Best YouTube Premium VPNs — Still Working in 2025

Paying for YouTube Premium doesn’t eliminate the platform’s data harvesting habits. Aside from the usage habits that it displays to you, you can bet there’s a ton of other information it’s harvesting from you and selling to advertisers, even when you’re on an ad-free plan. Plus, paying for YouTube doesn’t mean that you can watch everything on the platform, as some accounts only allow for their content to be viewed in certain locations.

A VPN encrypts your connection so you can securely and privately use YouTube Premium from anywhere. While this can’t eliminate tracking entirely, it stops them from seeing your personal information, like your home IP address, which YouTube can use to recommend you location-based content. Plus, the best VPNs do this without impacting your streaming speeds, so you can still watch your favorite creators lag-free.

We’ve tested over 30 VPNs, and our top recommendation for YouTube Premium is ExpressVPN. It’s the most reliable VPN we used, with impressive connection speeds — essential for buffer-free streaming. Better yet, you can try ExpressVPN without risk since it’s backed by a trustworthy 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.

Watch YouTube Premium With ExpressVPN >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best YouTube Premium VPNs in 2025

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 YouTube Premium VPNs — Full Analysis (Updated in 2025)

1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN to Watch YouTube Premium Videos Without Interruptions

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested February 2025

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN has excellent speeds for streaming YouTube Premium content in HD buffer-free from anywhere. Plus, with unlimited bandwidth, you can stream UHD videos without worrying about hitting data caps. We recorded fantastic speed results while testing ExpressVPN. Our average download speed dropped by only 7%, which is very impressive since many VPNs reduce speeds by over 50%.

Another strength of ExpressVPN is its vast server network spanning 105 countries. The servers are distributed across many locations with access to YouTube Premium, including countries with cheaper subscriptions like Ukraine and Turkey.

The apps are intuitive and easy to set up on many devices, such as smartphones, laptops, and Amazon Fire Stick. The VPN is also compatible with many routers. Plus, you can configure MediaStreamer (a Smart DNS feature) with devices that typically don't support VPNs, such as Smart TVs and gaming consoles, to watch YouTube Premium on a big screen.

One drawback is the expensive subscriptions. Luckily, ExpressVPN frequently offers generous discounts, making the price cheaper. When I opted for the 12-month plan, I got 61% off and 3 months for free for a final price of just $4.99/month. Besides, all the plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try ExpressVPN without risk.

Useful Features

• Split tunneling. This feature lets you decide which apps or devices utilize the VPN connection. You can securely access YouTube Premium via the VPN while using other apps with your regular internet connection.
• Robust security and privacy. ExpressVPN employs military-grade encryption to scramble traffic so no snooper can track your online activity. Plus, your internet service provider (ISP) won’t be able to throttle bandwidth for binge-watching YouTube Premium videos in high quality.
• Works on restrictive networks. This VPN allows you to stream YouTube Premium at work, school, or even from some censorship-heavy countries like China. This is thanks to its server obfuscation, which disguises your VPN traffic as regular traffic, allowing you to evade VPN-blocking firewalls.
• Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN comes with a mobile-friendly Lightway protocol that consumes less battery and mobile data than any other we tested. This lets you watch YouTube videos on your phone for longer without hitting mobile data caps.

2. CyberGhost — Dedicated Streaming Servers to Watch YouTube Premium Securely From Anywhere

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost has servers designed to stream YouTube in the US, Sweden, and Germany. These servers are optimized for speed and stability, which are necessary for buffer-free streaming. We tested CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers and had fantastic results. We had no problems watching YouTube Premium videos without interruptions. There’s also a special US server for watching YouTube TV.

Simply type "YouTube" in the search bar under the “For streaming” tab to locate an appropriate server

A vast server network covers 100 countries, so you can easily find a fast server to stream YouTube Premium videos and music in the best possible quality from anywhere. These countries also include Argentina and the Philippines, where YouTube Premium subscriptions are cheaper.

With CyberGhost's easy-to-use apps, streaming YouTube Premium is a breeze, even if you're new to VPNs. It took us under 5 minutes to get CyberGhost up and running on a Mac. Connecting to a YouTube-optimized server was immediate, and we didn't have to fiddle with any extra settings. You also have the option to set the VPN to auto-connect to a chosen server when you launch it, which is a real time-saver.

