Best VPNs for IPTV streaming in 2025

Most IPTV services do not come with built-in VPNs, and it is up to the users to set up their own VPNs for better security and access. Although you can stream IPTVs without a VPN, you might miss out on geo-blocked content and put your cybersecurity at risk.

A VPN can help you access IPTV location-restricted content and expand your viewing library significantly. By changing your IP address and encrypting your web traffic, a VPN hides your internet activity from your ISP. This comes very handy if you knowingly or unknowingly access pirated content hosted on IPTV channels. A VPN can also stop ISP throttling and actually enhance your internet speeds.

So, if you want to add a VPN to your IPTV streaming arsenal, here are my Top 5 IPTV VPNs. I personally tested 23 VPNs by installing IPTV on my computer to identify the best options that not only unblock IPTV content but also offer robust security features and ease of installation.

Continue reading to discover how to use a VPN with IPTV and find out which VPN is the most suitable for your streaming needs.

Best IPTV VPN: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   Overall best IPTV VPN with excellent unblocking capabilities
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Best VPN for IPTV streaming on any device
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Private and speedy VPN for IPTV
   8.6
4. TotalVPN

   Affordable VPN to watch IPTV without lag
   8.2
5. Norton VPN

   Secure and safe IPTV VPN
   7.3

What is IPTV VPN?

An IPTV VPN is a Virtual Private Network that enhances your IPTV streaming experience. IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) delivers TV content through the internet instead of traditional cable or satellite services. However, IPTV services often come with geo-restrictions, privacy concerns, and ISP throttling. That is where a VPN comes in.

By using a VPN, you can:

• Bypass geo-restrictions: unlock IPTV channels and exclusive shows that are unavailable in your region.
• Protect your privacy: encrypt your internet traffic to hide your activities from ISPs, hackers, and other third parties.
• Prevent ISP throttling: stop your internet service provider from intentionally slowing your connection and streaming speeds.

In short, a reliable IPTV VPN ensures a private, secure, and unrestricted streaming experience of your favorite IPTV channels.

Best VPNs for IPTV: detailed overview

1. NordVPN – best IPTV VPN in 2025
2. Surfshark – fastest VPN for IPTV uninterupted streaming
3. Proton VPN – secure IPTV VPN with a vast server fleet
4. TotalVPN – budget-friendly VPN for streaming IPTV anywhere
   
5. Norton VPN – safe VPN choice that works with IPTV

I tested 23 different VPNs to find the best-suited VPN services for IPTV streaming. Only the ones that proved to be the best at unblocking geo-restricted content, have reliable server fleets, manage to keep excellent speeds for streaming, and were easy to install made it onto my list of the best IPTV VPNs.

1. NordVPN – best IPTV VPN with the fastest protocol for streaming

NordVPN is the best VPN for IPTV due to its fast speeds, extensive server network, and strong security features. It allows users to bypass geo-restrictions, ensuring smooth and unrestricted access to IPTV content from around the world.

With NordVPN, you can enjoy IPTV streaming in uninterrupted HD quality thanks to its impressive 168 Mbps connection speeds. I connected to a server in New York, and to my surprise, the speed retention rates were up to 82%, which is an extremely good number for streaming or any other activity.

Besides the superior speeds, NordVPN boasts a massive network of 7400+ servers in 118+ countries. 1970+ of those servers are located in the US which is an important feat for a great IPTV streaming experience. Let me remind you that most of the IPTV providers are located in the US, and that’s why it is important to have enough US servers to choose from to unlock the location-restricted content.

NordVPN excels as an IPTV VPN by effectively bypassing geo-restrictions, allowing access to popular IPTV platforms like Sling TV, Yeah! TV, and Smart IPTV. Additionally, you can stream major services such as Netflix, Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer without any issues.

Beyond its excellent unblocking capabilities, NordVPN offers top-notch security features. This IPTV VPN includes a kill switch that disconnects your internet if the VPN connection fails, ensuring your ISP can’t see your online activities. Another great perk is the Threat Protection Pro feature that blocks malicious websites and ads, while the Dedicated IP offers a personal VPN-guarded IP address just for you.

