How to change Netflix region in the US

Netflix is available almost everywhere in the world, but the exact content on offer varies greatly from one country to another. This is because Netflix only has the rights to show TV shows and movies in certain locations, but an unintended consequence of this is that anyone traveling abroad risks losing access to some or all of their favorite shows. Luckily, if you want to continue watching your home library while traveling abroad in the US you can use a VPN.

When you connect to a Virtual Private Network (VPN), your true IP address and location are hidden. Instead, the websites you visit assume you are wherever your chosen server is. In other words, you should be able to access your usual content by choosing a VPN server in your home country. Better still, VPNs encrypt your internet traffic, preventing your ISP, employer, or hotspot owner from seeing what you get up to online.

How to change Netflix region using a VPN

Netflix has been slowly improving its VPN-detection tools over the last few years, and as a result, most VPNs no longer work with this service. However, there are some that still do.

Here’s how to switch your location and stream Netflix from anywhere:

1. Start by signing up for one of the VPNs below (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Install the app, login, and select a server in your home country. This changes your IP address and prevents Netflix from finding out that you’re actually elsewhere.
3. Now, try using Netflix as normal. If only Netflix Originals appear or you see an error, clear your cookies and try again.
4. Still having problems? In that case, ask your VPN provider if there are specific servers that work with the Netflix library you’re trying to access.

Not every VPN works with Netflix, and fewer still work reliably. To ensure we only recommended the best VPNs for changing Netflix libraries, we used the following criteria (more on these later):

• Can securely access a variety of Netflix libraries
• Provides fast enough speeds for 4K streaming
• Includes a wide range of security and privacy features including a no-logs policy
• Live chat-based support, ideally available 24/7
• Offers easy-to-use apps for all major operating systems

If you’re in a rush, you’ll find a quick guide to our top VPNs below. Otherwise, just keep scrolling; we’ll cover each in more detail a little further down the page.

Best VPNs for switching Netflix location

1. NordVPN: Our top VPN for changing your Netflix country. Exceptionally fast, with one of the strongest security toolkits around. Works flawlessly with most streaming services and includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best budget VPN for switching Netflix region. Has no connection limit and works with just about every service we’ve tested. Great security and privacy credentials.
3. ExpressVPN: Fast and reliable connections make this VPN ideal for streaming Netflix. Also offers plenty of security and privacy features, plus around-the-clock customer support.
4. CyberGhost: This speedy, novice-friendly VPN has servers specifically designed for watching Netflix as you travel. Keeps no logs and boasts an increasingly impressive security toolkit.
5. IPVanish: A quick, privacy-focused VPN that works with several regional Netflix libraries. Thousands of servers in over 60 countries. Connect all of your devices at once.
6. PrivateVPN: This zero-logs provider works well with Netflix and has some of the strongest privacy protections on the market. Features high-speed servers and a 10-connection limit.

The best VPNs for streaming other countries’ Netflix

Let’s take a closer look at our top providers, starting with our #1 pick, NordVPN:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024

NordVPN is our top VPN for streaming other versions of Netflix in the US. In fact, it works with just about every streaming service we’ve tested. Not only that, but this VPN is among the fastest on the market, averaging over 350 Mbps in our latest testing. There are around 5,000 servers worldwide and absolutely no bandwidth limits. Users are free to connect six devices at a time, making it ideal for watching TV on-the-go.

There’s a lot to like where security is concerned too. For instance, NordVPN recently introduced its own protocol, NordLynx, which uses a double NAT system to provide greater privacy than even WireGuard offers. There’s also 256-bit encryption, a customizable kill switch, leak protection, and obfuscated servers for safe browsing in places with strict online censorship. NordVPN doesn’t keep any logs at all and accepts three cryptocurrencies. Live chat is available 24/7.

NordVPN offers apps for iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux systems. It can also be manually installed on a variety of router firmware.

BEST VPN FOR NETFLIX: NordVPN is our #1 choice for switching Netflix location. Its top-tier speeds, streaming ability, and security make it ideal for this task, and support staff are on hand to help if anything goes wrong. Try it risk free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why not check out the full NordVPN review?

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is our first choice for anyone looking to stream on a budget. With around 3,200 servers in 60-plus countries, it’s more than capable of securely accessing regional Netflix libraries, plus geo-blocked platforms like BBC iPlayer, Stan, and Global TV. This VPN’s speeds are exceptional, so unless you’re on a particularly slow connection, you shouldn’t notice any lag, buffering, or stuttering while you watch. Surfshark allows any number of connections.

Despite its low price, this VPN has a fantastic security offering. For instance, there’s 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a NoBorders mode for unrestricted access to the internet, even in places like China. Further, Surfshark follows a no-logs policy and recently partnered with our top pick, NordVPN, to develop and share even more advanced security tools. If you need help, support staff are available 24/7 over live chat.

Surfshark users have access to Android, Windows, Linux, MacOS, and iOS apps. If you’d prefer, you can follow manual setup instructions to get it running on your home router.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is our top budget option. This VPN easily competes with more expensive rivals on speed and privacy, plus it has absolutely no connection limit. Stream Netflix from anywhere, on any device you like. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at our in-depth Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN covers 94 countries—more than any other provider in this list. According to our latest testing, it works with at least a dozen different Netflix libraries, which is no small feat. With unlimited bandwidth and an average speed of over 100 Mbps, you’ll be able to watch 4K video with no issues, provided your base connection is fast enough. Up to five devices can be protected at a time.

