The best VPNs for unblocking streaming sites

Bypass content restrictions to access more content.

By Joseph Green

Sept. 16, 2024

The best VPNs for unblocking streaming sites

Credit: Pexels

NordVPN

Best For Security

You can't go wrong with Nord. It's a well-known and reliable VPN that has over 5,000 servers worldwide and doesn't track your activity.

Pros & Cons

CyberGhost VPN

Best For Simplicity

CyberGhost makes staying protected on your Android device easy.

Pros & Cons

Private Internet Access

Best For Server Network

Installs quickly and comes with loads of premium features for all types of users.

Pros & Cons

PureVPN

Best For Customisation

Android users can profit from the customisable modes used to optimise their connection.

Pros & Cons

Surfshark

Best For Multiple Devices

Surfshark offers an impressive set of features with an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.

Pros & Cons

We know why you're here, and that's to access more content from around the world with the help of a VPN. You can use these popular services to binge-watch all of the movies and shows you want, even if they're not usually available in your location. Once you've connected to a VPN, you'll be able to override streaming geo-restrictions and unblock everything on offer.

You've already got a lot of options when it comes to streaming, with the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ pumping out masses of great entertainment at the moment, but sometimes these sites can be cruel. We've all been in the same situation: you sign up to a service to watch a particular show, only to realise that it's not available in your location.

This is when a VPN can help.

What is a VPN?

Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are valuable tools for improving your online security. They help you to stay safe and anonymous online by shielding your personal data from the prying eyes of authorities and hackers.

These clever services work by hiding your IP address and rerouting your internet traffic through an encrypted VPN tunnel. This secures your bank transactions, protects your digital identity, and lets you work safely on public WiFi networks. This process also means that you can trick leading streaming sites into thinking you are based in another country, meaning you can watch all the extra content that is normally locked to that location.

What should you consider when subscribing to a VPN?

There are plenty of things that you should consider when it comes to streaming with a VPN, and we have highlighted a selection of the most important things to think about before subscribing:

Bandwidth — There are some VPNs out there that place monthly caps on network bandwidth, meaning you can only download a certain amount of data. You should avoid these services, unless you're on a free trial. If you're paying for a VPN, you should be able to download and upload as much as you want.
Connection speed — A VPN is going to produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept anything that results in painful buffering. If you're going to be streaming with a VPN, you obviously don't want anything that will impact your connection speed to the point that you can't watch a film or show without frustration.
Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and whilst it's important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best options will all offer powerful protection for your data. You are likely to come across terms like "military-grade" and "enterprise-grade," which just means that you can rely on it to do its job.
Number of connections — The best VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account. At the very least, you should opt for a service that offers multiple simultaneous connections. This means you can stream securely on all your devices.
Privacy policy — It's worth paying special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of the VPN you are planning on using. These practices should be laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't clear, it's best to avoid. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. If privacy is the objective, it's absolutely essential that your VPN is not going to store these details. If it does, the whole thing is kind of pointless.
Server network — The best VPNs provide access to thousands of geographically diverse servers, which means you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming. If you want to unlock content from a particular location, you should make sure a VPN has servers in that country.

There are absolutely loads of things to consider when subscribing to a VPN, and we wouldn't expect you to remember everything. The most important things to keep in mind when searching for a streaming-friendly VPN are connection speed and server network. The rest is a bonus.

Should you use free VPNs?

The good news is that there are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. Alternatively, you can pay for a VPN. So which option is best for you and your lifestyle?

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs. There tends to always be a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. If you're just an occasional user, these plans will work fine. But if you're going to be streaming or downloading, this isn't going to work. Free trials are a little bit different: they come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

What we're saying is that the best option for streaming securely and accessing the online world without restrictions is with a paid subscription to a VPN. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up. The best VPNs are generally the most expensive, but there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.

What is the best VPN for streaming?

A VPN is the safest, fastest, and most reliable way to gain access to your favourite shows, movies, sporting events, and videos. This does not mean that every VPN is great for streaming however, and some services are better suited to the job than others.

Finding a VPN for streaming is not a simple task, and that's why we've helped you out by lining up a selection of your best options. We know that everyone has a different set of priorities when it comes to connection speed, security, and customer support, and that's why this line-up offers a bit of everything.

We checked out everything on offer, and ExpressVPN, NordVPN, CyberGhost VPN, Surfshark, and more have made the cut. It's really down to you to decide on your favourite option, and we recommend taking your time and carefully considering everything on offer.

