Best VPNs for IPTV in 2023

If you want to improve your IPTV experience and enjoy reliable access to more services, then you'll need a VPN. Find out which VPNs are the best for IPTV here.

Depending on who you ask, internet protocol television (IPTV) is either the future of TV or its downfall. New IPTV services are continuously springing up and, in some cases, just as swiftly put down. VPNs help ensure the best IPTV experience by increasing the number of available services, hiding the user’s location, and preventing Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from blocking access to particular sites or restricting bandwidth.

A virtual private network (VPN) allows users to connect to any server in the VPN provider’s network. Once connected, the user’s device assumes the IP address of that server – wherever that may be. All traffic flowing between the user’s device and the server is encrypted. Both of these features are useful – and often essential – when using IPTV services. 

We’ll explore in more detail the individual best VPN providers most suited to IPTV later in the article. For now, here’s a summary of our recommended VPNs.

Best VPNs for IPTV:

1. NordVPN: Our recommended VPN for IPTV. Excels at accessing geo-restricted content and has RAM-only servers in 60+ countries. Connection speeds are fast enough for 4K and plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for IPTV. Speedy RAM-only servers in 100+ countries and allows unlimited device connections. Fast enough for 4K streaming and works well with the top streaming platforms. Static IP addresses are available. 
3. ExpressVPN: Lightweight proprietary connection protocol for buffer-free IPTV streaming. Has a dedicated site on the Tor network and an app for routers. RAM-only servers are available in 105+ countries and obfuscation is enabled by default.  
4. CyberGhost: Vast network of fast, RAM-only servers. Great for streaming live TV and has servers optimized for individual streaming platforms. Issues monthly transparency reports and has an audited no-logs policy. 
5. Proton VPN: Provides secure and speedy access to IPTV services. Has servers in 69+ countries and dedicated data centers for sensitive traffic. Allows port forwarding and works well with major streaming platforms. 
6. Atlas VPN: Subscriptions come with unlimited device connections and access to SafeSwap servers. Fast connection speeds for IPTV services and robust security. Also works with major streaming platforms. 
7. PrivateVPN: Provides secure connections to IPTV services and servers in 63+ countries. Its Stealth mode can bypass Chinese VPN blocks and it allows port forwarding. Subscriptions include up to 10 simultaneous device connections.

Summary Table

Hundreds of VPNs are available, but relatively few are suitable for IPTV. In assembling the above list we compared providers against the criteria listed below. You can read more about our testing methodology later in the article. 

• Fast connection speeds 
• Large server network
• Ability to access streaming services
• Strong privacy and security features to obscure your online activities 
• Responsive customer support

To be included as one of our top three providers, we additionally require VPNs to have a RAM-only server network, independently audited software and infrastructure, effective obfuscation, and a location beyond the reach of cross-border spying alliances. 

Best VPNs for IPTV 

Now, let’s explore each of our recommended providers in a little more detail:

NordVPN delivers buffer-free IPTV content and works exceptionally well with streaming platforms such as Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. It has its own connection protocol – NordLynx – that doesn’t store user data on its servers and provides very fast connection speeds. 

The company has thousands of servers spread over 60+ countries. Some of these servers are optimized for MultiHop connections, while others provide one-click access to the Tor network. NordVPN’s obfuscated servers enable those living in restrictive countries like China and Iran to access a rich variety of IPTV content.

Other features include a threat protection tool, built-in leak protection, split tunneling, strong encryption, and a kill switch. Apps are all easy to use and available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux.

Subscriptions include up to six simultaneous device connections. If this isn’t enough, the service can be configured with a home router. Doing so protects every device in the user’s home network, while only using one of the allotted six connections.

NordVPN made its entire server network RAM-only following a minor attack on a server located in a Finnish third-party data center in 2018. It has since bolstered its security yet further with the introduction of colocated servers and a bug bounty program. 

The company undergoes regular independent audits of its software and network hardware. These have repeatedly verified its no-logs policy.

BEST VPN FOR STREAMING: NordVPN is our recommended provider. It works seamlessly with streaming platforms and is fast enough for watching video in 4K. RAM-only servers are available in 60+ countries and plans come with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark has RAM-only servers in 100+ countries and works well for live IPTV streams. It's fast enough for watching video in 4K and can access mainstream platforms such as Netflix USA, Amazon Prime Video, HBO, BBC iPlayer, Channel 4, and Disney+.

Subscriptions include unlimited device connections and access to both apps and browser extensions. All apps have a full GUI and are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. They come with built-in leak protection, strong encryption, and an ad and malware blocker. 

