5 Best VPNs for Spectrum — Tested & Still Working in 2024

Spectrum can monitor, collect, and store your online data. This includes personally identifiable information like your IP address, browsing habits, and download history. I’ve noticed that the ISP even throttles my bandwidth, making downloading large files extremely time-consuming. Spectrum can also detect VPN traffic and block it, so finding a reliable one can be tricky.

After testing 93 VPNs, my team and I shortlisted the fastest and safest ones that work with Spectrum. These VPNs are easy to use, can be installed on Spectrum routers, and include powerful servers in the US and worldwide. They can help you torrent safely and without interruptions, and they’re great for accessing your Spectrum TV account abroad.

My top recommendation is ExpressVPN. In addition to military-grade encryption to secure your online data, it also comes with a global network of ultra-fast obfuscated servers. This helps you easily bypass Spectrum VPN blocks and bandwidth throttling. You can confidently test ExpressVPN since it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.Try ExpressVPN for Spectrum Now

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Spectrum in 2024

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

Best VPNs for Spectrum — Full Analysis (Updated in 2024)

All the VPNs on my list use the latest technology for securing your data, like AES 256-bit encryption and high-end security protocols. To protect your privacy, these VPNs keep zero logs of your internet traffic and personal information. They’re also fast, easy to use, and come with a money-back guarantee.

1. ExpressVPN — Top-Notch Security Features to Protect Your Privacy on Spectrum

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested April 2024

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN safeguards your connection on Spectrum with the most robust security features available. It encrypts your traffic with AES 256-bit key, which is the algorithm used by the NSA for securing classified information.

In addition to the highly secure OpenVPN security protocol, the VPN offers its own proprietary protocol, Lightway. It claims the protocol is faster, more secure, and more reliable than other off-the-shelf protocols. I tested my speeds on Lightway vs other ExpressVPN protocols, and it was about 17% faster than OpenVPN and L2TP/IPsec.

Choose from a selection of ExpressVPN security protocolsWith its headquarters outside the intelligence-sharing pact of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliances, ExpressVPN is under no obligation to store or share your traffic data. Plus the VPN keeps no logs of your personally identifiable information. All its servers run on RAM only (TrustedServer technology), meaning any session data is wiped with every reboot.

In addition, ExpressVPN runs its own DNS on every server. Because they never leave the VPN tunnel, your DNS queries are protected from anyone trying to see, stop, or modify them.

You can torrent safely and don’t need to worry about any potential data leaks thanks to its Network Lock kill switch. It automatically disconnects you from the internet if your VPN connection is interrupted, like when your computer goes into sleep mode. You can also use the split-tunneling feature to hide your torrenting traffic, while other apps access the internet with your Spectrum IP.

Spectrum didn't block me during my tests either. Thanks to the obfuscation technology (which masks your VPN traffic as regular traffic), the ISP can’t detect that you’re using a VPN and block you.

That means the ISP can’t detect what you do online and throttle your speeds either. During my tests, my connection was impressively fast, never dipping below 45 Mbps. I’m based in California and recorded up to 65 Mbps using ExpressVPNs Smart Location feature (my base speed was 52 Mbps), indicating that Spectrum might be throttling my speed. I watched movies on my Netflix and Hulu accounts in UHD without delays. You get unlimited bandwidth too, so you can watch as much as you want.

This Spectrum VPN offers native apps for most devices, plus a MediaStreamer feature that lets you unblock US and UK content on devices that don’t usually support VPNs (like gaming consoles). ExpressVPN can be installed on routers, too. So, you can stream Mad About You and Manhunt from your Spectrum TV account on your Smart TV (or other WiFi-connected devices) without problems.

The only downside is that the subscriptions are quite expensive, starting at $6.67/month. However, if you catch one of ExpressVPN’s frequent deals, you can get a discount of up to 49%. The discounts usually apply to the longer plans, like the 6- and 12-month options.

For the final test, I tried getting a refund using ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee. The refund process was easy. I asked a support agent for help via 24/7 live chat, and she handled my request without asking any unnecessary questions. It only took 3 days for the refund to reflect on my MasterCard.

2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers for Torrenting on Spectrum Without Restrictions

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

With CyberGhost’s servers optimized for torrenting, you get the best speeds and protection for P2P sharing while connected to the Spectrum network. They’re sorted by distance from your current location, so you can immediately find the one closest to you for the fastest connection. Plus, you get unlimited bandwidth for downloading all you want.

There are gaming-optimized servers too, which can be sorted by ping or distance. I tested several CyberGhost servers in New York optimized for gaming, and they were extremely fast. My ping rates were under 80, even though I was traveling abroad (over 7,000 km away) at the time of testing. Connecting to these servers also protects you from potential DDoS attacks, so you can play safely and with no interruptions.

