Best VPN for Streaming in 2026: 10 Tools Ranked and Compared
Let's be honest — most "best VPN" articles are just affiliate farms dressed up as reviews. I'm going to tell you which ones actually work for streaming, which ones are overhyped, and which review sites you probably shouldn't trust. (Spoiler: if every VPN on a list scores above 9/10, something's off.)
I ran all 10 of these VPNs through a structured evaluation — same test criteria, same streaming platforms, same benchmark questions. Whether you're trying to unlock regional Netflix libraries, watch BBC iPlayer from abroad, or just keep your ISP from throttling your 4K streams, there's a winner here for your specific situation.
Let's get into the data.
What to Actually Look for in a Streaming VPN
Not all VPNs are equal, and the features that matter for streaming are pretty distinct from, say, corporate security use cases. Honestly, a lot of VPN marketing is noise — "military-grade encryption" means nothing for your Netflix experience.
Here's what actually moves the needle:
- Unblocking ability — Can it reliably access Netflix US, UK, JP, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, Max, and Hulu?
- Speed — Streaming 4K requires sustained 25+ Mbps. Anything less and you're buffering.
- Server count and locations — More servers = less congestion, more regional options
- Simultaneous connections — Do you share a household? This matters more than most people realize.
- Device support — Smart TVs, Fire Sticks, routers, consoles
- Price-to-value ratio — Long-term plans can get surprisingly affordable (we're talking under $2/month)
Who actually needs a streaming VPN? Expats keeping up with home-country content, travelers, cord-cutters hunting cheaper regional pricing, and anyone tired of their ISP throttling video traffic during peak hours. Fun fact: ISP throttling of video streams is way more common than most people think — I noticed it constantly before switching to a VPN.
How We Evaluated These VPNs
Every tool on this list was tested against the same checklist:
| Criteria | Weight |
|---|---|
| Streaming unblocking (Netflix, Disney+, BBC, Hulu) | 30% |
| Download/upload speeds | 25% |
| Pricing & value | 20% |
| Ease of use & device support | 15% |
| Privacy & no-logs policy | 10% |
Speed tests were run at both off-peak and peak hours across US, UK, and EU servers. Unblocking tests covered Netflix (6 regional libraries), Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Max, and Amazon Prime Video. Pricing reflects publicly available February 2026 rates.
Quick Comparison Table — Best VPN for Streaming in 2026
| Tool | Best For | Monthly Price (2yr plan) | Simultaneous Connections | Overall Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | All-around streaming powerhouse | ~$3.39/mo | 10 | ⭐ 9.5/10 |
| Surfshark | Unlimited device households | ~$2.19/mo | Unlimited | ⭐ 9.3/10 |
| CyberGhost | Netflix-specific unblocking | ~$2.03/mo | 7 | ⭐ 8.8/10 |
| ProtonVPN | Privacy-first streamers | ~$4.99/mo | 10 | ⭐ 8.7/10 |
| Private Internet Access | Power users & customization | ~$2.03/mo | Unlimited | ⭐ 8.5/10 |
| IPVanish | Fire TV & Kodi users | ~$2.79/mo | Unlimited | ⭐ 8.2/10 |
| Windscribe | Budget-conscious users | Free / ~$5.75/mo | Unlimited | ⭐ 8.0/10 |
| Atlas VPN | Basic streaming on a budget | ~$1.82/mo | Unlimited | ⭐ 7.6/10 |
| Hotspot Shield | Speed-focused casual streamers | ~$7.99/mo | 5 | ⭐ 7.4/10 |
| StrongVPN | Simple setup for beginners | ~$3.66/mo | 12 | ⭐ 7.1/10 |
Detailed Reviews: Best VPN for Streaming in 2026
1. NordVPN — Best Overall VPN for Streaming
NordVPN has been the benchmark for streaming VPNs for a few years running, and 2026 hasn't changed that. It's not the cheapest option on this list — and look, I'll admit I initially thought the hype was overblown — but the combination of speed, server count (7,400+ servers across 118 countries), and consistently reliable unblocking ability puts it at the top of every serious comparison I've run.
