Best VPN for Streaming in 2023 – Tested

Best-VPN-for-Streaming

Which VPN is best for streaming? To answer this question, HowToWatchInCanada comes in. We’ve tested and evaluated the best VPNs for streaming; among these VPNs, we recommend ExpressVPN to get the best possible experience when streaming your favourite shows and movies.

VPNs are becoming more and more popular as people seek to protect their privacy and keep their data safe. It can be tricky to identify the correct VPN for you with all of the options available.

We’ve looked at a variety of factors, including price, speed, security features, and customer service. So whether you’re looking for a VPN to unblock Netflix or just want to keep your browsing data safe, we have the perfect solution for you.

Below are the factors that need to be checked to call some VPNs great VPNs for streaming.


What makes a great streaming VPN?

VPNs, like most things in life, are best suited for specific purposes. As a result, not every VPN will perform equally well when it comes to streaming. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of factors that make a VPN best for streaming:

  • Unblocking your preferred streaming services: If you want to access American Netflix in Canada or YouTube TV in Canada then you choose a VPN that has the capability of unblocking popular streaming services without buffering.
  • A sizable server fleet: The more, the better. You want to access all of the libraries streaming services have for different locations.
  • Added streaming capabilities: You can unblock geo-restricted media using features like Smart DNS without installing a VPN. Others, such as split tunneling, can assist you in managing your VPN connection.
  • Multiple concurrent connections: This is useful if you want to save money and share the VPN with your friends or family so they can also access geo-restricted content.
  • Performance and speed: Nobody likes to queue up a new season of their favorite Netflix show, only to find out it won’t load. This is important for smooth streaming without hitches or buffering.
Great Streaming VPNGet ExpressVPN the Best VPN

What are the 3 Best VPNs for Streaming in 2022?

We put every effort into testing and reviewing over 50 VPNs for streaming purposes. We checked each provider on various devices with almost 30 international streaming services to find the top 5 best options of VPNs for next year, 2022.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of our top picks.


ExpressVPN: Best VPN for Streaming Overall

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for streaming, according to our tests, because it unblocks almost all on-demand and popular streaming services worldwide. Its outstanding unblocking ability, speed, security, and server coverage are just a few of its highlights.

ExpressVPN consistently delivered fast speeds in our tests, regardless of server location. ExpressVPN provided a blistering download speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps over a 100 Mbps connection.

express vpn speed test for streaming

Platforms such as Netflix constantly try to prevent VPNs from unblocking their services, but ExpressVPN is always one step ahead, keeping its servers up to date with the most recent unblocking mechanisms. Unlike many other providers, ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPN in the list of best VPN for Peacock TV.

ExpressVPN offers an extensive network of over 3000 servers across 94 countries, enabling you to enjoy streaming services from virtually anywhere. This means you can access content from around the world, including platforms like DSTV, Azteca TV, and VH1 in Canada, all while maintaining a secure and unrestricted browsing experience. So, whether you’re trying to watch shows, movies, or live sports on Showtime in Canada, ExpressVPN’s fast servers are up to the task.

express-vpn-unblocks-streaming-sites

 

Another feature demonstrating how seriously ExpressVPN takes streaming is its MediaStreamer SmartDNS option, a tool designed to help users easily access overseas content on all major streaming devices.

We put ExpressVPN apps through their paces on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and Linux clients. We were in love with the mobile apps due to the Quick Connect feature as well all of its other smart elements which made it extremely user-friendly.

Due to its advanced technology, ExpressVPN comes first in the list of best VPNs for ITV.

While streaming is the priority, ExpressVPN’s security is excellent, as it employs military-grade encryption and a variety of fast protocols. It ensures your online anonymity, allowing you to stream in peace without interference from third parties, including your ISP.

If you run into any problems while streaming, there is excellent 24/7 live chat customer support available.

ExpressVPN costs CA$9.22/mo (US$6.67/mo) per month (save 49% and get 3 extra months FREE with a 12-month plan). However, if you want to try the service risk-free, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee.


