The golden age of streaming has a catch: geo-restrictions. Your favorite show is available on Netflix in the UK but not in the US. Hulu remains locked to American subscribers. Disney+ rotates its content library based on your location. It’s a frustrating reality for globe-trotters and avid binge-watchers alike.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is the key to overcoming these digital borders. However, not all VPNs are created equal. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ aggressively block VPN IP addresses, meaning your average free VPN simply won’t cut it.
After extensive testing in 2025, we’ve identified the top VPNs that consistently bypass these blocks, offer blazing-fast speeds for HD and 4K streaming, and provide a reliable, buffer-free experience.
What Makes a VPN Great for Streaming?
Before we dive in, here’s what we looked for:
- Proven Unblocking Ability: The VPN must consistently work with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and other major platforms.
- Speed: Streaming in UHD requires fast, stable connections. Slow VPNs lead to endless buffering.
- Server Network: A large number of servers, especially in key countries (US, UK, Canada, etc.), reduces overcrowding and improves performance.
- Reliability: The service should offer stable connections without sudden drops that break your stream.
- Apps for Every Device: You should be able to stream on your smart TV, gaming console, Fire Stick, phone, and computer.
The Top VPNs for Streaming in 2025
1. ExpressVPN: The Overall Best for Reliability & Speed
🏆 Best for: Users who want the most consistent, “it just works” experience.
ExpressVPN remains a top contender for its unparalleled speed and legendary reliability. It consistently accesses Netflix US, UK, Canada, Japan, and more, alongside Hulu and Disney+ without a hitch.
- Why it’s great for streaming: Its proprietary Lightway protocol is a game-changer, offering near-instant connections and incredible speed for the highest-quality streams without buffering. Its extensive server network is expertly optimized to evade detection.
- Standout Feature: MediaStreamer DNS is a smart DNS proxy that lets you use the VPN on devices that don’t natively support VPN apps, like your Smart TV or PlayStation.
- Considerations: It is priced at a premium compared to some competitors.
2. NordVPN: The Powerhouse with Unbeatable Value
🏆 Best for: Streamers who want the best blend of performance, features, and price.
NordVPN is a titan in the VPN industry for a reason. It boasts a massive global network of servers, many of which are specifically optimized for streaming. Its ability to unblock every major platform we tested is virtually flawless.
- Why it’s great for streaming: Its NordLynx protocol (built on WireGuard) delivers exceptional speeds perfect for 4K HDR content on multiple devices at once. Dedicated “Obfuscated Servers” help it sneak through the toughest VPN blocks.
- Standout Feature: SmartPlay technology combines the benefits of a VPN and Smart DNS on every server, ensuring seamless unblocking without any extra setup.
- Considerations: The app interface can be a bit more complex than ExpressVPN’s, but it’s incredibly powerful.
3. Surfshark: The Best for Unlimited Devices
🏆 Best for: Large households and users with many devices.
Surfshark punches far above its weight class. It provides excellent streaming capabilities at a very budget-friendly price. Most impressively, a single subscription covers an unlimited number of devices.
- Why it’s great for streaming: It reliably unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and many other services. Its CleanWeb feature also blocks ads and malware, creating a smoother browsing experience alongside streaming.
- Standout Feature: Unlimited simultaneous connections. Stream on your TV, laptop, phone, and tablet all at the same time without needing a second subscription.
- Considerations: While its speeds are very good and more than capable for HD/4K, it can occasionally be slightly behind ExpressVPN and NordVPN on long-distance connections.
How to Stream with a VPN: A Quick Guide
Using a VPN for streaming is simple:
- Choose & Subscribe: Select a VPN from the list above and sign up on its website. We strongly advise against free VPNs for streaming.
- Download & Install: Download the VPN app on your device. Most streaming is done on a computer, phone, or via a VPN-compatible router.
- Connect to a Server: Open the app and connect to a server in the country whose library you want to access. For example, connect to a US server for Hulu or the American Netflix library.
- Start Streaming: Open Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+ in your web browser or app and hit play! The service should now show you the content library from your chosen VPN server location.
Pro Tip: If you have trouble accessing a library, clear your browser’s cache and cookies or try a different server within the same country. The top VPNs have 24/7 customer support to help you find a working server.
A Note on Smart TVs and Gaming Consoles
Most Smart TVs (like Samsung, LG) don’t support VPN apps directly. To use a VPN on them, you have two options:
- Install the VPN on your router. This will protect every device on your home network, including your TV.
- Use a VPN’s Smart DNS feature (e.g., ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer or NordVPN’s SmartDNS). This is easier to set up than a router but doesn’t provide the full encryption of a VPN.
Final Verdict
When choosing the best VPN for Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+ in 2025, you can’t go wrong with any of these three options.
- For the absolute best performance and ease of use, choose ExpressVPN.
- For the best all-around package and value, choose NordVPN.
- To cover every device in your home on a budget, choose Surfshark.
All three offer robust money-back guarantees (typically 30 days), allowing you to test them risk-free to ensure they work perfectly with your favorite streaming services. Stop being limited by your location and start exploring the entire world of streaming content today.