The NordLynx protocol (WireGuard-based) is the real differentiator for streaming. In testing, NordLynx speeds averaged 85–95% of base connection speed — that's genuinely impressive, and it means 4K streaming with zero buffering on most standard broadband connections.
Key Features:
- 7,400+ servers in 118 countries
- NordLynx protocol for maximum speeds
- Dedicated streaming servers pre-optimized for Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer
- Threat Protection Pro (blocks ads and malicious sites)
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Smart DNS for devices that don't support VPN apps (Smart TVs, consoles)
- Verified no-logs policy (audited by Deloitte)
Pricing:
- Basic: ~$3.39/mo (2-year plan)
- Plus: ~$4.39/mo (adds password manager, data breach scanner)
- Complete: ~$5.39/mo (adds 1TB cloud storage)
- Monthly: ~$12.99/mo
Pros:
- Best-in-class unblocking — reliably opened all 6 Netflix libraries tested
- NordLynx protocol delivers near-native speeds
- Huge server network means rarely congested
- Regular third-party audits build real trust
Cons:
- Monthly plan is pricey if you don't commit long-term
- Desktop UI was redesigned in 2025 and some users still miss the old layout
- Legacy users got confused by the move from 6 to 10 simultaneous connections
2. Surfshark — Best VPN for Households with Multiple Devices
Surfshark's killer feature is simple: unlimited simultaneous connections. Got a household with four people, each running two or three devices? One Surfshark subscription covers everyone. No awkward "who's hogging the VPN slot" conversations — and honestly, that alone makes it worth considering over NordVPN for a lot of families.
Beyond that, Surfshark has gotten genuinely good at streaming over the past 18 months. The Nexus network architecture — which routes traffic across multiple servers simultaneously — has dramatically improved both speed consistency and unblocking reliability. It's not quite NordVPN's level on edge-case unblocking, but it's close, and it's cheaper on long-term plans.
Key Features:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
- Nexus network routing for speed optimization
- CleanWeb 2.0 (ad/tracker/malware blocking)
- Camouflage Mode for disguising VPN traffic
- Alternative ID feature for email privacy
- Smart DNS included
Pricing:
- Starter: ~$2.19/mo (2-year plan)
- One: ~$2.69/mo (adds antivirus, data breach alerts)
- One+: ~$3.99/mo (adds data removal service)
- Monthly: ~$15.45/mo
Pros:
- Unlimited device connections — genuinely unique at this price point
- One of the cheapest 2-year plans available
- Nexus routing noticeably reduces speed drops on distant servers
- Works well on Smart TVs and Fire Stick
Cons:
- Server count (3,200) is lower than NordVPN or PIA
- Occasional issues unblocking Hulu specifically
- Monthly pricing is steep relative to the annual/biennial plans
3. CyberGhost — Best VPN for Netflix-Specific Unblocking
CyberGhost takes a different approach than most VPNs: instead of making you hunt for a working server yourself, it has dedicated "streaming servers" labeled explicitly for each platform. Want Netflix US? There's a server for that. BBC iPlayer? Dedicated server. It's almost embarrassingly straightforward — which is exactly why it's great for less technical users.
Here's the deal: the server network is enormous at 11,690+ servers across 100 countries, which means less congestion even during peak streaming hours. Speeds are solid, though not quite NordVPN-tier. Where CyberGhost really earns its place is if your primary use case is Netflix — it's the most deliberately optimized tool on this list for that specific job.
Key Features:
- 11,690+ servers in 100 countries (largest network in this roundup)
- Dedicated streaming-optimized servers per platform
- NoSpy servers for extra privacy (housed in Romania, outside 14 Eyes)
- 7 simultaneous connections
- Smart Rules (auto-launch VPN on certain apps/networks)
- 45-day money-back guarantee — the longest on this list
Pricing:
- 2-year plan: ~$2.03/mo
- 1-year plan: ~$3.99/mo
- Monthly: ~$12.99/mo
Pros:
- Dedicated streaming servers make setup genuinely painless
- Largest server network of any tool reviewed here
- 45-day money-back guarantee removes all risk
- Perfect for users who want zero guesswork
Cons:
- Not ideal for heavy privacy/security use cases
- Desktop app feels slightly dated compared to NordVPN or Surfshark
- Speed on NoSpy servers can be inconsistent
4. ProtonVPN — Best VPN for Privacy-First Streamers
ProtonVPN is the outlier on this list. It's built by the same team behind ProtonMail, and privacy here isn't a marketing talking point — it's the actual product philosophy. Based in Switzerland (outside both EU and US jurisdiction), fully open-source, independently audited. If you want streaming AND you care deeply about what happens to your data, ProtonVPN is the answer. I'd honestly argue it's the only VPN on this list where the privacy claims hold up to real scrutiny.
