If you don’t have a VPN for streaming, you’ve probably experienced this already. You saw online that a new season of your favorite series or a new movie from your favorite producer was coming. On the exact date it was supposed to be released, you were ready to watch it. But suddenly, it’s not yet available in your region, and it turns out you have to wait another 3 months.
Of course, you don’t want to wait. You want to watch it as soon as possible. Luckily, you can! With a VPN for streaming, you can access everything you want. And we’re here to let you know which VPN is the best for your favorite streaming platforms.
Overview
- Why Use a VPN for Streaming?
- Best VPNs to Watch Netflix Libraries From Other Countries
- Best VPN to Unlock Amazon Prime Video
- How to Stream Disney+ from Any Country Using a VPN
- VPN to Watch Hulu Outside the US
- What is the best all-round VPN?
- Best VPN for TV Streaming
- Best VPN Server Locations for Streaming Popular Content
- Is It Legal to Stream with a VPN? Here’s the Truth
- What to Do If a Streaming Service Blocks Your VPN
- Key Takeaways
Why Use a VPN for Streaming?
Unfortunately, some streaming platforms have restrictions for certain countries and the movies they are allowed to show. This can be because they need to secure their licenses in your country, which can take a few extra months, but it could also be due to other regional laws. In some cases, they may never release it in your region. Additionally, streaming platforms may charge different prices for the same movie in different countries due to demand. So you could actually save a few dollars by using a VPN while streaming.
But what does a VPN do? A VPN gives you the ability to change your geo location. You’ll be connected to a server of your chosen VPN, which is located in the country of your choice. This way, your device gets the IP address of the VPN server as if you were in that country. So, if you live in the US, you can set it to Japan and therefore see completely different movies than you’re used to. This way, you can stream all your favorite movies wherever you are, as long as you use a VPN.
Best VPN to Watch Netflix Libraries From Other Countries
Netflix is one of the biggest streaming providers in the world. Because many people started using a VPN to stream movies and series that weren’t supposed to be available in their region, Netflix developed a method to block users who are using a VPN.
But it’s still possible to watch Netflix with a VPN. Netflix maintains a blacklist of IP addresses known to belong to VPNs. They also monitor user IPs, and as soon as someone connects using a blacklisted IP, access is restricted.
Another way Netflix detects VPN servers is by checking how many users are sharing the same IP address. If too many people are connected through the same server, they assume it’s a VPN. Since Netflix has one of the strictest VPN detection systems, you can’t just use any VPN to watch it. But which ones actually works?
NordVPN for Netflix
Since Netflix has such strict VPN detection, you’ll need a VPN that knows how to bypass those blocks. There are several good options, like Surfshark and ExpressVPN, but NordVPN performs best because of their focus on Netflix and thanks to their specialized streaming and obfuscated servers.
The streaming servers are optimized for high speed, ensuring that you can always enjoy your movie in the best possible quality with minimal buffering and a lower chance of being flagged as a VPN. Obfuscated servers on the other hand, are not specifically optimized for speed, but they are designed to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN. These servers use a technique that makes your VPN traffic appear like regular internet traffic, helping you stay undetected.
Additionally, NordVPN has a large network of over 7500 servers in 118+ countries. That means there’s almost always a working server available to access Netflix from different regions. Another major advantage of NordVPN for streaming is its unlimited bandwidth. This ensures you won’t run into any data limits that might slow down or interrupt your connection.
And if your VPN connection ever drops unexpectedly, NordVPN’s kill switch feature will protect your real IP address by immediately cutting your internet connection so Netflix never sees your real location.
Even though all of this may sound complex, NordVPN is very user friendly. You don’t need to be a tech expert to use it. Just download the app, log in, click “connect,” and you’re ready to stream.
Best VPN to Unlock Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime uses similar VPN detection techniques as Netflix, but it is a lot less strict and less consistent. It still blocks VPN servers, but in a less aggressive way. Compared to Netflix, it’s usually not necessary to use obfuscated servers, which are generally slower than regular ones.
Therefore, a standard VPN connection is often sufficient for streaming on Amazon Prime, as long as the IP addresses are regularly refreshed. Based on our testing, ExpressVPN offers more stable and reliable connections for Amazon Prime than NordVPN and therefore being superior.
Expressvpn for Amazon Prime
ExpressVPN is known for its fast servers and its ability to keep most of its VPN servers off Amazon Prime’s blacklist. Compared to VPNs like NordVPN, it appears that fewer ExpressVPN servers are detected and blocked by Amazon Prime. This means you can often use ExpressVPN’s regular servers, resulting in faster and more stable connections. This makes streaming high-quality content smooth and uninterrupted.
ExpressVPN offers over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, giving you access to a wide range of regional libraries and exclusive content. Additionally, ExpressVPN provides DNS leak protection, ensuring that your real IP address won’t be exposed when you search for or stream Amazon Prime content.
ExpressVPN also offers browser extensions that block WebRTC leaks, which can otherwise reveal your real IP address even when using a VPN. This ensures that your IP address remains truly secure.