These are the best streaming VPNs in 2024.

NordVPN

Best For Security

The good

One of the sturdiest, most reliable VPNs Fast servers Can connect six devices Doesn't log activities

The Bad

It's expensive

The Bottomline

If you want a VPN that has a fast service and allows you to connect to multiple phones at once, try out NordVPN.

Specs

Monthly: £10.39/month
One-year plan: £3.99/month
Two-year plan: £3.19/month

Read our full review of NordVPN.

NordVPN has a reputation for being amongst the sturdiest, most reliable VPNs out there. NordVPN has fast servers that are also not on any blacklists. You should be able to stream Hulu or Netlfix shows in several European countries without any issues.

NordVPN says it offers over 5,000 servers worldwide. It lets you connect six devices at the same time, and it claims to keep no logs of your activities. INordVPN is one of the most secure VPNs, with a wide range of advanced security features that combine to protect your data and identity.

CyberGhost VPN

Best For Simplicity

The good

Great security features Easy to use with Android Generous money-back guarantee

The Bad

Speeds can drop

The Bottomline

CyberGhost VPN keeps things real simple, and focuses on strong security features.

Specs

Monthly: £10.89/month
Six-month plan: £6.19/month
Two-year plan: £1.92/month

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

Cyberghost VPN has a really simple interface with easy-to-understand terminology explaining all of its features. It keeps things easy and focuses on strong security features. It’s very fast to set up and has intuitive apps for a variety of popular devices.

CyberGhost might be easy to use but that doesn't mean it's not on par with other options on this list. Users have access to 3,600 servers in over 60 locations around the world, with unlimited bandwidth and traffic. This makes for reliable streaming, but some users have said connections can be slower than with other VPN offerings.

Private Internet Access

Best For Server Network

The good

Encrypted WiFi Kill switch Number and spread of servers Range of apps

The Bad

Interface is dated Not the fastest

The Bottomline

List of features that should suit beginners and advanced users.

Specs

Monthly: £10.99/month
Six-month plan: £5.39/month
Two-year plan: £1.69/month

Private Internet Access (PIA) installs quickly and comes with loads of impressive features for all types of users, no matter if you're a beginner or an advanced user who likes fiddling around with settings.

You get your standard secure VPN account, encrypted WiFi, P2P, IPv6 leak protection, kill switch, plus a whole lot more. PIA isn't a particularly sexy app, but what it lacks in aesthetics it makes up for with a long list of features. It also has a solid backbone, with thousands of servers in countries all around the world.

It's also relatively speedy. We noticed our "naked" download and upload speeds dropped by only about a half or two-thirds (common for most VPNs). It may not be the fastest VPN around, but it's definitely not the slowest, either.

PIA has apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, and an extension for Chrome.

PureVPN

Best For Customisation

The good

Customisable modes Private connection possibilities Protection against viruses and ads

The Bad

The modes can actually be limiting

The Bottomline

Android users should love the customisable modes that can be used to optimise connection.

Specs

Monthly: £8.37/month
One-year plan: £2.86/month
Two-year plan: £1.75/month

PureVPN is different to other virtual private network services, due to its customisable nature.

Your connection is based on what 'mode' you select. Some of the options include streaming, 'internet freedom', privacy, file-sharing, and dedicated IP modes.

Some Android users might actually find this a bit limiting, but all your activity is kept private no matter what mode you're in, and that's the most important thing. The dedicated IP mode helps deal with some of the speed issues VPNs frequently face, too.

PureVPN also has many of the other features you expect to get from a VPN, such as the ability to change your location, and in-built protections against malware, viruses, and ads.

Surfshark

Best For Multiple Devices

The good

No limit on simultaneous connections Intuitive app Multi-hop and split tunnelling tools

The Bad

Not the strongest connection speeds

The Bottomline

Surfshark ticks a lot of boxes for streaming sport and should be your top choice if you rely on a lot of tech.

Specs

Monthly: £9.90/month
One-year plan: £3.05/month
Two-year plan: £1.76/month

Surfshark is probably the best VPN for anyone who relies on a lot of tech, as you can connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously with the same plan. This also makes it something to seriously consider if there is a lot of people in your house looking to stream at the same time.

Surfshark also offers a wide range of impressive features including split tunnelling and enterprise-grade infrastructure, with an easy to use and stylish interface making it a strong choice for total beginners.

Surfshark is not the cheapest provider, but if you're willing to commit to a longer contract, the monthly rate comes down sharply.