Best VPN For Streaming Of 2024

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In today’s interconnected world, streaming the latest television show, movie or sporting event has become a past-time activity of our entertainment landscape. However, geographic restrictions and content limitations can hinder certain streaming experiences. That’s where virtual private networks (VPNs) come in. In this article, we delve into the best VPNs for streaming by providing a comprehensive review of their features, performance and compatibility. A VPN can unlock a world of streaming possibilities whether you’re an avid fan of international shows, desire access to geo blocked content or prioritize online privacy.

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The Best VPN For Streaming Of 2024

BEST FOR SPEED

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Pricing

Free; INR 5,988.55 ($71.88) yearly

Number of servers

2,978

Dedicated internet protocol IP address

Only for business accounts

ProtonVPN
Buy Now

On ProtonVPN's secure website

Pricing

Free; INR 5,988.55 ($71.88) yearly

Number of servers

2,978

Dedicated internet protocol IP address

Only for business accounts

Why We Picked It

ProtonVPN users can stream movies, TV shows, sporting events and more on their televisions, computers and mobile devices. The VPN has more than 3,000 servers in 69 countries to maintain a high-speed connection. The high speed helps users avoid buffering while streaming high-definition (HD) and 4K videos. The wide range of server locations across the globe also enables users to bypass regional content restrictions to access international libraries of popular streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu and BBC iPlayer.

ProtonVPN offers a monthly, yearly and two-year plan. The two-year plan offers a 50 percent discount. The VPN provider also offers a free plan in addition to the three paid plans. While the free plan does have unlimited data bandwidth, the limited number of servers used and only three countries, ProtonVPN suggests that users of the free plan upgrade to stream videos.

Learn more: ProtonVPN review.

Who should use it:

Anyone who wants a superfast VPN that allows for seamless streaming experience without a lag.

Pros & Cons
  • Open source
  • Free plan
  • Transparent privacy policy
  • Can’t stream videos on free version
  • No dedicated IP server add-on
  • No 24/7 support

BEST OPEN-S SOURCE VPNS

Private Internet Access VPN

Private Internet Access VPN
4.5
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Pricing

INR 3,328.36 ($39.95) per year

Servers

Does not disclose number of servers

Dedicated IP

Yes

Private Internet Access VPN
Buy Now

On Private Internet Access’s Website

Pricing

INR 3,328.36 ($39.95) per year

Servers

Does not disclose number of servers

Dedicated IP

Yes

Why We Picked It

Private Internet Access (PIA) is an excellent VPN for streaming that has gained immense popularity for several reasons. PIA stands out for its speed that allows users to enjoy seamless streaming without any buffering or lag. PIA is also affordable making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. PIA also has a vast global VPN server network with servers in 84 countries and in all 50 states.

PIA is a great VPN option for those who prioritize open-source transparency. PIA distinguishes itself from other top VPN providers by offering fully open-source VPN apps, reflecting their commitment to transparency and user trust. They even encourage users to verify the authenticity of their claims by making their client source code publicly available. PIA minimizes the potential for vulnerabilities and significantly reduces the risk of data breaches by embracing open-source code.

Learn more: Private Internet Access review.

Who should use it:

PIA is a great VPN option for those who prioritize open-source transparency.

Pros & Cons
  • Servers in all 50 states
  • Advanced split tunneling
  • Unlimited devices
  • No free version
  • Dedicated IP is an add-on
  • No longer discloses the total number of servers

BEST FOR UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS

Surfshark VPN

Surfshark VPN
3.7
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Pricing

INR 3,989.04 ($47.88) yearly

Servers

3,200

Dedicated IP

Yes

Surfshark VPN
Buy Now

On Surfshark’s secure website

Pricing

INR 3,989.04 ($47.88) yearly

Servers

3,200

Dedicated IP

Yes

Why We Picked It

Surfshark is a popular VPN option for streamers thanks to its lengthy set of features designed to enhance the viewing experience. One notable feature is its provision for unlimited simultaneous connections. An entire family can all simultaneously stream their preferred content using an array of devices as there is no restriction to the number of devices with a single subscription. Furthermore, Surfshark’s high-speed servers help maintain minimal buffering and a smooth streaming experience. It also excels in bypassing geographical restrictions to grant users access to a world of content from streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and others regardless of location.

Learn more: Surfshark review.

Who should use it:

Surfshark is the optimal choice for individuals or families that enjoy the ability to stream various shows or movies at the same time because of the platform’s ability to accommodate unlimited devices simultaneously.

