5 Best VPNs For Spectrum (Hide Torrenting & Stop Throttling)

Spectrum is an all-around internet, cable, phone, and streaming service provider owned and operated by Charter Communications. According to recent stats, Spectrum has a user base of over 31 million customers. In the context of online users, Spectrum is most notable for its internet and streaming services.

According to our tests, NordVPN is the best Spectrum VPN.

But, like any significant conglomerate, Spectrum is no stranger to problems like bandwidth throttling, blocking streaming sites, and issues with torrenting. From the user’s end, all of these can, fortunately, be avoided by using a VPN. This is, providing you pick a trustworthy one.

Best VPNs for Spectrum – our shortlist:

1. NordVPN – the best Spectrum VPN with fastest speeds
2. Surfshark – a robust VPN for Spectrum
3. AtlasVPN – A great budget choice.
4. PrivateVPN – easily bypasses Spectrum throttling
5. ExpressVPN – top privacy and can unblock streaming services

Can I Use a VPN With Spectrum?

Yes, you can use a VPN with Spectrum without any restrictions. While Spectrum doesn’t necessarily allow VPN use over its services, this ISP doesn’t really have any mechanisms in place that would prevent you from using a VPN service when connected to their servers.

This is excellent news for Spectrum users in terms of privacy and security. You can freely use a reliable VPN to mask everything you’re doing online and protect your sensitive information from falling into the wrong hands. 

It also means you can torrent freely, stream Spectrum TV content, and avoid bandwidth throttling without any fear of Spectrum blocking your VPN. With that in mind, we’ll discuss each of the aspects separately to get a better insight into how a Spectrum internet VPN works.

Spectrum VPN Comparison

	NordVPN	Surfshark	AtlasVPN	PrivateVPN	ExpressVPN
Website	NordVPN.com	Surfshark.com	AtlasVPN.com	PrivateVPN.com	ExpressVPN.com
Best VPN Ranking	1 – THE BEST	2	3	4	5
Avg. Speed	46,4 Mbps	40,1 Mbps	35,9 Mbps	43,6 Mbps	42,2 Mbps
Server count	5400+	3200+	750+	200+	3000+
Logs	No-logs	No identifiable logs	No identifiable logs	No logs	No identifiable logs
Suitable for Games	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Works with Streaming	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Hotstar, Disney+, BBC iPlayer	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Hotstar, Disney+, BBC iPlayer	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+	Netflix, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Hotstar, Disney+, BBC iPlayer
P2P Traffic	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes	✅ Yes
Extra features	Ad-blocker Threat Protection Split-tunneling	Ad-blocker Split-tunneling	Split-tunneling	Port Forwarding	Port Forwarding (routers) Split-tunneling
Devices supported	Windows MacOS Android iOS Linux SmartTVs Routers	Windows MacOS Android iOS Linux	Windows MacOS Android iOS	Windows MacOS Android iOS	Windows MacOS Android iOS SmartTVs Routers
Best Deals	63% OFF + Gift	Save 81%	83% OFF	Save 85%	3 months FREE

Best VPN for Spectrum

The VPNs we’ve shortlisted on this page all come with the necessary features that make them very efficient when paired up with Spectrum’s service. Let’s take a closer look at each of the top five Spectrum VPN services:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is the best VPN for Spectrum users and is a great privacy-oriented VPN. I have tested and used this service extensively and can vouch for its reliability, speed, and ability to unblock streaming content.

One of the standout features of NordVPN is its vast network of servers. With close to 6,000 servers in 59 countries worldwide, NordVPN has a server count that is unmatched by most VPN providers. 

When it comes to Spectrum, NordVPN offers close to 2,000 servers in the US spread across 15 locations. This means that Spectrum users can choose from a wide variety of servers and locations, ensuring that they get the fastest and most stable connection possible.

In terms of speed, NordVPN is one of the fastest VPNs out there. During my tests, I was able to achieve download speeds that were very close to my regular internet speed.

NordVPN also has specialized servers that are optimized for streaming, so users can easily unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

NordVPN’s security features are also top-notch. The service uses military-grade encryption, and its zero-logs policy ensures that no user data is stored or shared with any third parties.

NordVPN also has a kill switch feature that automatically shuts down your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, ensuring that your data is never exposed.

When compared to its competitors, like Surfshark, NordVPN offers a more extensive network of servers, higher speeds, and better unblocking capabilities. 

Surfshark does offer some unique features like a built-in ad blocker and a multihop feature, but when it comes to overall performance, NordVPN is the clear winner.

