I tested various VPNs to see which ones can effectively unblock YouTube Premium. After extensive testing, I picked out the 5 best choices for streaming YouTube Premium lag-free. All the suggested VPNs get the job done properly, but ExpressVPN is the best choice. It offers superfast speeds and servers in 94 countries, so it’s easy to find servers where YouTube Premium is available. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can fully test it and get a refund if you’re unsatisfied. Watch YouTube Premium with ExpressVPN
Quick Guide: Best VPNs for YouTube Premium in 2023
Watch YouTube Premium with ExpressVPN
Why You Need a VPN to Access YouTube Premium
YouTube Premium is currently available in just over 90 countries across the world, meaning many areas don’t have access to it. So, you’ll miss great perks like ad-free videos, offline viewing, YouTube Music Premium, and YouTube Originals content if you’re traveling overseas.
There’s also the fact that pricing for YouTube Premium varies from country to country. A subscription in Turkey, for instance, costs around $1.60/month, while the same subscription in Canada is roughly $9/month. Thankfully, a high-end VPN helps you circumvent most of these issues. With a VPN, you can renew your YouTube Premium subscription at the same price it is back home, even while traveling to another country. I suggest you get ExpressVPN for YouTube Premium as it offers lightning-fast connection speeds, servers in 94 countries, and industry-standard security. Also, ExpressVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you have a long time to test it and can easily get a refund if you aren’t satisfied. Stream YouTube Premium with ExpressVPN
The Best VPNs for YouTube Premium (Tested in 2023)
1. ExpressVPN — Servers Across 94 Countries and Superfast Speeds to Access and Watch YouTube Premium in UHD
Key Features: ExpressVPN is my top choice for watching YouTube Premium. It offers a vast network of 3,000+ servers across 94 countries, including most countries where YouTube Premium is available. Even if you’re traveling overseas, you can use ExpressVPN to connect to your home location and stream YouTube Premium as you usually do. Plus, it can even access YouTube Premium from China, which almost no other VPN can do. I tested servers in various locations where YouTube Premium is available. During my tests, I was impressed by the fast connection speeds on ExpressVPN’s servers. Even on long-distance servers, my speeds only dropped roughly 10% compared to baseline values, which is negligible. Thanks to ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol, you’ll enjoy fast connection speeds while maintaining top-grade security. In my experience, the connection was always fast enough to stream YouTube Premium in 4K UHD without lag. You can also use ExpressVPN to access various other streaming services. These include the following: Its MediaStreamer feature lets you stream YouTube Premium on devices that don’t support the native VPN app. Unfortunately, MediaStreamer limits you to US and UK IPs, meaning you can only access streaming services within those regions. In terms of customer support, ExpressVPN is far superior to most other options. You can easily connect to an agent in minutes via the 24/7 live chat. Also, the agents are quite knowledgeable and will quickly help you fix any issues you face trying to access YouTube Premium. ExpressVPN’s monthly plan is a little expensive compared to other options. Thankfully, it also offers 6-month and yearly plans. The 1-year plan offers the best possible value and lets you subscribe for just $6.67/month, thanks to a 49% discount. Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN to stream YouTube Premium completely risk-free. It’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can test it yourself and get a refund if you’re unsatisfied. I easily claimed a refund via live chat, which was approved in a few minutes. I had the money back in my account within the same week. Watch YouTube Premium with ExpressVPN
2. CyberGhost — Offers Streaming-Optimized Servers That Guarantee Lag-Free Streaming on YouTube Premium
Key Features: CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers reliably unblock YouTube Premium and enable lag-free streaming. Plus, its server network has over 9.500 servers in 91 countries, meaning it covers most countries where YouTube Premium is available. I asked several colleagues to test its servers, and they could easily access YouTube Premium in their home locations using them. After extensive testing, I was pleased with CyberGhost’s fast connection speeds. Its streaming-optimized servers deliver excellent speeds for uninterrupted HD and UHD streaming. However, the connection was noticeably slower on long-distance servers (up to 30%), but the average drop compared to my baseline was roughly 17%. So, while it’s more than capable of lag-free streaming on YouTube Premium, you should stick to servers close to you for the best performance. Alongside YouTube Premium, CyberGhost lets you access multiple other streaming platforms: There’s even a Smart DNS feature, which lets you unblock geo-restricted content on devices without native VPN support, like gaming consoles. However, it’s not as effective as ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer feature as it fails to unblock services like Hulu and HBO Max, though it successfully unblocks YouTube. Also, it doesn’t provide the encryption a VPN does, so your devices aren’t as safe online as they are with a VPN. CyberGhost offers multiple plans, with the 2-year + 3 months subscription costing as low as $2.11/month, thanks to a 84% discount. Plus, it has an impressive 45-day-long money-back guarantee, so you can try CyberGhost completely free to stream YouTube Premium. When I asked live chat support for a refund, it was approved in minutes, and the money was refunded within 5 days. Watch YouTube Premium with CyberGhost
