5 Best Twitch VPNs Tested in 2024: Fast Streams Without Ads
- Best VPNs for Twitch — Full Analysis (Updated in 2024)
- ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Twitch Streaming With Fastest Speeds and Reliable Servers
- CyberGhost — User-Friendly Apps to Effortlessly Protect Your Twitch Streams
- Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customizable Settings to Balance Speed and Security for Twitch Streaming
- NordVPN — Meshnet Feature for Safe Local Gaming and Smooth Twitch Streaming
- Surfshark — Camouflage & NoBorder Modes to Access Twitch on Restrictive Networks
- Quick Comparison Table: Twitch VPN Features
- Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Twitch
- Quick Guide: How to Use Twitch With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Common Issues With VPNs on Twitch
- FAQs on VPNs for Twitch
- Get the Best VPN for Twitch
Geoblocking and ad overload are major frustrations for Twitch streaming. If you're tired of ads interrupting your streams or missing out on content due to location restrictions, you're not alone.
To enhance your Twitch experience, you need a VPN that’s fast, reliable, and won’t complicate your setup with technical hurdles. I’ve tested over 30 VPNs specifically for Twitch, evaluating speed, privacy, server locations, ease of use, and ad-blocking capabilities. After a thorough review, I’ve narrowed down the best VPNs for Twitch that meet the demands of streamers and viewers.
ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for Twitch. It offers fast and stable connections, robust privacy features, and a vast server network to securely access Twitch anywhere without ads. You can try ExpressVPN with confidence, as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Twitch in 2024
- Editor's ChoiceExpressVPN
Best overall VPN with excellent speeds and reliable servers to safely use Twitch anywhere.70% of our readers choose ExpressVPN - CyberGhost
Beginner-friendly VPN to keep your Twitch streams smooth without hassle. - Private Internet Access
Adjustable security settings for a balanced Twitch streaming experience. - NordVPN
Meshnet feature to create a secure, encrypted connection between streamers’ devices. - Surfshark
Camouflage and NoBorder modes to safely use Twitch on restrictive networks.
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Best VPNs for Twitch — Full Analysis (Updated in 2024)
1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Twitch Streaming With Fastest Speeds and Reliable Servers
Tested October 2024 Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Best Feature | Excellent speeds and ample worldwide servers for accessing Twitch interruption-free |
Average Speed | 92Mbps (8% speed drop) |
Server Network | 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including Poland and Ukraine |
Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, NVIDIA Shield, Chromecast, Apple TV, routers, and more |
ExpressVPN is designed for speed and efficiency, making it perfect for Twitch streaming. Thanks to its in-house Lightway protocol, connection times are faster and more efficient, requiring fewer resources to maintain high performance. It was the fastest VPN we tested — we only noticed an 8% speed drop. This is much better than many other VPNs, which can slow you down by over 50%.
By connecting to a server in a location where Twitch ads are not shown, you can potentially avoid ads altogether. For example, countries like Poland and Ukraine don’t show Twitch ads due to local advertising laws. Plus, ExpressVPN works well in countries where many other top VPNs struggle, like China and Turkey.
With leak protection and a kill switch (Network Lock), ExpressVPN keeps your real IP address and DNS requests hidden even if the connection drops. This enhances privacy while streaming or gaming. It can also strengthen your defenses against DDoS attacks by masking your actual IP address, making it harder for attackers to target your network.
One drawback is the expensive subscriptions. Luckily, ExpressVPN frequently offers generous discounts. Opting for a 12-month plan, I got 48% off and an extra 3 months of service for free, reducing the total cost to just $6.67/month. Better yet, thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try ExpressVPN without risk.
Useful Features
- Split tunneling. This handy feature lets you choose which activities go through the VPN and which use your regular internet connection. For Twitch streamers, this means you can secure your streaming connection with a VPN while letting other activities, like playing Apex Legends, run on your usual connection for lower ping.
- Advanced Protection. When enabled, it stops annoying ads from disrupting your streams, keeps your data private by preventing trackers from collecting your information, and protects you from accidentally visiting harmful websites.
- Unlimited bandwidth. With no data caps, you can stream on Twitch as much as you want without worrying about data limits.
