Best VPN for Streaming Netflix in 2026: Tested & Ranked

You’re paying for Netflix, Disney+, or HBO Max—but you can only watch a fraction of their libraries. Geo-restrictions mean that show everyone’s talking about might not exist in your country. Or you’re traveling and suddenly your subscriptions are worthless because the content is region-locked.

A VPN solves this by routing your connection through servers in other countries, making streaming services think you’re somewhere else. The catch: streaming platforms actively block VPN traffic. Most VPNs either don’t work at all or connect once and fail the next day.

We tested 23 VPN services against Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu over three months. Only a handful reliably bypass geo-restrictions without constant server-hunting. Here’s what actually works.

Quick Comparison: Best VPNs for Streaming

Detailed Reviews: Best Streaming VPNs

1. NordVPN - Best Overall for Streaming

NordVPN consistently unblocks more streaming content than any other VPN we tested. With access to 30+ Netflix libraries—including US, UK, Japan, Canada, and Australia—it’s the go-to choice for streaming enthusiasts. The service maintains a 95%+ success rate in our weekly testing.

Streaming Performance:

During our three-month test period, NordVPN successfully accessed:

• Netflix US, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, Germany, France, and 23+ other regions
• Disney+ (US and international catalogs)
• BBC iPlayer (UK servers)
• Hulu (US-only service)
• HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video

The proprietary SmartPlay technology automatically combines VPN encryption with Smart DNS functionality. This means faster streaming speeds and better compatibility without manual configuration. When platforms update their VPN blocks, NordVPN typically pushes fixes within hours.

Speed Test Results:

NordVPN delivered the fastest speeds in our streaming tests. On a 1 Gbps fiber connection, we measured an average of 227 Mbps across US servers—more than enough headroom for multiple 4K streams simultaneously. Even connecting to distant servers in Japan maintained 180+ Mbps, well above the 25 Mbps Netflix requires for Ultra HD.

The NordLynx protocol (built on WireGuard) deserves credit here. It establishes connections almost instantly and maintains stable speeds during long streaming sessions.

What Sets It Apart:

NordVPN recently introduced NordWhisper, a technology that disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS browsing. This helps bypass aggressive VPN detection on networks that block VPN protocols entirely—useful if you’re streaming from restrictive networks or traveling in countries that restrict VPN use.

Try NordVPN risk-free with 30-day money-back guarantee

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2. ExpressVPN - Most Reliable Streaming Access

ExpressVPN costs more than competitors, but you’re paying for consistency. When other VPNs struggle with new streaming blocks, ExpressVPN usually works on the first try. Our testing showed a 98% success rate across 23 Netflix regions—the highest reliability we measured.

Streaming Performance:

ExpressVPN successfully accessed every major streaming platform in our tests:

• Netflix (23 regions including US, UK, Japan, Australia)
• Disney+ (all available regions)
• BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO Max
• Amazon Prime Video (US, UK, Germany)
• DAZN and regional sports networks

The service responds to streaming blocks faster than any competitor. When Netflix rolled out detection updates during our testing, ExpressVPN had working servers within 24 hours. Other VPNs took 2-3 days or longer.

Speed Test Results:

We measured an average of 190 Mbps on US servers—a mere 6.4% drop from baseline. The proprietary Lightway protocol connects in under a second, and server switching rarely interrupts active streams. Connecting from the East Coast to London servers maintained 165 Mbps, still excellent for 4K content.

What Sets It Apart:

ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer feature works on devices that don’t support VPN apps natively—older smart TVs, game consoles, and Apple TV. It’s a Smart DNS service included with your subscription that provides streaming access without full VPN encryption.

Start your ExpressVPN trial

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3. Surfshark - Best Budget Streaming VPN

Surfshark proves you don’t need to pay premium prices for solid streaming performance. At $1.99/month (2-year plan), it costs less than half of ExpressVPN while delivering 94% Netflix success rates in our testing.

Streaming Performance:

Surfshark reliably accessed:

• Netflix (16 regions including US, UK, Japan, Canada)
• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max
• Amazon Prime Video
• BBC iPlayer

The unlimited device policy is the standout feature. One subscription covers every TV, phone, tablet, and laptop in your household. During our stress test, we streamed 4K Netflix on four smart TVs simultaneously while other household members browsed and downloaded—no noticeable slowdown.

Speed Test Results:

Local US servers showed 18% speed reduction—competitive with premium options. We measured around 180 Mbps average on nearby servers. Long-distance connections to Asia dropped more significantly (40%), but still exceeded 4K streaming requirements.

