I tested three top VPNs specifically for streaming performance. Here is which one unblocks the most content with the best speeds.
Affiliate disclosure: I may earn a commission if you purchase through my link.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN |
|---|---|---|---|
| Netflix Libraries | 15+ | 12+ | 18+ |
| Disney+ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| BBC iPlayer | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Hulu | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Amazon Prime | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| 4K Streaming | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Speed (avg) | 485 Mbps | 410 Mbps | 450 Mbps |
| Simultaneous Devices | 10 | Unlimited | 8 |
| Monthly Price (2yr) | $3.39 | $2.19 | $6.67 |
Winner: NordVPN
NordVPN wins for streaming because of its SmartPlay technology, which automatically routes streaming traffic through optimized servers. I experienced zero buffering on 4K content across all tested platforms.
Detailed Testing
Netflix
All three VPNs unblock multiple Netflix libraries. NordVPN was the most consistent — I tested US, UK, Japan, and Australia libraries over two weeks with zero detection issues.
Surfshark occasionally got detected on the Japan library. ExpressVPN worked flawlessly but costs nearly double.
Disney+
All three work perfectly. No issues across US, UK, and Australia Disney+ libraries.
Speed for 4K Streaming
4K streaming requires at least 25 Mbps. All three VPNs exceed this easily, but NordVPN's NordLynx protocol delivered the fastest and most consistent speeds.
When to Choose Each
Choose NordVPN if:
- You want the best balance of speed, reliability, and price
- Streaming is your primary use case
- You need strong security features alongside streaming
Choose Surfshark if:
- Budget is your top priority ($2.19/mo is hard to beat)
- You need unlimited simultaneous connections
- You share your VPN with family
Choose ExpressVPN if:
- You need the widest Netflix library access
- You are in a heavily restricted country
- Money is not a concern
My Recommendation
For most people, NordVPN offers the best value for streaming. It is fast, reliable, and significantly cheaper than ExpressVPN while matching or exceeding its streaming capabilities.
Recommended Tools
Which VPN do you use for streaming? Share your experience below.
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