- Automatic obfuscation on every server. ExpressVPN makes your VPN traffic look like regular HTTPS traffic, helping you overcome VPN blocks. While Twitch often shadowbans or blocks chat messages from VPN users, obfuscation can reduce this possibility.
- Fastest speeds of the VPNs we've tested
- Works reliably with global platforms
- Industry-leading privacy protection
- More expensive than some VPNs
2. CyberGhost — User-Friendly Apps to Effortlessly Protect Your Twitch Streams
Best Feature | Intuitive user interface, ideal for new VPN users |
Average Speed | 87Mbps (13% sped drop) |
Server Network | 11,690 servers in 100 countries, including Poland and Ukraine |
Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple TV, routers, and more |
CyberGhost’s user-friendly design makes it perfect for Twitch VPN beginners. To connect, just choose a server and click the power button. The simple layout lets you easily favorite frequently used servers for quick access. You can also select a location to connect to automatically (via Smart rules). During testing, I chose Chrome (which I use to open Twitch on my Mac) to immediately start after CyberGhost establishes a VPN connection.
CyberGhost's NoSpy servers, located in Romania, are directly managed by the VPN team and designed for enhanced privacy and security, as no third party can access them. Additionally, since Romania is a country where Twitch doesn’t display ads, using these servers not only boosts your security but also helps you enjoy ad-free streams.
Sadly, CyberGhost monthly plans are quite expensive and come with a short 14-day refund period. However, long-term subscriptions are more affordable, starting at just $2.19/month. They also offer an extended money-back guarantee, letting you try CyberGhost for free for up to 45days.
Useful Features
- Gaming servers. CyberGhost's gaming-optimized servers are tailored for gamers seeking low latency and fast, stable connections during online gameplay. These servers ( located in Germany, France, the UK, and the US) are designed for low ping and minimal lag. Plus, CyberGhost offers dedicated streaming and torrenting servers.
- Leak protection. It prevents your real IP address and location from being accidentally exposed while streaming, maintaining privacy and security on Twitch.
- No-logs policy. CyberGhost follows a stringent no-logs policy that has been validated through multiple independent audits, so no third party can obtain your private data.
- Specialty servers based on activity
- Security essentials; plus bonus options
- Intuitive and user-friendly apps
- Expensive short-term plan
- Can't get past the strongest firewalls
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customizable Settings to Balance Speed and Security for Twitch Streaming
Best Feature | Adjustable settings to optimize your Twitch streams |
Average Speed | 82Mbps (18% speed drop) |
Server Network | 29,650 servers in 91 countries, including Poland and Ukraine |
Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, NVIDIA Shield, Chromecast, Apple TV, routers, and more |
PIA lets you tailor settings to meet your Twitch streaming needs. For example, you can set AES 128-bit for faster speeds and AES 256-bit for heightened security. There’s also the choice between OpenVPN protocol (more secure) and WireGuard (faster). Our speeds were the highest while testing PIA with WireGuard. Besides, make sure you set MTU to Small Packets to get a lower ping.
PIA offers the most extensive server network of all the recommended VPNs, so you can safely access Twitch anywhere. Some servers are even optimized for streaming. The wide variety of servers also allows you to find the best connection for ad-free streams. Plus, all PIA servers are RAM-only, which means that your data is erased when the server is rebooted, enhancing your online privacy.
Unfortunately, the apps might be confusing to VPN beginners due to advanced customization options. However, PIA’s default settings work perfectly well for secure Twitch streaming.
Useful Features
- Affordable subscription plans. You can get PIA for as low as $2.19/month, and each plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. This allows you to try the VPN for free.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections. With PIA, a single subscription allows you to connect multiple devices simultaneously. This feature is handy for families or individuals with multiple devices who want to maintain secure access to Twitch and other apps.
- Shadowsocks. This is a useful tool for Twitch users in regions with heavy internet restrictions. Similar to ExpressVPN, PIA disguises your VPN traffic, making it harder to block — but you have to manually turn it on in the settings.
