I’ve run into this issue more often than I can count, and I’ve found that a VPN can change the appearance of your online location and give you access to region-specific YouTube content. Unfortunately, many VPNs I’ve tried are either too slow or get blocked. Of all the VPNs I tested, ExpressVPN is my top pick for binge-watching YouTube. It offers excellent speeds and a global network of servers that let you change your location to virtually anywhere. Plus, it has a 30*-day refund policy, so you can easily get your money back if you’re not happy. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion. Stream YouTube without lag
Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Streaming YouTube in 2025
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
Why Should I Use a VPN for YouTube?
Some YouTube videos just don’t show up based on where you live, and that’s only part of the problem. If you’re dealing with price differences, blocked networks, or want more privacy while streaming, a VPN gives you options that YouTube alone won’t.
Watch videos that aren’t available in your region — YouTube restricts content based on licensing or uploader settings. A VPN lets you switch your location to watch videos that would otherwise be hidden. Check Premium prices in other countries — Premium plans can cost far less elsewhere. While using a VPN this way may violate YouTube’s terms, many still check pricing before subscribing. Regain access on blocked networks — Some schools, offices, or public Wi-Fi networks block YouTube. A VPN helps you bypass those local restrictions and restores full access. Secure your connection on public WiFi — Public networks are often unsafe. A VPN shields your device so no one can spy on what you’re watching or steal your data. Avoid buffering caused by bandwidth throttling — If your ISP slows down video streaming, a VPN can hide what you’re doing with encryption and help you maintain smooth playback speeds.
The Best VPNs for YouTube in 2025
1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Watching YouTube
Key Features: ExpressVPN gave me the fastest and most consistent speeds of any VPN I tested. Even on distant servers, I had speeds of 94Mbps — that’s a very small drop compared to my 100Mbps baseline. I streamed MKBHD’s tech reviews in UHD without buffering.
It has thousands of servers across 105 countries, so you can easily find a location where the video you want is available. The Smart Location feature automatically picks the fastest nearby server, so I never had to guess which one to use. Every server is optimized for streaming — YouTube didn’t flag or block my connection during tests. The ExpressVPN app works on all major platforms and is simple to use, even if you’ve never tried a VPN before. You can stay logged in on up to 8 devices. This is useful as I often watch YouTube videos on my laptop, switch to my smart TV when I eat, and then watch on my phone when I get into bed. While it costs a little more than other VPNs, ExpressVPN delivers every bit of value you’d expect for the extra cost. ExpressVPN also has a 30*-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out yourself before committing. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
2. CyberGhost — YouTube-Optimized Servers for Reliable Access and UHD Streams
Key Features: CyberGhost has specialized streaming servers for YouTube that are constantly optimized to stream in the best quality. Its YouTube-optimized servers are located in the US, Sweden, and Germany. Aside from YouTube, it also has optimized servers so you can access your accounts on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer.
In speed tests, my connection fell by about 17 percent using distant servers. CyberGhost’s optimized servers performed slightly better with drops capping at 12%. However, in both cases, I got near-baseline speeds on local servers. Even on distant connections, I played UHD YouTube videos with minimal buffering. You can install CyberGhost on almost any device, including Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Fire TV Stick. It supports up to 7 devices at once, so you can stream on your phone while someone else watches on the TV. The layout is simple and clean, making it easy to switch locations in just a few taps. If you subscribe to CyberGhost’s monthly plan, you’ll only get a 14-day window to get a refund. That’s not ideal, but it’s still enough time to test it out before making up your mind. The 6-month and annual offers have a 45-day money-back guarantee, the most generous of any VPN I tested. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
3. Private Internet Access — Huge Server Network to Access YouTube Anywhere
Key Features: With 35,000+ servers in 91 countries, PIA has one of the largest server networks among premium VPNs. This server size means you’re unlikely to experience overcrowding or big slowdowns during the peak evening hours. You also have the option to use its optimized servers for streaming. In terms of speed, PIA held up well on nearby and mid-range servers with drops of no greater than 15%. On some distant servers, slowdowns jumped to 20%. Even so, I had no trouble streaming YouTube videos. It might be an issue if you’ve got slow internet, 25Mbps or less on average. If so, try using 128-bit encryption instead of 256-bit to reduce speed drops.
