Best VPN for streaming abroad: Why I use ExpressVPN

One of the main reasons I use a VPN is to keep watching my favourite TV shows from back home, even whilst on holiday in another country. Because, yes, we all deserve some TV downtime – no matter where we are!

Many streaming platforms either geo-block you, like British TV channels (such as iPlayer and Channel 4), or change your library to match where you are, meaning the programme you’re midway through could suddenly be inaccessible.

The good news is, a VPN can solve the issue. But, that being said, not all VPNs are good enough to unblock streaming sites or fast enough to make your programme viewable. So, to save you wasting precious programme-watching time, I’ve put together this guide to the best VPNs for streaming.

Read on to find out why ExpressVPN is my top pick. Alternatively, get stuck right in by signing up to ExpressVPN here

Why do you need a VPN for streaming abroad?

Many streaming services are geo-blocked, meaning you will either get locked out of the website or the library will update to reflect the location you are currently in.

For example, every country gets its own Netflix library, so the moment you open it up away from home, what you are able to watch changes. And that TV show you are midway through watching may disappear from the library! I’ve also been completely locked out of my Netflix account on numerous occasions, due to my account randomly being restricted in some countries.

British services are even stricter. BBC iPlayer, ITVX and Channel 4 are blocked entirely outside the UK, as they’re only licensed for viewers back home. If you try to play something from them whilst abroad, you’ll get a message telling you the content isn’t available in your location.

A VPN gets around these geo-blocks. You connect to a server back in your home country, and as far as the streaming service knows, you’re sitting at home. This then means that your usual library shows up, like normal. It works the same for other platforms, too, like Prime Video.

ExpressVPN: My top VPN for streaming

ExpressVPN is the VPN service I use for streaming abroad. It reliably unblocks the services I use (including Netflix and Channel 4), and it’s fast enough that I can avoid buffering screens.

I haven’t yet found a platform that ExpressVPN wasn’t able to unblock. I regularly use it for Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, and Prime Video, and it once got me through the entirety of The Sopranos on HBO whilst I was travelling around Latin America.

Thanks to their Lightway protocol, it connects quickly and holds a stable connection, so I can stream in HD without it dropping out.

With servers in 105 countries, you are highly likely to find the location you need! And if you want to watch on something that won’t take a VPN app, like a smart TV or games console, its MediaStreamer feature sorts that too.

Pricing starts from $2.49+/mo on a 2-year plan, across three tiers (Basic, Advanced and Pro), depending on how many extras you want. Every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more about ExpressVPN in my full review.

Features of ExpressVPN

• Works with all the major streaming services on every server
• Lightway protocol for fast, stable streaming
• MediaStreamer for smart TVs and games consoles
• Servers in 105 countries with TrustedServer (RAM-only) technology
• 10-14 simultaneous devices, depending on your plan
• Tracker blocker on all plans, with a password manager, ad blocker and identity monitoring on Advanced and Pro
• 30-day money-back guarantee

How the other streaming VPNs compare

ExpressVPN is my top pick for streaming, but depending on what you need, here are a few others you can check out.

NordVPN

NordVPN is another major VPN provider. It’s known for working well with Netflix, and it handles iPlayer, Disney+ and Prime Video well too. Speeds are quick, too, so streaming in HD isn’t a problem.

It’s got one of the largest server networks out there, with thousands of servers across 130+ countries, so there are plenty of libraries to pick from.

The only real downside is the higher price, starting from $3.09+/mo on a 2-year plan, a chunk more than ExpressVPN.

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is the one to look at if privacy is your main concern. It’s Swiss-based, fully open-source, and has a free plan with no data caps, which is rare. For streaming, though, you’ll need a paid plan, as the free version doesn’t support it.

On the paid plan, you get dedicated streaming servers that unblock Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video, plus coverage across over 120 countries.

It’s a solid all-rounder and pricing starts from $2.99+/mo on a 2-year plan.

KeepYourHomeIP

KeepYourHomeIP is a very different offering from the VPN providers on this list. Rather than connecting you to a VPN company’s servers, it gives you two little routers: one stays plugged in at home, and the other travels with you.

Connect to it abroad, and you get your actual home IP address, so your streaming accounts behave exactly as they would on your TV (and other home devices).

The catch is the price and the faff. The kit starts from around $328, plus an ongoing subscription, and you’ll need to set the router up at home on a decent broadband connection. It only ever gives you your home country, too, so it’s no good for hopping between different libraries.

Surfshark

Surfshark is the budget option. Starting from just $1.78+/mo, it’s the cheapest on this list, and it comes with unlimited device connections, which is brilliant if you want everyone in the household streaming on one subscription.

Speeds are solid, and it unblocks most major platforms, including Netflix and iPlayer. It’s just not quite as consistent as ExpressVPN, and it has fewer server locations, with 100 countries to choose from.

Streaming VPN comparison table

Here’s a side-by-side look at how all these VPN service providers compare when it comes to streaming, alongside other useful features.

Verdict: Why I use ExpressVPN

I’ve tried plenty of VPNs over the years, and ExpressVPN has been one of the most consistent for me throughout this time. When I’m abroad and just want to relax and watch something from home, it does exactly that.

The others may be worth checking out if you’ve got a specific need. Surfshark if you’re on a budget and want unlimited devices, NordVPN if you want the biggest server network, ProtonVPN if privacy is your priority, and KeepYourHomeIP if you’re away long-term and want your real home IP. But if you are after an all-rounder, ExpressVPN is the one for you!

When it comes to streaming, you want something that unblocks your services reliably, runs fast enough to watch your programmes seamlessly, and covers all your devices, without costing the earth. ExpressVPN ticks every box, with 10-14 devices on a single plan and prices from $2.79+/mo on a 2-year deal.

There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee too, so there’s no harm trying it before your next trip and seeing how you get on.