- Massive network of servers worldwide
- Many customizable security settings
- Unlimited simultaneous devices
- Tricky for beginners to navigate
- Based in the US
4. NordVPN — Meshnet Feature for Safe Local Gaming and Smooth Twitch Streaming
Best Feature | Meshnet for secure gaming with friends over LAN and remote access |
Average Speed | 80Mbps (20% speed drop) |
Server Network | 6,310 servers in 111 countries, including Poland and Ukraine |
Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, NVIDIA Shield, Chromecast, Apple TV, routers, and more |
Meshnet is a great tool for Twitch users, especially for those who collaborate or stream from different locations. It allows you to create a secure network between multiple devices, no matter where they are. This means you can easily connect with gaming partners or manage your streaming setup remotely while keeping everything secure. I easily set it up for secure remote access when I was on the go.
To protect your online privacy, the VPN uses Perfect Forward Secrecy. It regularly changes encryption keys to keep future sessions secure even if past data is compromised. Additionally, Threat Protection helps block malicious Twitch links, keeping your chats secure.
Despite being based in Panama, a member of the 9 Eyes Alliance that shares information on citizens, NordVPN's audited no-logs policy prevents your online activities from being tracked or logged. You can get NordVPN for just $3.09/month or try it for free, thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Useful Features
- NordLynx protocol. NordVPN's in-house protocol enhances both speed and security, making it perfect for fast and stable Twitch streaming.
- AES 256-bit encryption. Whether you're streaming or just watching Twitch videos, encryption keeps your internet traffic private and secure, keeping you safe from hackers, trackers, or anyone trying to snoop on your connection.
- Various advanced security options
- Fast speeds from across the globe
- Excellent streaming capabilities
- Concerning change to privacy policy
- Sometimes slow to establish connections
5. Surfshark — Camouflage & NoBorder Modes to Access Twitch on Restrictive Networks
Best Feature | Camouflage and NoBorders modes allow smooth use of Twitch on the heavily regulated networks |
Average Speed | 77Mbps (23% speed drop) |
Server Network | 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including Poland and Ukraine |
Compatible With | Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Fire TV, PlayStation, Xbox, NVIDIA Shield, Chromecast, Apple TV, routers, and more |
Surfshark's Camouflage mode allows for easy access to Twitch on restrictive WiFi networks, like those in schools and offices. It’s automatically enabled with OpenVPN protocol. Similarly, the VPN’s NoBorders mode detects if you’re somewhere with network restrictions and automatically connects you to the best servers to bypass them.
Your Twitch activity is further protected with DNS leak protection, and RAM-only servers erase all data after each session. Additionally, Surfshark’s kill switch prevents your data from being accidentally exposed.
Surfshark offers a long-term subscription at a competitive price of only $2.19/month. The service also provides a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it for free.
Useful Features
- IP Rotator. This feature periodically changes your IP address, adding an extra layer of anonymity without disconnecting the VPN session. It’s a major advantage for Twitch streamers who want to avoid tracking and restrictions.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections. Similar to PIA, Surfshark makes it possible to share it with friends and securely stream on Twitch together.
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Security essentials and advanced options
- Fast and reliable global server network
- Unreliable with some streaming sites
- Based in the Netherlands
Quick Comparison Table: Twitch VPN Features
Here's a quick comparison table to help you evaluate the best VPNs for Twitch. The table focuses on key features like the number of global servers, speeds, device connections, and money-back guarantees.
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Twitch
We applied a comprehensive evaluation framework to review VPNs, focusing particularly on speed, security, unblocking capabilities, and servers in countries that don’t display ads on Twitch. Our performance tests evaluated each VPN’s ability to maintain stable, high-speed connections necessary for seamless UHD streaming.
Quick Guide: How to Use Twitch With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Download a VPN. ExpressVPN is highly recommended for its fast speeds and reliable servers, making it ideal for secure Twitch streaming from anywhere. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test ExpressVPN risk-free.
- Connect to a server. For optimal performance, connect to a nearby server where Twitch is fully supported.
- Start streaming. You’re all set for secure and interruption-free Twitch streaming sessions.
Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.
Common Issues With VPNs on Twitch
If you’re experiencing issues with your VPN while trying to access Twitch, you’re not alone. Here are some common problems and solutions to help you get back to streaming:
- Blocked IP addresses. Twitch might block IP addresses known to be associated with VPNs. To fix this, try switching to a different server or location within your VPN app. Often, choosing a less popular server can help bypass these blocks.