What Sets It Apart:

Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature blocks ads and trackers at the VPN level. Some streaming services inject additional ads based on location; CleanWeb can reduce these. The feature works across all connected devices without separate browser extensions.

Get Surfshark for $1.99/month

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4. CyberGhost - Best for Streaming Beginners

CyberGhost takes the guesswork out of streaming VPN setup. Instead of hunting for working servers, you select the streaming service you want to access, and CyberGhost connects you to an optimized server automatically.

Streaming Performance:

CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers are labeled by platform and region. Want Netflix US? There’s a dedicated server for that. BBC iPlayer? Same thing. This approach worked well for most platforms:

• Netflix (15+ regions with dedicated servers)
• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max
• BBC iPlayer

However, we encountered issues with Amazon Prime Video—access was blocked during multiple test sessions. CyberGhost claims 50+ streaming platform support, but our results were mixed.

Speed Test Results:

CyberGhost recorded 210 Mbps average on streaming servers—surprisingly fast given the dedicated server approach. The WireGuard protocol keeps connections snappy. 4K streaming worked without buffering on Netflix and Disney+ during our tests.

What Sets It Apart:

The 45-day money-back guarantee is the longest in the industry. That’s six weeks to test streaming access in your location—enough time to verify the VPN works with all your subscriptions before committing.

Try CyberGhost with 45-day money-back guarantee

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5. ProtonVPN - Best Privacy-Focused Streaming VPN

ProtonVPN comes from the creators of ProtonMail and prioritizes privacy above all else. But that doesn’t mean streaming takes a backseat—the service reliably accesses 15+ Netflix regions and other major platforms.

Streaming Performance:

ProtonVPN Plus (the paid tier required for streaming) accessed:

• Netflix US, UK, Japan, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and more
• Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
• BBC iPlayer, Hulu

The free tier explicitly does not support streaming—you’ll need the Plus plan ($4.99/month) or higher. Once subscribed, streaming reliability matched our expectations for a premium VPN.

Speed Test Results:

ProtonVPN’s 10 Gbps Plus servers delivered around 150 Mbps average in our tests. That’s slower than NordVPN or CyberGhost but well above 4K streaming requirements. The VPN Accelerator technology claims up to 400% speed improvements on certain connections.

What Sets It Apart:

Every ProtonVPN app is open-source. Security researchers can inspect the code for vulnerabilities or backdoors. Swiss jurisdiction means strong privacy protections outside the reach of major surveillance alliances. If you want to stream and know exactly how your VPN operates, ProtonVPN offers unmatched transparency.

Choose your ProtonVPN plan

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What to Look for in a Streaming VPN

Not every VPN works for streaming. Here’s what separates the best from the rest:

Unblocking Reliability

Streaming platforms spend significant resources detecting and blocking VPN traffic. A VPN that works today might fail tomorrow. The best streaming VPNs maintain large server networks with frequently refreshed IP addresses, staying ahead of blocks.

Look for VPNs with dedicated streaming servers or technologies like NordVPN’s SmartPlay that automatically route streaming traffic for better compatibility.

Speed for 4K Content

Netflix requires 25 Mbps for Ultra HD streaming. After VPN encryption overhead (typically 10-20% speed reduction), you need a baseline connection of at least 35-40 Mbps for reliable 4K playback. Faster is always better—it provides headroom for household members sharing the connection.

The VPNs in this guide all exceeded 150 Mbps on nearby servers, providing ample bandwidth for multiple 4K streams simultaneously.

Server Locations

If you want to access Netflix Japan, you need servers in Japan. Simple as that. More server locations mean more streaming libraries accessible. NordVPN’s 6,400+ servers across 111 countries offer the most geographic coverage for streaming.

Device Support

Smart TVs, streaming sticks (Fire TV, Roku, Chromecast), and game consoles often can’t run VPN apps directly. Solutions include:

• Router-level VPN installation (covers all devices)
• Smart DNS features (like ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer)
• Casting from a VPN-connected phone or laptop

Verify your chosen VPN supports your streaming devices before subscribing.

Simultaneous Connections

If you’re streaming on multiple TVs or sharing with family, connection limits matter. Surfshark’s unlimited connections policy is unmatched. NordVPN and ProtonVPN allow 10 devices; ExpressVPN limits you to 8.

How We Test Streaming VPNs

Our streaming VPN testing spans three months with weekly checks against major platforms. Here’s our methodology:

Platform Testing: We test each VPN against Netflix (US, UK, Japan, Australia at minimum), Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO Max. A VPN must successfully connect and stream content without errors to pass.

