Best VPNs for Streaming in 2026

Why Most VPNs Fail at Streaming

Streaming is the number one reason people buy a VPN, and the number one reason they get disappointed by one. Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and other platforms have invested heavily in VPN detection technology over the past few years. They identify and block IP addresses associated with VPN servers, which means connecting to a random server and expecting it to work is a coin flip at best.

The VPN providers that succeed at streaming treat it as an ongoing arms race. They rotate IP addresses, maintain dedicated streaming servers, and invest engineering resources into staying one step ahead of detection. This is expensive, which is why free VPNs and budget providers almost never work for streaming. For the full ranked list of VPN providers, see our best VPN services category page.

I tested each provider against Netflix (US, UK, Japan, Australia), Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and Paramount+ across multiple server locations over a two-week period. Here is what actually works.

The Best VPNs for Streaming

ExpressVPN: Most Reliable Streamer

ExpressVPN unblocked every streaming service I tested, every time. That consistency is what earns it the top spot for streaming specifically, even when other VPNs had intermittent failures on certain Netflix libraries or BBC iPlayer, ExpressVPN connected without issue. The MediaStreamer DNS feature also works on devices that do not natively support VPN apps, like older smart TVs and gaming consoles.

Speed is where ExpressVPN really shines for streaming. 4K content requires roughly 25 Mbps of sustained bandwidth, and ExpressVPN maintained well above that threshold on servers in the US, UK, Japan, and Australia. Buffering was nonexistent across all platforms during testing. The app automatically selects the fastest server for your chosen location, which removes the guesswork.

The cost is the downside, ExpressVPN is the most expensive provider on this list. But if streaming geo-restricted content is your primary use case and you want zero hassle, the premium is justified. See our full review for detailed speed benchmarks.

NordVPN: Best All-Rounder for Streamers

NordVPN matches ExpressVPN on streaming reliability for all major platforms and costs significantly less on annual plans. The SmartPlay technology is always-on and automatically routes streaming traffic through optimized servers without any configuration, you just connect to a country and it works.

The 6,000+ server network means NordVPN has more IP addresses to rotate through when streaming platforms block individual IPs, which contributes to its consistency. I experienced one brief hiccup with BBC iPlayer during testing that resolved after reconnecting, but Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and Amazon Prime worked flawlessly every time.

NordVPN also brings security depth that ExpressVPN does not match, Threat Protection blocks ads while streaming, which is a nice bonus for platforms with ad-supported tiers. If you want excellent streaming and the best overall VPN package at a lower price than ExpressVPN, NordVPN is the smart choice. Read our full review for the complete breakdown, or see our buying guide for how it compares across all criteria.

Surfshark: Best Budget Streaming VPN

Surfshark successfully unblocked Netflix (US, UK, Japan), Disney+, and Hulu during testing. BBC iPlayer was less consistent, it worked about 80% of the time, requiring a server switch for the rest. For most users, that hit rate is perfectly acceptable, especially at Surfshark's price.

The unlimited simultaneous connections make Surfshark the obvious choice for households where multiple people stream on different devices. One subscription covers the entire family. The Smart DNS feature works on devices without native VPN support, similar to ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer.

Speeds were adequate for 4K streaming on most servers, though I noticed more variability than with NordVPN or ExpressVPN. US and UK servers were consistently fast; more distant locations like Japan and Australia were occasionally slower. At this price point, the trade-off is reasonable. Check out our full review for server-by-server performance data.

CyberGhost: Best Dedicated Streaming Servers

CyberGhost takes a unique approach by labeling specific servers for specific streaming platforms, you will see servers tagged "Netflix US," "BBC iPlayer," "Disney+," and so on in the app. This removes all guesswork and makes CyberGhost the most beginner-friendly option for streaming.

The dedicated servers worked well for Netflix and Disney+ during testing. BBC iPlayer was reliable on the tagged servers. The 45-day money-back guarantee (the longest in the industry) gives you ample time to test whether it works with your preferred streaming services before committing.

Speed was adequate but not exceptional, I would not recommend CyberGhost as a first choice for 4K streaming on distant servers. For 1080p content and servers in your region, it performs well. The main appeal is simplicity and the generous trial period. See our full review for the full streaming compatibility matrix.

Streaming VPN Comparison

Tips for Better VPN Streaming

Connect to the nearest server in your target country. If you want US Netflix, choose a US server geographically close to you. A New York server will be faster for European users than one in Los Angeles.

Try a different server if one fails. Streaming platforms block individual IP addresses, not entire VPN providers. Switching servers usually resolves any blocks within seconds.

Use the VPN's dedicated streaming mode if available. NordVPN's SmartPlay and CyberGhost's labeled streaming servers are optimized specifically for this purpose.

Check your VPN's DNS settings. Some VPNs leak DNS requests, which allows streaming platforms to detect your real location even with the VPN active. NordVPN and ExpressVPN handle DNS internally to prevent this.

The Bottom Line

For streaming, ExpressVPN offers the most reliable experience with the fastest speeds. NordVPN is nearly as good and costs less, it is the best value for streamers who also want comprehensive security. Surfshark is the pick for families on a budget. And CyberGhost makes sense for beginners who want streaming to just work without thinking about server selection.

If your VPN does not reliably unblock what you want to watch, you are wasting your money. All four of these deliver. Check our best VPN services page for detailed scoring on every provider we tested.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it legal to use a VPN for streaming?

Using a VPN is legal in most countries. However, accessing geo-restricted content may violate the streaming service's terms of service. In practice, the worst consequence is that the streaming platform blocks the VPN IP, they do not ban user accounts for VPN usage.

Why does my VPN not work with Netflix?

Netflix detects and blocks known VPN IP addresses. If your VPN server's IP has been flagged, you will see a proxy error message. The fix is simple: disconnect and reconnect to get a new IP, or try a different server in the same country.

Do I need a fast internet connection for VPN streaming?

A VPN adds a small speed overhead (typically 5-15% on WireGuard). For 4K streaming, you need roughly 25 Mbps after the VPN overhead. If your base connection is 50 Mbps or faster, any VPN on this list will handle 4K without buffering.