While PIA has streaming-optimized servers, they’re only available in a few regions. If you’re far from those locations, it’s better to use a closer standard server for YouTube. You can see the latency and server load before connecting, which makes it easier to choose the fastest one. PIA is one of the most affordable monthly VPNs, but all options come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it completely risk-free and cancel if it doesn’t fit your needs. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
4. NordVPN — SmartPlay Offers Fast Speeds for Smooth YouTube Streaming
Key Features: NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature provides reliable access to YouTube’s global libraries. It combines VPN and Smart DNS to auto-route you through a server that works with region-locked content. The best thing is you don’t have to toggle anything — it works silently in the background. If you’re on a restricted network that blocks YouTube, NordVPN’s obfuscated servers can help you regain access. These servers hide VPN traffic by making it look like normal internet use, so firewalls can’t detect or block it. Obfuscation comes in handy if you’re traveling to a restrictive country like Turkey, where YouTube has been banned in the past. With all the extras like special security servers and LAN Invisibility, NordVPN is a great bargain. You can try it risk-free with its 30-day, no-questions-asked money-back policy.
5. Surfshark — NoBorders Mode Can Access YouTube In Restrictive Countries
Key Features: Surfshark’s NoBorders Mode helps you access YouTube on networks where it’s blocked. It activates automatically and shows a list of servers optimized for use on restricted networks. I tested it on a simulated block, and YouTube streamed in HD without issues. I didn’t need to adjust any settings or search for working servers manually. With Smart DNS, Surfshark lets you stream region-locked YouTube videos on devices that don’t support VPN apps like gaming consoles. I set it up on my PS4 by entering the 2 DNS codes, and it worked in minutes. Just a reminder that Smart DNS won’t encrypt your traffic. You can try Surfshark for yourself with the 30-day money-back guarantee. Requesting a refund is easy with Surfshark’s live chat feature. Although the support team asked why I wanted to cancel my subscription, I had no problem getting my money back.
Comparison Table: 2025’s Fastest VPNs to Access YouTube
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
How to Access YouTube Safely With a VPN From Anywhere
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs to Access YouTube
I tested some of the best VPNs on the market and ranked them according to the following criteria:
YouTube Not Working With a VPN? Try These Fixes
If YouTube won’t load or keeps showing region errors with your VPN, the problem is usually tied to IP detection, cached data, or network restrictions. Here are some common issues and how to fix them fast:
Your VPN server is blocked by YouTube — Switch to another server in the same country. Some IPs are blocked, but most VPNs offer alternative servers that still work. Your browser is leaking old location data — Clear your cookies and cache, especially YouTube-specific data. This removes stored region info that can override your VPN location. Your account settings don’t match your VPN region — Log out of your YouTube account to avoid region-based conflicts. Premium or saved location settings can interfere with video availability. Your device is revealing your real location — Turn off GPS or location services in your phone or system settings. YouTube may use this to ignore your VPN IP address. You’re using a less secure VPN protocol — Switch to WireGuard or OpenVPN in your VPN app for better speeds and detection avoidance. Some apps default to older, weaker options. Your VPN is leaking your DNS or IP address — Run a test on dnsleaktest.com to check for leaks. If detected, enable DNS/IP leak protection in your VPN’s settings panel. Your VPN app is out of date — Update the app or reinstall it to get the latest server updates and bug fixes. Enable auto-updates to avoid future issues. Your browser or device is blocking the connection — Try a different device or browser to rule out conflicts. Some extensions, firewalls, or antivirus tools may block the VPN tunnel.
Start Watching YouTube From Anywhere Today
If YouTube blocks the videos you want to watch or your streams keep buffering, a good VPN can help. A reliable VPN can access region-locked videos on YouTube and help you watch content in HD without interruptions, even on restricted networks at work or school that might block the streaming platform. Many free VPNs log and sell your data to third parties, while some can even infect your device with malware. While you can try some safe, free-to-use VPNs, they have constraints like limited servers, slow speeds, and platform access issues. After extensively testing dozens of options, I found ExpressVPN to be the most reliable VPN for accessing and watching YouTube. It offers a 30*-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it for yourself before committing. *Please note that ExpressVPN’s generous money-back guarantee applies to first-time customers only.
Summary — The Fastest VPNs to Unblock YouTube From Anywhere in 2025
Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
