Twitch.tv is a video streaming platform that allows you to stream your preferred video games, e-sports events, music broadcasts, and many more things while simultaneously interacting with other top streamers and your audience in real-time.
So, being on Twitch is a lot of fun and the most fantastic hobby on the internet until someone, for some reason, denies you access or blocks some of the site’s content. That can happen for several reasons.
Using a VPN to connect to Twitch will seem nothing short of magic once you try it – if you use the right VPN, of course. We’ve already researched and conducted rigorous tests, so you don’t have to worry about anything. In this article, we list the top VPN providers to use with Twitch.
Best Twitch VPNs – The quick list
If you’re in a bit of a rush and you want to get the gist of it, here are my five top choices. Further details are available for you to read later in this article if you have some more time:
- NordVPN – Everybody’s favorite VPN network could not fail us with Twitch. And it’s cost-effective too.
- ExpressVPN – It gets everything right and keeps rotating its IP addresses to keep up with Twitch’s sneaky IP bans.
- Surfshark – The industry’s young disrupter is the best deal in town, providing an excellent service for a competitive fee.
- IPVanish – Excellent service with a friendly user interface will make things straightforward for you and prevent your ISP from throttling your connection as you enjoy Twitch.
- PrivateVPN – The surprise element is never to be underestimated. PrivateVPN wasn’t among my expected elements in this list, but it’s good, so it’s there.
What makes a top Twitch VPN service?
A good VPN service is supposed to perform two tasks effectively. First, it must hide your physical IP address from the world while showing the one that belongs to one of its servers. Second, it must encrypt all your incoming and outgoing traffic so that no external observer sees anything but white noise coming in and out of your computer.
The question then is, are those two things enough for you to enjoy a good Twitch experience? Unfortunately, the answer is no, which is why even some of the best VPNs in the business are not suited for video streaming, even if they excel at privacy and other features.
Why is it good to use a VPN for Twitch?
A VPN will bypass geolocation-based content restrictions on Twitch better than any other tool, and that in itself is enough reason to use the VPN in the first place. But there are other advantages as well. Let’s dig into them.
Geoblocks
Online controversy is the feature, not a bug, so Twitch videos share in that. Some countries have strict internet content policies in which some Twitch content is “objectionable,” and it can’t be shown to their citizens.
Take China. The government there likes to preemptively ban Western websites that are growing too quickly for their taste. Twitch is one of those, so you can’t see it in China. Russia also blocked the site “unintentionally” because it blocked a set of IP addresses related to Amazon and Google. So the Russian ban was not strictly political, but it nevertheless happened.
And Twitch also practices auto-censorship because of licensing issues. For instance, it streams some Crunchyroll shows licensed for Europe and the US only, so you are not supposed to see them if you are connecting from a different country.
Another exceptional case is India, where you can’t sign up for Twitch Prime – the VIP option that includes bonus games and other perks.
You can avoid all those limitations by connecting to Twitch through a VPN server located in a country where the whole platform’s content is available, such as the US or the UK. So, for example, if you connect to the site through a VPN server in the US, Twitch will think you’re in the US and treat you accordingly, wherever you are in the world.
Network blocks
But living in a repressive country is not the only reason that could prevent you from reaching Twitch. For example, maybe your office’s or university network is configured, so you can’t use it. That makes sense. Employers and universities complain that access to such sites is distracting and does not help the process (work or study) they’re supposed to promote.
Your VPN will also get around those limitations. Because all your traffic is encrypted and goes through the VPN tunnel, and it first goes to the VPN’s server, your boss or university is none the wiser about what you’re doing. So they will never figure out that you’re connected to Twitch nor be able to prevent it.
IP bans
Your IP address could be associated with a violation of Twitch’s terms of service. It doesn’t have to be because of you but because another user tried to bend the rules when that IP was assigned to him before it became yours. So if you’re unlucky in this way, for Twitch, you’re the guilty party. It won’t grant you access, innocent as you may be.
A VPN will give you a brand new IP with no criminal history, so you will be able to access Twitch without any problems whatsoever. And it will be a fresh IP each time, so you can never miss a connection to Twitch again.
