Streaming services have taken the lead in keeping the world entertained these days, and it's no coincidence that the popularity of using the best streaming VPNs to access content from different countries has exploded. It's one of the biggest reasons to sign up for the best VPN services, but unfortunately, surprisingly few providers can actually unblock everything you'll want to watch.
I've tested and reviewed dozens of VPNs, and put each provider through their paces with a wide range of streaming sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and tons more. All the VPNs for streaming on this page can unblock region-specific content from all of these services without any issues.
For a detailed analysis of my in-depth testing of top five streaming VPNs, keep scrolling down the page. If you're in a hurry though, simply pick from my top three VPNs for streaming just below.
My top 3 VPNs for streaming
Recent updates
In my most recent update, Surfshark has taken second place from ExpressVPN thanks to its better value, marginally better streaming performance in my latest round of testing in September 2024, and the fact that the kill switch issue I identified in my last review has been fixed. I've also added information on how we test streaming VPNs here at Tom's Guide, providing you with even more clarity to help you choose.
The best streaming VPNs today
Why you can trust Tom's Guide Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
NordVPN: the best streaming VPN available
✔️ You want a VPN to stream Netflix: NordVPN is, hands down, the best choice for streaming HD or 4K Netflix content from anywhere in the world.
✔️ You want the perfect quality-cost combo: NordVPN delivers excellent performance in terms of speed, security, and unblocking capabilities for a good price.
✔️ You like to stream local websites: with security as its strongest suite, NordVPN will safeguard your device against phishing and malware threats from local websites.
❌ You’re looking for a simple interface: NordVPN's map-based interface isn't the most intuitive – if you want the simplest of apps, I recommend ExpressVPN.
NordVPN is a perfectly balanced streaming VPN that ensures both accessibility and security at a reliably high speed. It unblocked everything I tested it with on the first attemp in my last round of testing, and its privacy features are also class-leading.
NordVPN is built for security, and it's my #1 streaming VPN. In fact, it recently went to the top of my chart for best overall VPNs, too – for a more in-depth analysis, check out my NordVPN review. The fact that it offers more than 6,000 servers in 111 countries is just a bonus which ensures great speeds no matter where you end up.
Streaming service providers keep challenging VPNs with constant updates to prevent geo-unblocking, but NordVPN has consistently cracked the code to almost every streaming site you could wish to get your hands on. To put it simply, you get access to dozens of streaming services, including Netflix, iPlayer, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, and many more. In my testing it unblocked everything I tried it with on the first attempt.
> Sign up to my top-rated streaming VPN
On top of excellent encryption, there's a handy SmartPlay feature. This combines Smart DNS with your base VPN connection to allow you to eke out every last drop of performance from your connection for smoother, faster streaming. Especially useful for streaming in HD, Nord's SmartPlay also sidesteps streaming services' VPN blocking tools, meaning you're near-guaranteed to have access to anything you want to watch.
If you're loyal to just one streaming platform, NordVPN tops the list of my top Netflix VPN recommendations. This is down to its ability to effortlessly bypasses geo-restrictions and get you into tons of global libraries, including the U.K., U.S., Canada, Australia, and Japan.
When it comes to speed, NordVPN impresses, topping out at over 950 Mbps in my testing. Plus, you can also use your subscription on up to 10 devices (recently upped from a stingy six) at a time, which should be sufficient if you’re looking for a streaming VPN for your whole family.
Along with reliable speeds, NordVPN won’t fail you on the security front either, thanks to its special obfuscated servers for enhanced privacy. Obfuscated servers make it look like you aren’t using a VPN when in reality, you are. This gets you a green light from tools meant to block VPN traffic.
Nord’s kill switch is pretty flawless, in that it’s very reliable and doesn’t allow any leaks if activated. Additional security options include a dedicated IP address, Onion Over VPN and the antivirus-style Threat Protection Pro system. Available on the higher "Plus" and "Ultra" subscription tiers, Threat Protection Pro automatically deals with suspicious links, malware and phishing scams before you even notice them.