The VPN even has streaming-optimized servers for specific platforms and devices. Among the US servers, you can find ones optimized for Netflix and Hulu too. They’re extremely reliable for unblocking, and none of the services I tested knew I was using a VPN. With 11,690 servers in 100 countries you can access Spectrum TV from anywhere.

CyberGhost’s list of servers optimized for specific streaming platformsJust like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost uses AES 256-bit encryption to secure your Spectrum connection. You can choose from several protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, WireGuard, L2TP/IPSec) to get the best performance for your needs on the device you’re using.

In addition, you get Perfect Forward Secrecy, which adds extra security by regularly changing your encryption keys. So, if anyone ever manages to discover your key, your past and future data are still safe.

I tested multiple servers in the US for DNS or IP leaks. Thanks to the VPN’s DNS/IPv6 leak protection, I detected no vulnerabilities in my connection on any server. Its kill switch is also automatically activated, so your privacy is protected at all times.

As the VPN is headquartered in Romania, outside of surveillance alliances, it’s not obliged to share your data with foreign intelligence (the US included). Plus, it strictly adheres to its no-logs policy and publishes a quarterly transparency report to show how it safeguards your privacy.

CyberGhost is compatible with all major operating systems, and I found the VPN apps super easy to navigate. There is a helpful online support section, containing extensive information on all kinds of topics, including how to manually set up CyberGhost on a router. Plus, live chat is available 24/7, so I immediately got help whenever needed.

The VPN’s monthly plans can be pricey, plus you get a shorter money-back guarantee. However, the longer plans are more affordable — only $2.03/month. Seeing as they come with the same features at a fraction of the cost, I recommend the 3-year option.

With CyberGhost extended 45-day money-back guarantee, you can try it for free. So, you get plenty of time to test all features and decide if it’s the right VPN for you. I simply submitted a refund request through the website’ “Contact Us'' form and got the money back in my bank account in less than 5 days.

3. Private Internet Access — Huge Server Network to Avoid Overcrowding and Bandwidth Throttling on Spectrum

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ FIFA+ Netflix

Disney+ APV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access’ (PIA’s) network covers many locations in the US. That means you can always find a fast and reliable server to effectively bypass bandwidth throttling on Spectrum. After finding the right server, you don’t need to search for it ever again. By simply clicking on the big power button (Quick Connect), you’re automatically connected to your last used server.

I tested PIA's auto-connect feature (which shows the fastest connection for you), and recorded speeds of 53 Mbps. The VPN uses NextGen servers with 10 Gbps network cards to provide better connection speeds. Overall, PIA is great for streaming Spectrum TV in 4K, even over long distances.

Its customizable encryption and protocols let you prioritize speeds or security. I got the best speeds with AES 128-bit encryption and WireGuard protocol. Alternatively, picking the AES 256-bit encryption together with the OpenVPN protocol brings you rock-solid security.

The kill switch is customizable too. You can choose if it blocks outside traffic only when the VPN is on (Auto), or also when it’s off (Always). I picked “Always”, so my internet connection is completely disabled unless I turn on the VPN. The MACE feature even blocks domains used for ads, trackers, and malware. After activating MACE, all ads on CNN disappeared for me.

Once you activate the MACE feature, you need to reconnect to the VPN server to apply settingsPIA also protects your privacy with a strict no-logs policy — it doesn’t store your real IP address, browsing history, or bandwidth consumption. Like CyberGhost, PIA publishes transparency reports with details about legal requests for user data. As no data is stored, there’s nothing to hand over.

All the customization options may seem overwhelming to beginners, and PIA’s apps might look a bit complicated at first. Luckily, the apps come pre-configured and the default settings are enough to protect your data when streaming. So you don’t need to touch any of the advanced settings to get decent protection.

You can get a PIA subscription for only $2.03/month. I found its one-year plan to be the most affordable.

There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee included with all plans, and the refund process is easy. I canceled and requested a refund by submitting a support ticket on the VPN’s website, but you can also do it via 24/7 live chat. My request was processed and the funds returned to my PayPal account in 5 days.

4. IPVanish — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections to Securely Use Spectrum on All Your Devices

Works With:

ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+ Netflix

Disney+ More

Try IPVanish VPN >

www.IPVanishVPN.com

IPVanish is an excellent option for securing all your devices at once as it allows Unlimited simultaneous connections under one account. It has native apps for the most popular operating systems so that you can install it on any device within just a few minutes. I wanted to check if the number of connected devices affected its performance, so I tested IPVanish on 12 devices simultaneously (including several smartphones, a Windows laptop, iPad), and my connection remained stable.

