The Best VPN Services for 2023: Speed, Privacy and Unblocking

If you're looking to cut the cord and switch to streaming services, you might come across some restrictions that limit content availability based on your location.

Fortunately, a VPN can bypass geoblocks and give you access to the shows you want to watch. We've got you covered with our top picks for the best VPN for streaming.

Cord-cutting is becoming increasingly popular due to the convenience of watching shows at home or on-the-go. However, certain programs may not be available in every region. With our recommended VPNs, you can gain access to restricted content hassle-free.

Top VPN Services for Movie Streaming Lovers

If you're looking for the best VPN services for streaming and watching geoblocked shows and movies, we've got you covered.

We have ranked the top VPN providers that excel in this area, and while all of them are exceptional, some are better suited for streaming. Let's explore these top VPNs in greater detail.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a leading VPN provider that provides unparalleled access to various streaming platforms.

While you may need to shift between servers to get into specific services like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu, ExpressVPN has no difficulty with streaming BBC iPlayer and Netflix, including access to most international libraries.

ExpressVPN stands out in the market due to its superb streaming capabilities and lightning-fast speeds, allowing for seamless viewing of any show or movie in HD or even 4K. Additionally, the platform offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. The only downside is that it can be costly.

NordVPN

NordVPN is an excellent option for a streaming VPN, though it falls short in comparison to ExpressVPN due to its long-distance speed drops when using OpenVPN instead of NordLynx protocol.

However, it has no bandwidth limits and can access all major streaming platforms with ease, although some server switching may be required for optimum performance. NordVPN's NordLynx is a fast and secure protocol, an improvement from WireGuard.

The faster speeds when compared to OpenVPN are ideal for buffer-free streaming, even at higher resolutions. NordVPN is priced wallet-friendly, with a two-year plan at $3.67 per month being the best deal. If you're not ready to commit, a 30-day refund window is available to give NordVPN a try.

Surfshark

Surfshark is a top-performing VPN that provides excellent features at an affordable price, beating products that cost twice as much.

The platform offers privacy, security essentials, split tunneling, and superfast protocols such as WireGuard, and extra features like MultiHop and Nexus. With unlimited simultaneous connections, Surfshark stands out among other VPN providers, making it great for hardware hoarders.

It also boasts the fastest connection speeds compared to other industry leaders. However, Surfshark's kill switch failed under rigorous testing, and its customer support falls short compared to others like ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

Windscribe

If you're searching for a budget-friendly streaming VPN that can bypass geoblocks, Windscribe is a great option. It's also the ideal free VPN for Netflix enthusiasts.

The free plan can access geoblocked content on major streaming websites, but it comes with a 15GB data cap, restricting the time spent streaming. However, Windscribe allows for unlimited devices on a single account, making it a practical option for large families.

Upgrading to the paid plan for $5.75 per month eliminates data cap and device location restrictions, but the three-day refund policy is less favorable.

Windscribe's location access is relatively generous, with ten available locations for free users. Despite the data cap limitation, Windscribe is a handy choice for budget-conscious streamers.

Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is an affordable VPN provider with great download speeds, minimal latency, and unlimited bandwidth, making it an excellent choice for streaming.

The platform can access Netflix, but Hulu and BBC iPlayer may detect the VPN, positioning PIA as fourth on the VPN services for a streaming list. However, PIA excels in customization with an intuitive interface and settings that include DNS server, port forwarding, and kill switch options.

The affordable three-year plan makes it the most economical VPN on this list, starting at $2.19 per month with extras such as antivirus and a dedicated IP address, plus a 30-day money-back guarantee.

PIA pricing is much more affordable for users looking to watch Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, and its intuitive UI allows for easy customization by less tech-savvy individuals.

CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN provides specialized servers for the fastest streaming speeds. Although it may not be as fast as other VPNs such as ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access in speed tests, it still delivers a satisfactory streaming experience.

The platform has optimized streaming servers that can access 50+ streaming services from 20+ countries, including 15+ Netflix libraries. CyberGhost's regular servers are also excellent for streaming services, covering over 90 countries.

Security-wise, CyberGhost employs perfect forward secrecy and leak protection, providing users with assurance that their personal data won't be shared. It also publishes a transparency report that details all user data requests received.