Setting up NordVPN for IPTV streaming is straightforward. Simply download the app to your streaming device, install it, connect to a server, and start streaming. I had no trouble setting it up on devices like Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and even a router.

You can get all of this plus excellent cybersecurity features like a kill switch, Threat Protection Pro, and Dedicated IP for $3.09/month. You can also try out this service with a 7-day free trial or use the 30-day money-back guarantee if you need it.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark – fastest VPN for IPTV with unlimited connections

Surfshark is another great IPTV VPN, supporting an unlimited number of devices and easily bypassing ISP throttling and content restrictions. Furthermore, Surfshark is based on one of the fastest WireGuard protocol around; I was able to get around 152 Mbps download speeds every time I connected to the service. Because of this, I seamlessly streamed shows and movies on IPTV in no less than HD quality due to the incredible 74% speed retention rate.

As for the server fleet, Surfshark has over 3200+ in 100+ locations. It’s a good thing, too, that 600+ of them are located in the US. And, with this many US-based servers to choose from, I had absolutely no trouble unblocking the geo-restricted content on my chosen IPTV service providers. Surfshark successfully unblocked the US Netflix library, Prime Video, and Hulu. Besides these popular streaming platforms, Surfshark granted me access to Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Smart IPTV.

Surfshark is user-friendly and perfect for IPTV streaming, as you only have to install the app onto the device you want to stream on. Although it worked great for me, if you find your Surfshark app not working with your IPTV, try connecting to a different server. If that does not do the trick, uninstall and reinstall the IPTV application while the VPN is running. Lastly, check if Surfshark is running on the default protocol. If not – change it back, and it should solve the problem.

You can start streaming geo-blocked content and enjoy the next level of cybersecurity with Surfshark for just $1.99/month. If you’d like, you can also try out the service with a 7-day free trial or use the 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. Proton VPN – reliable IPTV VPN with global server fleet

Proton VPN is a good VPN for IPTV choice for those who’d take cybersecurity over streaming any day. I got around 173 Mbps every time I connected, making Proton VPN one of the fastest of my tested VPNs. Such impressive speeds made the loading times shorter and I didn't encounter any lag when streaming. In addition to that, Proton VPN has an excellent cybersecurity feature set.

Proton VPN offers an impressively sized fleet of 9900+ in 117+ regions. 2618+ of those servers are located in the US, which is especially important since most IPTV service providers are based there, too. As for Proton VPN security features, it has the industry standard AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, a strict third-party audited no-logs policy, and is based on the WireGuard protocol. To boost its download speeds, Proton VPN has the VPN Accelerator feature, which can make your IPTV streaming experience more pleasant and less prone to hiccups. Proton VPN has a speed retention rate of about 84%, plus the VPN Accelerators boosts it an additional 2-3%.

As for the simplicity of use, I found Proton VPN pretty intuitive and straightforward, with no issues installing and running it. Once I connected to my chosen server, I was able to bypass geo-restrictions and successfully unlocked Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. As for the IPTV service providers, I tried YouTube TV, Sling TV, and Smart IPTV and was able to successfully stream on each of them.

You can get the services of this Swiss-based IPTV VPN for $3.59/month. While Proton VPN does not offer a free trial of its premium service, you can still try it out with the 30-day money-back guarantee it provides.

For a deeper investigation of Proton VPN, read our Proton VPN review.

4. TotalVPN – wallet-friendly VPN for uninterrupted IPTV access

TotalVPN is a solid choice for IPTV streaming, offering affordability and reliable performance. During my tests, I got stable download speeds of 150 Mbps, which provided a smooth and hassle-free IPTV streaming experience. While TotalVPN has a smaller server network with 50+ servers in 35+ locations, it still delivered consistent performance, and I had no issues connecting to US servers and unblocking various IPTV services.

TotalVPN unblocked Netflix and Prime Video with ease, and it worked seamlessly with popular IPTV services like Sling TV, Smart IPTV, and Yeah! TV. While its 73% speed retention rates were slightly lower when compared to other VPNs on this list, I still had no problem streaming shows in HD.

