As part of the ongoing story, whether you’re traveling abroad, trying to access content from another country, or simply looking to avoid regional restrictions, a good VPN can open up libraries on services such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Max, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more. VPNs are best known for protecting your privacy online, but they’re also one of the most useful tools for streaming.
According to the latest update, streaming services actively work to detect and block VPN traffic, and many services struggle to maintain reliable access or deliver the speeds needed for smooth HD and 4K viewing. To find the VPNs that actually work, I tested the top providers for streaming performance, reliability, and their ability to access streaming services around the global stage. The VPNs below proved to be the best options for unlocking content while still delivering a fast, headache-free streaming experience. Of course, not every VPN is up to the challenge.
The report highlights that as reviewers and users of PC devices and programs, we put every product through its paces using rigorous benchmarking and hands-on evaluation. We’d never recommend something we wouldn’t want for ourselves. Why you should trust PCWorld for VPN reviews and buying advice: Here at PCWorld we’ve been testing computer devices, programs, and services since the 1980s.
As part of the ongoing story, additionally, check out our up-to-date coverage of the best VPN deals currently available to help you snag a discount on your next VPN plan. If you’re looking to use your VPN for more than streaming, be sure to check out my comprehensive roundup of the best VPNs in all categories, as well.
In a fresh development, from the very beginning, the service has been challenging the Netflix VPN ban. It’s also succeeded in its goal of making all of its servers work with the streaming service. As of our most recent review, Netflix works without a hitch on all servers tested. No matter which international Netflix catalog you want, NordVPN promises to deliver it. For my money, the best option for streaming Netflix is NordVPN.
As part of the ongoing story, between its consistently good speeds and history of successful unblocking, I think NordVPN can’t be beat. Simply put, everyone looking to use a VPN with streaming services such as Netflix can, and probably should, use NordVPN — it’s really that good for streaming.
The report highlights that it also allows you to choose your specific server so that you can switch around if you need to if Netflix’s ban hammer ever comes down. NordVPN has more than 6,000 servers and offers locations in more than 110 countries around the global stage.
The report highlights that for both download and upload speeds, NordVPN is the undisputed fastest VPN overall, and with the publisher’s success rate of averting bans, it should have no trouble streaming Netflix anywhere in the global stage.
According to the latest update, nordVPN also offers a ton of extra security functions including access to the TOR network over VPN, multi-hop connections, Meshnet file sharing network, a security suite complete with ad- and malware-blocking, and Nord’s most recent password manager and link-checker safety tool. In addition to top-notch speeds and Netflix compatibility, NordVPN offers multi-hop connections and Meshnet.
As part of the ongoing story, if you can, it’s best to try and wait for a special discount on long-term plans which are offered a few times every year. The main drawback to NordVPN is its pricing which can be more expensive than many other VPN services.
In a fresh development, its great server spread means you’ll likely find a country to connect to no matter where you are. Also, as one of our top VPN’s overall, ExpressVPN will serve you just as well with non-streaming activities as it will unblocking Netflix. ExpressVPN is right up there with NordVPN as my recommendation for most people.
Industry observers note that expressVPN also offers lightning-fast speeds and the recent Turbo upgrade to it’s Lightway protocol means that it’s now even faster. It promises that Netflix will work with every server it has, and our testing showed this to be true.
According to the latest update, the service also comes with a good set of additional functions such as ad- and tracker-blockers and a built-in password manager. I also believe that ExpressVPN’s app is the best designed VPN app on the market and it’s extremely easy to use even for novices. ExpressVPN offers more than 3,000 servers in 105 countries and has extremely broad app compatibility so no matter what device you want to use it on, you can bet it will work.
According to the latest update, the lower tiers however don’t always come with quite as many extra functions as competitors such as NordVPN or Surfshark. The service is on the pricier side but it recently revamped its membership model offering multiple subscription tiers so you can pick the plan that works best for your price range.
In a fresh development, for those who travel a lot or just need access to a wide-ranging server network all over the global stage, CyberGhost is more than worth your time and money. If you’re looking for the greatest server spread with the most server locations to choose from, then CyberGhost VPN is the ticket.
Industry observers note that this is because streaming services and VPN providers are in a constant cat-and-mouse system update for access to content. And if you want variety and options in the server locations from your VPN, then CyberGhost VPN can’t be beat. When using a VPN to stream Netflix or another service, having a large pool of servers to choose from is a huge benefit.
Industry observers note that these servers aren’t all concentrated in the U.S. Or Europe either. They boast an equally impressive international server spread covering 100+ countries across the global stage. It even provides optimized servers to users for various needs such as tech industry, streaming, and torrenting. The streaming-optimized servers even specify which services they work with so you can rest assured you’ll have access to your favorite streaming ecosystem anywhere you go. It offers a staggering 11,500+ servers for users to connect to — more than twice as many as most other top services.
As part of the ongoing story, it lacks some of the power-user functions that other VPNs on this list provide, but that shouldn’t be a deal breaker if you’re just looking to use the service to stream. CyberGhost has an intuitive and easy-to-use Windows app with good functionality.
