Internet Protocol television (IPTV) has exploded in popularity in recent years as a low-cost alternative to traditional cable TV. IPTV leverages the internet to deliver live TV channels directly to users through dedicated IPTV boxes or apps on devices. With IPTV, viewers can access a massive range of global TV channels and video-on-demand content.
However, accessing IPTV does entail risks around privacy and geo-restrictions. This is where virtual private networks (VPNs) come in. VPNs route IPTV connections through encrypted tunnels, allowing users to bypass geo-blocks and conceal their streaming activity from internet service providers (ISPs) or surveillance agencies.
This article will explore the top 5 best VPN services to use with IPTV in 2024 based on criteria like fast streaming speeds, advanced privacy features, and global presence to unblock geo-restrictions.
Understanding IPTV and VPNs
What is IPTV?
IPTV technology allows broadcasters to deliver TV content over the internet rather than through traditional cable, satellite, or antenna systems. Instead of a dedicated coaxial cable line, IPTV channels are transported as encrypted video data packets and streamed over the viewer’s high-speed internet connection.
Users can access IPTV through dedicated set-top boxes, media streaming devices like Fire TV Stick, or mobile/desktop apps. Most IPTV providers offer different channel packages, often grouped by country or language.
What are VPNs?
A virtual private network (VPN) enables users to connect securely over public networks and send/receive data privately by creating an encrypted tunnel for traffic to flow through. VPN services provide dedicated VPN apps and software to encrypt connections.
Here are some core privacy and security protections provided by VPNs:
- Encryption – Scrambles data using AES 256-bit encryption so that only the user can access it. Prevent snooping.
- No-logs policy – No activity or connection logs are maintained. Prevents tracking.
- IP masking – Hides the user’s IP address and replaces it with one from the VPN server location. Achieves anonymity.
- DNS leak protection – DNS requests aren’t exposed, preventing ISPs from tracking activity.
- Kill switch – Instantly blocks internet access if the VPN connection drops. Avoids data leaks.
- Malware blocking – Blocks phishing sites, trackers, and malicious content. Enhances security.
The IPTV and VPN Connection
VPN capabilities align perfectly with the privacy requirements, geo-unblocking needs, and security protections essential for safe IPTV streaming. VPN services allow users to:
- Bypass geo-restricted platforms only available in certain countries
- Prevent ISPs from detecting and throttling IPTV streaming traffic
- Secure all activity from prying eyes, hackers, spying agencies, or cyber criminals
- Unblock global IPTV content normally unavailable due to geo-blocking
Why Use a VPN for IPTV?
Let’s discuss the key reasons for using a VPN in conjunction with IPTV:
Bypassing Geo-Restrictions
One major benefit is accessing IPTV content or even streaming services like Netflix US that are geo-restricted to certain locations. By routing your traffic through a VPN server in the UK, you can geo-spoof your location and bypass this block. VPNs provide server locations spanning across continents to help circumvent geo-blocks.
Ensuring Privacy
Maintaining privacy is a rising concern given the extensive surveillance conducted by ISPs these days. Encrypting your IPTV viewing activity is vital to prevent ISPs from monitoring or even throttling your streaming speeds. VPN services hide what content you are accessing from your ISP.
Preventing Throttling
Some ISPs deliberately throttle connection speeds if they detect high bandwidth usage from video streaming or torrent downloads. This results in buffering lags. VPN encryption prevents ISPs from recognizing IPTV traffic and enables bypassing any throttling to sustain fast streaming speeds.
Accessing Restricted Content
Beyond protecting user privacy, VPNs unlock access to a broader range of IPTV content unavailable locally due to geo-blocking or censorship in certain countries. By switching VPN server locations, you can access overseas media.
Top 5 Best VPNs for IPTV in 2024
Based on in-depth evaluation across various criteria, like fast streaming speeds, privacy protections, advanced security features, and global server presence to bypass geo-blocks, these top 5 VPN services stand out as the leading options to use with IPTV in 2024:
| VPN Service | Servers | Simultaneous Connections | Speed | Privacy Features | Unblocking Capabilities | Price (USD) |
| NordVPN | 5400+ servers in 60 countries | 6 connections | Very Fast | Strict no-logs policy, AES 256-bit encryption | Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu | $3.29/month (2-year plan) |
| ExpressVPN | 3000+ servers in 94 countries | 5 connections | Lightning Fast | TrustedServer technology, 256-bit AES encryption, no-logs | Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime | $8.32/month (6-month plan) |
| Surfshark | 3200+ servers in 100+ countries | Unlimited devices | Fast | AES-256 encryption, zero-knowledge DNS | Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer | $2.21/month (2-year plan) |
| Private Internet Access (PIA) | 35000+ servers in 78 countries | 10 connections | Very Fast | 256-bit AES encryption, no-logs | Unblocks streaming sites | $2.19/month (2-year plan) |
| PrivateVPN | 200+ servers in 63 countries | 6 connections | Blazing Fast | AES 256-bit encryption | Unblocks Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu | $3.82/month (1-year plan) |
1. NordVPN
With over 5,400 servers across 60 countries, NordVPN is our #1 choice among the best VPN for IPTV streaming thanks to excellent speeds, stringent privacy policies, and SmartPlay feature to easily access geo-restricted platforms.
