My team and I tested 40+ VPNs and shortlisted trustworthy services that work well with IPTV. I prioritized features like worldwide servers and good speeds to watch high-quality content on IPTV without problems. Each one also has strong security features to maintain your online privacy while you stream. ExpressVPN is my top recommendation due to its vast network of lightning-fast servers, allowing you to seamlessly watch IPTV from anywhere. It’s super secure too, with military-grade encryption and IP leak protection. You can test ExpressVPN risk-free, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee. Get The Best VPN For IPTV Now
Best VPNs for IPTV — Full Analysis (Updated in 2023)
All my shortlisted VPNs can unblock a range of IPTV services. They offer speedy servers in most countries, so you can bypass geo-restrictions and stream buffer-free. They also provide data privacy measures, plus strong encryption to protect you from cyber threats. These VPNs support simultaneous connections for unblocking IPTV on multiple devices. Each VPN on my list has a money-back guarantee too, so you can confidently test it with IPTV. If you aren’t satisfied, simply get a refund.
1. ExpressVPN — Ultra-Fast Lightway Protocol for Buffer-Free Streaming on IPTV
ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol delivers impressive speeds for streaming IPTV. This lightweight tunneling protocol runs on minimal code, which greatly helps to boost your internet transmission speed. My 50 Mbps base speeds only dropped by 4%, and ExpressVPN let me stream UHD videos buffer-free during my tests. You only need 25 Mbps for 4K streaming, so 48 Mbps was more than enough for watching videos on Xtreme HD. The VPN has 3,000 servers worldwide, offering you endless options for unblocking IPTV providers. This server network also runs in 24 different US cities, which is great for unblocking US IPTV services. I had no issues accessing my FuboTV, Xumo, or Pluto TV accounts from overseas. Plus, unlimited bandwidth meant I could stream as much as I liked. Clever obfuscation technology conceals your VPN traffic from detection by firewalls in countries with restrictive internet (such as China, Saudi Arabia, and Iran). In my tests, I effortlessly watched shows like The Sinner on my Sling TV account. ExpressVPN unblocks other platforms too, like Hulu, HBO Max, All 4, and Sky Go. It’s safe to stream internet TV, thanks to military-grade encryption. This level of encryption scrambles your traffic so it’s impossible for hackers or snoops to see what you’re doing online. Alongside Lightway, additional secure protocols are available including OpenVPN and L2TP/IPSec. If your connection accidentally drops (which never happened to me), a kill switch — Network Lock — blocks your internet access to prevent exposure of your data. IP and DNS leak protection also hides your identity; I didn’t detect any leaks in my tests. Split tunneling lets you choose which apps tunnel through the VPN and which don’t. For example, you can set the IPTV Smarters Pro app to use the VPN connection for streaming and exclude other apps. That way, “local" apps (e.g. shopping and banking apps) don’t always require extra verifications because you have a foreign IP address. The strict no-logs policy means this service doesn’t store your private data, like browsing activity. It’s also based in the privacy-friendly British Virgin Islands, outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances (countries that share the internet data of their citizens). These measures help to protect your information from falling into the wrong hands. MediaStreamer, a SmartDNS feature, lets you unblock US/UK content on devices that don’t support VPN apps, like game consoles (Xbox, PlayStation). If you need assistance with any of the apps, support is available 24/7 on live chat. A minor setback of the VPN is its pricey plans; subscriptions start from $6.67/month. However, ExpressVPN often offers generous discounts. For instance, I got 49% off plus 3 months for free when I subscribed to the yearly plan. There are lots of payment options available including credit cards, Bitcoin, and PaymentWall. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee covering this service too. So, you can easily get a refund if you change your mind. I contacted representatives on live chat to ask for my money back and my PayPal account was reimbursed the same day. Try ExpressVPN Today
2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers for Unblocking IPTV Without Hassle
