Is Streaming Movies with a VPN Legal?

Illegal activity is still illegal with or without a VPN.

Last updated Jul 15, 2024

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The short answer: If you’re in the United States, it’s not illegal to use a VPN while you stream movies — so long as that movie was legally obtained.

A virtual private network (VPN) can provide added security while you browse the internet and mask your IP address location to give you access to geo-restricted content. There are a variety of great VPN apps that offer additional security and anonymity to your internet experience, but are they legal? Is it legal to use a VPN to stream movies or other content?

Keep reading to learn more details about whether streaming with a VPN is legal.

In this article

Is it legal to use a VPN to access geo-blocked content?
Is it legal to download content with a VPN?
What happens if I get caught streaming with a VPN?
Why should I use a VPN for streaming?
What are the best VPNs for streaming?
Streaming VPNs FAQ
Bottom line

Is streaming with a VPN legal?

VPN legality depends on several factors, one of which is where you are located. Several countries limit or completely ban the use of VPNs. In that case, using a VPN to stream a movie (or do anything else, for that matter) would be illegal. But if you're in a legal country that allows VPN streaming and just want to watch Netflix with a VPN, then there are certain times it may or may not be okay.

Countries that ban the use of VPNs

China
North Korea
Iraq
Russia
United Arab Emirates

Countries that limit the use of VPNs

Iran
Belarus
Turkey
Oman
Uganda

If you’re in a country that doesn’t limit or ban the use of VPNs, then the question becomes about what you are using the VPN to do. In the United States and many other countries worldwide, using a VPN is not illegal. However, if you’re committing a crime while using a VPN, you’re still committing the crime, just while connected to a VPN.

Using a VPN for streaming is not illegal unless you’re illegally accessing the content you’re streaming.

If you want to cozy up in your hotel with a video rental but don’t trust shared Wi-Fi, launching your VPN before streaming is perfectly legal. Or if you’re logging into a VPN to access geo-restricted content from streaming platforms like Netflix, Hulu, or Disney+, you’re not doing anything illegal. However, it is illegal to download pirated movies and TV shows with or without a VPN.

VPNs are a great tool to keep you safer while using public Wi-Fi, handling sensitive information, or accessing geo-restricted content. VPNs encrypt your internet activity so that ISPs or other prying eyes can’t track you. If you’re in a country that allows VPN usage, a VPN is completely legal as long as you’re not breaking any other laws.

Is it legal to use a VPN to access geo-blocked content?

It isn’t illegal to use a VPN to change your location or circumvent geo-restrictions. However, by accessing geo-restricted content, you may be breaking the terms and service agreement of the streaming platform.

Streaming services like Netflix have different licensing rights to content in different countries and may restrict your access for violating the terms of service.

Why do streaming services block VPNs?

Streaming services block VPNs to prevent them from breaking the copyright and distribution agreements they made with content creators. By blocking VPNs, the streaming service can limit its exposure to breach of contract liability.

Streaming services like Netflix blacklist IP addresses connected with a VPN service. This allows them to limit instances of bypassing geo-restricted content.

Is it legal to download content with a VPN?

Yes, it's legal to download legally obtained content with a VPN. Similar to other questions of legality, using a VPN doesn’t make illegal activity legal.

If you’re downloading content illegally, it doesn’t matter if you’re connected to a VPN or not. A VPN may help you hide your illegal activities, but it won’t help you if you’ve been caught breaking the law.

If downloading the content without a VPN would be legal, then it would also be legal to download it while connected to a VPN. For example, using the download feature offered by many streaming services or downloading movies you purchased from legitimate retailers like Amazon Prime Video or Google Play Movies is legal.

What happens if I get caught streaming with a VPN?

Streaming platforms try to block VPN usage to help protect content and copyright agreements. If a streaming platform catches you using a VPN to stream content, they may restrict or remove your account. Streaming with a VPN may violate the terms and services of your account with the streaming platform.

As long as you’re not doing anything illegal when streaming with a VPN, the only repercussions may be from the streaming service. However, if you’re downloading illegal content or torrenting with a VPN, there may be more serious repercussions if you’re caught.

You may be charged with a crime if your illegal activity is found and investigated. Even though many VPNs don’t keep logs, other evidence may hurt your case if you are using a VPN for illegal activities. As long as you’re not doing anything illegal while connected to a VPN, you should not have anything to worry about.

Why should I use a VPN for streaming?

There are several different reasons why you should use a VPN for streaming. The main reason is to access geo-restricted content. Streaming services like Netflix have different libraries based on your location. The Netflix library in the United States is very different from the Netflix library in Japan.

You can use a VPN to mask your IP address location and give you access to other Netflix or streaming libraries. Connecting to a VPN server in a different country will allow you to see its streaming library and other titles.

Using a VPN isn’t only necessary for accessing content in other countries, you may also need to use a VPN to access content that is restricted in the United States, too — streaming services like MLB.TV restricts access to certain baseball games when the game is showing on local TV channels.

You may also want to use a VPN for streaming if your internet service provider (ISP) throttles or limits your bandwidth. Since a VPN encrypts your internet activity and changes your IP address, your ISP won’t be able to see your internet usage or throttle or limit your bandwidth.