Features
- Ultra-fast servers optimized for buffer-less 4K streaming
- Strict no-logging policy and military-grade AES 256-bit encryption
- Support for 6 simultaneous device connections
- Apps available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android and Linux
- SmartPlay feature to instantly unblock streaming sites
Pros
- Blazing fast streaming with impressive upload/download speeds
- 5400+ servers worldwide to readily bypass geo-restrictions
- Tough privacy and security standards
- Unblocks leading entertainment sites like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer
Cons
- More expensive monthly rates compared to some VPN rivals
2. ExpressVPN
With 160 location choices across 94 countries, ExpressVPN has one of the largest and fastest VPN networks to deliver flawless IPTV streaming.
Features
- Lightning-fast VPN servers that offer high-speed streaming
- TrustedServer technology uses 100% RAM-disk servers for optimal performance
- Split tunneling to intelligently route IPTV traffic through the VPN tunnel
- 256-bit AES model to secure data alongside a strict no-logging policy
- Private DNS across all servers to prevent DNS requests from getting exposed
Pros
- Remarkably fast streaming rates for 4K content
- Ideal for accessing geo-restricted IPTV content
- User-friendly apps for FireTV, Android TV, routers, etc.
- Successfully unblocks Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+ and more
Cons
- More premium monthly and annual rates among competitors
3. Surfshark
With over 3200 servers in 100+ countries, Surfshark delivers remarkable value with budget-friendly pricing for an extensive VPN network.
Features
- 3200+ secure VPN servers located in over 100 countries globally
- CleanWeb feature to block ads, trackers, and malware automatically
- MultiHop feature chains connections through multiple VPN servers
- Unlimited simultaneous device support on a single account
Pros
- Low monthly and 2-year pricing rates
- Impressive streaming speeds up to 1040 Mbps
- Extra security from CleanWeb and MultiHop connections
- Capably unblocks Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and more
Cons
- Smaller server network compared to top rivals
4. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a reputable VPN that ticks all the boxes for privacy, speed and streaming with a network of over 35,000 servers.
Features
- 35,000+ high-speed VPN servers located in 78 countries
- Up to 10 devices supported through a single PIA account
- Socks5 proxy for specific apps to enhance speeds further
- 256-bit AES encryption paired with a reliable no-logging policy
Pros
- Consistently fast speeds and low ping times
- Blocks trackers, ads, and malware automatically
- Feature-packed apps
- Masks IPTV streaming activity from ISPs
Cons
- Apps and UI seem slightly dated
5. PrivateVPN
Based in privacy-centric Sweden, PrivateVPN consistently unblocks geo-restricted platforms with fast speeds across a network with 200+ servers.
Features
- 200+ VPN servers based across 63 countries worldwide
- Up to 6 devices supported per account
- Apps available for all Windows, macOS, iOS, Android & routers
- Military-grade AES 256-bit encryption plus custom Scramble Exclusive cipher
Pros
- Excellently fast streaming rates
- Tor Over VPN and multi-hop for added privacy
- Gets around geo-blocks on Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Hulu
- Bitcoin accepted for anonymous payments
Cons
- Smaller server network compared to the largest VPNs
How to Choose the Best VPN for IPTV
It can get confusing evaluating the best VPN for streaming IPTV privately and accessing geo-restricted content worldwide. Here are key aspects to examine:
Global Server Presence
Look for VPN services that have servers distributed extensively across North America, Europe, Asia, Australia, and beyond. Widespread global server presence expands options to bypass geo-blocks from anywhere.
Fast Connection Speeds
It’s vital to use VPN servers that deliver sufficiently fast speeds to support smooth IPTV video streaming without buffering delays or lags, especially for bandwidth-intensive 4K UHD content.
Simultaneous Device Support
To stream IPTV across different devices simultaneously, say a smart TV, tablet, and phone, the VPN service should support at least 5-6 concurrent connections through the same login credentials.
Strong Privacy & Security
Robust privacy protections like uncompromising no-logging policies, secure protocols like OpenVPN and IKEv2/IPSec, AES-256 bit encryption, IPv6, and DNS leak protection are absolute necessities for any VPN service.
Ease of Use
From the desktop and mobile apps to the overall interface and performance, the VPN platform should make it simple and straightforward to connect and start streaming IPTV content securely.
Unblocking Capabilities
Of course, any ideal VPN for IPTV needs to excel at unblocking access and bypassing geo-restrictions to leading IPTV services and major entertainment streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, etc.
Conclusion
Accessing IPTV can provide unmatched entertainment options but also opens up privacy risks from various entities like ISPs, governments, or hackers. VPN services close these loopholes through essential protections like encryption, IP masking, no-logging policies, and more while readily bypassing geo-blocks.
Based on criteria like fast streaming speeds, strong security, extensive device support, and vast global server presence to circumvent geo-restrictions, the leading VPN options for use with IPTV are NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, Private Internet Access, and PrivateVPN.
By running your IPTV streaming through any of these premium VPN services, you can safeguard online privacy, freely access worldwide IPTV content libraries, and enjoy entertainment from around the globe securely.
Have you used a VPN service before with IPTV? Let us know of your experience or feel free to ask any questions!
