Vudu is a United States-based video streaming service owned by Fandango Media. The service is similar to Apple’s iTunes, as it sells and rents streaming movies and television shows, but it also streams movies free with advertising.
Vudu currently claims to offer 200,000 movies and television shows. However, that content is available only to viewers who reside within the borders of the United States. Viewers who attempt to access the service with a non-U.S. IP address will be turned away at the theater door. This poses a problem if you’re a U.S. resident that is working or vacationing abroad and looking for a little taste of home.
How Can I Watch Vudu From Abroad?
However, there is a way to obtain a U.S. IP address – by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
A VPN can temporarily assign you a new IP address, located in the U.S. Since an IP address contains information about your geographical location, the new address will make Vudu (and other U.S.-based online services) think that you’re actually located inside U.S. borders.
In addition to opening access to geo-fenced content in other countries, a VPN also provides security and privacy protections for all of your online activities.
It encases your internet connection in a shell of encryption, creating an impenetrable tunnel that protects your online activities from the prying eyes of third parties, such as the bad guys, the government, and your Internet Service Provider (ISP).
When you’re shopping for the best VPN to provide reliable access to Vudu and other U.S.-based streaming services, consider the following features: fast download speeds, plenty of servers located in the United States, content-unblocking ability, and multi-platform support.
Best VPNs for Watching Vudu
After rounds of rigorous testing, these six VPNs proved to work best for providing access to Vudu:
- NordVPN: Top choice for Vudu! With a plethora of stateside servers, this provider does a top-notch job of accessing Vudu. NordVPN’s connection speeds beat those offered by any other providers on this list. The provider also offers excellent online security and privacy, all at a reasonable price. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best Budget VPN for Vudu. This budget-priced provider does a reliable job of unblocking Vudu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and numerous other streaming services while leaving extra money in your pocket for film rentals and purchases.
- ExpressVPN: Premium Vudu VPN. This provider offers dependable unblocking of Vudu and other streaming sites. It offers fast connections and its U.S.-based server network delivers reliable access to the streaming service.
- CyberGhost: Good VPN option for rookies. This easy-to-use VPN provider is the perfect choice for first-time VPN users or those looking for a no-hassle way to open access to Vudu. CyberGhost is also a good budget-priced option for users looking for fast download speeds.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable Access to Vudu streams. PIA’s server network has plenty of U.S. servers, providing reliable access to Vudu and other American TV streamers, as well as alternative geo-fenced content around the globe.
- PrivateVPN: Small but mighty server network. This provider’s server network could stand a bit of expansion. That said, the provider makes a great way to gain reliable access to Vudu and other U.S.-based streaming services.
I evaluated and ranked the top Vudu VPNs using the following criteria:
- Unblocks Vudu and other popular streaming services
- Has plenty of servers located in the U.S.
- Reliable connections, fast enough for HD & 4K Vudu streams
- Top-notch privacy and security protections
- Excellent native app support
- Comprehensive customer support
For a detailed look at the criteria I used, you can take a look at the testing methodology section later in this article.
Here’s my list of the top six VPNs for use with Vudu:
1. NordVPN
NordVPN offers well-protected speedy connections that provide reliable access to Vudu and other streaming services.
NordVPN has 5,500+ servers located in nearly 60 countries around the globe, and 1,970+ of those servers are spread around 15 locations in the United States. Those stateside servers offer reliable access to Vudu streams. The provider is in the process of moving its entire global server network over to a completely owned-and-operated model.
Those servers deliver HD-capable – and in the case of Vudu, 4K-capable – connection speeds. NordVPN never imposes data caps or bandwidth limitations.
Customers’ connections are protected by banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and ad and malware blocking. The provider’s NordLynx protocol offers improved performance.
Your privacy is also well-covered thanks to the provider’s total no-logs policy, and its Bitcoin payment option keeps your payment info under wraps. All NordVPN servers are run 100% from RAM, never writing any data to a physical hard drive. This ensures that a reboot or a shutdown wipes all data from the server.
App support by NordVPN has most popular platforms covered, with Windows, macOS (with native support for Apple Silicon), iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Linux, and Android TV apps all present and accounted for. Up to six devices can be connected at one time.
Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is comprehensive router compatibility to protect your other devices. Pre-configured routers are available.
Around-the-clock support is available, with 24/7 live chat, email support, and a searchable support section.
Pros:
- Over 1,970 servers in the U.S. provide Vudu access
- HD- & 4K-capable Vudu connections
- Attractive pricing
- Top-notch online protection
- Comprehensive app support
Cons:
- Streaming servers are not labeled
BEST VPN FOR VUDU VIEWING:NordVPN is arguably the most attractive option for Vudu viewers of all types. The provider offers fast connections, plenty of U.S. servers, and provides apps for most popular streaming-capable devices. It does all of this for a reasonable, if not rock-bottom price. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is included.
