Netflix is a popular streaming service that is available in many countries around the world. However, the content that is available on the service can vary greatly from region to region. This means that some movies and TV shows that are available in one country may not be available in others.
For example, if you are based in the United States, you might not be aware that some movies that are available in Canada are not available in the US. Similarly, TV shows like “The Good Place” and “Better Call Saul” are labeled as Netflix Originals in the UK, with new episodes premiering on the service the day after they air in the US.
To access more content on Netflix, some users have turned to virtual private networks (VPNs). VPNs allow users to virtually change their location, giving them access to content that may not be available in their region. However, Netflix has worked hard to block most VPNs from working with their service.
Despite these efforts, some VPNs are still able to work well with Netflix. These VPNs often have additional features that allow them to bypass Netflix’s restrictions. If you are looking for a VPN specifically for streaming Netflix, these are some of the best options.
In this article, we will present the top five VPNs for Netflix. For those who are short on time, here is a quick summary of our top three recommendations.
Table of Contents
Top 5 VPNs for Netflix
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is our top recommendation for a VPN for Netflix. While it’s difficult to find a VPN that works seamlessly with Netflix, ExpressVPN comes close. While there may be occasional issues, most of its servers are able to effectively stream Netflix from various locations around the world. In addition to its effectiveness with Netflix, ExpressVPN is also one of the fastest VPNs available, which means less buffering when you’re trying to watch your favorite movies.
The ExpressVPN app is simple to use and allows you to select from various locations, then toggle on your VPN with an on/off switch. It is available on all major platforms, including Windows and MacOS, Android and iOS, Linux, Fire TV, and supports routers, so it can be used on almost any device.
During testing, we used Windows to stream Netflix from the US to Canada, the UK, Australia, and the Netherlands. Canada and the UK worked without any problems, immediately connecting us to those regions’ Netflix libraries without any slowdown or connection issues. The Netherlands had a slightly slower connection, but once we began streaming, Netflix was able to buffer in high definition without any issues. Unfortunately, we were unable to get the Australian server working. Australia is not on ExpressVPN’s suggested panel, so it seems that the company may not have Netflix protections set up on their Australian servers. Despite this issue, ExpressVPN is still the best option for anyone trying to watch Netflix in other regions. It consistently unblocks various Netflix regions easily and at high speed, and its servers work with popular Netflix libraries including the US, UK, Canada, Italy, France, Germany, Japan, and more.
Pros:
- Can unblock the most Netflix libraries
- Allows streaming on smartphones, computers, smart TVs, and game consoles
- Offers reliable fast speeds
- Has user-friendly apps, including options for Amazon Fire TV Stick and routers
- Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- More expensive than other VPNs on the market
- Does not offer a free trial
2. CyberGhost
If ExpressVPN is out of your budget, you might consider CyberGhost as a more affordable option that still works well with Netflix. CyberGhost has apps on all major platforms, including Windows, MacOS, Android and iOS, Linux, Fire TV, Apple TV, and more. It has a visually appealing design and is one of the best ways to access Netflix through a VPN. It offers over 8,000 servers in 90 countries, making it easy to connect and browse from any server in multiple countries. The app allows you to choose a specific country or server. When it comes to Netflix in the US, Canada, and the UK, we had no issues connecting to the service and streaming region-locked content.
In addition to its compatibility with Netflix, CyberGhost is a strong VPN with AES-256 encryption and automatic kill switch support. It supports OpenVPN, L2TP-IPsec, and PPTP protocols, making it a flexible tool. While we still recommend ExpressVPN for most users looking to stream Netflix, CyberGhost is a good alternative, especially at its price of $2.29 per month when billed for three years. It’s one of the best ways to access Netflix in any region without restrictions.
Pros:
- Offers over 8,000 servers in 90 countries
- Provides consistent speeds
- Has user-friendly apps
- Features good privacy protection
- Offers a 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Has not undergone a third-party audit
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a VPN service that offers over 30,000 servers across 84 countries, including 12,000 servers in the USA. This allows users to access US Netflix from anywhere in the world. PIA has a stealth mode that enables users to bypass VPN blocking and hide their real IP address, allowing them to access any Netflix library without detection.
In addition to its compatibility with Netflix, PIA also provides excellent security and privacy features such as a kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, and DNS leak protection. While its WireGuard speed may not be as fast as other VPNs, it is still sufficient for streaming. For example, when connected to PIA’s New York server, users can expect upload and download speeds of 80 Mbps. This is more than enough for uninterrupted streaming, and any speed reduction may not be noticeable if you have fast internet at home.
