Proton VPN
If you need a VPN that’s free and nonetheless capable of stream the US Netflix library, then Proton VPN is the perfect selection. Proton VPN is at present the one free VPN the CNET recommends, as a result of it’s safe, protected to make use of and doesn’t put any limits on velocity or utilization. Technically, Proton VPN’s free servers aren’t optimized for streaming, however we nonetheless achieved ample speeds and had been capable of easily stream Netflix content material by way of the VPN’s free US servers.
With Proton VPN’s premium service, which incorporates servers in 112 nations (versus 5 with the free plan), we had been capable of entry content material from a number of Netflix regional libraries in addition to content material on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus. The one hiccup we bumped into was that we had been unable to stream Disney Plus on MacOS by way of Proton’s US servers, though it labored superb on different platforms. Proton VPN’s paid subscriptions value $10 per 30 days, $60 for the primary yr (then $80 yearly) or $108 complete for the primary two years (then $80 per yr).
Learn our Proton VPN assessment.
Personal Web Entry
The wallet-friendly Personal Web Entry, or PIA, is an open-source VPN supplier with a robust concentrate on privateness. PIA prices simply $12 month-to-month, $40 yearly or $79 each three years. In contrast to many different VPN suppliers, PIA would not have worth hikes, so your plan ought to renew on the similar worth as your unique buy. Though PIA labored nicely sufficient for Netflix and Disney Plus, it struggled with Amazon Prime Video. PIA has apps for almost each platform, together with Home windows, MacOS, Linux (with a GUI), net browsers, iOS/iPadOS, Android/Android TV and Apple TV.
Regardless of its affordability in contrast with many VPN rivals, PIA is hard to advocate for streaming due to its middle-of-the-road velocity efficiency. In our testing, we clocked an underwhelming 49% common web obtain velocity loss. People with quick (50Mbps or extra) web speeds ought to be superb, however slower or extra unreliable web connections like satellite tv for pc web won’t work as nicely. (For reference, Netflix recommends a minimal 15Mbps obtain velocity for a single 4K UHD video stream.) Finally, PIA is a implausible VPN with sturdy privateness options, however its streaming shortcomings restrict its enchantment for VPN customers who need to unblock a wide array of streaming content material.
IPVanish
IPVanish is an honest VPN for streaming in case you’re new to VPNs and desire a answer that’s easy to make use of and can assist you watch content material on numerous streaming platforms. Throughout our testing, we had been capable of entry Netflix libraries from a handful of areas, together with content material on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus. Though some VPNs might battle to ship throughout platforms, we had been capable of entry every of the streaming providers we examined on every of the units we examined them on with IPVanish. The principle space the place IPVanish struggles is its velocity. The inconsistency of IPVanish’s speeds — we clocked a excessive 44% common web velocity loss in our 2024 assessments — might put a damper in your streaming expertise, particularly whereas watching 4K ultra-high-definition movies.
With IPVanish, you’ll have entry to servers in 56 nations, which is kind of a bit lower than different choices like NordVPN (111 nations), ExpressVPN (105 nations), Surfshark (100 nations), Proton VPN (100 nations) and PIA (91 nations), so in case you’re seeking to stream content material from a specific area, you’ll need to verify IPVanish’s server web page to make sure the supplier has servers in these areas earlier than buying a subscription. A month-to-month subscription to IPVanish prices $13 per 30 days, which is on par with many different VPNs, however its annual plan begins off cheaper than each NordVPN and ExpressVPN at $33 for the primary yr. IPVanish provides a two-year plan that prices $52 for the primary two years mixed. However beware that the one-year and two-year plan costs soar dramatically to $90 after the preliminary one- or two-year time period. Contemplating its gradual web speeds, small server community and mid-pack costs, IPVanish is not splendid for streaming lovers.
Learn our IPVanish assessment.
Mullvad
Mullvad is a wonderful selection for privacy-conscious VPN customers. It is also one of many quickest VPNs we have examined, with a formidable general 13% velocity loss. Nevertheless, although it labored nicely with Netflix, Disney Plus and Hulu, it struggled with streaming Amazon Prime Video throughout our assessments and would not supply full, native help for good TVs or streaming units like Amazon Fireplace TV Stick or Apple TV. That, together with its comparatively small community of servers in simply 44 nations makes Mullvad a troublesome promote for folk wanting to make use of the VPN for streaming functions.
Mullvad requires zero private info to enroll — not even an electronic mail tackle — and prices a flat charge of $5 a month whether or not you utilize it for a month, a yr or 5 years. You’ll be able to pay for and add as many months to your account as you need, however Mullvad would not have recurring subscriptions of any type as a result of it strives to gather as little knowledge as attainable. When you’re not glad with the service, then you may request a refund throughout the first 30 days of buy.