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%Begin The best streaming VPN in 2022 Tom's Guide Skip to main content Tom's Guide is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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The best streaming VPN in 2022
By Mo Harber-Lamond published 7 October 2022 Want more content?
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A streaming VPN is the perfect solution (Image credit: Shutterstock) Getting access to blocked streaming content is a huge draw for those looking for the best VPN – when we surveyed Tom's Guide readers, over 50% said that they regularly use their VPN for streaming. And, now that you need a huge number of paid subscriptions to watch all the shows you love, using a streaming VPN to get more for your money is a no-brainer.
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A streaming VPN works by changing your virtual location to access content not available where you are. So, your favorite sport might need a subscription in your home country, but elsewhere it could be free-to-air.
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Your favorite show could be on Hulu in the US, but Netflix in the UK. In both those cases and many more, all you need to do is switch your location and watch what you want on a service you already pay for – or even for free! However, not every VPN is optimized for streaming, so here we'll be running exactly which ones are worth considering.
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What makes a great streaming VPN
When choosing a streaming VPN, there are three things to prioritize – reliable access to plenty of streaming sites, a decent variety of servers, and excellent speeds. Our top pick ExpressVPN combines all these with a clean, polished interface that makes streaming overseas content super simple, all alongside excellent privacy. Not all VPNs have that combination, and it's worth mentioning that in mid-2021 Netflix cracked down hard on VPN use.
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Subsequently we saw almost every provider begin to struggle, although the best have now rallied and are performing well. It's worth noting that most streaming sites forbid the use of VPNs, and threaten deactivate your account. However, in our experience we've never heard of this ever happening.
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If you're comfortable with that, simply keep reading to discover the five best streaming VPNs available today, and take your pick of the bunch. (opens in new tab)1 ExpressVPN – the best streaming VPN today (opens in new tab)
Whether you're on holiday and want to watch what you're used to or want to explore content from around the world from home, ExpressVPN can unblock Netflix, iPlayer, Hulu, Peacock, Prime, DAZN and plenty more – plus you can now claim three free months.View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)2 NordVPN – big name is excellent for streaming (opens in new tab)
If you're looking for brand-name confidence, NordVPN could be the choice for you.
Whether you're on holiday and want to watch what you're used to or want to explore content from around the world from home, ExpressVPN can unblock Netflix, iPlayer, Hulu, Peacock, Prime, DAZN and plenty more – plus you can now claim three free months.View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)2 NordVPN – big name is excellent for streaming (opens in new tab)
If you're looking for brand-name confidence, NordVPN could be the choice for you.
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With access to tons of Netflix libraries as well as local networks and sites around the world, it's a safe choice – and it's reasonably priced, too.View Deal (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)3 Surfshark – bargain VPN that's great for streaming (opens in new tab)
Surfshark is an excellent option for anyone on a budget that's also looking to access the world's content. You'll get access to US Netflix, plus iPlayer, Amazon Prime and more, and for less that $2.50 a month, it's super affordable.View Deal (opens in new tab)
Surfshark is an excellent option for anyone on a budget that's also looking to access the world's content. You'll get access to US Netflix, plus iPlayer, Amazon Prime and more, and for less that $2.50 a month, it's super affordable.View Deal (opens in new tab)
The best streaming VPN today
(Image credit: ExpressVPN) (opens in new tab)1 ExpressVPN
A great VPN for streaming – and everything else Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux Server locations: 160 in 94 countries Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu Maximum devices supported: 5+3 MONTHS FREEExpressVPN 12 month (opens in new tab)$6.67/mth (opens in new tab)ExpressVPN 6 month (opens in new tab)$9.99/mth (opens in new tab)ExpressVPN 1 month (opens in new tab)$12.95/mth (opens in new tab)Visit Site (opens in new tab)at ExpressVPN (opens in new tab)Unrivalled streaming accessExcellent 24/7 customer supportStream on any deviceTop-quality appsOnly five simultaneous connections From our testing, ExpressVPN is our #1-ranked VPN on the market.
