In the world of online entertainment, streaming services have become the primary source of movies, TV shows, and other content. However, geo-restrictions often limit access to your favorite platforms based on your location. That’s where a reliable VPN comes in. A VPN allows you to bypass these restrictions by masking your IP address and making it appear as if you’re browsing from a different country. But not all VPNs are created equal when it comes to streaming. At VPNtesters.com, we’ve rigorously tested numerous VPNs to identify the best options for unblocking popular streaming services in 2025.
Why is it important to have a VPN for streaming?
- Bypass Geo-Restrictions: Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer offer different content libraries in different countries due to licensing agreements. A VPN allows you to connect to a server in a different country, effectively changing your virtual location and unlocking a wider range of content.
- Avoid ISP Throttling: Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may throttle (slow down) your connection when they detect streaming activity. A VPN encrypts your traffic, making it difficult for your ISP to identify and throttle your streaming.
- Enhance Privacy: A VPN adds a layer of privacy to your online activities, including streaming, by encrypting your data and hiding your IP address from prying eyes.
Our Top VPN Picks for Streaming in 2025
Here are our top-rated VPNs for streaming, ranked based on their ability to unblock popular services, streaming quality, speed, and server network:
1. NordVPN: Excellent Speeds and Unblocking
Overall Streaming Rating: 9.5/10
Pros:
- Unblocks most major streaming services.
- Excellent speeds with the NordLynx protocol.
- Large server network in 111 countries.
- Dedicated streaming servers.
- Strong security and privacy features.
Cons:
- Map interface can be clunky on mobile.
- Slightly slower than ExpressVPN on some servers.
Streaming Test Results:
- Netflix: Unblocks Netflix in the US, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, and more.
- Hulu: Works reliably with Hulu.
- BBC iPlayer: Successfully unblocks BBC iPlayer.
- Disney+: Provides access to Disney+ worldwide.
- Amazon Prime Video: Unblocks Amazon Prime Video.
- Other Services: Works with HBO Max, ESPN+, and others.
NordVPN is another excellent choice for streaming. Its vast server network and fast NordLynx protocol provide a smooth streaming experience. NordVPN also offers dedicated streaming servers optimized for specific platforms, making it easy to find a working connection.
Learn More about NordVPN’s Streaming Capabilities
2. Surfshark: Best Budget Option for Streaming
Overall Streaming Rating: 9.4/10
Pros:
- Unblocks a wide range of streaming services.
- Very affordable, especially on longer plans.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Fast speeds with WireGuard.
- User-friendly apps.
Cons:
- Smaller server network than NordVPN.
- Some inconsistencies with less popular streaming services.
Streaming Test Results:
- Netflix: Unblocks Netflix in the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and other regions.
- Hulu: Works well with Hulu.
- BBC iPlayer: Successfully unblocks BBC iPlayer.
- Disney+: Provides access to Disney+.
- Amazon Prime Video: Unblocks Amazon Prime Video.
- Other Services: Works with HBO Max and other popular platforms.
Surfshark is our top budget pick for streaming. It offers impressive unblocking capabilities at a very affordable price, especially if you opt for a longer subscription. With unlimited simultaneous connections, you can stream on all your devices without any restrictions.
Learn More about Surfshark’s Streaming Capabilities
3. Windscribe: Best for Unblocking Various Netflix Libraries
Overall Streaming Rating: 8.8/10
[Get Windscribe]
Pros:
- Unblocks various Netflix libraries around the world.
- Offers a generous free plan (with limited server locations and data).
- Strong security features.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Dedicated Windflix servers for streaming.
Cons:
- Inconsistent speeds on some servers.
- Smaller server network than top-tier providers.
- Customer support could be improved.
Streaming Test Results:
- Netflix: Unblocks Netflix US, UK, Canada, Japan, and more.
- Hulu: Works with Hulu.
- BBC iPlayer: Successfully unblocks BBC iPlayer.
- Disney+: Provides access to Disney+.
- Amazon Prime Video: Unblocks Amazon Prime Video.
- Other Services: Works with some other streaming platforms.
