Best VPNs for STARZ in 2023: Watch abroad, outside US

A VPN will allow you to stream STARZ content from anywhere in the world. Here’s everything you could possibly need to know about the best VPNs for STARZ.

STARZ is a popular US-based streaming platform with lots of original content that isn’t found elsewhere. If you’re struggling to access the service from overseas, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) will be especially useful when bypassing online blocks. 

As with the majority of streaming services, it’s difficult to stream STARZ from abroad. We’ve extensively tested the best VPNs to access the platform, ensuring that the user will be able to watch content from anywhere in the world. 

VPNs work by assigning you with a relevant IP address matching a server location in the United States. A US VPN server will give you a temporary US IP address that can be used to stream STARZ from any location. VPNs also have the added benefit of improving online privacy, encrypting all data sent to and from your device. 

We’ll take you through our top recommendations as we look at the best VPNs for STARZ. 

The best VPNs for watching STARZ:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for watching STARZ from abroad. Ideal for streaming and torrenting from anywhere on the planet, thousands of high-speed servers, strong security, and unique features. Offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Our top budget VPN for watching STARZ. No-logs, unlimited device connections, and servers in 100+ countries. Audited no-logs policy and lots of streaming support. 
3. ExpressVPN: Servers in 105+ countries, Lightway protocol, unparalleled access to geo-restricted streaming sites like STARZ, solid security and privacy, custom router firmware, and reliable speeds. 
4. CyberGhost: User-friendly VPN with streaming-optimized servers in the US and elsewhere. Speedy connections and over 10,000 servers worldwide.
5. IPVanish: US-based provider with over 1,100 high-speed servers spread across the country. Excellent streaming support. 
6. AtlasVPN: Free US server locations that can be used to test the provider for yourself. Fast connections, unlimited simultaneous devices, and features include SafeBrowse and SafeSwap.
7. PrivateVPN: StealthVPN, solid streaming support in the US, 10 simultaneous connections, and apps for all devices. 

Summary Table

If you’re in need of a VPN for STARZ, it can be difficult to identify the best provider for the job. Some VPNs only work with a handful of US streaming services, and others won’t be able to access any platforms whatsoever.

We’ve narrowed the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for when picking out the best providers for STARZ:

• Servers in the US are necessary for accessing streaming services from the region while overseas, whether it’s with STARZ or another platform. 
• Connection speeds will dictate how efficiently the user is able to perform any online task, and are especially important for streaming content via STARZ.
• Boasting streaming access and allowing the user to bypass STARZ restrictions, the provider should work with other sites and services from abroad. 
• Privacy and security, including everything from notable features to available protocols.
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party.

For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs for STARZ, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

NordVPN is our top recommendation for watching a variety of content from the US and is perfect for accessing STARZ from abroad. You’ll find a vast selection of high-speed servers in the United States, with coverage in a total of 15+ cities. US servers support P2P, as well as offering obfuscation and Double VPN (MultiHop). You’ll also be able to get a dedicated US IP address if you prefer, which is ideal for accessing services like online banking. 

In terms of streaming, it works with a long list of US platforms, including Netflix, STARZ, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock, HBO Max, ESPN, NBC, ABC, CBS, and Hulu. Average speeds amount to roughly 200 Mbps, so it’s ideal for watching live 4K content with no lag.

NordVPN is great if you’re hoping for unique features, whether it’s the NordLynx protocol, or Meshnet, which allows for free private tunneling between trusted devices. SmartPlay is helpful if you’re hoping to stream via blocked US services, and it goes a step beyond the average SmartDNS service as your data will be encrypted in the process. 

An audited no-logs policy is a welcome addition, ensuring you won’t have to take any of Nord’s privacy claims at face value. 

You’ll find apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Firestick, and a subscription allows for six simultaneous devices. There’s additional support for routers, as well as browser extensions for Chrome, Edge, and Firefox. 

THE BEST VPN FOR STARZ: NordVPN is perfect if you’d like a provider that is able to stream STARZ, while offering everything from dedicated IPs to Double VPN. Fast speeds and an audited no-logs policy. Comes with a simple risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is another VPN that is more than capable of accessing STARZ from anywhere on the planet. It’s our top budget pick overall, with affordable deals available for anyone willing to sign up with the service for a longer period of time. 

It can bypass most geo-restrictions and it works well with multiple US streaming services, such as Netflix, STARZ, Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube TV, Sling TV, DirecTV Stream, ABC, Peacock, and CBS.

Despite being priced as a budget service, there are lots of features worth mentioning. For example, CleanWeb blocks ads, malware, and trackers, and you’ll also find obfuscated servers, split tunneling, and rotating IPs. Speeds come in at 188 Mbps, so it’s quicker than many premium alternatives. 

