Do Streamers Use a VPN in 2024? Here’s The Answer

• Streamers use VPNs to hide their virtual IP Address, protect from DDoS attacks, and unblock popular streaming sites
• With VPN, you can avoid bandwidth throttling, improve ping, reduce lag and buffering
• Twitch streamers can set up a VPN to increase gaming performance and protect from being swatted
• According to our tests, NordVPN is the best streaming VPN

Are you a streamer wondering if you need to use a VPN while streaming? The answer is yes. Streamers use a VPN and it has become increasingly popular this year. 

A VPN, or virtual private network, allows you to stream anonymously by hiding your user’s true IP address and routing your data through a secure server. 

In this article, we’ll explore the top reasons why streamers use VPNs and how to choose the right VPN for streaming.

Best Streamer VPNs – our shortlist:

1. NordVPN – best overall VPN for streamers and gamers
2. Surfshark – second best with good speeds
3. PrivateVPN – with strong security features
4. ExpressVPN – premium VPN for streaming on Twitch
5. AtlasVPN – budget choice for occasional gamers

4 Main Reasons Why Streamers Use VPNs

Bypass Geo-Blocks using a VPN Server

Streamers use VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions on streaming platforms.

By connecting to a VPN server in another location, you can access platforms blocked in your country.

This lets you stream content you wouldn’t be able to otherwise.

Prevent IP Leaks

Streamers also use VPNs to protect their IP address. Without a VPN, your ISP can see your IP address, tracking your online activities. Malicious people can target IP addresses to find private information.

With a VPN, your data is encrypted, and your IP address is hidden. This way, you can stream anonymously and securely.

Prevent Swarming or DDoS Attacks

Streamers are also vulnerable to swarming or DDoS attacks. These attacks flood your internet connection, slowing it down or crashing it.

A good VPN provider will have a DDoS-protected server. Your data is routed through a secure server, making it hard for attackers to target your IP address.

Prevent From Being Swatted

Swatting is a dangerous trend in gaming. Gamers can become victims of swatting by having their IP address exposed. This lets malicious individuals find their real location and report a fake crime.

However, gamers can protect themselves from swatting with a VPN for gaming and streaming.

A reliable VPN encrypts all your traffic, masking your public IP address. It prevents you from sharing identifiable information online.

How to Stream Securely Without Losing Speed?

If you stream, you want your data to be safe and your connection fast.

Some VPNs offer split tunneling. This lets you pick apps and sites to use the internet directly. This keeps your connection stable and avoids slowdowns.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to stream securely without losing speed:

1. Choose a quality VPN provider. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Install the VPN software on your device.
3. Open the VPN app and connect to a VPN server.
4. Locate the split tunneling option in the settings menu of the VPN app.
5. Choose the applications that you want to bypass or route via a VPN
6. Once you have selected the applications and websites, save the settings.
7. Start streaming as you normally would, and enjoy the added security and privacy of using a VPN.
8. Now you can maintain a fast and reliable connection speed for the selected applications and websites.

Do Pro Gamers Use VPNs?

Yes, Pro gamers use VPNs for specific reasons. The top gamers on sites like Twitch look for the best connection for both gaming and streaming.

They focus on speed and security. Sometimes, they use a direct connection or a VPN with split-tunneling. This way, they get the best of both worlds.

Stremer VPN Comparison

5 Best VPN For Streamers

We narrowed down our picks to find the best VPNs for streamers. We looked at what features are most important. Here’s what we considered:

• Fast Speeds: fast VPN connections are key for high-quality streams and low latency
• Large Server Network: having many servers is crucial for unblocking content and finding the best performance
• Available Split Tunneling: this feature is great for those who want privacy for streaming but don’t want it to affect their apps
• No IP or DNS leaks: a good VPN should always hide your true IP address, so it can’t leak
• No-logs policy: the top VPNs don’t keep any records of your online activities

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is known for being the fastest and most reliable VPN service. It uses the modern WireGuard protocol for a faster and more stable connection.

