Blackout restrictions, geoblocks, and internet throttling can prevent us from streaming our go-to shows and movies on the road. Fortunately, using a VPN (virtual private network) can help bypass many of these issues.
Bypassing Blackout Restrictions and Geoblocks
One of the biggest challenges for RVers trying to stream content is blackout restrictions. Certain streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu use your location to determine what content you can access. For example, if you start a new season of a show at home, you may find that same show is blacked out and unavailable once you hit the road.
Geo-restricted content and blackouts happen because of licensing deals and regional broadcast rights. Media companies license shows and movies to different broadcasters and streaming platforms in different parts of the world. So a TV series available on Netflix in the US might belong to an entirely different service in the UK or Canada.
VPN services allow you to bypass these frustrating blackouts and access region-locked content by masking your real location. When connected to a VPN server, streaming platforms will think you’re accessing the internet from wherever that server is located instead of your actual location.
For example, say I’m traveling across the Midwest in my RV but want to access a show that’s only available on Netflix while I’m back home in Los Angeles. I can connect to a VPN server based in LA, making Netflix think I’m still local. This tricks the streaming service into providing me access despite being on the road.
Many VPN providers offer servers worldwide, allowing you to “relocate” your IP address to either access more content or watch something no longer available back home. This makes a VPN invaluable for RVers wanting entertainment options that match what they’re used to at home. The ability to bypass blackouts and geo-restrictions opens up so much more to watch from your RV!
Preventing Throttling and Protecting Privacy
Another reason RVers benefit from using a VPN is the ability to prevent bandwidth throttling. RV parks and campgrounds often have WiFi networks that will actively limit your bandwidth if you’re streaming media like video. This is done to prevent slowdowns for everyone else using the network.
You may have experienced choppy video buffering or lower-quality streams while connected to these public WiFi networks. By routing your connection through a VPN server, the network can’t tell you’re streaming video so throttling is avoided. This results in faster streaming with less buffering and stalling, even on public WiFi.
A VPN also offers the benefit of hiding your streaming activity from your internet service provider. Many ISPs are now selling browsing and viewing data to advertisers. Using a VPN prevents them from monitoring what sites you visit and what you stream while on the road. This allows you to keep your viewing habits private.
What to Look for in a VPN for Entertainment
If you’re sold on using a VPN for accessing more streaming content and enjoying smoother streaming in your RV, you probably want to know which VPN will work best. Here are a few key factors to look for:
- Fast speeds – Look for VPNs that offer reliable connections with fast speeds, low latency and minimal buffering. Slow VPNs can lead to choppy, poor quality video.
- Lots of servers – The more servers and server locations offered, the more ability you’ll have to switch your virtual location and access region-locked content libraries.
- Media streaming optimization– Some VPNs actively optimize their connections for streaming HD video. These are ideal for RVers.
- Smart TV compatibility – Being able to install the VPN directly on a smart TV, streaming stick or media device is super convenient. Make sure they offer apps for platforms like Fire TV, Apple TV, Android TV, etc.
- Router configuration – For the easiest setup, look for VPNs that provide step-by-step guides for installing on your WiFi router. This way all your devices are covered.
- Allow P2P activity – Some VPNs restrict peer-to-peer downloading activity – make sure to choose one that allows torrenting if that interests you.
- Kill switch feature – Having a “kill switch” fails your connection if the VPN drops. This prevents data leaks that could expose your real location or IP address.
- Reliable connections – Dropped connections can interrupt your entertainment. Look for VPNs touting 99% uptime rates.
Using the criteria above will help you select a quality VPN optimized for protecting your privacy and enhancing streaming while on the road.
Setting Up Your VPN for Great RV Streaming
Once you’ve picked the right VPN for your needs, it’s time to set it up. Fortunately, it’s gotten much easier in recent years to configure VPNs on all your devices, from mobile to TVs. Here are some best practices to get your VPN working seamlessly:
Installing on Your Router
The most convenient way to enable your entire RV is by installing the VPN service on your WiFi router. This allows any device connecting through your router to automatically use the encrypted VPN tunnel. It’s a true set-it-and-forget solution.