ISP throttling
ISPs don’t like users who make too intensive a use of the service they pay for. So, for instance, if you are addicted to Netflix and you’re streaming 4k videos 24/7, your ISP will notice and limit your bandwidth use. How is that fair, we hear you ask? Well, it’s not, but some ISPs do that anyway, so fairness is kind of beside the point. That’s called throttling, and it will become increasingly frequent as net neutrality becomes diluted in the US.
And here is where the VPN makes a difference again. Your ISP can tell you’re using a lot of data, but it has no idea what you’re doing with it. They won’t throttle your connection if they don’t know what you’re doing because they are blind to your activities.
The top five VPNs for Twitch – The detailed analysis
Your Twitch user experience can be greatly enhanced with a VPN. It will improve your security and anonymity, and it will also help you unblock content unavailable to you because of your physical location or other bans. The following are the best VPNs you can use for this.
1. NordVPN
The number 1 VPN to enjoy streaming your favorite content from Twitch lag-free – thanks to its massive network, stable servers, and fast speeds.
5,000 servers in 60 countries
P2P support
CyberSec adblocker
Automatic kill switch
Does not keep logs
AES-256-bit encryption
Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections
DNS/IPv6 protection
Double VPN
30 days money-back guarantee
Pros
- Offers apps for routers
- High-notch privacy and security features
- Super-fast servers
Cons
- Double VPN causes problem some times
NordVPN is a favorite, and there are a lot of VPN enthusiasts out there for excellent reasons. Indeed, this server is so good that it comes close to ExpressVPN in quality and a great user experience and is slightly cheaper.
Its network of 5,000 servers in 60 countries gives you many options to unblock Twitch worldwide. And those options will also enable you to unblock many other popular streaming services.
The connection speeds are good enough to support HD video streams for hours. And the lack of data caps or bandwidth limitations will let you binge-Twitch to your heart’s content. And since you will have access to a lot of additional content by ignoring the blocks, you’ll have so much more to watch!
Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire, and Android TV devices all work correctly with NordVPN, which means that almost every Twitch-compatible toy is on the list.
And then there’s NordVPN’s SmartDNS service. We won’t bore you with the technical details about what SmartDNS is. Instead, you need to know that some devices are incompatible with VPN under normal conditions (smart TVs or gaming consoles, for instance).
SmartDNS allows those devices to connect through the VPN, thus allowing you to use them with Twitch as well – but keep in mind that SmartDNS doesn’t encrypt your traffic. It will enhance your functionality vis a vis unblocking content, but it won’t improve your privacy or anonymity. So use it wisely and do not take unnecessary risks.
Customer service is excellent for NordVPN users. Since everything about this service is so easy to use, you shouldn’t need extra help to make things run smoothly. However, if you’re a new VPN user or want a more customized experience, then the staff at customer service has your back quickly and reliably.
Last but not least, NordVPN has a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try the network for an entire month before paying it monthly.
2. ExpressVPN
Known for its blazing-fast speeds and secure servers, ExpressVPN is great to enjoy streaming your favorite Twitch content with privacy.
3,000+ servers in 94 countries
AES-256-bit encryption
DNS leak protection
P2P sharing
Zero-logs policy
Automatic kill switch
Allows up to 8 simultaneous connections
30 days money back guarantee
Pros
- Reliable customer support
- Excellent blocking capabilities
- Does not keep loogs
Cons
- Limited configuration
ExpressVPN is the best option in the market by far. Whatever task you have in mind for a VPN, it can do it efficiently and in style. That includes unblocking Twitch.
The network boasts more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries, and each license covers five concurrent devices. So it will unblock Twitch and Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, DAZN, and Twitch. And it works with Linux, macOS, Windows, iOs, and Android without any problems.
The speeds in ExpressVPN are impressive, and the bandwidth is unlimited. That makes this option the natural pick to use in tandem with streaming sites and services. You will not be stuck in buffering, wait for loading times, or have a pixelated or stuttering video with this network. Instead, your video will flow smoothly and as close to real-time as you can get.
The privacy policy is impressive, and it’s strictly zero-log-keeping. So ExpressVPN will never keep a database on your browsing history, data usage, IP address, or other usage data.