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However, one of its standout features is its excellent capability as a streaming VPN, as it offers the triple whammy of speed, security and excellent international coverage. That all means you can get access to over 3,000 servers across 94 countries, so no matter where you are it should be possible to get stuck into streaming media from back home.
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Connection speeds are reliably fast, so even streaming in 4K and HDR shouldn't be an issue.
Unlike many other providers, ExpressVPN unblocks Netflix, iPlayer, Amazon Prime, YouTube and more – all the more impressive when you know these streaming services are constantly trying to actively block VPNs. Be aware that currently you may need to contact the support team to direct you to a working server with Netflix. If you do run into any snags – streaming-related or otherwise – the excellent live-chat customer support is available 24/7 and is always there to get you going again. It's staffed by knowledgeable and genuinely helpful people that want – and know how – to get you what you need.
While streaming might be a priority, security is also paramount and ExpressVPN sports enterprise-level encryption along with a selection of protocols.
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That means you're guaranteed online anonymity, letting you stream in peace without the threat of third-parties potentially invading your privacy.
All that, and you also get a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning it's essentially free to try for a month to make sure it suits you perfectly. (opens in new tab)Tom's Guide readers get three months FREE of ExpressVPN (opens in new tab)
Sign up for a full 12 months on ExpressVPN and you'll get three months extra FREE. And don't forget, if you just want to give it a try with no obligation, there's a 30-day money back guarantee that you can rely upon without any quibbles.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (Image credit: NordVPN) (opens in new tab)
Sign up for a full 12 months on ExpressVPN and you'll get three months extra FREE. And don't forget, if you just want to give it a try with no obligation, there's a 30-day money back guarantee that you can rely upon without any quibbles.
View Deal (opens in new tab) (Image credit: NordVPN) (opens in new tab)
2 NordVPN
Streaming VPN that's hot on security Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux Server locations: 80+ in 59 countries Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu Maximum devices supported: 6+3 months freeNordVPN 2 Year (opens in new tab)$3.09/mth (opens in new tab)NordVPN 1 Year (opens in new tab)$4.99/mth (opens in new tab)NordVPN 1 Month (opens in new tab)$11.99/mth (opens in new tab)Visit Site (opens in new tab)at NordVPN (opens in new tab)Excellent streaming performanceFunctional kill switchSerious speedsYou may need to use the browser extension NordVPN is built for security, and it's a great streaming VPN to use if you're concerned about anyone else watching with you (for a more in-depth analysis, check out our NordVPN review).
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The fact that it offers more than 5,500 servers in 60 countries is just a bonus which ensures great speeds no matter where you end up. On top of excellent encryption there's a handy SmartPlay feature.
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This encrypts your data in a more streamlined fashion, allowing you to eke out every last drop of performance from your connection. Especially useful for streaming in HD, Nord's SmartPlay also sidesteps streaming services' VPN blocking tools, meaning you're guaranteed to have access to anything you want to watch. After a couple of unreliable months, it now appears that NordVPN is performing better than ever as a Netflix VPN – in our testing it was able to unblock a wide range of locations, including the UK, US, Canada, Japan, and more.
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NordVPN's mobile apps are fully featured and provide much the same experience as the desktop clients. However, one thing we wish it had changed is the map-based interface – on a handheld screen it makes selecting servers a hassle, and we'd like to see a regular list from the start. Other than minor issues with the apps, however, NordVPN is an excellent streaming VPN that almost always performs reliably.