Windscribe is a solid choice for streaming, particularly if you’re a Netflix enthusiast. It excels at unblocking various Netflix libraries, giving you access to a wider range of content. Windscribe also offers a generous free plan, making it a good option for those on a tight budget.
4. ExpressVPN: The Best VPN for Streaming
Overall Streaming Rating: 8.6/10
Get ExpressVPN
Pros:
- Unblocks virtually all streaming services with ease.
- Consistently fast speeds, ideal for HD and 4K streaming.
- Extensive server network in 105 countries.
- User-friendly apps for all major platforms.
- Excellent 24/7 live chat support.
Cons:
- Higher price compared to some competitors.
- Limited advanced features compared to others.
Streaming Test Results:
- Netflix: Unblocks Netflix in the US, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, and many other countries.
- Hulu: Works flawlessly with Hulu.
- BBC iPlayer: Reliably unblocks BBC iPlayer.
- Disney+: Provides access to Disney+ libraries worldwide.
- Amazon Prime Video: Unblocks Amazon Prime Video in various regions.
- Other Services: Successfully unblocks HBO Max, ESPN+, Peacock, and more.
ExpressVPN is our top recommendation for streaming in 2025. It consistently delivers exceptional performance, unblocking virtually every streaming service we tested with ease. Its vast server network, combined with the lightning-fast Lightway protocol, ensures smooth, buffer-free streaming in HD and 4K.
Learn More about ExpressVPN’s Streaming Capabilities
5. CyberGhost: User-Friendly with Streaming Servers
Overall Streaming Rating: 8.4/10
[Get CyberGhost]
Pros:
- Dedicated servers optimized for various streaming services.
- User-friendly apps, ideal for beginners.
- Large server network in 100 countries.
- 45-day money-back guarantee.
- Affordable long-term plans.
Cons:
- Slower speeds on long-distance connections.
- Inconsistent performance with some streaming platforms.
- Privacy concerns due to its ownership (Kape Technologies).
Streaming Test Results:
- Netflix: Unblocks Netflix US, UK, and other libraries.
- Hulu: Works with Hulu.
- BBC iPlayer: Successfully unblocks BBC iPlayer.
- Disney+: Provides access to Disney+.
- Amazon Prime Video: Unblocks Amazon Prime Video.
- Other Services: Works with some other streaming platforms.
CyberGhost is a user-friendly VPN with dedicated servers optimized for streaming. It’s a good option for beginners who want a simple and straightforward way to unblock their favorite shows. However, its speeds can be inconsistent, especially on long-distance connections.
6. IPVanish: Great for Fire TV Stick
Overall Streaming Rating: 8.2/10
[Get IPVanish]
Pros:
- Excellent app for Fire TV Stick.
- Fast speeds on nearby servers.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
- Strong security features.
- No-logs policy.
Cons:
- Apps can be clunky and less intuitive than competitors.
- Inconsistent unblocking performance with some streaming services.
- Based in the US (Five Eyes jurisdiction).
Streaming Test Results:
- Netflix: Unblocks Netflix US and UK.
- Hulu: Works with Hulu.
- BBC iPlayer: Successfully unblocks BBC iPlayer.
- Disney+: Provides access to Disney+.
- Amazon Prime Video: Unblocks Amazon Prime Video.
- Other Services: Hit-or-miss with other platforms.
IPVanish is a good choice for streaming, especially if you primarily use a Fire TV Stick. Its dedicated Fire TV app is one of the best in the industry. However, its overall unblocking performance is not as consistent as the top-tier providers.
7. PrivateVPN: Affordable and Reliable for Streaming
Overall Streaming Rating: 8.0/10
[Get PrivateVPN]
Pros:
- Affordable pricing, especially on longer plans.
- Good speeds for streaming.
- Unblocks most major streaming services.
- User-friendly apps.
- Strong security and privacy features.
Cons:
- Smaller server network compared to top competitors.
- Customer support can be slow to respond.
- No WireGuard protocol.
Streaming Test Results:
- Netflix: Unblocks Netflix US, UK, and other libraries.
- Hulu: Works with Hulu.
