Best VPNs for STARZ in 2024 – Fast and Private

Keeping up with your favorite STARZ shows outside the US means you need a VPN. But not every VPN can access STARZ content – whether on the STARZ website, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or another streaming site hosting the cable channel’s TV shows and movies.

You need a VPN that’s fast enough for streaming in HD, reliable enough that it won’t cut out halfway through an American Gods binge session, and nimble enough to guarantee access to US streaming sites from anywhere in the world. 

Most VPNs fail to deliver on every front – but I’ve tested them all, so you don’t have to. In the end, I found the seven best VPNs for STARZ:

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I settled on these eight VPNs for STARZ based on some strict criteria. Most VPNs failed, but the ones I included share the following features: 

• Large network of US servers
• Work with US streaming and video platforms
• Fast, reliable connection speeds
• Allow multiple devices on a single plan
• Strong security, including encryption and leak protection
• Easy to use
• Good value

Throughout this guide, I’ll go into much more detail about each VPN and how they met these criteria. You can also scroll to the end and read more about our testing methodology. 

Disclaimer: We do not condone or encourage using a VPN to stream or download content illegally. Research the terms of use for specific streaming sites and platforms before using a VPN to access their content, and check your country’s laws regarding copyright, downloading, and the use of VPNs.

How to use a VPN for Starz outside the US

Once you’ve decided on a VPN from this list, you’ll have access to STARZ in minutes. Trust me, despite how complicated VPNs can seem, they’re incredibly easy to use. 

If you’ve followed these steps and still can’t access STARZ, clear your browser cache and cookies, reconnect to the VPN, and reload the page.

Best VPNs for STARZ in 2024

Now that you know how we picked the VPNs on this list, let’s take a closer look at each one. By the time you’re finished reading, you’ll know exactly which VPN is best for you, based on how well they can access STARZ content, the security they provide, and a host of other features.

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Methodology: how I tested the best VPNs for Starz

While testing the best VPNs for STARZ, I focused on the features that would give you the best access to its content while also providing an overall better online experience. 

Most VPNs failed my tests outright. The ones that passed did so based on the following: 

• Large server network: I’ve only recommended VPNs with lots of servers in the US, as part of a wider network of secure servers spread across the globe.  
• Access any content from anywhere: The VPNs I’ve chosen gave me access to every streaming site around the world, and other websites that restrict access due to your location, including banks and personal tax portals. 
• Fast connection speeds: Because you’ll be streaming lots of HD content, I only included VPNs that have minimal impact on your connection speed and can deliver consistent connections anywhere in the world. 
• Excellent security: The VPNs on this list provide state-of-the-art security to stay hidden and safe online, including 256-bit AES encryption, IP leak protections, automatic kill-switches, and much more. I tested these features thoroughly for each VPN. 
• Easy to use: The sophisticated tech that powers VPNs doesn’t mean they have to be complicated tools. The opposite, actually. I’ve only included VPNs with simple, user-friendly apps and easy configuration. Anything annoying to use didn’t make it.  
• Good value: The best thing about VPNs is how cheap they are – you’ll never have to spend more than a few dollars a month. We also test each VPN’s money-back guarantee, refund policies, and customer support before recommending them, so you’re never at risk of being ripped off.  

I tested every VPN against this list of requirements, bouncing around between servers, grilling their customer support, bingeing a few seasons of Outlander (yes, really! I know…), and checking for leaks in my location and data. 

To learn more about the whole process, check out my quick testing methodology breakdown.  

Can I use a free VPN with Starz?

You could try to use a free VPN with Starz, but it probably won’t work. Free VPNs are incredibly limited and definitely not suited for streaming US content outside the country. 

Streaming sites invest heavily in blocking VPNs from accessing their content – especially big sites like STARZ, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu (which also host STARZ content). Most free VPNs we’ve tested are incapable of accessing content on these streamers from outside the US. 

That’s not the only problem. Even if you can access STARZ or any streaming site, free VPNs are notoriously slow, unreliable, and only cover limited bandwidth. You’ll probably lose your VPN connection before you’re halfway through an episode of American Gods – leaving your data and location totally exposed, not to mention losing access to the content.  

Finally, because you’re not paying for a free VPN, they need to generate revenue from you indirectly. We’ve seen many free VPNs use incredibly (and cheap) premium VPNs. 

How to use a VPN with Starz on Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and more

STARZ is also compatible with numerous smart devices in your home, including: 

• Apple TV
• Android TV
• Amazon Fire TV
• Amazon Fire Stick
• Xbox One
• Playstation
• Some LG smart TVs

Some VPNs have native apps for smart devices on this list. You can download the VPN app to your device, log in, and connect to a US server from there. For example, NordVPN and CyberGhost work on every device listed above, and you can install them on numerous devices simultaneously. 

However, if your VPN doesn’t support these devices, you have a couple of other options. 

