Netflix proxy error

The Netflix proxy error occurs whenever Netflix detects that a user is trying to stream a video while connected to a proxy server or VPN. A proxy error message displays in the video player and is often accompanied by the error code m7111-5059:

“Whoops, something went wrong. Streaming error. You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again.”

In this article, we’ll discuss the Netflix proxy error, why it’s there, how it works, and how to bypass it to continue enjoying Netflix while using a VPN. We’ll also list the best VPNs to help you bypass this proxy error. We’ll go into each of them in more detail, but in case you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for the Netflix proxy error:

  1. NordVPN Our first choice VPN for Netflix! Offers very high speeds, strong security, reliable servers, and works well with Netflix. Plus, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Netflix.
  2. Surfshark The best budget VPN for streaming Netflix. Packed with security tools. Delivers high speeds and has no connection limit. Has been audited to prove it doesn’t keep logs.
  3. Total VPN This no-logs service can easily access local Netflix libraries abroad and keep you safe while you do. Very high speeds and easy-to-use apps.
  4. ProtonVPN Highly advanced VPN that works to watch multiple Netflix regions. Solid no-logs policy and robust AES encryption. System-level kill switch.
  5. ExpressVPN Secure, fast and reliable servers in every corner of the globe. Works great with Netflix and most other popular streaming sites. No logs.
  6. IPVanish One of the fastest VPNs tested. Ideal for streaming and works with Netflix US and Netflix UK. Unlimited simultaneous connections per account.
  7. CyberGhost: A great VPN for beginners as apps are easy to install and get working. Streaming speeds are surprisingly good for a low-cost provider.
  8. PureVPN Perfect if you want to watch Netflix on a budget. Secure, fast, apps for all devices and fast WireGuard connections.
  9. PrivateVPN Low-cost provider that can access most streaming sites, including Netflix. Effective stealth mode and static IP addresses available.
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Warning

Many VPNs claim to work with Netflix but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.

We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock Netflix and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.

Why does Netflix ban VPNs and proxies?

When Netflix went global, it didn’t have all the licensing rights necessary to stream the same TV series and movies to every country. And even before the worldwide rollout, users would connect to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and other types of proxies to access the different content available in other countries’ Netflix libraries. The US Netflix library is particularly popular due to its larger and generally newer catalog of TV shows.

A proxy service acts as a middleman between your device and Netflix. Instead of communicating directly with Netflix, your internet traffic is first routed through the proxy server. To Netflix and other websites and apps, it appears the user is connecting from the proxy server’s location instead of their own. If the user is in Canada and wants access to US Netflix, for example, they can connect to a proxy server in the USA and gain a US IP address. In simplest terms, VPNs work the same way but usually encrypt data in transit.

Netflix started blocking connections from all proxies and VPNs in early 2016 to enforce its copyright obligations. The trouble with this is that even users who connect to a proxy service or VPN server in their own country get hit with the proxy error, despite not trying to access content from another country.

How to fix the Netflix proxy error

Once you have a suitable VPN, avoiding the dreaded proxy error is easy. Simply follow this step-by-step guide.

Here’s how to avoid the Netflix proxy error:

  1. Sign up for a VPN that works with Netflix. We recommend NordVPN.
  2. Download and install your VPN app, making sure to get the correct version for your device.
  3. Visit Netflix and log in. You’ll still see your normal content library but it’s important to do this step before connecting to the VPN since Netflix likes to throw a fake login “incorrect credentials” eorr if you connect before logging in.
  4. Select the server location for the Netflix library you want to access. To watch UK Netflix, for example, choose a server located in the United Kingdom, this will give you a UK IP address.
  5. Hit the Connect button and give it a few seconds to establish a VPN connection.
  6. Finally, return to Netflix and refresh the page. If your VPN is working as expected, the content should change, signalling that you’re now viewing a different Netflix library.
  7. If you’re still getting the proxy error, try using a different server or location, clearing your cookies, and/or clearing your web browser cache.
  8. If you need more support, you can read our guide on what to do if your VPN isn’t working with Netflix. Or your VPN provider’s customer support might be able to help choose the correct settings and servers for Netflix.

WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN FOR NETFLIX RISK FREE?

NordVPN is offering a fully-featured risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up at this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for Netflix with no restrictions for a monthgreat if you want to binge-watch your favorite shows and movies or are going on a trip abroad.