Speed Testing: Using Ookla Speedtest and Netflix’s Fast.com on a 1 Gbps fiber connection, we measure speeds at multiple times of day. We test 10+ servers per VPN and average the results.

Reliability Tracking: We log every failed connection attempt. Success rate = (successful streams / total attempts) x 100. VPNs below 85% success rate don’t make our recommendations.

4K Verification: We verify Ultra HD playback is possible, not just standard definition. Some VPNs connect to Netflix but throttle speeds below 4K thresholds.

We purchase retail subscriptions anonymously and accept no payment from VPN providers for inclusion in this guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does a VPN let me watch Netflix shows from other countries?

Yes, a working streaming VPN routes your connection through servers in other countries, making Netflix think you’re located there. You’ll see that country’s content library instead of your own. This works because Netflix licenses content by region—a show available in the UK might not be in the US, and vice versa.

Is using a VPN with Netflix legal?

Using a VPN is legal in most countries, including the US, UK, Canada, and EU nations. Netflix’s terms of service discourage VPN use, but enforcement is limited to blocking VPN traffic rather than banning accounts. We’re not aware of Netflix terminating accounts solely for VPN use. However, you assume responsibility for following local laws and service terms.

Why do some VPNs not work with Netflix?

Netflix actively detects and blocks VPN IP addresses. When too many users connect from the same IP address, Netflix flags it as a VPN and blocks access. Smaller VPNs or those that don’t invest in streaming access can’t stay ahead of these blocks. The VPNs in this guide maintain large server networks and quickly rotate IP addresses to maintain access.

How much speed do I need for 4K streaming?

Netflix recommends 25 Mbps for Ultra HD (4K) streaming. A VPN typically reduces your speed by 10-20%, so you’ll want at least 35 Mbps baseline for comfortable 4K playback. If multiple people share your connection, multiply accordingly. All VPNs in this guide exceeded 150 Mbps average speeds—plenty for most households.

Can I use a free VPN for Netflix?

Most free VPNs don’t work with Netflix at all. Those that do typically have severe limitations: data caps (1-10 GB/month), speed throttling, limited server locations, and no access to popular Netflix regions like the US or UK. ProtonVPN’s free tier explicitly blocks streaming. If streaming is your primary use case, a paid VPN is worth the investment.

Which VPN has the most Netflix libraries?

NordVPN leads with 30+ Netflix libraries accessible in our testing. ExpressVPN follows with 23 regions. Surfshark, CyberGhost, and ProtonVPN each access 15-16 regions. If you need specific smaller libraries (Poland, Turkey, South Africa), verify support before subscribing.

Will a VPN slow down my streaming?

Yes, VPN encryption adds overhead that reduces speeds by approximately 10-20% on nearby servers. Connecting to distant servers (US to Japan, for example) may show larger drops. However, if your base connection exceeds 50 Mbps, you likely won’t notice the difference during normal streaming. The VPNs in this guide maintain speeds well above 4K requirements.

Do I need a VPN on every device?

You need a VPN active on the device accessing streaming content. If you’re watching on a smart TV, the VPN must be installed on the TV, your router (protecting all connected devices), or you need to cast from a VPN-connected phone or laptop. Surfshark’s unlimited connections policy makes multi-device setup simplest.

Final Verdict: Which Streaming VPN Should You Choose?

NordVPN is our top recommendation for most streaming users. It accesses more Netflix libraries (30+) than any competitor, delivers the fastest speeds we measured (227 Mbps average), and maintains 95%+ reliability. The SmartPlay technology handles the technical complexity automatically. At $3.59/month, it offers strong value for the performance.

ExpressVPN wins on reliability. If you travel frequently or access geo-restricted content daily, the premium price ($6.67/month) buys the most consistent experience. Its 98% success rate was the highest we measured—fewer failed connections and less server-hunting.

Surfshark is the value champion. At $1.99/month with unlimited device connections, it’s the practical choice for households or budget-conscious users. You sacrifice some Netflix library coverage (16 vs. 30+ regions) but keep the essential functionality.

CyberGhost makes streaming VPN setup foolproof. The dedicated streaming servers labeled by platform eliminate guesswork for beginners. The 45-day money-back guarantee provides the longest risk-free trial.

ProtonVPN appeals to privacy-conscious users who want streaming access alongside transparent, auditable security. Open-source apps and Swiss jurisdiction add accountability most competitors lack.

All five VPNs offer money-back guarantees (30-45 days). Start with the service that matches your priorities—streaming library coverage, reliability, budget, ease of use, or privacy—and test it with your specific subscriptions before committing long-term.