How to Use a VPN to Unblock Your Favorite Streaming Sites?

Imagine this: you’re sitting on your couch, popcorn in your hand, ready to binge-watch your favorite TV show, or fall in love with the latest blockbusters on the big screen. You turn on your favorite streaming platform, eager to get started, only to find that it’s either unavailable in your region or buffering. How frustrating is that?

Don’t worry; using a VPN, you can easily unblock streaming sites like Netflix, Amazon, Disney/Hotstar, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc.. Virtual Private Networks are essential to stream geo-restricted content, access blocked streaming sites, and secure your online identity. So, let’s see how to use a vpn for streaming.

Most importantly, choose the VPN provider that offers the best streaming service, like Symlex VPN, Nord VPN, Surfshark VPN, Express VPN, etc. Install the VPN software on your desired device and connect to the server you want to stream.

Do You Need a VPN to Stream?

Definitely, you need a VPN to access geo-blocked streaming sites, enjoy bufferless streaming, and unblock region-locked content while securing your online identity. For example, if you live in the Asian subcontinent and want to watch a US Netflix show that is only available in the US, you’ll need a VPN to enjoy the show.

Additionally, the VPN will hide your IP address from prying eyes, surveillance, and censorship of your government and ISP.  It also provides an extra security layer as it encrypts your data. This makes it nearly impossible for anyone to track your online activity and protects your privacy. 

Furthermore, with a VPN, you can enjoy bufferless streaming by bypassing your ISP’s speed throttling and bandwidth limit. It also prevents websites from gathering personal information, such as browsing history, IP address, etc.

Summary: VPN lets you access geo-blocked streaming sites, enjoy bufferless streaming, and unblock region-locked content. Moreover, it protects you from government and ISP surveillance, censorship, and tracking.

5 Top VPNs for Streaming

Having tested numerous VPN services worldwide, we identified the six best VPNs that would be beneficial for streaming and unlimited entertainment.

Symlex VPN

Symlex VPN is one of the most popular VPNs in the UAE. To start, it has dedicated servers for Hotstar and Netflix USA. Other than that, Symlex VPN can unlock Disney+HotStar, Netflix USA-UK- Czech Republic, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. 

It has all the industry-leading protocols a good VPN is expected to have, including Open Connect, IKEv2, WireGuard, etc. They provide over 120 servers with more than 75 locations across the world. To be a cherry on top, they offer AES-256 encryption, an active kill switch, and a split tunneling feature.

NordVPN

NordVPN specializes in connection stability. With over 5400 servers across 60 countries, it is automatically one of the best VPNs. It can be set up on devices that don’t support VPNs, such as Apple TVs. You gain additional freedom with devices you use to watch videos without changing your habits. NordVPN can also access Netflix in different locations. 

SurfShark

Surfshark has been critically acclaimed in a short period due to its growth. It has already achieved quite the rank to have caught our attention. Using Surf Shark was a smooth experience as well. Surfshark has a configurable SmartDNS on most media players and gaming consoles, even if your device doesn’t natively support VPN apps. 

Your device will be connected as though you are using a VPN, allowing you to overcome blocks that would otherwise prevent you from watching content. However, it lacks a dedicated IP address, which might be risky.

Express VPN

You will probably find ExpressVPN at the chart’s top if you want to know the best VPNs. Express VPN has all the best protocols, including Open VPN, DNS, etc. Its great streaming VPN functionality is one of its significant features. 

It provides the best combination of speed, security, and reliability. That means you’ll have access to over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, allowing you to catch up on your favorite shows from home no matter where you are. Moreover, the connection speeds are consistently good, so 4K and HDR streaming should not be a problem.

IP Vanish VPN

IP Vanish might not be the best VPN compared to the ones listed above. But it provides good service for streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime around the UK and USA. There is an extensive range of protocols to choose from as well. The connection is secured using military-grade AES-256 encryption. 

No one will be able to decrypt it and figure out what you’ve been doing online. You can also block LAN traffic and prevent connections from private networks. As a no-logs VPN, IPVanish isn’t keeping track of what you’re doing online. One drawback of IP Vanish is that it increases its price every year. 

Does a VPN Improve Streaming?