The company’s Nexus technology provides additional security by rotating users’ IP addresses in-session. It allows them to choose the entry and exit servers used for MultiHop connections. Static IP addresses are available, though only in six countries.  

Surfshark’s Camouflage mode enables users in countries like China, Egypt, and Iran to bypass censorship and access IPTV content from abroad. Those trying to watch IPTV using a smart TV or other VPN-incompatible devices can use the company’s smart DNS feature to spoof their location.

In 2022, Surfshark merged with Nord Security – NordVPN’s parent company. It has since had its no-logs policy verified through an independent audit of its server network. 

GREAT VALUE: Surfshark is fast enough for streaming IPTV content in 4K and has RAM-only servers in 100+ countries. Subscriptions include unlimited device connections and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN offers robust security and easy access to global IPTV content. It has RAM-only servers in 105+ countries and very fast speeds – largely thanks to its lightweight proprietary connection protocol (Lightway).

The service works with all major streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney+. Its MediaStreamer tool helps devices that don’t natively support VPN software spoof their location and access additional IPTV content. 

Other ExpressVPN features include a dedicated Onion site on the Tor network and obfuscation that’s enabled by default – both of which can help people bypass censorship in countries like China.

Well-designed apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, Nvidia Shield, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux. These come with built-in leak protection, strong encryption, and a Threat Manager Tool. 

ExpressVPN is unique in that it has an app for routers. This replaces the router’s firmware and makes it easy to protect every connected device. It’s particularly useful to those who want to stream IPTV using a games console or smart TV. 

In 2021, ExpressVPN was acquired by Kape Technologies. Although now an established cybersecurity firm, Kape – under its previous name Crossrider – created software designed to inject adverts into users’ browsers. 

ExpressVPN has said that it continues to operate as a separate brand and service. In the year following its acquisition, it underwent 12 independent audits. These verified its ongoing no-logs policy. 

TRUSTED SERVERS: ExpressVPN provides access to IPTV streams in 94+ countries and speeds fast enough for watching them in 4K. Obfuscation is enabled by default and an app for routers is available. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost is known for its sprawling server network and fast connection speeds. Both of these make it a solid choice for accessing IPTV services. 

The company’s RAM-only servers are available in 100+ countries and are optimized for specific tasks: some for torrenting, some for gaming, and some for streaming. The streaming servers are optimized for specific streaming platforms, taking the guesswork out of finding a working server for lots of blocked online content. 

Connections are protected with strong encryption and speeds are fast enough for watching video in 4K. Other CyberGhost features include a kill switch and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. The service is compatible with routers and the company’s customer support team is available 24/7 to help with configuration queries.  

Apps are simple to use and available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. Android users can split tunnel on an app-by-app basis, while Windows users get the SmartRules tool, which lets them choose apps that they want to auto-connect to specific CyberGhost servers.

CyberGhost is owned by Kape Technologies, having been acquired in 2017. Since then, it has undergone independent audits of its server network and management systems. These have verified its no-logs policy. To aid transparency, the company issues quarterly reports detailing any third-party data requests. 

FAST CONNECTIONS: CyberGhost is notably fast and works with IPTV content in 91+ countries. Servers are optimized for individual streaming platforms and the company has an audited no-logs policy. Plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.

Proton VPN offers a high level of privacy and security, which is great when trying out new IPTV services. It has a wide range of servers in 69+ countries and speeds fast enough for buffer-free streaming. 

For additional security, subscribers can route their traffic through one of the company’s Secure Core servers. These are located in high-security Proton VPN data centers in Sweden, Iceland, and Switzerland.  

Proton VPN allows port forwarding and has servers optimized for torrenting. It’s a good choice for streaming and can access the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. The service is compatible with routers, allowing for the addition of smart TVs and games consoles to the VPN tunnel.   

Open-source apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and FireTV. These come with advanced features like one-click access to the Tor network, strong encryption, built-in leak protection, a kill switch, split tunneling, and an ad-blocker. 

Proton VPN has a clearly defined no-logs policy that’s been verified through numerous independent software and infrastructure audits. If the company receives any notable new legal requests for customer information, it publishes them on the transparency report page of its website. 

STRONG ON PRIVACY: Proton VPN safeguards connections while using IPTV services. It’s fast, secure and has servers in 69+ countries. Apps are all open-source and port forwarding is allowed. Strict no-logs policy, 256-bit AES encryption. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ProtonVPN.

