Top 10 Hacks for Using a VPN for Streaming

Sometimes using a VPN isn’t as easy as clicking and pointing, though. To derive maximum value from your VPN provider, you should come equipped with the skills as well as the tools needed to maximize your streaming experience.

1. Setup The VPN On The Router

If you’re interested in streaming content on all your devices then instead of having to download and install an app on each computer you could simply install the VPN on your router. This way no matter what device you connect from, you’ll be able to receive internet traffic that is already connected through a VPN.

This means that whether you want to stream content from your laptop, smart TV or desktop you’ll be getting VPN grade connection traffic.

2. Check Online Reviews

The VPN companies are locked in a game of cat and mouse with the various content multimedia platforms of the world, constantly looking to provision new servers to get around any bans.

That’s why it’s extremely important to keep yourself well informed about which VPNs are able to access the content service you’re interested in. Whether you’re interested in streaming Netflix or RTÉ Player, you should keep abreast of what’s available at any particular time through a service.

3. Find a VPN With Good Speeds

A lot of people use a VPN just for the security purpose and don’t do anything more “heavy weight” with it than sending Word documents into work. Streaming content, however, involves downloading a lot more content.

Remember that when using a VPN the content you stream has to travel from the VPN server to the point you’re connecting from. So if it’s a slow server that can be a bottleneck to your speed. Think: buffering. Check out how fast your provider is before signing on.

4. Check Whether They Have Servers Where You Need Them

If you want to stream BBC iPlayer from outside the UK then you’re going to need to find a VPN that has servers in the UK. There are no two ways about it! The good news is that most VPNs publicize an extensive list of their server networks online. You can use this to check whether they have servers in the geography you need to stream content from. Remember that many of the major VPN providers are working to constantly update their networks. So could bring a server you need online soon!

5. Choose A VPN Without Bandwidth Caps

If you’re planning on using a VPN to stream lots of high definition (HD) content from another country then there are lots of bits and bytes of data that are going to moving into your computer. Although it’s increasingly rare, there are some VPNs that enforce caps of the amount of data that a user can consume. Such limitations are known as bandwidth caps.

Scrutinize the terms of service (TOS) of a VPN you’re thinking about using to make sure that there aren’t any bandwidth caps that could get in the way of your streaming enjoyment.

6. Go In For A Lifetime Offer

A lot of VPNs offer monthly subscription options. Typically these are more expensive and designed for people that only need a VPN occasionally.

However if you have a serious case of a Netflix addiction and there’s no cure in sight, then you might wish to lock in better value by signing up for the long haul. Some VPNs offer 3-year memberships and some even provide lifetime deals.

7. Find a Netflix Friendly VPN

While it’s true that many people use VPNs in order to prevent their ISP from being able to see what they’re up to online, equally VPN companies are capable (at least theoretically) of seeing what users browse.

Therefore it’s theoretically possible that your VPN could know that you’re using their services to geolocate to another country for Netflix browsing. For this reason it’s good to make sure that the provider you’re thinking about using doesn’t explicitly ban using their technology to get access to Netflix.

8. Use A VPN With An Always On Mode

If you’re not using a router that can run special firmware that’s compatible with a VPN then the least you can do is find a VPN with an always on functionality.

Why does this matter? If you’re using a VPN to stream restricted content and lose access even temporarily then you might find yourself getting kicked off the service in short thrift. Look instead for a VPN that is always on.

9. Get A VPN That Supports Multiple Devices

Do you ever cozy up to your sofa to begin your nightly Netflix session only to decide that the bed-and-laptop approach seems a lot more tempting? If that’s you then you’d be well advised to look for a VPN that supports multiple simultaneous connections so that you don’t have to worry about which device(s) you’re currently streaming from.

10. Get A VPN That Supports Your Operating System

Do you need your VPN to work with your smart TV? Do you know what operating system it runs? If not, then this is the time to find out! VPNs support a number of different operating systems ranging from Linux, Mac, and Windows to the Synology NAS and Kindle. Pick one that will be compatible with the devices you stream from.