CyberGhost has easy-to-use apps for various platforms, routers, and features Smart DNS for devices with no native apps. It supports changing location to DNS servers in the US, UK, Denmark, and Japan. CyberGhost offers affordable plans with a 45-day money-back guarantee, supporting up to 7 simultaneous connections.

Proton VPN

Proton VPN offers exceptional performance, complete online privacy, and a sleek new look. The platform boasts great connection speeds for WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, a comprehensive zero-logging policy, and Secure Core servers located in privacy-friendly countries.

Additionally, ProtonVPN offers its Secure Core servers for added anonymity, as well as comprehensive privacy features in Proton Mail, Proton Drive, and Proton Calendar at a reasonable price.

ProtonVPN also excels in unblocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime, although it struggles to access 10Play. ProtonVPN redirect you seamlessly to a compatible server for P2P traffic. While the price point isn't cheap, opting for a two-year plan offers a great deal with ten simultaneous connections.

IPVanish

IPVanish is a trustworthy US VPN provider with useful features designed for tech-savvy users. With respectable speeds around 720Mbps with WireGuard, it's a contender against competitors CyberGhost and Windscribe.

Although OpenVPN speeds are slow at 120Mbps, the new protocol is more widely used. IPVanish's 'Scramble' feature allows VPN use in countrie like China.

Accessing US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Prime is possible, but not other Netflix locations like Australia or Canada. The new interface is a significant improvement from the previous version and offers a favorites function and in-app support. However, some unique features are now missing.

Hide.me

Hide.me is an established VPN provider since 2011, renowned for its impressive performance and features. With 2,000 servers in 75 locations, its network size is adequate for most users, providing high-speed connections with 880Mbps.

The Windows VPN apps are powerful and customizable, with numerous protocol selections, DNS protection, and torrent support.

However, the advanced configuration can be overwhelming for novice users. Hide.me's Mac VPN, compared to the competition, has weaker features. The platform is impressive in streaming testing, accessing multiple Netflix locations alongside BBC iPlayer, Showtime, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

Hide.me has some minor technical issues with its app, including a potential vulnerability with the kill switch when changing the server.

TunnelBear

TunnelBear is an excellent choice for beginners using a VPN, with an option to start with a limited free plan or upgrade to the full service giving access to 3,000 servers in 48 countries.

The platform's network performance is up to a maximum of 640Mbps, with par for the course pricing, but the draw is in its comprehensive privacy policy and regular audits to keep user's information safe.

The downside of TunnelBear's simplistic approach is the lack of configuration options and inconsistencies in new features being developed.

The Canadian company is now owned by US antivirus giant McAfee, which poses some privacy concerns. But, for a set-and-forget VPN, TunnelBear is a decent option.

How To Choose the Best VPNs for Streaming

Whether you're a fan of Netflix, Hulu, or other streaming services, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the solution to your problems.

But with so many VPNs on the market, how do you choose the best one for streaming?

Speed

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a VPN for streaming is speed. No one wants to watch their favorite show or movie with buffering and lag.

Therefore, it's crucial to select a VPN that offers fast connection speeds. A VPN that has servers close to your location can provide better speeds. However, VPNs with many servers around the world can also offer fast connections.

Server Locations

The number and location of servers available with a VPN is another essential factor to consider. If you're streaming content from a particular country, choose a VPN with servers in that location. Also, having multiple server options will allow you to find the best server with the fastest speed.

Compatibility

Another vital consideration is whether the VPN is compatible with the device or platform you're streaming on. Some VPNs may not work on certain platforms, such as gaming consoles or Smart TVs. It's essential to choose a VPN that offers apps for various devices and platforms.

Security

Security is paramount when it comes to VPNs. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, keeping your data safe from hackers and other malicious actors. Make sure the VPN you choose offers strong encryption and other security features like a kill switch, which terminates your internet connection if the VPN connection fails.

Customer Support

Lastly, make sure the VPN provider you choose offers reliable customer support. If you have any issues or questions, you'll want to be able to reach customer service quickly and efficiently. Look for VPNs that offer 24/7 support via multiple channels such as email, live chat, or phone.

In conclusion, choosing the best VPN for streaming requires considering various factors. You need a VPN that provides fast speeds, has servers in the right locations, is compatible with your devices, offers robust security, and has reliable customer support. By considering these factors, you'll find the perfect VPN to unlock a world of streaming content.