Despite having the same set of features and being similar to the desktop site, NordVPN’s mobile app interface is a little less intuitive than rivals ExpressVPN and Surfshark. However, NordVPN has plenty of explainer guides and support articles (plus excellent 24/7 live chat support) to help you along your way and combat any issues you may be having when trying to access your show or TV event of choice.
If all of this fits your expectations, try NordVPN with its 30-day money-back policy. If you don’t like it, just cancel within the first month, and you’ll get a 100% refund.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Generally useful interface but might seem a little crowded for some users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Though simple to use, the map-like design might not work for everyone | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | One of the fastest with an average speed of 950Mbps on NordLynx | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Effortlessly unblocks most content streaming platforms | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Strong encryption with additional features like Threat Protection for safe streaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Reliable 24/7 customer support | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Provides ample value for the price. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Surfshark: the best cheap VPN for streaming
✔️ You need unlimited simultaneous connections: one Surfshark subscription is enough to cover the streaming needs of all your friends and family members.
✔️ You're looking for the best budget VPN: for the price, Surfshark is an unbeatable streaming VPN that can unblock just about anything you want.
✔️ You want a fast VPN: Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs, thanks to its WireGuard tunneling protocol, offering a lag and buffering-free streaming experience.
❌ You like to customize your experience: while Surfshark certainly isn't limited in terms of features, rivals like Private Internet access and Proton VPN offer more in-depth options.
❌ You’re using older versions of Windows: Windows versions below 8.1 do not receive Surfshark updates, and the 7-day trial you get on mobile isn't available for Windows.
Surfshark provides unlimited simultaneous connections, extraordinary speed, and value for money, along with solid security measures like RAM-only servers. Just like NordVPN, it unblocked every streaming service I tested it with, making it a great budget alternative.
In my hands-on Surfshark review, I found that the provider delivers an excellent mix of speed and value. It's an ideal streaming VPN for use with Netflix, Amazon Video, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, 10 Play, and 9Now, as it comfortably unblocks these services in the U.S., U.K., Canada, Australia, and more.
One thing I really like about Surfshark is that it provides unlimited simultaneous connections. With just one subscription, you, your family, and your friends can stream your favorite content together with as many devices as you please, and Surfshark will never throw anyone out.
Of course, this is meant to be limited to your household, but that rule is rather tricky to enforce when the VPN boasts a strong no-logs policy and collects no data about its users.
Surfshark also has a GPS spoofing feature which allows you to get secure access to content from across the globe by coordinating your current location to that of your chosen VPN server. This means that even if some apps request your physical location before granting access, you will be covered.
In my testing, Surfshark peaked at around 950 Mbps. And at 640 Mbps, it has the very fastest OpenVPN speed on test right now. No wonder it ranks so high on my fastest VPN services guide. That all comes together to make streaming a breeze, even in 4K. And not just streaming – if you’re someone who likes to watch downloaded content, Surfshark is clearly an ideal pick.
Surfshark’s RAM-only servers ensure you’re kept extra safe online. In short, this means that the servers that you connect to store absolutely no data about you or your activity. While ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and many other VPNs also only use RAM-only servers, it’s definitely a big green tick. In fact you don't even have to give streaming services your email address when you sign up, Surfshark's Alternative ID feature creates a random temporary email address that comes through to your actual address.
In my testing, I found Surfshark excels as one of the best Fire Stick VPNs since it has a custom app for the Amazon Fire TV. It's simple to use, which is perfect for beginners, but there's a fair number of settings to tweak, too. In practice, it’s one of the easier VPNs to use on Fire Stick.
However, Surfshark’s biggest selling point is its price. It’s almost always less than $2.50/month, and promotions have seen this drop to under the $2-mark. Thanks to this combination of value and performance, I rate it as my #1 cheap VPN.
You get a 7-day free trial for your Android, iOS, and Mac, and if you’re still not 100% sure that this VPN is cut out for you, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. Combined with that bargain price, Surfshark's an excellent streaming VPN that should be on your list.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Minimalistic, clean, and intuitive design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Beginner-friendly and easy to understand | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Seriously impressive speeds | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Great at unblocking streaming apps and getting around censorship | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Very reliable privacy and security suite | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Decent 24/7 customer support and tons of help articles | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Cheap VPN with excellent value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
ExpressVPN: the best streaming VPN for beginners
✔️ You want a VPN that excels in privacy: ExpressVPN ensures class-leading privacy with a built-in password manager, AES 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch.