Industry observers note that the service provides so many servers, though, that if you encounter a slow connection, there is likely another server in the same country with faster speeds. All-in-all, in my testing I found that the speeds were good enough to stream on practically any and all of CyberGhost’s servers. Additionally, I did find that some of the servers were faster than others, with servers located in Europe having excellent speeds while servers in Asia not so much.
In a fresh development, it has blazing-fast speeds, a robust capability set, and excellent privacy credentials thanks to its no-log policy and multiple independent audits. A subscription comes with all of your standard VPN functions, plus highly customizable multi-hop connections, identity protection tools, and antivirus/malware protection. Every single server I’ve ever tested with Surfshark was able to unblock Netflix and any other streaming service I accessed. Surfshark does most everything well for a very low price and that makes it an excellent option for those looking to unblock Netflix without breaking the bank.
The report highlights that with a subscription to its 2-year plan you’ll get comprehensive protection for just over $2 per month. That’s ridiculously cheap for a premium VPN service. Surfshark is a great all-around VPN option for most people. That being said, those who don’t want to pay an arm and a leg for a VPN to access Netflix will find that Surfshark checks all of the boxes. If you want to save some money and get one of the best VPNs on the market, look no further. But the best thing about Surfshark is the price.
The report highlights that i typically advise against long-term VPN plans as the market changes so frequently, but Surfshark is a rare exception. It’s an established publisher with a reliable track-record and consistently good service. Just be aware that it’s only considered ‘cheap’ if you’re willing to opt for a long-term plan. While the price for long-term plans are very affordable, a monthly subscription to Surfshark is quite expensive.
Industry observers note that the country itself has strong personal privacy laws, but it’s a member nation of the 14 Eyes Data Sharing Alliance, meaning the government could require Surfshark to share user data if asked. The publisher maintains a strict no-logs policy so this shouldn’t matter, but it’s still something privacy-conscious users should be aware of before committing. Something else that potential users should be aware of is that Surfshark is based out of the Netherlands.
In a fresh development, the free version specifically will appeal to those on a tight budget, or those who just need a VPN to do the occasional online task safely and securely online. Whether you opt for the free or paid version, Proton VPN is a good option for anyone. Unlike the rest of the VPNs on this list, you won’t have to pay a dime to use Proton VPN’s free tier.
As part of the ongoing story, these restrictions are fairly common among other free VPNs, but where Proton really shines is in the fact that it has no data or time limits and doesn’t even serve you ads either. It does restrict you to a one-device limit and access to five servers located in countries across the global stage.
Industry observers note that servers, but I did encounter a few blocks on servers in other parts of the global stage. Still, I would assume this was only a temporary problem in the ever-changing system update of cat-and-mouse that VPNs play with streaming services. Especially with a free VPN, this is just something that comes with the territory. There are currently no better options for streaming unlimited content with a free VPN, and certainly none with as trustworthy of a reputation as Proton VPN. In my testing, I had no problems accessing Netflix or other streaming services on Proton VPN’s free U.S.
The report highlights that the VPN is from the same publisher behind Proton Mail, a privacy-focused email service, so it’s very easy to integrate the VPN into the whole Proton ecosystem if you so wish.
As part of the ongoing story, the premium version’s monthly price is expensive though, so it’s probably best to try out the free version first before considering an upgrade. The publisher has undergone multiple independent audits confirming its no-logs policy — including the free VPN, as well.
As part of the ongoing story, windscribe Pro offers great security, with both a Windows client and browser extension that work in tandem to block ads while keeping your browsing private, and its free version is a good option for everyday activities. While we believe that the above VPNs are currently the best money can buy, there are a few other noteworthy services that deserve attention: PrivadoVPN is a strong overall service, but the free version of the VPN really stands out and is second only to Proton VPN.
The report highlights that my most recent tests showed once again that the service has inconsistent speeds and the Windows app is a bit tricky for beginners. U.S.-based IPVanish nails all of the basics: good speeds, a large server network, and privacy promises backed up with independent audits. Norton VPN is an easy-to-use and effective VPN from trusted security giant Norton that offers consistent streaming unblocking and good speeds. It has a dead-simple-to-use interface and it’s recently seen big upgrades to its capability set and privacy commitments, but it only offers yearly pricing and the server network is still on the smaller side. Hide.me is a well-rounded service with a wide array of configurable settings.
The report highlights that i’m continuously evaluating fresh VPNs and reevaluating services I’ve already tested for streaming compatibility, so be sure to come back for more Netflix VPN recommendations and to see what else we’ve put through their paces.
As part of the ongoing story, vPN services are frequently running deals throughout the year, so you should have a few chances to snag your favorite VPN on a steep discount if you can time it right. Here at PCWorld, we are regularly hunting down the best VPN deals to help you get the most bang for your buck.
According to the latest update, it’s best to keep checking our deals article to see what fresh limited-time discounts are on offer each week. Additionally, sales events such as Amazon Prime Day in mid-July and Black Friday at the end of November provide excellent opportunities to find even cheaper VPN deals. While the prices for all VPNs on this list are revised daily, they do not account for special deals or offers.