Read my full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is the second-place VPN provider this time around, thanks to its ability to unblock Vudu and numerous other streaming services around the globe, fast connections, and low-priced multi-year subscriptions.
The provider delivers plenty of streaming service-unblocking power in the U.S. and other countries, easily unblocking Vudu and Amazon Prime Video in the U.S., as well as plenty of streaming providers elsewhere. (Surfshark claims it can provide access to more than 30 Netflix libraries around the globe.)
Surfshark’s global server coverage is rather impressive, with its 3,200+ servers stationed in 65+ countries, which are truly impressive numbers compared to the last time I checked.
Surfshark provides more than enough speeds for any of your online activities, including viewing of Vudu’s 4K movie streams.
The provider does an excellent job of protecting your connection thanks to military-grade encryption, as well as handy kill switch protection and ad and malware blocking.
Privacy is well-protected thanks to the provider’s no-logs policy, as well as their acceptance of Bitcoin as a subscription payment option.
In addition to quality VPN protection, Surfshark also offers private search, antivirus, and alerts when your email is exposed in a breach.
Native app support includes apps for iOS, Android, Android TV, Linux, macOS (with M1/M2 Mac support), Windows, and Amazon Fire devices. Firefox, Edge, and Chrome browser extensions are available.
Router support provides protection for all of your other connected devices. The provider allows a quite generous unlimited number of simultaneous connections, which is quite unusual in the VPN industry.
Customer support is well covered with a searchable support library, a contact form, and live support chat.
The provider was recently named the #1 cybersecurity company in South America.
Pros:
- Provides reliable connections to Vudu and other services
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Privacy protections include a no-logs policy and Bitcoin
- Fast download speeds
Cons:
- No 24/7 live support chat availability
- No labeled streaming-optimized servers
BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is an up-and-coming VPN provider that delivers excellent access to Vudu and other streaming services. Unlimited connections will prove attractive for any user who needs to protect a large number of connected devices, while the provider’s low-priced subscription options will bring a tear to even the most hardened bargain hunter’s eye. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a good all-round choice for gaining reliable access to Vudu and other blocked services around the globe.
The provider delivers reliable access to Vudu and numerous other U.S.-based streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and others. The service has over 3,000 servers, which are stationed in 94+ countries throughout the world. A large number of the VPN’s servers are located inside the United States.
ExpressVPN provides fast download speeds, and can easily handle the 1080p HD and 4K video streams that Vudu delivers. (Depending on your usual ISP-provided speeds, of course!)
Banking-level encryption protects the provider’s users’ activities from being exposed. A kill switch, IPv6/DNS leak protection are also available. The provider’s Lightway protocol is optimized for safety and performance.
Your privacy is also never an issue, as the provider follows a self-imposed no-logs policy, keeping no records of your online antics. Plus, pair a throwaway email address with the provider’s Bitcoin payment option, and your payment info will go totally incognito.
The provider runs all of its servers 100% from RAM, writing no data whatsoever to a physical storage device. This ensures all data is wiped from the server when it is rebooted or shut off.
ExpressVPN offers native app support for the macOS (with native M1/M2 Mac support), Chromebook, iOS, Android, Android TV, Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire devices. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Router compatibility helps protect all of your other connected devices. Up to five simultaneous connections are allowed.
Plus, ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer DNS service provides access to Vudu on set-top streaming boxes, game consoles, and Smart TVs. (However, MediaStreamer doesn’t encrypt your connection like the provider’s VPN offering does.)
If you have any issues with the service, you can take advantage of the provider’s around-the-clock customer support thanks to 24/7 live chat, a support ticket system, email support, and a searchable support knowledge base.
Pros:
- Plenty of U.S.-based, Vudu-unblocking servers
- Always-available customer support
- Comprehensive connection protection
- Excellent all-round security and privacy protections
Cons:
- More expensive than many other VPNs
- Streaming servers are not labeled
EXCELLENT ALL-ROUND VPN SERVICE:ExpressVPN is a reliable option for opening access to the U.S.-based Vudu streaming service from other parts of the world. The provider’s fast download speeds are perfect for streaming, and users will enjoy excellent privacy and security protections. While the provider is a bit expensive, users looking for a premium VPN provider will appreciate ExpressVPN’s features. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps, along with reliable access to numerous U.S.-based streaming services – including Vudu – should prove to be a drawing card for first-time VPN and device users.
With over 8,000+ servers stationed in 90+ countries (1,300+ of which are located in 11 cities in the U.S.), CyberGhost has plenty of content-unblocking power.
CyberGhost provides above-average connection speeds and they can easily handle even 4K video streams from any streaming provider. The provider never places any data cap restrictions on their users’ connections.