Pros

  1. All major streaming services are unblocked.
  2. Unrestricted bandwidth
  3. Consistently quick speed
  4. All devices are supported.
  5. Unsupported Device MediaStreamer


Cons

  1. Slightly more costly  than the rest



Surfshark: Budget-Friendly Streaming VPN

A VPN for streaming that is inexpensive and provides excellent unblocking is called Surfshark. The most affordable VPN on our list is Surfshark, which you can purchase for CA$ 3.39/mo (US$ 2.49/mo) (US$2.22)/month (83% Off on 2 Years Plan).

Another ace up its deck is that you can cover an unlimited number of simultaneous connections with just one subscription. You can stream content using a single Surfshark account on your Roku, laptops, Smart TVs, smartphones, gaming consoles, and other gadgets.

When we connected to Surfshark on 12 devices at once to verify this for ourselves, there was no difference in performance, and we could stream without any problems.

You may unlock a variety of platforms with Surfshark’s 3200+ servers servers located in 100+ countries nations. Surfshark is recognized as one of the unblocking best VPN for Youtube TV in Canada.

surfshark-unblocks-streaming-sites

Surfshark offers an outstanding balance of price and speed. Surfshark reported a quick download speed of 88.14 Mbps and an upload speed of 83.72 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

surfshark speed test for streaming

We were still above the threshold where we could comfortably watch in 4K without experiencing any buffering or lag.

You should try Surfshark if you’re looking for the best Showtime Shows and best VPNs for Disney+ Hotstar because of its attractive price and 30-day money-back guarantee.


Pros

  1. compatible with all standard services
  2. stream without a buffer
  3. outstanding value
  4. Simple to use apps
  5. several connections at once


Cons

  1. Some servers require some time to connect.



NordVPN: Largest VPN Server Network for Streaming

NordVPN’s extensive server network allows for simple unblocking. It has over 6000+ ultra fast servers servers in 61 countries countries, ensuring fast speeds regardless of which server you connect to.

NordVPN’s SmartPlay technology demonstrates its focus on streaming. To avoid geo-restrictions on streaming services, SmartPlay automatically reroutes your traffic through an appropriate server. It is enabled by default in all NordVPN apps and ensures you can access any content you want.

In a nutshell, NordVPN supports a wide range of streaming services, including Pluto TV and Jio TV in Canada. It’s also a good option if you want to access Netflix’s regional catalogs, such as those in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia, among others. NordVPN is also compatible with Japanese Netflix.

nord-vpn-unblocks-streaming-sites

NordVPN consistently provided us with speeds that were above average during our performance testing. Our speed was excellent for Ultra HD streaming, even on distant servers. We measured an 86.39 Mbps download speed and 82.86Mbps uploading speed over a 100 Mbps connection.

nord vpn speed test for streaming

NordVPN has an advantage for streaming thanks to its big server network, fast servers, and SmartPlay feature.

NordVPN is available for CA$6.89/mo (US$4.99/mo) (Save 60% on a 2-year subscription) and has apps for all popular devices. If you join up and decide you don’t want to continue, you will receive a full refund within 30 days, thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.


Pros

  1. extensive server network
  2. accelerated pace
  3. lag-free, fluid streaming
  4. opens up many streaming services


Cons

  1. The desktop application sometimes has bugs.
  2. The mobile map UI of the NordVPN app is poor.


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Why Do You Need a VPN for Streaming?

A high-quality VPN (ExpressVPN) is essential for streaming since it allows you to access geo-restricted content through services such as Disney+ Hotstar in Canada or Voot Canada. Second, a VPN helps resolve bandwidth throttling-related buffering problems.

In summary, a VPN can significantly enhance your viewing experience. Thousands of shows and movies unavailable in your country can be accessed with a VPN. For instance, Thailand’s Netflix only contains 4864 titles, while the US Netflix has over 5879 titles.

In addition, some services, like NBC, Peacock TV, Showtime, and ESPN+, are exclusively accessible in the US. Due to geo-restrictions, you cannot access them from countries other than the USA.

When you use a VPN, it hides your actual IP address, so you may mislead the streaming provider into thinking you are in one of the supported nations. You can use this to access all of the stuff that isn’t available in your area.


How to Access Different Streaming Services Using a VPN?

You must configure a VPN to access international streaming services or content. You can quickly get around geo-restrictions and view anything you want with the help of a VPN.

Once you’ve decided on a VPN, follow these instructions to utilize it from any location to access various streaming services:

  • Join a premium VPN; ExpressVPN is the best option!
  • Get the VPN app, then log in with your credentials.
  • Choose a server and connect to it.
  • Select the movie you want to view by launching the streaming service you wish to use.
  • You will now have unrestricted access to all of its content.