Your online traffic is protected by AES 256-bit encryption and various security protocols, like OpenVPN and WireGuard. I additionally concealed my Spectrum VPN traffic using the Scramble feature. You can simply switch it on in the protocols section to easily bypass Spectrum VPN detection, throttling, and blocks.

A kill switch instantly terminates your internet session in the event of a sudden loss of VPN connection. For enhanced security, the VPN also forces server requests to use IPVanish DNS instead of the default DNS, plus it directs all IPv6 traffic through the VPN. All this prevents unwanted data exposure and DNS/IPv6 leaks.

IPVanish’s privacy policy explicitly states the VPN doesn’t log your browsing activity or share your information with third parties either. Plus, I searched its knowledge base and found out the no-logs policy has been independently audited to confirm this.

IPVanish keeps your traffic data privateUnfortunately, I couldn’t access Amazon Prime Video and DAZN with IPVanish. However, I had no issues with Spectrum TV, Netflix US, Disney+, YouTube TV, and other US platforms I tested. My speeds were always good enough for uninterrupted streaming. I watched Joe Pickett in the highest quality, with download speeds over 40 Mbps.

The VPN offers the best value when you subscribe to its long-term plans — at the moment, IPVanish is available at only $2.99/month. Since short-term options are more expensive without added benefits, I recommend the 2-year plan for the best savings.

You can try IPVanish risk-free for up to 30 days when using its money-back guarantee. I canceled my subscription through the Control Panel section on the website and received the money back in my bank account that same week. I didn’t even need to talk to anyone. You can also request your refund via 24/7 live chat, email, or phone.

5. PrivateVPN — Great for Beginners With Easy-to-Use Apps and a Remote Installation Option

Works With:

Sky ESPN+ Dazn FIFA+

Netflix Disney+ APV More

Try PrivateVPN >

www.privatevpn.com

If you’re new to VPNs, PrivateVPN is perfect for you. Not only are the apps easy to use, but you don’t even have to install them yourself — support will do it remotely upon request. While VPN app installation on most devices is easy, router configuration can require a bit of expertise. So, having a support agent help me install the service on my Spectrum router was a relief. They’re available 24/7 via live chat.

This Spectrum VPN provides unlimited bandwidth, so you don’t need to worry about speed drops or data caps while using Spectrum. I tested each one of PrivateVPNs US servers and got an average download speed of 33 Mbps. You can see ping rates next to each server, so you immediately know which one is the fastest. It also allows port forwarding and offers dedicated P2P servers in multiple locations (2 in the US), which is excellent for fast and secure torrenting.

By clicking on the Advanced View button in PrivateVPN apps, you can view all the adjustable security settings. From there, you can customize your level of encryption (128-bit and 256-bit), just like with PIA. You can also choose your preferred security protocol (OpenVPN is set as default), and activate StealthVPN to obfuscate your VPN traffic.

PrivateVPN’s Advanced view includes additional options like a kill switch and DNS leak protection

Other adjustable settings include the kill switch and IPv6/DNS leak protection. In the same tab, you can even turn on Application Guard, which closes programs of your choice if you disconnect. In addition, your data isn’t collected, stored, or shared with anyone thanks to the strict no-logs policy.

Despite having a smaller network, PrivateVPN is extremely reliable. I was able to successfully access all of my streaming accounts, such as Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and DAZN.

Its long-term plans are a much better investment in the long run — currently, you can get a PrivateVPN subscription for only $2/month. For more privacy, you can pay with Bitcoin.

I also tested the 30-day money-back guarantee and found it trustworthy. I got my bank account refunded only 6 days after canceling my subscription. All I had to do was ask a support agent for my refund. No hassle.

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.

Quick Comparison Table: Spectrum VPN Features

The VPNs on my list are all super-secure, easy to use, and work with Spectrum. They offer impressive server speeds and global server coverage, including in the US. Here’s how my shortlisted VPNs compare:

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, Cyberghost and Expressvpn are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company.

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Spectrum

All the Spectrum VPNs I shortlisted protect your connection with robust encryption and provide fast connection speeds on servers in and outside the US. Plus, they’re easy to use and can be installed on a variety of devices. If you still want to do your own research, here are the criteria I used:

• Robust security features — Look for a VPN that uses the virtually unbreakable AES 256-encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection to effectively protect you from hackers and spies.
• Obfuscation technology — With Spectrum, encrypting your connection might not be enough. Choose a VPN that can obfuscate (hide) your traffic, so the ISP can’t tell you’re using a VPN and block you.
• A no-logs policy — To make sure no one can get hold of your online data, get a VPN that upholds a strict no-logs policy.
• Fast connection speeds — Choose a VPN that won't noticeably reduce your connection speeds, so you can torrent, stream and game without interruptions.
• Global network — To access your accounts while traveling, you need a VPN with servers worldwide. To unblock your Spectrum TV, choose a VPN with plenty of US servers.
• Device compatibility — Check if your chosen VPN is compatible with routers, so you can install it on your Spectrum router, and protect all your WiFi-connected devices..
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee — You can’t be sure the VPN you picked is right for you before you try it out, so get one that offers a refund in case you're not satisfied.

