Expressvpn for Streaming: Is It Still the King?

For years, ExpressVPN has been the go-to VPN for streaming, reliably unlocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and other geo-restricted platforms. But with rising competition in 2025, does it still hold the crown? We tested its speeds, unblocking capabilities, and reliability across major streaming services to see if it’s worth the premium price—or if rivals have caught up.

ExpressVPN’s Streaming Performance in 2025

ExpressVPN remains one of the fastest VPNs for streaming, with minimal buffering and consistent HD/4K playback. In our tests, it successfully accessed:

• Netflix (US, UK, Japan, and 15+ other libraries)
• BBC iPlayer (without triggering location errors)
• Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video

Its proprietary Lightway protocol ensures smooth performance even on congested networks, making it ideal for households with multiple streams.

Does ExpressVPN Still Bypass Netflix’s VPN Ban?

Yes. While Netflix aggressively blocks VPNs, ExpressVPN’s constantly refreshed server IPs and obfuscation tech kept us connected during testing. We streamed Stranger Things (US) and Peaky Blinders (UK) without hiccups.

How ExpressVPN Compares to Other Streaming VPNs

Here’s how it stacks up against top competitors in 2025:

Best for Budget-Conscious Streamers

If ExpressVPN’s price is steep, Surfshark offers unlimited simultaneous connections for less—though with slightly slower speeds.

ExpressVPN’s Server Network for Streaming

With 3,000+ servers in 94 countries, ExpressVPN provides rare locations like:

• South Africa (for Showmax)
• India (for Hotstar)
• Turkey (for cheaper Netflix plans)

Its Smart Location feature auto-selects the fastest server for your chosen streaming platform.

Setup Guide: ExpressVPN for Streaming Devices

Beyond laptops, ExpressVPN works on:

• Smart TVs: Via router app or MediaStreamer (DNS-based workaround)
• Fire Stick: Native app in Amazon Appstore
• Game Consoles: Router-level installation

For step-by-step guides, see our VPN devices hub.

Is ExpressVPN Still Worth It in 2025?

Despite newer rivals, ExpressVPN’s combination of speed, reliability, and unblocking prowess keeps it at the top—especially for 4K streaming. While cheaper options exist, none match its consistent performance across all major platforms.

Try ExpressVPN risk-free: It offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it with your favorite shows. Get the latest deal here.