One of the most popular reasons people use a VPN is to stream video content that isn’t available in their region. In fact, half of all VPN users globally say they use VPNs to get better access to entertainment content. Streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and others often have geo-restrictions – the catalog you can see depends on where you are. A VPN allows you to virtually “travel” to another country by changing your IP address. With a click, you can make Netflix think you’re in the US, UK, Japan, or anywhere Anyone has an exit relay, unlocking shows and movies that would normally be unavailable to you. Similarly, if you’re traveling abroad, a VPN lets you access your home country’s streaming libraries or services that might be blocked overseas.
Services implement geo-blocking by checking your IP location. Anyone’s network gives you a new IP from the relay you exit from. So if a show is only on US Netflix, you can select a US exit node and securely stream that show as if you were stateside. Unlike some traditional VPNs that use a small set of IP ranges (which streaming companies quickly learn and block), Anyone’s decentralized network uses a large pool of IPs operated by community members.
This diversity makes it harder for streaming platforms to detect and ban VPN usage. It means you have a better chance of avoiding the dreaded “proxy/VPN detected” error. (Streaming platforms tend to ban big VPN provider IPs by the block, but a decentralized network’s IPs are not all in one basket.) With Anyone, you can enjoy a borderless streaming experience – watch your favorite sports, shows, and films from anywhere in the world.


Have you ever noticed your streaming quality suddenly drop or buffer during peak hours? Some ISPs have been known to throttle streaming services (YouTube, Netflix, etc.) to manage bandwidth or push their own TV services. By using Anyone while streaming, your ISP can no longer identify your traffic as video streaming. All they see is encrypted data to the VPN network. This means they can’t selectively slow down your Netflix or Prime Video streams.
Many users turn on their VPN and immediately see more stable streaming – no more inexplicable buffering just because it’s evening when everyone is online. In one set of VPN usage statistics, 46% of VPN users said they specifically use it to access streaming services, in part to improve quality.
With Anyone, you not only circumvent throttling but do so efficiently: our network often finds less congested routes to the content provider. If your ISP’s route to a video server is crowded, the VPN might take an alternate path that results in faster throughput.
Using a VPN for streaming isn’t just about content access; it’s also about viewing privately. Without a VPN, your ISP (and by extension, potentially other parties) can build a profile of your streaming habits – what platforms you use, when you watch, possibly even what titles (through traffic analysis).
When you stream through Anyone’s VPN, those details are hidden. You might simply value that privacy on principle, or it could be practical – for example, if you’re on a college or work network that shouldn’t know you’re watching movies in your downtime.
Additionally, some streaming add-ons or apps might be unlicensed in your region (think various IPTV or anime sites); using a VPN adds a layer of protection between you and any prying eyes who might monitor such traffic.


Traditional VPNs sometimes struggle with streaming because a single server can get overwhelmed by many users streaming HD or 4K video. Anyone’s approach, with many distributed relays, spreads out the load. Plus, since the network is community-driven, bandwidth can scale as more people share their connections. The result is that you can achieve smooth HD streaming through the VPN.
Our users often report negligible speed loss with Anyone, enough to comfortably stream high-definition video. And unlike many free VPNs, we do not impose data caps – binge an entire season, we won’t stop you. (Many free services cut you off after a few GB; Anyone is unlimited.) Keep in mind that multi-hop encryption does add a bit of overhead, but the network is optimized for throughput.
If you ever experience a slower node, the client can switch paths to maintain performance. The aim is that you forget the VPN is even on – except when you remember you’re watching content that was once blocked!
• Choose the Right Exit Region: Before connecting, decide which country’s content you need. In the Anyone app, select an exit relay in that country (if available). For example, to watch UK BBC iPlayer, pick a UK exit node. Anyone will still encrypt and route through multiple hops, but your final IP will be UK-based.
• Connect and Verify Location: Hit connect and wait for the VPN to establish. Then, go to the streaming service. If needed, you can verify your “virtual location” by checking the service’s library or using an IP lookup tool to see the country. Once verified, log in to the streaming platform. You should see the content library for the region of your exit node. (Netflix, for instance, will show different top titles per country.)
• Stream Away, Monitor Quality: Start playing your show or movie. With a solid internet connection, you should be able to stream in HD (and even 4K, provided your original bandwidth was sufficient) through the Anyone network. If you notice any buffering, you can pause and give the network a moment, or try a different relay. Often, though, users find the experience seamless. Our decentralized network can handle high-bandwidth streams – and remember, your ISP can’t throttle what it can’t identify. Enjoy your video without the ISP-imposed quality drops.
• Stay Logged In and Safe: Some streaming services might send security emails if they detect a new IP login (since you appear in another country). This is usually just a precaution. As long as you have legitimate access to the service, using a VPN doesn’t violate usage (except for potentially terms of service in some cases). Millions of people do it. To avoid re-logins, you can leave Anyone connected for the duration of your binge session. Also, if you’re hopping between different country catalogs, consider that some services might log you out when you switch regions. It can help to pick one region per session.
One more tip: because Anyone is free, you can set it up on devices like smart TVs or streaming sticks (via router or Smart DNS configurations) without extra cost. Imagine unlocking global content on your Apple TV or Amazon Firestick simply by routing through an Anyone VPN router at home.