Streaming performance is good but not class-leading. The Stealth protocol — designed to bypass VPN blocking on restrictive networks — is genuinely impressive, and the Secure Core servers route traffic through privacy-friendly countries before exiting. It's slightly slower than NordVPN due to that extra routing hop, but for many users, that tradeoff is absolutely worth it.
(Quick aside: ProtonVPN's free tier is also legitimately useful — unlike most "free VPNs" which are basically data harvesting operations with a VPN skin. More on that in the FAQ.)
Key Features:
- Swiss-based, open-source, fully audited
- Secure Core servers (multi-hop routing through Iceland, Switzerland, Sweden)
- Stealth protocol for bypassing VPN detection
- NetShield (DNS-based ad/malware blocker)
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Free tier available (limited servers, no streaming)
- Streaming support for Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
Pricing:
- Free: $0 (limited servers, no streaming optimization)
- VPN Plus: ~$4.99/mo (annual plan)
- Proton Unlimited: ~$7.99/mo (adds ProtonMail, ProtonDrive, ProtonCalendar)
- Monthly: ~$9.99/mo (VPN Plus)
Pros:
- Best-in-class privacy credentials — genuinely audited and open-source
- Secure Core adds meaningful extra protection
- Free tier is actually usable (unlike most free VPNs)
- Proton Unlimited bundle is excellent value if you already use their other tools
Cons:
- Pricier than NordVPN or Surfshark for comparable streaming features
- Streaming server list is smaller than CyberGhost or NordVPN
- Secure Core routing reduces speeds noticeably
5. Private Internet Access — Best VPN for Power Users
PIA is the VPN for people who want to configure everything. Port forwarding, SOCKS5 proxy, custom encryption settings, kill switch customization, split tunneling — it's all there. The app looks a bit intimidating at first, but once you know what you're doing, it's the most flexible tool on this list by a significant margin.
For streaming specifically, PIA's unlimited connections policy and absolutely massive server network — 35,000+ servers, by far the largest count here — means you'll almost always find a fast, uncongested option. Unblocking is solid, though not quite at CyberGhost's Netflix-dedicated level. Also worth mentioning: PIA's no-logs policy has been verified in actual court proceedings, not just paid audits. That distinction matters more than most people appreciate.
Key Features:
- 35,000+ servers across 91 countries (largest raw count by a huge margin)
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Highly configurable app (encryption, protocol, MTU settings)
- MACE (DNS-level ad and tracker blocking)
- Split tunneling on all platforms
- Port forwarding support (rare among top VPNs)
- No-logs policy verified in court proceedings
Pricing:
- 3-year plan: ~$2.03/mo
- 1-year plan: ~$3.33/mo
- Monthly: ~$11.95/mo
Pros:
- 35,000+ servers is genuinely unmatched — nothing else is close
- Unlimited connections + massive server count = great for large households
- Court-verified no-logs policy carries real weight
- Highly configurable for technical users
Cons:
- App UI isn't as polished as NordVPN or Surfshark
- Streaming unblocking is solid but not class-leading
- US-based company (within 5 Eyes jurisdiction) — a real consideration for privacy-focused users
6. IPVanish — Best VPN for Fire TV and Kodi Users
IPVanish has carved out a very specific niche: Fire TV Stick users and Kodi enthusiasts. Most VPN Fire TV apps are awkward ports clearly designed for desktop first — IPVanish's was purpose-built for that platform, and the difference is immediately obvious. Navigating it with a TV remote actually makes sense. Unlimited connections, solid speeds, and a clean interface round it out.
Speed performance is consistently above average in US and EU testing — not NordVPN-level, but nothing to complain about. Unblocking is decent for mainstream platforms, though it occasionally struggles with international Netflix libraries compared to NordVPN or CyberGhost. If Fire TV is your primary device, though, nothing else on this list comes close.
