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5 Best VPNs for Streaming: Unblock Content in 4K!

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ExpressVPN is the best VPN for streaming, especially for VPN-blocking platforms like Netflix, Hulu, DAZN, and Disney+. It’s also the best VPN to unblock and stream content on restrictive work and school networks or in regions like China, Russia, and Vietnam.

Alternatively, you can get specialty streaming servers on NordVPN and CyberGhost, enjoy live streaming on PureVPN or get the largest streaming device support with Surfshark.

Guess which is the fastest streaming VPN?

Top 3 VPNs for Streaming

ULTRA-FAST STREAMING
NordVPN
NordVPN devices

Access content libraries in 60 countries over 5400+ servers powered by the in-house NordLynx protocol and P2P servers for a buffer-less experience.

4.6/5
Read More
BEST OVERALL
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN different devices

Get fast and automatic obfuscation on 3000+ servers in 94 countries to bypass VPN traffic blocks and stream content anywhere.

4.8/5
Get Discount
BEST LIVE STREAMER
PureVPN
PureVPN Top 2 Best VPNs

Enjoy ultra-fast servers to unblock live streams of games, concerts, shows, and other content without buffering or lag over 6500+ servers in 78+ countries.

4.6/5
Read More

You might be interested in streaming content outside of your region, such as France TV (in France), NRK TV (from Norway), or Voot (from India).

Or, you might want to unblock regional libraries on platforms (such as Netflix) already available in your region to watch Netflix US, Netflix Japan, or Netflix Canada content.

No matter which is it, these top VPNs can help.

Unblock Streaming Services and Access Regional Libraries With These VPNs

My tested streaming VPNs make it impossible for restrictive work/school networks, firewalls, and harsh geo-restrictions to stop you from streaming any content you want.

Here’s a glimpse of what they promise:

  1. ExpressVPN – Best Streaming VPN for Netflix, Hulu, DAZN, Etc. From Restricted Regions.
  2. NordVPN – Unblocks Streaming Services Over 5400+ Servers.
  3. PureVPN – Best VPN for Streaming Live Content (News, Sports, Etc.).
  4. Surfshark – Best VPN for Unlimited Device Streaming and Unblocking.
  5. CyberGhost – 9000+ Servers Optimized for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Other Streaming Services.

Continue scrolling to check out the tests, comparisons, and mini-reviews below to discover which VPN best suits your streaming style.

Best VPNs for Streaming: Comparisons & Proof of Tests

These five VPNs emerged after testing 20+ VPN providers over 100+ streaming hours to determine which performs best on speed, reliable unblocking, device support, and other streaming-related features.

I tested these VPNs over a 100Mbps connection, capable of 4K streaming.

BEST OVERALL

ExpressVPN - Best Streaming VPN for Netflix, Hulu, DAZN, Etc. From Restricted Regions

unblock netflix over expressvpn
ExpressVPN unblocks the exclusive "The Trial of the Chicago 7" over its Canada servers

ExpressVPN’s best feature for streaming is the automatic yet fast obfuscation on all servers and protocols. This prevents streaming sites from finding out you’re using a VPN, bypassing VPN traffic blocks put in place.

While the other VPNs (except CyberGhost) also offer obfuscation, they only do so over their OpenVPN protocols, and it’s too slow to stream anything without lag.

Thus, ExpressVPN is also your best bet to:

  • Unblock and stream content on workplace/school networks blocking such activities behind firewalls.
  • Unblock and stream content in restrictive countries like China, Russia, and Vietnam.

Furthermore, ExpressVPN offers 20+ US server locations to access US content libraries on Netflix, DAZN, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc. 

You can also use these servers to stream US-only content like CNN Go, YouTube TV, and Peacock TV from abroad.

This VPN impresses with 3000+ servers in 94 countries, only behind Surfshark, to unblock local and niche content in almost any country.

Additionally, ExpressVPN averaged 32Mbps in the speed tests, which can stream 4K content.

On top of that, the VPN is compatible with mobile devices and PCs via its mobile apps. It also has a MediaStreamer (SmartDNS) feature to unblock and stream content on your smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other devices that can’t download a VPN.

The downside is that it’s costly and features the least simultaneous connections (5). But you don’t get more than five concurrent streams on most major streaming services.

Save more on ExpressVPN with these HUGE discounts.

Pros

Cons

ULTRA-FAST STREAMING

NordVPN - Unblocks Streaming Services Over 5400+ Servers

streaming gin tama with nordvpn on japan server
NordVPN unblocks the Japan-exclusive "Gin Tama" anime over Japanese servers

NordVPN has servers in fewer countries than the other providers, but that doesn’t keep it from unblocking Netflix, DAZN, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming channels like a champ.