There are no hidden termsjust contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

How we chose the top VPNs for the Netflix proxy error

As well as being able to evade detection by Netflix, VPNs need to be fast enough for streaming, while also being secure, good value, and easy to use. This may sound like a tall order, but our thorough testing process meant we were able to deliver on it.

  • Features: We started by testing whether providers actually worked with Netflix. We then tried them out with other popular streaming services. As the US tends to be the favored Netflix library, we also checked how many State-side server locations each provider had.
  • Speed: Our team tested each provider’s US servers in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon, using a 250 Mbps connection since that’s the average American household broadband speed. Our goal was to find out which VPNs were quick enough for streaming 4K content on Netflix.
  • Security and privacy: To gauge which providers provided comprehensive protection, we evaluated them against 16 different security and privacy metrics. Only those with robust privacy offerings and all of the necessary safeguards made the cut.
  • Ease of use: The best VPNs are those that go out of their way to remain accessible to new users. That’s why our team prioritizes VPNs with quality of life features like 24/7 live chat and unlimited connections.
  • Value for money: We’re always on the lookout for the best deals — whether that’s a provider with a generous money-back guarantee or one with a student discount. In all, we used 10 different metrics to measure value for money.

The above is just a summary, but you can read a detailed account of our testing process in the methodology section later in the article. First, let’s take a closer look at the VPNs that impressed us.

Best Netflix VPNs compared

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for bypassing the Netflix proxy error.

No valueNordVPNSurfsharkTotalVPNProton VPNExpressVPNIPVanishCyberGhostPureVPNPrivateVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comTotalVPN.comProtonVPN.comExpressVPN.comIPVanish.comCyberghost.comPureVPN.comPrivateVPN.com
Ranking for Netflix123456789
Works with Netflix
Avg Speed for Netflix US199.78 Mbps193.45 Mbps181.04 Mbps152.99 Mbps132.91 Mbps153.59 Mbps141.70 Mbps143.08 Mbps54.27 Mbps
Server countries165100901261051181007163
Total number of servers8,2004,500+1,80015,187Undisclosed3,1008,000+6,000+200+
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SAVE 80% on an annual plan
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SAVE 73% + 4 months free on 2 year plans
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Best VPNs to bypass the Netflix proxy error

The most reliable method to allow access to Netflix from abroad is still by using a VPN.

Here are the best VPNs for Netflix to resolve the proxy error.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Dec 2025 works with NetflixTested Dec 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.2 / 10
Ease of use: 9.6 / 10
Features: 9.2 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.5 / 10
US speed testing: 10.0 / 10
Value for money: 7.9 / 10

Website:  www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is the best option for fixing the Netflix proxy error. It can reliably access more than half a dozen country-specific Netflix catalogs. These include Netflix US, UK, Germany, France, Canada, Brazil, and Netflix Japan, as well as other platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Max, and BBC iPlayer. There are more than 8,000 servers spread across 120+ countries plus 24/7 live chat-based customer support, and the ability to connect up to 10 devices at the same time.

Streaming Netflix using NordVPN.
Streaming US Netflix using NordVPN.

Speeds are highly impressive. While connected to NordVPN’s US servers, we recorded an overall average download speed of 199.78 Mbps. That’s well above the 15 Mbps Netflix recommends for streaming UHD content, and you’re unlikely to experience any issues, even when the rest of your household is watching too. Here’s a quick look at our full test results:

NordVPN boasts an exceptionally strong security toolkit. To begin with, there’s unbreakable encryption, a customizable kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. This provider also offers a strict, fully-audited no-logs policy, automatic tracker and ad-blocking, a NordWhisper protocol designed to beat extreme online censorship. It’s even possible to set up split tunneling, allowing you to access a foreign Netflix library without changing your location on other services.

NordVPN's connection options.
The NordWhisper will help users in restrictive countries such as China get online.

NordVPN has apps with a full GUI available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. You can also follow manual setup instructions to get it running on virtually any router.

