We’re pretty sure you’ve subscribed to at least one streaming service and encountered the issue “This content is not available in your region” or something similar. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? You pay for a subscription every month, but you get this feeling that you’re not getting the most out of it.
We totally get it as we’re subscribers as well. And since you’re here, you’ve probably heard of using VPN to bypass geo-restrictions imposed by these online entertainment platforms — and they’re not wrong.
So, in this read I’ll be sharing everything about virtual private networks for streaming services – what it is, how it works, its legality, and the recommended VPN for these platforms.
Let’s start!
What Is a VPN?
A virtual private network is a service that hides your online activity and allows you to access content from different regions of the world, as long as a server is available in that country or area. It does this by masking your IP address to make it appear like you are browsing from that location. It encrypts your connection, so cyber criminals can’t intercept your data.
This is primarily used for privacy and security purposes, but many users have found that it can also be used to bypass geo-restrictions on the web. It’s not just limited to streaming services though — it also works when you try to access a website or a blog article that’s only intended for a specific region.
How Does a VPN Work for Streaming Services?
A VPN works for broadcasting content by making it appear like you’re streaming from a specific region or country. For example, you live in the United States and you want to watch Korean dramas that aren’t available in the US library. Essentially, you’d connect to a server in Korea to see if they have a better K-drama library.
If the connection is successfully established, you should see something like this.
Now, simply login to your chosen streaming service, such as Netflix or DIRECTV STREAM, and you should be able to see their library without any problem. However, it’s important to understand that not all proxy servers are equipped to bypass geo-restrictions, especially the free ones. You should look for a reputable one that has been proven to work with streaming services before subscribing to one. This way, you won’t waste your money, as a VPN subscription can be expensive.
Is It Legal to Use a VPN for Streaming Services?
The legality of using a VPN to bypass geo-restrictions depends on the video-sharing platform you use. Some providers don’t mind their users using VPNs, while others do. You have to keep in mind that geo-restrictions are in place to protect licensing agreements and make sure content is distributed according to regional rights. It’s important to respect the terms and conditions of each streaming service to prevent any issues.
It’s actually a great example of just because you can, doesn’t mean you should. But over the years of streamers using VPNs to watch content, there hasn’t been any documented major legal action against individuals for using it to bypass geo-restrictions.
Recommended VPN for Streaming Services by the Reddit Community
Reddit has always been a great source of information from people around the world, so we’ve taken advantage of this to check which VPNs have been the most reputable when it comes to OTT platforms. Personally, we’ve been using NordVPN for years, and we can vouch for it 100% for everything, including streaming, but we don’t want to limit your options, so we’ve come prepared.
According to the top subreddits, here are the top VPNs for streaming services:
NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the leading names in the VPN market, and it’s rightfully given to them. As we’ve mentioned above, we’ve used NordVPN for quite some time, and we have had no problems with it since day 1. Well, we’ve encountered a few hiccups here and there, specifically with connection stability, but it was just a handful of times and it didn’t really create a major problem on our end.
When it comes to the price, it’s more expensive than other options as it costs $12.99 for the standard plan, $13.99 for the plus plan, and $15.99 for the ultimate plan. But all plans have access to over 5,000 servers, which means you’ll get access to many content libraries worldwide.
The best part about NordVPN is how effective it is to bypass geo-restrictions. And it doesn’t just do that, it also makes sure you experience a smooth experience while you’re at it. VPNs are notorious for slowing down internet connection, which is not ideal for watching movies because you’ll deal with constant buffering and lower video quality. But with Nord, you won’t experience it.
Surfshark
Surfshark is another trusted name when it comes to VPNs. It’s a more affordable alternative to NordVPN that is also great for streaming. The major selling point of this VPN is its unlimited device support, which is a big plus if you have a lot of devices or share your account with other people.
Surfshark offers three plans – Starter, One, and One+. Starter costs $15.45, One costs $15.95, and One+ costs $17.95 per month, that’s if you choose to pay monthly. But if you opt for a 12-month or 24-month subscription, you can enjoy bigger discounts and free extra months, with you only paying $2-$6 a month.
According to Surfshark users, they are satisfied with their subscription because the performance is great. It delivers what is needed, a.k.a stable and reliable connection while bypassing geo-restrictions without paying for a premium. It has 3,200 servers in 100 countries, which is also an excellent number for those who want to maximize their streaming subscriptions.
IPVanish
IPVanish is also one of the most recommended VPNs for streaming services on Reddit. Its performance competes with NordVPN and Surfshark, and the price point isn’t that bad too. It also offers unlimited device connections, which allows you to use the VPN on all your devices at the same time and even share the account with your friends.
An IPVanish subscription costs $12.99 per month, but if you choose the annual plan, you’ll only pay $3.33 per month. The best deal would be the 2-year plan, which will only cost you $2.19 a month. It’s one of the most affordable options out there that can actually deliver reliability and consistency.
Do You Know?
The Global VPN market has reached a staggering valuation of $62.73 billion, and it is projected to grow to 125.94 billion by 2028.
Is It Worth Getting a VPN for Streaming Services?
Yes, it’s worth getting a VPN for streaming services and for your online security as well. Aside from bypassing geo-restrictions and expanding your content library. While you’re at it, make sure to maximize the security features offered by your chosen VPN so you can make the most out of your subscription, especially if you’re planning to keep it for a long time.
Final Thoughts
Using a VPN for streaming services is a smart way to maximize your streaming platform. Just remember to check your service’s terms and conditions to make sure that using this kind of tool isn’t prohibited. Other than that, just enjoy all the content you’re about to watch. That’s the most important part. Have fun!
Gaurav Rathore
