Best VPN Services for Streaming Netflix, Hulu, and Max
MyGiftCardSupply has sold Hulu, Netflix, Max, and other streaming gift cards to customers around the world for years. One question comes up constantly: which VPN actually works for streaming?
The honest answer is that it depends on what you’re trying to do. Accessing a region-locked library, bypassing ISP throttling, and protecting your privacy while streaming are three different problems, and not every VPN solves all three equally well. We surveyed our own customers, compared the services they use most, and put together this breakdown to help you choose.
Updated March 2026 based on customer feedback and recent streaming platform behavior.
Top-Rated VPNs for Streaming in 2025
Best overall
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the top choice for customers who need a VPN that just works across multiple streaming platforms. It unblocks Netflix libraries across a wide range of regions, works reliably with Hulu, Max, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer, and maintains fast enough speeds for 4K without buffering. Its MediaStreamer DNS feature lets you use it on devices that do not natively support VPN apps, which is ideal for smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Servers in 105 countries, apps for every major platform, and consistently ranked first by independent reviewers for streaming reliability. Visit ExpressVPN →
Best for Netflix
NordVPN
NordVPN is the most widely used VPN among our streaming customers. Its SmartPlay technology is built specifically to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming services, and it consistently unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Max, and Amazon Prime Video across multiple regional libraries. Most users will not notice a speed difference from their regular connection.
Panama-based with a verified no-logs policy. 6,000+ servers across 111 countries. More affordable than some competitors, especially on annual plans, and a strong default choice for anyone whose primary goal is Netflix. Visit NordVPN →
Best value
Surfshark
Surfshark delivers solid streaming performance at the lowest monthly cost of any provider on this list. It unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Max, and most other major platforms, and one subscription covers unlimited devices simultaneously, which is ideal for households running multiple screens at once.
Based in the Netherlands, strict no-logs policy, 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. If budget is a factor, Surfshark is where we point people first. Visit Surfshark →
We also carry Surfshark VPN gift cards, which is a straightforward way to pay for a subscription without a credit card on file, or to give someone a year of solid VPN coverage as a gift.
Best Smart DNS service
Getflix
Getflix works differently from the VPNs above. It is a Smart DNS service first, with VPN capability as a secondary feature. Smart DNS routes only the location-specific traffic needed to bypass geo-restrictions, which means faster speeds and compatibility with devices that cannot run a VPN app natively, including smart TVs, gaming consoles, routers, and older streaming hardware.
The tradeoff is that Smart DNS does not encrypt your connection the way a full VPN does. If privacy is your primary concern, choose one of the options above. If you just want to access geo-restricted content on every device in your home without slowing anything down, Getflix is purpose-built for that. Visit Getflix →
VPNs and Netflix: What You Need to Know
Netflix actively detects and blocks VPN traffic, a policy it has enforced aggressively since 2016. Some VPNs are blocked outright, while others stay ahead with regular server updates. The services on this list have the strongest track records, but no VPN can guarantee access to every regional library at all times.
Keep in mind: if a server stops working, switching to a different server in the same country usually resolves it. ExpressVPN and NordVPN are generally the fastest to respond when Netflix pushes new detection updates.
Quick Comparison
Best overall: ExpressVPN
Most reliable across the most platforms.
Best for Netflix: NordVPN
SmartPlay is built specifically for streaming.
Best value: Surfshark
Lower cost, unlimited devices, and consistently solid performance.
Best for smart TVs and consoles: Getflix
Smart DNS works well on devices where VPN apps cannot.
Do you have a favorite?
If there is a VPN you rely on, or you are seeing different results than what we have reported here, we would love to hear from you. Send us a note on our customer support page and tell us what is working, or not working, for you. We review customer feedback regularly and use it to keep this guide current.