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — 35,000+ Servers in 84 Countries for Reliable Access to YouTube Premium
Key Features: Private Internet Access’ huge server network makes it excellent for YouTube Premium. It has 35,000+ servers in 84 countries, meaning it’s in most YouTube Premium countries. Plus, having so many servers means it’s less likely for YouTube to detect and block all PIA IP addresses, making this a reliable VPN for watching YouTube Premium. I asked a colleague in the UK to see if they could use PIA’s UK servers to access YouTube Premium, and they could do so without issues. PIA offers regular and streaming-optimized servers, but I noticed similar performance between servers in the same location. Nonetheless, speeds on nearby servers remained fast, with an average drop of 22% compared to baseline values. So, while it’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, Private Internet Access’ speeds are plenty for smooth UHD streaming on YouTube Premium. Of course, you aren’t just limited to YouTube Premium, as PIA also unblocks the following: Private Internet Access offers monthly, 6-month, and multi-year plans, which are reasonably priced. You can subscribe to it for as little as $2.11 a month, thanks to a 82% discount on the 2-year + 3 months plan. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee that lets you try PIA completely risk-free. When I asked for a refund via live chat, the agent didn’t ask any questions, and I had my money back in 4 days. Watch YouTube Premium with PIA
4. NordVPN — Premium VPN With Cheap Prices on Long-Term Plans
Key Features: NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market — and you can get super cheap prices when you sign up for a long-term subscription. One thing to note, however, is that when it’s time to renew your subscription, prices do increase quite significantly. I did, however, have issues with using NordVPN’s native Fire TV app. Although it worked and unblocked some streaming services, it sometimes had issues unblocking Netflix US and kept crashing. I also found that NordVPN’s user interface for desktop devices was less user-friendly than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. NordVPN has the following security and privacy features:
AES 256-bit encryptionkill switch that cuts your internet access if your connection to a VPN server drops suddenlybuilt-in ad and malware blocker, so you don’t need a third-party ad blockerfully audited no-logs policy (audited by PwC) – NordVPN doesn’t store any personal or identifying data while you’re connected to the VPN
In addition, NordVPN includes Threat Protection that protects you from viruses, infected websites, and trackers – and it works whenever you have the NordVPN app open, even if you’re not connected to a VPN server. With plans that cost as little as $3.49 per month, it’s easy to find a NordVPN subscription plan that suits your needs. You can also stream, torrent, and browse for free for up to 30 days with its money-back guarantee. I tested this to ensure that you’ll really get your money back. At first, the support team tried to give me an extended trial period — but they initiated my refund right away after I told them I wasn’t interested in the extension. I got my money back in 6 business days. Get NordVPN today NordVPN works on: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Chromebook, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Fire Stick, and Android TV
5. Surfshark — Best Value for Money with Unlimited Device Connections and Fast Speeds
Key Features: Surfshark offers the best value for money out of every premium VPN on the market. You can connect an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription, which means you can use Surfshark on all your devices without getting logged out. I tested Surfshark’s simultaneous connections on 2 PCs, 2 phones, a Fire Stick 4K, and an iPad. My connection remained reliable on all 6 devices. Even while I was actively streaming on all my devices, my average speed was 112 Mbps — fast enough for UHD quality. When I saw the price of this service, I thought it couldn’t possibly have top-grade security features for such a low price, but I was pleasantly surprised. Surfshark has the following security and privacy features:
AES 256-bit encryption on all devices, with ChaCha encryption available for Android usersWireguard VPN protocol enabled by defaultdiskless, RAM-only servers to protect your privacy (no data can be physically extracted from any servers)kill switch (although this isn’t enabled by default)IP and DNS leak protection
Surfshark offers two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account. This feature requires you to enter an extra code before you can log in to ensure that only you can access your account. While Surfshark does have slightly fewer global servers than rivals such as CyberGhost and PIA, I didn’t experience any issues during my tests. I easily connected fast working servers every time, and I had excellent speeds for streaming Netflix in UHD, downloading torrents, and browsing the internet. You can try Surfshark for yourself with the 30-day money-back guarantee. It has plans that cost as little as $2.39. Requesting a refund is easy with Surfshark’s live chat feature. Although the support team asked why I wanted to cancel my subscription, I had no problem getting my money back (and it only took 4 days!). Get Surfshark today Surfshark works on: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire Stick, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Android TV, Kodi, and selected routers
6. PrivateVPN — Affordable Option for Streaming YouTube Premium in HD
Key Features: PrivateVPN’s 10Gbps HQN servers provide fast speeds so you can enjoy HD streams on YouTube Premium. Although its network of 200+ servers in 63 countries is small, I like that it still covers many countries with YouTube Premium. I even asked a colleague in Turkey to use it with YouTube Premium, and they easily streamed Ken Jeong Cracks Christmas from the Originals library.
