Why Use a VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic and makes it appear you are connecting from a different country. Three main reasons travelers use one in the US:
- Stream home content: BBC iPlayer, Netflix home library, ITV, Stan (AU), RaiPlay (IT) etc. geoblock by IP
- Public Wi-Fi security: Starbucks, hotels, airports — public Wi-Fi can expose your data
- Privacy: Your ISP, mobile carrier and Wi-Fi provider can see everything you do
NordVPN
$3-5/month, best all-rounder.
Our top pick. 5,000+ servers worldwide, reliable streaming access to almost every service, fast speeds, double-encryption for the security-conscious. Threat Protection blocks ads and trackers. 2-year plans are cheapest at around $3.99/month.
Surfshark
$2-3/month, unlimited devices.
Unique in allowing unlimited simultaneous devices on one plan — great for families. Slightly less reliable for streaming than NordVPN but cheaper. 3,200+ servers.
ExpressVPN
$6-8/month, fastest speeds.
Premium-priced but consistently the fastest VPN for streaming in tests. 3,000+ servers. British Virgin Islands jurisdiction. Best for heavy 4K streamers.
Proton VPN
Free plan available, Swiss privacy.
Made by the Proton Mail team in Switzerland. Generous free plan (3 server countries, limited speeds). Paid plans compete with NordVPN. Best for privacy purists.
Streaming Test
| VPN | Netflix | BBC iPlayer | Disney+ | Prime Video |
|---|
| NordVPN | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Surfshark | ✅ | Sometimes | ✅ | ✅ |
| ExpressVPN | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Proton VPN | ✅ | ✅ | Sometimes | ✅ |
Free VPNs
Avoid most free VPNs — they often sell your data, throttle speeds, cap bandwidth, and may not unblock streaming. Only trustworthy free options: Proton VPN Free (limited) and Windscribe Free (10GB/month).
Setup Guide
- 1. Subscribe to a VPN on the provider website (before you travel for best prices)
- 2. Download the app on your phone and laptop
- 3. Log in with your credentials
- 4. Connect to a server in your home country to stream
- 5. Connect to a US server when you need fast local US speeds
💡 Pair a VPN with a
US eSIM for seamless connectivity from the moment you land.
Why Use a VPN
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) encrypts your internet traffic and makes it appear you are connecting from a different country. Three main reasons travelers use one in the US:
- Stream home content: BBC iPlayer, Netflix home library, ITV, Stan (AU), RaiPlay (IT) etc. geoblock by IP
- Public Wi-Fi security: Starbucks, hotels, airports — public Wi-Fi can expose your data
- Privacy: Your ISP, mobile carrier and Wi-Fi provider can see everything you do
NordVPN
$3-5/month, best all-rounder.
Our top pick. 5,000+ servers worldwide, reliable streaming access to almost every service, fast speeds, double-encryption for the security-conscious. Threat Protection blocks ads and trackers. 2-year plans are cheapest at around $3.99/month.
Surfshark
$2-3/month, unlimited devices.
Unique in allowing unlimited simultaneous devices on one plan — great for families. Slightly less reliable for streaming than NordVPN but cheaper. 3,200+ servers.
ExpressVPN
$6-8/month, fastest speeds.
Premium-priced but consistently the fastest VPN for streaming in tests. 3,000+ servers. British Virgin Islands jurisdiction. Best for heavy 4K streamers.
Proton VPN
Free plan available, Swiss privacy.
Made by the Proton Mail team in Switzerland. Generous free plan (3 server countries, limited speeds). Paid plans compete with NordVPN. Best for privacy purists.
Streaming Test
| VPN | Netflix | BBC iPlayer | Disney+ | Prime Video |
|---|
| NordVPN | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Surfshark | ✅ | Sometimes | ✅ | ✅ |
| ExpressVPN | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Proton VPN | ✅ | ✅ | Sometimes | ✅ |
Free VPNs
Avoid most free VPNs — they often sell your data, throttle speeds, cap bandwidth, and may not unblock streaming. Only trustworthy free options: Proton VPN Free (limited) and Windscribe Free (10GB/month).
Setup Guide
- 1. Subscribe to a VPN on the provider website (before you travel for best prices)
- 2. Download the app on your phone and laptop
- 3. Log in with your credentials
- 4. Connect to a server in your home country to stream
- 5. Connect to a US server when you need fast local US speeds
💡 Pair a VPN with a
US eSIM for seamless connectivity from the moment you land.