CyberGhost provides optimized servers for streaming live and on-demand IPTV sites. The servers are labeled with the platform they unblock, making it straightforward to find the right one for your favorite IPTV provider. While testing CyberGhost, it promptly unblocked my IPTV accounts like Hulu + Live TV, Showtime, and YouTube TV. Its international coverage is impressive too, spanning 90 countries — including 11 US cities. When it comes to speed, this service isn’t far behind ExpressVPN. It clocked 46 Mbps (a reduction of just 8%) which enabled me to smoothly stream Peaky Blinders on my BBC iPlayer account. The WireGuard VPN protocol that CyberGhost offers is super fast and gave me a speed boost for streaming IPTV. The AES 256-bit encryption provided by the VPN is very secure for browsing too. There’s an automatic kill switch to block and restore your internet connection if the VPN or your chosen server briefly go down. This, combined with IPv6/DNS leak protection, helps to prevent sites from obtaining your identity information. Your data also can’t be shared with anyone because of the VPN’s tough zero-logs policy. It’s based in privacy-friendly Romania so isn’t subject to any data retention laws. Enabling the Content Blocker feature (in the Privacy Settings) got rid of troublesome popup ads, allowing me to stream without interruptions. I even received warnings about malicious IPTV websites to avoid. The VPN also blocks trackers used by third parties to collect your data, and forces websites to use their most secure form (HTTPS). The apps are very simple to use and available for all major operating systems like macOS, Windows, and Linux. Android, iOS, and Fire Stick devices are supported too. There’s 24/7 live chat if you need to ask any questions. The VPN’s monthly plan is relatively expensive and only comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee. However, longer plans are super affordable, starting from just $2.11/month. I recommend the 3-year plan because it gives you the best value for money. You can pay with Bitcoin or PayPal for added security. You can also test CyberGhost for free since its extended plans have a 45-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is very straightforward. I sent an email to support and my credit card was refunded within 2 days. Try CyberGhost Today
3. Private Internet Access — Robust Encryption to Safely Watch IPTV From Anywhere
PIA has solid features to safeguard your internet traffic. The default 128-bit encryption gives you ample security without compromising speeds for streaming. You can also switch to the ultra-secure 256-bit encryption for high-end protection while watching IPTV on unsecured public hotspots. Standard protocols like OpenVPN provide safe tunneling for your traffic, too. The VPN’s leak protection works well; my IP address and DNS/WebRTC requests were never exposed when I tested PIA. A kill switch adds a layer of protection if there’s an abrupt connection failure. PIA also maintains your privacy with its no-logs policy — it doesn’t keep any data to share with third parties, even if legally requested. Additionally, the MACE feature helps block ads and trackers used by sneaky advertisers on IPTV sites. A server network across 84 countries makes it hassle-free to unblock IPTV. US-based platforms are easy to access, thanks to servers in 53 US locations. I watched shows like Yellowstone on my Peacock TV account while running my tests. Unblocking my other streaming accounts, like Netflix US or ABC, was also easy. PIA’s NextGen servers offer reliable speeds and unlimited bandwidth. My US connections averaged 42.30 Mbps — a slight drop of just 14.6%. All the servers I tested were more than fast enough for UHD streaming. You can watch buffer-free videos on IPTV or play games online without lag. Due to the many complicated settings, getting to grips with the apps can be tricky if you’re new to VPNs. However, PIA comes with preconfigured profiles to simplify your experience if you don’t want to do any setup. There are also representatives available 24/7 on live chat, making it easy to get assistance at any time. You can get PIA from just $2.03/month. Extended plans, like the 3-year subscription, are pocket-friendly and save you the most money. Several payment methods are accepted, including credit cards and PayPal. A 30-day money-back guarantee backs the service as well. I easily got a refund after filling out the contact form on the support page. The money appeared in my bank account 4 days later. Try Private Internet Access Today
4. IPVanish — Unlimited Connections Allowed for Streaming IPTV on Any Device