Pros & Cons
  • Unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • 24/7 customer support
  • 30-day money- back guarantee
  • Basic plan does not have 24/7 antivirus protection
  • Extra charges for anti-virus and data breach alerts
  • Does not support older versions of Microsoft Windows

BEST FREE PLAN

hide.me VPN

hide.me VPN
3.4
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Pricing

INR 4,994.63 ($59.95) for 27-month plan

Servers

2,100

Dedicated IP

No

hide.me VPN

Pricing

INR 4,994.63 ($59.95) for 27-month plan

Servers

2,100

Dedicated IP

No

Why We Picked It

hide.me VPN’s free plan is an excellent choice for users who want to stream content without compromising privacy or speed. hide.me stands out by offering a genuinely free service while maintaining high standards unlike other free VPN services that sell user data, and inundate users with ads or throttle connections. hide.me promises users that they will not experience throttled connections or frequent disconnections even on the free plan. The free plan offers users unlimited bandwidth and does not include ads nor does it sell user data. hide.me assures users that their data is never stored or sold with independent security audits. The company also provides 24/7 technical support to both free and premium users.

Learn more: hide.me VPN Review.

Who should use it:

Those who want to use a VPN for streaming, but do not have the budget to commit to an expensive plan.

Pros & Cons
  • Free plan
  • 10 GB per month on free plan
  • 24/7 customer support
  • No streaming support on Chrome extension
  • Free plan limited to one connection
  • Free plan limited to eight server locations

BEST FOR STREAMING CUSTOMIZATION

TorGuard VPN

TorGuard VPN
3.4
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Pricing

INR 9,987.59 ($119.88) per year

Servers

3,000

Dedicated IP

Yes

TorGuard VPN

Pricing

INR 9,987.59 ($119.88) per year

Servers

3,000

Dedicated IP

Yes

Why We Picked It

TorGuard VPN is a great option for those seeking highly customizable VPN plans. The platform offers four subscription plans: Anonymous VPN, Anonymous VPN Pro, Business VPN and Anonymous Email. Each plan offers different levels of service, with varying degrees of privacy protection, number of simultaneous connections, and extra features, such as dedicated IP addresses.

Users can further tailor their subscription to their precise needs further by adding packages such as streaming bundles. TorGuard’s streaming bundles include a dedicated VPN IP service, anonymous proxy service, the maximum encryption available, a secure network address translation (NAT) firewall and more. The streaming bundles also include a streaming IP address, which is similar to a dedicated IP as neither are shared among users, but the streaming IPip is selected to be compatible with major streaming services.

Learn more: TorGuard review.

Who should use it:

Users who want to customize their VPN platform for streaming purposes should consider TorpGuard VPN.

Pros & Cons
  • Four plans to choose from
  • Internal encrypted DNS
  • Multiple security protocols
  • Basic plan limits to eight simultaneous devices
  • Shorter-than-average free trial
  • No refunds for plans purchased with cryptocurrency or gift cards

BEST FOR SECURITY

NordVPN

NordVPN
3.7
Our ratings take into account a product's rewards, fees, rates and other category-specific attributes. All ratings are determined solely by our editorial team.

Pricing

INR 5611.14 ($67.35) yearly

Servers

5,791

Dedicated IP

Yes

NordVPN
Buy Now

On Nordvpn's secure website

Pricing

INR 5611.14 ($67.35) yearly

Servers

5,791

Dedicated IP

Yes

Why We Picked It

NordVPN uses military-grade encryption and privacy features, such as Threat Protection to prevent monitoring and hacking, even when you install Kodi add-ons from unknown sources. The VPN runs on a privacy policy that keeps zero user data logs—several independent audits prove this. With this VPN connection, you can unlock access to content from various streaming platforms. NordVPN has more than 5,800 servers in 60 countries, providing reliable access to BBC iPlayer, Tubi, Classic Cinema, Crackle, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and others. When we tried it, we got an average speed of 282 Mbps.

NordVPN is one of the leading providers in the VPN market for several reasons including its strict security features. NordVPN uses a Double VPN that routes traffic through two separate VPN servers, essentially doubling the encryption and anonymity, in addition to a strict no-logs policy and powerful encryption technology to safeguard user data. The addition of CyberSec technology further enhances security by blocking malware, phishing attempts and other cyber threats.

Finally, NordVPN has a SmartPlay feature that merges VPN and Smart DNS technologies to provide the speed and security of a VPN connection while allowing users to access content typically blocked based on location. The advantage of SmartPlay is that it is enabled automatically, so there’s no need for any extra steps on the user’s part to activate it. It offers an effortless streaming experience while maintaining the user’s privacy and security.

Learn more: NordVPN review.

