Best VPN for IPTV in 2024: Streaming Services Unblocked

Key Takeaways: These Are the Best VPNs for IPTV Content
  1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for IPTV providers
  2. NordVPN — Fastest VPN for IPTV streaming
  3. Surfshark — IPTV VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections
  4. Proton VPN — Feature-rich VPN for IPTV streaming
  5. CyberGhost — Cheap VPN for IPTV providers  

Facts & Expert Analysis About Internet Protocol Television

  • IPTV platforms have region-specific content rights: IPTV platforms can face consequences for allowing users to access content that’s not available in their country. Therefore, if you’re in the U.S., you can’t view content available on Netflix U.K.
  • VPNs can help circumvent geoblocks: VPNs can help you access geoblocked content. VPNs that cycle in new IP addresses can more effectively circumvent geoblocks because IPTVs track and block IP addresses known to be associated with VPNs.
  • Not all IPTV services are legal: Some IPTV services don’t have the rights to distribute content hosted on their website. In some cases, these websites could infect your device with malware, so choose your IPTV service carefully.

IPTV (Internet Protocol television) has gained significant traction in recent years. Any service that offers video streaming using the Internet Protocol (IP) — including major services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Hulu — are IPTV providers. The content available on IPTV differs by location. The best VPN for IPTV can help you gain unrestricted access to content on IPTV services.

VPNs mask your actual IP address with another IP address located in a different country. This allows you to access the content library available in that region. For example, if you’re in the U.K. and want to access Netflix U.S., connecting to a U.S. server using a VPN will allow you to access the U.S. library.

Of course, nothing is ever that black and white. IPTVs like Netflix and BBC iPlayer are constantly deploying powerful mechanisms to block VPN usage, and not all VPNs can circumvent these blocks. In this guide, we discuss the best VPNs for IPTV streaming. 

  • 10/12/2023

    Updated the article to reflect ExpressVPN’s recent increase of 5 simultaneous connections to 8.

  • 07/24/2024 Facts checked

    We rewrote this article with updated information to reflect changes in the VPNs’ offerings and performance. We also added new information based on our most recent tests.

Cloudwards Choice: ExpressVPN

Arjun Ruparelia is a Cloudwards expert in VPNs, online privacy and streaming.

In my testing for this article, ExpressVPN unblocked global libraries on all the popular IPTV services and delivered a great streaming experience. You can use ExpressVPN on most streaming devices or install it on your router to use it on devices that lack support. The VPN provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you don’t like the service, you can claim a full refund.

The 5 Best IPTV VPNs Compared

1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for IPTV Streaming

expressvpn iptv

ExpressVPN offers excellent speeds and unblocking capabilities.

Pros:

  • Fast servers
  • MediaStreamer smart DNS
  • Unblocks major streaming apps

ExpressVPN is a premium VPN that effectively unblocks all major streaming platforms. We’ve almost never had problems accessing IPTV websites, including Hypersonic TV and Nikon IPTV. It can also unblock apps like TikTok and Spotify where they’re banned. The VPN’s unblocking abilities, fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth make it our top pick for IPTV streaming.

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In addition to basics like a kill switch and split tunneling, ExpressVPN offers best-in-class VPN protocols and security features. The VPN also has a strict no-logs policy, which means you never have to worry about your personal data falling into the wrong hands.

ExpressVPN Hands-On Testing

ExpressVPN is a reliable VPN that offers a beginner-friendly, intuitive user interface. The two most common operations in a VPN app — activating the VPN connection and changing the server — are accessible from the home screen. There’s also a quick launcher on the home screen that helps you easily open your favorite apps or URLs.

expressvpn interface

ExpressVPN offers a beginner-friendly interface.

Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Speed Test Results
Download Speed (Higher is better)Upload Speed (Higher is better)Latency (Lower is better)

We’ve tested ExpressVPN on multiple occasions, and it has consistently performed well. It’s fast enough to help you stream IPTV content in 4K without buffering. However, if you need even more speed, try switching to the Lightway protocol to improve overall performance.

Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Unblocking Capability Test Results
IPTV Providers: Unblocked?

No matter which IPTV service you want to access, ExpressVPN has your back. There are servers across all major locations, including the U.S., the U.K. and Japan. If you want to stream content on BBC iPlayer or watch anime on Netflix, ExpressVPN can help. It also offers a built-in smart DNS feature called MediaStreamer that helps improve streaming performance.

