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