I like that PrivateVPN effectively unblocks various other streaming services as well. My team and I tested it on various streaming services and could unblock the following: While running speed tests, I found that PrivateVPN isn’t as fast as top choices like ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, but it’s still impressive considering its affordable price. Test results showed an average drop of 30% compared to baseline speeds, which is a bigger drop than usual. Despite this, I could enjoy buffer-free streams on YouTube Premium, which is why I consider PrivateVPN’s performance excellent for the price. PrivateVPN has multiple plans, including monthly, 3-month, and 3-year offerings. Its 3-year is the best value at $2.00 a month, thanks to the 85 discount. Plus, you can try PrivateVPN risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is simple but has to be done via email. When I tested the policy, my money was returned 5 working days after my refund was approved. Watch YouTube Premium with PrivateVPN
7. IPVanish — Generous Connection Allowance to Watch YouTube Premium on All Your Devices
Key Features: IPVanish lets you connect unlimited devices at once, so you can seamlessly enjoy YouTube Premium across all your devices. Plus, its network includes 2,000+ servers in 75 countries, thus making it easy to find an uncrowded server where YouTube Premium is available. My colleague in Singapore used IPVanish’s Singapore server to access YouTube Music Premium and listen to their favorite playlists.
While IPVanish can’t unblock as many streaming platforms as ExpressVPN, my team and I tested its capabilities and found that we could access the following: IPVanish delivered decent results in speed tests. At most, I saw a drop of 35% compared to my baseline connection speeds, which is more than the other VPNs on this list. Despite this, the speeds were always fast enough to enjoy UHD streaming on YouTube Premium without lag. You can get monthly, quarterly, or 2-year subscriptions for IPVanish. I advise getting the 2-year subscription as it comes with a discount of 72% — you’ll pay just $3.33/month. You can also try IPVanish with YouTube Premium risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, which is incredibly easy to claim. Simply log into the IPVanish website, click the “Subscription” tab, and click “Cancel Now” to start the process. Refunds are processed automatically, and I had my money back within a few hours of canceling my subscription. Watch YouTube Premium with IPVanish
Comparison Table: 2023’s Best VPNs for YouTube Premium
Watch YouTube Premium with ExpressVPN
3 Easy Steps to Watch YouTube Premium from Anywhere
Watch YouTube Premium with ExpressVPN
How to Sign up With YouTube Premium
You can sign up for YouTube Premium through a variety of methods. However, the available payment options vary based on your country. Some countries only allow credit card payments, while some also offer PayPal and some other options.
Credit Card Method (via Google Pay)
If you choose to pay with a credit or debit card, you’ll need a credit card from the country you’re in or the country where your VPN server is located (in some cases, foreign credit cards will work). If your card doesn’t work, I suggest using the PayPal method below.
PayPal (via Google Pay)
Watch YouTube Premium with ExpressVPN
Why You Shouldn’t Use a Free VPN with YouTube Premium
I don’t advise using a free VPN with YouTube Premium. While there are multiple good free VPNs with impressive connection speeds and other strengths, they can’t match the performance of top-tier premium VPNs. First off, free VPNs are limited when it comes to server variety. Servers are available in a limited number of locations and are often overcrowded or throttled. So, you will often experience speeds that are much slower than usual. Even if you can find one with fast connection speeds, free VPNs almost always have data caps, meaning you can’t stream YouTube Premium to your heart’s content. Of course, free VPNs aren’t nearly as good as premium options at bypassing geoblocks, meaning they may fail to access YouTube Premium entirely. Also, alongside being worse at streaming, free VPNs are much worse than premium options in terms of security. Many store logs and share your information with third parties like advertisers; some don’t even have proper encryption. If you’re still unsure about getting a premium VPN, you can try CyberGhost to stream YouTube Premium for free. Its 45-day money-back guarantee lets you test it completely free for the duration, as you can easily claim a full refund if you’re unsatisfied.