Notes From the Lab: ExpressVPN Security Analysis
expressvpn dns leak test

We didn’t see any DNS leaks when testing ExpressVPN.

Protocol: Encryption Devices
OpenVPN -AES-256



IKEv2 -AES-256
Lightway -AES-256
-ChaCha20




ExpressVPN Pricing & Value

ExpressVPN is expensive, but it’s worth it if you don’t mind paying a little extra for the top VPN. The best deal — the annual plan — costs $6.66 per month. You can try ExpressVPN using its 30-day money-back guarantee; If you’re not fully satisfied, you can claim a refund. To learn more about ExpressVPN, read our comprehensive ExpressVPN review.

ExpressVPN Plans

2. NordVPN — Fastest VPN for Watching IPTV

nordvpn IPTV

NordVPN offers the fastest connection speeds, according to our speed tests.

Pros:

  • Fastest VPN
  • Extensive feature set
  • Budget-friendly long-term plans

Cons:

  • No split tunneling on Mac

NordVPN is often compared with ExpressVPN because it offers similar performance, with great security, an extensive feature set and the ability to unblock all streaming platforms. In fact, NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs on the market. This is great news for users who are used to watching IPTV content in high definition.

The app offers a range of features to protect your connection and device against common threats. Features like “web protection” and “vulnerability detection” protect you from malware, trackers and vulnerable apps on your device.

NordVPN Hands-On Testing

The home screen features a map in the background and a list of servers, making it easy to find and connect to servers closer to your location. However, there are quite a few buttons in the left-hand sidebar, which makes the interface look a tad intimidating. Since there are so many features packed into the VPN app, beginners might find navigating it a little difficult at first.

nordvpn interface

NordVPN offers an extensive interface, but it’s not exactly beginner-friendly.

Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Speed Test Results
Download Speed (Higher is better)Upload Speed (Higher is better)Latency (Lower is better)

NordVPN was the fastest VPN during our speed tests; we noticed drops in speed of less than 10% when connected to a nearby server. Even on servers on the other side of the world, we achieved speeds of up to 80% of our unprotected speeds. If you want to stream content in 4K or 8K via an IPTV provider, NordVPN is one of the best options.

Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Unblocking Capability Test Results
IPTV Providers: Unblocked?

NordVPN unblocks all major streaming platforms. Like ExpressVPN, NordVPN has its own smart DNS service, called SmartPlay. Whereas ExpressVPN lets you enable and disable its smart DNS service, SmartPlay is baked into all NordVPN servers. This means you’re always using SmartPlay when connected to a NordVPN server.

Notes From the Lab: NordVPN Security Analysis
nordvpn dns leak test

We tested NordVPN for DNS leaks with the OpenVPN
protocol and the results were clean.

Protocol: Encryption Devices
OpenVPN -AES-256



IKEv2 -AES-256
NordLynx -ChaCha20



NordVPN Pricing & Value

NordVPN offers great value for the money given its performance and feature set. The best deal — the two-year plan — costs $3.55 per month. You can try NordVPN risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee, or learn more about the service in our NordVPN review.

Basic

  • *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 10
  • Yes

Plus

  • *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 10
  • Yes

Ultimate

  • *The prices are charged in the first billing cycle only. Renewal prices vary.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 10
  • Yes

3. Surfshark — VPN with Unlimited Simultaneous Connections

surfshark IPTV

Surfshark is a great choice if you want to invest in an IPTV VPN as a
group because it offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

Pros:

  • Fast connection speeds
  • Great unblocking capability
  • Unlimited device connections

Cons:

  • High latency on nearby servers

Surfshark is one of the few VPNs on the market that offers unlimited simultaneous connections. It also offers unlimited bandwidth, which means you can share your Surfshark account with as many fellow IPTV streamers as you want without worrying about dips in performance.

Our tests showed that Surfshark is an excellent VPN for streaming IPTV content; it can access all major IPTV websites and offers great speeds. In addition to its great streaming capabilities, Surfshark offers extensive security features, making it a well-rounded VPN solution for almost any type of user.