Most quality VPN providers offer step-by-step setup instructions for popular router models like Asus, Netgear, Linksys, etc. They walk you through how to login to your router’s admin interface and enter the VPN configuration info like server, username, and password.
The process is similar across brands, usually involving:
- Logging into your router admin screen from a web browser
- Navigating to the VPN or WAN page
- Selecting the protocol – OpenVPN is common
- Entering the VPN server address, account details, and other settings provided
- Saving changes and rebooting the router
Once your router reboots, all connections will now be routed through the VPN. It’s the easiest way to get all your devices covered without individual configuration.
Downloading Apps to Your Media Devices
Most modern streaming media devices like the Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, and Roku support installing VPN apps. This allows you to connect directly on the device itself.
The process is simple – just visit the app store on your device, search for your VPN provider, download the app, and sign in. The app walks you through selecting the right server.
Once launched, your streaming activity is routed through your selected location. Just be sure to choose a VPN service that offers dedicated apps for your devices.
Setting Up VPN Clients on Phones and Laptops
Downloading the VPN provider’s client software on your mobile phone, tablet, or laptop is a breeze. Just visit their website from your device, download the right installer, run the setup wizard, and you’re good to go.
For mobile devices, I recommend always-on protection to avoid leaks if switching between WiFi and cellular. Your phone will stay secure on public networks away from your RV.
For laptops, you can manually connect when needed to avoid any performance hit when not streaming. Just be sure to connect before logging into any streaming video apps.
With the VPN setup on all your personal devices, you have full flexibility for staying secure and bypassing geo-blocks.
Recommended VPNs for RVers
Now for the fun part – which VPN services are best suited for RVers wanting optimized streaming? Based on extensive real-world testing and experience, here are my top recommendations:
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is my personal favorite and top choice for media streaming. Key features include:
- Blazing fast speeds – perfect for HD and 4K video
- Massive server network in 94 countries for bypassing geo-blocks
- Media streaming optimization on select servers
- Outstanding reliability and speeds even on public WiFi
- Fire TV and Roku apps for installing directly on media devices
- Simple router installation guides for all popular brands
- Lets you torrent securely and maintain privacy
With extremely fast speeds perfect for buffer-free video and compatibilty with every device, it’s easy to see why ExpressVPN is so popular with streamers. It ticks all the boxes and works flawlessly for RV entertainment.
NordVPN
Another excellent option is NordVPN, featuring:
- Multi-platform support including Fire TV, Roku, Android TV, Chromecast
- Quick Speed Connect to automatically find the fastest server
- Dedicated streaming-optimized servers
- Ability to connect 6 devices simultaneously
- Strict no-logging policy to protect privacy
- Useful CyberSec feature blocks dangerous sites and malware
- Easy router installation guides
With NordVPN you get great speeds, a ton of server options, and apps for all your devices. An affordable workhorse VPN perfect for RV streaming.
Surfshark
For a great budget-friendly choice, Surfshark boasts:
- Unlimited device connections on a single account
- Wide array of streaming-optimized servers
- Strong speeds for HD streaming even on public networks
- Integrated whitelister lets you exclude sites from using the VPN
- Useful gamer modes optimize connection for online gaming
- Strong privacy protections and no-logging policies
The unlimited connections make Surfshark super versatile for protecting all your family’s devices. And the low yearly pricing makes it very wallet-friendly.
Get Streaming on the Road!
After reading this guide, you should have a good understanding of how using a VPN opens up your entertainment options while traveling in your RV. By bypassing blackout restrictions, preventing throttling, and keeping your streaming habits private, a VPN is an essential tool for RVers.
Take the time to select a high-quality VPN optimized for streaming speed, reliability, and device support. With the VPN set up on your router, mobile devices, and media players, you can hit the road with confidence knowing entertainment won’t be limited by your on-the-go lifestyle.
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