Want to know more? Read our guide to using NordVPN with Netflix.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want the most reliable VPN for bypassing the proxy error
  • You want to stream Netflix from nearly any country without switching servers
  • You want consistent UHD streaming performance without buffering or drops
  • You value a VPN that routes Netflix traffic through US servers even when connected elsewhere
  • You need a VPN that offers responsive customer support

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You need a VPN that supports streaming on devices without VPN support (Smart TVs, consoles, etc)

BEST FOR NETFLIX:NordVPN is our top recommendation. It’s extremely fast and works with Netflix, no matter which server you’re connected to, which makes it a breeze to get up and running. Strong security and privacy policies. Every plan comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark works with NetflixTested Dec 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9.1 / 10
Ease of use: 9.1 / 10
Features: 9.1 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.5 / 10
US speed testing: 9.6 / 10
Value for money: 8.1 / 10

Website:  www.Surfshark.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Surfshark is our top budget VPN for streaming Netflix. It has roughly 4,500 servers spread across 100+ countries and allows you to connect as many devices as you like simultaneously. It’s a great choice for streaming, working perfectly with BBC iPlayer, Prime Video, and several in-demand Netflix libraries (including Netflix US, Netflix UK, and Netflix JP). There’s even around the clock support over live chat in case you ever need any help.

Streaming Netflix using Surfshark.
Streaming Netflix using Surfshark.

So how fast is Surfshark, really? To find out, our team ran multiple performance tests using its American servers during the morning, midday, and the afternoon. This VPN delivered an average speed of 193.46 Mbps, with around 6 Mbps of variability across all tests. That’s a fantasic result, nearly 50 Mbps faster than the combined average speeds of the other providers we tried. Let’s take a look:

This provider pays close attention to your privacy. It keeps your activities hidden using uncrackable AES-256 encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and automatic ad and tracker-blocking. There’s also a NoBorders mode that can help you bypass Chinese internet blocking, an audited zero-logs policy, and split tunneling functionality, plus the ability to rotate your IP address every few minutes for maximum anonymity. Finally, it has a unique ID-generation tool so that you can sign up for things without providing your real personal details.

Surfshark's MultiHop options.
Users can choose pre-paired servers or select their own entry and exit servers.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. You can also manually install it on most home routers. For more information, check out our guide to Surfshark and Netflix.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You’re looking for the most affordable VPN that reliably bypasses Netflix proxy errors
  • You need to be able to connect every device you own simultaneously
  • You stream US, UK, or Japanese Netflix and need stable servers in those locations
  • You need obfuscation to access Netflix even from restrictive regions like China

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want the most intuitive or cleanest interface (Surfshark’s UI can feel cluttered)

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is highly affordable and works out of the box with Netflix. It’s secure and reliable and doesn’t impose a connection limit. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

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3. Total VPN

TotalVPN works with netflixTested Dec 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 9 / 10
Ease of use: 9.4 / 10
Features: 9.1 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.1 / 10
US speed testing: 8.7 / 10
Value for money: 8.5 / 10

Website:  TotalVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Total VPN has what it takes to help you stream your favorite shows while on vacation. For starters, it has more than 1,800 servers in 80+ countries and the ability to securely access a wide range of streaming platforms (including Netflix). Not only that, it permits up to five simultaneous connections and has a ticket-based support system in the unlikely event that anything doesn’t work as expected.

Screenshot showing Total VPN working with Netflix US
This service works perfectly with Netflix US, UK, and several other libraries. We’ve also had great results using it with Disney+, Prime Video, and more.

This provider keeps the user secure without asking them to manually configure anything. Straight off the bat, it protects your privacy using DNS and IPv6 leak prevention, unbreakable AES-256 encryption, and a kill switch (though this last tool isn’t available on Windows just yet). Equally important, Total VPN refuses to keep any logs of your browsing habits, so you’re safe from ISP throttling and snooping.

Netflix recommends a minimum speed of 15 Mbps for its UHD content, so we tested Total VPN’s American servers to see if it could keep up. On a 250 Mbps connection, it delivered an average speed of 181.05 Mbps with 9 Mbps of variance. That’s well above what’s needed for any task, be it streaming, torrenting, or playing games.

Total VPN offers user-friendly apps for Windows, Android, iOS, and macOS. For more information, check out our guide to watching Netflix with Total VPN.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want to access popular Netflix libraries securely while traveling
  • You’re looking for a speedy service with minimal slowdown at peak times
  • You’d like a VPN that takes the stress out of online privacy
  • You’ve never used a VPN before and would like something beginner-friendly

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You were hoping for a VPN with its own Smart DNS service

STREAM IN 4K:Total VPN is fast enough for any everyday task, including live streaming, watching UHD content, or torrenting. Its apps are extremely easy to use, and there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans (and a 14-day guarantee on anything shorter-term subscriptions).