You’ll be able to connect with an unlimited number of simultaneous devices, which is great if you’re hoping to share an account with others. Surfshark has apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Fire devices, along with support for Linux, routers, and browsers. If you have any questions, live chat support is available 24/7. 

THE BEST BUDGET VPN FOR STARZ: Surfshark is a viable alternative and works out to be an affordable option if you’d like to stream STARZ from overseas. Unlimited device connections, speedy WireGuard servers, and strong security features. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is one of the best providers in terms of bypassing geo-restrictions, whether it’s via STARZ or another popular platform like Netflix or Hulu. You’ll find server locations in 105+ countries, including comprehensive coverage across the United States. 

It’s difficult to think of a better option if you’re aiming to access blocked services, and the same goes for torrenting, gaming, or any other intensive tasks. Average speeds of 175 Mbps are respectable, while Lightway is a proprietary protocol which uses fewer lines of code, making it easier to audit while using less battery power.

The provider is especially user-friendly, whether it’s industry-leading 24/7 customer service or simple apps which can be found for all major devices. Along with support for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux operating systems, ExpressVPN has custom router firmware, which includes a kill switch. It allows for up to eight simultaneous device connections. 

One of the more established services on the market, ExpressVPN used to be a clear leader, although it’s fair to say that cheaper alternatives have closed the gap effectively over the last few years. 

GREAT UNBLOCKING ABILITIES: ExpressVPN is a capable provider that makes it easy to stream STARZ from abroad. Ideal for bypassing geo-restrictions, knowledgeable customer service, Lightway protocol, and servers in 105+ countries, including lots of locations in the US. Standard 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost should definitely be on your radar if streaming support is what you’re most interested in. The provider has a wide selection of optimized servers for watching US content, along with additional options for accessing blocked platforms in 23+ countries. 

If you want to watch US TV via services such as STARZ from abroad, it can also access the likes of Netflix, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video, Max, Hulu, NBC, Fox, Sling TV, Comedy Central, ESPN+, Crunchyroll, Peacock, Disney+, Paramount+, NFL+, and more.

CyberGhost has 1,500+ servers to pick from in the US alone. There are locations in 11+ cities across the US, and it has a network of 10,000+ servers worldwide. Speeds average 300 Mbps, so it’s ideal for any online task you can think of.  

Features include split tunneling, Smart DNS servers, and a Content Blocker that works to prevent malicious websites, tracking scripts, and adverts.

An affordable VPN with a lot to offer for anyone aiming to stream content, CyberGhost allows for seven simultaneous device connections. You’ll find apps for all major platforms, including routers and browsers. 

STREAMING-OPTIMIZED SERVERS: CyberGhost is beginner-friendly and has a vast selection of servers to choose from in 100+ countries. Perfect for streaming, works well with STARZ, has fast connection speeds, and offers an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

IPVanish offers speedy US connections and strong encryption for all users. There are over 1,100 servers in the US alone, split across 20+ locations. 

It’s ideal for streaming and accessing a range of popular services worldwide including BBC iPlayer, HBO Now, Amazon Prime Video, and Sling TV. 

IPVanish is also able to come up with the goods in terms of connection speeds, averaging 250+ Mbps during testing. You’ll be able to connect with unlimited devices, while advanced features include obfuscation and a SOCKS5 proxy.

As it’s based in the US, it’s able to access the majority of streaming services in the region without breaking a sweat. On the other hand, this means that it might not be the best option if you're wary of the NSA, or any other issues relating to a company with US jurisdiction. In any case, it comes with a no-logs policy, which was independently audited in 2022. 

You’ll find IPVanish apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.  

RELIABLE US SERVERS FOR STARZ: IPVanish is a speedy VPN with multiple US locations for streaming STARZ from overseas. Unlimited devices, speedy connections, obfuscation, and more. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

Atlas VPN is also worth considering if you want access to STARZ from abroad. For example, it’s one of the few VPNs to offer free US servers, even if they come with a 5 GB monthly data cap. These free servers are found in Los Angeles and New York and can be used to access various streaming services. 

Along with STARZ, it worked with Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, ABC, and NBC during testing, which is a reasonably comprehensive result.  

Premium users will be able to connect with an unlimited number of simultaneous devices, and average speeds amount to roughly 260 Mbps. Atlas VPN comes with a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and sturdy AES encryption, while advanced features include split tunneling, rotating IPs, and the ability to block trackers, ads, and malware (SafeBrowse).

As with IPVanish, the provider is based in the US, so it’s worth considering any jurisdictional issues before signing up with the service. Atlas VPN has apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

FREE US STREAMING SERVERS: Atlas VPN is a speedy provider with free streaming servers in Los Angeles and New York. Packed with notable features including ad-blocking, unlimited device connections, 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Atlas VPN.

PrivateVPN is great if you’re in need of solid encryption and strong security. It doesn’t have as many servers (200+) as the alternatives listed above, but it can still be used to access STARZ, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, CBS, NBC, and more. You’ll find US servers in 12+ cities, from Atlanta to Seattle.

