Best VPNs for Streaming in Canada: A Comprehensive Review

Canada isn’t one of those countries that monitors what people do or stream online through censorship. However, since the reintroduction of the Online Streaming Act (Bill C-11), some content is no longer readily accessible because of the strict oversight on streaming platforms.

Moreover, A-list streaming services like Hulu don’t have the right to serve in Canada. So, if you are in Canada and try to access such platforms, you’ll be automatically locked out due to geo-blocking. However, a VPN is your go-to solution if you want to stay safe and ensure you can always access any streaming platform you want.

After examining dozens, we picked out the best VPNs to use in Canada. Read this article till the end to explore these services, their features, and more.

Best VPNs for Streaming in Canada – Quick List

1. NordVPN: A reliable and secure VPN offering fast speeds, advanced security features, and a massive global server network.
2. ExpressVPN: It is known for blazing-fast speeds, strong encryption, and seamless access to content worldwide.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA): A user-friendly provider with robust privacy protections and customizable security options.
4. Surfshark: A budget-friendly network with unlimited device connections and cutting-edge security.
5. CyberGhost: A feature-rich VPN tailored for streaming, torrenting, and comprehensive online privacy.

Why You Should Use A VPN for Streaming in Canada?

Using a VPN for streaming in Canada allows you to access a wider range of content by bypassing geographical restrictions. Depending on the location, many streaming platforms, such as Netflix, Hulu, or BBC iPlayer, offer different content libraries. A VPN lets you connect to servers from different countries, allowing you to unblock region-specific shows, movies, and live broadcasts that may not be available in Canada. This is especially useful for avid international content streamers or sports enthusiasts wanting to watch geo-restricted events.

Additionally, this security tool protects your online privacy and enhances your streaming experience. Encrypting your internet traffic, the VPN shields your data from hackers, ISP tracking, or throttling—common practices that can slow down your connection. This lets you get a smoother, buffer-free streaming experience while ensuring your personal information remains secure. Whether you’re watching local or international content, a VPN is essential for safe, unrestricted entertainment in Canada.

Best VPNs for Streaming in Canada – Detailed List

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is probably the best VPN service for Canadians. Due to its advanced security features, streaming and torrenting capabilities, and high speed, the service is considered the top-ranked VPN. Its amazing commitment to users’ privacy and security allows you to give it a try.

The VPN can shuffle all leisure. Whether you want to watch Schitt’s Creek on your route to make a travel to a foreign country or access outstanding K-dramas and international movies from your couch, NordVPN is your express ticket to unlimited, unrestricted streaming. Our thorough testing of NordVPN revealed that it swiftly unblocks Netflix, Max, Hulu, and even Amazon Prime Video without much ado.

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2. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the most robust VPN networks with dependable and advanced security. It offers optimum privacy and security, encrypting users’ web traffic and masking their IP addresses. With its TrustedServer technology, ExpressVPN stands out among the many VPNs available today.

The service prioritizes users’ online privacy and ensures that no third party gets their hands on your data or monitors what you do online, making it one of the convenient options to consider. It also comes with a built-in password manager, and you don’t need to pay extra money for that. While testing ExpressVPN, we learned that the service can unblock any live sports channels or streaming sites you want.

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3. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is an extensive VPN service on our list, boasting more than 35,000 secure VPN servers that are scattered in over 91 locations worldwide. Its lightning-fast speeds, vast streaming servers, and 100% open-source software make PIA a robust VPN overall. Moreover, you can connect unlimited devices at once in single subscription.

With its stealth ad blocking, you can have an uninterrupted and peaceful streaming experience. PIA masks your online activities and doesn’t allow anyone to monitor what you are browsing online; your ISP is no exception. Its multiple compatibility allows you to use this VPN on any device you want, including Android TV, Amazon Firestick, and more.

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4. Surfshark

Surfshark is a wallet-friendly, reasonably fast, and well-rounded VPN. Despite its affordability, it is a very trustworthy VPN. Moreover, it has implemented Perfect Forward Secrecy (PFS) to protect its users from the threat of being hacked.

The service gives you full authority to protect your online privacy, control your business personal data, access content safely, and unlock exclusive benefits, among the few perks of using Surfshark. With Surfshark, there is easy accessibility and bypassing of any geographical location. Since Canada shares data with other governmental bodies, Surfshark’s DNS exposes protection, clean web tools that ensure high security and secrecy of your personal information, and RAM-only servers.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is the best beginner-friendly virtual private network provider for Canadians. It has simple installations, making it user-friendly, and it also supports up to seven simultaneous devices, making it easy to navigate. This VPN is an excellent kick-start for people who are novices in VPNs. It is easily navigable, with an always-available customer service team that is enthusiastic to help you regarding any matter or concern, and there is not much clasp with any setting.