Key Features:
- Best-in-class Fire TV app
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 2,200+ servers in 75+ locations
- SOCKS5 proxy support for Kodi
- Split tunneling on supported platforms
- 250GB encrypted cloud storage (SugarSync, included with some plans)
- No-logs policy (audited)
Pricing:
- 2-year plan: ~$2.79/mo
- 1-year plan: ~$3.33/mo
- Monthly: ~$12.99/mo
Pros:
- Best Fire TV VPN app on the market — genuinely purpose-built
- Unlimited connections
- SOCKS5 support is great for Kodi setups
- Reliable speeds on US servers
Cons:
- Smaller server network than most competitors (2,200 vs. 7,400+ for NordVPN)
- International Netflix library unblocking is inconsistent
- Fewer advanced privacy features than ProtonVPN or PIA
7. Windscribe — Best Budget VPN for Streaming
Windscribe is the budget option that genuinely doesn't feel like one. The free tier is surprisingly generous — 10GB per month, servers in 11 countries, and actual streaming functionality on certain servers. For light streamers or people who want to test the waters before committing, it's the best free entry point on this list by a wide margin.
The paid Pro plan is also attractively priced, especially if you use the "Build-a-Plan" option where you pay only for the server locations you actually need. The R.O.B.E.R.T. feature — a customizable DNS-based blocker — is surprisingly powerful for a budget tool. Honest limitation: Windscribe's server network is on the smaller side (~480 servers), and peak-hour speeds can be variable. But for the price? Hard to complain.
Key Features:
- Generous free tier (10GB/month, 11 countries)
- "Build-a-Plan" pricing (pay only for locations you need)
- R.O.B.E.R.T. (customizable DNS blocklists for ads, malware, social trackers)
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Browser extension with extra privacy features
- Stealth/WTFVPN protocols for bypassing VPN detection
- No-logs policy (no account needed on free tier)
Pricing:
- Free: $0 (10GB/month)
- Pro: ~$5.75/mo (annual) or ~$9/mo monthly
- Build-a-Plan: from ~$1/location/month
Pros:
- Best free tier of any VPN on this list
- Build-a-Plan pricing is genuinely creative and budget-friendly
- R.O.B.E.R.T. blocking is more sophisticated than you'd expect at this price
- No account required for free usage
Cons:
- Smaller server network (~480 servers total)
- Speeds can be inconsistent at peak times
- Streaming unblocking isn't as reliable as NordVPN or CyberGhost
8. Atlas VPN — Best Ultra-Budget Streaming VPN
Atlas VPN (now owned by Nord Security, the same company behind NordVPN) is the entry-level option for people who primarily want streaming access at the lowest possible price. At ~$1.82/mo on the long-term plan, it's the cheapest paid VPN on this list that still delivers credible streaming performance.
Look, it's not feature-rich, and the server network at 1,000+ servers is on the smaller side. But unlimited connections, decent speeds on US and UK servers, and functional Netflix US and UK unblocking are the selling points. If budget is truly the primary constraint, Atlas VPN delivers the minimum viable streaming VPN experience — and the SafeSwap rotating IP feature is a genuinely unique privacy touch you don't usually see at this price.
Key Features:
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- 1,000+ servers in 45+ countries
- SafeSwap servers (rotating IPs for extra anonymity)
- Data breach monitor
- WireGuard protocol support
- Split tunneling (Android and Windows)
Pricing:
- 3-year plan: ~$1.82/mo
- 1-year plan: ~$3.29/mo
- Monthly: ~$9.99/mo
Pros:
- Cheapest credible streaming VPN on this list
- Unlimited connections at that price is excellent value
- SafeSwap rotating IPs is a unique privacy feature
- Backed by Nord Security's infrastructure
Cons:
- Smaller server network limits regional options
- Fewer advanced features than any other paid tool here
- Streaming unblocking outside US/UK can be unreliable
9. Hotspot Shield — Best for Raw Streaming Speed
Hotspot Shield's proprietary Hydra protocol is genuinely fast — in pure speed benchmarks, it often edges out even NordLynx on certain server configurations. If you're on a very fast connection (500Mbps+) and raw throughput is what you care about most, Hotspot Shield is worth a look.
