Best VPN for Twitch

VPN for Twitch

If you’re a gamer, you are almost certainly a fan of Twitch, the online streaming site for e-sports that also lets celebs and all live-stream their game-play for the whole world to enjoy.

So, wouldn’t it be great if you could watch Twitch streams and access content without issues?

  • Streams unavailable in your country
  • School or work restricting your access
  • Lag or buffering problems

Thankfully, it doesn’t need to be like that and a VPN can solve all these issues, provide you with private internet access, and more.

Inside we’ll show you exactly which VPN will level-up your streaming experience, and protect your internet traffic at the same time. So let’s dive in.

Got no time?

In our tests we found ExpressVPN to be the leading option when used with Twitch.

Best VPN for Twitch

Let’s begin with the information most of you are after; the Best VPNs for Twitch. In this section will will run down our pick of the top 7 best VPNs for Twitch:

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN apps on multiple types of devices

Pros
  • Best in class for Twitch
  • Apps for all devices
  • Super fast streaming speeds
  • Works in most countries
  • Audited no log policy
  • 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
  • Paying monthly expensive

ExpressVPN is our number one recommended VPN for all streaming services and Twitch is no exception. In fact, it is easily one of the best VPNs for Twitch.

It is able to unblock Twitch no matter where in the world you are simply by connecting to the right VPN server. And, it also works on the majority of other streaming platforms, so you can unblock Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

As well as being able to unblock Twitch for VPN users, it has all the qualities you need to enjoy Twitch content too.

It has a huge server network with servers in 94 countries and dedicated apps for just about every device you can think of. This means that you can access this streaming service on any desktop and mobile device you like as well as on a Smart TV and others less common devices.

ExpressVPN has the fastest connections around and crucially these speeds are consistent across their server network. This means that no matter what server you connect to, you will be able to watch high-quality gaming content even in HD.

It also has a live chat support, if you need help with anything.

Subscribers also benefit from a rock-solid no user logs guarantee and the ability to bypass data retention laws, military-grade encryption, unrestricted access to the internet, easy to use mobile apps, no bandwidth restrictions, and a range of security features.

It also includes an all-important, built-in kill switch to make sure Twitch can’t see your true location if you VPN connection drops out.

You can also connect up to five devices simultaneously with this VPN service, and there is a 30-day money back guarantee that gives you plenty of time to try before you buy too. Quite simply the best VPN for Twitch, hands down.

Our #1 Recommendation for Twitch

30-day money back guarantee

2. Surfshark

Surfshark Website screengrab

Pros
  • Very good streaming speeds
  • Apps easy for beginners
  • Works with most streaming services
  • 30-day money back guarantee
  • Registered off-shore
Cons
  • Unaudited no log policy
  • Newer provider

Surfshark is a relatively new VPN but if any other provider is pushing ExpressVPN for the best Twitch VPN crown it is them.

When it comes to streaming, Surfshark is a VPN that ticks all the boxes, whether you use it for music broadcasts, services like Netflix, or the Twitch website.

Like ExpressVPN, it is based in the British Virgin Islands. It has a big VPN server network with more than 3,200 servers in 65+ countries meaning that gamers around the world can use it to unblock and access Twitch.

Surfshark also works with most other streaming services too including Netflix (30 regions and counting), Amazon Prime video and more.

It has a great range of apps, strong privacy features, and it supports an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. This means you and your family can hook all their devices up to Surfshark, whether watching Twitch, gaming, or just browsing the internet.

Other features that Surfshark comes with include rock-solid encryption, a no user logs guarantee you can trust, a kill switch, really affordable prices and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Another good choice for Twitch users.

3. NordVPN

NordVPN Deal

Pros
  • Huge range of servers
  • Apps for most devices
  • 6 concurrent connections
  • 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
  • Not the fastest

Completing our top 3 best Twitch VPNs is NordVPN, another great provider that ticks all the boxes.

NordVPN has a server network that consists of more than 5,000 servers in 60+ countries, as well as unlimited bandwidth. Again, this is ideal for Twitch users and gamers no matter where in the world you are.

As well as unblocking Twitch, NordVPN also works with various Netflix regions and most other streaming platforms too.

A real asset of NordVPN for gamers is speeds. NordVPN has invested heavily in its infrastructure in recent years and the result is one of the most consistently fast VPNs around. It can even protect you from ISP throttling.

It will also let you connect up to six devices simultaneously and there are excellent apps available for a huge range of devices. So no matter where you play your games or use Twitch, NordVPN can work for you.

There are a huge range of privacy features available to all NordVPN users, such as the kill switch, which help to keep your connection secure and there is an independently verified no users logs guarantee available too.