Interested? Take a look at our full Total VPN review.

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4. ProtonVPN

Proton VPN works with netflixTested Dec 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 8.3 / 10
Ease of use: 9.6 / 10
Features: 8.2 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.3 / 10
US speed testing: 6.9 / 10
Value for money: 7.3 / 10

Website:  www.ProtonVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ProtonVPN is a fast, versatile service with a phenomenal reputation on privacy. It has more than 15,000 servers in over 120 countries and works with just about any major streaming platforms. For instance, our team was able to watch Hulu, Peacock, Max, and several regional Netflix catalogs. This VPN lets users secure up to 10 devices simultaneously, plus it offers 24/7 assistance over live chat.

Streaming Netflix using ProtonVPN.
Streaming Netflix using ProtonVPN.

We decided to test ProtonVPN’s American servers in the morning, at midday, and in the afternoon. These were run on a 250 Mbps connection since that’s the average broadband speed in the US. This VPN had an average speed of 152.99 Mbps too, making it an excellent choice for anyone hoping to stream Netflix, play online games, or torrent safely. Here are our full test results, side by side:

ProtonVPN offers unbreakable 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. There’s also a strict no-logs policy in place, plus a wealth of advanced features. These include split tunneling and port forwarding support, a stealth protocol, multi-hop servers, and automatic ad and tracker-blocking, as well as a unique accelerator feature that claims to boost your speeds by 400 percent.

Screenshot showing ProtonVPN's Stealth protocol
This VPN’s obfuscation can help you bypass some forms of censorship but won’t help in countries like China

Note that while this service does offer a free tier, you won’t be able to select a server location manually or access streaming platforms unless you upgrade. On the plus side, ProtonVPN offers great performance, powerful security, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Having issues? We have a ProtonVPN troubleshooting guide for Netflix.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want advanced security, including a stealth protocol and Tor over VPN
  • You want extra features like built-in ad and tracker blocking (NetShield)
  • You need a system-level kill switch to ensure no data leaks during Netflix streams
  • You want access to one of the largest server networks available.

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’d prefer a VPN that specifically tells you which servers to use for Netflix
  • You’re a beginner looking for the simplest and most user-friendly VPN

GREAT FOR TORRENTING:ProtonVPN is a highly advanced and feature-packed VPN. It works to watch multiple Netflix regions as well as tons of popular services around the world. Perfect to engage in secure torrenting. Solid no-logs policy and robust AES encryption. System-level kill switch. 30-day refund guarantee.

Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN works with NetflixTested Dec 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.9 / 10
Ease of use: 9.0 / 10
Features: 9.0 / 10
Security & privacy: 9.2 / 10
US speed testing: 5.5 / 10
Value for money: 7.0 / 10

Website:  www.ExpressVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

ExpressVPN is another exceptional service, boasting first-class streaming ability, newcomer-friendly apps, and servers in 105 countries. This VPN works perfectly with Netflix, granting access to more than a dozen regional libraries. It can also help you stream content on platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+, to name but a few. Support staff are on-hand 24/7 via live chat, and users can connect between 10 and 14 devices, depending on their subscription tier.

Streaming Netflix using ExpressVPN.
Streaming Netflix using ExpressVPN.

We performed multiple speed tests on ExpressVPN’s American servers. As the chart below shows, this provider was extremely fast, delivering an average download speed of 132.91 Mbps. For context, that’s nearly 10 times the speed Netflix recommends for 4K content and will allow you to download a 1 GB file in around a minute. In short, you should be able to watch without any noticable stuttering, buffering, or lag.

ExpressVPN doesn’t ask the user to manually configure much. That’s because its key security features are all enabled by default. These include quantum-resistant AES-256 encryption, automatic DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. The VPN will also automatically obfuscate your traffic anytime you set foot in a country with extreme digital censorship. You can, however, activate the ad and tracker-blocking feature if you’d like a little more control over your connection. Most importantly, this service is fully-audited and doesn’t keep any logs of your activities.

ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol.
ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol offers protection against future attacks by quantum computers.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Linux, and certain Wi-Fi routers. If your device doesn’t support VPNs, for example, if you’re using a game console or Apple TV, you can use the MediaStreamer smart DNS proxy included in every ExpressVPN subscription.