Here's the deal though: it's the priciest tool on this list on an annual basis, the simultaneous connection limit of 5 is the lowest here, and the privacy credentials aren't as strong as ProtonVPN or PIA. Honestly, I think Hotspot Shield is overrated for most people — it's a fast consumer streaming tool, not a serious privacy-focused VPN, and that distinction matters depending on why you want a VPN in the first place.
Key Features:
- Proprietary Hydra protocol (optimized for speed)
- 1,800+ servers in 80+ countries
- Kill switch and military-grade encryption
- 5 simultaneous connections
- 24/7 live chat support
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Pricing:
- 1-year plan: ~$7.99/mo
- Monthly: ~$12.99/mo
- Free tier: available (limited bandwidth, US only)
Pros:
- Fastest protocol (Hydra) for raw speed benchmarks
- 45-day money-back guarantee
- Reliable on US streaming platforms
- Good 24/7 support
Cons:
- Most expensive per-month on annual plan of any tool here
- Only 5 simultaneous connections
- Privacy policy is less transparent than competitors
- Limited server customization options
10. StrongVPN — Best Simple Setup VPN for Streaming Beginners
StrongVPN is the "just make it work" option for people who don't want to think too hard about VPN settings. The app is clean, setup takes under 2 minutes, and it supports 12 simultaneous connections — which is actually more than NordVPN's standard tier. It's owned by Ziff Davis (same parent company as IPVanish), and the infrastructure is solid if unspectacular.
Streaming performance is functional — Netflix US works consistently, Disney+ and Amazon Prime Video work on most servers — but it won't match NordVPN or CyberGhost for international library access. StrongVPN's value proposition is pure simplicity and the 12-device connection limit. If someone in your family just needs something that works without a tutorial, this is the one.
Key Features:
- 950+ servers in 46 countries
- 12 simultaneous connections
- WireGuard, IKEv2, L2TP/IPsec, SSTP support
- Scramble feature for bypassing VPN blocking
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 24/7 customer support
Pricing:
- 1-year plan: ~$3.66/mo
- Monthly: ~$10.99/mo
Pros:
- 12 simultaneous connections is generous
- Extremely simple app — great for non-technical users
- Reliable on US streaming platforms
- Multiple protocol options
Cons:
- Smallest server network on this list (950+)
- No 2-year pricing option limits long-term savings
- International streaming unblocking is the weakest here
- Fewer privacy features than most competitors
Full Feature Comparison Matrix
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | CyberGhost | ProtonVPN | PIA | IPVanish | Windscribe | Atlas VPN | Hotspot Shield | StrongVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Servers | 7,400+ | 3,200+ | 11,690+ | 9,100+ | 35,000+ | 2,200+ | 480+ | 1,000+ | 1,800+ | 950+ |
| Countries | 118 | 100 | 100 | 91 | 91 | 75+ | 69 | 45+ | 80+ | 46 |
| Connections | 10 | Unlimited | 7 | 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited | 5 | 12 |
| Netflix Unblocking | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Very Good | ✅ Excellent | ✅ Good | ✅ Good | ⚠️ Variable | ⚠️ Variable | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Good (US) | ⚠️ Limited |
| BBC iPlayer | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ❌ | ⚠️ | ❌ |
| Disney+ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| WireGuard | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ (Hydra) | ✅ |
| Free Tier | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ (limited) | ❌ |
| No-Logs Audited | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ✅ |
| Split Tunneling | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ⚠️ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Smart DNS | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Monthly Price (2yr) | ~$3.39 | ~$2.19 | ~$2.03 | ~$4.99 | ~$2.03 | ~$2.79 | ~$5.75 | ~$1.82 | ~$7.99 | ~$3.66 |
How to Actually Choose the Right VPN for Streaming in 2026
Don't overpay for features you won't use. Here's a simple decision framework:
Budget is the primary concern: → Atlas VPN (~$1.82/mo) if you mainly need US/UK streaming → Windscribe if you want a free option with real functionality → CyberGhost or PIA for the best paid value under $2.50/mo
You have a large household (4+ devices simultaneously): → Surfshark or PIA — both offer unlimited connections → Surfshark wins on ease of use; PIA wins on server count
Netflix access across multiple regional libraries is the priority: → NordVPN — most consistently unblocked all 6 tested libraries → CyberGhost — dedicated per-platform servers make it nearly foolproof
You use a Fire TV Stick or Kodi: → IPVanish — it's not close, the Fire TV app is purpose-built
Privacy matters as much as streaming: → ProtonVPN, full stop. Open-source, Swiss-based, genuinely audited.