How to Stream Disney+ from Any Country Using a VPN
According to various tests, Surfshark is one of the best VPNs for streaming Disney+. It’s one of the more affordable VPN providers, yet it delivers excellent performance. Surfshark regularly refreshes its IP addresses, which helps avoid detection by Disney+’s VPN filters.
Although not strictly necessary for Disney+, Surfshark also offers a Camouflage Mode (similar to NordVPN’s obfuscated servers), which hides the fact that you’re using a VPN. Helpful if you want extra privacy or if you’re in a restrictive country.
Surfshark uses the WireGuard protocol, known for its high-speed performance and low latency. This makes Surfshark one of the fastest VPNs for streaming high-quality content, including 4K.
Many of Surfshark’s servers are optimized specifically for streaming platforms like Disney+, making it a reliable and smooth choice. Combined with its unlimited device connections and competitive pricing, Surfshark offers one of the best price-to-performance ratios for Disney+ users.
VPN to Watch Hulu Outside the US
Since Hulu is only available in the US, you will need a VPN to watch it when you’re outside of the US. While searching for the best VPN for this task, we came to the conclusion that ExpressVPN and NordVPN are tied for first place. Both of them have all the necessary features to successfully stream Hulu outside the US.
The biggest difference between them usually lies in other areas (like global server coverage or additional features), but in this case, it’s all about the servers in the US. And both of these VPNs have their US servers well structured and optimized for Hulu access.
What is the best all-round VPN?
It’s understandable that you might not use just one streaming service, and therefore, you need a VPN capable of bypassing different content providers. In this case, there is one VPN that stands out the most: NordVPN. It offers an amazing combination of price and quality, with all the features you need for streaming.
NordVPN has one of the largest server networks worldwide, which gives you the ability to change servers and always find one that works for you. Additionally, NordVPN provides a fast connection, making it ideal for streaming high-quality content without buffering.
NordVPN also offers extra features such as a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and obfuscated servers, which ensure that you can always bypass streaming restrictions, even from the strictest content providers. For these reasons, NordVPN is considered the best VPN for streaming.
Best VPN for TV Streaming
When watching your favorite shows or movies, it’s only natural to want to stream them on a big screen like your TV. But which VPN can you use for this? Luckily, all of the VPNs mentioned earlier can be used for streaming on a TV. This means you can still choose the VPN that fits best with the streaming service you use most often. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark.
No matter what type of TV you have, there’s always a way to make it work. The best method for using a VPN for streaming on your TV depends on what your devices support. Whether it’s your smart TV, your router, or an external device. The ability of these devices to support a VPN impacts how you can use it effectively.
Let’s break down the most common options.
Download Your VPN App
NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all offer apps that can be downloaded directly from the Google Play Store, if your smart TV supports it.
To check this, open your TV’s menu and look for the Google Play Store icon. Another way is to go to Settings > About, and check if your TV runs on Android TV or Google TV. If it does, you’re good to go. Once you’ve found the Play Store, simply install your preferred VPN app, log in just like you would on your phone or laptop, and connect to the country of your choice. This way, your TV connects directly to the VPN servers, just like a mobile device would.
If your TV doesn’t support VPN apps, don’t worry. There are still other effective ways to use a VPN for streaming on your television.
Use HDMI or Casting to Stream with a VPN
If you have a smart TV that doesn’t support downloading a VPN app, there are still two easy alternatives for streaming with a VPN on your television.
One modern solution is casting. You can stream content from your phone or tablet (which is connected to the VPN) directly to your TV. In this setup, your mobile device acts as the source, and your TV simply displays the video.
An alternative method is to use an HDMI cable to connect your VPN enabled laptop to your TV. This works similarly to casting but uses a wired connection. Your laptop runs the VPN and streaming service, while your TV acts as an extended screen.
Both of these options allow you to stream content with a VPN, even if your TV doesn’t support VPN apps directly.
Install VPN On Router
The third option for streaming on your TV using a VPN is a little more complicated. you can use the VPN on your router. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark all support the use of a VPN on a router, but your router also needs to be compatible. Most standard routers provided by your internet service provider are not compatible, but you can check this by looking for VPN client support or compatibility with OpenVPN, WireGuard, or L2TP/IPSec in the router’s specifications.
Once you have a compatible router, you can download the configuration file from your VPN provider. To set it up, enter your router’s IP address in a browser like Chrome or Firefox, which will allow you to log in with your username and password and access the router’s dashboard. There, you’ll generally find a menu like: VPN Client/OpenVPN, VPN Setup or WAN Settings > VPN. From there, you can upload the VPN configuration file, and you’re ready to stream.
If your router does not support VPN usage, you’ll need to use one of the other methods for streaming or purchase a router that is compatible with VPNs.
Best VPN Server Locations for Streaming Popular Content
So, you have your VPN and you’re ready to start streaming. But which country should you connect to in order to watch your favorite show or movie? Each country offers a different entertainment catalog, which makes choosing the right server location an important decision.
To find out where a specific movie or series is available, you can use a platform like JustWatch. It allows you to search for your favorite titles and see in which countries they’re available for streaming.