✔️ You need a straightforward streaming VPN: with an auto-connect feature, 24/7 customer support, and online tutorials, you’ll find it easy to run ExpressVPN even if you aren’t tech-savvy.
✔️ You use multiple devices for streaming: the VPN is compatible with almost all operating systems and devices, including Android, iOS, Microsoft, and even smart TVs and gaming consoles.
❌ You want a Linux app: you can install ExpressVPN on a Linux device, but you won’t get a graphical user interface (GUI).
❌ You want your VPN to have multi-hop servers: if you want an additional layer of security that rests in a multi-hop or Double VPN, you’re better off with NordVPN.
ExpressVPN is an ideal choice if you’re looking for a fast and easy-to-use VPN with servers all over the world for limitless content unblocking. Its wide coverage, 360-degree security, strong unblocking capabilities, and 24/7 customer support make for a smooth streaming experience.
In my ExpressVPN review, the British Virgin Islands-based provider stood out for its massive feature list and excellent performance as a streaming VPN. It offers a triple whammy of speed, security and excellent international coverage.
ExpressVPN is premium-priced, but its streaming-focused MediaStreamer tool for devices like Smart TVs and gaming consoles really adds value. Even if you don't have a device that VPNs work on, ExpressVPN can still get you extra content with this tool. It spoofs your location to help you access geo-restricted and overseas content.
You get seamless unblocking of Netflix, iPlayer, Amazon Prime, YouTube, and more – all the more impressive when you know these streaming services are constantly trying to block VPNs. Plus, connection speeds are reliably fast, so even streaming in 4K and HDR shouldn't be an issue. The only negative is that in one of my tests, I had to change server to access a certain Netflix location. This is the tiniest of criticisms, but an issue I did not experience with NordVPN or Surfshark.
ExpressVPN boasts 3,200 servers spread across 105 countries in 160 different locations. While this may not be as high as NordVPN’s 6,000+ servers, I’ve never had buffering issues while streaming – every server is super reliable and delivers good speeds across the board.
One of ExpressVPN's best features is the fact that the apps are very easy to use. This makes it perfect for beginners and those who just want the simplest experience possible. What's more, the apps are all exactly the same no matter what device you use, so there's no learning curve.
ExpressVPN provides the best coverage in U.S. and Europe, but it's pertinent to note that it has more global locations than many of its rivals, with 27 in Asia-Pacific locations alone. Fans of Asian content and K-dramas needn’t look any further.
Although seamless streaming is the goal we’re trying to achieve, security should always be a priority with any VPN. With a secure DNS (Domain Name System), multiple layers of privacy, and industry-standard AES-256 encryption along with a selection of protocols, the company provides ample assurance that it prioritizes data protection so that you can freely browse through any website and stream the content you love.
It’s a plus that ExpressVPN has a rock-solid no-logs policy, meaning whatever you decide to do online is private knowledge. I recommend turning on the kill switch to protect your sensitive data from being left vulnerable to detection in case the VPN connection lapses. In my testing, it’s very stable and allows no leaks.
Overall, ExpressVPN is a fantastic VPN for accessing streaming content. If you want a VPN to trust your life with and aren't put off by the pricing, I'd heartily recommend Express as a superb alternative to NordVPN.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Simple, navigable design that’s easy on your eyes and straightforward to understand | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Beginner-friendly, little to no expertise needed | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Reliable and very fast, although some others deliver higher peak speeds. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Servers in 160 locations and 105 countries ensure limitless content | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Top-notch security with 256-bit AES encryption | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Expert assistance is available 24/7 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | More expensive than other options | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best of the rest
✔️ You want a VPN to set and forget: Proton VPN’s always-on feature will ensure that you’re always connected.