IPVanish lets you watch IPTV on as many devices as you want. It’s compatible with mobile, desktop, and smart TV devices (including Firestick and Kodi). During my tests, IPVanish worked smoothly on my Android, tablet, and MacBook Pro all at once. I found the apps simple to use for each OS, so it’s easy to connect and watch IPTV right away. Live chat support is also provided 24/7. Bypassing IPTV geo-blocks with the VPN is easy, thanks to servers in 75 countries. Within the US, servers are well spread across 20 locations. I effortlessly unblocked Bob’s Burgers on my FuboTV account, plus shows on CBS, NBC, and FOX channels. The Scramble feature obfuscates (hides) VPN traffic to avoid detection. The server connections are fast. The US and UK server speeds ranged between 38-41 Mbps, roughly a 20% reduction. It took just a few seconds to load UHD videos and I didn’t experience any buffering. Bandwidth is unlimited on all the servers too. Safety features include AES 256-bit encryption and a kill switch. IP/DNS leak protection and a no-logging policy further work to protect your privacy online. The VPN’s entire server network is also privately owned to prevent third-party snooping. As someone who loves maximizing my privacy, I was a bit disappointed that IPVanish doesn’t accept cryptocurrency payments. However, it still supports other popular alternatives like PayPal and credit cards. Subscriptions start from $2.49/month and the long-term plans are the most economical. I saved a lot by purchasing the yearly plan. You can test IPVanish for free with its extended plans, which have a 30-day money-back guarantee. The refund process is easy. I simply clicked the “I wish to cancel my subscription” button in my account, and the money appeared on my debit card within 5 days. Try IPVanish Today
5. PrivateVPN — Intuitive User Interface to Give You Easy Access to IPTV
PrivateVPN has a minimalistic design on all its apps for ease of use. You can directly connect to servers from the home screen to quickly unblock IPTV. The app also lets you add servers you frequently use to a “favorites” list so you can easily find them later. If you need help, PrivateVPN’s live chat reps were very prompt and resourceful during my tests. The team of developers (available 22 hours a day) can assist even with remote app installation. Like IPVanish, PrivateVPN uses obfuscation (Stealth Mode). It can disguise your VPN traffic from detection by geo-blocking systems, like those of Netflix. The VPN shields your traffic with strong encryption and has a kill switch. Your activity data also can’t be shared with anyone since there’s a no-logs policy and the VPN is based in Sweden — which is privacy-friendly. I got good speeds on all the servers I tested, averaging 37 Mbps. Despite the 26% speed drop, streaming 4K videos on my IPTV accounts was easy. There are no bandwidth or data caps so you’re able to binge as many box sets and movies as you want without restrictions. The small server network was a minor concern at first. However, the servers are well distributed across 63 countries, including 12 US locations. In my tests, I successfully accessed my Sling TV account and watched shows like Animal Kingdom. Unblocking my accounts on other services like Netflix and Fubo was effortless too. You can subscribe to PrivateVPN for just $2/month. I recommend the 3-year subscription for the best savings. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. So it’s easy to get a refund if you’re not happy. I submitted a support ticket and received my money back (on my credit card) within a week. Try PrivateVPN Today
Quick Comparison Table: IPTV VPN Features
Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for IPTV
I used comprehensive criteria to shortlist the best IPTV VPNs. You can use my checklist for your own tests. Try ExpressVPN for IPTV Risk-Free Today
How does IPTV work?
IPTV offers live TV or video-on-demand (VOD) content via the internet. This happens through provider (like YouTubeTV), a dedicated app (like IPTV Smarters Pro), or an IPTV set-top box. Some IPTV services are geo-restricted though, so it’s best to have a VPN with reliable servers for bypassing geo-blocks if you want to access your IPTV accounts from anywhere (for example, while traveling). The content on IPTV is often the same as on cable, satellite, or terrestrial TV — it’s just accessible via the internet. That’s why geo-restrictions occur; IPTV sites have to distribute content only within certain geographic regions. You can’t access your account if you travel outside these supported regions. However, connecting to a VPN server in the relevant country gives you an IP address to easily unblock your IPTV account. That way you can watch real-time news or live sports on TV and stream movies without restrictions.
How much speed do I need for streaming IPTV?
3 Mbps is enough to stream IPTV, but only in standard quality. That’s why it’s essential to get a VPN that unblocks IPTV without significantly slowing you down. Videos of higher quality require more bandwidth; full HD (1080p) needs 5 Mbps and ultra-HD (4K) needs 25 Mbps.
Which country server should I connect to when accessing IPTV?
It depends on where your IPTV service is based. A lot of the top IPTV providers are in the US, and most of their content is geo-restricted. However, it’s easy to stream IPTV content even if you’re abroad by connecting to reliable VPN servers in the country. Other regions, like Europe, also have good IPTV sites that you can access with a VPN.
