There’s no doubt that the streaming of content is more popular than ever before in the digital age, with some nine-out-of-10 Brits having used a platform such as Netflix during the past 12 months.
Unsurprisingly, Netflix is also the most popular streaming service on these shores, with over 62% of Brits having used its services during the same period. Almost half (48%) have also used Amazon Prime, making it the second most streaming platform on these shores.
However, this type of platform is often bound by geographical and licensing restrictions, which means that the available content library differs from one jurisdiction to another. This can make the practice challenging, especially when travelling from one region to another.
In this article, we’ll look at why you may want to consider using a VPN when streaming while asking what to look for in this type of product.
What is a VPN?
The term ‘VPN’ stands for virtual private network, which describes a secure and encrypted connection between your device and a remote server.
Typically, this is used to create an additional layer of network security when navigating unsecured public Wi-Fi connections.
It works by routing your data through an encrypted tunnel, ensuring that this is presented as an indecipherable string of code to potential hackers, cyber thieves, and network managers.
However, VPNs also mask your IP address and the physical location of your device. It achieves this by connecting your device to your choice of remote server location, minimising the risk of you being doxxed or targeted by malicious malware attacks.
By masking your IP address, VPNs also enable you to circumnavigate geographical streaming restrictions, accessing an unlimited array of content in the process.
What are the Benefits of Using a VPN for Streaming?
This describes the main benefit of using a VPN for streaming purposes, as it negates the complex licensing and broadcast agreements that exist around the world.
So, depending on what show or library you’d like to access (and your starting location), you can connect to a remote server in a target location and access geo-blocked content across platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer.
This has the effect of tricking sites into believing that you’re accessing content from an approved region while enabling you to stream programs freely and without disruption.
This is even more beneficial when traveling, as the content libraries that you’ll be able to access will change as you move from one jurisdiction to another. However, you can maintain your connection to a single remote server location to access the same content on a consistent basis, regardless of which corner of the globe you visit.
Of course, VPNs are illegal or restricted in some jurisdictions (including China and Russia), but you can safeguard yourself by checking the list of international restrictions online here.
What to Look for in a Streaming VPN
Of course, it should be noted that some streaming platforms use VPN-blocking software, preventing you from accessing content based on the IP address related to the remote server.
The good news is that you can negate this and more risks through your choice of VPN. So, here’s a breakdown of the key considerations before completing a VPN download.
- #1. Pick a Premium, Paid VPN: While you can access free VPN clients, these typically lack the requisite encryption and are more likely to be detected by streaming sites. Similarly, they may make their income by monetising your data, so it’s much better to opt for a paid VPN that offers a broad range of features, AES-256 encryption, and the best possible combination of protocols. You should also note that even premium VPNs can be used for as little as $2.99 per month.
- #2. Choose the Right VPN Protocols: VPN protocols describe rule sets that decide how data moves between your device and the remote server. VPNs may use a combination of available protocols, with some better and more advanced than others. These include OpenVPN, which is the most popular protocol and one that’s inherently quick and secure. WireGuard is the most recent tunneling protocol, which is renowned for its lightning-fast connection speeds and minimal use of code (making it easy to patch and update in real time).
- #3. Strict ‘No Data Logs’ Policy: Streaming sites are likely to collate significant personal datasets, while you’ll usually supply your email address or phone number when signing up. So, a VPN will be able to access this data and more when you’re connected, and we’d recommend prioritising clients that operate a strict ‘no logs’ policy. This means that the VPN client does not collate any unnecessary data and refrains from selling and monetising your personal information.
Why choose a VPN?