You can use a virtual router on any PC with a WiFi card that can transmit WiFi signals to different devices (such as your smart TV). Just install a VPN on your PC before setting up the WiFi. The same basic setup works for hotspotting WiFi from your smartphone. As long as your VPN is turned on, it will also cover any devices connected via WiFi. 

If you’re at home, you can also install a VPN directly onto your home router. Some VPNs, including NordVPN and CyberGhost, have native apps to install directly on your router. Others need a little technical know-how to set up on a router. 

Is STARZ available outside the US?

STARZ is not available outside the US without using a VPN. 

STARZ does not produce its own content. It directly licenses its shows and movies from US companies that produce them – for example, Warner Bros., Marvel Studios, and Nickelodeon. Due to copyright and licensing laws, STARZ can only show this content to US residents. 

As a result, if you want to access STARZ content from outside the US, you need to change your IP address to one within the country. Your IP address shows everyone on the internet where you’re physically located while you’re online. Streaming sites like STARZ and Netflix use it to give you access (or not) to geographically restricted content. 

A VPN allows you to change your location by connecting to secure, private servers with unique IP addresses located in countries across the globe. So, for example, if you want to access STARZ outside the US, you need a VPN with servers in the country. 

If that all sounds very complicated, don’t worry – it’s not. The best VPNs are incredibly simple to use. It only takes a couple of minutes to set up and connect to a server. You’ll also benefit from a host of other cool features, including better data encryption, military-grade security, and much more. 

How can I get STARZ for free?

You can only get STARZ for free on seven-day trials offered by streaming websites that host its content – including STARZ itself. There are no free plans for STARZ available anywhere online. 

If you want to watch STARZ for free, you can sign up for a seven-day trial on the following websites and devices: 

• STARZ
• Amazon Prime Video
• Disney Plus
• DIRECTV Stream
• HULU
• YouTube Entertainment Plus
• fubuTV
• Apple TV

Is Starz free with Amazon Prime?

STARZ is not free with your Amazon Prime membership. If you want to watch STARZ on Amazon Prime Video, it’s available as a paid monthly add-on. However, there is a free seven-day trial if you want to try STARZ out on your Amazon Prime membership without paying upfront.  

Is Starz free with Netflix?

STARZ is not currently available with Netflix, either on a free or paid plan. 

While STARZ and Netflix show some of the same content, they are completely independent and considered rivals in the streaming industry. If you want to watch STARZ and Netflix content at the same time, you’ll need to pay for two separate subscriptions. 

What’s the difference between STARZ, STARZPLAY, and Lionsgate+?

STARZ has managed to confuse everyone by rebranding and relaunching numerous very similar services with very similar names: STARZ, STARZPLAY, and now, Lionsgate+. 

Let’s break it down finally: 

• STARZ is a premium US cable and satellite television network owned by Lions Gate Entertainment. “STARZ” is also the name of the company’s streaming service in the US. 

• STARZPLAY was the name of the company’s streaming service when it launched. It was switched to just STARZ in the US, but remained as STARZPLAY outside the US until 2022. 

• Lionsgate+ is a rebranded version of STARZPLAY that was launched outside the US in 2022.  

VPN for Starz FAQs

[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Does a VPN work with STARZ?” answer=”Only some premium VPNs will work with STARZ, including NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN. These VPNs are fast enough to guarantee reliable streaming – even in HD – and they’re powerful enough to bypass even the most effective detection tools used by sites like STARZ to block VPNs from their content.

Free VPNs, on the other hand, won’t be fast enough to reliably stream content on the site – especially if you’re streaming in HD. And they most likely won’t get around STARZ’s VPN detection tools, blocking you from its entire content library.

If you’re using a VPN with STARZ, skip the free ones altogether and make a small investment in a VPN provider – you’ll save yourself a lot of time and frustration.” /]]

[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Is it legal to use a VPN with STARZ?” answer=”Yes, being connected to a VPN while streaming on STARZ is not generally against the law. The exceptions are countries that prohibit or restrict VPN usage, such as China, Russia, and Belarus. It’s important to note, as well, that VPN usage may go against STARZ’s terms of service if used to bypass geo-restrictions. STARZ has the right to block the VPN server you’re using if it suspects its terms are being violated.” /]]

[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Will a VPN affect the streaming quality of STARZ?” answer=”As long as the VPN you choose offers unlimited bandwidth and high-speed servers, your streaming experience shouldn’t be affected negatively. In fact, if your ISP throttles streaming in your country, your speeds and your streaming might even improve as you get to bypass restrictions. ” /]]

[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”What will happen if STARZ detects my VPN?” answer=”If STARZ detects your VPN usage it might block your VPN server. What you can do is switch to a different server in the States on your VPN app. Premium VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN frequently update their server IPs to avoid these kinds of situations. If the problem persists, you can always contact customer support for guidance and server recommendations.” /]]