Your online activities are always protected by government-level encryption, as well as IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and the ability to block ads, malicious websites, and online trackers. You can also force websites to only serve up HTTPS versions of their pages.
There are no records of your online travels to be found thanks to CyberGhost’s strict no-logs policy. A Bitcoin payment option keeps your payment anonymity well protected.
Novice VPN users will appreciate the ease of use that this provider’s apps offer – which are available for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows, and Amazon Fire platforms. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. The provider’s excellent router compatibility takes care of your other connected devices (pre-configured routers are available).
Up to six devices can connect at once.
Customer support is available and consists of live chat, a searchable support library, and a support ticket submission form.
In addition to VPN protection, CyberGhost also offers a password manager and an ID Guard feature that warns you when your email address is included in a data breach.
Pros:
- Unblocks Vudu and numerous other U.S. streaming services
- Smooth HD and 4K streaming
- Easy-to-use apps for most popular devices
- Top-notch privacy protection
Cons:
- Customization options are somewhat lacking
- Struggles to unblock some streaming services
BEST FOR BEGINNER VPN USERS:CyberGhost should prove to be an attractive choice for inexperienced VPN users. The provider’s apps offer reliable access to Vudu and other services, without the complicated options some providers offer. Enjoy a 45-day, no-risk money-back guarantee.
Read my full review of CyberGhost.
5. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) boasts an above-average-sized global server network (3,300+ servers stationed in nearly 85 countries), providing reliable access to Vudu and other U.S.-based streaming services as well as streamers around the globe.
Native app support includes options for Android, Android TV, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux device platforms. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are also available, along with compatibility with multiple router platforms.
Up to 10 devices can be connected to PIA servers at once on a single account.
While PIA’s connection speeds are admittedly the slowest on this list, they can easily handle popular online activities, including streaming HD video. No data caps or bandwidth throttling to worry about with this provider.
All PIA-provided connections are protected with government-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, and a kill switch. Blocking of ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous websites is also available.
The provider’s servers are run free of user logs, meaning there is no evidence to be had of your online antics. The provider also accepts Bitcoin in return for its services, protecting your payment privacy.
The PIA customer support department offers a live agent chat option, a trouble ticket form, and a searchable support library.
Pros:
- Access to Vudu and other streaming services
- Excellent security and privacy protections
- Reliable, fast connections
Cons:
- No streaming-enhanced servers
- Has issues working in restrictive countries
RELIABLE ACCESS TO VUDU AND OTHER STREAMERS:The Private Internet Access server network provides fast, well-protected, reliable access to Vudu and other streaming services. The provider offers comprehensive online security and privacy. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of Private Internet Access.
6. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN is a fairly recent addition to the VPN ranks, and it still has plenty of room for improvement. That said, the provider does an excellent job in many service categories.
The provider’s network of 200+ servers in 60+ countries isn’t exactly comprehensive global server coverage. However, the provider does a good job of optimally making use of the servers it has. Many of those servers are located in the U.S., providing excellent access to Vudu and other streaming services.
PrivateVPN’s connection speeds are some of the best I’ve seen and easily handled Vudu’s streams, both HD and 4K. Downloading large files is another online activity the provider shone in.
PrivateVPN connections are protected with military-level encryption. In addition, the provider’s apps offer kill switch and auto-reconnect protections, IPv6 and DNS protections, and their proprietary “Stealth VPN” protection, which helps obfuscate your VPN activity.
Privacy is well represented on PrivateVPN servers thanks to their comprehensive no-logs policy. A Bitcoin payment option is available to provide complete payment information protection.
PrivateVPN app support is limited to the big four (iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows), but the provider also offers instructions on using their service with Linux devices and a large number of routers. Up to 10 simultaneous connections are allowed per login.
Customer support is somewhat limited when compared to competitors’ offerings, and includes live support chat that is claimed to be 24/7 but has proven to be staffed at random times. A “Contact Us” form and a non-searchable “FAQ” help section are also available.
Pros:
- Super fast downloads
- Up to 10 devices can be connected at once
- Reliable access to Vudu and other streaming providers
Cons:
- Server numbers could definitely stand an increase
- Lacks 24/7 customer support chat
FAST SPEEDS FOR ADVANCED USERS:Experienced VPN users should appreciate this provider’s advanced options, especially those who require little-to-no hand-holding. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.
Read my full review of PrivateVPN.
Methodology for Assessing VPNs to Watch Vudu From Abroad
If you’re being turned away when you attempt to view Vudu while traveling or living abroad, you need to find a reliable VPN. Below, I’ve listed the most important features to consider when deciding on a VPN for watching Vudu.