Atlas VPN provides reliable access to popular streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. It’s also a good option for IPTV content, with fast connection speeds and servers available in 42+ countries that can be used to bypass regional restrictions. 

Subscribers can connect as many devices as they want at the same time and can use either the WireGuard or IPSec/IKEv2 protocols. Connections are protected with ChaCha20 encryption for WireGuard and 256-AES encryption for IKEv2. 

Apps are available for Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. These come with DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, a tracker-blocker, and a data breach monitor. For extra security, the company has SafeSwap servers available in three countries. These rotate users’ IP addresses in-session and allow MultiHop connections with randomized exit servers. 

Atlas VPN was launched in 2020 and acquired by Nord Security just a year later. It has since gone through independent audits of its Windows and iOS apps. 

STRONG ON SECURITY: Atlas VPN is great for larger households and those who want access to IPTV services. Connections are secure and speeds are fast enough for streaming video in 4K. DNS leak protection, plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. 

Read our full review of AtlasVPN.

PrivateVPN is, as its name suggests, strong on privacy. It provides worry-free connections to IPTV services and the speeds necessary for buffer-free streaming in HD. It’s a good option for big-name streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer.

Users can adjust the level of encryption used on their internet traffic – lowering it can provide a speed boost if particular IPTV streams require connecting to distant servers. Other PrivateVPN features include access to a SOCKS5 and HTTP Proxy, port forwarding, and a Stealth mode that enables users in repressive countries to bypass censorship. 

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. These come with protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks, and app-specific and system-wide kill switches. PrivateVPN is compatible with routers and its customer service team is – unusually – able to provide remote control assistance with configuring a connection. 

PrivateVPN has never had a data breach and has a clear-cut no-logs policy. However, it has yet to have either its software or infrastructure independently audited. The company is no longer independent, having been acquired by the UK-based Miss Group web-hosting business in 2022. 

STEALTH MODE: PrivateVPN has servers in 63+ countries and is able to bypass the geo-restrictions of IPTV services. It allows port forwarding for improved torrenting and works in China. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Methodology for choosing the best VPNs for IPTV

Before recommending VPN providers, we test them against a number of specific criteria, using our testing methodology, to ensure their suitability for use with IPTV services. They need to be fast, secure and have global coverage. You can read about the other aspects we took into account below.

• Fast connection speeds: There’s little point in having a fast home broadband connection if your VPN service bogs it down every time you connect. We perform regular speed tests to identify the fastest VPN providers for buffer-free streaming. We only recommend those that are at least fast enough to stream HD video.
• Large server network: If you’re experimenting with different IPTV providers, it’s useful to have a VPN with servers available in a variety of countries. Those with large networks ensure that there are multiple servers online in every region. 
• Ability to access streaming services: Streaming providers invest significant resources into preventing VPN users from circumventing license-based restrictions. Relatively few providers are able to sidestep the resulting blocks. We regularly test which VPN services are able to access the strictest streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. VPNs that work with these are most likely to work with any IPTV service.   
• Strong privacy and security features: The world of cut-price IPTV is rife with scammers and those seeking to distribute malware. To help protect yourself online, it’s essential to use a VPN that takes security and privacy seriously. We only consider VPNs that can at the very least offer a no-logs policy, strong encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. Ideally, they should also provide obfuscation, split tunneling, and access to MultiHop servers.
• Responsive customer support: Finding servers that work with particular IPTV providers can involve a fair amount of guesswork. VPN companies with solid customer support will be able to advise on which servers are good for streaming and offer troubleshooting tips for problematic connections. We look for VPN services that provide 24/7 support via live chat. 

Bonus points

To make it to one of our top three positions, VPN companies must additionally offer the following features:

• Access to China: China has been trying to restrict its citizens' access to VPNs for more than a decade. Its sophisticated blocking systems can now stop all but a few VPN providers. Those VPNs that still work are therefore highly prized by anyone seeking to use the internet without restrictions. 
• Diskless servers: In an effort to bolster their security measures, some VPN providers exclusively use RAM-only servers in their networks. These run on volatile memory and cannot store user-data long-term. This makes them less attractive to hackers and government agencies hoping to identify individual users. 
• Incorporation outside the scope of intelligence alliances: Numerous governments engage in cross-border intelligence-sharing collaborations, with notable examples being the Five Eyes, SIGINT Seniors Europe, and Maximator. Within these partnerships, member countries can request surveillance support from their allied counterparts, enabling them to bypass domestic regulations that limit direct monitoring of their own citizens. To avoid being caught up in this, some VPN providers incorporate their companies in countries – such as Panama or the British Virgin Islands – that aren’t affiliated with known intelligence alliances. 
• Audited software and infrastructure: Deciding whether to entrust a VPN with your data can be difficult, especially given certain providers’ lack of transparency. To help boost their credibility, some providers enlist independent auditors to evaluate their software and infrastructure. These audits verify any no-logs claims and help identify any software vulnerabilities.