Pros:
- Effective at unblocking UK and US Netflix
- Allows for 10 simultaneous connections
- Offers advanced configuration settings
- Has affordable pricing plans
- Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Has not undergone an independent security audit
4. NordVPN
NordVPN is a good choice for streaming, known for its fast speed and ability to support 4K streams without buffering. It uses the NordLynx protocol to deliver fast performance. Despite some past difficulties, NordVPN can now unblock Netflix libraries in the UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia, in addition to the US. It offers 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch, and has a no-logs policy that has been independently audited.
While NordVPN does have some flaws, such as a somewhat tricky interface on mobile devices, these are minor compared to its strong performance and features. If you need assistance, NordVPN has a 24/7 customer support team available.
Pros:
- Offers fast speeds
- Has excellent security features
- Provides good server locations
- Maintains a no-logs policy
- Provides a 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Mobile experience may not be the easiest to use
5. Surfshark
Surfshark is a good choice for accessing Netflix from outside the US. It can unblock shows and movies in the US library, as well as content in the UK, Canada, Australia, and Japan. Surfshark has a user-friendly interface and offers 24/7 customer support on live chat. It is one of the most affordable VPN options available and has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
However, Surfshark may not have all the features that advanced users may be looking for. Its OpenVPN speeds are not as fast as some other VPNs, and it has had issues with streaming Netflix on Amazon devices. Despite these limitations, Surfshark is still a solid choice for accessing Netflix from outside the US.
Pros:
- Affordable prices
- Unlimited device connections
- Intuitive interface
- Round-the-clock customer support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Struggles with Amazon Fire Stick
FAQs – Netflix and VPNs
Why Do You Need a VPN for Netflix?
It’s important to use a VPN for Netflix if you want to access content from other regions. Without a VPN, you may not be able to watch all of your favorite shows or movies because they may only be available in certain countries. A VPN can help you bypass these restrictions by masking your IP address and making it appear as if you are located in a different country. This allows you to access a wider range of content on Netflix and keep your online activity private and secure.
Why Does Netflix Have Regional Restrictions?
Differences in Netflix libraries across countries are often due to copyright law and broadcasting rights. For example, a show may be available in one country due to exclusive contracts with movie companies, while it may not be available in another due to local broadcasting rights. The United States tends to have the largest Netflix library, as it is the origin of much of the original content on the platform. However, this can be frustrating for viewers in other countries who may not have access to the same range of shows and movies.
Why Is Netflix Not Working on Your VPN?
Using a VPN to access Netflix content that is not available in your region may not always be successful due to Netflix’s efforts to block VPN IP addresses. However, the VPNs listed in this article have a good track record of unblocking Netflix and can provide a solution if you encounter any issues. If you are unable to access a desired Netflix library, we recommend contacting the VPN’s customer service team for assistance in finding a working server.
Can I watch all Netflix shows with a VPN?
Not all Netflix shows are available in all regions. While a VPN can help you access a wider range of content, you may still not have access to certain shows due to licensing and copyright restrictions.
Is it illegal to use a VPN to watch Netflix?
No, it is not illegal to use a VPN to watch Netflix. However, Netflix’s terms of service do not allow users to use a VPN or proxy to access content that is not available in their region.
Will using a VPN slow down my Netflix streaming?
The use of a VPN may affect your Netflix streaming speed, but this depends on various factors such as the quality of the VPN, the distance between you and the VPN server, and your internet connection speed.
Can Netflix block VPNs?
Yes, Netflix can block VPNs. The company uses various techniques to detect and block VPNs, but some VPNs are able to bypass these blocks and allow users to access Netflix content from different regions.
How do I use a VPN to watch Netflix?
To use a VPN to watch Netflix, you will need to sign up for a VPN service, download and install the VPN client, connect to a server in the region where the content you want to watch is available, and then log in to your Netflix account.
Final thoughts!!
When it comes to accessing Netflix from outside your country, a virtual private network (VPN) can be a useful tool. These services allow you to change your IP address and access content from different regions. However, Netflix is constantly working to block VPNs and restrict access to its content.
Of the available options, we believe that ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Netflix. It has a strong track record of unblocking various Netflix libraries and offers fast speeds and reliable performance. It also has easy-to-use apps and great customer support. Other top contenders include CyberGhost, Private Internet Access, NordVPN, and Surfshark. Each of these options has its own pros and cons, but all are capable of helping you access or maintain your Netflix catalog while abroad.
If you do encounter issues with your VPN and Netflix, it is often helpful to reach out to the VPN’s customer service for assistance. They may be able to provide a working server or offer other solutions to help you access the content you want.
