Try streaming with ExpressVPN risk-free Key Features: You can stream with ExpressVPN on multiple devices as this VPN has native apps for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, smartphones, routers, browsers, and more. Plus, ExpressVPN has a MediaStreamer Smart DNS feature designed for devices that don’t support VPNs. This includes some smart TVs, game consoles, AppleTV, Roku devices, and more. MediaStreamer took me just a couple of minutes to set up on my PlayStation, with detailed step-by-step guides on ExpressVPN’s website. Key Features: As well as fast speeds, CyberGhost has top security and privacy features to protect your data, including: The downside is that CyberGhost can be an expensive short-term VPN, although you can get a great deal on a longer-term plan. Prices start at $2.11/month for a 2-year + 3 months subscription. Key Features: Generally, PIA provides fast speeds across its network, so you’ll only need to optimize these settings if your network is slow (around 20Mbps or less). During my tests, I found PIA was reliably fast across its network — I could easily stream in UHD quality with only a couple of seconds of buffering. These fast speeds are partly due to PIA’s huge global network of more than 35,000 servers. With so many servers worldwide, you won’t encounter user congestion. Plus, PIA has 8 optimized streaming servers in Denmark, Finland, Italy, Japan, Sweden, the UK, US East, and US West. To keep your data and devices secure when streaming, PIA provides the following security and privacy features:
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 Key Features: On the plus side, PrivateVPN is the most affordable service on this list, with plans starting at just $2.00/month for a 3-year subscription — even if you choose a monthly VPN subscription, it’s an excellent price. Key Features:
Military-grade encryption — all VPN server connections are encrypted with AES 256-bit Secure protocols — options include OpenVPN and WireGuard Audited zero-log policy — confirms your data is always secure and anonymous when using IPVanish
In terms of speed, IPVanish is reliably fast across its server network, especially on nearby connections. I tested multiple servers and had an average reduction of 22% — my speeds were always fast enough for UHD quality. Even if your speeds are slow (20Mbps or less), you should find IPVanish doesn’t impact your connection significantly. Choose a server with low user load and ping to get the fastest speeds. Stream risk-free with CyberGhost
Reconnect to a different server in the same country to get a new IP address. Use an IP address checker to ensure none of your location data can be detected. Clear your cache and cookies to ensure your location is invisible online. Disconnect and reconnect to your VPN. You can also check to see if any software updates are available. Contact support to troubleshoot any streaming issues.
Many free VPNs are notoriously shady, logging and storing your data and activity to sell to third-party advertisers. Worse still, some free services have been known to host malware, putting you at risk of identity theft and fraud. Even the best free VPNs available have data limits, speed restrictions, and only a few server connections. This means that you won’t be able to access your local streaming account and will probably experience lag and buffering. If you change your mind for any reason, it’s easy to get a full refund. I tested the process myself, and the live chat agent arranged it without any questions. I had my money back within a week.