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Sign up on the NordVPN website (opens in new tab) (Image credit: Surfshark) (opens in new tab)
3 Surfshark
Bargain provider that's great for streaming Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux Server locations: 100+ in 95 countries Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon, Hulu Maximum devices supported: Unlimited+2 months freeSurfshark 24 Months (opens in new tab)$2.30/mth (opens in new tab)Surfshark 12 Months (opens in new tab)$3.99/mth (opens in new tab)Surfshark 1 Month (opens in new tab)$12.95/mth (opens in new tab)Visit Site (opens in new tab)at Surfshark (opens in new tab)Great connection speedsLive chat supportExcellent valueUse it on as many devices as you wantPrivacy policy short on detail In our Surfshark review, we found that the provider delivers an excellent mix of speed and value, but doesn't scrimp on security. As such, it's an ideal streaming VPN for use with US Netflix, Amazon Video, BBC iPlayer, YouTube and more. Another bonus is that Surfshark works very well as a Fire Stick VPN, so it's a great option for getting geo-blocked media streaming on your big TV.
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It's simple to use, which is perfect for beginners, but there's a fair number of settings to tweak, too. Compared to some other further up the list there's not a huge amount of configuration on offer – but if all you're interested in is getting access to overseas Netflix then that's probably not a problem, and the unlimited simultaneous connections mean you can protect every device you own.
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With a seriously tempting price and a 30-day guarantee, Surfshark's an excellent streaming VPN that should be on your list. Sign up now on the Surfshark website (opens in new tab) (Image credit: ProtonVPN) (opens in new tab)
4 Proton VPN
Great streaming VPN with free option Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux Server locations: 1,700+ servers in 61 countries Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, Disney+ Maximum devices supported: 10Proton VPN 2 year (opens in new tab)$4.99/mth (opens in new tab)Proton VPN 1 year (opens in new tab)$5.99/mth (opens in new tab)Proton VPN 1 Month (opens in new tab)$9.99/mth (opens in new tab)Visit Site (opens in new tab)at Proton VPN (opens in new tab)First-class Netflix unblockingGreat speedsPowerful, secure appsFree version is excellentRelatively expensive In our most recent Proton VPN review, we discovered that not only is the Swiss provider one of the most secure VPNs on the market, but that it's a real streaming powerhouse as well. First up: Netflix.
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In our testing Proton VPN easily evaded Netflix's blocks in a good range of locations, although we did have an issue with Japan. That's not a huge blot on Proton's copybook, though, and we've historically found that the Japan library is, for some reason, one of the hardest to crack. After that, Proton VPN completed a clean sweep of streaming services, including Disney+, BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video, meaning whatever you want to watch, you'll be able to access it with Proton VPN.
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You'll have the option to bag yourself Proton's very capable free VPN, although you'll have to upgrade to the Plus plan to unblock streaming content. It's not hugely cheap, but special offers make Proton more affordable, and for the service you'll get we think it's worth it.
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Sign up now on the Proton VPN website (opens in new tab) (Image credit: Future) (opens in new tab)
5 CyberGhost
Excellent streaming VPN with dedicated features Available on: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux Server locations: 7,800 in 91 countries Streaming services unblocked: Netflix, iPlayer, Disney+, Amazon, Hulu Maximum devices supported: 72 months freeCyberGhost 2 Years (opens in new tab)$2.19/mth (opens in new tab)CyberGhost 1 Year (opens in new tab)$4.29/mth (opens in new tab)CyberGhost 1 Month (opens in new tab)$12.99/mth (opens in new tab)Visit Site (opens in new tab)at CyberGhost (opens in new tab)Excellent speedsDedicated streaming serversPowerful appsNo independent auditSupport site is lacking CyberGhost is a hugely popular and well-respected name in the VPN business, and has defined itself as a quality streaming VPN in recent years. In fact, out of the options here, it's probably most specialized, thanks to dedicated servers for particular services.
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That pays off too, as it's capable of unblocking US Netflix, Prime and Disney+, as well as functioning well as a BBC iPlayer VPN. However, CyberGhost simply isn't as polished as the rest of this list, and small inconveniences like no notifications when you connect or disconnect and the fact the support site could do with some work let it down slightly. That's not to say CyberGhost isn't worth considering as a streaming VPN, though.