Surfshark Hands-On Testing

Though the Surfshark VPN app takes a few extra seconds to launch, the interface is great overall. A quick connect button and a server list are on the home screen, as is the option to switch between various types of servers. The sidebar includes extras like antivirus and data breach monitoring, and you’ll find VPN-related options in the “settings” tab.

surfshark interface

Surfshark offers a unique interface with plenty of features on its home screen.

Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Speed Test Results
Download Speed (Higher is better)Upload Speed (Higher is better)Latency (Lower is better)

Surfshark closely trailed behind ExpressVPN and NordVPN in our speed tests. It is fast enough for streaming IPTV content in 4K, but the latency tends to be high even on many nearby servers. This shouldn’t be a major problem if you’re not a frequent gamer, making video calls or using the connection for activities where two devices need to be in sync.

Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Unblocking Capability Test Results
IPTV Providers: Unblocked?

We’ve tested Surfshark multiple times, and it has always been able to unblock all major IPTV providers, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Disney Plus. The video may take a few seconds to load if the latency is high, but you’re unlikely to experience any buffering once you start streaming.

Notes From the Lab: Surfshark Security Analysis
surfshark dns leak test

We tested Surfshark using WireGuard and didn’t see any DNS leaks.

Protocol: Encryption Devices
OpenVPN -AES-256


IKEv2 -AES-256

WireGuard -ChaCha20


Surfshark Pricing & Value

Surfshark is a low-cost VPN. Its best deal — the two-year plan — costs $2.49 per month. Sign up for a paid plan to try out Surfshark. If you don’t like it, you can claim a full refund with the 30-day money-back guarantee. Our Surfshark review has more details.

Surfshark Starter

  • Unlimited GB bandwidth,
    Unlimited devices,
    Secure VPN,
    Ad blocker,
    Cookie pop-up blocker.
    Plans renew: $231.75 for one year, $417.15 for two years
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited
  • Yes

Surfshark One

  • Everything in Starter, plus
    Antivirus protection,
    Identity protection,
    Email Breach and Credit Card Alerts,
    Online Alias
    Plans renew: $239.25 for one year, $430.65 for two years.
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited

Surfshark One+

  • Everything in One, plus
    Data removal
    Plans renew: $269.25 for one year, $404.65 for two years
  • Unlimited GB
  • Unlimited

4. Proton VPN — Feature-Rich IPTV VPN

protonvpn IPTV

Proton VPN offers an excellent feature set.

Pros:

  • Great speeds
  • Extensive feature set
  • Unblocks all IPTV platforms

Proton VPN is a secure VPN with an extensive feature set that includes Secure Core servers, malware blocking and split tunneling. The VPN also helps keep you safe when using public WiFi — it offers the best encryption protocols and ciphers to ensure security.

Another benefit is that Proton VPN comes from the larger “Proton” family, and you could upgrade your plan to include Proton Mail, Calendar, Drive and Pass (a password manager) for an all-in-one security suite.

Proton VPN Hands-On Testing

Proton VPN packs in plenty of options on the home screen. The map on the right helps you find server locations, and a server list is docked to the left. The left panel also includes a quick connect button and features like a kill switch, Secure Core servers and NetShield. The interface is not exactly beginner-friendly, but it’s not overly complicated, either.

protonvpn interface

Proton VPN offers a well-designed interface with plenty
of options available right on its home screen.

Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN Speed Test Results
Location Ping
ms
Download
Mbps
Upload
Mbps
Unprotected 19 19.96 5.94
🇺🇸 United States 26 19.43 5.55
🇬🇧 United Kingdom 299 18.46 5.45
🇧🇷 Brazil 392 15.77 4.82
🇸🇬 Singapore 540 14.47 3.40
🇿🇦 South Africa 604 13.27 5.40
🇦🇺 Australia 523 17.53 5.09
Average 397 16.49 4.95

Proton VPN offers impressive speeds. We didn’t notice any buffering while streaming content during our tests. Latency remains acceptable on nearby servers but shoots up significantly when you connect to a distant server.

Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN Unblocking Capability Test Results
IPTV Providers: Unblocked?

Despite the lack of obfuscation, Proton VPN effectively unblocks all IPTV platforms. You can stream geoblocked content on streaming sites like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. However, if you’re on the free plan, the libraries you can access may be limited due to limited access to server locations.

Notes From the Lab: Proton VPN Security Analysis
protonvpn dns leak test

Proton VPN came out clean during our VPN tests.

