Side-by‑by‑Side Comparison of the Top Five VPNs for Streaming Netflix and Hulu

If you’ve ever hit a “Sorry, this content isn’t available in your region” message while trying to binge a new show, you know the frustration. A good VPN can lift that block, but not all VPNs are created equal when it comes to streaming. In this post I break down the five services that consistently pass the Netflix and Hulu tests, and I tell you which one actually feels smooth on a Friday night.

Why speed and reliability matter more than privacy for streaming

When you’re watching a drama or a sports game, the first thing you notice is lag. A VPN that encrypts your traffic well but throttles the speed will turn a high‑definition episode into a pixelated mess. That’s why, for streaming, we look at three core factors:

Speed – measured in megabits per second (Mbps). Anything above 15 Mbps will usually give you 1080p, and 25 Mbps+ is safe for 4K.
Server reach – the number of servers in the US, Canada, and other key regions. More servers mean less crowding and lower chance of a “blocked” IP.
Netflix/Hulu compatibility – some VPNs get black‑listed by the streaming services. A VPN that works today might be blocked tomorrow, so we check how often the provider updates its IP pool.

I’ve been testing these VPNs for the past three months, using a mix of my home Wi‑Fi, a 4G hotspot, and a modest laptop. The results are honest, no fluff.

The five VPNs we put through the gauntlet

Below is a quick snapshot of each service before we dive into the details.

ExpressVPN – Known for fast servers and strong unblocking record.
NordVPN – Large server network, good price with long‑term plans.
Surfshark – Unlimited devices, budget‑friendly, decent speed.
CyberGhost – “Streaming” servers advertised, easy to use.
Private Internet Access (PIA) – Strong privacy focus, decent speeds.

ExpressVPN

Speed: 28 Mbps average on Netflix US, 24 Mbps on Hulu US.
Server count: 160 locations, 3 in the US dedicated to streaming.
Unblocking: Never hit a block during my tests.

I first tried ExpressVPN when I was traveling in Europe and wanted to catch up on a US series. The app was quick to connect, and the video started playing within seconds. The only downside is the price – it’s the most expensive on this list, but the consistency makes it worth the extra bucks if you stream a lot.

NordVPN

Speed: 25 Mbps on Netflix US, 22 Mbps on Hulu US.
Server count: 5,400 servers, 1,200 in the US.
Unblocking: Missed a block once on a new Netflix title, but the support team refreshed the IP within an hour.

NordVPN’s “SmartPlay” feature automatically picks the best server for streaming, which saved me a few clicks. I love the double‑VPN option for privacy, though I never use it while watching movies because it cuts speed a bit.

Surfshark

Speed: 22 Mbps on Netflix US, 20 Mbps on Hulu US.
Server count: 3,200 servers, 800 in the US.
Unblocking: No blocks on the titles I tried, but a few obscure Netflix originals gave a “proxy detected” error.

Surfshark is the only VPN on this list that lets you connect an unlimited number of devices. I ran it on my phone, laptop, and even my smart TV at the same time without any hiccups. The price is the lowest, which makes it a solid pick for families.

CyberGhost

Speed: 19 Mbps on Netflix US, 18 Mbps on Hulu US.
Server count: 7,200 servers, 1,500 in the US.
Unblocking: Hit a block on a new Netflix release, but the “Streaming” server list had a fresh IP that worked.

CyberGhost markets itself as a “streaming‑first” VPN, and the UI reflects that. The app shows a big “Netflix” button that connects you to a pre‑chosen server. It’s great for people who don’t want to tinker with settings. The trade‑off is a slightly lower speed compared with the top two.

Private Internet Access (PIA)

Speed: 17 Mbps on Netflix US, 16 Mbps on Hulu US.
Server count: 35,000 servers, 2,500 in the US.
Unblocking: Occasionally flagged by Netflix, but a quick server switch fixed it.

PIA is a veteran in the privacy world. Its speeds are decent for HD streaming, though 4K can be shaky. I keep it as a backup VPN because it’s cheap and reliable for everyday browsing, but for binge‑watching I usually reach for Express or Nord.

How they stack up for Netflix vs. Hulu

Both Netflix and Hulu use similar methods to detect VPN traffic, but Netflix is stricter. In my tests, ExpressVPN and NordVPN were the only ones that never showed a block on either service. Surfshark and CyberGhost performed well on most titles, but each had a couple of hiccups with brand‑new releases. PIA was the most hit‑or‑miss, especially on Hulu’s newer episodes.

When it comes to 4K, only ExpressVPN consistently delivered the required 25 Mbps+ on both platforms. NordVPN got close, but on a few evenings the speed dipped to 22 Mbps, which caused occasional buffering. Surfshark and CyberGhost managed 1080p without trouble, but 4K was unreliable. PIA rarely hit the 4K threshold.

If you care about multiple devices, Surfshark’s unlimited connections give it an edge. For pure performance, ExpressVPN wins. NordVPN offers a nice middle ground with solid speed and a lower price if you lock in a two‑year plan.

My pick for the everyday streamer

After weighing speed, reliability, and price, I’d recommend ExpressVPN for anyone who streams a lot of new releases on both Netflix and Hulu and wants a set‑and‑forget experience. If you’re on a tighter budget but still want good performance, NordVPN is the next best choice, especially with its SmartPlay feature. For families with many devices, Surfshark gives the best value.

Remember, the VPN market changes fast. A provider that works today might get blocked tomorrow, so keep an eye on the blog for updates. At VPN Verdict we’ll keep testing and let you know when a new service climbs the ladder.