Using TotalVPN for IPTV streaming was pretty straightforward. All had to do was download the app, install it, connect to the US, and start streaming. In addition to being user-friendly, TotalVPN provides robust security with features like AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and a Stealth mode to bypass geo-restrictions. These features ensure that your internet traffic is safe from your ISP, accidental data leaks, and other potential threats.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly VPN for IPTV, TotalVPN is a great option. When purchasing a long-term subscription plan, you can get the service for just $1.59/month. Plus, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee for you to test the service out risk-free.

For a deeper investigation of TotalVPN, read our TotalVPN review.

5. Norton VPN – a secure VPN for unlocking IPTV content

If you’re after a secure and reliable VPN for IPTV streaming, Norton VPN is a solid choice. While it’s not as feature-packed as NordVPN or Surfshark, Norton VPN impressed me with its stable 159 Mbps download speeds during testing.

With over 2000 servers in 30+ countries, Norton VPN had no trouble unblocking US IPTV services. While I did find the lack of specific server selection slightly inconvenient, its US servers performed reliably during my tests. The OpenVPN protocol helped maintain secure, smooth, and buffer-free streaming even on high-demand platforms, all backed up by an impressive 77% speed retention rate.

Norton VPN comes with features like industry-standard AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. Although its app is very easy to use, it does lack advanced features like split tunneling, which could be a deal-breaker for more advanced VPN users.

Norton VPN’s pricing starts at $1.67/month and you can try it risk-free with a 30-day trial. Plus, with its generous 60-day money-back guarantee, you have plenty of time to decide if it’s the right VPN for your IPTV streaming needs.

For a deeper investigation of Norton VPN, read our Norton VPN review.

Comparison of the best IPTV VPNs

To summarize and to make the choice for you a little easier, we’ve highlighted the top benefits of each VPN.

Tips on choosing the best VPN for IPTV streaming

Not every VPN is equal – while some are excellent for IPTV streaming, others might excel at different tasks. Here’s my go-to checklist for finding the best VPN for IPTV streaming:

• Choose a premium VPN for reliable streaming. Premium VPNs have better speeds, performance, and allow you to stream your content in HD quality without lagging or buffering. Premium services are also much safer than free IPTV VPNs since they do not monetize your data in any way. Lastly, premium VPNs have far more reliable servers for you to choose from, and good quality servers are very important for IPTV streaming.
• Ensure your VPN offers strong protection. A VPN should, first and foremost, protect your data from leaks and hacks, provide you with a secure alternative IP address, and mask your web traffic. That applies to using a VPN for IPTV streaming, too, as any streaming puts you at risk of data breach. So, look for strong encryption, like AES-256, and proven protocols such as WireGuard or OpenVPN.
• Look for additional features. To make your VPN service purchase truly worthwhile, look for ones that come with handy features like ad and tracker blockers. These features block all the annoying ads you might encounter and safeguard you from accidentally loading malicious websites.
• Check reviews to find a well-trusted VPN. Look for a VPN service that’s well-reviewed and has a good track record of satisfied customers. Look for this info in customer reviews or on review pages. Additionally, a VPN that has been audited by a third-party is always a safe and reliable choice.

I always base my choices on these features, and they’ve consistently helped me choose the best VPN for any specific need.

Get NordVPN for IPTV streaming

How to use VPN with IPTV?

IPTV VPN setup is fairly simple and requires just a couple of steps to get your chosen VPN to work with IPTV. Here’s what you should do:

1. Select a trustworthy VPN. I recommend NordVPN as it has proven to be the best choice for this task during my tests.
2. Download and install the app. Make sure you install the app on the device you’ll use for accessing and streaming IPTV.
3. Log in and connect to a server. Choose a server in the same country where your preferred IPTV service provider is located. This way, you’ll be able to unblock any geo-restricted content.
4. Start streaming and enjoy your IPTV with a fast and secure connection.

How to add VPN to IPTV Smarters?