Protocol: Encryption Devices
OpenVPN -AES-256

IKEv2 -AES-256
Stealth -AES-256 *

WireGuard -ChaCha20


*Monterey or earlier

Proton VPN Pricing & Value

Proton VPN offers a free plan that includes unlimited data and access to servers in five countries — the U.S., the Netherlands, Japan, Romania and Poland. However, you can’t select a server yourself; Proton VPN selects one for you based on your physical location. 

Of Proton VPN’s paid plans, the best deal is the two-year plan, which costs $4.49 per month. A 30-day money-back guarantee covers all plans, so you can try Proton VPN risk-free. Read our Proton VPN review to learn more.

Plus

  • Renewal prices are different after the first year for the 1-year plan, and after the second year for the 2-year plan.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 10
  • Yes

5. CyberGhost — Cheap VPN for IPTV Streaming

cyberghost IPTV

CyberGhost offers a large server network.

Pros:

  • Budget-friendly
  • Up to 45-day refund
  • Extensive server network

CyberGhost’s massive server network features thousands of servers spread across more than 100 countries. The VPN offers various features to help you stream content on IPTV websites and secure your internet traffic, such as dedicated IPs, RAM-only servers, malware and ad blockers, and streaming-optimized servers.

However, CyberGhost isn’t the fastest VPN out there. If you don’t mind the marginally slow connection speeds and like the idea of saving a few extra dollars per year, CyberGhost is an excellent choice.

CyberGhost Hands-On Testing 

CyberGhost has one of the best desktop VPN apps out there. You can view the full interface or shrink it and attach it to the system tray with the click of a button. When viewing the full interface, you see a quick connect button, connection details and the option to switch between server types. Most options are tucked away in a separate section, keeping the home screen clean.

cyberghost interface

CyberGhost’s desktop app is smartly designed and is one of the best on the market.

Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Speed Test Results
Download Speed (Higher is better)Upload Speed (Higher is better)Latency (Lower is better)

CyberGhost isn’t the fastest VPN around, but it’s sufficiently fast to help you stream IPTV content in standard definition. To remedy its slow speeds, consider connecting to a server that has a low server load and is closer to your location. CyberGhost lets you sort servers based on distance and server load to help you easily find the best option.

Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Unblocking Capability Test Results
IPTV Providers: Unblocked?
*
*Works sometimes

CyberGhost unblocks all IPTV platforms, but we had to switch servers a few times to connect to BBC iPlayer. The VPN offers streaming-optimized servers, which are more effective at unblocking streaming sites. We recommend using these servers instead of the general ones.

Notes From the Lab: CyberGhost Security Analysis
cyberghost dns leak test

CyberGhost came out clean when we tested it for DNS leaks.

Protocol: Encryption Devices
OpenVPN -AES-256

IKEv2 -AES-256

WireGuard -ChaCha20



CyberGhost Pricing & Value

CyberGhost is the cheapest VPN option on our list. The best deal — the two-year plan — costs $2.37 per month. The monthly plan comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee, while the six-month and two-year plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee. This means there’s no risk in trying out CyberGhost VPN. If you want more information, head over to our CyberGhost review.

CyberGhost Plans

  • *The 2-year plan includes 4-months free which breaks down the 56.94 t0 $2.03 per month.
    *The price under the 2-year plan is billed yearly after the first two years.
  • Unlimited GB
  • 7
  • Yes

Our Methodology: How to Choose the Best VPNs for Watching IPTV Channels

We test VPNs on multiple fronts to find the best VPNs for IPTV, and you should pay attention to this criteria when choosing the best IPTV VPN services. For this guide, we tested the VPNs based on the following criteria. 

  • Speed: Speed is critical for an enjoyable streaming experience. Even if a VPN can unblock IPTV libraries, you won’t enjoy streaming if the video buffers every few seconds. We run speed tests using VPNs across multiple servers to gauge their performance.
  • Security: Security ensures that neither hackers nor the government can read your data even if they manage to intercept it. A secure VPN ensures you don’t fall victim to attacks. We look for a combination of strong encryption protocols and security features before recommending a VPN.
  • Content Unblocking: To watch IPTV libraries in other countries, you need a VPN that can effectively unblock your favorite IPTV services. We test VPNs to unblock all the popular online streaming services and recommend only ones that can unblock almost every major service out there.
  • Usability: Some VPNs are too complex to use, especially for beginners. We like VPN interfaces that prioritize user-friendliness. We use VPNs on a daily basis to test them, so we know which VPNs people are more likely to find easy to use.

