Which VPN is best for streaming?

How to choose the best streaming VPN

Here are the main aspects to consider when looking for the best VPN for streaming:

• Server count and server countries (available server locations) — a VPN with a big server count and many available locations means you can enjoy a safe stream wherever your home is, and the servers won’t be overcrowded.
• Server port size, speed, and availability — big ports allow the VPN servers to handle more traffic. This means you can stream without worrying that a VPN will cause lag issues. Look for a VPN provider that offers 10Gbps servers.
• Static IP (a shared but unchanging IP address) — you won’t get random mid-stream disconnects, which is common with VPNs that frequently change your IP address. Streaming services may log you out if they detect you connecting from different IPs every now and then. So, for streaming, it may be necessary to pick a VPN provider with a static IP.
• Subscription price and a money-back guarantee or a trial period — get a VPN without breaking the bank. Look for a provider that lets you test the VPN out without a big commitment.
• Device compatibility and platforms — pick a VPN to secure your stream on any device and platform.

We didn’t mention speed because it can vary greatly. It depends on factors such as your internet service provider and your physical proximity to the VPN server (you should always expect a drop in speed when connecting to a server location far from yours).

If you’re interested in a VPN with great streaming capabilities, we advise you to pick a couple of premium VPNs with a trial period or a money-back guarantee and try them out. Then, run the Ookla speed test to find out which has the best streaming speeds for you.

Discovering the best VPN service for streaming

Comparing VPNs to find the best one may be tedious work, so we’ve done it for you — we’ve looked at the industry’s finest and compared them against Surfshark.

Disclaimer: the displayed pricing and server details in this article are correct as of March 2024 and are subject to change.

Surfshark vs. NordVPN

Server count and server countries

10Gbps server availability

The server’s bandwidth is significant because it determines how much data (measured in gigabits) it can handle at a specific timeframe (measured in seconds) — gigabits per second, or Gbps. The higher the Gbps, the more data-heavy activities a server can handle.

Surfshark has 10Gbps servers in 93 countries — 93% of the countries covered with high-speed servers. You can check our piece on which countries have 10Gbps servers, but keep in mind that some aren’t yet mentioned.

As NordVPN’s article suggests, around 20% of NordVPN’s current network uses 10Gbps servers.

A VPN feature that maintains a stable IP address

Pricing

Platforms

Check out the comparison of Surfshark vs. NordVPN, if you wish to find out how Surfshark compares against NordVPN in more areas than streaming.

Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN

Server count and server countries

10Gbps server availability

ExpressVPN states that they’ve upgraded 24 of ExpressVPN’s most high-demand countries, representing more than 70% of their global bandwidth. However, 24 countries out of 105 mean that only 22% of the countries have access to 10Gbps servers.

A VPN feature that maintains a stable IP address

Pricing

Platforms

Check out the comparison of Surfshark vs. ExpressVPN, if you wish to find out how Surfshark compares against ExpressVPN in more areas than streaming.

Surfshark vs. CyberGhost

Server count and server countries

10Gbps server availability

According to their article, CyberGhost has 10Gbps servers in 31 countries — that’s 34% of countries with fast servers.

A VPN feature that maintains a stable IP address

Pricing

Platforms

Check out the comparison of Surfshark vs. CyberGhost, if you wish to find out how Surfshark compares against Cyberghost in more areas than streaming.

Surfshark vs. PIA

Server count and server countries

10Gbps server availability

A VPN feature that maintains a stable IP address

Pricing

Platforms

Check out the comparison of Surfshark vs. PIA, if you wish to find out how Surfshark compares against PIA in more areas than streaming. 

Surfshark vs. IPVanish

Server count and server countries

10Gbps server availability

IPVanish goes a bit further, offering 25Gbps port servers to 12 countries (out of 75). That’s 16% of the countries they serve.

A VPN feature that maintains a stable IP address

Pricing

Platforms

Check out the comparison of Surfshark vs. IPVanish, if you wish to find out how Surfshark compares against IPVanish in more areas than streaming.

Surfshark vs. ProtonVPN

Server count and server countries

10Gbps server availability

A VPN feature that maintains a stable IP address

Pricing

Platforms

Check out the comparison of Surfshark vs. ProtonVPN, if you wish to find out how Surfshark compares against ProtonVPN in more areas than streaming.

Surfshark vs. Mullvad

Server count and server countries

10Gbps server availability

Port-wise, Mullvad servers take the cake — 40 countries of the 41 have access to 10Gbps servers. That’s roughly 98% coverage. Also, Mullvad offers 20Gbps servers to 6 countries (14% of total countries). However, keep in mind their small country pool.

A VPN feature that maintains a stable IP address

Pricing

Platforms

Check out the comparison of Surfshark vs. Mullvad, if you wish to find out how Surfshark compares against Mullvad in more areas than streaming.

Why do you need a VPN for streaming?

The point of a VPN when streaming is to keep you secure, and give you more privacy. Imagine that using a VPN is like drawing the curtains to watch a movie in peace. Of course, there are more reasons to use it.

Stream favorite shows when traveling abroad

When traveling, use a VPN to change your IP and enjoy your favorite streams. Some shows in your home country may be restricted or unavailable to a place you’re traveling to because streaming services restrict content based on a user’s IP address.

Enjoy a safe stream on public WiFi

Some “free” public Wi-Fi hotspots may collect and sell your browsing history. Another danger of free hotspots is hackers — they set up fake “free” hotspots to siphon the users for their credentials. A VPN encrypts your internet connection and keeps you safe when streaming at an airport, cafe, etc.

Avoid bandwidth throttling

ISPs (Internet Service Providers) can slow down (throttle) your internet speed whenever a network is busy. A VPN removes the data throttle. It may even help you enjoy a higher-resolution stream or increase the buffering speed.

Retain privacy while streaming

Internet providers can see a person’s online activities. ISPs often collect and sell users’ private browsing histories, which include streaming. When you stream with a VPN, ISPs can’t track you online — they will only see you’re connected to a VPN server.

Disclaimer: We prohibit using Surfshark services for any unlawful purposes as it is against our Terms of Service. Please be sure to act in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations of streaming service providers.

The best VPN for streaming depends on you

Whether you’re streaming movies or streaming something yourself, look for a reliable VPN with a great server location selection. Test it out beforehand to see if it can handle the bandwidth. Shameless plug incoming — Surfshark is a perfect all-rounder, with a bit of everything you may need.

FAQ

Do VPNs actually work for streaming?

Yes, VPNs work for streaming, and many streamers use them. Two of the biggest concerns for streamers are security and maintaining a stable connection — both of which VPNs easily accomplish.

And if you’re interested in streaming a movie with a VPN, then yes, VPNs work alongside streaming services. A VPN will hide your real IP, anonymize your online activity, and help you enjoy a private stream.

Which VPN is best for streaming TV?

One of the best VPNs for streaming TV  is Surfshark, because it allows unlimited simultaneous connections and is compatible with every major platform — Android TV, Fire TV, and Apple TV.

What’s the best free VPN for streaming?

There’s no such thing as the best free streaming VPN. Free VPNs should be avoided altogether. In the best-case scenario, your speed and data usage will be capped, and you won’t have a lot of locations to choose from. In the worst-case scenario, your data may get sold to third parties, or your device may get infected with malware.

Which VPN is best for streaming sports?

Surfshark is considered one of the best streaming VPN services for sports. Watch sport from wherever your home is — Surfshark has a 3200+ server network and 100+ available countries to connect to.