How to Choose the Right VPN for Streaming, Gaming, and Privacy
When it comes to VPNs (Virtual Private Networks), it comes down to what the VPN is going to be used for. Whether you plan on using a VPN for streaming, gaming, surfing the internet, torrenting, or just protecting your privacy, this guide covers what you need to know.
What Is a VPN and Why Do You Need One?
A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a server in a location you choose. This does three things:
- Privacy: Your ISP can't see what you're doing online. Neither can anyone else on your network.
- Security: Your data is encrypted, making it much harder to intercept -- especially on public WiFi.
- Location spoofing: You can appear to be browsing from another country, unlocking region-locked content.
Best VPN for Streaming
Streaming with a VPN allows you to access content you wouldn't have otherwise. Want to watch a show that's only on UK Netflix? Connect to a UK server. The main things to look for in a streaming VPN:
- Speed: You need enough bandwidth for HD/4K without buffering.
- Server locations: More countries = more content libraries to unlock.
- Unblocking ability: Some VPNs are better at getting past Netflix/Disney+ VPN detection.
Our pick: ExpressVPN consistently unblocks the most streaming services and has the fastest speeds for video. NordVPN is a close second and usually cheaper. Surfshark is also worth a look -- unlimited simultaneous connections at a lower price point.
Best VPN for Gaming
For gaming, a VPN can help with:
- DDoS protection -- Prevents attacks from sore losers.
- ISP throttling -- Your ISP can't throttle what it can't see.
- Region-locked games -- Play games before they launch in your region.
- Lower ping (sometimes) -- If the VPN routes you through a faster path to the game server.
The downside is that VPNs usually increase latency by adding an extra hop. The trick is finding a server close to both you and the game server. NordVPN's "Meshnet" feature and their large server network (6,000+ servers in 100+ countries) make it a solid choice for gamers.
Best VPN for Privacy
If privacy is your main concern, look for:
- No-logs policy: The VPN should not keep records of your activity. Look for VPNs that have been independently audited.
- VPN jurisdiction: Ideally based in a country with strong privacy laws and outside the 14 Eyes alliance.
- Kill switch: Automatically cuts your internet if the VPN connection drops, preventing your real IP from leaking.
- Open-source clients: So the code can be independently verified.
For privacy-focused users, check out Privacy Guides for community-vetted VPN recommendations. Mullvad VPN is the darling of the privacy community -- no email required to sign up, and you can pay with cash in an envelope. Really.
Free VPNs: Are They Worth It?
Generally, no. If you are not paying for the product, you are the product. Most free VPNs make money by selling your browsing data -- which defeats the entire purpose. The exception is Proton VPN's free tier, which is genuinely free, has no data caps, and is backed by the same team that built ProtonMail.
The Bottom Line
For most people, NordVPN or ExpressVPN will cover all your needs. Both are on our Top 100 Geek Sites list for good reason. If you are a privacy maximalist, look at Mullvad or Proton VPN. And whatever you do, don't use a free VPN you found on the app store.