I was disappointed to see that the monthly subscription is pricey and has a shorter refund period (only 14 days). However, the long-term plans are very affordable, starting at just $2.19/month. They also offer a generous money-back guarantee to try CyberGhost for free for up to 45 days.

Useful Features

• Fast speeds. Our connections dropped by only 12%, maintaining an impressive 98 Mbps on the US servers, meaning CyberGhost lets you smoothly stream 4K videos.
• Automatic WiFi protection. This feature automatically safeguards your connection whenever you connect to public WiFi. It’s crucial for uninterrupted and secure YouTube Premium viewing, especially in public places like cafes or airports.
• Unlimited bandwidth. You can stream high-quality YouTube Premium content without being interrupted by data caps.

3. Private Internet Access — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections to Watch YouTube Premium on All Your Devices

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA offers the ability to connect an unlimited number of devices at the same time. We ran YouTube Premium smoothly on a laptop, two phones, and an Android tablet without any hiccups. Despite having all these devices connected at once, we didn't notice any lag or connectivity problems when using PIA. This means our whole office could enjoy YouTube Premium safely on our own gadgets without any interruptions.

A massive server network offers IP addresses of countries with cheap YouTube Premium subscriptions, like the Philippines, India, and Turkey. Some servers are also optimized for streaming to watch UHD videos buffer-free.

PIA also shows you server latency — the lower number indicates faster speeds

PIA offers fast connection speeds for streaming YouTube Premium videos. Our average download speed dropped by a mere 17%. If you want faster speeds, you can choose the encryption level or switch VPN protocol. This abundance of settings might seem overwhelming to new VPN users. However, PIA comes pre-configured for a good balance of speed and security, so there’s no need to change the default settings unless you want to.

You can get PIA for as low as $2.19/month. Plus, it’s possible to try PIA for free thanks to a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Useful Features

• Multi-Hop. This feature disguises your VPN traffic as regular traffic, letting you stream YouTube Premium on restrictive networks that enforce VPN blocks (like some schools and workplaces).
• Small packets feature. PIA breaks down data into smaller chunks. This translates into faster YouTube Premium streaming speeds and smoother playback, especially on unstable connections.

4. NordVPN — Intuitive Apps to Easily Secure Your YouTube Premium Connection

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN’s native apps are straightforward to use. The VPN is compatible with many devices, including smartphones and Amazon Fire TV. It took us just a few minutes to install the NordVPN app on a Windows laptop. You can instantly connect to a server by tapping a location on an interactive map.

The worldwide network offers many server options for securely accessing YouTube Premium, including countries with cheap subscriptions like Ukraine, South Africa, and Brazil. Unfortunately, Threat Protection (a built-in ad/tracker/malware blocker) can sometimes block websites like YouTube. You might have to turn it off to use YouTube Premium.

Our speeds peaked at 86 Mbps on the servers we tested, resulting in a 23% drop from our regular internet connections. This is still decent, given that encryption can result in over 50% speed reduction for some VPNs.

The long-term plans start at just $3.39/month. What’s more, you can try NordVPN for free thanks to its 30-day money-back policy.

Useful Features

• Kill switch. NordVPN disconnects you from the internet if your VPN fails, preserving your privacy. It safeguards against data leaks while you watch content on YouTube Premium.
• An audited no-logs policy. When you stream YouTube Premium, your privacy remains intact, as NordVPN doesn't record or store any activity data.

5. Surfshark — Camouflage Mode to Use YouTube on Restrictive Networks

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

Surfshark’s Camouflage mode lets you watch YouTube videos even on restrictive networks that block certain sites, such as those in schools and workplaces. Additionally, NoBorders mode automatically detects when you're using a restrictive network and suggests the best servers for optimal usage.

OpenVPN UDP is slightly faster, while TCP works better on restrictive networks

Surfshark has servers in 100 countries, which helps to avoid congestion — we didn’t have any connectivity issues. We quickly connected to servers in Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa and browsed the web without slowdowns.