In conclusion, NordVPN is the best VPN for Spectrum users. With its vast network of servers, high-speed performance, and excellent security features, NordVPN offers the perfect solution for anyone looking to protect their privacy and access streaming content on Spectrum.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a great VPN option for Spectrum users. I have tested and used this service extensively and can vouch for its reliable performance, speed, and ability to unblock streaming content.

Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, built-in kill-switch, and private DNS and leak protection. These features provide an added layer of security, ensuring that users’ online activities remain private and secure. Surfshark also uses industry-leading AES-256-GCM encryption, which is capable of securing all incoming and outgoing data.

Surfshark also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, making it a great option for users with multiple devices.

In terms of speed, Surfshark performs well, and during my tests, I was able to achieve download speeds that were close to my regular internet speed. Surfshark also has specialized servers that are optimized for streaming, making it easy to unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

When compared to NordVPN and AtlasVPN, Surfshark is as good in terms of features and performance. However, NordVPN has a larger network of servers, while AtlasVPN offers a free option, which may be appealing to some users.

In conclusion, Surfshark is a great VPN option for Spectrum users that provides excellent security features. 

Additionally, its unlimited device connections and support for P2P activities make it a versatile option. While it may not have the largest server network, Surfshark performs well in terms of speed and unblocking streaming content, making it a solid VPN for Spectrum.

3. AtlasVPN

I can say that AtlasVPN is a good VPN option for Spectrum users who want a budget-friendly option that still offers strong security features and reliable performance.

During my tests, I found that AtlasVPN offers unlimited bandwidth on their premium plans, a great feature for users who want to stream content without worrying about hitting data caps. The auto-connect feature is also a convenient feature that ensures that users are always connected to the VPN.

AtlasVPN also has a best location detector feature, which helps users find the ideal server based on distance, speed, and latency. This ensures that users can enjoy a smooth and fast connection.

In terms of streaming, AtlasVPN offers specialized servers that are optimized for streaming, making it easy to unblock popular streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.

When compared to its competitors it has a smaller server network than Surfshark or NordVPN, which may affect its performance in certain regions. However, it offers the same unlimited simultaneous connections just like Surfshark does. 

In conclusion, AtlasVPN is a good VPN option for Spectrum users who are looking for a budget-friendly option that still offers strong security features and reliable performance. 

While it may have a smaller server network than some of its competitors, AtlasVPN offers good value for its price and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing users to try it out risk-free.

4. PrivateVPN

I can confidently recommend PrivateVPN as a great option for Spectrum users who prioritize reliable performance and strong security features.

During my tests, I found that PrivateVPN works without any connection drops and with great speeds. 

The service also has a vast selection of servers, including those in some of the biggest US cities, which ensures that users can enjoy a fast and reliable connection no matter where they are.

PrivateVPN also offers several features that make it an excellent choice for Spectrum users who want to torrent or stream online content frequently. The service has port forwarding, which allows users to create a more secure and adept network for fast-speed online activities. 

Additionally, the Stealth VPN feature enables users to bypass even the toughest VPN blocks and DPI firewalls, ensuring maximum privacy and security.

In terms of streaming, PrivateVPN is also a great option, with specialized servers that are optimized for streaming content from popular services like Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. I found that the service unblocked these services easily during my tests.

Compared to its competitors, like Surfshark, PrivateVPN offers fewer features and a slightly smaller server network. However, PrivateVPN makes up for this with its reliable performance and strong security features, including military-grade encryption and a strict no-logs policy.

In conclusion, PrivateVPN is an excellent VPN option for Spectrum users who prioritize reliable performance and strong security features. With its unlimited bandwidth and server switches, port forwarding, and Stealth VPN feature, PrivateVPN provides a secure and fast connection for users.

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a top-tier VPN service that consistently delivers excellent performance, making it one of the most popular VPNs on the market. Its exceptional speed and reliability make it an ideal VPN for Spectrum. 

ExpressVPN boasts a massive network of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, including more than 20 locations across the United States.

With a wide range of advanced features, such as split tunneling and a built-in kill switch, ExpressVPN provides its users with a highly secure and reliable VPN experience. The service also employs a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that your online activities remain completely private.

In terms of streaming, ExpressVPN is highly effective in unblocking major streaming platforms, such as Netflix and Hulu. ExpressVPN’s high-speed servers also make it an excellent choice for torrenting and other P2P activities.

