Is VPN better than SmartDNS for online streaming? Is it the other way around?

SmartDNS is a quicker, more straightforward option because they do not encrypt any of the data in the stream, and you can use them on devices that do not support a VPN natively. But the only thing you get from a SmartDNS is the IP masking. A VPN, on the other hand, gives you many additional advantages that make it a more robust and better option. If device support is a problem for you, many of the choices we offer on this list work with routers, so you don't need the device to support the VPN to get the additional advantages. You will benefit if the device is connected to the internet through the router.

Is a VPN better than a proxy?

Yes, very much so. VPNs encrypt all your traffic, meaning nobody can make heads or tails of your activities. Proxy servers reroute your traffic so it looks like it came from another physical location. But of course, VPNs also do this, alongside many other things, which is why they're always a better option.

It works just as regular TV does. The only difference is that your signal gets delivered over the internet instead of a copper cable or the radio waves in the air. Have you ever used YouTube? Well, you've used IPTV already, then!

Are IPTV subscriptions legal?

For the most part, they are legal indeed. YouTube, Netflix, and Hulu are legitimate. However, you should be suspicious if you run into a streaming platform offering you a great deal of content for a fee worth a few cents monthly. Such a website won't have the right to distribute that content, which is why it can afford to charge such low fees. So avoid fishy video streaming sites. If staying on the legal side of copyright issues is not essential, consider this: you have no idea what will happen to your payment method information when you provide it to a site devoted to illegal activities.

What internet speed do I need to watch an IPTV stream?

The answer to this question depends on the video quality you want to see. For instance, 3 Mbps will be enough for standard-definition videos. But if you want something like 4K streaming, you will need at least 25 Mbps.

Will a VPN network halt my IPTV stream?

No, your VPN will never stop your stream. Encryption and rerouting could slow it down, but if your VPN is good enough, the loss in speed will be nothing you can notice as an end-user. In the worst-case scenario, a good VPN will increase buffering times by fractions of a second.

What is an IPTV Set-Top Box (STB)?

An IPTV set-top box (STB) is a small signal-receiving device that facilitates content streaming on your TV. IPTV STBs come in various forms and are often easy to use and install with a wide range of TV models.

5 best VPNs for IPTV right now - Unblock globally

Sneak peek at IPTV VPNs

IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) offers a wide range of video streaming sites and TV channels. Some famous IPTV providers are Netflix, YouTube TV, Hulu, and Redbox. Though, these sites are globally accessible for users. However, content availability depends upon the country’s geo-restriction laws. Hence, using a VPN serves as the ultimate content unblocking workaround. The best suitable VPNs for IPTV not only evade geo-restrictions but also offer high bandwidth to support HD video streaming. These VPN services provide dedicated clients to use on any platform. Moreover, by installing any of the best IPTV VPNs discussed in this guide, you can enjoy risk-free internet surfing within a secure and anonymous environment.

Online video streaming was a massive trend on the internet already two years ago. But then, the Covid-19 pandemic showed us its ugly face, putting the already growing trend on steroids.

Among those platforms that offer a vast catalog of video entertainment, IPTV stands out because of the range of streaming sites and TV channels it provides to users. But on this website, as in almost every other service, the catalog availability depends on a user’s physical location, as its IP address reveals.

Thankfully, if you live in one of those countries where IPTV’s content is restricted, you can bypass the geo-location-based restrictions in the sites using a good VPN provider.

And which VPN is the right one, we hear you ask? It’s a fair question. But unfortunately, the VPN industry has also exploded over the last few years. So, picking a good provider is no longer as obvious (or easy) as it used to be. But there’s no need to worry; this is our job.

We’ve gone through the top vendors in the market, tried them out, and figured out which ones will serve you better when unblocking IPTV from abroad. So welcome to our guide for the five best VPNs for IPTVs!

Top IPTV VPN services – The quick list

So here are the best five options for unblocking IPTV right here and now:

NordVPN: The best VPN provider for IPTV services as a whole. Strong security and privacy, good streaming functionality.
ExpressVPN: Combines high speeds, friendly apps, and excellent service. The right combination of features for many IPTV enthusiasts.
Surfshark: Excellent service at a lower price. Easy to set up, strong in every aspect.
Windscribe: Underrated premium VPN network that delivers all the essentials you need for a good IPTV experience.
VyprVPN: The best option if you are looking for cost-effectiveness without sacrificing privacy or streaming functionality.

Unblocking IPTV from any country in the world – The quick guide

Unblocking IPTV content with a good VPN service is quite a straightforward process. You’ll likely find it very quick and easy to implement, even if you’re new to the VPN world. Once you’ve chosen the VPN provider you like, try the following steps:

Get an account with a premium VPN provider: NordVPN is the best option for most tasks needing a VPN. In the case of IPTV, it’s an even better option; it soars over the competition.
Download and install the software you need: Depending on your chosen provider, you could need to configure your router or operating system. But most VPNs present here include a tech platform of dedicated apps that will significantly simplify the configuration process. So find the relevant apps, download and install them, and you’re ready to go.
Launch the app: This is where the magic begins. Launching the app will enable you to pick a server in the network. Choosing a server in the country where the content you want is unblocked would be best.
Open IPTV: Choose what you want from it, and enjoy it!

Top 5 VPNs for unblocking IPTV: The complete list

Unfortunately, the VPN market is overcrowded. Separating the wheat from the chaff takes time and expertise, even more so when you’re doing it with a particular task in mind instead of for more generic VPN tasks.

Fortunately, our staff is familiar with many of the providers in the industry. Their expertise is unmatched among reviewers, so they quickly compiled a list of five VPN providers working with IPTV and doing it in style. Some of them even offer great value for your money. So here are the best IPTV VPNs:

1. NordVPN

Undeniably, the best IPTV VPN. It offers robust security with super-fast speed and reliable server connections to provide you with a lag-free streaming experience.

Visit NordVPN

5,000+ servers in 60 countries

Boasts P2P sharing

AES-256-bit encryption

Kill switch

6 connections simultaneously

DNS/IP leak protection

Boasts double VPN feature

24/7 live chat

30-day money-back guarantee

Pros

Your data is completely secure
Do not allow bandwidth throttling
Huge server coverage

Cons

Some servers are risky for privacy

Considering all the factors in which a VPN must excel to be a good IPTV option, we found NordVPN to be the best option, hands down.

The NordVPN server network is extensive, including over 5,000 nodes scattered over 59 countries. About 1970 of those are based in 15 US cities, an important location when unblocking IPTV is your goal. These US-based servers will do the deed with IPTV. And they will also unblock most other big streaming platforms like Hulu, Disney+, or Netflix.

So NordVPN has US-based servers. But it also has high-speed connections. This feature is also critical if your connection supports an HD stream. Our team achieved speeds as high as 250 Mbps with NordVPN – your speeds could differ significantly depending on your operating system, ISP, and many other factors. Still, the relevant point is that your available speed will be best used with NordVPN.

NordVPN supports every major platform and operating system, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even Amazon Firestick. Moreover, you can configure NordVPN on your router. That way, you can have any device in your local network (Smart TVs, IPTV boxes, or anything else) using the VPN connection without direct support from the device.

5 best VPNs for IPTV right now – Unblock globally