A VPN or a virtual private network in more straightforward terms is a service, which encrypts your web traffic and protects your online identity from hackers and other third parties. Primarily the best VPN for streaming, like viewing on Watch32 – a free streaming site – work by extending a secure network across a shared network. If you’re running an application on a laptop, desktop, smartphone, or a computer, you could thus benefit from the functionality, security, and management of a VPN.
Why do I need a VPN for streaming?
In simpler terms streaming, pirated content is illegal in many countries due to copyright laws. Thus to protect from the authorities, many would recommend using a VPN. You have nothing to fear when using a VPN since its entirely legal and readily available anywhere. The only problem is picking out the best one? However, you can follow our blog to find the best VPN for streaming for you.
Features of the Best Streaming VPN
VPNs have numerous features available. These features allow you to watch geo-restricted content, from anywhere in the world, which includes your favorite movies, TV shows, documentaries, songs, live sporting events, or other pirated content. Moreover, VPNs also prevent irritating pop-up ads and harmful malware from ever harming your data or privacy rights.
Other features also include:
- Ad-blocking
- Anti-Malware
- Dedicated VPN Apps
- 20+ Device Compatibility
- 10 simultaneous Connections
- DNS Leak Protection
- DNS Leak Protection
- Server End Features
- P2P Optimized servers
- Unlimited Server Switching
- Unlimited Bandwidth
- 99% Uptime
- 256-Bit AES Encryption
- Multiple Protocol
- Wi-Fi Security
- NAT Firewall
- Internet Kill Switch
- Anonymous Torrenting
- Fast Buffering and Downloading
- Defeat ISP Throttling
- Access to Geo-Restricted Content
- 15-day Money Back Guarantee
- 24/7 Customer Support
A VPN that has all these features in one package is the best vpn for streaming. Nevertheless, you can also check the best VPN providers for streaming listed below:
Best VPN for Streaming
1. FastestVPN
- The number of servers: 150+ servers, which located in 29+ countries.
- Maximum devices supported: 5+ device simultaneously supported.
Packages:
1 Month Plan:
- $10/Month
- Billed at $10 Monthly
3 Year Plan:
- Save $360 and avail
- $1.11/Month
- Billed at $39.95 Triennially
1 Year Plan:
- Save $120 and avail
- $2.49/ Month
- Billed at $29.95 Annually
5 Year Plan:
- Save 92% and avail
- $0.83/Month
- $49.95
- Billed every 60 months
Pros:
- Located in the Cayman Islands
- Does Not Log Your Activity
- Supports Five Protocols with AES 256-Bit Encryption
- Torrenting Is Allowed
- Compatible with Multiple Devices
- Very Easy to Use
- Simultaneous Connections Allowed
- Leaks Fixed
- Internet Kill Switch
Cons:
- Doesn’t seem to Work with Tor
- Inconsistent Servers
Built-in 2017 FastestVPN is one of the latest in the line of up-coming, ultra-fast VPN providers. FastestVPN exceeds in providing you the best service provider for all your streamed content. Nevertheless, you don’t have to take our word for it, ask the millions of customers they have worldwide, or the hundreds of reviews posted on various review sites like TrustPilot, which gave an average 9.5 customer trust score.
The FastestVPN website also hosts several interactive blogs, which offer you a step by step guide on how to download FastestVPN on any device you please. Regardless of what device you’re using, whether it be: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TV, or your router, FastestVPN can honestly connect to any device at the click of a button. Moreover, by using FastestVPN on your Xbox, Ps4, Apple TV, Amazon Firestick, or Kodi device, you get the added benefit of experiencing every movie, TV shows, or event in high definition.
2. ExpressVPN
- The number of servers: 160 VPN server locations, in 94 countries.
- Maximum devices supported: 5 devices simultaneously supported.
Packages:
12 Months:
- Includes 3 Free Months
- Billed at $6.67 for the first 12 months
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
1 Month:
- $ 12.95/ per Month
- Billed at $12.95 every Month.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
6 Months
- $ 9.99/ per Month
- Billed at $59.95 every 6 months.
- 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Strict “No Logging” Policy.
- Numerous Privacy Features.
- Located in Safe Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands.
- Strong Encryption
Cons:
- Transparency could be improved.
- Steep price point
- Slow Speed
ExpressVPN formed in the British Virgin Islands and is highly capable of providing you continuous protection, while you browse the web or stream geo-restricted content from anywhere in the world. Their “internet kill switch” feature also ensures even if your connection to ExpressVPN gets compromised or fails then the switch kicks in to automatically shut down the internet so that your data isn’t leaked, in any way.
ExpressVPN also has a range of features including 24/7 customer support by live chat, Best-in-class 256 AES-Bit encryption, No activity logs, and 30 days risk-free, money back guarantee trial. Their service is also compatible with your Windows, Mac, Android, Linux, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, and smart TV devices.
3. Surfshark
- The number of servers: +3200 servers in 65 countries.
- Maximum devices supported: Unlimited Simultaneously device support.
Packages:
1 Month:
- $12.9/5Month
- Billed at $12.95 every Month
- 30-day money-back guarantee
1 Year:
- $3.99/Month
- Billed at $47.88 every year
- 30-day money-back guarantee
24 Months:
- SAVE 82%
- $2.30/Month
- Billed at $59.76 annually
Pros:
- All Essential Features Available.
- No Leaks Detected.
- Excellent User Experience and Easy Installation.
- Compatible with TOR.
- Safe for Torrenting.
Cons:
- The privacy policy is doubtful
- Relatively expensive
- limited P2P servers.