✔️ You value a trustworthy VPN provider: As an open-source platform, anybody is free to check out Proton VPN’s code. Also, the platform has been independently audited.
✔️ You have a number of devices to connect: Proton VPN allows you to stream on up to 10 devices simultaneously with the same VPN plan, making it ideal for most families.
❌ You’re looking for a free streaming VPN: while Proton VPN’s free version works perfectly for normal use with access to three locations, rival PrivadoVPN free is a much better choice for streaming.
❌ You like the idea of 24/7 live support: the company's live chat support is only available between 9 and 5 on weekdays.
Proton VPN, with features like the always-on VPN, a unique Stealth protocol especially for streaming, and an open-source platform, sets the bar quite high for a trustworthy streaming VPN. However, it can't quite match the very best when it comes to usability.
Proton VPN understands why users would turn to a VPN for streaming and delivers exactly that. In my Proton VPN review, I discovered that not only is the Swiss provider one of the most secure VPNs on the market, but that it's a real streaming powerhouse as well.
It can easily evade Netflix's blocks in a good number of locations, including some hard-to-crack countries like Japan. Additionally, it can unblock content across multiple different streaming services, including Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video, meaning whatever you want to watch, you'll be able to access it with Proton VPN.
Proton doesn’t disappoint when it comes to keeping you safe online, either. Alongside essentials like AES-256 encryption and an effective kill switch, you’ll also be able to use Proton’s Stealth protocol which allows you to bypass VPN blocks by making the VPN traffic look like regular traffic, thereby allowing access to even the most privacy-unfriendly countries.
As of May 2024, Proton VPN's server count is at around 4,900. This continues to grow steadily and outguns Surfshark and ExpressVPN. While some like Private Internet Access and NordVPN offer more, I consider anything around the 3,000 mark to be sufficient to deliver seamless connections at all times.
If you’re someone who just can't stand buffering, you'll be relieved that Proton VPN uses a unique VPN Accelerator technology, turned on by default, that can amp up your server speed by 400%. No other renowned VPN provider has officially accepted using this next-gen technology, making it all the more special.
However, I’ve not noticed any significant speed drops when not using the VPN Accelerator, and peak speeds in excess of 950 Mbps when using WireGuard are among the elite of the fastest performing VPNs.
Auto-reconnect is a nifty feature that will re-establish connection in the unlikely case of the current connection failing. Also, note that the always-on VPN feature is permanently activated on Proton VPN’s iOS VPN app, but Android VPN users will have to turn it on manually.
With Proton VPN, you can stream anything completely anonymously. The company clearly states that there’s no recording or tracking of your activities, and there are even Bitcoin and cash payment options for extra privacy.
Proton VPN is usually a bit on the pricey side (the standard price is €4.99/month for the two-year plan, which also gives a clue as to its Switzerland base), but Tom's Guide readers get a big saving to make it a much more competitive $3.59/month for two-and-a-half-years. It’s also worth noting that Proton offers one of the best free VPNs. Be aware, though, that the free service isn’t any good for streaming.
Overall, Proton VPN is a great privacy-focused streaming VPN – and you’ll even get a 30-day money-back guarantee to make sure it works for you.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Intuitive and dynamic design with the dark mode as a standout | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Some desktop features may be too technical for regular users to understand | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Proton has seriously upped its game here, now boasting speeds of 950 Mbps with WireGuard | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks most sites on the paid subscription | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | State-of-the-art security with Swiss law protection and an independent audit | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Decent response time with countless guides | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Not the most budget-friendly, but our promotional price helps in that regard | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You need access to more servers and regions: PIA has thousands of servers across 91 countries, with a server in every U.S. state. No other VPN provider comes anywhere near it.
✔️ You value a proven track record of security: PIA has proven its no-logs policy in court twice, which stands as a testament to its commitment to user privacy.
✔️ You want a budget-friendly VPN: PIA’s annual plan is cheaper than most VPNs at just $3.33/month, and the three-year plan is even better at around $2/month, making it ideal for a long-term commitment.
❌ You want a super fast VPN: there are better choices in the market in terms of speed, like NordVPN, Surfshark or Proton VPN.