Can You Use a Free VPN to Stream IPTV Content?

Yes, you can use a good free VPN like PrivadoVPN to stream IPTV content. However, we normally recommend staying away from random free VPNs you can find by searching in an app store or on Google. Most of these VPNs are slow and ineffective at unblocking IPTVs, and some of them may even infect your device with malware.

The Best Free VPN for IPTV Streaming: PrivadoVPN

PrivadoVPN unblocks popular IPTVs, including King IPTV and ResleekTV. It offers 10GB of data at unlimited speeds on the free plan, with slower speeds beyond that. It’s secure, has a great interface and has plenty of features, as our PrivadoVPN review reveals. The performance and offerings on PrivadoVPN’s free plan make it the best free VPN for IPTV streaming.

How to Use a VPN for Streaming IPTV

The process of using a VPN to stream IPTV content is similar to using it for any other purpose. However, if this is your first time, the quick guide below goes over how to use a VPN for IPTV streaming. We’ll use ExpressVPN for this example.

  1. Download and Install ExpressVPN

    Sign up for a good VPN. Log in to your account, and download and install the VPN app on your device.

    get-expressvpn
  2. Connect to a VPN Server

    Connect to a VPN server based on the IPTV service library you want to access. For example, connect to a U.S. server if you want to access Netflix U.S.

    expressvpn us server
  3. Access the IPTV Website

    Access the IPTV website once you’re connected to a U.S. server and log in. You should see the U.S. library. For example, Pluto TV isn’t available in countries like India. However, you’ll be able to access Pluto TV when connected to a U.S. server.

    pluto tv

Why You Need a VPN to Access IPTV Content

Popular IPTVs like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video have rights to offer content only in specific regions. This means you may see a different collection of movies and shows depending on where you are. In some countries, IPTVs may be banned or inaccessible. For example, BBC iPlayer isn’t available outside the U.K.

A VPN can help you acquire another country’s IP address by connecting to a server there. When you access an IPTV’s website with another country’s IP address, the IPTV website will think you’re physically located in that country and grant you access to that country’s content library. 

VPNs also keep you safe when accessing unlicensed or unauthorized IPTV services like BestBuyIPTV, which can infect your device or steal information.

IPTV Not Working With a VPN? 6 Easy Fixes

If you’re unable to unblock a content library using a VPN, try the following:

  1. Switch servers: Often, just switching to another server or using a VPN’s streaming-optimized server, if available, does the trick.
  2. Use the website instead of the app: Use the IPTV’s website instead of the app on your device.
  3. Use incognito mode, log in and refresh: Launch an incognito browser tab and log in to an IPTV platform. Next, launch the VPN and connect to a server. Once the VPN is connected, refresh the IPTV website while you’re logged in. You should now see a different content library based on the server you’re connected to.
  4. Disable GPS: Disable your device’s GPS. If your GPS and IP address show a conflicting location, the IPTV might not let you access the library you want.
  5. Clear cookies: IPTV platforms store information on your browser when you log in. Clearing cookies can help flush this information. This can help unblock content libraries on streaming platforms.
  6. Change protocols: Switching your VPN protocol might do the trick in some cases. For example, if you’re using IKEv2, try switching to OpenVPN and see if that helps.

Final Thoughts: Unblock IPTV Services With a VPN

A VPN can help you gain access to all your favorite movies and TV shows by getting past geo-restrictions on IPTV websites. The best IPTV VPNs effectively circumvent geoblocks on all major IPTV websites and offer an excellent, interruption-free streaming experience. We recommend ExpressVPN, but you could consider low-cost options like NordVPN and Surfshark.

Have you used a VPN to unblock an IPTV website before? Which VPN did you use, and what was your streaming experience like? Let us know in the comments below. As always, thank you for reading.

FAQ: Best IPTV VPN

  • IPTV (Internet Protocol television) is a technical term used for services that offer television content over the internet. While traditional TV content reaches your television via a fiber-optic cable, IPTV services deliver content via an internet connection. All streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and Hulu, are IPTV services.


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