Its 5400+ servers to stream content in 60 countries include 1900+ US servers (in 15+ cities) to unblock and stream US-available content and libraries without server overcrowding.

NordVPN also has a specialty P2P server section that’s optimized for speed. But these servers are limited to a few locations, unlike ExpressVPN’s servers which are P2P-enabled everywhere.

Also, NordVPN falls through in streaming Voot (India), Qazak TV (Kazakhstan), and other niche content due to a lack of servers in those regions.

In that case, choose any of the other VPNs.

Moving on, it averaged 33Mbps on the speed tests over its NordLynx protocol, decent enough for 4K streams. These speeds take a more massive hit on NordVPN’s obfuscation, making the feature unsuitable for streaming on restrictive networks like ExpressVPN.

Barring that, NordVPN offers six simultaneous device connections, only one more than ExpressVPN but still less than the others. It also offers a Smart DNS package to unblock content on smart TVs, gaming consoles, and other streaming units.

The best part is that it’s cheaper than ExpressVPN, although costlier than the other options discussed here.

Grab these NordVPN discounts while they last to save more on your subscriptions.

Pros

Cons

BEST LIVE STREAMER

PureVPN - Best VPN for Streaming Live Content (News, Sports, Etc.)

streaming live sports with purevpn on mexico server
PureVPN unblocks La Liga MX matches on Azteca Sports over its Mexico servers

I prefer PureVPN for its ease of unblocking and streaming lag-free live content.

Live content demands stabler and faster connections to ensure you don’t miss any action from lag/buffering. Thanks to this VPN’s massive 87Mbps speeds on its WireGuard protocol, you have nothing to worry about.

PureVPN is also impressive at unblocking US content libraries, boasting 1800+ US servers (second only to NordVPN) in 10+ citiesThus, it’s ideal for bypassing NBA League Pass and MLB game blackouts to stream these live sports games in your region.

Furthermore, its extensive library of 6500+ servers in 78+ countries unblocks content in more regions than NordVPN. However, be aware that PureVPN doesn’t work with DAZN. Luckily, the other providers are reliable for content platforms with rigid VPN blocks.

If you’re not a DAZN fan, you’ll appreciate PureVPN’s robust mobile and PC apps to stream content on those devices. But it lacks Smart DNS like the others on this list, leaving you with only router support to unblock content on your smart TV, gaming console, or other streaming units.

The downside to the router support is that:

  • It uses OpenVPN, the obfuscation protocol, which means slower speeds.
  • PureVPN doesn’t work on all routers.
  • The setup method can be tedious.

PureVPN makes up for these by being the cheapest provider and offering ten simultaneous connections to match.

purevpn pricing

So, grab these one-time discounts if you’re primarily interested in live-streaming content on your PCs or mobile devices.

Pros

Cons

Surfshark - Best VPN for Unlimited Device Streaming and Unblocking

streaming 5 kanal with surfshark on ukraine server
Surfshark unblocks "5 Kanal" News channel over its Ukrainian servers

Most streaming services restrict simultaneous streams to a few options.

But if you’re streaming NRK TV (from Norway), the free Voot (from India), CNN Go (US), or other platforms without simultaneous stream restrictions, get Surfshark.

This fast-streaming VPN offers unlimited simultaneous connections across PCs, mobile devices, routers, smart TVs, and other streaming units you connect to. You get unlimited bandwidth, too, ensuring zero server-side lags or buffering.

On top of that, Surfshark carries 600+ US servers in 15+ cities to unblock Amazon Prime Video, Hulu US, HBO Max, Netflix US, and other content libraries.

It also carries 3200+ servers in 100 countries (the largest reach on this list) to access content in almost any country. That means front-row seats to BBC iPlayer, Netflix Japan, Hulu Japan, and other content libraries you can think of.

But that’s not all.

Surfshark impresses with 39Mbps speeds on its WireGuard protocol, second only to PureVPN, to ensure seamless 4K content unblocking.

You also get a free Smart DNS add-on to unblock and safely stream content on your smart TVs (LG, Samsung, etc.), gaming consoles (Xbox, PlayStation), or streaming units (Kodi, Apple TV, etc.).

Note that these speeds take a hit on obfuscation (not as much as NordVPN), making Surfshark unsuitable for highly-restrictive networks and regions (like ExpressVPN).

For all that, Surfshark doesn’t cost an arm and a leg, lower than ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

Remember to grab these HUGE discounts before they expire to enjoy mouth-watering prices.

Pros

Cons

CyberGhost - 9000+ Servers Optimized for Netflix, Disney+, Hulu and Other Streaming Services

streaming slasher with cyberghost on italy server
CyberGhost unblocks Netflix Italia exclusive, Slasher, over its Italian servers

CyberGhost’s major selling point is its streaming-optimized server section. 