But maybe you don’t have a specific movie in mind, maybe you’re just looking for something new to watch because you’ve already seen everything good on your local Netflix. In that case, there are a few countries worth connecting to in order to access some of the best streaming libraries for your favorite genres.
The Best Streaming in United States
If you don’t live in the United States, there’s a lot to gain when it comes to accessing more movies and TV shows. The U.S. has the most extensive libraries on major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, Hulu, HBO Max, and Peacock.
Another major difference is that some movies you’d normally have to rent on platforms like Amazon Prime may be available to stream for free in the U.S. If you’re someone who watches a lot of movies, a VPN can quickly pay for itself by giving you access to more free content.
But what if you already live in the United States? Even though you already have access to one of the largest content libraries in the world, there are still shows and movies that are only available in other countries. In that case, it’s worth switching your VPN location to one of the following countries.
Unique Content From The United Kingdom
The United Kingdom might not have a larger library than the U.S., but it still offers some unique content you can’t watch anywhere else. Take BBC iPlayer for example, it’s only available within the UK and gives you access to a wide range of British shows.
And even though the U.S. has the biggest streaming libraries for Netflix, the UK still has certain titles that aren’t available in the U.S. Some examples include The Office (UK), Pride and Prejudice, Blackadder, Red Dwarf, and many more.
Additionally, you can watch live TV and exclusive shows on platforms like ITVX, where you’ll find titles like Love Island UK, The Bay, Trigger Point, Downton Abbey, and Broadchurch.
So if you’re looking for unique British content, the UK is definitely a VPN location worth trying.
The Best Of Both Worlds With Canada
Canada is known for having a unique mix of movies from both the U.S. and the U.K. on platforms like Netflix and Amazon Prime.
For example, you might find certain movies in Canada that are no longer available in the U.S. because the streaming rights there have expired. Canada, on the other hand, may still have those titles in its library. Movies like The Amazing Spider-Man, Blade Runner 2049, and other Hollywood films.
Canada also has its own streaming service called Crave, which is often seen as the Canadian equivalent of HBO Max. It offers a strong selection of HBO content along with other exclusive Canadian shows and movies.
Watch Anime From Japan
If you’re a big fan of anime, there is only one country you should connect with, Japan. Japan is known for its large library of anime movies on Netflix, and they often offer English subtitles. Japan also has some unique services like AbemaTV for live TV and shows, TV Tokyo, NHK World, and a Japanese counterpart to Netflix called U-NEXT. Examples of movies and shows you can watch in Japan include Jujutsu Kaisen, Attack on Titan, and One Piece.
All available sports in Germany
If you like to watch sports, Germany is the country to connect to. They offer streaming services that provide free access to international sports like Formula 1, European and World Cup football, and the Olympic Games. These providers are ZDF and ARD.
In addition to sports, Germany also has some original movies on streaming platforms like Netflix, such as Dark and Barbarians. These movies are originally made in Germany and are therefore only available there.
Is It Legal to Stream with a VPN? Here’s the Truth
You want to make sure you don’t do anything illegal while trying to watch movies from other countries, as getting into trouble over a movie would be unnecessary. Fortunately, using a VPN is not necessarily illegal, at least not in most countries. Some countries, like China, the UAE, and Russia, have imposed restrictions on or completely banned VPNs. Therefore, when using a VPN, it’s important to be aware of the laws in your country, but in most countries, it’s not an issue.
But what about the streaming services themselves? Well, they usually state in their terms of use that VPN usage is not allowed. If they find out you’re using one, there’s always a risk that they may impose restrictions or even ban your account. However, in most cases, it just results in a warning.
To be clear, using a VPN for streaming is not illegal in most countries, but streaming providers don’t permit it and don’t like users accessing content this way.
What to Do If a Streaming Service Blocks Your VPN
There is always a chance that the VPN server you are using has been blacklisted by your streaming provider, in which case, the VPN will not work. So, what can you do about this? Well, in most cases, the most effective solution is to change the server. Simply try different servers until you find one that works.
It could also be that if you choose a VPN with too few servers, you might need to switch to a different provider. That’s why we recommend VPNs like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. They have plenty of servers and do a good job of keeping them off the blacklist.
Another way to access content could be through a dedicated streaming server or an obfuscation server, like the ones NordVPN offers. These servers are optimized for streaming and allow you to watch movies without revealing that you’re using a VPN.
If you choose one of the VPNs we discussed, you’ll have plenty of options for watching your favorite movies. However, if you go with a free or new, low-cost VPN provider, there’s a high chance that most servers won’t work.
Key Takeaways
Now you know what a VPN can be used for, what the best VPN for your situation is, and which country is best to watch your favorite show.
So, do you already have a movie in mind that you want to watch? Have you called up your friend to watch it together? Or do you still have doubts about whether using a VPN is worth your money? As mentioned earlier, it could also save you a lot of money. If you’re watching movies that would otherwise cost you, a VPN could even help you save.
But whatever your choice is, make sure that if you use a VPN, it’s a good one. Otherwise, there’s a high chance the VPN won’t work with your streaming provider. And one more bonus tip, you can try NordVPN risk-free for 30 days. If it doesn’t work as expected, you can simply cancel your subscription.
