If you're looking for the best VPN service in 2021, it's probably because you want to enjoy more content options with a streaming VPN.

Whether it's more live sports, the latest Hollywood movie, or the latest TV series from around the world, virtual private networks are becoming an increasingly popular tool in viewers' arsenal. And as with any tool, learning exactly how it works is never a bad thing.

This article outlines how VPNs work to enhance streaming options and what to consider when deciding on a service.

For many people, the main reason for using a VPN is to access more content. While it may seem strange to yearn for an era when there are hundreds of cable and satellite channels and dozens of on-demand streaming services, the fact is that this wide choice means that programs and movies are now spread across a large number of different services in different regions .

For example, while UK TV license holders can enjoy everything BBC iPlayer has to offer, the wealth of programming on the US-only service Hulu is out of bounds for Brits and even for US residents of Hulu subscribers who are currently outside the US. Nor are U.S. residents able to watch the latest BBC dramas on iPlayer. Unless, of course, they use a VPN specifically designed to watch geo-blocked content from providers around the world.

Even global streaming services that you already subscribe to, such as Netflix and Amazon Prime, offer a regional selection of content. Therefore, with a VPN, the entire worldwide catalog of content is at your disposal.

Now that you have seen that VPNs offer considerable streaming bonuses, it is worth familiarizing yourself with how VPNs actually work.

Basically, a VPN works by connecting your device to the Internet via a secure, private, encrypted connection; rather than connecting through a standard Internet Service Provider (ISP), the VPN owns a remote intermediary server and reroutes the IP address of your device.

This works to hide your IP address and thus the location of your streaming device - especially if the VPN server is located in a different country. This trick, also known as spoofing, makes it possible to access geo-blocked content from different streaming service providers.

Some service providers prohibit the use of VPNs in their terms of service, but it is rare (almost unheard of) for a provider to terminate a contract because they are caught using a VPN. Instead, providers typically block access if they detect an active VPN and allow access if they cannot detect one.

Given the growing popularity that has propelled VPNs from niche products to mainstream staples, installing and using a VPN is an intuitive and straightforward process. Simply complete all of the purchase and registration details online and follow the installation instructions.

Once installed, most major VPNs can be set to start automatically at startup. There are also servers that specialize in providing the best Netflix VPN service and iPlayer VPN performance.

When looking for a VPN to expand your streaming options, reliability, speed, and global coverage are important, and ExpressVPN and NordVPN generally rank among the best because they check these boxes.

ExpressVPN boasts over 3,000 servers across 160 locations in over 90 countries, and its streaming capabilities support Netflix, Amazon Prime, iPlayer, YouTube, and Hulu. NordVPN, on the other hand, tops the list in terms of number of servers (over 5,500) but has fewer countries (59), and its SmartPlay feature encrypts data in a way that optimizes HD streaming.

Whether you missed your favorite show while on vacation or simply want to expand your content options while at home, using a VPN for streaming can provide unlimited viewing pleasure.