10 Best VPNs for Streaming Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus in 2025

Streaming has become a dominant form of entertainment, with platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus offering vast libraries of movies, TV shows, and original content. However, access to this content can be restricted by geographical location due to licensing agreements. This is where Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) come in. A VPN can mask your IP address, making it appear as though you are browsing from a different location, thus bypassing these geo-restrictions. This article will explore the best VPNs for streaming movies in 2025, with a focus on accessing Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus.

The Rise of Streaming and VPNs

The global video streaming market is experiencing exponential growth. According to Statista, the video streaming market is projected to reach $1171.70 billion in 2024. This growth is fueled by increasing internet penetration, the proliferation of smart devices, and the production of high-quality original content by streaming platforms.

As the streaming market expands, so does the demand for VPNs. Many users want to access content that is not available in their region. A fast VPN for streaming is essential to ensure a smooth, buffer-free experience. Furthermore, concerns about online privacy and security also drive the adoption of VPNs for streaming.

What is a VPN?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates a secure connection over a public network, such as the internet. It essentially acts as a private tunnel for your internet traffic, encrypting your data and masking your IP address.

How does a VPN work?

1. Encryption: When you connect to a VPN, your data is encrypted. This means it is converted into a format that is unreadable to anyone who might try to intercept it.
2. Tunneling: The encrypted data is then routed through a secure connection (the "tunnel") to a VPN server.
3. IP Masking: The VPN server replaces your actual IP address with its own. This makes it appear as though you are accessing the internet from the location of the VPN server.

History of VPNs

The concept of VPNs dates back to the mid-1990s, with the development of tunneling protocols like PPTP (Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol). Initially, VPNs were primarily used by businesses to allow employees to securely access internal networks from remote locations. As the internet evolved and concerns about online privacy grew, VPN technology became more mainstream, with individuals using them for personal use, including accessing geo-restricted content and enhancing their online security.

Why Use a VPN for Streaming?

Here are the primary reasons why people use VPNs for streaming:

• Bypassing Geo-Restrictions: Access content that is only available in specific countries. For example, a user in the UK might want to access US Netflix. This is a key reason for seeking the best VPN for streaming outside US.
• Accessing Home Country Content While Traveling: If you are traveling abroad, you can use a VPN to access the streaming libraries you are accustomed to in your home country.
• Improved Privacy: A VPN encrypts your internet traffic, preventing your ISP from seeing your online activity, including what you stream.
• Avoiding ISP Throttling: Some Internet Service Providers (ISPs) may throttle your bandwidth when they detect streaming activity, leading to buffering and lower video quality. A VPN can help bypass this throttling.

Benefits of Using a VPN

Beyond streaming, VPNs offer several other benefits:

• Enhanced Security on Public Wi-Fi: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making them vulnerable to hacking. A VPN encrypts your data, protecting it from potential threats.
• Protection from Surveillance: A VPN can help protect your online activity from surveillance by governments, ISPs, and other third parties.
• Secure File Sharing: VPNs provide a secure way to share files, especially sensitive or confidential information.
• Accessing Blocked Websites: In some regions, certain websites or online services may be blocked. A VPN can help you bypass these restrictions.

Key Features of a Streaming VPN

When choosing a VPN for streaming, consider these essential features:

• Fast Speeds: Essential for buffer-free streaming. Look for Fastest VPNs for streaming without buffering.
• Server Locations: A wide variety of servers, especially in countries where popular streaming services are based (US, UK, Canada).
• Bypassing Capabilities: The ability to consistently bypass the VPN blocks implemented by streaming services.
• Reliability: Stable connections to prevent interruptions during streaming.
• Bandwidth: Unlimited bandwidth to allow for uninterrupted streaming.
• Device Compatibility: Support for a wide range of devices, including computers, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming devices.

Top 10 VPNs for Streaming in 2025

Here are ten of the top VPNs for streaming in 2025:

FastestVPN

FastestVPN is a good choice for users looking for a fast and reliable VPN for streaming.

• Speed: Optimized for fast streaming speeds.
• Server Network: Servers in many countries.
• Platforms: Compatible with major streaming devices.