Using a streaming-optimized VPN for streaming can greatly improve your streaming experience. One of the main benefits is the ability to access geo-restricted content. With a VPN, you can bypass restrictions and access streaming services and content that may be blocked in your region. 

Additionally, a VPN can help reduce buffering by providing a stable and fast connection, especially if your internet service provider (ISP) is throttling your connection speed. This can result in smoother playback and a more enjoyable streaming experience.

Another advantage is the improved security that a VPN offers. By encrypting your internet traffic, a VPN protects your data from potential hackers and ensures your online activities remain private. Moreover, some streaming services may block access to their content if they detect that you are using a VPN. 

However, many VPNs have the ability to bypass these blocks, allowing you to access the content you want without any issues. You can also access streaming content from other regions using a VPN. This means you can explore a wider range of shows, movies, and sports events that may not be available in your location. 

Summary: Overall, a VPN can enhance your streaming experience by increasing content availability, improving security, and reducing buffering.

How to Use a VPN to Stream Sports?

To stream sports with a VPN, go to the Symlex VPN website. Download the application on your desired device. Install and log in with your account credentials. Tap to connect on the server of your choice, and you’re done. 

It will automatically connect you to the best server available. Now, browse the streaming site or sports channel to see whether it’s working. Enjoy live streaming, streaming on TV, and OTT streaming securely with no speed throttle and bandwidth limitations.

How to Choose a Good Streaming VPN?

When choosing a VPN for streaming, first, you should prioritize speed and performance to ensure you can stream content without interruptions and buffering. Second, you should choose a VPN that can unblock the streaming services you want to access. 

Third, you should consider the VPN’s server locations, as having a good selection of well-populated locations can ensure that no single server becomes overloaded with users or is detected by streaming providers before another can take its place. 

Fourth, you should take into account the VPN’s pricing, security, and features. Based on the search results, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are highly recommended VPNs for streaming due to their top-tier speed, massive global network of servers, and ability to unblock a wide range of streaming services. 

Furthermore, when looking for a VPN for streaming, you should also consider other things like device compatibility, connecting multiple devices, and ensuring your VPN has the right security protocols. That way, you can pick a VPN that’s good for streaming and have a smooth experience.

Get Symlex VPN at an affordable price of only $2.83 /month (65% off) for a 1-year subscription. Enjoy the top-notch security features of the best secure VPN service.

Is It Illegal to Use a VPN for Streaming?

The short answer is no. Using a Virtual Private Network for personal or business use is not considered illegal. However, several countries may have strict legal restrictions against using VPNs. If caught using a VPN, you might get into legal trouble.

Good paid VPNs are available that protect your online identity and support no border mode – you can use these VPNs in restricted countries to bypass strong firewalls and internet censorship.

FAQs

How does Netflix know I’m using a VPN?

Netflix tracks down IP addresses associated with VPNs and blocks those IP addresses. It also detects VPNs by looking at the location of your IP address and your DNS server and checking for conflicts between IP addresses and DNS settings.

Can a website tell if I’m using a VPN?

Websites can detect VPN usage through various methods, including blacklisting IP addresses associated with VPN servers, detecting too many requests from the same IP address, browser fingerprinting, DNS settings, and VPN tracking technology. However, the best VPN providers have developed tools that make their usage harder to detect. 

Can YouTube detect VPNs?

YouTube can detect VPN usage through various methods, including blacklisting IP addresses associated with VPN servers, detecting too many requests from the same IP address, browser fingerprinting, DNS settings, and VPN tracking technology. However, YouTube usually does not block VPN connections.

Conclusion

In the streaming world, a VPN is more than just a service; it’s a game changer. By extending your reach beyond your location, a VPN enables you to enjoy a wider variety of shows, films, and sporting events that may otherwise be unavailable.

Despite the legalities of VPN usage varying across countries, it’s important to ensure that the VPN you’re using is permitted. With the right VPN, you can bypass firewalls and censorship with finesse in countries with strict internet censorship.

So, when you’re ready to start streaming, ensure you have a good VPN like Symlex VPN or one of the others mentioned. With a VPN, you’re not just unblocking content; you’re opening up a new world of streaming possibilities. Happy streaming!