While ExpressVPN may come at a slightly higher price than some of its competitors, its proven track record of reliability and performance makes it well worth the investment. When compared to NordVPN, ExpressVPN’s server network is slightly smaller but still provides the same coverage across the United States.

Can you Stream on Spectrum with a VPN?

As an internet service provider and an online streaming service all in one, Spectrum inherently suffers from issues related to copyright laws. For these reasons, they often have to geo-block content that’s not in line with specific regulations. Using a Spectrum TV VPN, you can effectively go around these blocks and access everything you want without any restrictions.

We have to mention that there have been some examples of Spectrum clamping down on VPN users and restricting their access attempts. However, these Spectrum VPN issues are only minor and won’t affect your experience in any significant way. You can resolve them by switching between servers to find one that works well on the platform.

Spectrum and Torrenting – Are you Safe when Using a VPN?

When it comes to torrenting with a VPN for Spectrum, the situation is significantly more severe than streaming. This is because you’re also risking hefty fines and possibly even jail time by infringing the Digital Millennium Copyright Act. And, concerning this, Spectrum doesn’t shy away from sending DMCA takedown notices to users who torrent over their network. 

There are several examples online of users who got in trouble for torrenting with Spectrum as their ISP. If you don’t want to put yourself in a similar situation, the best way to torrent on Spectrum’s network is to use a trustworthy VPN for torrenting.

We heavily underline the trustworthy part, as you always need to have peace of mind that your VPN isn’t compromised or leaking out your data. Not all VPNs are of the same quality and can offer you the exact features you need for secure and anonymous torrenting. 

Plus, even when using a VPN, you can quickly get busted and get a DMCA for torrenting if you’re not careful. That said, there are several tips to keep in mind if you’re using Spectrum as your ISP and want to hide torrenting with a VPN:

• Don’t let the torrent client launch on startup.
• Always make sure the VPN is the first thing you turn on before torrenting.
• Always turn off the torrent client before the VPN.

Does Spectrum Throttle Its Users Bandwidth?

Although there’s a lot of mystery surrounding the topic of bandwidth throttling, evidence over the years has shown us that most ISPs, including Spectrum, T-Mobile, and EE, undergo the practice of throttling bandwidth. In most cases, this is to ensure consistent speeds across their service for all users. In some cases, ISPs go overboard with throttling user bandwidth and can make the connections borderline unusable at times.

Using a VPN for Spectrum is a simple but very effective way of bypassing bandwidth throttling. As you’re masking your real IP location with a VPN, Spectrum won’t be able to track your actual address, and you’ll be able to enjoy the full network speed you’re guaranteed in your Spectrum contract.

Spectrum VPN Setup

Setting up a VPN to use with Spectrum is not a complicated undertaking, as you can complete it in just a couple of minutes. To help you out, here’s a quick guide on how to set up your VPN for Spectrum:

1. Sign up with a VPN 

The first thing you need to do is sign up with a trusted Spectrum VPN and download the appropriate app for your device. Pick one of our tested and verified VPNs from Spectrum featured on this page. Ideally, we recommend choosing NordVPN, as it’s the most capable Spectrum VPN.

2. Sign in to the App 

Once you’ve completed the registration process, open your VPN app and log into your account. When there, the next thing to do is to choose the appropriate server. If you’re going for maximum speed, we recommend picking a nearby server location.

3. Connect to the Server 

After you’ve completed the first two steps, click to connect to the VPN server. You’ll need to wait a few seconds for the connection to establish. When you get the prompt that you’ve successfully connected to the internet, you enjoy private and secure browsing!

How to Set Up A Spectrum VPN on a Router

Perhaps you want to use multiple devices and want convenient access at all times. In this case, it’s best to set up the Spectrum VPN on your router. That way, all devices connected to the router’s network can enjoy the same benefits. 

With that in mind, here’s how to set up a Spectrum VPN on your router:

1. Access your Spectrum router’s settings
2. Go to advanced settings
3. Click the VPN service option
4. Enable the VPN service and apply your changes
5. Download and install the VPN you’ve allowed access
6. Connect to a VPN server
7. Enjoy browsing the Internet with a VPN!

Final Thoughts

If you’re using Spectrum as your ISP or want to stream content from their online platform, using a VPN is always the best way to go about it. It will allow you to hide your real browsing data from the ISP, torrent anonymously, and avoid any region-locks and geo-restrictions.

Each of the five best VPNs for Spectrum we shared with you on this page is more than capable of providing you with all of these features. Ultimately, it’s on you to pick which of the above-features VPNs best suits your needs, budget, and feature preferences.