What are the best IPTV providers?
Popular legal IPTV providers include YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Hulu + Live TV. If you’re currently in a country where these sites are geo-blocked, you can easily access your streaming accounts with a VPN. Other top IPTV providers are:
Pluto.TV Xumo AT&T TV Peacock TV Fubo TV DAZN Philo TV Sportz TV Comedy Central Redbox Crackle Redbull TV
Are IPTV providers safe?
Licensed IPTV services are safe, while illegal ones aren’t. You can get into legal trouble for streaming from unverified sources. Your sensitive data (like financial information) can also be at risk on dodgy websites. It’s always recommended you use a VPN for safely streaming any IPTV. VPNs not only protect your privacy but also guard against threats on the internet. Though unverified IPTV providers often have attractive deals, you have to tread cautiously. Some free IPTV providers may engage in IPTV piracy — i.e. publishing content without obtaining the required licensing rights. Some providers in the market that still lack transparency are:
Rocketstreams Kemo IPTV IPTV Forest Premium IPTV Iconic Streams Crave TV Insight TV Yeah! IPTV Apollo Group TV SSTV Gemini Streamz Hypersonic TV
How do I stop my ISP from blocking IPTV?
Use a VPN to stop your ISP from seeing what you do online. ISPs can block IPTV DNS to prevent you from accessing providers. This can be due to geo-restrictions or because some ISPs partner with IPTV providers and want to hamper competitors. A secure VPN can hide your IP address and DNS requests so that your ISP isn’t doesn’t have a clue about your browsing activities. You can then access IPTV without worrying about getting blocked.
Is a VPN better for IPTV than a proxy or SmartDNS service?
Yes, a VPN encrypts your internet traffic while proxies and SmartDNS services don’t. It’s also much harder for your ISP to block you from streaming IPTV when you use a VPN. The best VPNs use military-grade encryption to protect you from cyber threats, including snooping or hacking. SmartDNS can be helpful for streaming IPTV on devices that don’t support VPNs, like some gaming consoles and smart TVs. But it gives you no additional online protection. A proxy doesn’t do much besides spoofing your location.
Is using a VPN with IPTV legal?
Yes, VPNs are legal in most countries. As long as you pick a fast and secure VPN, you can easily access IPTV content from anywhere by connecting to the right server. However, using a VPN to bypass geo-blocks can go against some streaming platforms’ regulations. It’s also illegal to stream content from an unlicensed IPTV. We at vpnMentor do not condone any unlawful activity. Always understand the requirements of your IPTV provider and the laws in your country about using a VPN to avoid getting in trouble.
Why do I need a VPN to stream IPTV?
Most content on IPTV is geo-restricted to comply with broadcasting rights and international law. That means you can’t stream some or all of your favorite shows if you travel to a country where your IPTV provider isn’t available. However, you can bypass geo-restrictions and stream content on your IPTV account with a VPN. VPNs also hide your streaming activity from ISPs who can deliberately slow down your connections or block you from accessing IPTV. The best services come with additional online protections to safeguard your privacy while you stream.
Can I stream IPTV with a free VPN?
It’s not recommended. Free VPNs usually don’t have many servers, which means their IP addresses are often quickly blacklisted by streaming sites. The best option is to try a premium VPN with a money-back guarantee if you want reliable access to secure IP addresses that can unblock IPTV. Free or “freemium” VPNs also tend to restrict features that are essential for IPTV streaming, like speed, bandwidth, and security. This makes them too slow and too limited to stream as much as you like without buffering. Some free VPNs may even collect your browsing data and sell it to third parties. Worse, others can install malware and trackers on your device. Get a Reliable VPN for IPTV Now
Get the Best VPN for IPTV Today
Secure VPNs with ample servers and fast speeds provide the best IPTV streaming experience. With the recommended services on my list, you can safely unblock your favorite IPTV content from any location and stream high-quality videos without any issues. My top recommendation for IPTV is ExpressVPN. Its Lightway protocol delivers excellent speeds for bufferless UHD streaming on IPTV platforms. The VPN’s server network is also distributed across many locations, including the US, making it easy to unblock IPTV platforms anywhere. You can also confidently try out ExpressVPN yourself because it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To summarize, here are the best VPNs for IPTV
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