You are using this VPN to guarantee ease of security. This VPN has a strong partnership with Intego to ensure you have malware, spyware, and ransomware blockers. It also has an instantaneous kill switch that protects our IP and restricts it from online exposure, as well as AES 256-bit encryption to enable you to access your accounts used for transactions. Even though this is an affordable VPN, Cyberghost provides great VPN deals throughout the year. You can have up to seven exceptional connections for less than the price for normal daily routine expenditures.

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Why Do You Need a VPN When Streaming or Browsing in Canada?

Online censorship in Canada is not as rigid as it is in countries like Russia, North Korea, or Iran. The media landscape in Canada is open to everyone, and people are free to do as they please, but with slight limitations. So, you don’t need a virtual private network provider to watch news or access your social media account.

Nevertheless, a VPN is very essential and has several merits for people in Canada. Here are a few of them;

• VPNs Encrypt Internet Connections: This curtails your being at a lower chance of being recognized and tracked on socials. Internet traffic you use would be concealed from Canadian internet providers, and you would be eligible to be a part of your e-banking, do a remote job, and work safely.
• Eligibility to Stream Region-restricted Contents: You would be eligible to stream content made unavailable in Canada; with Bill C-11 on the foresight, it is highly possible that it would become a strenuous activity to stream American Netflix, for instance. a VPN provides accessibility to a voluminous diversity of contents.
• An Offer of Additional Attributes: Most VPNs offer additional attributes like security cloud storage and password management. With this method using a VPN, your all-inclusive cybersecurity is effortlessly handled.

Has Canada Implemented the Bill C-11 Censorship on the Internet?

The Online Streaming Act, or Bill C-11, has not yet been fully implemented in Canada; it’s still undergoing the final adoption process. As of April 2023, the bill received royal endorsement after some amendment considerations by the lawmakers. However, when implemented, this bill gives Canadian Radio-Television and Telecommunications Communications more power to censor the media.

Should we consider this a major concern? With Bill C-11, you would realize the content recommended on streaming platforms like YouTube and Netflix will now be subject to the CRTC’s oversight. Users of these platforms in Canada may not be able to access as much content as they would like. This is because the bill’s primary objective is to promote local Canadian content (CanCon). 

Although Bill C-11 might be good for Canadian creators and producers, many people have criticized it as a law designed for censorship. Here’s why;

• Giving the CRTC akin executive power positions a disagreeable model for forthcoming censorship.
• It is virtually infeasible to generate excellent suggestions of the true connotation of “Canadian content.”
• Even though the bill claims to regulate voluminous companies rather than individual users, user-generated content would be altered regardless.

Can Free VPNs be Used in Canada?

Many people, especially those on a tight budget, use free VPNs. However, we are cautious about endorsing free VPN services because they have several limitations and might not be able to offer optimum security and satisfaction. Nevertheless. Here are the primary risks of using free VPNs:

• Bandwidth Throttling or Data Caps: Most free VPNs provide a constrained data volume or throttle the bandwidth.
• Poor Privacy Policy: This constrains the use of free VPNs because there is a high chance that they might record your data and online activities and sell them to third parties. 
• A Compact VPN Server Network: free VPNs frequently have restricted server networks.

However, you should consider a few excellent VPNs if you are a Canadian resident searching for the best VPN. If you are on a tight budget and must use a free VPN, we recommend AtlasVPN as one of the best free VPNs for users in Canada. It boasts high-security consciousness and good unblocking features.

Is it Lawful to Use VPNs in Canada?

There is no law abhorring VPNs and other online censorship-bypassing tools like proxy servers in Canada, so VPNs are still very much legal. However, with the upcoming Bill C-11, chances are high that the Canadian government might begin to pursue VPN service providers.

For now, though, using a virtual private network provider is legal. Regrettably, not all VPNs are reliable. There are unquestionably some VPNs to steer clear of.

Verdict: Is Using VPNs in Canada Worth It? 

Using VPNs unlocks the door to unlimited possibilities in Cyberspace. With a reliable VPN, you can do almost anything, anytime, anywhere. With the best Canada VPNs recommended above, your ticket to unlimited streaming and unmatched internet experience is sure.  

Among our top picks, NordVPN is Canada’s best VPN for streaming and online activities. If this doesn’t satisfy your quest, check out this article, “Top Three VPNs to Watch Twitch from Anywhere.”

Frequently Asked Questions