Every cord-cutting guide on the internet recommends users to use a VPN. But why do they recommend it? What are the benefits of using VPN services for streaming? Plus, what are the downsides of using a VPN for streaming?
Find answers to these questions in this comprehensive-yet-concise guide on whether you need a VPN or not for streaming. But first, let’s briefly understand what VPN is?
What is a VPN?
VPN, short for virtual private network, establishes a protected network and redirects your connection, hiding your anonymity. Creating an encrypted tunnel for your data gives you anonymity and privacy — hides your IP address from your ISP, government agencies, and streaming services.
This same feature — anonymity — hides your location and allows you to mask your location to somewhere else. Of course, this is an elementary description of a VPN. As the technology advances, VPN vendors are adding tons of additional features to protect you online and safeguard your internet connection. But we will not discuss all that here.
Do you really need a VPN for streaming? — The Benefits and Drawbacks
To answer this question, let’s learn what VPN brings to the table. There are several benefits of utilizing a VPN:
- Access geo-restricted services
One of the biggest benefits of a VPN is it allows you to mask your location. For instance, you can select the UK servers while sitting at your home in the US. The benefit: streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Videos, and Hulu have some restricted content that you cannot view from your location. The same goes for other streaming apps, games, or internet services. Means that whatever app you find in the overall list of firestick apps guide — will give you access to more content for the same price.
- Get Access to Live TV and Sports
While you can add extensions like Kodi even without a VPN, using a VPN allows you to add plugins that host free content like Live Sports and TV. Meaning, that you can access content that otherwise is available to premium users only. Moreover, some of the sports that are available to local users only will be accessible to you.
- Eliminates any bandwidth limitations imposed by ISP.
Internet service providers are known to reduce the bandwidth speed on streaming services, thus, limiting the video quality on streaming services. However, by making your connection private and secure, a VPN service allows you to restore the original internet speed and gives you access to stream videos in FHD and UHD seamlessly.
- VPN Allows You to Stream Securely on Public Wi-Fi Networks.
Afraid of streaming on public networks, fearing the man-in-the-middle attacks? Well, a VPN secures your connection. So, you can stream via public networks without fearing anything.
The only problem with a “bad” VPN service:
If you do not opt for reliable VPN services, your bandwidth will be affected badly. That is why it is best to choose a VPN service that is famous and respected among users. The reason: if users recommend the VPN, it means they haven’t faced any issues with the recommended VPN services.
Do you really need a VPN for streaming?
As you see, the benefits of VPN are several. You can access restricted content, limit any buffering imposed by your ISP, and secure your internet connection. So, yes. You need a VPN if you want to access more content on streaming services as well as secure your internet connection.
Nevertheless, if you do not mind the limited content and reduced speed, you do not need a VPN.
Considering a VPN for streaming?
As mentioned, you cannot choose any VPN for streaming. You will need a VPN service that is made, keeping the streaming factor in mind. And given the fact that there are tons of VPN services online, it cannot be easy to choose the best one for you.
That is why we have reviewed all the VPN services and came up with the three best VPN services for you:
- ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN service of all on the internet. Not reducing the speed much, ExpressVPN comes with unlimited bandwidth and allows you to stream any content that you want. Moreover, it has more than 3000 servers across 95 countries, meaning you can change the server from anywhere and access the restricted content from across the world. Additionally, it also allows you to use the services on five devices simultaneously, meaning everyone in your family can use it seamlessly. Furthermore, be it Android TV, Windows, Mac, iOS, or Android — ExpressVPN is available on all devices.
- NordVPN
Used by some 14 million users across the world, NordVPN is the most popular VPN service on the internet. It has 5426 ultra-fast servers in 60 countries all around the world, meaning be it the US content or UK content — a VPN allows you to stream anything. Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN also provides unlimited bandwidth, and the speed is high enough that you stream Netflix in 4K. Moreover, NordVPN comes with other features like a Password manager, Dedicated IP, Obfuscated servers for torrents, and more.
- IPVanish
Another fast VPN service, IPVanish is one of the best VPN services available for the users. You can browse privately, change your IP, and access geo-restricted content with a click of a button, as it has 75 locations across 55 countries. And the best thing about IPVanish is that it allows you to use the VPN on unlimited devices simultaneously. Plus, it supports all devices including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
Conclusion,
A VPN brings some added benefits like access to geo-restricted content, limited buffering, and protection of your internet connections. Moreover, given the competition in the market, even the popular vendors like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and IpVanish have very low pricing. That means you access all these benefits for a meager price.
All in all, a VPN is the way to go if you are willing to spend a couple of bucks.
