Best VPN for Netflix & Streaming in 2025

Introduction: Why You Need a VPN for Streaming

Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer restrict content based on your geographic location. A Netflix library in the US has different shows and movies than Netflix UK or Japan.

A VPN lets you access streaming content from anywhere by making it appear as if you're browsing from a different country. But not all VPNs can bypass streaming restrictions effectively.

Why Netflix Blocks VPNs

Netflix and other streaming platforms block VPNs due to licensing agreements. Content rights vary by region, so streaming services are obligated to enforce geographic restrictions.

How streaming services detect VPNs:

• IP address analysis - detecting IP ranges belonging to VPN providers
• DNS leak detection - checking for mismatched DNS and IP locations
• Connection patterns - identifying unusual traffic patterns
• Shared IP addresses - detecting multiple users from the same IP

Premium VPNs invest heavily in maintaining access to streaming services by constantly refreshing IP addresses and developing new unblocking technologies.

Top 5 VPNs for Netflix & Streaming

1. NordVPN - Best Overall for Streaming

NordVPN is our top choice for streaming. It reliably unblocks Netflix libraries from 15+ countries and offers lightning-fast speeds for 4K streaming.

Streaming Performance:

• Works with: Netflix (US, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, France, Germany), Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video
• Speed: Excellent - average speeds of 400-500 Mbps on 1 Gbps connection
• SmartPlay technology for automatic unblocking
• 6,400+ servers in 111 countries

Pros:

• Consistently unblocks Netflix and major streaming services
• Fast speeds ideal for 4K/UHD streaming
• Dedicated streaming servers
• Works on Smart TVs and streaming devices

Cons:

• Desktop app can be complex for beginners

Price: Starting at $3.49/month (2-year plan)

Read full NordVPN review | Get NordVPN →

2. ExpressVPN - Fastest VPN for Streaming

ExpressVPN offers the fastest streaming speeds we've tested. Perfect for 4K streaming without buffering.

Streaming Performance:

• Works with: Netflix (all major regions), Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, Peacock
• Speed: Exceptional - average speeds of 450-550 Mbps on 1 Gbps connection
• MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) for devices that don't support VPNs
• 3,000+ servers in 105 countries

Pros:

• Fastest VPN speeds for streaming
• Reliable access to all Netflix libraries
• Excellent app for all platforms
• 24/7 live chat support

Cons:

• More expensive than competitors
• Fewer simultaneous connections (8 devices)

Price: Starting at $6.67/month (15-month plan)

Read full ExpressVPN review | Get ExpressVPN →

3. Surfshark - Best Budget VPN for Streaming

Surfshark offers incredible value with unlimited device connections and excellent streaming capabilities.

Streaming Performance:

• Works with: Netflix (15+ countries), Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video
• Speed: Very Good - average speeds of 350-450 Mbps on 1 Gbps connection
• Smart DNS feature for streaming devices
• 3,200+ servers in 100 countries

Pros:

• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Excellent value for money
• Reliably unblocks Netflix
• NoBorders mode for restrictive networks

Cons:

• Speeds can vary on distant servers

Price: Starting at $2.49/month (2-year plan)

Read full Surfshark review | Get Surfshark →

4. CyberGhost - Best for Streaming-Optimized Servers

CyberGhost offers dedicated servers optimized specifically for streaming services, making it easy to find the right server.

Streaming Performance:

• Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, ESPN
• Speed: Good - average speeds of 300-400 Mbps on 1 Gbps connection
• Optimized streaming servers for each platform
• 11,690+ servers in 100 countries

Pros:

• Dedicated streaming servers
• Easy to use with clear server labels
• Excellent for beginners
• 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

• Doesn't work in China
• Month-to-month plan is expensive

Price: Starting at $2.19/month (2-year plan)

Read full CyberGhost review | Get CyberGhost →

5. Private Internet Access - Best for Multiple Regions

PIA offers the largest server network, giving you access to more Netflix regions than most competitors.

Streaming Performance:

• Works with: Netflix (multiple regions), Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Prime Video
• Speed: Good - average speeds of 280-380 Mbps on 1 Gbps connection
• Unlimited bandwidth
• 35,000+ servers in 91 countries

Pros:

• Largest server network
• Unlimited simultaneous connections
• Open-source apps
• Proven no-logs policy

Cons:

• Inconsistent with some streaming services
• US-based (5 Eyes jurisdiction)

Price: Starting at $2.19/month (2-year plan)

Read full PIA review | Get PIA →

Streaming Services Tested

Netflix

All five VPNs reliably unblock Netflix. NordVPN and ExpressVPN work with the most Netflix regions (US, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, France, Germany, Netherlands, India, and more).