IPV Smarters is an IPTV streaming app for all iOS and Android devices, including Amazon Firestick and Android TV devices. Since it’s a third-party app, I strongly recommend using a VPN for all Smart IPTV activities, just to be safe. The easiest way to combine an IPTV and VPN is to simply download the NordVPN or Surfshark app and run it while streaming, but if you’d like to get a VPN service within the IPTV Smarters app, here are the steps:

1. Download VPN configuration files. You can find these files on your provider’s webpage. In NordVPN’s case, you can download them here.
2. Prepare the files. Here, you should first unzip them and then move the server configuration files to your Android or Fire Stick device storage.
3. Open the IPTV Smarters app. Launch your app and tap on the “Connect VPN” option.
4. Add a VPN certificate by clicking on the “Add certificate” section.
5. Import configuration file to the app. Under the “Add certificate” option, mark “File.” Then, click “Browse” and navigate to the place you put your unzipped configuration files. Select your file and press “Import.”
6. Connect to VPN. Tap on the imported server file and enter your VPN username and password. Tap “Save” and then “Connect.”
7. Check if you have successfully connected. If you’re connected to a VPN, you’ll see a green circle or the word “Connected” next to the IPTV Smarters app top menu selections.

This is quite a complicated way to get a VPN directly to your IPTV Smarters app. If you feel like this is a bit too advanced for you, you can simply install a VPN app on your streaming device or router and use it that way.

Stream IPTV with #1 VPN

Why is IPTV not working with VPN?

As with any tech, some issues might happen, and one of them is IPTV not working properly with VPN. Here are some of the most common reasons why it might be happening and how to fix it:

• Blocked server IP addresses. Chances are, your chosen IPTV service provider has blocked some VPN IP addresses. If that’s the case, simply connect to a different server, and you should be all set.
• Browser cookies expose your real location. If you do not clear cookies from your browser often enough, they could leak your true location, making a VPN ineffective. Clear your cookies or use incognito browsing mode to fix the issue.
• Misconfigured VPN settings. There might be some misconfiguration in your VPN app settings. If that’s the case, simply resetting them back to default should solve the issue.
• VPN is incapable of passing geo-restriction. Not all VPNs are able to break through the elaborate safety nets IPTV providers might use to guard their content. That’s why I recommend using providers like NordVPN or Surfshark, because they have all the latest tech to bypass all content location restrictions.
• Your chosen VPN is in the wrong location. Sometimes the problem is as simple as this. In this case, check if your chosen VPN server is based in the same location as your IPTV provider. If not, choose the nearest possible available server.

If nothing works or you’d like to have personalized assistance, you can always reach out to your VPN provider's customer service. I found the 24/7 live chat available for all NordVPN customers to be particularly helpful whenever I had any questions.

Top 5 legal IPTV providers in USA

There are hundreds of IPTVs available for streaming, but how to know which one of them is the most trusted IPTV provider? I did all the digging for you and compiled this list of the Top 5 legal IPTV providers in the USA. All of them are licensed, safe, and simple to use, and here’s what they offer:

1. PrimeSalto

PrimeSalto is one of the most popular IPTV service providers in the US. It has 23,500 channels in its library, so you are sure to find something that you like. Another bonus is that you can catch up with your favorite movies and shows whenever you like. And if there are too many things to watch and too little time for it, you can use the multi-display feature that allows you to watch several channels at once on a single screen.

You can try out PrimeSalto with a paid 24-hour trial for $3.99 or just get a one-year subscription for $64.99 right away.

2. DigitLizard IPTV

DigitaLizards offers around 20,000 live TV channels, which also means you get more than 80,000 movies and TV shows on demand whenever you stream. You can enjoy your content in full HD or 4K quality with anti-freeze technology. DigitaLizard is also fully licensed and legal.

You can try this service with a free 24-hour trial or get a yearly subscription for $45.

3. TyphoonLabs TV

TyphonnLabs TV has a great lineup of English TV channels, international cinema, live sports, and more - over 20,000 live TV channels in total. One of the bonuses you get with TyphoonLabs TV is the ability to stream on multiple devices without any additional fees. It is a legal and licensed service, trusted by many users.