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It's great value, has a huge number of servers and you can test it out for a market-leading 45 days and claim a refund if you don't like the service. Sign up now on the CyberGhost website (opens in new tab)
Streaming VPN FAQs
What is the best streaming VPN
We rate ExpressVPN (opens in new tab) as the best streaming VPN on the market. It delivers excellent speeds, unrivalled content unblocking performance, and has servers in just about every country you could ask for.
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What's more, you'll get a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test the service risk-free for a month.
How does a streaming VPN work
Every VPN works in the same way – it diverts your device's connection away from your internet provider's and instead uses one its own servers.
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Doing this means your ISP can't see what you're viewing, and an added bonus is that VPN server traffic is much more encrypted than the naked connection from your router. A streaming VPN can get you access to overseas content by rerouting your connection through one its servers in a foreign country. By doing that, to any website it seems like you're in that country, and subsequently you'll be able to access any and all content that's usually only available if you're physically in that area.
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What can I use a streaming VPN for
There are two basic cases for using a streaming VPN – you're either abroad and want to watch familiar but now geo-blocked content form back home, or you're at home and want to watch geo-blocked content from abroad. Whatever your reasons, there's a huge amount of content on offer that you can only get with a streaming VPN.
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Netflix has a vast amount of content that's only available in certain areas, and services like Hulu and BBC iPlayer are only available in one country. However, there's more to be had if you're a sports fan.
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If you're away from home and don't want to miss a game that's being shown on domestic TV, you can access that through a streaming VPN. The same goes if you're a paying customer of a sports streaming service – just turn on your streaming VPN, log in to your streaming service and watch.
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What are the best TV streaming services
There are more video services to pick from these days than there were big chain video rental stores in the nineties. We've come a long way. But some practices still seem outdated, like geo-restrictions to keep certain content for particular locations.
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All the best services have these in place, but many don't seem too concerned about VPNs which get around the issue. From Netflix and Amazon Prime Video in 4K and HDR to BBC iPlayer, Hulu and YouTube and Disney+ – there are lots of streaming services to pick from and enjoy anywhere using a VPN. Want to find the best one for you?
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Check out our best video streaming services guide.Save some cash by checking out the best cheap VPNWhat about torrenting? See the best VPN for torrentingRound up of today's best deals+3 MONTHS FREE (opens in new tab)ExpressVPN 12 month (opens in new tab)$6.67/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)+3 months free (opens in new tab)NordVPN 2 Year (opens in new tab)$3.09/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)+2 months free (opens in new tab)Surfshark 24 Months (opens in new tab)$2.30/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)Proton VPN 2 year (opens in new tab)$4.99/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)2 months free (opens in new tab)CyberGhost 2 Years (opens in new tab)$2.19/mth (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)We check over 250 million products every day for the best pricespowered by
Be In the Know
Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Mo Harber-LamondVPN EditorMo is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide.
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Day-to-day he oversees VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity content, and also undertakes independent testing of VPN services to ensure his recommendations are accurate and up to date. When he's not getting stuck into the nitty-gritty settings of a VPN you've never heard of, you'll find him working on his Peugeot 205 GTi or watching Peep Show instead of finally putting up those shelves. More about apps
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Android: Which is better for you?See more latest ► Topics Apps Internet Security Software See all comments (0) No comments yet Comment from the forums MOST READMOST SHARED1Best Wordle start words to help you keep your streak2Samsung's massive 75-inch 4K TV just crashed to $579 ahead of Black Friday3iOS 16.1 could be saving the world one charge at a time - here's how4This could be the 200MP camera for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 5Best Buy Black Friday deals are live - big sales on 4K TVs, MacBooks and more1Samsung's massive 75-inch 4K TV just crashed to $579 ahead of Black Friday2iOS 16.1 could be saving the world one charge at a time - here's how3This could be the 200MP camera for the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra 4Best Buy Black Friday deals are live - big sales on 4K TVs, MacBooks and more5iPhone 15 with USB-C is almost certainly coming - here's why
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