Who should use it:

The integration of advanced security measures makes NordVPN a great option for individuals seeking an elevated level of online protection while streaming their favorite TV show or movie.

Pros & Cons
  • Dedicated IP
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • 24/7 live chat support
  • Limited to six devices
  • More expensive than competitors
  • No free version

Forbes Advisor Ratings


COMPANY FORBES ADVISOR RATING STARTING PRICE NUMBER OF SERVER LOCATIONS Multifactor Authentication LEARN MORE
ProtonVPN ProtonVPN logo 4.5 Free; INR 5,988.55 ($71.88) yearly 2,978 Only for business accounts View More
Private Internet Access 4.5 INR 3,328.36 ($39.95) per year Does not disclose number of servers Yes View More
Surfshark 3.7 INR 3,989.04 ($47.88) yearly 3,200 Android app and browser extension View More
hide.me VPN 3.4 INR 4,994.63 ($59.95) (27-month plan) 2,100 No View More
TorGuard VPN 3.4 INR 9,987.59 ($119.88) per year 3,000 Yes View More
NordVPN NordVPN logo 3.7 INR 5,611.14 ($67.35) yearly 5,791 Yes View More

How To Choose the Best VPN for Streaming

A proper VPN system will allow you to stream shows, movies and sporting events not available in your region in a safe and effective manner. With so many VPNs on the market, it is best to make a list of what features you want as well as your budget before you start shopping. An excellent starting point when choosing a VPN service is to begin your search by identifying the right balance of price, features, security and network performance.

  • Essential features: Some essential features you might want to consider when searching for a VPN is how many devices can be used simultaneously, if the platform has a dedicated IP, if there are Domain Name System (DNS) protection measures and if anonymous browsing is available.
  • Price: The VPN should fit within your budget while still providing the necessary features and level of security required for your specific needs.
  • Number of servers: As a general rule, the higher the number of servers and the higher the number of locations the servers are in will produce a faster streaming experience.
  • Security: Make sure the platform has strong security features so that your personal data, including IP address and viewing habits, are safeguarded from potential hackers, internet service providers (ISPs) or any third parties who may want to exploit your online activities.

Methodology

Forbes Advisor considered a variety of factors—such as pricing, general features, additional features, customer reviews and expert scores—to rank the best VPN systems for streaming. We weighted each factor according to its importance to streaming, then calculated the results to create our final ranking. Features we considered include DNS protection measures, anonymous browsing, multi-factor authentications and simultaneous connections:

  • Pricing and fees (15%): Pricing accounts for 15% of a product’s total score. When it comes to pricing, we looked at the various plans offered by each VPN. We considered if they have a free trial and if they have a free plan as well as comparing the platform’s starting price tier and highest price tier.
  • Service and Support (5%): We took a look at all the help channels available to customers, from knowledge bases, to phone support and live customer chat. Those with a variety of options scored higher.
  • Mobile App (3%): Many people find value in using their VPNs on their phones to keep them safe while at airports, coffee shops and other public places with insecure free wifi. We looked at the mobile offerings of every VPN we evaluated.
  • Speed (25.5%): At 23.5 percent, speed accounted for the largest percentage points. When testing speed we tested the average download speed and average upload speed.
  • General features (19%): The general features we tested for were DNS protection measures, anonymous browsing, multifactor authentications (MFAs), kill switch and split tunneling.
  • Additional features (12.5%): We gave points for platforms that went above and beyond with their feature list to include additional features, such as number of continents with servers, no-logs policy, browser extensions and simultaneous connections.
  • Reviews and ratings (10%): Reviews and ratings on third-party rating websites accounted for 10% percent of the total score. We developed a rating system by examining customer feedback on various independent review platforms. We compared the ratings of each VPN system on popular review websites, such as Trustpilot, G2 and Capterra.
  • Expert score (10%): To understand the VPN systems’ quality, usability and affordability, we included our own first-hand expertise and experience. The expert score is derived from our team applying their industry expertise and hands-on testing experience to assess the more nuanced facets. This includes factors, such as features, value for money, popularity and ease of use.

Forbes Advisor adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. To the best of our knowledge, all content is accurate as of the date posted, though offers contained herein may no longer be available. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone and have not been provided, approved, or otherwise endorsed by our partners.

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Why is using a VPN helpful for streaming?

A VPN helps bypass geographic restrictions allowing users to access content from anywhere in the world including location-restricted TV shows, movies and sporting events. It also enhances online privacy by encrypting data and concealing IP addresses, which keeps streaming habits away from prying eyes

Does a VPN help with throttling?

Will a VPN allow me to stream content not available in my region?

Is streaming using a VPN legal?

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