Best VPNs for streaming of 2026: Expert tested and reviewed

NordVPN delivers the performance you need to stream your favorite content across every popular platform, making it my favorite VPN for services like Netflix and Disney+. 

Why we like it: During my tests, I found that NordVPN consistently performed better than many competitors in terms of speed and stability. The VPN also has exceptionally fast connection times and works well on mobile.

NordVPN's country availability within its server network currently stands at 111 locations. The number of device connections you can use simultaneously is 10, although we would like this to become unlimited in the future. 

NordVPN works well with most major streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, BBC iPlayer, and the DAZN channel for live and on-demand sports streaming. If you have trouble accessing content, try another server, or experiment with different countries and regions.

If you run into problems or are unsure which server to connect to for unblocking a specific service, live chat and email support are available. You can also opt to install NordVPN directly on your router, or buy one with NordVPN pre-installed, such as the Privacy Hero 2. While testing this model, I found that NordVPN was able to access streaming services on both a laptop and TV, and I was able to tap into various content libraries without issue. Overall, NordVPN had impressive success rates with streaming services like Netflix. 

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NordVPN offers FAQ articles detailing how to stream most of these services securely and how to use the VPN provider's native apps. Provided the country you're streaming from has geographical access to the content you want to watch, use the "quick connect" function when streaming. This feature should select the fastest server available.

Having repeated my streaming tests in January 2026, I found that NordVPN remains a reliable VPN for accessing popular streaming services most of the time. It's a constant cat-and-mouse game between VPNs and streaming services, and so success rates can change without warning, however.

Who's it for: This VPN will suit most users who want a solid VPN to access streaming libraries. Customers appreciate the ease of use of the VPN app and its good speeds, although some have noticed inconsistent pricing. 

On a standard two-year contract, basic plans start at $3.39 per month, while one-year plans start at $4.99 per month. If you want more advanced security features, consider signing up for a premium plan, which offers browser protection, ad blocking, a data breach monitor, and cyber insurance.

Who should look elsewhere: Pricing might deter some users. If you're looking for a more affordable VPN for your streaming needs, check out Surfshark or CyberGhost.

NordVPN features: Native Streaming Apps: Fire TV, Android TV, and Apple TV | Simultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 111 | Kill switch: Yes | Logging: Email address and billing information only | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android | Trustpilot rating: 4.1 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7

ExpressVPN supports many platforms and devices and has an exceptionally large network of servers, making it an ideal VPN for streaming -- but speed is what makes this option shine. 

Why we like it: This VPN solution is quick to connect, extremely fast, and has a server network across 105 countries, now including all 50 US states. 

During testing, I found ExpressVPN to be consistently fast, with a download speed reduction that is unlikely to impact most streaming services and one that often outmatched competing services. It works well with a variety of streaming platforms and generally has high library access success rates. 

With ExpressVPN, you can access a host of streaming services, including Disney+, Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Spotify, HBO Max, Showtime, and Amazon Prime Video, as well as sports events. If you want to do so without a compatible smart TV, you may have to install the VPN directly on your router or opt for hardware with this VPN preinstalled, such as .

Review: ExpressVPN

You can use up to 14 simultaneous connections, depending on your plan, a recent improvement over the service's previous restriction of eight connections. ExpressVPN also provides an ad-blocker and the option to block explicit content by default. 

Who's it for: ExpressVPN is also ZDNET's top pick for the best Android VPN for speed. If fast connections are your top priority, then I would recommend this VPN for streaming above its competitors. 

Customers say that while it's expensive at the top tiers, this VPN still offers good value for your money, bolstered by solid customer support. The company is now offering basic two-year contracts for $2.79 per month during its New Year's sale, plus four months of free access. 

One-year plans start at $3.99 per month with three months free. You can also take advantage of ExpressVPN's 30-day money-back guarantee.

Who should look elsewhere: If you find the price point too high or want unlimited simultaneous connections, consider Surfshark or IPVanish. 

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ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 10 - 14 | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 105 | Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 3.9 | Google Play rating: 4.7 | App Store rating: 4.7

Surfshark is one of the cheapest VPNs on my list, and it's a solid streaming VPN at an excellent price.

Why we like it: It's extremely affordable and will suit anyone on a budget. 

In my recent tests, I found that Surfshark's connections to streaming services were reliable, although the speeds did not match some other VPN providers on the market.

Surfshark works well with the most popular streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, DAZN, Hotstar, and Disney+, based on my recent tests, and you should be able to use this VPN to access content whether at home or abroad. 

Surfshark attempts to disguise your VPN traffic as regular traffic to circumvent geolocation blockers. But remember, if you're having trouble streaming, you may need to try a different server or country location. Streaming services sometimes block IPs specifically connected to a VPN, so switching locations can remove these barriers -- and this goes for all VPNs, not just Surfshark.

In ZDNET's Surfshark VPN review, we found no domain name service (DNS) leaks, and the service has a strong security focus. Sometimes speeds can be marginally lower than when using other VPNs, especially when trying to connect to a server, but it's often a difference of seconds. Something to keep an eye on is Surfshark's frequent infrastructure improvements, which we expect will continue into 2026 and beyond. 

Who's it for: If you're looking for an affordable VPN suitable for Amazon's Fire TV Stick (outside of VegaOS) or Android TV, this VPN is for you.

Surfshark is one of the most affordable, trustworthy VPNs on the market. Surfshark's VPN starts at only $1.99 per month for a two-year subscription plan and $3.19 per month for a one-year subscription. Both of these offers include three months of free access. 

Alternatively, you can sign up, use Surfshark's 30-day money-back guarantee, and decide if you want to continue with the service.

Who should look elsewhere: While this VPN is set at an excellent price point, if you want a larger server network or the best speeds available, consider NordVPN or ExpressVPN.

Customers applaud Surfshark's customer service, but some report billing issues.

Also: ExpressVPN vs Surfshark

Surfshark features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Ad blocker | Two-factor authentication | Kill switch: Yes | Countries: 100 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.4 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7

For those who love the Kodi media player, IPVanish is the VPN for you. 

Why we like it: IPVanish has detailed setup guides for using Kodi with many popular streaming devices, and it works well while accessing streaming services such as Netflix.

In my most recent tests, IPVanish had fast server connection speeds. That said, download speeds sometimes lag behind other VPNs, so you might notice some impact if you stream in high resolution. 

Review: IPVanish

IPVanish is a highly configurable VPN. Its native apps are intuitive, and the user interface is clean. The current status of servers is easy to see, so you can connect to locations where the server load is less likely to impact your streaming experience. Additionally, you can view the protocol in use and your public IP address, and its last independent audit has confirmed the company's no-logs policy.

Last year, RAM-only servers have launched in 10 countries, and the company has recently reduced user data required at signup.

Who's it for: Anyone who wants a solid VPN for streaming and, specifically, uses Kodi. It certainly doesn't hurt that subscriptions are affordable, too. 

IPVanish's plans start at $2.99 for two years of service.

Who should look elsewhere: If you have no interest in the Kodi system and your main goal is to find a VPN for use with major streaming services, and when you travel, check out ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or CyberGhost instead. 

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Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, ZDNET's parent company. For more, see our Editorial Guidelines.

IPVanish features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, Kodi, and routers | Logging: None, except billing data | Locations: 108 countries | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.3 | Google Play rating: 4.4 | App Store rating: 4.6