Best VPNs for Streaming in Canada – [A Complete Guide for 2023]

Now is the time to pick your best VPN for streaming.

Streaming services, such as Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and HBO, cannot be accessed from Canada. Only a reputable VPN with fast streaming servers can get you crazy movie nights. That is where ExpressVPN comes in.

Accessing TV shows and movies from your home country while travelling abroad is another benefit of using a VPN. Due to copyright costs and licensing arrangements with third-party suppliers, many streaming services offer distinct content libraries for different countries (so you might not be able to access the content for your country). But if you use the best VPN for streaming, you can connect to a server of your own country and enjoy movies/TV shows from there.

Unfortunately, many VPNs have sluggish connections, which might cause the videos to lag or even freeze.  Numerous other VPNs are incompatible with the best streaming services (most streaming Apps obstruct VPN traffic).

If you’ve reached this hopeless point where you’ve exhausted all the options and can’t seem to pass through the geo-restriction wall, you should consider investing in a good streaming VPN.

Accessing geo-restricted content is one of the biggest reasons the demand for the best Canada VPN is surging. Each month we see a new streaming site pops up, snatching away content and tucking it behind yet another subscription wall. Well, we can’t afford to have thousands of subscriptions, can’t you get it?

However, not every VPN is designed for streaming, so in this article, we’ll define which VPN works with streaming services. Let’s dig in!

What is the Best VPN for Streaming in Canada in 2023? – [Quick Guide]

Whether you want to access foreign Netflix libraries or American streaming services like HBO Max or follow live sports events on a free sports site only available in a different country, the best streaming VPN can get you through!

After thoroughly testing 10+ VPN providers, we’ve shortlisted the top 3 VPNs that have all the qualities of the best VPN for Streaming:

How do I Unblock a Streaming Service using a VPN in Canada?

The criteria for unblocking different streaming services are almost similar throughout all the VPNs. You just have to select the server on which that streaming service is based.

For example, if you want to get Hulu in Canada, use the best VPN and connect to the US server since Hulu is only accessible within US territories. Similarly, for streaming UK-owned streaming sites like BBC iPlayer, you must connect to a UK VPN server.

Here’s how it’s done:

What are the Best VPNs for Streaming in 2023? – [Detailed Analysis]

We tested more than 10+ VPNs to select the top-quality VPN for unblocking different streaming platforms, and here is a detailed analysis of our shortlisted streaming VPNs:

1. ExpressVPN – The Fastest VPN for Streaming in Canada

ExpressVPN holds all the key ingredients to be the best VPN for streaming! It has fast speeds, good security, an extensive server network, and strong unblocking power – what else do you want?

It unblocks almost all major streaming platforms and always seems to be one step ahead of them, trying to prevent you from accessing from abroad. Whether you want to watch the Harry Potter movie series on Peacock TV in Canada or stream live sports on ESPN+ from Canada, ExpressVPN is the way to go.

With around 3000+ servers in 105 countries, it gives you plenty of choices for spoofing your location and streaming content from wherever you are.

In our performance test, the service achieved consistently solid speeds with an average of 96.5 Mbps on a 100-base connection. We didn’t find a single glitch while streaming Eternals on Disney+ Hotstar, nor did we face any buffering during live streaming Australian Open on ESPN+ from Canada.

We often bumped into Disney+ Hotstar VPN detected errors while trying other VPN services, but we didn’t face any such error when I tried ExpressVPN to watch the Disney+ Hotstar web series.

ExpressVPN has an extensive range of native clients, including Linux, Windows, and Mac support, but it simply outshines the mobile department. There are user-friendly apps for android, iOS, and even BlackBerry.

Another added advantage is that these apps automatically connect to the best server to deliver the fastest speeds and performance possible. That’s particularly handy for mobile users who instantly want to stream their much anticipated season before anyone spoils it for them.

We received a download speed of 89.38 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.66 Mbps using the ExpressVPN Indian server.

