With the growing number of streaming services in the market for both live TV and on-demand content, viewers have one question in mind: do I need a VPN when streaming? Well, to answer your question directly, not really. It’s not a requirement for you to have a VPN. However, there are certain instances when having a VPN can be very beneficial, and that’s what we’re here to share with you.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about how a VPN works for streaming services and help you assess if using one is right for you.
How Does VPN Work for Streaming Services?
In general, a VPN or virtual private network works by masking your real IP address with a different one. Since streaming services impose geographical restrictions, meaning there are specific content or titles that are available in one location but aren’t in another, a VPN allows you to bypass that restriction because it makes your IP address appear as if you were streaming from a different location.
Let’s say you’re from the United States. You’re watching your new favorite TV show that’s exclusively available in your country. Now, you go to Japan for a business trip, and after a long day, you want to catch up on the latest episode of your favorite show. However, when you try to access it on your streaming platform, you’re met with a message saying the content is not available in your region.
That’s what geo-restriction is. Now, to bypass this restriction, you will need a VPN so you can connect to a US-based server. This will allow you to access all the available content in your home region without any problem, as long as the VPN that you use is reliable and actually works for mobile and TV streaming.
Should You Use a VPN for Streaming Movies and TV Shows?
It actually depends on what you need. For some, it might just be a waste of money, while others can actually make the most out of it. Here are some questions that might help you assess if it’s actually worth getting a VPN for your streaming services.
-
Do you like watching content from other countries?
While most streaming apps like Netflix already offer content from different parts of the world, nothing beats having access to local shows and films available in a specific region. For instance, you’re into Korean dramas. Connecting to servers in Asia will likely give you a better content library than in the US.
Of course, it’s a different story if you already have a content-specific streaming service like DISH Latino for example. In such cases, a VPN might not be necessary because you already have access to content that is often restricted on other apps/platforms.
-
Are you in need of additional security measures?
Honestly, if you’re already planning to get a VPN for its security features, just go ahead. Using a VPN for streaming is going to be just a bonus simply because it’s already there whenever you need it. Plus, it’s very beneficial if you often connect to public networks or WiFi in cafes, airports, and hotels.
-
Do you have an extra budget?
You have to know that free VPNs won’t work as well as paid ones, which means that you need to pay for a subscription every month to use this software app. It’s not actually that expensive monthly, especially if you subscribe annually. However, it’s important to consider the long-term cost and whether the benefits justify the expense.
-
Is it okay for you to experience slower speeds at times?
VPNs are notorious for slowing down internet connections, and it’s simply because of the nature of how they work. When you connect to a VPN server, your internet traffic is routed through this server, which can add latency and potentially reduce your overall speed. If you’re sensitive to slower speeds or rely on a fast internet connection for other activities, a VPN might not be the best option for you. Most reputable VPNs in the market have already addressed this issue, but you might still experience it at times.
Wrapping Up
Having a VPN is a great tool to access a wider content library. It allows you to maximize your subscription and enjoy more content. It’s not a requirement, but it’s good to have in case you need it. If you’re unsure if it’s right for you, just ask the questions we’ve provided, and hopefully, you’ll find the answer you’re looking for.
