Does anyone really use old-timey cable TV anymore? With the high rise in streaming services, I believe it has managed to wipe out cable TV services almost completely. This is also because local cable TV got a little more expensive and restricted.
For instance, one local service gives you a few channels to watch, with the same movies aired over and over again at times. Very rarely will you find new movies or a variety of TV shows to watch.
Due to this reason, users are now looking for the best streaming services to get access to the best movies and TV shows. However, it’s a sad fact that most streaming services are geo-locked. Its availability depends on the country you’re in or according to your region.
For instance, Amazon Prime is available in the USA and a few other territories. To unblock it abroad, you need the best Amazon Prime VPN. The same is the case for other streaming platforms.
In the case of Netflix, it’s available globally, but its libraries are region-locked. If you’re in Singapore, you can only stream content from your local Netflix library. To watch movies, shows, or documentaries from another Netflix country library, you will need to change your IP address.
Again, a reliable VPN can help with this. However, not just any VPN provider works. This guide will show you how to choose the best VPN for streaming services, how to use it, and other issues you may encounter with it.
How to Choose the Best VPN to Unlock Streaming Services
As mentioned, streaming services are now everyone’s go-to for home entertainment, especially on weekends. However, with the rise in streaming services comes geo-restricted content.
This also triggers data privacy concerns if you stream on an illegal website. That being using a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a valuable tool for streamers.
Even though that is true, countless VPN providers are circling the internet. Choosing one is impossible, while most claim to offer the best services but end up just stealing data and your money.
If choosing the best VPN for streaming is overwhelming, here’s a short guide showing you how to navigate the options to find a secure yet affordable one:
1. Unblocking Abilities
These depend on two factors:
- Server Network: the best VPN is one with not a huge server network but rather one with the best servers to unlock the most streaming services or apps. It needs to offer servers in multiple countries. This way, you can access streaming apps like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and more that are restricted locally and abroad.
- Bypasses Geo-Restrictions: when choosing a VPN, also ensure that it is able to unblock content libraries. For example, most streaming services might be available in your location, but you can only access the local library. With the help of a VPN, you would be able to bypass content library restrictions.
2. Device Compatibility and UI
Other than global servers for streaming, choosing a VPN that supports all your devices is important:
- Supported Devices: the VPN you select needs to offer apps for all your streaming devices. It needs to be the best VPN for Android, Windows, iOS, macOS, Firestick, and other devices. Plus, the UI of the apps should be clear-cut with simple navigation.
- Multiple-device connections: Most users stream using multiple devices. The VPN you select needs to offer multiple device connections and simple installation.
3. Speed and Performance
Streaming takes bandwidth, and if it lags, there’s no proper experience. Here’s how to choose a VPN in regard to speed:
- Fast Speeds: streaming, as mentioned, requires a stable connection. If you’ve paid for fast speeds, your ISP can throttle it, causing lagging or buffering issues. Choose a VPN with unlimited bandwidth servers. However, short-distance VPN servers are the best for best results.
- Low Latency: if the latency is high, expect issues while streaming. A VPN that helps lower latency is what you’re looking for.
4. Security Features
Security and privacy features are crucial for VPNs. here’s how to choose one:
- Encryption and other features: ensure the VPN comes with military-grade encryption, a Kill Switch, WireGuard protocol, Ad-Block, Split Tunneling, and other features that are required.
- No-Logs Policy: other than privacy and security features, the VPN you choose should have a solid no-logs policy and must be audited. This helps ensure optimal data protection. In short, it guarantees that your data is not tracked or stored.
5. Affordability & Reliability
The next way to choose the best VPN to unblock streaming services is one that is affordable and that you can rely on:
- Subscription plans: all VPNs are different and have various subscription packages. Choose a VPN that offers affordable plans. Plus, if there’s a money-back guarantee, it’s a plus point.
- Customer Support: a very crucial factor of any top VPN service is good customer support. The VPN you choose must be reliable enough to answer all questions and queries.
By considering these factors, you can choose the best VPN to unblock the best streaming services or access streaming websites safely. It doesn’t matter which country you’re in; always go for a premium provider.
How Do You Use a VPN for Streaming?
The process is pretty straightforward. Here is how you can use the best VPN to access your streaming apps from anywhere:
- Choose the best VPN service. Once you do, create your account with it.
- Download and install the software on the device you’re using it for.
- Launch the VPN app and sign in.
- Now, connect to the best server according to the streaming website or app you want to access.
- Sign up for the streaming app if you don’t have an account.
- Sign in and start streaming.
Streaming VPN Not Working – Fix the Issue
You’ve got your VPN app for unblocking the best streaming services or unlocking regional libraries. You signed in, and it’s not working. What do you do? When these issues occur, and your VPN is not working, here are some tips to try:
- Update your device and check for any bugs or outdated system software.
- Update your VPN app. Sometimes, older versions perform poorly.
- Check to see if your internet and device are connected properly.
- Change the VPN server you’re using. Some servers are overcrowded.
- Disable any other software that might interfere with its performance.
To Conclude
So, are streaming services geo-restricted in most countries? The answer is yes; there are quite a few that are. What you need to do is get yourself the best VPN and access them. We’ve shown you how to choose one, and we’ve also shown you tips on how to fix connection errors if the VPN is not working. Other than this, never go for free VPN providers. They just won’t work.