The best VPN services to watch your favorite shows with

A VPN keeps your browsing private and lets you access shows that geo-restrictions normally block. Travelers who open a streaming app abroad often face thin catalogs, so many now route traffic through a VPN to restore the home library they expect.

Speed matters when you are chasing HD or 4K playback. Running a speedtest with the VPN on and off shows whether the service keeps enough bandwidth for smooth playback. Checking our guide of the best VPN's out there gives a broader look at current rankings before you commit.

FastVPN still markets itself for smart TVs, yet it rarely appears in independent 2026 roundups. Users seeking a reliable FastVPN for smart TV solution may prefer providers with fresher performance data.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN keeps its reputation for fast, stable connections that unlock Netflix and other libraries. The network now spans 105–113 countries with long-term plans as low as roughly $2.49–$3.49 per month. A 30-day money-back guarantee remains in place.

Price: $12.95 per month for one month / $9.99 per month for six months / $8.32 per month for 12 months.

CyberGhost

CyberGhost still ranks as a dependable choice for viewers who want dedicated streaming servers and P2P support. Unlimited bandwidth and a 30-day money-back guarantee carry over from earlier versions.

Price: $11.99 per month for one month / $9.99 per month for 3 months / $2.75 per month for 12 months.

NordVPN

NordVPN remains a frequent top pick for Netflix unblocking. The network now runs 6,000–9,300-plus servers across 100–137 countries and supports up to 10 simultaneous connections. SmartPlay technology keeps catalogs open on most platforms, and two-year plans hover near $3 per month.

Price: $11.95 per month for one month / $5.75 per month for 12 months / $3.29 per month for two years.

HideMyAss

HMA continues to offer encryption and an easy interface, yet recent reviews place it lower in overall rankings. Some sources question its current viability for heavy streaming use.

Price: $11.99 per month for one month / $7.99 per month for six months / $6.99 per month for twelve months.

IPVanish

IPVanish lists roughly 3,200–3,400 servers in 90-plus countries and allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Speeds stay competitive, though Netflix access can vary by region in current tests. A seven-day money-back window applies.

Price: $10 for one month / $8.99 per month for three months / $6.49 per month for a year.

SaferVPN

Multiple 2026 reviews note that SaferVPN is no longer actively maintained or available, so travelers seeking current support should look elsewhere.

Price: $8.99 per month for one month / $5.49 per month for a year / $3.29 per month for two years.

PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN keeps a smaller footprint of roughly 150–200-plus servers in 60-plus countries. It still delivers strong streaming speeds at long-term rates near $2 per month and supports up to 10 devices at once.

Price: $7.67 for one month / $5.25 per month for three months / $3.88 for 13 months.

Surfshark

Surfshark frequently lands near the top of 2026 streaming lists because of unlimited simultaneous connections and reliable Netflix access across platforms. Pricing stays competitive, and the service often appears alongside NordVPN and ExpressVPN in roundups.

Proton VPN

Proton VPN earns praise for unlocking multiple Netflix libraries in recent tests. A free tier lets users sample the service before upgrading for full streaming support. Independent audits and a growing server network add to its appeal for privacy-minded viewers.

Smart DNS and Router Setup for Smart TVs

Many older smart TVs lack native VPN apps. Providers such as NordVPN offer dedicated Smart DNS options that bypass this limitation. Router-level installation also works for consoles and other devices without app support, keeping the focus on streaming rather than device compatibility.

VPN Trends: Audits, RAM Servers, and AI Protections

Independent audits from firms like Deloitte now appear regularly on provider sites. RAM-only servers reduce data retention risks, and tools such as DAITA help counter advanced traffic analysis. These features have become standard talking points in 2026 reviews.

Choosing a VPN for 4K Streaming Performance

Protocol choice matters when you need minimal speed loss. NordLynx and Lightway keep throughput high enough for 4K, and most leading services advertise unlimited bandwidth. Recent tests show top providers retain a large percentage of base speeds even on distant servers.

Updated numbers and new entrants give travelers clearer choices than the 2018 lineup. Checking current server maps and money-back windows before travel keeps the process straightforward.