This provider continues to enhance its security toolkit, even after years in the industry. The latest additions are a threat manager (which blocks apps from sending data to known trackers) and a parallel connection tool that tries to connect you as quickly as feasibly possible. Naturally, 256-bit encryption is built in too, plus there’s a kill switch and leak protection. ExpressVPN doesn’t log any data that could identify you personally. Need help? Just use the 24/7 live chat service.

ExpressVPN provides apps for MacOS, Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS. It also has its own custom firmware that makes protecting your home network as easy as possible.

QUICK AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN can reliably access lots of regional Netflix catalogs, plus it has all of the tools needed to stream safely. Fast enough for 4K streaming. There are no bandwidth limits and torrenting is allowed on any server. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the complete ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has a huge network, with more than 7,000 servers in 90+ countries around the world. It even has a separate list of servers optimized for accessing platforms like Disney+, HBO, and Netflix. Currently, this VPN is confirmed to work with Netflix US, UK, Italy, France, Germany, Japan, and Sweden. CyberGhost was one of the top performers in our speed testing too, averaging over 500 Mbps per second on a 1 Gbps connection.

One of the best things about this VPN is that its security features all come enabled by default, so there’s no need to mess about in the menus. In other words, you’re secured with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection from the moment you connect. This service recently added WireGuard support, though, so if you feel like changing any settings, make it this one. CyberGhost doesn’t log any personally identifiable data and provides 24/7 support via email and live chat.

CyberGhost apps are available for Linux, Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. This VPN can also be installed on select routers, but you’ll have to follow manual setup instructions.

IDEAL FOR NETFLIX:CyberGhost has servers specifically designed to access seven different Netflix libraries. Not only that, it’s one of the fastest VPNs around at the moment. Offers pre-configured tools, 24/7 live chat, and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

For more details, read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

IPVanish has thousands of servers in over 60 countries, making it a strong choice for anyone hoping to access a different Netflix library. Our most recent tests saw it work effortlessly with the American, British, and Japanese catalogs, plus a variety of other popular streaming services. This VPN boasts consistently high speeds (having recently switched to 25 Gbps servers) and allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously.

This service uses 256-bit AES encryption to prevent anyone from seeing what you get up to online. It also follows a no-logging policy, protects you from IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, and includes a kill switch that stops you from accidentally browsing unprotected. Users can even choose to scramble their OpenVPN traffic, which can help bypass some forms of VPN-detection. Live chat is available, day and night, just in case you run into trouble.

IPVanish has its own MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android apps. You could also manually configure this service to run directly on your router or Linux system.

STRONG ALL-ROUNDER:IPVanish is a versatile VPN with steady speeds, solid security features, and the ability to stream Netflix from anywhere. It allows any number of connections and its annual plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Interested? Check out the full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN may have fewer servers than some of its rivals, but it performs admirably when it comes to Netflix. In fact, we’ve seen it work with more than a dozen regional catalogs, plus other popular services like HBO Max, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer. Thanks to this VPN’s speedy, reliable connections and unlimited bandwidth, there are very few limits on what you can watch. Better still, PrivateVPN recently increased its connection limit from six to 10.

This isn’t the only service offering 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a customizable kill switch. However, it is the only one (as far as we’re aware) that acts as its own server host and ISP. Further, it has a stealth mode that works in China, which is something very few other VPNs can say. PrivateVPN is a zero-logs provider and can’t reveal what you get up to under any circumstances. Live chat-based support is available around 22 hours per day.

PrivateVPN offers apps for iOS, MacOS, Android, and Windows. You’ll have to manually install this VPN on Linux systems and supported routers.

SPEED AND SECURITY:PrivateVPN offers quick, security-optimized servers that are great for streaming Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Crave in the US. Doesn’t keep any logs and puts your privacy first. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our comprehensive PrivateVPN review.

Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for changing Netflix location

Because of Netflix’s increasingly advanced detection systems, you can’t just use any old VPN to stream your usual content abroad. Below, we’ve identified a few key areas where the best VPNs for Netflix must excel. You’ll also find a brief explanation of why each feature is so important:

• Server choice: If your chosen VPN doesn’t have servers in your home country, accessing your usual library is simply not possible. We looked for providers with networks spanning at least 35 countries, to provide access to the widest possible set of Netflix catalogs.
• Overall performance: Plenty of providers struggle to maintain the 25 Mbps download speed needed to stream 4K video. However, we periodically run speed tests and can confidently say that all of the VPNs above are up to the task. Note that your speeds are heavily dependent on how fast your base connection is, though.
• Streaming ability: The more libraries a VPN can access, the better. This increases the likelihood that it’ll work with your home Netflix catalog. We also looked for services that worked with popular services like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and Global TV.
• Security and privacy: To ensure you’re able to stream safely, we require our top VPNs to follow a no-logs policy. Additionally, they must use powerful encryption, prevent leaks, and make sure you can’t accidentally browse unprotected. These are just the minimum requirements, though; if extra security tools are included, so much the better.
• Ease of use: Services should be as simple to use as possible. We look for anything that makes the VPN more welcoming to newcomers, be it a lack of connection limits, multi-platform support, live chat, or streaming-optimized servers.

This is just one small part of our testing strategy. To learn more about our VPN testing process, read our full methodology post.

Streaming a different Netflix library abroad: FAQs