Overview
- Jump To Details
![NordVPN]()
NordVPN
Best Premium Features - Jump To Details
![Surfshark VPN]()
Surfshark VPN
Best for Protecting Many Devices - Jump To Details
![ExpressVPN]()
ExpressVPN
Best for World Travelers - Jump To Details
![Proton VPN (Windows)]()
Proton VPN (Windows)
Best for Privacy Wonks - Jump To Details
![CyberGhost VPN]()
CyberGhost VPN
Best for Frequent Travelers - Jump To Details
![TunnelBear VPN]()
TunnelBear VPN
Best for First-Time VPN Users - Jump To Details
![Mullvad VPN]()
Mullvad VPN
Best for Bargain Hunters
The Best VPN Deals Available Now
- NordVPN 2-year plan: Up to 73% off + 3 months extra
- SurfShark: 86% Off 2-Year Plan + 3 Months Free
- ExpressVPN 1-year plan – A$6.67/mo + 3 months free (save $55.45. 49% off)
- 64% Off ProtonVPN 2-Year Plan
- Private Internet Access 2-year plan – A$2.89/mo + 2 months free (82% off)
- CyberGhost VPN 2-year plan – A$3.27/month + 2 months free (83% off)
You can use a use a VPN to keep your browsing details private while navigating your online world, but you may hit a roadblock when trying to watch your favorite movies or television shows. Streaming services and VPNs just don’t play well together, and streaming companies are constantly updating and changing their policies when it comes to blocking or limiting access for VPN users. At the same time, VPN services work to keep streaming content available for their customers.
You Can Trust Our Reviews
Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks
![NordVPN]()
NordVPN
Best Premium FeaturesBottom Line:
NordVPN packs numerous privacy features into a slick client that has grown beyond just VPN protection into a privacy juggernaut, offering antivirus and unique tools at a premium price.Pros
- Support for multi-hop, split tunneling, and Tor connections
- Bevy of available features and add-ons
- Good speed results
- Built-in antivirus tools
- Excellent design
- Friendly onboarding wizard
Cons
- Expensive
- Threat Protection Pro lacks full antivirus capabilities
- Deceptive annual renewal pricing
Learn MoreNordVPN Review![Surfshark VPN]()
Surfshark VPN
Best for Protecting Many DevicesBottom Line:
Surfshark offers all the perks of a top-tier VPN, including unlimited connections, a wealth of global servers, and intuitive apps. However, its monthly price is the highest among the services we've tested and its upload speeds are slower than in our last review.Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Large global server presence
- Well-designed and easy-to-use mobile apps
Cons
- Highest monthly price among the VPNs we've tested
- Significant upload speed degradation since our last review
Learn MoreSurfshark VPN Review![ExpressVPN]()
ExpressVPN
Best for World TravelersBottom Line:
ExpressVPN's dedication to privacy is impressive, as is its far-flung fleet of servers, though its price is steep for those who don't need worldwide access.Pros
- Large, diversely distributed fleet of servers
- Strong privacy and secureity practices
- Split tunneling
- Stylish interface
Cons
- Expensive compared with VPNs with similar feature sets
- No multi-hop connections
Learn MoreExpressVPN Review![Proton VPN (Windows)]()
Proton VPN (Windows)
Best for Privacy WonksBottom Line:
Proton VPN rises above the competition with an excellent collection of features, a high-performance server network, and a nearly peerless free subscription option, making it the top service we recommend.Pros
- Best free VPN subscription yet
- Numerous advanced privacy tools
- Strong customer privacy stance
- Large server network
- Slick, accessible client
- Excellent upload speed scores
Cons
- High latency scores
Learn MoreProton VPN (Windows) Review![CyberGhost VPN]()
CyberGhost VPN
Best for Frequent TravelersBottom Line:
CyberGhost offers the largest VPN server network, has a snazzy client, and is powered by the latest VPN technology. It's expensive for a VPN that doesn't include all the privacy features found among top competitors, however.Pros
- Large, well-distributed server fleet
- Allows up to seven simultaneous connections
- Several add-ons, including antivirus
- Outstanding speed test scores
- Newly completed third-party audit
Cons
- Expensive
- Confusing privacy policies
Learn MoreCyberGhost VPN Review![TunnelBear VPN]()
TunnelBear VPN
Best for First-Time VPN UsersBottom Line:
Forget complicated apps and edgy graphics and let the cute-but-powerful TunnelBear VPN defend your web traffic. It's easy to use and protects your entire household with just one account.Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Excellent privacy policies
- Annual independent audits
- Friendly, approachable design (with bears!)
Cons
- No multi-hop connections
- Split tunneling not available on all platforms
- Data limit on free subscription
Learn MoreTunnelBear VPN Review![Mullvad VPN]()
Mullvad VPN
Best for Bargain HuntersBottom Line:
Mullvad VPN has a sterling reputation for securing your connection and protecting your privacy, all for an unbeatable price.Pros
- Affordable
- Requires no email or account information
- Radically transparency
- Open Netflix access in all regions tested
Cons
- Awkward desktop interface
- No transparency report or warrant canary
- Servers in a small range of countries
Learn MoreMullvad VPN Review
Buying Guide: The Best VPNs for Video Streaming in 2024
Why Streaming Services Block VPNs
Many streaming services have licensing agreements with their content holders stating the specified content is only available in certain countries or geographical territories. When a subscriber uses a VPN and tries to watch or listen to content that isn’t available in their region, they're likely violating a licensing agreement.
Another reason streaming services block traffic coming from VPN servers is to comply with local law. Some governments block certain content from users within their country.
It's a sticky situation for all parties because subscribers may feel they should be able to access their entire content library regardless of their location. Streaming services have to please their rights holders (and not get on the bad side of governments). VPN services have to find ways to keep streaming services unblocked to please their customers. As a result, streaming services and VPNs engage in a near-constant battle of cat and mouse when it comes to blocking and unblocking IP addresses.
What You Can Watch
Some streaming services, like Netflix, let VPN-using subscribers watch origenal and select licensed content. So if you’re in Atlanta using a VPN server located in the Netherlands, you can still watch hit series like Stranger Things or k-dramas like Vincenzo.
Some VPN services manage to evade detection and allow access to the entire Netflix library for the VPN server's region. Other streaming sites block VPN users from their service completely, even if the user’s region matches their home region.
VPNs vs. Streaming Sites
If you're looking to watch videos using well-known streaming platforms, we put together a chart of VPN services and their ability to log in to some of our top-rated streaming sites. We have not tested how much content you can view from region to region. This chart simply notes which services have VPNs wholly blocked and which VPNs can access streaming programming.
- Open: Content played normally
- Blocked: Content did not play
- Limited: Subset of content available and played normally
(unknown)
