What your VPN can (and can’t) do for family streaming

The internet’s part of everyday family life now - from chatting with friends to watching films and helping with homework. 

But as technology evolves, so do the challenges. Geo-blocks can stop you watching your favourite shows when you’re abroad, while hackers and trackers might try to see what you’re doing online. 

A VPN helps protect your family’s privacy. It hides your location and stops hackers, advertisers and other websites from accessing personal data. It can also make streaming smoother and more secure, sometimes letting you watch shows that aren’t available to your country. 

So, what exactly is a VPN, how does one work and how can you choose the right one for you and your family? 

What is a VPN and why might your family need one?

VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It works like a private tunnel for your internet traffic, encrypting what you do online and sending it through a secure server. 

That means it hides your real location and keeps your browsing data safe from hackers or trackers. It also stops third parties using your browsing history for targeted ads. 

When it comes to streaming, services like Netflix and Prime Video offer different content in different countries. Some restrictions come from the platforms themselves, others from government rules. A VPN can get around this by connecting through a server elsewhere, making it look like you’re browsing from that country. 

On Mumsnet, VPNs are a regular talking point. Many users say they wouldn’t go online without one. 

“I use one every single time,” Cerealkiller4U shared. “Me and [my] husband both work in cyber security so I don’t use anything without one.”

“My whole family have used them for several years, all the time, everywhere, without exception,” highflyer869 added. “A family member works in cyber security, and has given out dire warnings. We would be silly to ignore him.”

If you’re watching your budget, some companies offer free services - Proton VPN being one of them. Proton VPN’s paid plans are still affordable, with 75% off until 5 January 2026. 

Stream services easily with the help of a VPN on various devices

What are some misconceptions about VPNs?

A VPN doesn’t always mean faster speeds. In fact, with some services, it can slow your connection down. Using one doesn’t make you completely anonymous, either - especially if you log in to accounts like Facebook, Instagram or TikTok. 

VPNs can reduce the risk of hackers intercepting your internet traffic, but they can’t stop you from clicking on a phishing scam or fake website. 

And while a VPN can technically let you watch content that’s restricted in your country, that doesn’t make it a legal loophole. Streaming platforms may still class it as a breach of their terms and conditions.

Can you use a VPN for streaming services?

Yes, most VPN services enable you to view content from other countries. Proton VPN, for instance, has servers in over 120 countries, unlocking a huge range of shows and films.

The fastest connections are usually the ones closest to your physical location. But if you want to watch content from elsewhere, choose a server in that region. Proton VPN makes this simple, letting you search by country and find the least busy servers for smoother streaming.

Why Proton VPN is a good choice for families

Proton VPN’s options are highly rated by tech experts. With servers in 126 countries - including regions where VPNs often face restrictions - it’s ideal for streaming, gaming, or browsing safely wherever you are.

Families often rate Proton VPN’s privacy tools. Its custom “Stealth” protocol helps you bypass government censorship and access blocked sites while disguising your VPN connection.

Proton’s NetShield Ad-blocker stops advertisers tracking your browsing history. The company’s based in Switzerland, known for strong privacy laws and doesn’t log or share user data, even on free plans.

Plans include:

• Free option: Protects one device and connects to servers in ten countries.

• VPN Plus: £2.43 per month, with access to over 15,000 servers in more than 120 countries.

• Proton Unlimited: £6.59 per month, including all VPN Plus features plus secure password sharing, extra email addresses, two-factor authentication, and 500GB of storage.

Don’t forget: Proton’s VPN services are currently 75% off until 5 January 2026.

With Proton Unlimited, the whole family can be protected online

Can a VPN help me access US Netflix or Disney+ abroad?

Yes, some VPNs can. Proton VPN, with servers in over 120 countries, lets you stream Disney+, DisneyNOW and US Netflix, plus Netflix in 25 other countries including Italy, Japan, Australia and Canada.

Will a VPN slow down my streaming?

Some can, as encryption and distance affect speed. But Proton VPN’s 10 Gbps network and VPN Accelerator can make connections up to four times faster.

Is using a VPN for streaming legal?

Yes, using a VPN in the UK is legal. Streaming from other countries is usually fine, but check the platform’s terms if you’re unsure.

What’s the best way to protect kids’ data while they watch online content?

A VPN encrypts internet traffic and hides personal information, browsing history and location from hackers and advertisers. Proton VPN’s no-logs policy means it doesn’t store your family’s activity. Its DNS filtering can also block harmful sites, giving children a safer browsing experience.

About ProtonVPN

Founded in 2014 Proton is one of the few independent voices left in the VPN space. Many well-known VPN services are owned by a small number of umbrella companies (who often also own technology focused websites that review VPN services). Proton
is owned by Proton AG, whose primary shareholder is the non-profit Proton Foundation, whose legally binding job it is to ensure that Proton does not deviate from our mission to build a better internet that serves the interests of all of society.

Proton VPN is available on all devices, including PCs, Macs, smartphones, and even routers. Proton VPN has native apps 
for Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, Android TV, iOS/iPadOS, and tvOS. We also offer browser extensions for all Chrome/Chromium based and Firefox-based browsers (and are now directly integrated into the Vivaldi browser).

About the author

Kat Romero is a writer and journalist with over a decade’s experience in the industry. As a working mum of a toddler, she knows all too well how important it is for families to protect their photos and videos. Away from her desk, Kat can be found consuming far too much coffee and spending her weekends with her toddler and partner - soaking up the sights of London and sampling anything new and exciting that has opened up within walking distance.