Streaming TV services are accessible through regular Internet connections, but using a VPN for streaming offers certain benefits like:
The above benefits let you get the most out of streaming sites. Since you are likely using your VPNs for other purposes, this makes them an even better investment.
Yes, they can. VPNs work by hiding your IP address and connecting you to a server that has a different one. By selecting a server located in the same country as the site you want to access, you can go around the restrictions. Many streaming VPNs even automatically determine the IP addresses of streaming sites, freeing you from the guesswork.
We reviewed several providers and determined that the best ones were those found above in our reviews. Some of them have the fastest speeds we have tested, others have a large selection of servers to get around geoblocking, and some have customization options to help you fine-tune your VPN connection to a specific streaming service.
To have a better idea of which one to choose, read our full review for each provider, and find out what they offer. Think about how you want to use the VPN for activities besides streaming, like torrenting, and you’ll make a great choice.
Most VPN services will be able to handle streaming content. Getting one that is specifically suited for the job has certain advantages:
If you decide to go with a dedicated streaming VPN, look for these features to be sure that you are getting good value for your money.
There are several ways you can access a region-restricted site, including:
Out of this list, VPNs are one of the more reliable method since they are easy to set up and use, and they offer better protection. All you have to do is:
1: Launch your connection. You can do this either through your computer’s network settings or through the provided VPN app.
2: Connect to a server located in the same country as your target website. Certain video-streaming services will automatically show you the specific servers to connect to.
3: Visit your target site. In most cases, the unblocking of content is automatic.
4: You can connect to a different blocked site just by switching to the appropriate server.
5: Turn on any anti-VPN blocker feature that your service provider might have to ensure continuous connection.
Note that this is only a basic setup guide. Certain VPN services might have additional instructions on how to unblock specific sites.
Videos are the most common content streamed through VPNs, particularly those coming from popular sites like Netflix, Hulu, or the BBC’s iPlayer. VPNs can also be used to go around the country restrictions on YouTube videos, or get online TV programming feeds from different countries.
Gamers are another group that are taking advantage of VPNs. They mainly use VPNs to go around the bandwidth and speed limitations set by ISPs that can slow down online gameplay. People can also use VPNs to increase their connection speeds and to download game updates and new content faster.
Outside of streaming audiovisual content, you can use VPNs to access publications that are not yet available in your country or those that are blocked by the host country. This makes VPNs an invaluable tool for researchers.
Yes, it will affect your streaming speed a very small amount, which we document in our reviews. Several factors determine how much a VPN impacts streaming:
Use these factors as guides in reviewing your VPN provider’s features and determining if they will be able to handle the kind of streaming you want to do.
Many of the popular VPNs cost only $3 to $6 per month. Note that dedicated streaming VPNs cost more, but they are still within the affordable range. You will also need to shell out extra for specific features like Netflix unblocking.
Yes. In fact, using VPNs for streaming is legal as long as you don’t use them for prohibited activities like downloading and distributing copyrighted content. VPNs also provide extra protection against viruses and hackers, but you should remember that the level of safety a VPN has is tied to its quality. Be sure to purchase only the ones that offer high-quality services.
Our ratings for best vpn streaming are based on our professional experience and extensive tests with VPN providers between April 2014 – July 2014, taking into account user feedback and reviews we receive. As a friendly disclosure, some VPN providers do compensate us for customers we refer them, but this in no way effects their ranking on our website, nor our reviews.
© 2023 Best VPN Provider - All Rights Reserved.