NordVPN has some of the cheapest subscription rates of any premium VPN and there is also a 30-day money-back guarantee which many users value too. A great cost-effective all-rounder for Twitch users.

4. IPVanish

IPVanish website

Pros
  • 75 countries covered
  • Unlimited concurrent connections
  • 30-day money back guarantee
  • Advanced security features
Cons
  • Unaudited no log policy
  • Not super fast

Like Surfshark, IPVanish is a reliable service that has recently upgraded its offering to include unlimited simultaneous connections for all users. This is great choice to access Twitch for users who want to use multiple devices or share their subscription with family and friends.

The IPVanish remote server network consists of 1,900+ servers dotted across more than 75 countries which should be more than sufficient for most gamers. Connections speeds are decent too but not quite as consistently fast as some of the other VPN providers on this list.

IPVanish was renowned for its apps and these are definitely still a strong suit for this provider.

They are available across multiple devices and still come with a great design and are easy to use. Like the rest of the providers we mentioned, it also has a kill switch that will cut your connection if a VPN app malfunctions.

If there is a downside to this VPN provider it is that it is not great at unblocking other streaming services. If they want to block VPNs, IPVanish doesn’t tend to fight back which can be frustrating and could be a problem for streaming Twitch Prime in the long run.

But right now, IPVanish is another provider that will do a decent job for Twitch users.

5. WeVPN

WeVPN website

Pros
  • Very good app range
  • Excellent for streaming services
  • Very good download speeds
Cons
  • Unproven provider
  • Unaudited no log policy

WeVPN is a virtual private network that offers good speeds and is able to unblock most streaming sites. This definitely makes it an attractive option for Twitch users.

However, the VPN offers a small but super-fast servers network with just 100+ servers in 46 countries. This will be more than enough for most users but could mean it doesn’t serve everyone well.

There is solid and dependable encryption and a zero-logging policy, both of which are impressive and welcome in a fairly new provider.

There are also a lot of apps available meaning that all of the platforms you might want to enjoy Twitch and online gaming on should be provided for.

Customer reviews for WeVPN have been good overall and we have been impressed. Prices are reasonable and there is also a 30-day money-back guarantee available as well. There are better VPNs available but Twitch users can still bypass geo restrictions and stream Twitch with this one.

6. CyberGhost VPN

Cyberghost Website

Pros
  • Lots of server locations
  • Big range of apps
  • 45-day money back guarantee
Cons
  • Owns ‘VPN review’ websites
  • Not the fastest

If you are looking for a user-friendly VPN that can unblock Twitch Prime, perhaps because this is your first time using one, then CyberGhost VPN could be a good option for you.

It offers user-friendly apps on a wide variety of devices that will let you optimise your VPN service with just a couple of clicks. It can also automatically unblock most streaming platforms including Twitch which makes it great for gamers and streamers alike.

Cyberghost offers all users up to seven simultaneous connections which means you can use it on multiple devices if you wish.

The speeds are good without being excellent but should be sufficient for most Twitch users needs and there is solid encryption and a strict no-logs policy too. There are also thousands of IP addresses, so you can switch between them easily.

If there is a downside, it is the lack of advanced features which many will miss if trying to make your privacy online extra secure.

However, prices are reasonable and there is a lengthy 45-day money-back guarantee which means you have plenty of time to try before you buy.

7. VyprVPN

VyprVPN website

Pros
  • Reliable connections
  • Good range of apps
  • Easy to use
Cons
  • Not the fastest for streaming
  • Packages confusing

The last of the best VPNs for Twitch is, but by no means least, on our list, VyprVPN. This is one of the longest-established VPNs on the market and it has continued to keep pace with the big boys.

It can unblock Twitch and quite a few other streaming websites and blocked content but not nearly as many as some of the other providers higher up this list.

Speeds are good but not amazing and while there is a modest server network by the standards of the big boys, it does cover most of the key locations.

There is military grade encryption and a no user logs guarantee that has been independently verified and is dependable.

VyprVPN does have a 30-day money back guarantee and prices are competitive without being the most affordable around. But there is no doubt that it will do a job for Twitch users.

How we made our selection

Using key criteria, we tested and made our selection based on the following factors.

1. Fast streaming speeds

For streaming live gaming on the Twitch streaming website, or indeed playing online games, fast connection speeds are essential.

All of the VPNs on our list offer connection speeds that should be fast enough to stream even HD coverage with ease.

We have also prioritised consistent speeds despite the encrypted tunnel protecting data.

This means that no matter which server you connect to you shouldn’t have any problems with buffering, playback issues, online gaming, and the other issues that can cause huge frustration and end up leading to you missing the action.

2. Apps for the devices you use

We know that Twitch users log in and watch their favourite gamers from all sorts of different devices and that a decent VPN for Twitch needs to offer a service on them all.

