Is Streaming Movies with a VPN Legal?

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.

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

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

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

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 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

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.