This safety feature ensures that your IP address and internet traffic do not get exposed to your ISP or other unauthorized third parties.

Strong AES encryption: There are a plethora of options when it comes to connecting through TorGuard’s VPN: OpenVPN, PPTP, SSTP, L2TP/IPSec, and IKEv2/IPSec are just a few. TorGuard also supports AES-256 encryption. The IPVS leak protection feature in the software adds another layer of security for those concerned about data breaches or leaks.

Torrenting and streaming: You can easily access torrenting and streaming with TorGuard VPN because it has all the features needed for these activities.

Read our full TorGuard review →

5. Hide.me VPN (Best Free VPN for Streaming)

 

Hide.me VPN was established in 2012 by eVenture Limited, a Malaysian company. Malaysian law restricts companies from sharing personal data outside the country without the Minister’s approval, making it a secure location for VPN service providers.

Malaysia is not a member of the 14 Eyes Alliance, adding an extra layer of protection for users of Hide.me. In addition, Hide.me is one of the first VPN providers to have undergone a thorough audit of its operations.

Hide.me VPN is a reliable service that allows users to browse the internet without being tracked. It provides 24/7 customer support, accessible via email, phone, and live chat, and they have an active and informative user forum.

Hide.me VPN secures its network with top-notch military-grade encryption technology to ensure all data passing through its servers remains protected. In addition, this VPN service offers OpenVPN connections.

In 2013, Hide.me VPN began publishing yearly transparency reports. These reports disclose the number of requests received for the disclosure of users’ personal information.

Hide.me VPN Features

No-log/data storing: Hide.me VPN is a certified zero-log VPN, which guarantees that they don’t log payment information, personal information, or usage.

According to Hide.me VPN’s privacy policy, the VPN provider does not store logs of its users’ online activities. Additionally, Hide.me VPN was designed without any logging capability to ensure users’ online privacy.

Strong encryption standard – Hide.me’s encryption protocols are the best that money can buy. We appreciate their wide range of protocols, including PPTP, L2TP/IPsec, SoftEther, SSTP, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. It’s nice to be able to switch between protocols for various purposes.

Flexible pricing – There are two subscription plans available with Hide.me. You can choose the basic free subscription with 2GB data transfer, 1 simultaneous connection, and 5 worldwide locations or premium for more.

Read our full Hide.me review →

Why Use a VPN for Streaming?

A good-quality VPN is worth using when streaming to enhance your streaming experience by ensuring your privacy and security.

Here are some of the top benefits of using a VPN for streaming:

• Accessing geo-restricted, blocked content from other countries.
• Preventing network throttling and buffering.
• Ensuring privacy and security while streaming.
• Circumventing restrictions and censorship.
• Concealing your actual IP address and location.

Investing in a high-quality VPN service can significantly enhance your streaming experience while safeguarding your privacy and security.

What Does a VPN Do?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a software-based solution that enables you to establish a secure connection to another network via the Internet. Once you connect to a VPN, your device creates an encrypted tunnel between itself and a VPN server, redirecting your internet traffic away from your internet service provider (ISP).

This feature helps conceal your IP address and browsing activity from entities such as hackers, businesses, government agencies, and other prying eyes.

Why is it Difficult to Choose a VPN for Streaming?

When choosing a VPN for streaming, there are several challenges to consider. Firstly, many streaming services block VPNs to maintain their distribution agreements. Not all VPNs are equal, and some may slow down your internet or not work well with streaming services.

However, any of the VPNs on this list can help you bypass geo-blocks and access streaming content that may be restricted in your location.

What to Look For

Choose a reliable and fast VPN compatible with the streaming services you want to use. While free VPNs may seem tempting, paid VPNs are generally a better option as they provide new, unblocked IP addresses and are less likely to be detected by streaming services. By selecting the right VPN, you can enjoy seamless streaming without worrying about restrictions or slow speeds.

You’ll want to take your specific streaming preferences into account. From BBC iPlayer to Hulu, or Max, there are several streaming services to choose from, and it’s a good idea to check that the VPN you choose unlocks whatever your favorite streaming site is.

It’s also worthwhile to check that the VPN you choose works with the devices you’ll be using most frequently, whether that be gaming consoles, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Smart TV, or Apple TV.

More things to consider are how you will be using the VPN.If you frequently stream Japanese content, it is recommended that you choose a VPN that has a server network including Japan. In terms of speed, VPN servers in North America, such as those located in Canada, typically offer excellent speeds.

Ultimately, the most suitable VPN server location depends on your specific requirements, whether that be streaming, privacy, speed, or online gambling. While having a vast server network is beneficial, it is more important that the VPN has servers in popular and in-demand countries such as the UK, Canada, Egypt, Australia, Japan, and others.

What to Avoid

When using a VPN for streaming, you’ll want to avoid low-quality VPNs that could harm the quality of your streaming experience. Some streaming services are known to be hostile to VPN usage. Therefore selecting a VPN capable of bypassing geo-restrictions and unblocking popular streaming platforms is so essential.

Methodology

Our Verdict

A reliable VPN service provider is essential because it allows for smoother streaming with a VPN and ensures the best overall online experience.

When looking for a VPN, consider your budget and choose an affordable option that suits your needs. However, you should never compromise on security and speed when choosing a VPN.

Make sure to do your research and look for a VPN that provides reliable security features and fast connection speeds to ensure a seamless and safe online experience.

FAQs

What is the Best Streaming VPN?

No single provider is the best in every case! It depends on your location and which channels or services you want to unblock. Your personal needs will determine which VPN is the best for you.

A VPN must provide high speeds without compromising security.

Top-notch customer service is essential too. Live chat support and assistance make things easier to deal with should any issues occur.

Is a VPN Worthwhile for Streaming?

Yes! Using a VPN is the best way to stream your favorite shows online because it encrypts all your data. It prevents ISPs from seeing what you are streaming which means they won’t block or throttle any traffic.

As for security and privacy issues: with a VPN subscription in place, nobody will be able to access websites you visit by stealing your IP address (the key piece of information that makes up who you are online) or if they try hacking into an insecure network connection at home or work.

How Do I Stream Through a VPN?

Some streaming services such as Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and others may be geo-blocked or offer different media libraries in different countries, so you will want to select the right location for your VPN.

If you are new to VPNs, using one to access streaming services may seem confusing. There is nothing complicated about it if you know what steps to take. You should sign up for a good VPN service provider so your media streaming goes smoothly. After that, follow the instructions below:

•   Connect your device through the VPN’s recommended protocol.
•   Find the server location where the content will stream from.
•   Access your preferred streaming service as usual.

Why is My VPN Not Working with Netflix/Hulu/HBO?

If streaming VPN is not working with the sites mentioned above, there may be some other issues that you need to fix. Make sure your device has a fast internet connection. If it does, then this could mean that the service providers are blocking access for some regions of the world. There are a few things you can do:

• Try using another protocol.
• Contact the VPN support team.
• Try a different server in a country with less geo-restriction.