❌ You're new to VPNs: PIA is absolutely jam-packed with settings, features and customizability. But that may be quite intimidating if you haven't used VPNs before or you just want a plug and play option.
Private Internet Access is one of the best bargain deals that give you a highly configurable and secure VPN for streaming your favorite shows from 91 countries without worrying about geo-restrictions. However, for full coverage of almost every streaming site out there, one of our top 3 will be a better pick.
In my Private Internet Access review, I found that the well-established and popular provider is one of the very best streaming VPNs. From Netflix and BBC iPlayer to Disney Plus and YouTube, it's a force to be reckoned with for its unblocking capabilities
In fact, it's only sitting fifth on this list thanks to the strength of the competition. I found that unblocking some sites, like Amazon Prime Video's U.S. library and the Australian 10 Play service, proved inconsistent. However, for the vast majority of sites, it’s smooth sailing.
PIA’s stand-out feature is that it’s very configurable, meaning you can easily adjust settings like server location, encryption level, port forwarding and others to optimize the VPN for a superior streaming experience with reduced latency and enhanced security. Thanks to some of those, PIA is the best torrenting VPN I've tested.
PIA is also a great choice if you're less tech-savvy as it allows you to connect to VPN from its app interface with just one touch, making it virtually seamless to set up. It also provides a great range of options on its server locations list, allowing you to find the best server for the content you want to watch, no matter where you are in the world.
Still, it can be a little annoying to shuffle between regular applications and the browser in between your binge-watching sessions. In that case, you can enable the Bypass List functionality and specify the streaming websites for which you don't want to use the VPN. This isn’t unique to PIA, but it’s a very well-implemented form of split tunnelling.
While it doesn’t have the highest speeds, PIA is still decent enough for streaming your favorite shows without interruption. Speed might not be PIA's strongest suit, but security is, and it’s just as important an aspect as speed for any streamer that goes beyond the popular global websites for content.
For this, it has an excellent kill switch. Also, the company has an independently audited no-logging policy, which it has proven twice in court. So, rest assured that your personal data won't go beyond you.
More important for many, though, will be the price. As the cheapest provider on this list, it's an absolute steal considering the power under the hood. So, if you're looking for a bargain VPN for streaming, PIA may well be the one for you.
| Feature | Comments | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Loads of customization options, can be a bit overwhelming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Great for tech-savvy users, not too beginner-friendly | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Decent speeds but falls behind the industry heavyweights like NordVPN and Surfshark | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | 60,000+ servers in 91 countries for smooth and fast content unblocking | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Best-in-class encryption with a proven no-log policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Adequate resources, plenty of guides, and a contact form to reach the team | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | One of the cheapest VPNs, all the more ideal for the long term. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How to choose a quality streaming VPN
When choosing a streaming VPN, there are three things to prioritize – reliable access to plenty of streaming sites, a decent variety of servers, and excellent speeds. Our top pick NordVPN combines all these with a clean, polished interface that makes streaming overseas content super simple, all alongside excellent privacy.
Not all VPNs have that combination, and it's worth mentioning that in mid-2021 Netflix cracked down hard on VPN use. Subsequently we saw almost every provider begin to struggle, although the best have now rallied and are performing well.
Do note that most streaming sites forbid the use of VPNs, and threaten deactivation of your account. However, in our experience, we've never heard of this ever happening. If you're comfortable with that, then we suggest using one of our top five VPNs.
How we test streaming VPNs
When it comes to our advice on the best streaming VPNs, we don't just take marketing claims at their word. All of our judgments are based on our own extensive in-house testing.
For a streaming VPN, the biggest factor is obviously how well a product performs when it comes to accessing and unblocking streaming services, and this is something we test regularly. As you can see in the table below, we test each VPN with the major streaming sites from a number of servers. Because of the fickle nature of using a VPN on Netflix, we check each month to make sure or top picks are providing appropriate service.
Of course, VPNs are about more than just streaming and we also test their performance in other areas including their privacy and security performance. For more information read how we test VPNs.
