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In this article, we will tell you how VPNs help you access Geo-Restricted content from anywhere and some of the best VPN for streaming geo-restricted content. Continue reading to find out how to stream content from all around the world.
If you want to access streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, or HBO from anywhere in the world, you cannot do it without using a streaming VPN such as ExpressVPN.
Several streaming sites restrict the content available according to your country or location. As a result, geo-restriction may block you from watching your favorite movies or TV shows. But if you use a VPN, you can hide your IP address and access geo-restricted content from any country.
However, not all VPNs can unblock geo-restricted streaming content and provide fast, unrestricted access to streaming content. As a result, we tested a lot of VPNs from different countries and created a list of the best VPNs that can help you access Geo-Restricted content.
Table of Contents
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Why you need a VPN for streaming
The best VPN for streaming will be able to unblock content that is otherwise restricted due to government censorship or libraries that are restricted to certain regions of the world.
Other than that, there are also several reasons for using a VPN while streaming.
- Unblock geo-restricted content. Streaming services, such as Netflix, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime, restrict content based on your location. While Netflix US has over 5,000 contents, other countries, such as Spain, only have slightly more than 3,500. As a result, a VPN is the best option to gain access to the streaming platform’s restricted content.
- Resolve restrictions on different streaming platforms. A streaming service may not be available in your country in some circumstances. And a VPN can allow you to bypass restrictions and experience various platforms, whether you reside there or traveling.
- Avoid local game blackouts. One way to avoid local game blackouts is by changing your VPN server location, which will grant you access to all the games you want to watch, even if they are not available in your area.
- Avoid speed throttling. Additionally, a VPN can help you avoid speed throttling by encrypting your internet traffic and hiding your activities from your internet service provider (ISP). This can be particularly useful when streaming content, which can consume a lot of data.
- Keep your streaming private. Using a VPN can help ensure the privacy of your streaming activities by preventing your ISP or mobile network from tracking your online footprint. With a strict no-logs policy and an encrypted VPN tunnel, a VPN can provide top-notch privacy for your browsing and streaming activities.
How to choose the best streaming VPN
Choosing the best VPN for streaming ultimately comes down to which streaming services you want to access, regardless of your location. While our top three streaming VPNs can generally unblock most services, certain platforms such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer can prove more challenging to access.
In addition to unblocking capabilities, fast connection speeds and robust security are also essential requirements for a good streaming VPN. Fast speeds ensure a smooth and high-quality streaming experience without buffering, while strong security protects your payment details. A decent network of servers is also important for the occasional slow connection.
To ensure seamless streaming across multiple devices, it is also important to choose a VPN provider with wide support for various devices, including phones, computers, and streaming devices like Apple TV, Amazon Fire, and Roku. Furthermore, it’s beneficial to opt for a streaming VPN provider with fast and effective 24/7 live chat support in case you encounter any issues.
The best VPNs for bypassing geo-blocking
ExpressVPN – Overall best VPN for geo-unblocking
ExpressVPN is a popular and efficient VPN service that is known for its fast connection speeds and ability to bypass geo-restrictions. This VPN prioritizes security and privacy, using AES-256 encryption and a strict no-log policy to keep your online activities private and secure.
Thanks to its Lightway protocol ExpressVPN offers fast speeds. The VPN supports other protocols like IKEv2 and OpenVPN as well. It’s well-suited for browsing, streaming, or gaming.
When it comes to streaming, ExpressVPN can easily unblock popular services like Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, and Apple TV. It also includes features to improve your browsing experience, such as a Threat Manager to block trackers and malicious ads, split tunneling, MediaStreamer, stealth servers, and a router app.
While ExpressVPN isn’t the cheapest provider on the market, it provides good value for its price of $6.67/month and allows for up to 10 simultaneous connections.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
Surfshark – Value for money for geo-unblocking
Surfshark is a VPN provider that offers impressive performance and excellent value for money. It’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to bypass geo-restrictions. The VPN comes with a wide range of features that prioritize security and privacy, such as AES-256 encryption, RAM-only servers, and a strict no-logs policy. With Surfshark, your online activities are kept private and secure.
The VPN also delivers fast and stable connections, making it ideal for gaming and streaming. Its leading WireGuard protocol ensures excellent speed. Surfshark is capable of unblocking many streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. And it doesn’t compromise resolution or any kind of latency.
Surfshark offers a variety of other features, such as P2P support, server obfuscation, a malware blocker, and split tunneling. The VPN is also user-friendly, with a pleasant UI that makes it easy to use.