Disney+

Disney+ is easier to unblock than Netflix. All tested VPNs work with Disney+ in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia.

Hulu

Hulu (US only) works with all five VPNs. ExpressVPN and NordVPN offer the most reliable access.

BBC iPlayer

BBC iPlayer has strict VPN detection. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark consistently work.

Amazon Prime Video

Prime Video allows VPN use within your home country. For accessing other regions, use ExpressVPN or NordVPN.

HBO Max

Works with all tested VPNs. Best results with US servers from NordVPN and ExpressVPN.

Speed Test Results for Streaming

We tested each VPN's speed on a 1 Gbps connection to measure suitability for 4K streaming:

Speed requirements for streaming:

• SD quality: 3 Mbps
• HD quality (720p): 5 Mbps
• Full HD (1080p): 10 Mbps
• 4K/UHD: 25 Mbps

All tested VPNs exceed 4K streaming requirements by a wide margin.

How to Set Up a VPN for Streaming

Step 1: Choose and Subscribe to a VPN

Select a streaming-capable VPN like NordVPN or ExpressVPN. Most offer 30-day money-back guarantees.

Step 2: Download and Install

Download the VPN app for your device (Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Smart TV, Fire Stick).

Step 3: Connect to a Server

Choose a server in the country whose content you want to access. For US Netflix, connect to a US server.

Step 4: Clear Browser Cache and Cookies

Clear your browser's cache and cookies to remove location data.

Step 5: Access the Streaming Service

Open Netflix, Hulu, or your chosen service. Content should now reflect your VPN location.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Issue: "You seem to be using a VPN or proxy"

Solutions:

• Try a different server in the same country
• Clear browser cache and cookies
• Disable browser location services
• Contact VPN support for recommended servers
• Try a different VPN protocol (learn about protocols)

Issue: Slow streaming or buffering

Solutions:

• Connect to a closer server
• Try a different server in the same country
• Switch to WireGuard or IKEv2 protocol for faster speeds
• Close bandwidth-heavy applications
• Restart your router and device

Issue: VPN connects but streaming still blocked

Solutions:

• Check for DNS leaks using a leak test tool
• Enable VPN's DNS leak protection
• Disable IPv6 in your device settings
• Try using VPN's Smart DNS feature

Legal Considerations

Using a VPN for streaming is legal in most countries. However:

• Using a VPN may violate streaming service terms of service (though enforcement is rare)
• Accessing paid content without a subscription is piracy and illegal
• Some countries restrict VPN use (China, Russia, Iran, UAE)
• Always comply with copyright laws in your jurisdiction

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a free VPN for Netflix?

Most free VPNs don't work with Netflix. They have limited servers and are quickly blocked. Free VPNs also have data caps, slow speeds, and security concerns. We recommend premium VPNs like NordVPN. Compare free vs paid VPNs.

Will Netflix ban my account for using a VPN?

No. Netflix doesn't ban accounts for VPN use. The worst that happens is you get blocked from accessing content until you disconnect the VPN. Your account remains safe.

Which country has the best Netflix library?

The US Netflix library is the largest with 5,000+ titles. Other good libraries include UK, Canada, Japan, and South Korea. Each offers unique content.

Can I watch Netflix from China with a VPN?

Yes, but you need a VPN that works in China. ExpressVPN and NordVPN have obfuscation features that bypass China's Great Firewall.

Do I need a fast internet connection to stream with a VPN?

VPNs slightly reduce your speed due to encryption. For 4K streaming with a VPN, we recommend at least 50 Mbps base speed. For HD, 20 Mbps is sufficient.

Conclusion

For reliable Netflix and streaming access in 2025, we recommend:

• Best Overall: NordVPN - Excellent balance of speed, reliability, and features
• Fastest Speeds: ExpressVPN - Premium speeds for 4K streaming
• Best Value: Surfshark - Budget-friendly with unlimited connections

All three VPNs offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you can test them risk-free.

Ready to unlock global streaming content? Compare all VPN services or view our top recommendations.