Remember that you must first sign up for the streaming service in order to access Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, or other comparable sites.

While a VPN can assist you in unblocking various streaming services, you must subscribe to the service in order to view its content.


Which Streaming Services Can I Use With a VPN?

When it comes to the most popular streaming services nowadays, there are several options. The majority of services, however, are only available in a few nations. However, you can easily get around these geo-restrictions and view your preferred TV episodes and movies online with the aid of a VPN.

Here is the list of streaming services that specific VPNs will access:

 

Streaming Service Best VPN
Netflix ExpressVPN
BBC iPlayer NordVPN
Channel 4 ExpressVPN
Disney Plus Surfshark
Prime Video ExpressVPN
Hotstar ExpressVPN
Hulu NordVPN
HBO Max ExpressVPN
Now TV/Sky Go Windscribe
DirecTV ExpressVPN
Sling TV ExpressVPN
Paramount ExpressVPN

Along with the outcomes of our streaming tests, here are the details of the best VPNs for each major streaming service:


BBC iPlayer

Anyone outside of the UK has a famously tough time accessing BBC iPlayer.

The BBC’s video service is getting better and better at spotting and banning foreign VPN connections.

The best VPN for BBC iPlayer at the moment is ExpressVPN. It unblocks BBC iPlayer in Canada on all of its UK servers and is really quick.

You’ll have no buffering issues or poor loading times when watching HD UK TV.


Disney Plus

Disney+ subscribers can watch films from Marvel, Pixar, Disney, and other studios when using a VPN.
I was really excited to hear about Disney+ and all the content that would be available on it. I was even more excited when I found out that I could use a VPN to watch it in Canada.

If you’re in Canada, you can utilize best VPNs for Disney Plus to access it. The best VPN for Disney+ in Canada is ExpressVPN. It has high speeds and servers in many countries, including the US.

Users outside of the US can also access the Disney+ bundle, which includes ESPN and Hulu (with an additional fee).
You must have a payment method set up in one of the nations where Disney+ has been made available. Follow the solutions in our Disney+ VPN tutorial if you don’t have this.


Hulu

Another challenging streaming service to unblock is Hulu. Anyone from outside the US must completely prohibit access to all of Hulu’s movies and TV episodes.

We put several randomized US servers from each of our top-rated streaming VPNs to the test in order to find the one that works best with Hulu.

In our research, NordVPN emerged as the top VPN for Hulu in Canada and in other regions. Once we were connected, it provided us access to HD versions of shows like The Simpsons, Fargo, and The Handmaid’s Tale.


FAQs


During our tests, ExpressVPN proved to be the best VPN for streaming TV because it is compatible with all widely used streaming services worldwide and has fast servers to support Ultra HD viewing.

A streaming VPN scrambles your location so that it seems like you’re accessing the service from America, Canada, England, or any other place where a server is available. It also allows you to bypass blackouts on live sporting events.

The best TV streaming services are Hulu, DirecTV, SlingTV, Philo, and FuboTV. These streaming services are widely used all around the world. 

A streaming VPN can be used for a variety of reasons, the most popular of which is to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming services. This means that you can watch your favorite TV shows and movies from anywhere in the world.

The second thing a streaming VPN can do is improve your privacy. A VPN encrypts all of your traffic so that your internet service provider (ISP) and other third-party trackers can’t see what you’re doing online. This prevents them from selling your data or using it to serve you targeted ads.



Wrapping UP!

Whether you enjoy sports or entertainment, the best VPN for streaming will allow you to view everything you want online. You naturally want to watch everything when there are so many streaming services accessible.

Regardless of where you are, a VPN may help you get around geo-restrictions so you can unblock and stream content from different platforms and local libraries. Not every VPN can handle the job, though.

ExpressVPN is the finest VPN for unblocking streaming services in our experience, enabling us to view content across numerous platforms without any hiccups.

Oliver Grayson

Oliver is an ambivert who scratches his creative itch by writing on different topics of interest. Being a movie buff, he’s almost always updated about the latest movies and shows releasing worldwide. When he’s not writing or binging movies, he’s gaming and socializing online from his couch.

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