You can try TyphoonLabs TV with a 30-day free trail, while yearly subscription will set you back at $55.99. However, subscription payments are only available via PayPal.

4. IPTV USA

IPTV USA is another fully licensed and well-trusted IPTV service provider. It offers over 50,000 live tv channels over 80,000 video-on-demand in HD, FHD, and 4K qualities. This provider has the biggest live tv channel selection out of all the competition.

IPTV USA offers a free 24-hour trial, and if you like it, you can get it for $70 a year.

5. XCodes IPTV

At number five, I have XCodes IPTV which might be the best choice if you’re into live sports as it has the most available sports channels out of the ones I checked. In total, it offers over 20,000 live TV channels and another 40,000 on-demand videos. Another thing making XCode TV great for live sports is the pay-per-view option if you only want to check out a particular event.

XCode IPTV offers a paid 24-hour trial for $3.00, and if you want to get it for a year, it’ll cost you $75.

Conclusion

Most IPTVs do not have a built-in VPN and you will need to install it separately. You should always use a VPN for IPTV streaming to unlock geo-restricted content and stream it from where you are. In addition to unblocking content, a VPN gives you a security shield for you data by masking your real location with a different IP, hiding your data traffic from your ISP, and guarding your network from any hacking attempt, leaks, and snooping.

I found NordVPN to be the best VPN for IPTV streaming as it gave me unparalleled download speeds and was capable of unblocking any location-restricted content that I tried. Furthermore, NordVPN is built on the NordLynx protocol which proved the service to be lightning-fast for streaming in 4K without sacrificing security. Its advanced privacy features kept my data safe, so I could simply connect and relax, knowing that my cybersecurity is well-taken care of while I stream.

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FAQ

Do IPTV have VPN built in?

No, most IPTV service providers do not come with a built-in VPN. However, you can solve it easily by downloading NordVPN or Surfshark VPN and installing the app on your device. A reliable VPN helps bypass geo-blocks, allowing you to enjoy IPTV no matter your location.

Is it okay to use IPTV without VPN?

No, using IPTV without VPN can be risky. While streaming legal IPTV service providers might be relatively safe, you might also encounter unlicensed providers. Streaming them with your own IP can lead to legal trouble. Additionally, safeguarding your network with a VPN is always a good idea.

Do you need a VPN for IPTV on Firestick?

No, you don’t need to have a VPN to stream IPTV on Firestick. However, I highly advise you to install it anyway to ensure your connection is safe from snooping and data leaks.

What is the best VPN for IPTV streaming?

NordVPN is the best VPN for IPTV streaming. It has incredible download speeds, reliable performance, and all the security features of a premium VPN.

Can I use a free VPN for IPTV?

I don’t recommend using a free VPN for IPTV. You can always try using a free VPN for IPTV streaming; however, free VPNs are usually unsafe and monetize on your data. Additionally, you don’t have a lot of servers to choose from, and speeds are usually insufficient for streaming. Instead, you could try one of the premium VPN services with a free trial and see if that wouldn’t be a better option for you.

What country should I set my VPN to for IPTV?

You should set your VPN to the same country your IPTV service provider is located. This way, you’ll be able to unblock any geo-restricted content. Since most of the IPTV providers are based in the US, it’s very likely you’ll need to connect to a server located there, too.

What is the best VPN protocol for IPTV?

WireGuard and NordLynx are the best protocols for IPTV. Both are much faster compared to others (like OpenVPN) and will allow you to stream your content in HD or 4K quality.

Will a VPN stop my IPTV from buffering?

Yes, VPN can stop your IPTV from buffering. Because you’re using an alternative IP with a VPN, your ISP is less likely to throttle your speeds. Alternatively, some VPNs have the VPN Accelerator feature which makes the connections smoother and faster.

Which IPTV is legal in US?

The top 5 legal IPTV providers in the US are PrimeSalto, DigitaLizard, Typhoon Lab TV, IPTV USA, and XCodes IPTV. All of these providers are fully licensed and well-trusted by users.