Best VPN for Streaming 2026: Netflix & More Tested
By Itai Varochik | Updated February 18, 2026
Finding a VPN that reliably unblocks streaming services is harder than ever. Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+ all actively detect and block VPN connections - so marketing claims mean nothing without real testing. We tested 25+ VPN services across 6 major streaming platforms from 10+ global locations over 60 days to find the ones that actually work.
Quick Answer
| # | Tool | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | NordVPN | Privacy-conscious users wanting audited no-logs | 4.7/5 |
| 2 | ExpressVPN | Speed-obsessed users | 4.6/5 |
| 3 | Surfshark | Families needing unlimited device connections | 4.5/5 |
| 4 | CyberGhost | VPN beginners | 4.3/5 |
| 5 | ProtonVPN | Privacy maximalists wanting Swiss jurisdiction | 4.4/5 |
In-Depth Reviews
#1 NordVPN
Rating: 4.7/5 | Pricing: From $3.09/month
Premium VPN with double encryption, Threat Protection, and 6,400+ servers in 111 countries.
- Double-audited no-logs policy (PwC & Deloitte)
- 6,400+ servers in 111 countries
- Threat Protection Pro blocks ads, trackers, and malware
#2 ExpressVPN
Rating: 4.6/5 | Pricing: From $6.67/month
Premium high-speed VPN with Lightway protocol, 105 countries coverage, and router support.
- Fastest speeds in testing via Lightway protocol
- Servers in 105 countries
- Excellent native router app (Aircove)
#3 Surfshark
Rating: 4.5/5 | Pricing: From $2.19/month
Best budget VPN with unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad blocking, and strong streaming access.
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Lowest price among top-rated VPNs
- CleanWeb blocks ads, trackers, and malware
#4 CyberGhost
Rating: 4.3/5 | Pricing: From $2.19/mo
User-friendly VPN with streaming-optimized servers, 45-day money-back guarantee, and 11,500+ servers.
- 11,500+ servers — largest VPN network
- Streaming-optimized servers labeled by service
- 45-day money-back guarantee
#5 ProtonVPN
Rating: 4.4/5 | Pricing: Free – $9.99/mo
Swiss privacy-first VPN with free tier, open-source clients, and Secure Core architecture.
- Best free VPN tier (no data limits, no ads)
- Swiss jurisdiction — strongest privacy laws
- Open-source clients (publicly auditable)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which VPN is best for Netflix?
NordVPN is the most reliable VPN for Netflix, consistently unblocking 15+ regional libraries including US, UK, Japan, Canada, and Australia. ExpressVPN is a close second with slightly faster streaming speeds.
Can free VPNs unblock streaming services?
Very rarely. Free VPNs lack the resources to maintain servers that bypass streaming detection. ProtonVPN Free does not support streaming. We strongly recommend a paid VPN for reliable streaming access.
Do VPNs slow down streaming?
Yes, but minimally with our top picks. NordVPN and ExpressVPN reduced speeds by only 10-15% on nearby servers - imperceptible for streaming. Budget options like Surfshark showed 20-30% speed reduction, still adequate for 4K.
Will my VPN work with BBC iPlayer?
Only the best streaming VPNs work with BBC iPlayer, which has aggressive VPN detection. NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark consistently unblocked it in our testing. CyberGhost worked about 80% of the time.
Can I use a VPN on my Smart TV?
Yes. NordVPN and ExpressVPN have native apps for Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV. For other Smart TVs, use a VPN-enabled router or Smart DNS feature available from most top VPNs.
Our Methodology
We test VPNs by measuring real-world speeds from 10+ global locations, testing streaming access across Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney+, verifying kill switch reliability, running DNS leak tests, and analyzing privacy policies and independent audit reports.