FastestVPN offers good value and can reliably access several streaming services.

Interesting content: Netflix: "Stranger Things"; Hulu: "The Handmaid's Tale"; Disney+: "The Mandalorian"

NordVPN

NordVPN is a popular choice for streaming due to its large server network and strong unblocking capabilities.

• Server Network: Extensive network with thousands of servers worldwide.
• Speed: Fast speeds for HD and 4K streaming.
• Unblocking: Effectively bypasses Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus restrictions.

3 NordVPN is consistently ranked as one of the best VPNs to use for streaming.

Interesting content: Netflix: "Squid Game"; Hulu: "Little Fires Everywhere"; Disney+: "WandaVision"

ExpressVPN

4 ExpressVPN is known for its exceptional speed and reliability, making it a top choice for streaming.

• Speed: Considered one of the fastest VPNs for streaming without buffering.
• Reliability: Consistent performance with minimal downtime.
• Compatibility: Wide range of supported devices.

ExpressVPN consistently delivers a premium streaming experience.

Interesting content: Netflix: "The Crown"; Hulu: "The Great"; Disney+: "Loki"

Surfshark

Surfshark offers a balance of affordability and performance, with strong streaming capabilities.

• Simultaneous Connections: Allows unlimited devices to connect at once.
• Unblocking: Works well with Netflix, Hulu, and Disney Plus.
• Price: Competitive pricing.

Surfshark is a great option for families or users with multiple devices.

Interesting content: Netflix: "Bridgerton"; Hulu: "Ramy"; Disney+: "The Falcon and the Winter Soldier"

CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN provides a user-friendly experience with servers optimized for streaming.

• Streaming-Optimized Servers: Dedicated servers for specific streaming platforms.
• Ease of Use: Simple and intuitive apps.
• Large Server Network: A wide variety of server locations.

CyberGhost is a good choice for users new to VPNs who want a hassle-free streaming experience.

Interesting content: Netflix: "Ozark"; Hulu: "Pen15"; Disney+: "Hawkeye"

UltraSurf

UltraSurf is a free VPN primarily focused on bypassing censorship.

• Free Access: It is a free service.
• Bypassing Censorship: Designed to bypass internet restrictions.
• Simple Interface: Very easy to use.

While it can be used for streaming, its capabilities are limited compared to paid VPN services.

Interesting content: Availability varies greatly depending on region and censorship.

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is known for its speed and proprietary Hydra protocol.

• Speed: Fast speeds for streaming.
• Hydra Protocol: Enhanced performance.
• User-Friendly: Easy to use interface.

Hotspot Shield is a solid choice for users who prioritize speed for streaming.

Interesting content: Netflix: "You"; Hulu: "Shrill"; Disney+: "Moon Knight"

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN focuses on privacy and security, offering reliable streaming capabilities.

• Privacy Focus: Strong encryption and no-logs policy.
• Secure Core: Enhanced security features.
• Streaming Performance: Good speeds and unblocking.

ProtonVPN is a good choice for users who want a secure VPN for streaming.

Interesting content: Netflix: "Dark"; Hulu: "Better Things"; Disney+: "Andor"

Norton VPN

Norton VPN is often bundled with Norton antivirus software.

• Bundled Service: Included with Norton products.
• Basic Functionality: Provides VPN features.
• User-Friendly: Easy to use.

Norton VPN is a convenient option for existing Norton users, but may not be the best choice for dedicated streaming.

Interesting content: Availability depends on the specific streaming service accessed.

HMA (Hide My Ass) VPN

HMA VPN has a large server network and offers decent streaming performance.

• Large Server Network: Servers in many countries.
• User-Friendly: Easy to use apps.
• Streaming: Can access various streaming services.

HMA VPN provides a good balance of features and server locations for streaming.

Interesting content: Netflix: "Peaky Blinders"; Hulu: "Brooklyn Nine-Nine"; Disney+: "The Simpsons"

What is the Best VPN to Use for Streaming?

The best VPN to use for streaming depends on your specific needs. If speed and reliability are your top priorities. Ultimately, the best VPN is the one that consistently provides fast speeds, reliable connections, and the ability to bypass the geo-restrictions of your desired streaming services.