For security purposes, ExpressVPN is packed with top-notch security and privacy features, such as a kill switch, along with military-grade encryption and DNS/IP leak protection. It keeps no logs of your data, meaning once you’re connected to ExpressVPN, your data will be safe. Due to its high-end security features, it is considered the most secure VPN for Hulu.

With a five simultaneous device allowance, it also makes for a good household torrenting VPN.

ExpressVPN is available for CA$ 9.11/mo (US$ 6.67/mo)(Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free), which comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros and Cons of ExpressVPN

2. Surfshark – The most Affordable VPN for Streaming

Surfshark comfortably unblocks a myriad of streaming sites at affordable price rates. With a network of 3200 servers in 100 countries, you can unblock Netflix and stream its wide range of foreign catalogues.

The service works great when we unblock Sky Sports and Optus Sport in Canada.

Moreover, unblocking Indian streaming sites like SonyLiv and Zee5 Indian with Surfshark was a lot easier than any other streaming site. We had a lot of fun streaming Bigg Boss on Voot and other Indian movies that are geo-restricted in Canada.

We received a download speed of 88.78 Mbps and an upload speed of 54.22 Mbps using Surfshark’s Chicago server while unblocking HBO Max.

After witnessing its great power to unblock Amazon Prime Video geographical restrictions, we’ve also added Surfshark to our best VPN for streaming Star Sports in Canada.

The most impressive thing about this VPN is that it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can connect as many devices as you want! It’s convenient for household use since every household member usually has different streaming preferences.

You can use Surfshark on various streaming devices like Amazon Fire Stick, Chromecast, Apple TV, laptop, Roku, Smart TV, gaming consoles, Android smartphones and tablets, iPhones, and more.

Surfshark is available for CA$ 3.4/mo (US$ 2.49/mo)- Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee that also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can do it for a whole month and claim a refund if you’re unsatisfied.

Pros and Cons of Surfshark

3. NordVPN – Largest Server Network VPN for Streaming in Canada

NordVPN is well-known in the market for its extensive server coverage, which is why it has become a key contender in our streaming VPN list. It has around 5999+ servers in 61+ countries, which gives you several spoofing choices to stream worldwide content.

But beyond that, NordVPN’s focus on streaming is obvious through its SmartPlay features, a secure proxy service that it uses to circumvent the geo-restriction of streaming sites. The feature is set as default in all of its apps, automatically sending users’ traffic through an optimal streaming server.

With NordVPN, I could easily unblock Canada’s leading streaming sites during my brief vacations abroad, including Crave TV and CTV. Netflix also worked fine without any proxy error, though we did face a YouTube TV proxy error once and twice during streaming – this issue was fixed once I cleared my browser cookies.

We received a download speed of 84.55 Mbps and an upload speed of 42.15 Mbps using the NordVPN Chicago server.

During our speed testing, we witnessed decent speeds and commendable consistency, although latency increased when I connected to a distant server. Other than that, NordVPN allows you to connect up to six devices simultaneously on a single subscription account worth CA$ 5.45/mo (US$ 3.99/mo)- Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend.

The package comes with a no-questions-asked money-back guarantee within 30 days of purchase. This allows you to revert your transaction if it fails to meet your standards during the 30-day trial period.

Pros and Cons of NordVPN

What makes the Best Streaming VPN in Canada?

A combination of fast speed, powerful unblocking capabilities, robust security, and a decent variety of servers makes a great streaming VPN. Look at the following criteria through which we’ve selected the above three streaming VPNs:

1. Vast Server Network

It goes without saying that a vast server network is essential for accessing various streaming sites. It provides you with plenty of spoofing options and helps you stream geo-restricted content from all over the globe. Also, the more servers a VPN has, the more likely you will find a server nearby for improved speed and performance.

Our benchmark is at least a 2000+ server network; anything less than that does not make for a good streaming VPN. All of our shortlisted VPNs have a server network of more than 3000.

2. Speed

A fast and reliable connection is good for consistent streaming with no dreaded buffering. Buffering is the biggest banes for streaming. So, we have tested each VPN and checked if the speeds are up to snuff.