PrivateVPN is one of the few providers to offer port forwarding, which is beneficial if you plan to use a VPN for torrenting. StealthVPN is a feature that works to bypass online censorship, while the service is on the cheaper end of the scale. It comes with a watertight no-logging policy, and 256-bit AES encryption will keep your data safe and secure.

Speeds were a slight letdown (40 Mbps), but it’s still quick enough to stream STARZ with no buffering. You’ll be able to use a single account with up to 10 devices at the same time. PrivateVPN has apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.

GREAT FOR STREAMING AND TORRENTING: PrivateVPN can access STARZ, US Netflix, and more from abroad. Decent speeds, StealthVPN, port forwarding, and apps for all devices. 10 simultaneous connections, WireGuard support, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for STARZ

Rather than picking out providers at random, we’ve compiled a comprehensive VPN testing methodology. We test and compare the best VPNs in the business. 

Only providers dedicated to digital privacy, excellent usability, and optimal performance can make it onto our list. Below, you can see the criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for STARZ:

• Servers: Servers in the United States are necessary if you’d like to access streaming services like STARZ securely with a VPN. As well as US locations for streaming, we’ve factored in the strength of the entire network. This helps if you’d like to access services in other countries too.
• Speeds and performance: No matter what you plan to use a VPN for, connection speeds will have an impact on almost any online task. Of course, speeds are always important when streaming video content at high resolutions, even if STARZ isn’t live. 
• Privacy and security: How does the VPN perform in terms of security and privacy? We look at features, their implementation, and everything from leak protection to encryption and protocols. 
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

How to use a VPN to watch STARZ online from anywhere

It doesn’t take long to get started if you want to set up a provider to work with US TV platforms like STARZ. We’ve put together a quick guide to take you through the necessary steps. 

Here’s how to set up a VPN to watch STARZ abroad:

1. Select a VPN that works with STARZ. We’ve listed several options below, with NordVPN being our top recommendation. 
2. Sign up with the provider, and make a note of your login details.
3. Download the relevant VPN app to your device.
4. Open the VPN app, and sign in. Connect to a server location in the US for STARZ. 
5. Head to the STARZ website, and sign in. 
6. You should now be able to watch any STARZ content that was previously unavailable. If you do run into any issues, clear your cookies and refresh the page.

How to stream STARZ with Amazon Fire Stick, Chromecast, Android Box, and more 

STARZ is also available on Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire devices, game consoles, and smart TVs. As these devices typically don’t offer support for traditional VPN apps, you might have set up a VPN on a virtual router using either a Windows or Mac device. 

A VPN router is another alternative, if your model is compatible with any of the providers mentioned above. The installation method will differ depending on your router and the VPN you’ve selected. 

Streaming STARZ abroad: FAQs

Should I use a free VPN to unblock STARZ? 

It’s going to be tough to find a free VPN that is able to access STARZ content from abroad. The streaming platform makes a significant effort to prevent people from watching the service from overseas, blocking many of the IP addresses offered by free providers. 

Meanwhile, free VPNs tend to have overloaded servers and slow speeds, so they’re not helpful for watching HD videos. Bandwidth is often capped, and it’s not unheard of for free VPNs to sell user data to third parties. Considering the above, we’d strongly recommend sticking with an audited VPN that you know you can trust. 

Why is STARZ unavailable outside the United States?

The majority of broadcasters only hold the rights to show content in a specific country or region, often selling it to other platforms in different locations. For example, STARZ content is available in the UK packaged with Lionsgate+. This means users in the UK (and elsewhere) can’t access STARZ from abroad without issues relating to copyright. To protect these complicated licensing agreements, services like STARZ are obliged to block users from abroad.

Is it legal to access STARZ with a VPN?

VPNs are legal in most countries worldwide, including the US, the UK, and many regions in Europe and Asia. Notable exceptions include Russia and China, so make sure to find out the local laws before downloading a VPN to your device. As for STARZ itself, you’re unlikely to be banned by the platform for using a VPN. Instead, STARZ will probably ban the VPN server, stopping anyone from gaining access from abroad.

Will a VPN slow down my connection speeds while streaming STARZ?

VPN connection speeds have improved significantly over the past few years. For example, each of the providers we’ve mentioned above easily exceeds the recommended speeds for STARZ. As the service notes:

‘The STARZ app has a minimum requirement of 2 Mbps of download speed to stream (buffering might occur), although we recommend 6 Mbps download speed for a good viewing experience.’

What content can I watch with STARZ?

You’ll be able to watch lots of content that can’t be found elsewhere in the US with STARZ. This includes:

• Shining Vale
• Power 
• Minx
• P-Valley
• Power Book III: Raising Kanan
• Gaslit 
• The Serpent Queen
• Outlander 
• BMF
• Party Down