Sadly, Surfshark is the slowest VPN on the list. However, it’s still suitable for buffer-free streaming. Our connection speed averaged 79 Mbps, dropping by 29%. We watched videos on YouTube Premium without interruptions.

Long-term subscription for Surfshark starts at only $2.19/month. Plus, a money-back policy allows you to test the VPN for free for up to 30 days.

Useful Features

• Unlimited simultaneous connections. Similar to PIA, Surfshark comes with unlimited simultaneous connections. This lets you and your whole household enjoy safely streaming YouTube Premium on multiple devices at once.
• Leak protection. When streaming YouTube Premium, this feature is useful for maintaining a consistent and secure connection. It ensures none of your private data is leaked during transit, which helps to keep you safe from data-hungry platforms, advertisers, hackers, and other snoops.

Quick Comparison Table: YouTube Premium VPN Features

If you're looking for a fast way to pick the best VPN for YouTube Premium, I've got you covered. I've lined up the top choices and compared key features like how many servers they have, how fast they are, and how reliable the connection is. I've also noted the cheapest price options and how long you can try them out risk-free with a money-back guarantee.

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.

Tips on Choosing the Best YouTube Premium VPN

When you're on the hunt for the best VPN for YouTube Premium, there are key features to keep in mind. Use my criteria as a handy guide to make sure you're picking a VPN service that really meets your needs.

• Server network. Look for a VPN with a large server network across a variety of countries, as this reduces the risk of server overcrowding. Ideally, your VPN should provide a wide choice of regions so you can always find a fast server near you.
• Fast speeds. Get a VPN that doesn’t significantly compromise speeds despite the encryption. This enables you to stream high-quality YouTube Premium videos without buffering.
• Robust security and privacy features. To prevent snoopers from tracking your YouTube activity, a VPN of your choice should offer AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy.
• Device compatibility. You'll want a VPN that works on all kinds of gadgets, not just your computer or phone. After all, YouTube Premium can be enjoyed on various devices, including Smart TVs and gaming consoles.
• Ease of use. The apps should be simple to use — this way, even users without previous VPN experience can easily connect and securely access YouTube Premium.
• Reliable customer support. Look for a VPN that offers 24/7 live chat, email support, and a vast knowledge base to promptly resolve any issues you may have.
• Trustworthy money-back guarantee. It provides an opportunity to test the VPN without risking your money.

How to Get YouTube Premium With a VPN

Even though websites use some basic encryption to protect you, inputting your payment details is still risky. Fortunately, using a VPN can help mitigate some of these risks and keep you safe from hackers and snoops. Whether you like to pay with a credit card or PayPal, the process is pretty straightforward. For bank card payments, it's advisable to use a previously unused virtual card that’s unique to this service to protect your actual bank details from leaking.

If you run into any roadblocks with that method, PayPal is a good backup option. However, it’s not available in every country. The steps below show you how to get a YouTube Premium subscription via Google Pay or a credit/debit card.

1. Get a VPN. This will give you a whole suite of security features to protect your sensitive information online, like encryption, data leak protection, and more.

2. Connect to a server. This will encrypt your connection so hackers and snoops can’t eavesdrop on your traffic and steal your personal information while you set up YouTube Premium. Choose a server as close to you as possible to minimize loading times.

3. Create a new Google account. Even if you already have a Google account, it’s better to create a new one to avoid Google tracking your previous account data.

4. Go to the YouTube Premium page. You should be instantly directed to the YouTube Premium page.

You can get the first month of YouTube Premium for free

5. Choose a plan. The available subscriptions are: Individual, Family, and Student.

YouTube Premium Family account lets you add up to 5 family members in your household

6. Fill in your payment information. Choose Google Pay or add a credit/debit card as your preferred billing method. Provide other required details. The first month is free, so you won't be charged, but a small amount might be taken out and then put back to verify your card.

The supported YouTube Premium payment methods depend on your chosen country

7. Start watching YouTube Premium. Stream your favorite content ad-free.

Cheapest YouTube Premium Subscription Price By Country

The cost of a YouTube Premium subscription varies a lot based on where you are. If you're in a country where it's more expensive, like the US, this can be pretty annoying. In contrast, India offers the cheapest YouTube Premium subscription at just around $1.56 per month.