- Streaming: Streaming fans should never settle for less than reliable access to Vudu and other popular U.S. streaming providers, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more. The providers on this list provide access to numerous streaming services.
- Connection speed: Streaming HD and 4K video streams, like those offered by Vudu and other streamers, require fast connections. All of the VPNs on this list offer streaming-capable connection speeds.
- Server network: Always look for a VPN with a well-established global server network. Also, look for VPNs that have multiple servers in the countries it serves. This helps to prevent an individual server from being hit with too many users at once.
- Value: A VPN should provide good value for its asking price. The VPNs on this list all offer an excellent return on investment and a 30-day money-back guarantee or better.
- Ease of use: A VPN should offer efficient apps for popular devices, allowing you to quickly stream your favorite Vudu content. The VPNs on my list provide excellent ease of use.
- Security and privacy: Banking-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection are the lowest level of protection that should be offered by VPNs. Any additional protections are a bonus. The VPNs on this list offer all of the above, while also not saving user logs that record your online travels.
Sure, the list above is long. However, this isn’t all, folks! This list is just part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. This data-driven approach provides a better understanding of these VPNs. This means I can recommend VPNs that are a good fit for your needs.
How to Use a VPN to View Vudu Streams
Using a VPN to view Vudu streams is a matter of following a few easy steps:
- First, subscribe to a VPN. (I know, DUH! But, it had to be included.)
- Install your provider’s VPN app(s) on your favorite device(s).
- Connect to a U.S. VPN server.
- Connect to Vudu.
- Enjoy the show!
Is a Free VPN a Good Option to Use With Vudu?
Plain and simple answer: Nope.
Honestly, I can’t recommend using a free VPN to enhance or protect any online activity. There are simply too many disadvantages to using a free VPN, especially where streaming is concerned.
First off, streaming services have all become fairly adept at detecting when a viewer is using a VPN to open access to their content. When a streaming service detects an IP address belonging to a VPN service, they quickly blacklist that address. So, it’s up to the VPN provider to set up a new IP address to once again enable access to the streaming service.
This is an ongoing game of virtual hide-and-seek between the streaming service and the VPN provider. Most free VPNs don’t have the resources or inclination to compete.
Plus, when you connect to a freebie VPN provider, you are either presented with a limited list of available servers, or you’re simply auto-connected to a server of the VPN provider’s choice. Those servers might not offer access to Vudu.
If you do luck out and connect to a Vudu-friendly server, you’re then faced with how many sans-payment VPNs limit their users’ online activities: by imposing bandwidth limitations or data caps on their connections.
Your privacy is also not well served by a “free” VPN. Many “free” providers make a buck by tracking their users’ online travels, saving them to a neat little file, and then selling that file to the highest bidder.
And, some VPN providers even inject unwanted tracking cookies and advertisements into their users’ browser sessions.
Pay the money for a quality VPN provider – you’ll be glad you did.
Vudu VPN FAQs
What Is Vudu?
Vudu is a streaming service owned by Fandango Media, a subsidiary of NBCUniversal. You can rent movies and TV shows or watch streaming content free with advertising.
What Is the Best U.S. VPN?
The best VPN for the USA is NordVPN. Surfshark, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, and PrivateVPN all make this list as well. Any of these VPNs would be a great choice for both general American internet travels and Vudu streaming.
What Is the Best Free VPN for Streaming?
There's no such thing as the best free VPN at all. Free VPNs throttle connection speeds, make you wait in a queue, impose data caps, and track your internet travels in order to sell your data to the highest bidder. The best-paid VPN for streaming is NordVPN, which is the same for Vudu.
Conclusion
I strongly advise Vudu viewers who will be traveling outside the United States to subscribe to a Virtual Private Network service to ensure continued access to their favorite Vudu-provided films and television shows.
A VPN – such as my top choice, NordVPN – will provide reliable access to Vudu and other stateside-based streaming services. In addition, a VPN provides excellent protection for all of your online activities.
NordVPN is the best option for maintaining access to the Vudu streaming service when you’re outside U.S. borders. In addition to providing reliable streaming access, NordVPN offers excellent global server coverage, swift download speeds, and excellent apps that provide top-notch security and privacy protections.
For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.
Contents [hide]
- How Can I Watch Vudu From Abroad?
- Best VPNs for Watching Vudu
- 1. NordVPN
- 2. Surfshark
- 3. ExpressVPN
- 4. CyberGhost
- 5. Private Internet Access
- 6. PrivateVPN
- Methodology for Assessing VPNs to Watch Vudu From Abroad
- How to Use a VPN to View Vudu Streams
- Is a Free VPN a Good Option to Use With Vudu?
- Vudu VPN FAQs
- What Is Vudu?
- What Is the Best U.S. VPN?
- What Is the Best Free VPN for Streaming?
- Conclusion