Finally, you may use a VPN to stream to protect yourself on a shared network, like in a coffee shop, your hotel, or an Airbnb. You don't know who's lurking on those networks and have a right to privacy and security.

What are the best VPNs for streaming?

We have a few recommendations if you’re looking for a VPN for streaming. Each of these VPNs offers a variety of server locations, and they won’t affect your internet speeds drastically. Each of these VPNs comes with a monthly or annual subscription cost, but based on our testing, these VPNs are worth the price. You may be able to find a free VPN that offers streaming support, but free VPNs may come with security concerns.

NordVPN

Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use

5.0

Editorial Rating

On NordVPN's website

VPN

NordVPN

Up to 72% off 2-year plans + a Saily eSIM data gift

Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices

NordVPN is a trustworthy, oft-recommended VPN solution that offers a few additional features that set it apart from the competition. With NordVPN, you can use a dedicated IP address, which circumvents any VPN blocks. It also gives users built-in threat protection to help keep them safe while browsing the web.

Get NordVPN | Read Our NordVPN Review

ExpressVPN

Extensive Server Network Provides Protection Wherever You Go

4.9

Editorial Rating

On ExpressVPN's website

VPN

ExpressVPN

Save 49%

Hides intrusive display ads when browsing the web, improving page speed and easing data usage on mobile
Privacy and safety benefits of a VPN with best-in-class encryption and innovative server technology in 105 countries
Enjoy no activity logs, malicious sites and trackers protection, and more on up to 8 devices

ExpressVPN is another dependable solution for streaming and VPN users. ExpressVPN won’t drastically change your internet speeds; you can access servers in 105 countries. ExpressVPN also includes a threat manager to help keep you safe from malicious sites or activities.

Get ExpressVPN | Read Our ExpressVPN Review

Surfshark

Unlimited Device Protection and Large Server Network

4.6

Editorial Rating

On Surfshark's website

VPN

Surfshark

7 day free trial on 12 and 24 month plans

All-in-one VPN app with 24/7 protection thanks to 3,200+ RAM-only servers in over 100 countries
Real-time malware defense, webcam protection, alternative ID creation, ad blocking, and more
One subscription covers unlimited devices for your entire household with access to 24/7 support

Surfshark is the most affordable VPN on our list. If you commit to a two-year contract, you can snag SurfShark for a low monthly fee. Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries, so you’ll have plenty of location options. With the more expensive SurfShark One plan, you also gain access to SurfShark’s antivirus, data alerts, and encrypted browser.

Get Surfshark | Read Our Surfshark Review

Streaming VPNs FAQ

Can I use a free VPN for streaming?

You can use a free VPN for streaming. However, free VPN services may not be as safe as other VPN solutions. Free VPNs may sell your information to third-party sites and jeopardize your personal information and internet activity. Free VPNs may also significantly slow down your internet connection, which is less than ideal for streaming.

Where can I stream free content legally?

You can stream free content legally from any legitimate streaming service that offers free access in your area. There are plenty of free streaming apps, such as Tubi and Freevee, that offer surprisingly expansive content catalogs. You’ll likely have to deal with a few ads, but you can’t beat free.

How do I stop Netflix from blocking my VPN?

While you can’t stop Netflix from blocking a VPN, you may be able to get around the blocks by using a dedicated IP address or using an IP address that the streaming platform hasn’t identified as being part of a VPN. If you run into a VPN block, you can try different server locations or pay for a dedicated IP address. You can also choose a VPN with obfuscated servers, which hides your VPN use and can often trick the blockers used by Netflix and other streaming services.

Bottom line

VPNs are a great way to encrypt your internet activity and access geo-restricted content, and using a VPN is legal in most countries. If you’re accessing content legally, you don’t have to worry about adding a VPN to the mix. If you’re streaming geo-restricted content, you may be violating the terms of service with the streaming provider, but it is not illegal.

If you’re looking for a VPN to help you access streaming content, we’d recommend NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark as some of our favorites.

Customizable Coverage That is Simple to Use

5.0

Editorial Rating

On NordVPN's website

VPN

NordVPN

Up to 72% off 2-year plans + a Saily eSIM data gift

Ultra-secure, high-speed VPN complete with malware protection and automatic blocking of intrusive ads and third-party trackers
Other benefits include a premium password manager, dark web monitoring, and access to IP-restricted content
3 plans to choose from for custom protection on up to 10 devices

Author Details

Andrew Adams

About the Author

Andrew Strom Adams is a freelance writer focused on online privacy and digital security. He writes on various topics to help individuals protect themselves on the internet. Andrew has worked in legal marketing, technology, and startups. He has more than 12 years of experience in marketing and communications. He holds an M.B.A. from Westminster College and a B.A. in journalism from Oklahoma Baptist University. When he’s not writing, he’s playing with his two kids or watching reality TV.

Mary James

Mary is a seasoned cybersecurity writer with over seven years of experience. With a B.S. in Liberal Arts from Clarion University and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from Point Park University, she educates audiences on scams, antivirus software, and more. Her passion lies in educating audiences on helpful ways to protect their data.