This easily-accessible section on its apps shows you VPN servers optimized for unblocking different platforms anywhere.

Thus, CyberGhost is one of the easiest-to-use streaming VPN services.

Additionally, CyberGhost configures its smart DNS to stream Netflix content in the US and UK. In contrast, other VPNs with Smart DNS prefer the US content library alone.

This VPN provider also offers 9000+ servers to unblock content in 90+ countries, ahead of NordVPN and PureVPN. You’ll have no issues watching ThreeNow from New Zealand servers, NRK TV from Norway servers, Bilibili from Hong Kong servers, or other content on this VPN service.

On top of that, you get 1400+ servers in 10+ US cities to unblock American content, bypass game blackouts in your region, or securely stream US libraries over unsecured networks.

However, only some of these servers are streaming-optimized.

The good news is that you can also connect to non-streaming-optimized servers to unblock content. Speed tests averaged on 39Mbps, making it the third fastest VPN provider listed.

But it lacks obfuscation, so it might not work for streaming on highly-restricted networks or when traveling to some harsh censorship countries. 

Otherwise, you’re good to go.

CyberGhost beats NordVPN and ExpressVPN on price, costing less while offering more simultaneous connections (seven).

If its easy app interface appeals to you, use these CyberGhost discounts to save more and test it risk-free for 45 days.

Pros

Cons

How to Set up a VPN for Streaming?

You must choose the fastest VPN protocol and connect to a relevant VPN server to properly set up a VPN for streaming.

Here’s a stepwise guide to help you:

  1. Buy a preferred streaming VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN (get discounts).
  2. Download the VPN app for your streaming device. I’ll download the Windows PC app for this example.
expressvpn compatible devices
  1. Launch the VPN and log in with your account credentials (username and password you created in step #1 above).
  2. Choose the fastest protocol for the best streaming speed. On ExpressVPN, click the hamburger menu, then Options > Protocol, and select “Lightway – UDP.”
expressvpn lightway protocol
  1. Enable the VPN kill switch to keep streaming platforms from deanonymizing you. Click the hamburger menu, then Options > General, and check the first box under “Network Lock.”
expressvpn network lock settings
  1. Select a server location to unblock content from. To do this, click on the three dots icon near the “Selected Location” to search for a preferred server. I’ll use the United States server for this example.
server options on expressvpn
  1. Click on the power button/icon to connect, wait for the VPN connection confirmation, then test for leaks. I use www.ipleak.net. Ensure you now see the VPN-assigned IP address, not your actual location.
expressvpn dns leak test us
  1. Launch your streaming app/open the streaming website to unblock your favorite content.

The steps above only apply to mobile, PC, and Android TV users.

If you’re using a device that doesn’t support native VPN apps, you can still set up your preferred VPN for streaming via:

  • Smart DNS – Video Guide to Streaming via ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer
  • Router – How to Set Up ExpressVPN for Streaming via Router
Interesting Reads:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Free VPNs aren’t ideal for streaming content. They impose bandwidth restrictions, often lack enough servers in preferred streaming locations, and are unreliable at unblocking content streams.

They’re also slow, causing lags and buffering, and making them frustrating for any streaming experience.

A VPN may not improve your streaming quality if you’re already on a slow connection, you use a poorly-engineered VPN or free VPN providers known for throttling bandwidth.

However, a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN can help bypass your internet service provider (ISP) throttling, unlock better speeds, and maintain an above-decent (up to 4K) streaming quality, depending on your base speeds.

Popular streaming services block VPNs to keep up with licensing laws and content distribution agreements. However, most streaming services can only block poorly-engineered and free VPNs, making reliable options like ExpressVPN your best bet to bypass any restriction.

Netflix won’t ban your account for using a VPN. However, it may stop you from streaming content if it discovers you’re using a VPN.

Thus, it’s best to use reliable VPNs with obfuscation like ExpressVPN to prevent the streaming service from knowing you’re using a VPN.

Streaming over a VPN consumes more data than streaming without one since the encryption load of the VPN increases data consumption by an extra 5-10%. 

Fortunately, well-engineered VPNs like ExpressVPN are optimized for speed and minimal data consumption, streaming content without consuming too much of your data plan while at it.

Watch What You Want Anywhere

You don’t have to suffer from limited content libraries or wait until you get home (if traveling) to keep up with your favorite content. Get a VPN, and you’ll have a new world of content streams opened to you.

The top choice is ExpressVPN for its ultra-fast obfuscation on servers spanning 94 countries, vast device support, and reliable content unblocking.

Grab these ExpressVPN discounts to save more and test the VPN risk-free for 30 days.

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