ExpressVPN was the fastest on the list, delivering a speed of 96.5 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection, which is far better for seamless streaming.

3. Unblocking Power

Netflix is the most popular streaming site in the world and also the toughest to unblock – it doesn’t make it easy to access its American library if you’re not within the US territories. So, we have tested each VPN to check if it works with Netflix. Fortunately, they could pass Netflix geo-restrictions and are also added to the list of best VPNs for Netflix streaming.

Besides Netflix, a VPN streaming must also unlock other popular streaming services like Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Crave TV, BBC iPlayer, and more.

4. Compatibility

A broad compatibility VPN allows you to stream titles on various devices. Besides good speed and connectivity, you’ll also want wide support for various devices, as you may well be watching content across multiple gadgets and screens.

We paid special attention to this aspect and selected only those services that are compatible with all types of smartphones, computers, and individual streaming devices like Apple TV, Roku, FireStick, Android TV, and other Smart TVs.

5. Good Security

The level of security is important if you don’t want to compromise your data while streaming. The VPNs listed above offer the strongest encryption, kill switch, and protection against DNS/IP leaks.

What Streaming Services can I Stream with a VPN in Canada?

You can unblock and access a myriad of streaming services with a VPN. Here, we have listed down all the popular streaming services, along with a region-based server VPN to change the location for accessing them:

America is the best VPN country for streaming since it’s home to many popular streaming sites. Therefore, it is recommended to go for the VPN that offers plenty of server choices in the US.

Note: If your Amazon Prime account is not working with a VPN, you can always contact VPN customer service, and they will provide you with quick solutions.

Why do you need a VPN for Streaming in Canada?

VPN is essential for unblocking geo-restricted streaming sites unavailable in your region. If you have an insatiable appetite for films and movies and can get to any lengths to get all the content, you should definitely use a VPN!

If you are wondering Do I need a VPN to stream in Canada? Yes, A VPN helps spoof your location by routing your traffic through a remote server, making it look like you’re accessing a streaming site from a licensed region. And that’s understandable because you can’t travel around to different countries just to stream certain content, right?

So, your cheaper option is to invest in a VPN, connect to your desired region, and voila! Your favourite channels will be there in front of you for your service.

Besides, ever since this whole streaming war broke out, more and more content has been put behind the subscription wall, and the average earner cannot afford that. Thanks to VPN, you can watch all the content hosted by a streaming site by spoofing your location.

Is using VPN illegal in Canada? Yes, using a VPN in Canada is completely legal unless you are not involved in illegal activities.

Can I use a Free VPN for Streaming?

Yes, but it’s not recommended!

Free VPN services are more a bane than a boon. Plagued with plenty of privacy issues, overcrowded streaming servers, and poor speeds, free VPNs are not simply cut for a great and faster streaming experience. Honestly, most of them fall on the very first hurdle, which is unblocking strong geofences.

How on earth can you stream with a free VPN when it lacks the ability to bypass geo-restrictions? You can’t.

Therefore, it is strongly advised to only go for the premium and best VPN for streaming that has adequate resources to fulfil your streaming needs. You can also opt for an affordable VPN for streaming, like Surfshark. Remember: “if something is free, you are the product!”

Check out our top Free VPNs recommendations to use in Canada in case you want to enjoy some free service.

What are the VPNs that do not work for streaming?

During our testing, we found the following VPNs that are not suitable for streaming due to excruciatingly slow speed, below-average performance, and incompetent unblocking:

FAQs

Conclusion

If you’re sick of the dreaded error message saying, “this service is unavailable in your region,” then you should definitely invest in the best VPN for streaming. A streaming VPN can help you bypass the geo-restriction wall on streaming sites and allow you to watch content from your home.

It makes this possible by redirecting your entire traffic through a secure server that’s in an entirely different country to where you are.

But beware, not all VPNs can do this job effectively, so we have tested multiple VPN providers and found that ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and NordVPN are the best for streaming.