Surfshark is a trusted VPN service, and it offers a good collection of privacy tools, excellent app support, and device connection. All in all, Surfshark has an impressive network of servers which makes it a best VPN for streaming.
4. NordVPN
- The number of servers: 5000+ servers in over 60 countries.
- Maximum devices supported: 6 devices simultaneously supported.
Packages:
1 Year:
- $4.99
- Billed at $59.88 annually
1 Month:
- $11.99/Month
- Billed at $11.99 monthly
2-year:
- $3.99/ per Month
- Billed at $95.79 for the first 2 years
Pros:
- Strong Features & Add-Ons.
- Strict No Logging Policy.
- Works great for Torrenting.
- Knowledgeable Customer Support.
Cons:
- Company Not Transparent Enough.
- Refund Can Take up to 30 Days.
NordVPN founded back in 2012, inspired by Nordic ideals of confidence, and innovation. At NordVPN, they provide only the best standards of service with the overall goal of granting you freedom of choice and rights. NordVPN is one of the most robust VPN providers, earning numerous 5-star reviews on various sites daily.
As the professed number one VPN provider in the market today NordVPN, not surprisingly has a vast range of features available for its customers within all their packages. Its unique location in Panama also provides the added benefit of having safe-jurisdiction and no data retention laws. At NordVPN, they attribute their long-standing success to their incredibly talented team.
5. IPVanish
- The Number of servers: 40,000+ shared IPs, 1,300+ VPN servers in 75+ locations.
- Maximum devices supported: 10 simultaneous connections supported.
Packages:
1 Year:
- Save 65%
- $3.75/Month
- Billed at $44.99 annually
1 Month:
- $10.99/Month
- Billed at $10.99 monthly
3 Months:
- Save 45%
- $5.00/Month
- $14.99/first quarter
- Billed at $29.99 every 3 months
Pros:
- Decent Working App.
- Zero Traffic Logs.
- Secure Encryption (AES-256).
- Some Servers Unblock Netflix.
- TOR Compatibility.
Cons:
- Third-Party Reviews are generally bad.
- 24/7 Customer Support, falsely advertised.
- IPVanish Pricing is extremely expensive.
IPVanish works by keeping your real IP address hidden behind immensely secure encryption. By doing so, online hackers and third party sites all become oblivious of your data. Regardless of what country you are in, their reputation as one of the top VPN providers in the world holds anywhere and everywhere.
Their service alone has over 1,300 servers across more than 75 countries. Moreover, security is the number one priority for IPVanish thus their packages also come standard with a range of features like, Unlimited P2P traffic, IKEv2, and L2TP/IPsec VPN protocols, 7-day money-back guarantee, and SOCKS5 web proxy to name a few.
How does a streaming VPN work?
When you connect to a streaming VPN, it encrypts your traffic and hides it from your ISP. Moreover, a VPN also conceals your original IP address and provides you with a new IP address. A VPN routes all your traffic from one of its servers instead of your ISP server.
In this way, the new VPN server IP tricks the host website into believing that the user is accessing it from the host country, and hence the platform gets unblocked.
When Should I Use a Streaming VPN?
There may be various scenarios that may push you to connect a streaming VPN. If you’re going abroad, then you will need a VPN to access your home content that will be otherwise blocked in the new region. Moreover, you can also connect with a streaming VPN in your home country to unblock US Netflix or other geo-restricted platforms like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Besides that, if you’re a sports fan, then a streaming VPN is an essential tool for you to bypass content restrictions and access your favorite sports event by subscribing to the relevant broadcaster.
What streaming services are the best to access with a streaming VPN?
Almost all the top streaming services are geo-restricted and are available in a few parts of the world. However, with a streaming VPN, you can get access to your favorite streaming platforms hassle-free. If you’re unsure about which platforms you need to unblock first, then here’s a quick rundown of the best streaming websites to unblock in 2024:
- Netflix US
- HBO
- Hulu
- Amazon Prime Video
- YouTube
- Disney Plus
- BBC iPlayer
What is the Best Streaming VPN to watch sports?
It is now becoming a common trend to connect a VPN to watch geo-blocked sports events. If you also want to watch live sports, then you should opt for a VPN that can unblock sports channels like ESPN, ESPN+ Showtime, DAZN, Sky Sports, BT Sports, Fite TV, and Kayo and Sky Go. FastestVPN, ExpressVPN and Surfshark are the best VPNs to stream sports in 2024.
Do all streaming services work with a VPN?
Not all streaming services can be easily unblocked by a VPN. However, all our listed VPNs work great with all the top streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube, DAZN, Peacock TV, Sling TV, and more.
Should I use a free streaming VPN?
Free VPNs are not ideal for streaming. Since these VPNs are free, therefore, they are very slow and cause buffering issues on Firestick and other streaming devices. Besides that, free VPNs are not safe; they hardly encrypt your traffic and sell it to third parties to make a profit. The best way to stream restricted content is by using a reliable, paid, and trusted VPN service.
Conclusion
With all these VPN providers in mind, the choice is up to you to decide the best VPN for streaming. Nevertheless, it also helps to keep in mind that for your streaming experience to be the best, the provider must give adequate security protocols and encryption technology.
256-Bit AES encryption is military-grade encryption, which is widely accepted by all as the standard for measuring a VPN’s security today. Moreover, in our opinion, a good indication of the security of a VPN would be the renowned internet kill switch feature, which is available in only selected VPN providers like ExpressVPN.
You’ll also want a user-friendly experience which is uniquely optimized, for streaming and has multi-device login compatibility.