Yet another feature in ExpressVPN makes it the best option for Twitch. Twitch is not crazy about users using VPN or other proxies to circumvent their geolocation restrictions.
Before you invest any money in ExpressVPN, you can take advantage of the 30-day money-back trial, use the network for 30 days and then decide if it is worth the fee. It is, of course, but you can make up your own mind.
3. Surfshark
The best VPN for Twitch streaming on a budget. Its widespread network ensures you never miss your desired shows from your favorite platforms even when abroad.
3,200+ servers in 65 countries
AES-256-bit encryption
P2P optimized servers
No-logs policy
CleanWeb adblocker
Automatic kill switch
Camouflage mode
Unlimited simultaneous connections
MultiHop mode
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Good interface
- Top security protocols
- ad blocker
Cons
- Problem with some servers
Surfshark is the VPN industry’s enfant terrible. It’s a relatively new company disrupting the market with a premium service that costs only a fraction of the average price. This network charges you the fee of a bottle of beer and delivers a bottle of champagne.
Access to Twitch and many other streaming services with SurfShark is reliable and safe. The connections are fast and secure. You will find servers, connect to them quickly, and then have your video stream run smoothly.
The VPN’s global network includes 3,200 servers in more than 60 countries. Many of those servers are based in countries where Twitch is available, so you will be spoiled for choices.
Besides the high speeds, Surfshark’s connections boast, they’re safe, protected with the best encryption in the business, secure against DNS leaks, and it has a kill switch. And there are other perks too.
For example, the service includes tracker blocking, malware, phishing protection, and a MultiHop option (it routes your traffic through two VPN servers instead of one, thus adding an extra encryption layer, but this is not recommended for video streaming).
Customer support is excellent at Surfshark, and you can connect as many devices to the network as you have or want, which makes it even more cost-effective than the competition.
If you are looking for the most bang for your buck option, this is the one by far.
4. IPVanish
It vanishes your real IP address, masking it with the one from your preferred location so that you can access your desired Twitch show just as you did back home.
2,000+ servers in 75 locations
Supports P2P connections
No-logs policy
Kill switch mode
AES-256-bit encryption
Unlimited simultaneous devices
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Excellent security
- Easy to use apps
- Router installation guides
Cons
- Some issues with privacy appear
IPVanish’s claim to fame within the VPN industry is that it excels in anonymous torrenting. This is a big deal because many VPN services do not support torrenting at all (on legal or ethical grounds), and even among those that do allow it, the network speeds can’t support a good session.
The technical requirements you need for torrenting in VPNs are very similar to those you need for streaming sites, which is why IPVanish is perfect for Twitch.
The IPVanish network includes 1,900 servers in 75 countries. It lets you connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously; it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. In addition, it can successfully unblock YouTube, Hotstar, SlingTV, HBO, Netflix, and, of course, Twitch. Also, it works well with Chromebook, routers, and FireTV, besides the usual suspects.
This VPN platform provides a set of user-friendly apps that make it easy to connect. In addition, speeds and bandwidth are unlimited, so throttling will never be a problem for you.
The encryption in IPVanish is on par with any of the industry’s best, and the service includes a robust kill switch that will cut your traffic off if it detects that your secure connection has been severed.
The policy is to keep zero logs, and it’s stated in what is probably the most transparent statement in the market. Every entry in my top five Twitch VPNs is good for privacy, security, and anonymity. But among the five options I show here, IPVanish is most committed to those values.
5. PrivateVPN
Might be underrated, but the provider makes sure to give everything you want to keep you entertained and safe when streaming Twitch.
200+ server locations across 63 countries
AES-256-bit encryption
P2P sharing
Keeps no-logs
DNS leak protection
One month money-back guarantee
Pros
- Easily installable
- Robust security
- Zero-logs policy
Cons
- Selected servers
The company’s advertising sells it as the “Fastest-growing VPN Worldwide.” It’s not hard to believe that at all. If you consider that the network includes 200+ servers in 60+ countries only, it’s the smallest network among the options I suggest in this article, so it has so much room for growth that it could easily be the fastest-growing VPN worldwide for sure.