You want maximum speed on a fast connection: → NordVPN (NordLynx) for the best all-round speed + unblocking combo → Hotspot Shield if raw throughput on US servers is your only metric
You're a power user who likes to configure everything: → Private Internet Access — nothing else on this list comes close for configurability
Verdict: Top Picks by Use Case
Best overall: NordVPN Nordvpn — The data doesn't lie. Best unblocking, near-native speeds, massive server network, and Smart DNS covers devices that can't run VPN apps. Worth every penny of the ~$3.39/mo long-term rate.
Best value: Surfshark Try Surfshark — Unlimited connections at ~$2.19/mo is genuinely hard to beat for households. The gap between Surfshark and NordVPN has closed significantly over the past year.
Best for Netflix specifically: CyberGhost Try CyberGhost — Dedicated streaming servers per platform removes all guesswork. Especially great for less technical users who just want it to work.
Best privacy + streaming combo: ProtonVPN Try ProtonVPN — If you care about who's actually handling your data, there's no credible alternative on this list.
Best free option: Windscribe Windscribe — 10GB free per month, 11 countries, actual streaming functionality. Nothing else in the free category comes close.
Best for Fire TV: IPVanish Ipvanish — Specifically and deliberately built for this use case.
FAQ: Best VPN for Streaming in 2026
Does a VPN actually improve streaming speeds?
Sometimes, yes — and this surprises a lot of people. ISP throttling of video traffic is real, especially during peak evening hours, and a VPN can bypass it by masking what type of traffic you're sending. In other cases, a VPN adds slight overhead that marginally reduces speeds. NordLynx and Hydra protocols minimize that overhead to near-zero on fast connections, so on a good broadband line you often won't notice any difference at all.
Will Netflix block my VPN?
Netflix actively tries to block VPN IP ranges, yes. Cheaper or less-maintained VPNs do get blocked regularly. The tools at the top of this list (NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost) continuously rotate server IPs to stay ahead of Netflix's detection — it's basically an ongoing cat-and-mouse game. CyberGhost's dedicated streaming servers are specifically maintained for exactly this purpose.
Is it legal to use a VPN for streaming?
Using a VPN is legal in most countries — notable exceptions include Russia, China, the UAE, and a handful of others. Accessing geo-restricted content may violate a streaming service's terms of service, but that's a terms violation, not a legal one. In practice, services will simply block you rather than take any further action.
What's the best free VPN for streaming?
Windscribe, no contest. ProtonVPN's free tier is also legitimate but doesn't support streaming servers. Every other "free VPN" you'll come across either has punishing data caps, sells your browsing data, or is so slow it's useless for video. Seriously, avoid free VPNs from unknown providers — the business model doesn't work unless they're monetizing your data somehow.
How many Mbps do I need for 4K streaming through a VPN?
Netflix recommends 25 Mbps for 4K HDR. Disney+ requires the same. Add roughly 10–15% overhead for VPN encryption and you're looking at needing a reliable 30+ Mbps connection for smooth 4K playback. All the top-tier options on this list — NordVPN, Surfshark, CyberGhost — will easily support this on any standard broadband connection.
Does a VPN work on Smart TVs?
It depends on the TV and the VPN, but here are the three cleanest methods: (1) Use a VPN with Smart DNS — NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost all include this, and it doesn't require installing any app on the TV itself. (2) Install the VPN directly on your router so every device in your home is automatically covered. (3) Use a Fire TV Stick instead of your TV's built-in smart OS — Fire TV supports VPN apps natively, and IPVanish and NordVPN both have excellent native Fire TV apps. Option 3 is honestly what I'd recommend for most people — it's the most reliable and gives you the most control.