- BBC iPlayer: Successfully unblocks BBC iPlayer.
- Disney+: Provides access to Disney+.
- Amazon Prime Video: Unblocks Amazon Prime Video.
- Other Services: Works with some other platforms.
PrivateVPN is a reliable and affordable option for streaming. It offers good speeds and unblocks most major services. However, its smaller server network and lack of WireGuard protocol may be drawbacks for some users.
8. Hide.me: Good Speeds But Limited Streaming
Overall Streaming Rating: 7.5/10
[Get Hide.me]
Pros:
- Very fast speeds, especially on nearby servers.
- Strong security features.
- No-logs policy.
- Good for torrenting.
Cons:
- Limited streaming capabilities compared to top providers.
- Apps can be complex for beginners.
- Smaller server network in only 79 locations.
Streaming Test Results:
- Netflix: Unblocks some Netflix libraries but not as reliably as top competitors.
- Hulu: Works with Hulu.
- BBC iPlayer: Unblocks with dedicated servers.
- Disney+: Provides access to Disney+.
- Amazon Prime Video: Unblocks Amazon Prime Video.
- Other Services: Limited success with other platforms.
Hide.me is a decent VPN for streaming, but its capabilities are somewhat limited compared to the top providers. However, it excels in speed and security, making it a good option for general browsing and torrenting.
9. Private Internet Access: Limited Streaming Unblocking
Overall Streaming Rating: 6.5/10
[Get Private Internet Access]
Read Full Private Internet Access Review
Pros:
- Vast server network, including servers in all 50 US states.
- Affordable pricing.
- Strong focus on privacy.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections.
Cons:
- Unreliable for unblocking most streaming services.
- Based in the US (Five Eyes jurisdiction).
- Apps can be overwhelming for beginners.
Streaming Test Results:
- Netflix: Does not reliably unblock Netflix.
- Hulu: Does not work with Hulu.
- BBC iPlayer: Does not unblock BBC iPlayer.
- Disney+: Does not work with Disney+.
- Amazon Prime Video: Does not unblock Amazon Prime Video.
- Other Services: Limited success with other platforms.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a popular VPN with a strong focus on privacy. However, its streaming capabilities are limited. While it has a vast server network, it struggles to unblock most major streaming services.
10. Proton VPN: Not Ideal for Streaming
Overall Streaming Rating: 5.5/10
[Get Proton VPN]
Pros:
- Strong security and privacy features.
- Based in Switzerland (strong privacy laws).
- Open-source apps.
- Excellent speeds.
Cons:
- Very limited streaming capabilities.
- Expensive compared to competitors with better streaming performance.
- No 24/7 live chat support.
Streaming Test Results:
- Netflix: Does not unblock Netflix.
- Hulu: Does not work with Hulu.
- BBC iPlayer: Does not unblock BBC iPlayer.
- Disney+: Does not work with Disney+.
- Amazon Prime Video: Does not unblock Amazon Prime Video.
- Other Services: Does not work with most other platforms.
Proton VPN is a security-focused VPN that prioritizes privacy. While it offers excellent speeds and robust security features, it’s not a good choice for streaming. It struggles to unblock most major streaming services.
(How We Test VPNs for Streaming)
Our streaming VPN rankings are based on extensive testing and analysis. We evaluate each VPN’s ability to:
- Unblock Popular Services: We test with Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, ESPN+, and other popular platforms.
- Provide Consistent Access: We check if the VPN can reliably unblock services over time, not just on a single occasion.
- Deliver Fast Speeds: We conduct speed tests while connected to different servers to ensure smooth, buffer-free streaming in HD and 4K.
- Offer a Wide Server Network: We consider the number of servers and countries, particularly those relevant for streaming (US, UK, Canada, Japan, etc.).
- Provide User-Friendly Apps: We assess the ease of use of the VPN apps, especially regarding streaming-specific features.
Conclusion
Choosing the best VPN for streaming depends on your specific needs and priorities. However, NordVPN currently leads the pack with its exceptional unblocking capabilities, fast speeds, and user-friendly apps. Surfshark is also an excellent choice, offering great performance at lower prices.
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