Many people get a VPN to watch shows that aren’t available in their country. It’s one of the most popular uses. But streaming services are constantly updating their systems to detect and block VPNs. Some VPNs work better than others—and even the best ones don’t work 100% of the time.
What works well
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ExpressVPN and NordVPN are the most reliable for streaming. They refresh their server IPs often and have dedicated teams to bypass blocks.
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CyberGhost offers servers labeled specifically for Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more.
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Streaming is smoother if you choose a server close to the region you’re trying to access. For example, to watch BBC iPlayer, connect to a UK server.
What doesn’t work
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Free VPNs often get blocked quickly. Their IP addresses are reused too much.
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Cheap or unknown VPNs may not offer the bandwidth or server options for HD streaming.
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Some paid VPNs work for a while, then get blocked until they update—this can cause interruptions.
Tips to improve your VPN streaming
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Clear cookies and browser cache before switching regions
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Use the desktop app instead of browser extensions when possible
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Test different servers in the same country—some may be blacklisted, others not
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Contact your VPN’s support if a server stops working
Streaming with a VPN can unlock a lot of content. But expect to do a bit of trial and error to find the smoothest experience.
Not sure which VPN service is best for you? Compare ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost here.