And all of this comes at a very reasonable price of $2.30/month, making it an affordable option for anyone on a budget. Plus, you’ll get unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use it on all your devices without any extra cost.
Read our full SurfShark VPN review.
IPVanish – Versatile VPN for geo-unblocking
IPVanish is a reliable VPN service that offers a complete solution to bypass geo-restrictions, with great security, performance, and versatile features. The VPN puts a strong emphasis on security, with advanced AES-256 encryption and a no-logs policy that ensures your privacy and security are protected.
It even offers a free SOCKS5 proxy for full anonymity. You can choose between the WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 protocols for high-speed downloads without compromising security. While IPVanish may have some trouble with certain streaming services, it does well with popular platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and YouTube.
Additionally, IPVanish offers traffic obfuscation, split tunneling, and encrypted storage for a small fee. All of these features come at an affordable price of $3.33 per month, with unlimited simultaneous connections included.
Read our full IPVanish VPN review.
Geo-blocking explained
In simple terms, geo-blocking is the practice of limiting access to online content based on a user’s location. To achieve this, content providers use various methods to determine the user’s actual location. The process usually begins by analyzing the user’s IP address, which is used to identify their location.
Some content providers go further by comparing the user’s DNS address with their IP to prevent geo-unblocking attempts. Additionally, they may track the user’s ISP providers to determine an approximate location or attempt to access the user’s device’s GPS location if possible.
Reasons for geographical restrictions
Geo-blocking is not only a way to limit access to online content, but it is also used as a means of controlling information, protecting copyrighted material, and regulating prices. In countries where the government exercises strict censorship, such as China, the UAE, or Russia, geo-blocking is a common tool used to restrict access to various social media and communication platforms.
In the entertainment industry, geographical restrictions are often imposed to protect licensed or copyrighted content. For example, a streaming service may only have the right to show a movie in one country but not another.
Another reason for geo-blocking is pricing discrimination, where service providers adjust their pricing according to the location of their users. This means that the same service can cost more or less depending on where you are in the world. For instance, the cost of Netflix in India is much lower than it is in the US.
In the gaming industry, Xbox Game Pass is much cheaper in Turkey than it is in the US. Therefore, the reasons for implementing geo-blocking can vary from controlling information and protecting copyrighted material to regulating prices and preventing users from accessing content from other countries.
Is using a VPN to bypass geo-blocking illegal?
It’s crucial to be aware of the laws and regulations regarding the use of VPNs and geo-blocking in your country before using any VPN service. In some countries, VPN usage may be completely banned or restricted, and you could face legal consequences for using it.
Moreover, violating the terms of service of a platform by bypassing geo-blocking can result in losing access to the service. Some providers may even penalize you by banning your account or taking legal action against you.
In summary, it’s essential to understand the laws and regulations governing VPN and geo-blocking usage in your country and the consequences of violating them. Before using any VPN service, make sure to read their terms of service carefully to avoid any unwanted penalties or legal consequences.
Conclusion
ExpressVPN is a highly recommended VPN service that can help you bypass geoblocking and access any restricted content or location you want. This VPN provider stands out from the rest thanks to its advanced encryption, audited no-log policy, and RAM-only infrastructure. These features make sure that your online activities are private and anonymous.
In addition to its strong security features, ExpressVPN is also a top-tier entertainment VPN. With its specialized servers, this VPN service can easily unblock all major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and more. Furthermore, ExpressVPN offers great speeds, ensuring that you can enjoy your favorite movies, TV shows, and games without any interruptions or buffering.
What’s more, ExpressVPN is also budget-friendly, offering one of the smallest price tags among top-tier VPN providers. With plans starting at just $6.67 per month, ExpressVPN is an affordable option for anyone looking for reliable performance that won’t break the bank.
FAQ
Does VPN bypass geo-blocking?
Totally. A VPN can bypass geo-blocking. It works by routing your internet connection through a server in another country, giving the impression that you are connecting from that country. This gives you access to geo-restricted content all over the world.
It’s showing, “Content is not available in your country.” What to do?
If this error appears, you need to use a VPN. It will help you bypass geo-blocking by routing your internet connection through a server in another country, making it appear as if you are accessing the internet from that nation.
Which is the best VPN for streaming and unblocking geo-restrictions?
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for geo-blocking, according to our tests. When it comes to bypassing geo-restricted content, this service wins without question. It is also highly safe, and speedy, and it unblocks a variety of streaming websites. The best thing about ExpressVPN is that you can get an amazing set of features for only $6.67/month.