PrivateVPN unblocks HBO, Netflix, and Hulu – and yes, it goes without saying that it does a great job with Twitch, too.
The encryption is military-grade, with no data caps or bandwidth limits. The no-logs policy holds with this service, too, and the availability of Bitcoin as a payment method makes it the top VPN supporting crypto. That allows PrivateVPN’s customers to go 100% unidentified if they wish.
Support for operating systems is not as extensive in PrivateVPN. macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS, are covered, which will suit most users in the world for sure. On the other hand, it supports extensive router configuration.
That means that Linux’s lack of support doesn’t need to be a problem. If you configure your home router to use PrivateVPN, the VPN will protect all your traffic, including those from Linux or other unsupported devices.
The customer support is superb as well, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How about using a free VPN with Twitch?
Since you’re doing the research, you need to use a VPN with Twitch; you will unavoidably come across free VPN providers. Free VPNs can look like a desirable option. But I never recommend them for any general task. And if your goal is to stream video, a free VPN is even less suitable because their networks tend to be smaller, and the available bandwidth is more scarce; data is often capped.
So your connections will be slow and unreliable, and even getting successful links to a VPN server could take you a while.
And there’s another issue with free VPNs. They may not charge you a fee, but they’re not as cheap as you could think.
Here’s what you need to remember when you are an actor in the digital economy. First, whenever a product is made free of charge to you, you must consider the possibility that you are the product and not what you are consuming.
Second, in that context, you are paying something for the product or service, even if it’s not with your money. That doesn’t preclude the possibility of being too expensive.
How to stream Twitch content with a VPN quickly
Using a good VPN in tandem with Twitch can only enhance your experience. And it’s a straightforward process. You just need to follow these steps:
- Pick one of the VPN services in this article and sign up for an account.
- If your devices or operating systems need an app from your VPN, download it and install it.
- Connect to a server in your VPN’s network. Make sure that the server you choose is based in a Twitch-accessible country.
- Launch your favorite Twitcher and start your Twitch session.
- That’s it! Now you are Twitching while being private, safe, anonymous, and unblocked!
Twitch is slow in my country. How can a VPN help me?
You’re probably in the UAE. The government controls the country’s primary ISPs (Etisalat and Du), and they’re suspected of throttling users who like watching Twitch streams. According to some user reports, throttling can be nothing short of wild (up to 70% of your bandwidth). Once you’ve lost so much speed, keeping up with a Twitch connection becomes impossible. Similar things are known to happen in Indonesia and a few more countries.
So how can you tell if you’re getting the throttle treatment? There is no way to be 100% sure, of course, but you can be reasonably confident about that if you try this: watch your internet speeds closely when you’re doing anything online other than being at Twitch. Then go to Twitch. If you see that you lose a significant amount of your bandwidth when you’re connecting to that site, then you could be the victim of throttling. But you can get around it.
Your ISP limits your connection speeds based on specific sites it doesn’t want you to use too much, like Twitch. If you use a VPN, the ISP can’t find out the site you’re using. It can only see your connection to a VPN server but not the contents of your activities because all your traffic is encrypted.
So if you take away your ISP’s ability to see that you’re connecting to Twitch, you’re also preventing it from limiting your bandwidth. And that’s what a VPN does.
FAQs
Irresponsible behavior toward other Twitch users can get you banned. If you’ve joined Twitch or any other online community, there are some standards, niceties, and etiquette rules you should always observe. If you don’t and get banned, we’re sorry to tell you that you had it coming. However, let’s say you got banned, learned your lesson, and want to rejoin Twitch and be a good guy or gal. But, unfortunately, you could find that you can’t log in to the site anymore because your home IP address is banned. You could still join again with a VPN. The VPN spoofs your IP address, so you can go to Twitch, get a new account, and rejoin the community – hopefully, you won’t get banned again this time.
Yes. China and Russia are the best-known cases. China blocks Twitch out of geopolitical concerns. Russia doesn’t block Twitch per se, but it blocks a set of IP addresses that could preclude Twitch access from Russia. In either case, a VPN will allow you to bypass the domestic ban and use Twitch as if you were elsewhere in the world.