What VPN works where on which streaming service?
| Header Cell - Column 0 | NordVPN | ExpressVPN | Surfshark | Proton VPN | PIA |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix | Working (UK, US, CA, AU, JP) | Working (UK, US, CA, AU, JP) | Working (UK, US, CA, AU, JP) | Working (UK, US, CA, AU, JP) | Working (US, UK, AU, CA, JP) |
| Amazon Prime | Working | Working | Working | Working | Working |
| YouTube | Working | Working | Working | Working | Working |
| Disney Plus | Working | Working | Working | Working | Working |
| BBC iPlayer | Working | Working | Working | Working | Working |
| ITVX | Working | Working | Working | Working | Working |
| Channel 4 | Working | Working | Working | Working | Working |
| 9Now | Working | Working | Working | Working | Working |
| 10 Play | Working | Working | Working | Working | Working |
Streaming VPN FAQs
What is the best streaming VPN?
We rate NordVPN as the best streaming VPN on the market. It delivers excellent speeds, unrivalled content unblocking performance, and has servers in just about every country you could ask for. What's more, you'll get a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test the service risk-free for a month.
How does a streaming VPN work?
Every VPN works in the same way – it diverts your device's connection away from your internet provider's and instead uses one its own servers. Doing this means your ISP can't see what you're viewing, and an added bonus is that VPN server traffic is much more encrypted than the naked connection from your router.
A streaming VPN can get you access to overseas content by rerouting your connection through one its servers in a foreign country. By doing that, to any website it seems like you're in that country, and subsequently you'll be able to access any and all content that's usually only available if you're physically in that area.
What can I use a streaming VPN for?
Wondering how to use a VPN for streaming? Well, you're either abroad and want to watch familiar but now geo-blocked content form back home, or you're at home and want to watch geo-blocked content from abroad.
Whatever your reasons, there's a huge amount of content on offer that you can only get with a streaming VPN. Netflix has a vast amount of content that's only available in certain areas, and services like Hulu and BBC iPlayer are only available in one country.
However, there's more to be had if you're a sports fan. If you're away from home and don't want to miss a game that's being shown on domestic TV, you can access that through a streaming VPN. The same goes if you're a paying customer of a sports streaming service – just turn on your streaming VPN, log in to your streaming service and watch.
What are the best TV streaming services?
With so many TV streaming services to choose from, it can feel like an impossible task to choose the best one for you. In addition to dedicated streaming services like Netflix, Disney Plus, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, every big global TV network now also has their own streaming platform – think the likes of Peacock in the U.S., BBC iPlayer and ITVX in the U.K., SBS On Demand and 9Now in Australia, and Paramount Plus around the world.
Our best streaming services guide ranks HBO's Max service as the very best you can get at the moment, especially now that it has added a world of Discovery Plus content, too. Hulu and Netflix make up the top three.
But the truth is that the 'best' will depend solely on your personal watching preferences. If you're a keen sports watcher, something like DAZN will suit you better. Reality show lovers may want a piece of the Hayu action, and anime fans will prefer Crunchyroll. The beauty of the model right now is that you can pay monthly, dipping in and out of platforms as and when you need them.
What is IPTV?
IPTV stands for Internet Protocol Television and it means any service on which you stream content online.
IPTV stands apart from traditional ways of consuming TV, movies and live sport at home. You access it via the internet instead of through an aerial, satellite or cable.
Although you may be unfamiliar with the abbreviation itself, you'll have heard of a wide variety of the biggest IPTV providers. Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus and Apple TV Plus are all examples of IPTV providers.
In recent years, big networks around the world like NBC (Peacock), CBS (Paramount+), the BBC (BBC iPlayer) and SBS (SBS On Demand) have all launched IPTV services. While OTT providers like Sling TV and Fubo are available in the U.S. as alternatives for cord cutters.
There's a growing market for specific IPTV services for live sport, with the likes of DAZN, Triller, BeIn Sport and Kayo all examples. And IPTV subscriptions dedicated to special interests are also popping up – Wow Presents Plus, for example, which streams everything RuPaul related.
It's worth noting that IPTV may also be used to describe illegal streams that have become particularly popular with sports fans.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