In a fresh development, for a more detailed guide on our evaluation process, check out PCWorld’s comprehensive guide on how we test VPN services. We judge VPNs on a variety of criteria including server network, connection speeds, privacy protections, ease-of-use, additional functions, and cost.
Industry observers note that we average the connections between different worldwide locations for any given VPN and then compare them to our baseline internet speed to get a good picture of the overall connection speeds. Speed tests are kept as simple as possible.
As part of the ongoing story, experience and ease-of-use are subjective, but we try our best to give an accurate representation of how it feels to work with the VPN. And finally, we compare the value of the service based upon its price and additional functions to the industry average to help you gain an accurate picture of what you’ll get for your money. We thoroughly research and analyze the privacy policies and histories of each VPN and note any outstanding discrepancies or data collection issues.
The report highlights that when he’s not on the hunt for the best computer deals he’s covering VPNs, productivity programs, laptops, and a wide gamut of consumer-grade devices and programs. Sam Singleton is PCWorld’s VPN beat reporter and jack of all trades.
The report highlights that the most important functions to consider in a VPN are as follows:.
The report highlights that it’s difficult to judge any VPN by just one capability, but a semi-reliable way to tell if a VPN is even worth your time is to look at the server network. Anything with 1,000 or more servers and 30 or more country locations will do. One of the first things you should look for when shopping around for a VPN is the number of servers and locations.
Industry observers note that this may be tricky to do since you aren’t likely to be able to test connection speeds without paying to use the service. Reading reviews online will give you a general estimate. Look for reviews, like ours, that give you a relative average of connection speeds rather than direct Mbps speed comparisons, for a more accurate picture. The next thing to consider is a VPN’s speed.
The report highlights that does it have a no-logs policy? Has it undergone any independent audits of its servers? Where is the VPN publisher located? All of these will give you an idea of whether a VPN is transparent with its data collection policies and if it’s subject to government data sharing requirements. You’ll also want to read up on a VPN’s privacy protections.
The report highlights that do you want a monthly or yearly subscription? Some top VPNs might be pricey month-to-month, but actually become quite affordable with long-term plans. As with all subscription services, you’ll want to review the price of a VPN service.
The report highlights that some of these functions, such as split-tunneling and kill switches, can be extremely useful for certain purposes and might sway your subscription decision one way or the other. Other factors you’ll want to take into consideration are the overall ease-of-use, user experience, and any additional functions.
Industry observers note that not only do all of its servers work with Netflix, but it also has the fastest speeds, a large server network, and is the most full-featured VPN on the market. There is currently no other VPN that has the same capability to unblock Netflix while providing as many valuable functions as NordVPN. NordVPN is our pick for the best VPN for Netflix.
As part of the ongoing story, it offers great speeds, full Netflix compatibility, and comes with a robust capability set and excellent privacy credentials. If you opt for a long-term plan, Surfshark offers all of this for pennies on the dollar compared to many other VPNs. In terms of budget-friendly services, Surfshark simply can’t be beat. Surfshark is our pick for the best cheap VPN for Netflix.
The report highlights that when you connect to a VPN your web traffic is routed through the chosen VPN server to make it appear as though you’re browsing from that server’s location, and not from your actual location. The VPN app will also encrypt your data so that any third parties such as your ISP can’t see your specific online activities. A VPN can be a great response to a variety of concerns, such as online privacy, anonymity, greater security on public Wi-Fi, and, of course, spoofing locations. VPNs create a secure tunnel between your PC and the internet.
The report highlights that be aware that streaming live content on Netflix with a VPN is prohibited though and Netflix takes an active role in attempting to detect and block VPN connections with all content. That’s why it’s important to choose a VPN provider that continually stays one step ahead of streaming site blocks, such as the services on this list. Yes, according to Netflix’s terms of service, users are allowed to use a VPN to access the streaming site.
As part of the ongoing story, this is mainly due to the process of your internet traffic being rerouted and encrypted through a VPN server before heading on to its destination. The amount of latency you will experience through this process is down to what country’s server you choose to route your traffic through. If you choose a server located on the other side of the global stage, then you will generally notice a much greater hit than if you were to connect to a server nearby in your same country. Most likely you will see a moderate speed decrease to your internet while using a VPN.
The report highlights that so it’s likely you can still browse and stream without much of a noticeable impact while using a reliable VPN like those on this list. Thankfully, most modern VPNs should have the infrastructure to maintain high-speed and secure data transfer rates.
In a fresh development, some websites such as Netflix might try to block VPN connections due to their own personal restrictions, but they are still perfectly fine to use. Please note, while using a VPN is legal, some of the activities done while using a VPN might be illegal. Activities such as downloading pirated copyrighted content or accessing dark web markets are both illegal with and without a VPN. Yes, in most countries, including the United States, using a VPN is legal.
In a fresh development, when he's not on the hunt for the best computer deals he's covering VPNs, productivity programs, laptops, and a wide gamut of consumer-grade devices and programs. Sam Singleton is PCWorld's VPN beat reporter and jack of all trades.