YouTube Premium VPN Not Working? Try This
YouTube Premium might sometimes not work, even if you’re using a premium VPN. Thankfully, you can fix most common issues in a few steps. The following solutions should help solve most problems you face: If none of these tips help you resolve the issue, I suggest contacting your VPN’s customer support for assistance or checking out this detailed guide on fixing common VPN problems.
How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for YouTube Premium
I tested some of the best VPNs currently available and ranked them according to the following criteria to find the top choices for YouTube Premium.
Extensive server network — I looked for VPNs with large server networks, including servers in all the countries where YouTube Premium is available. Device compatibility — I prioritized VPNs that work on most operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, media players, smart TVs, routers, and more, so you can stream on all your devices without issues. Fast connection speeds — I ensured that the VPNs I’ve recommended provided fast speeds so you can watch 4K UHD videos on YouTube premium without excessive buffering or mid-show stuttering. Top-grade security — The VPNs I’ve suggested on this list all offer industry-standard security, meaning they’ll keep your identity and personal data safe at all times. Money-back guarantee — I only suggested VPNs that offer reliable money-back guarantees so that you can fully test them before committing to your purchase.
Watch YouTube Premium with ExpressVPN
What You Get With YouTube Premium
YouTube Exclusive Content
YouTube Premium lets you watch exclusive YouTube Original shows and movies from your beloved YouTubers. All the content is available in HD or 4K UHD and is completely ad-free, thus leading to a smooth viewing experience.
This includes various series’ like Supreme Models, The Mandela Project, Recipe for Change, and more. Of course, new shows and movies are constantly being added as well.
YouTube Music, Kids, and Gaming
As a competitor to Spotify and Apple Music, YouTube Music offers a wide variety of artists, songs, and albums. You can listen to your favorite songs via the website or using the YouTube Music app.
Thanks to YouTube Premium, your music is ad-free, downloadable, and available for background play. I especially like this feature, as many people have requested it for years. Also, you get YouTube Kids, which offers lots of fun, kid-friendly content that your children can enjoy. Finally, you get exclusive access to YouTube Gaming, a streaming platform much like Twitch. You can watch your favorite streamers make amazing plays in top video games on YouTube Gaming.
Ad-free, Downloadable Content
YouTube Premium makes everything on the site completely ad-free, which is one of the things I like most about it. This lets you save precious time that’s usually wasted on ads when you could be watching your favorite content. Also, everything, including YouTube videos, music, and Originals, is downloadable with YouTube Premium. So, if you like to travel a lot and don’t have internet access on the go, you can easily choose things to download beforehand.
The Difference Between YouTube Premium and YouTube TV
YouTube Premium and YouTube TV are two different things. YouTube Premium aims to provide a quality on-demand streaming service, while YouTube TV aims to replace your TV service. YouTube TV offers various popular channels like ABC, BBC, CBS, Discovery, ESPN, Fox, and more. Its variety of regional channels, live sports broadcasters, and other popular live TV channels it’s impressive, but it’s a lot more expensive than YouTube Premium. Also, YouTube TV is only available in the US. On the other hand, YouTube Premium’s highlights include ad-free streaming and letting music and videos play in the background. Plus, it includes YouTube Music Premium, lets you download your favorite music or videos, and is much cheaper than YouTube TV. You’ll also get ad-free YouTube Kids with your YouTube Premium subscription. YouTube Kids is filled with fun, child-friendly content that your kids can watch to their little heart’s content. Also, YouTube Premium is available across 90+ countries, so it’s accessible to a much wider audience. Stream YouTube Premium with ExpressVPN Watch YouTube Premium with ExpressVPN However, it’s against YouTube’s Terms of Service to bypass regional restrictions by changing your location. My team and I don’t condone breaking YouTube’s Terms of Service, as your account may be suspended or even terminated by doing so.
Start Watching YouTube Premium From Anywhere Now
For many people traveling overseas, YouTube Premium is either more expensive than it is back home or is completely unavailable. Fortunately, a VPN lets you circumvent these issues and enjoy YouTube Premium in 4K UHD from anywhere in the world. You can choose from multiple VPNs, but getting a high-end VPN with loads of servers, fast speeds, and airtight security is crucial. I tested many VPNs thoroughly and found that ExpressVPN is the best choice, thanks to its massive server network, lightning-fast speeds, and industry-standard security. Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN with YouTube Premium completely risk-free. It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can thoroughly test it during this time to see if it’s right for you. If you’re unsatisfied, you can easily get a refund, no questions asked. I even tested the guarantee myself. When I asked for a refund via live chat, it was approved almost immediately, and I had my money back in less than a week.
