Learn about the five reasons why you should get a VPN for all your streaming needs to unlock a whole new world of entertainment!
It's no surprise that VPN use has skyrocketed in recent years. It adds an extra layer of encryption to your internet traffic, making it more difficult for hackers and snoopers to access your data. Initially, only those concerned with internet anonymity or torrenting security used premium VPN services.
However, in the last 10 years or so, bypassing geo-restrictions on streaming services has become one of the most prevalent reasons for VPN usage. The ability to mask one's actual IP address and thereby ‘spoof' one's geographical location holds up the hope of more versatile streaming and more utility from paid services.
In this article, we'll describe the primary benefits that a streaming VPN may uncover for those who are interested in learning more about expanding their viewing horizons.
1. Access Geo-Restricted Services like Hulu
Most major streaming services, including Hulu, HBO Max, and BBC iPlayer, restrict access to their services based on a user's location. This is because of the fierce competition that exists in the market for international license agreements. This means that certain international content may be prohibited on your home network or while traveling overseas.
The good news is, you can get around these bans using a streaming VPN by making it look like you're connecting from inside an authorized region. VPNs accomplish this by routing your internet traffic through a secure tunnel to a remote server. So, let’s say you want to watch Hulu outside the US, all you have to do is connect to a server in the United States.
Similarly, if you want to unblock BBC iPlayer, connect to a VPN server in the UK. That’s the best part of VPNs. They include a wide variety of server locations, allowing users to continually avoid censorship and take advantage of high download and upload rates, regardless of their physical location. Just make sure you select a reliable VPN, and you’re good to go!
2. Unblock Exclusive Region-Specific Content
In comparison to other streaming services, Netflix stands out as somewhat of an anomaly due to the fact that its service can be accessed in virtually every country on the planet. However, the content that is accessible differs greatly depending on where you are physically located. For instance, if you’re located in Europe, you won’t be able to watch titles exclusive to US Netflix.
By using a VPN service, you can unlock the doors to the UK, US, Canada, Australia, and Japan libraries, allowing you to get the most out of your membership. Regionally restricted content including Downton Abbey, The Queen, Friday Night Lights, and more are all accessible through this method. Just connect to a VPN server in the region of the library you want to access.
It is important to be aware that accessing Netflix over a VPN is expressly prohibited under the service's terms and conditions. Although we have never heard of anybody having their membership terminated in the past, it is important to be aware of the possibility.
3. Enjoy Front-Row Seats to All the Live Sports Action!
Sports events may only be available on specific channels, similar to how some shows and movies are only available on certain networks. Whether you're trying to watch a specific sport or have strong preferences about the type of coverage and analysis you want to see, you may have trouble finding live streams that suit your needs.
Formula One fans in the United States, for instance, must subscribe to a television plan that includes ESPN. As a result, it might be a significant financial commitment for casual fans who don't already have access. Although some nations, like Austria, show every race for free, others only show some races for free in their host countries.
By using a VPN, you may access these broadcasts from any location by – you guessed it – connecting to a server in the appropriate country. You don't have to spend a dime to get the coverage you want if you use a VPN, which gives you the appearance of being in the area you want to access, without the associated costs.
4. Streaming on Public Wi-Fi Networks: No Longer a Problem
Streaming uses a lot of mobile data, so you may have found yourself connected to public Wi-Fi whenever possible in order to avoid going over your precious monthly data limit. You may use public Wi-Fi to stream whenever you have a spare moment, such as when you are sitting alone in a café and want to watch TV or when you are waiting for boarding at an airport.
However, hackers and snoopers love to prey on unwary users of public Wi-Fi networks in order to obtain private information. If you want to remain secure while streaming even if your VPN connection stops, you need to pick one that has strong encryption and other safeguards such as an automatic kill switch. Luckily, most VPNs come equipped with one for your security!
5. Simultaneous Connections are a Dream Come True for Streamers
Few of us, let's be honest, care as much about the cinematic experience as we once did. Once upon a time, in a land far, far away, families gathered 'round the big, clunky TV to watch the evening newscast.
These days, even on the way to and from work, we'll squint at our phones to watch the latest episode of The Office, and we'll bring our iPads on vacation to binge on our shows of choice while lounging by the pool.
How, therefore, does it translate into a VPN's usefulness when watching online videos? Since the majority of VPN service providers allow multiple connections to be maintained under a single subscription, this means you may set up your VPN and reap the geo-unblocking (and security) benefits of using it on all of your devices, whether you're using your game console to turn your TV into a smart TV or watching Netflix while lying down like a baby on the bed.
Wrapping Up
If you're the type of person who enjoys streaming content, you should seriously consider signing up for a streaming VPN service. A VPN enables users in any part of the world to bypass regional restrictions placed on their preferred streaming services.
You may avoid buffering and slow connections by avoiding bandwidth restrictions consistently. Streaming content while connected to a public Wi-Fi network is risky, but with a good VPN, your information will remain private. All these benefits for a rather budget-friendly cost!