Here's a quick rundown of what YouTube Premium costs in various countries. Also, please note that the prices were checked at the time of writing the article, and they might change in the future.

FAQs on VPNs for YouTube Premium

Is it legal to get YouTube Premium with a VPN?

Yes, using a VPN with YouTube Premium is legal in most countries. After all, VPNs are tools that provide online security and privacy. However, be aware that some countries, like China and Russia, have laws restricting VPN usage. Make sure to carefully review your local laws and regulations before using a VPN to avoid legal trouble.

What's included in a YouTube Premium subscription?

A YouTube Premium subscription includes ad-free viewing, YouTube Originals, and the ability to download videos for offline use, along with background playback on mobile devices. These perks are only available in certain countries, and the price of YouTube Premium varies depending on location.

What can I do if my YouTube Premium VPN is not working?

If your VPN isn’t working with YouTube Premium, start with switching servers. Check if your VPN software is up-to-date if the issue persists. Always ensure you choose a top-tier YouTube Premium VPN if you want to enjoy reliable streaming on the platform. Many VPNs are easily detected by YouTube, which can lead to issues with YouTube Premium.

Here are some other steps to troubleshooting issues with your YouTube Premium VPN:

• Clear browser data. Delete cookies and cache, including tech lapses, to avoid conflicting data.
• Use Incognito mode. This means you’re using YouTube with a “clean” browser and no existing data to conflict with your VPN.
• Toggle leak protection. Enable this feature in your VPN settings for added security.
• Change web browser. Some browsers work better with VPNs than others.
• Consult VPN support. Your VPN's customer service can offer tailored solutions.

How can I get a YouTube Premium annual, family, or student discount?

To get a YouTube Premium discount, you must fulfill specific eligibility criteria based on the type of discount you're interested in. However, not only does the service’s pricing vary by region, but so does the availability of offers and discounts. Typically, the types of discounts available are:

1. Annual discount. YouTube Premium often provides a discounted rate for annual subscriptions. Instead of paying monthly, you pay a lump sum for the entire year, which results in cost savings, sometimes up to 20%. It’s generally available to all users unless you're currently on a trial or discounted rate.

2. Family discount. The family plan allows you to add up to 5 additional family members (6 accounts total) to one payment. The cost is usually around 50% more than a single account but less than buying separate accounts. One condition is that all family members must reside in the same country as the family manager.

3. Student discount. YouTube offers up to 50% off for eligible students. You need to be enrolled at an accredited higher-education institution and able to prove your enrollment status, usually through a service like SheerID.

Is there a YouTube Premium VPN ban?

YouTube doesn't outright ban VPNs. However, it sometimes flags and restricts VPN IP addresses, and this will affect you more if you use a free or low-quality VPN. For greater consistency in securely accessing your account, you’ll need a reliable YouTube Premium VPN. These premium VPNs have a range of features that make them more reliable with YouTube Premium, like IP rotation, regular maintenance, huge server fleets, obfuscation, and more.

Can I use YouTube Premium with a free VPN?

Most likely not. Free VPNs typically have smaller server networks running on outdated technology, which often leads to connection bugs and timeouts. It’s a better alternative to try a premium VPN with a trustworthy money-back guarantee. Additionally, these free services usually come with speed and bandwidth limitations, resulting in a less-than-ideal streaming experience.

Security and privacy measures are also often compromised with free VPNs, making your data more vulnerable. Lastly, YouTube has systems to detect and block VPNs, and free options are usually the first to get flagged.

Get the Best VPN for YouTube Premium

Paying for YouTube Premium doesn’t stop its extensive data harvesting, nor does it let you watch everything on the platform. However, a reliable, tried-and-tested VPN with an extensive server network can let you watch YouTube Premium privately and with no buffering from anywhere.

Based on our extensive tests, ExpressVPN stands out as the best choice for a more private and secure YouTube Premium experience. It offers numerous reliable servers and impressive speeds, to safely access YouTube Premium and watch videos buffer-free. Better yet, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for YouTube Premium…

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.

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