Read more about using ExpressVPN with Netflix here.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want a VPN that has long maintained reliable Netflix access with minimal downtime
  • You’d rather have a VPN that comes with its own Smart DNS service
  • You want a service capable of accessing lots of different Netflix libraries
  • You need a VPN with built-in obfuscation for reliable use in restricted countries

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’re looking for the cheapest short-term coverage around
  • You want labeled Netflix servers

STREAM WITH EASE:ExpressVPN is fast and security-conscious. It’s been reliably working with Netflix since the proxy error first appeared. Secure and reliable with a no-logs policy and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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6. IPVanish

IPVanish works with netflixTested Dec 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.9 / 10
Ease of use: 8.1 / 10
Features: 8.4 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.7 / 10
US speed testing: 6.9 / 10
Value for money: 7.3 / 10

Website:  www.IPVanish.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

IPVanish has long been a favorite of those who like to stream. This provider owns all 3,200 of its servers outright, meaning it can roll out updates and patch vulnerabilities more quickly than its rivals. It’s one of the best VPNs on the market for watching TV, working with Netflix US and UK, as well as platforms like Disney Plus, Paramount+, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Best of all, there’s 24/7 support and absolutely no connection or bandwidth limits.

Streaming Netflix using IPVanish.
Streaming Netflix using IPVanish.

This provider did very well in our speed tests too, which perhaps shouldn’t be a surprise given that it’s one of the only VPNs with 25 Gbps servers. IPVanish achieved an average speed of 153.59 Mbps, with roughly 9 Mbps of fluctuation throughout a typical day. That’s well above what’s needed to stream 4K video on Netflix, and really, you should be able to perform any day to day task just fine.

IPVanish boasts a robust set of privacy tools, beginning with its uncrackable 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch that stops sending traffic when your connection drops unexpectedly. This provider has been professionally audited on several occasions, so you can trust its no-logs policy. This VPN’s more advanced features include multi-hop servers, basic obfuscation (though this is OpenVPN only), split tunneling functionality, and the ability to block ads, trackers, and malware automatically.

IPVanish's split tunneling feature.
Users can choose which apps or sites they want to use outside of the VPN tunnel.

This service has two subscription tiers, Essential (which is the standard plan) or Advanced, which bundles the VPN with a remotely-accessible cloud-based browser and a terabyte of secure file storage. Given that it only costs around a dollar more each month, we’d say this is well worth considering.

IPVanish apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. You must manually configure the on Linux and select routers. Read more about using IPVanish with Netflix.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You’d like to be able to access all kinds of platforms, not just Netflix
  • You’re looking for a VPN with reliable, high-speed connections
  • You want to be able to secure any number of devices
  • You want to use split tunneling to route only Netflix through the VPN

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You’d prefer to pay anonymously for your VPN subscription
  • You need a VPN that works in high-censorship countries like China

LAG-FREE STREAMING:IPVanish lets you stream in the highest quality thanks to its fast, unthrottled connections. Unlimited simultaneous connections and quality customer support. Includes a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost works with NetflixTested Dec 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.5 / 10
Ease of use: 9.1 / 10
Features: 6.4 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.9 / 10
US speed testing: 6.1 / 10
Value for money: 7.2 / 10

Website:  www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is a great beginner-friendly option for anyone hoping to access various Netflix libraries from abroad. It has servers in more than 100 countries and actually has some optimized for Netflix US, Netflix UK, and Netflix Japan, among others. Naturally, it works with a ton of other platforms too, including Hulu and ITVX. This provider allows up to seven simultaneous connections, provides 24/7 assistance via live chat, and is, in our professional opinion, one of the easiest VPNs to use.

Streaming Netflix using CyberGhost.
Streaming Netflix using CyberGhost.

Following a full day of speed testing, CyberGhost delivered an average speed of 141.71 Mbps. That’s an incredible result, nearly 10 times the recommended minimum for watching 4K content. In other words, CyberGhost is ideal for streaming, playing online games, or downloading large files safely. It’s pretty consistent too, with results varying by only 6 Mbps.

CyberGhost's streaming servers.
CyberGhost’s streaming servers take the guesswork out of choosing the right server for a particular platform.

This provider actually offers quite an extensive set of security features. All of your activities are shielded from snoopers using 256-bit AES encryption (or ChaCha20 if you’re on the WireGuard protocol). There’s also a kill switch, DNs and IPv6 leak protection, an audited no-logs policy, and the ability to send your data via a random port, hiding the fact that you’re using a VPN at all. CyberGhost even lets you create smart rules that tell the VPN to connect or open apps on its own in some situations.