How do I get my IPTV to work with VPN?

It’s easy to use a VPN with an IPTV service. Bear in mind, however, that geo-restricted IPTV services typically require a payment method linked to the country where the service operates. So, while a VPN can help registered users spoof their location while traveling abroad, you won’t be able to use a VPN to sign up for a service that isn’t available in your country without a valid payment method.

Follow these instructions to hide your IP address and mask your internet traffic using a VPN with an IPTV device:

1. Choose a VPN that’s fast and secure. NordVPN is a good option.
2. Sign up for a subscription – note that longer terms are almost always cheaper.
3. Download and install the relevant app for your device.
4. Restart the device once installation is complete. 
5. Open the newly installed app and choose a server. The fastest connections are usually to nearby servers – though you can choose one in a different country if you need to navigate geo-restrictions. 
6. Click the “connect” button.
7. Wait until the app informs you that a connection has been established.
8. Open your preferred IPTV service and start watching.  

Can I use a free VPN with IPTV?

We don’t recommend it. Free VPNs are mostly ad-based and specify in their T&Cs that they collect – and monetise – user data. Some free VPNs are more properly thought of as proxies as they offer little in the way of encryption. Others may introduce malware onto your device through poorly configured permissions. 

Free VPNs have small server networks that are continuously loaded. This makes it relatively easy for IPTV services to identify the servers as belonging to a VPN provider, and to then block the associated IP addresses. The heavy loading also has the effect of slowing connection speeds to a crawl, making them unsuitable for streaming. Free providers also struggle to access online streaming services, due to IP addresses that have been blocked by many major platforms.  

Best VPNs for IPTV – FAQs

Are IPTV services legal?

IPTV services are legal if the provider has obtained the relevant licenses from the content creators. Licensing agreements made with content and studio providers normally limit the countries or regions the content can be shown in. This is why providers like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video place geo-restrictions on TV shows and movies. 

Unfortunately, there are plenty of IPTV providers that don’t obtain the necessary licenses and will be violating copyright laws. These sites are frequently shut down by law enforcement agencies or disappear of their own accord – taking subscribers’ money with them. 

Illegal IPTV sites typically offer access to premium TV channels and newly released movies at prices far lower than their mainstream rivals. They may have amateur-looking websites and ask for payment in cryptocurrency or gift cards. 

If you want to try a legal IPTV service, the following are all well-established:

• YouTube TV
• Sling TV
• Vidgo
• Pluto TV
• fuboTV
• Philo
• XUMO
• Plex

Is IPTV legal in the UK?

IPTV services that have legitimate licenses for the content they offer are legal. Those that don’t are not legal. Using an illegal service in the UK is punishable under the Digital Economy Act 2017. This law makes it an offense to stream copyrighted content, and can lead to a maximum sentence of 10 years. As it can sometimes be difficult to know if a particular IPTV service is providing illegal content, it’s best to always use a VPN to protect your identity.

Can I get IPTV free?

Yes. Some IPTV services are “free” on the basis that you submit to being advertised at and to your data being collected and potentially sold. Pluto TV and XUMO are two of the more established ad-based IPTV providers, though there are many others available. Be vigilant when choosing an IPTV service as they are popular with criminals seeking to scam users or spread malware.

Is VPN allowed on IPTV?

Yes, we’d always recommend using a VPN with IPTV services. It will hide your location while bypassing any geo-restrictions. A VPN will encrypt your traffic so that your ISP cannot see which sites you are visiting – though it will be able to infer that you’re using a VPN.

Which VPN works with IPTV?

All of the VPN providers we recommend in this article work with IPTV services. They are adept at evading detection and provide speeds fast enough to stream movies and TV shows without buffering.

Do I need VPN for IPTV?

A VPN is necessary for any IPTV service that is country-specific. For example, services such as Sling TV, Philo, and fubo TV are only available in the US. Using a VPN allows users to connect to a US server while traveling abroad and to continue accessing their favorite providers. 

A VPN may also be necessary when a particular IPTV service is blocked by a user’s ISP. VPNs can help users evade blocks by encrypting their traffic and thus masking site access requests.