That is why we have looked at which VPNs offer dedicated apps across multiple platforms and also have well-designed and easy-to-use apps for all the most popular desktop and mobile devices.

But we also know that people use Twitch on devices like Smart TVs and other platforms that some VPNs don’t stretch to. So, those at the top of our list also offer apps or manual setup options for all of these devices too.

If you choose our top recommended Twitch VPNs, you will be able to unblock Twitch, access Twitch Prime, and join the Twitch community.

3. Servers worldwide

A lot of VPNs focus on a narrow market in Europe and North America. But we know that Twitch users can be located anywhere which is why a broad server network is what a lot are looking for.

We have therefore prioritised VPNs that offer the broadest possible server network with multiple locations across Asia as well as Europe and the US and even options in South America, Africa, and the Middle East too.

Local servers are important as the closer you are to your chosen server, you’ll get the fastest connection speeds. Plus the more servers available the less crowded a network will be and this can boost speeds too.

4. Skip censorship and local blocks

Believe it or not, there are some places where Twitch can be blocked.

Examples include Slovakia, where it reported that the whole site is blocked because of one user playing poker and Russia where the regime of Vladimir Putin requires total control of all internet content.

Twitch banned news clippings

Twitch being blocked doesn’t mean there aren’t lots of users who want to access it and a VPN can help. Ideally there will be servers in nearby countries that users can access and we have looked at server locations with this in mind.

We have also considered users on networks that might block Twitch such as schools, universities, and workplaces and taken that into consideration too. We also appreciate the money-back guarantee of VPNs that have no free trial.

What’s the best VPN for streaming?

In our informed opinion, the best VPN for streaming is ExpressVPN.

The reason for this is very simple. It has a large server network and offers fast and consistent connection speeds across all of that network. This means it is capable of streaming even UHD content without any service issues.

Using ExpressVPN app on Twitch

ExpressVPN is also able to unblock all of the most popular streaming platforms too. This includes market leaders like Netflix, Amazon Prime video, BBC iPlayer and Disney+ and other less popular services.

Then there is the money-back guarantee, and the apps which are available across almost any device, including Amazon Fire Stick. ExpressVPN has one of the widest app selections of any VPN we have tested.

ExpressVPN is the head and shoulders above the other VPN providers due to all the features it offers:

  • Faster speeds
  • Consistent speeds
  • Unblocks any platform
  • Great apps for any device

Should I use a VPN on Twitch?

Online security experts advise all internet users to be connected to the best VPNs, not only for streaming content, but in order to ensure that their connection is private and secure.

Quote

Brendan Hesse of Lifehacker recently said he was “begging you to use a VPN at hotels” (Source).

But there are also a number of reasons why Twitch account owners, in particular, can benefit from using a VPN.

Firstly, if you live somewhere that blocks Twitch streaming, either completely or partially, a VPN can help you to unblock it and enjoy everything it has to offer.

Equally, if you have an internet service provider that throttles or otherwise limits your enjoyment of Twitch, a VPN can help you to bypass this and enjoy an uninterrupted and improved service.

There can be no ISP throttling if your ISP doesn’t know what you’re accessing.

In short, there are lots of good reasons to use a VPN when using Twitch and almost no reasons not to. It really is a no-brainer.

Can I use a VPN to stream on Twitch?

Yes, if you stream your own game-play onto Twitch, there are lots of good reasons to use a VPN too.

A VPN will help to hide your own IP and use shared IP Addresses when streaming.

This can not only help you to stay anonymous if you wish but also help to prevent you falling victim to a Distributed Denial of Service Attack (DDoS) which has been a growing problem for Twitch streamers.

Just don’t use free VPN which doesn’t feature such protections. A Free VPN doesn’t have the funds to pay for these features, nor power users with the best technologies.

There are various other risks that live streaming on Twitch can pose and the encryption and privacy protections that a quality VPN can offer you make using one essential.

Summary

There are a lot of good reasons to use a VPN when watching or streaming on Twitch. As well as helping you to unblock Twitch, it also offers a range a privacy and security protections and can even improve performance and streaming quality too.

Our top recommended VPN for Twitch fans is ExpressVPN, while we strongly advise against using any free VPN service.

This is because of its excellent network of servers and consistently fast connection speeds. If you’re after improving your Twitch experience, grab their service now.

 

Ready to level-up your gaming experience?

  • Works well anywhere
  • Easy to set up
  • Beginner-friendly

Author: David Spencer

Cyber-security & Technology Reporter, David, monitors everything going on in the privacy world. Fighting for a less restricted internet as a member of the VPNCompare team for over 7 years.

Away from writing, he enjoys reading and politics. He is currently learning Mandarin too... slowly.

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