It has over 5000 servers in 59 countries and offers fast speeds. It’s a great choice for streamers. It also has no DNS or IP leaks and uses next-generation encryption.

NordVPN is perfect for unblocking content on your full system. It has split tunneling on Android and Windows. Mac users can use a VPN browser extension.

The service has been audited and proven to have a strict no-logs policy. Its apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android passed security tests. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a budget-friendly option with all the essentials. It has over 1700+ VPN servers in 63+ countries.

It has split tunneling, called WhiteLister, on Windows and Android apps. It allows unlimited simultaneous connections with one account.

The service protects against DNS and IP leaks. It uses strong AES-256 encryption and has an Internet Kill Switch. It’s based in The British Virgin Islands, avoiding data retention laws.

Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Plans start at 1.99/month.

4. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a user-friendly streaming VPN with solid performance. It has over 200 server locations in 63 countries. It makes it easy to bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy streaming content anywhere.

It uses military-grade encryption and strong data leak protection. You can stream without worrying about IP leaks and hacker attacks. It offers unlimited bandwidth and unrestricted server switches.

This VPN is great for those new to game streaming. Its apps are easy to install and use. They are simple to navigate, even with many features.

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a top choice for streamers. It focuses on privacy and uses RAM servers. This means they keep no logs and all data is erased when servers restart.

It has split tunneling on Windows and Android apps. Plus, it offers VPN browser extensions. You can also use a router app to set up VPN for each device on your network.

ExpressVPN has over 160 locations worldwide. This helps you bypass geo-restrictions and access streaming platforms from anywhere. Its download and upload speeds are fast, so it won’t slow down your internet.

ExpressVPN uses top-notch encryption and has features like IP leak protection and Internet Kill Switch. You can connect up to 5 devices with one account.

While it’s not the cheapest, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This lets you try it risk-free.

3. AtlasVPN

Atlas VPN protects your streams from swarming attacks. It has DNS leak protection and a tracker blocker.

It has advanced IP and DNS leak protection, a data breach monitor, and a powerful Kill Switch. It offers a Premium VPN version and a free version.

The free version is limited, with only 2 GB of data per day. It has very limited server choices. You can connect to over 750 VPN servers in 27 locations.

Atlas VPN is affordable and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can use it on an unlimited number of devices.

Quality Concerns When Streaming Over a VPN

When streaming over a VPN, consider these quality concerns:

• Reduced speed: A VPN can lower the bitrate and resolution. But, it can also make your connection more reliable.
• Compatibility issues: Some streaming services block VPN traffic. This prevents users from accessing content from other countries.
• Security concerns: Some VPNs may not be secure. They might lack strong encryption or a no-logging policy.
• Bandwidth limitations: Some VPNs limit bandwidth. This can affect streaming quality, especially for high-quality content or multiple devices.
• Technical issues: Setting up and maintaining a VPN can be challenging. It may impact streaming quality.

Streaming VPN FAQs

Do streamers use a VPN?

Yes, some streamers use a VPN. They do this to protect their privacy, improve speeds, and bypass geo-restrictions.

Does using a VPN affect streaming?

Using a VPN can affect internet speed. But, a good VPN can actually improve your connection.

Is it illegal to use Twitch with a VPN?

No, it’s not illegal to use Twitch with a VPN. But, Twitch’s terms say you can’t use tech to hide your IP or bypass restrictions.

Should I use a VPN while streaming on Twitch?

Using a VPN on Twitch is up to you. It can protect your info and prevent swatting attacks.

How do I protect my IP address while streaming?

To hide your IP, connect to a VPN server. A VPN makes it hard for others to track you or hack you.

Should I use a free VPN for streaming?

Free VPNs are not recommended for streaming. They may have security risks and performance issues. They might even sell your data.

Conclusion

Streamers can use a VPN to protect their IP address. This is for privacy and performance. Some use it to access Twitch or unblock content and games.

The best VPN for streamers is NordVPN. It offers great speeds, performance, and value.