Video streaming is huge from sites like Youtube, Dailymotion, BBC iPlayer to Netflix and the hundreds more in between.
It seems like we all want to stream video online these days. Sadly the video streaming experience can be a little hit and miss. This is where a VPN service comes into play.
If you’ve ever found videos blocked, regionally restricted or you suffer from buffering and other slow playback issues then a VPN can certainly help.
What can a VPN do for you
For starters, a VPN will allow you to get around region restrictions. If you want to watch video from another country then you’re in luck.
The same with buffering. Often your internet service will limit your speeds when watching large videos but when using a VPN they don’t know what you’re doing so can’t limit your speeds. This allows you to bypass the pesky speed restrictions and avoids buffering.
So if you’re looking for the best VPN for video streaming then just pick one of the following 5 as you can’t go wrong.
Top 5 VPNs for Streaming Video
RANK | PROVIDER | PRICE | COUNTRY LOCATIONS | SIMULTANEOUS CONNECTIONS | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | $6.49 /mo | 61 | 5 | VISIT |
2 | ![]() | $8.32 /mo | 78 | 3 | VISIT |
3 | ![]() | $8.32 /mo | 48 | 2 | VISIT |
4 | ![]() | $4.80 /mo | 20 | 6 | VISIT |
5 | ![]() | $4.75 /mo | 9 | 2 | VISIT |
1. IPVanish
If you want to video stream then IPVanish should be your first choice VPN provider.
In my tests they offer the fastest speeds in the industry. I found there to be very little speed loss which means you get the best quality stream.
There are over 60 different countries to connect to. This gives you access to a large range of entertainment content from around the world. You’ll be able to unblock BBC iPlayer, CBS, CBC, Foxtel Go and many more streaming services from anywhere in the world.
Software is available for PC and Mac and apps for Android and iOS. This means no matter what device you want to stream on the set-up will be extremely easy. This is great news if you’re a beginner as there is no complicated set-up.
It’s possible to use one service on up to 5 devices at the same time allowing all your family to stream video.
I found streaming to be quick and easy. This was evident when streaming UK TV services all the way in Australia. IPVanish is definitely my go to provider when looking for the Best VPN for Video Streaming.
Best VPN for Video Streaming
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another good option for video streaming. They have slightly more server locations in over 94 countries around the world.
If you’re after streaming a TV service or video streaming site from a more remote country then ExpressVPN could certainly be the answer with their huge country range.
Windows, Mac OsX and Ubuntu software is available with apps for both Android and iOS phones and tablets. This will allow you to stream video to any of your devices.
You can use the service on 3 devices at the same time which is a little less than IPVanish but still a good amount.
A 30-day money back guarantee is available on the service. This allows you to test it for streaming video and if you’re unhappy you can simply get your money back.
3. Overplay
Overplay presents a little bit of a different option than the earlier two providers because they offer a specific mode for video streaming called SmartDNS.
The SmartDNS service comes with the VPN package and is a way of streaming video from blocked websites without any speed loss. It doesn’t offer the encryption or protection of the VPN service and it doesn’t work with every streaming service. However, for all major TV services around the world it will allow you to get the best speeds.
A VPN service comes as part of the package so for all your other video streaming needs and VPN needs you’re still able to access the standard VPN package.
Overplay is equally as fast as IPVanish but has slightly fewer countries. However, they still have access in 50 countries which should be enough to cover all major streaming services.
The SmartDNS function alone is why they’re in my best VPN for video streaming selection.
4. VPN.ac
VPN.ac offer a different choice to the other providers due to the fact they’re a smaller provider but don’t let this put you off.
The reason you should consider them is because of their speeds. The service is one of the fastest I’ve seen and compares with IPVanish.
The service isn’t advertised heavily so it’s it’s a lesser known provider. This means the servers are less utilised resulting in a better experience for yourself when video streaming and carrying out other tasks.
They’re also extremely cheap when signing up for a yearly service so if you’re trying to watch what you spend then they should be the answer.
Obviously there is a downside and that is that there are fewer server locations. VPN.ac have servers in 20 different countries which is less than all the earlier listed providers. If you’re planning to sign up to them then you should check that the countries they offer are suitable for the video streaming services you want to access.
5. LiquidVPN
LiquidVPN again is another provider like VPN.ac above. They’re a small provider but their speeds more than make up for their size.
Due to them being lesser known in the VPN industry it means their customer base is smaller and due to this their servers less utilised. The upshot being that you end up with fast speeds and a more reliable connection.
The only drawback again is the lack of servers with just 12 countries covered. You should definitely check out the country selection first before signing up to make sure it’s suitable for your needs.
If the country selection is suitable then you’ll be rewarded with a fast service that will be great for your video streaming needs. They’re one of the cheapest services available.
Software is available for Windows, Mac and Android. However there is no iOS client so if you’re an iPhone or iPad user it’s best to stick with a provider like IPVanish that has your device supported.
Conclusion
Through researching for this article I found IPVanish to be the best overall provider for Video Streaming.
If you’re looking for a good VPN service for video streaming any of the 5 services above will do. The choices above are my top 5 options.
There are a few considerations to make when choosing a service for streaming video and I’ve listed them below:
Access Geo-Restricted Video
When visiting certain websites such as BBC iPlayer from the UK, CBS from the USA, SBS from Australia or many others outside of the intended country you will find yourself blocked from accessing.
A VPN allows you to bypass these blocks and circumvent the geo-restrictions. This allows you to access blocked video streaming TV services from anywhere in the world.
Reduce Buffering
Buffering is one of the most annoying aspects of video streaming.
Some ISPs limit the speed of your internet connection. When using certain video streaming services such as Youtube, especially in peak hours and especially if you’re watching high quality video.
A VPN disguises what you’re doing on the internet so your ISP won’t know you’re watching video and so won’t reduce your speed.
Access Blocked Video and Websites
In certain countries certain videos or websites may be blocked from viewing for many different reasons.
This can range from things like because the site contains adult video, isn’t licensed outside of the intended country or even because of copyright reasons.
Whatever the reason a VPN allows you to access a neutral internet and any video or website that is blocked will now be accessible.
What are you waiting for?
A VPN is definitely a vital tool if you’re an avid video streamer and opens up a whole world of entertainment access.
If you’re looking for the best VPN for video streaming then review the top 5 options below, pick one and sign-up. You certainly won’t be disappointed.
RANK | PROVIDER | PRICE | COUNTRY LOCATIONS | SIMULTANEOUS CONNECTIONS | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | $6.49 /mo | 61 | 5 | VISIT |
2 | ![]() | $8.32 /mo | 78 | 3 | VISIT |
3 | ![]() | $8.32 /mo | 48 | 2 | VISIT |
4 | ![]() | $4.80 /mo | 20 | 6 | VISIT |
5 | ![]() | $4.75 /mo | 9 | 2 | VISIT |