FAQs on the Best VPNs for Spectrum

Can I use a VPN with Spectrum?

Yes, you can use a VPN with Spectrum. Using a VPN is legal in the US, and it doesn’t go against Spectrum ToS either. Make sure to install a high-quality VPN with obfuscation technology so the ISP can’t detect your VPN traffic and throttle your bandwidth.

Why do I need a VPN for Spectrum?

You need a VPN to protect your online privacy, as well as to avoid bandwidth throttling on Spectrum. For the best results, pick aVPN that with a network of fast and secure server, so you don’t have any issues with the ISP blocking your traffic or throttling your connection speeds.

ISPs in the US (including Spectrum) are allowed to monitor and collect user data, like your browsing history, emails, and downloads. In addition to not safeguarding this user data properly, some ISPs even sell it to the highest bidder.

There have also been complaints about Spectrum sending DMCA takedown notices to users torrenting over their network. While we at vpnMentor are strongly against piracy, the fact that Spectrum monitors user activity is still a no-go for privacy-conscious users.

Spectrum also limits your internet speeds from time to time, especially during data-consuming activities like torrenting, gaming, or streaming. A good VPN helps you avoid this by hiding your traffic, so you can browse at full speed.

Last but not least, if you’re traveling outside the US, you can’t watch Spectrum TV. The service is geo-restricted, and only customers with a US IP address are allowed to use it. To watch Spectrum TV from anywhere, you need a VPN with US servers.

How do I install a VPN on a Spectrum router?

To set up a VPN on your Spectrum router, all you need to do is follow these steps:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that works with Spectrum. The VPNs from this list are all tested for the ISP.
2. Select your router model and download the appropriate firmware. Then access your router's administrator functions and follow the instructions for your chosen vendor. The installation process is different for every VPN.
3. After you've entered the correct settings and completed all the required steps, you're good to go. Now all the devices connected to your Spectrum WiFi are secured.

Why is my VPN not working with Spectrum?

You’re probably using a low-quality VPN that Spectrum can detect. Unless your VPN uses the latest encryption and security protocols, it’s easy for Spectrum to block you. To effectively hide your VPN traffic from your ISP, get a VPN with high-level security features. There are also some things you can try with your current VPN:

• Check if your VPN provides obfuscated servers. When you connect to one, it makes your VPN traffic look like any other internet traffic. This makes it less likely that your traffic will be blocked since Spectrum won’t know you're using a VPN.
• Try switching to another server in the US. By choosing a VPN with a high server count, you’re more likely to find a server that works with Spectrum.
• Delete the cookies and cache on your browser and activate your kill switch and leak protection, if available.
• Contact your VPN’s customer service and ask them for a solution to your problem.

What are the best free VPNs for Spectrum?

There aren’t any. Not only are free VPNs unsafe, but they can also be easily detected by Spectrum. That means your connection still gets throttled or even blocked. It’s safer to use reputable VPNs that are tested for Spectrum and have a money-back guarantee so you can try them risk-free.

Free VPNs lack advanced security features, leaving your IP address and internet traffic easily monitored. Most of them have vague privacy policies, and some even collect your data and sell it to third parties.

Even if you find a free VPN that doesn't log your data, they are usually far too slow for anything more than basic browsing. Free services limit your speeds and bandwidth just like Spectrum, making them no good for using the service.

Get the Best VPN for Spectrum Today

Many VPNs don’t work with Spectrum, so I’ve shortlisted those that do. These Spectrum VPNs are super-secure, with a proven no-logs policy and robust encryption to protect your online privacy against Spectrum’s logging. With lightning-fast servers in and outside the US, these VPNs can also help you bypass all kinds of blocks and firewalls — as well as bandwidth throttling by the ISP.

I recommend ExpressVPN for Spectrum. It effectively protects your online data and enables you to access your Spectrum TV subscription anywhere. It also has impressive speeds on a global network of servers. You can try ExpressVPN completely risk-free. If you don’t love it, simply ask for a refund within 30 days from subscribing.

To summarize, the best VPNs for Spectrum are...

Rank

Provider

Our Score

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1

9.9 /10

9.9 Our Score

Save 49%!

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2

9.7 /10

9.7 Our Score

Save 84%!

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3

9.5 /10

9.5 Our Score

Save 83%!

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4

9.2 /10

9.2 Our Score

Save 78%!

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5

9.2 /10

9.2 Our Score

Save 85%!

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