- Geographic restrictions. Some Twitch streams and content are restricted to specific regions. If your VPN server is not in a region that supports the content you want to watch, you may experience issues.
- DNS leaks. DNS leaks can expose your true IP address. Check to see whether your VPN has DNS leak protection enabled. Adjust your VPN settings accordingly and use our online leak testing tool.
- VPN configuration issues. Check your VPN settings. Look for updates to your VPN software and set it to use the correct protocol (e.g., OpenVPN or WireGuard) for optimal performance.
- Twitch account issues. In some cases, issues with your Twitch account might be mistaken for VPN problems. Check whether your account is in good standing, and try accessing Twitch without the VPN to rule out account-specific issues.
- Firewall or antivirus interference. Sometimes, firewall or antivirus software can interfere with your VPN connection. Try temporarily disabling them to see if that resolves the issue. If it does, you may need to adjust your firewall or antivirus settings to allow VPN traffic.
If you’ve tried all the above solutions and your VPN is still not working with Twitch, reach out to your VPN provider’s support team. They may have specific advice or troubleshooting steps tailored to their service.
Want to enhance your Twitch experience? Explore our expert guides filled with tips and tricks to help you enhance your streaming and gaming sessions:
FAQs on VPNs for Twitch
Should I use a VPN while streaming on Twitch?
Yes, you should. Using a VPN for Twitch streaming helps you hide your IP address, making it difficult for anyone to target your home network with a DDoS attack – a common threat streamers face. Just make sure you get a VPN with excellent security features. By encrypting all data between your network and the VPN server, a VPN adds a layer of protection that significantly reduces the vulnerability of your personal data while streaming or browsing.
Can I get banned or shadowbanned from Twitch for using a VPN?
No, Twitch doesn't ban VPN users outright. VPNs are mainly tools for private and secure web browsing. However, misusing a VPN, like creating multiple accounts, can lead to penalties. Twitch's systems might flag unusual IPs, including some VPNs. If flagged, you might face temporary restrictions until account verification. To minimize issues, use reliable VPNs like ExpressVPN, which is less likely to be flagged.
What VPN do streamers use for Warzone?
Streamers often choose ExpressVPN and NordVPN for Warzone. These VPNs are famous for their fast speeds and robust security. ExpressVPN offers low ping rates and reliable performance, which is ideal for minimizing latency. NordVPN provides many servers and advanced security features, like Meshnet.
Can I unblock Twitch without a VPN?
Possibly, though, other options are very limited. Alternatives include proxy servers, Smart DNS, or browser extensions. Just note that proxies don't encrypt data like a VPN does, leaving you exposed to online threats. A proxy server reroutes traffic, masking your IP but with less security. Smart DNS changes your DNS settings to access blocked content without altering your IP. Browser extensions like Tor might work but will noticeably slow down your connection.
Can I use a free VPN for Twitch?
It’s not recommended to use free VPNs for Twitch. They usually have slower speeds, data caps, and fewer servers, causing buffering and lag. Free VPNs may also lack strong security features, risking data leaks and DDoS attacks. Some might even collect and sell your data, compromising privacy. It’s a better alternative to use a premium VPN with a trustworthy money-back guarantee.
Get the Best VPN for Twitch
In conclusion, the best VPN for Twitch should offer strong security features to help prevent leaks and DDoS attacks, keeping your streams private and uninterrupted. It should also provide fast speeds for smooth streaming and have a reliable server network, including locations in countries like Poland and Ukraine where Twitch ads aren’t displayed.
ExpressVPN is my best choice for Twitch. Its advanced security features, impressive speeds, and vast server network make it great for uninterrupted streaming sessions. The best part is that you can try ExpressVPN with Twitch risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
To summarize, these are the best VPNs for Twitch...
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Your data is exposed to the websites you visit!
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The information above can be used to track you, target you for ads, and monitor what you do online.
VPNs can help you hide this information from websites so that you are protected at all times. We recommend ExpressVPN — the #1 VPN out of over 350 providers we've tested. It has military-grade encryption and privacy features that will ensure your digital security, plus — it's currently offering 48% off.
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