How to Safely Watch Friends: The Reunion In 2026

  • Written by Julia Olech Cybersecurity & Tech Writer

Like any other Friends fan, I was really excited to watch Friends: The Reunion special. However, it’s only streaming on Max, meaning it’s not available in every country .

Even if you’re in the US, I still advise using a VPN before streaming to protect yourself. For the best security, I advise getting ExpressVPN. Its military-grade AES 256-bit encryption, no-logs policy, and various other safety features make it a standout choice. Plus, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free . It’s backed by a 30*-day money-back guarantee, and you can contact support to ask for a refund if you’re unsatisfied with how it performs. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

Try ExpressVPN risk-free

Quick Guide: 3 Easy Steps to Safely WatchFriends: The Reunion

  1. Get a VPN. Start by installing a VPN. I suggest you get ExpressVPN to ensure the best online security.
  2. Connect to a US server. Navigate the server browser and connect to a US server near your location.
  3. Stream Safely on Max. Log into Max and stream Friends: The Reunion safely with an encrypted connection.

How a VPN Helps You Stay Safe While Streaming

A VPN is critical for ensuring safety while streaming or doing anything else online. VPNs work by encrypting your connection to ensure that no one spying on your traffic can see what you’re doing. They also mask your identity and keep you completely anonymous. Plus, the best VPNs have no-logs policies to ensure none of your browsing activity is stored.

Best VPNs for Staying Safe While Streaming in 2026

1.ExpressVPN — Provides Blazing-Fast Speeds and Unbreakable Security

Key Features:

  • Has AES 256-bit encryption to safeguard online activity.
  • Provides the Lightway protocol to enable fast speeds without reducing security.
  • Allows up to 14 simultaneous device connections.
  • Provides customer support via 24/7 live chat.
  • 30*-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN guarantees security without compromising speeds. It uses AES 256-bit encryption and has a no-logs policy, leak protection, and other safety features. Plus, the proprietary Lightway protocol guarantees the fastest possible speed without compromising security.

During tests, my colleague in the US could easily access Max and stream Friends: The Reunion without issues. I also conducted several speed tests and found that all of ExpressVPN’s servers deliver lightning-fast speeds, thus ensuring lag-free browsing and streaming when connected to its servers.

Screenshot of speed tests carried out on 4 ExpressVPN servers. - 1

I especially like that ExpressVPN allows up to 14 simultaneous connections . This lets you secure your traffic on multiple devices at once to enjoy secure browsing and streaming.

You don’t have to blindly trust me, as ExpressVPN’s offers have a 30-day money-back guarantee. This lets you try ExpressVPN for yourself and get your money back if you don’t like it. The VPN has “no question asked” refunds, and I instantly canceled my own account using the 24/7 live chat. The money was refunded to my bank account only 4 days later.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

2.CyberGhost — Has Airtight Security and Multiple Optimized Servers for Smooth Streaming

Key Features:

  • Protects traffic via AES 256-bit encryption.
  • Has a no-logs policy to ensure no browsing data is kept.
  • Provides a massive network of 11,690+ servers, including multiple streaming-optimized servers.
  • Has 24/7 live chat to provide help whenever needed.
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

CyberGhost’s optimized servers provide an excellent streaming experience. During tests, the optimized connections easily let my colleague in the US stream in UHD on Max without any lag. I also ran speed tests and found that its streaming-optimized servers deliver faster connection speeds.

Screenshot comparing speed test results in a CyberGhost VPN Review, showing performance on optimized versus regular servers. - 2

The optimized servers might sometimes be crowded, but this isn’t an issue because CyberGhost has an impressive network of 11,690+ servers. It’s easy to find an uncrowded nearby server whenever needed.

Of course, the app also delivers airtight security. CyberGhost has military-grade AES 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy, meaning it’ll safeguard your online activity and keep you completely anonymous while streaming or surfing the web.

Though I checked the VPN meets the highest standards, you should give CyberGhost a try yourself with its 45-day money-back guarantee. The policy gives you enough time to decide if the VPN is worth keeping and get a refund if you don’t like it. A CyberGhost representative approved my request in less than 2 minutes, and the full fee was refunded to my bank account the same week.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

3.Private Internet Access (PIA) — Allows unlimited Simultaneous Connections for WatchingFriends: The ReunionWith Your Friends

Key Features:

  • Protects online activity with AES 256-bit encryption and a zero-logs policy.
  • Comes with an impressive network of 29,650+ servers.
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Joey may not share food, but PIA lets you share your login with other Friends fans in your household, as it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. My testing proved that adding more connections won’t disrupt your streams , as my PIA speeds didn’t budge even when I connected 10 devices at once. So, everyone can enjoy UHD video with zero lags.

Screenshot of PIA's app user interface. - 3 Screenshot of PIA's app user interface. - 4

I really liked that PIA has an extremely user-friendly app interface , making it a fantastic choice for beginners. Setting up my connection took less than a minute as all I had to do was choose the US as my preferred country and press the “On” button.

It’s also a highly secure VPN with AES 256-bit encryption, leak protection, a zero-logs policy, and more. PIA’s safety features will keep you safe and anonymous whether you’re streaming shows, surfing the web, or doing anything else online.

I still recommend you test PIA on your devices , as the VPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee provides a no-risk way of testing it. I tested the refund policy by connecting to the 24/7 live chat to request a refund. After explaining I didn’t need a VPN anymore, a PIA agent approved my request — my money was back in my account within 7 days.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

Pricing update for Black Friday: $ 2.03 /month for a three-year plan with 4 months free ( 83 %)!! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here .

When you set up your VPN connection , you’ll be able to watch Friends: The Reunion on:

  • PCs: Windows, macOS, and Chromebook
  • Phones and tablets: iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, and Windows
  • Smart TVs: Apple TV, Android TV, Samsung TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Roku
  • Gaming consoles: PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S

To catch up with the spin-off episode though, you need a VPN compatible with as many devices above as possible. Out of the 3 recommended VPNs, ExpressVPN has native apps for all popular operating systems — and you can also install it directly on your router. That way every device connected to your home network gets automatically connected to the VPN server, even if it’s not compatible with its app.

Yes, you can use a top-tier VPN to:

  • Stay safe from hackers, malware, and tracking software when you use public WiFi at the airport, hotels, restaurants, or any other location.
  • Avoid technical issues on your home network and local servers to stream what you want without interruptions
  • Protect your identity as you torrent and browse P2P websites

However, not all VPNs offer the same benefits so I always test multiple vendors to make sure they’re worth their deal price. That’s how I learned that ExpressVPN gives you the best value for your money as it offers ultimate security, great streaming quality, online freedom, and more. Since it also comes with a 30*-day money-back guarantee, you can buy it and get a quick and easy refund if you don’t like it.

Stay Safe While WatchingFriends: The Reunion

As excited as you may be to stream Friends: The Reunion , you must remember to protect yourself with a VPN to ensure you remain safe. A VPN will provide an encrypted connection, meaning no one can see what you’re doing. Also, the no-logs policy and other features help add more layers of security,

For the best possible protection, I advise getting ExpressVPN. It has unbreakable AES 256-bit encryption, a strict no-logs policy, leak protection, and more. Plus, the Lightway protocol provides excellent speeds without hurting security. You can also try ExpressVPN risk-free . It’s backed by a 30*-day money-back guarantee, and you can easily contact support to claim a refund if unsatisfied.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.

*Please note that ExpressVPN’s generous money-back guarantee applies to first-time customers only.

Summary — These Are the Best VPNs toWatch Friends: The Reunionin 2026

Editor’s Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.