This provider’s apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Alternatively, you can follow a manual setup guide to get it running on most routers.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want servers specifically labeled for Netflix access within the app
  • You’re new to VPNs and want a simple, beginner-friendly experience
  • You want a long money-back guarantee (45 days) to test Netflix compatibility risk-free
  • You want access to a massive server network

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You want access to Netflix from restricted regions like China
  • You’d like to use the fastest VPN on the market

EASY TO USE:CyberGhost specifically lists Netflix servers in its apps, so you don’t have to guess at which locations work. Great set of privacy features and a true no-logging policy. Plans come with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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8. PureVPN

PureVPN works with netflixTested Dec 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 7.5 / 10
Ease of use: 9.1 / 10
Features: 7.1 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.7 / 10
US speed testing: 6.2 / 10
Value for money: 6.4 / 10

Website:  www.PureVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS

PureVPN boasts an expansive network, with roughly 6,000 servers spread throughout 65 countries. It’s perfect for users on a budget because it has both a very low price and the ability to access multiple Netflix libraries, including those of the US, Canada, the UK, Japan, and Germany. You’ll even be able to access platforms like ESPN, Sling TV, and YouTube TV too! Users can protect up to 10 devices at the same time and if you ever need any help, staff are available 24/7 via live chat.

Streaming Netflix using PureVPN.
Streaming Netflix using PureVPN.

Our experts tested PureVPN’s speeds three times using a 250 Mbps connection. This service did very well, averaging 143.09 Mbps although there was a little more variance than we’d like (13 Mbps). Still, even at its slowest, PureVPN is significantly faster than is required for streaming Netflix, downloading large files, or making video calls. Let’s take a closer look at those results:

PureVPN has servers across over 65 countries, enabling users to access a wide range of region-locked content and services globally. It is particularly good for streaming British television channels like BBC iPlayer and ITVX – as well as watching tons of US streaming platforms ( DirecTV Stream, Hulu, HBO Max, and many more).

The VPN has reliable apps for all major platforms and includes advanced security features like robust AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logging policy. These features make PureVPN a secure choice for those looking to stream content discreetly at work or school and are equally beneficial for remote work and protecting against ISP snooping and government surveillance.

PureVPN's tracker and ad-blocker.
PureVPN makes it easy for users to stop trackers and adverts from plaguing them online.

A minor limitation is the somewhat slow response times of its live chat support, however, the overall performance and reliability of this VPN make it an excellent choice for most home users. Plus, you can try PureVPN risk-free using its 31-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our guide to using PureVPN with Netflix.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You value WireGuard support for maximizing streaming speeds without high cost
  • You prefer wide device support, including smart TVs and browser extensions
  • You need basic ad and tracker blocking for a cleaner streaming experience
  • You’re looking for a great value provider

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You need port forwarding without paying extra ($1.50/month)
  • You’re looking for the absolute fastest Netflix speeds

LOW COST PROVIDER:PureVPN is perfect if you want to watch Netflix on a budget. It is secure, fast, and perfect for home internet users seeking online freedom and privacy. Apps for all devices and fast WireGuard connections. 31-day money-back guarantee lets you test it yourself.

Find out more in our PureVPN review.

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85 off + 3 months free on 2 year standard plans
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9. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN works with NetflixTested Dec 2025

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

VPN Ratings:

Overall score: 6 / 10
Ease of use: 8.2 / 10
Features: 5.9 / 10
Security & privacy: 8.6 / 10
US speed testing: 1.0 / 10
Value for money: 6.5 / 10

Website:  www.PrivateVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

PrivateVPN is a smaller provider but works with Netflix in several countries, including the US, UK, Japan, South Korea, and France. If you’re trying to access a show or subtitles only available in a specific country, try this one.

Streaming Netflix using PrivateVPN.
Streaming Netflix using PrivateVPN.

PrivateVPN has servers in 63+ countries overall and performed steadily in our speed tests. Its average speed across the three tests was 54.27 Mbps, which — though noticeably slower than the test results above — still means you could stream Netflix in UHD on two devices at the same time. 

PrivateVPN’s features include a stealth mode that works in China and the UAE, port forwarding, static IPs, and the ability to adjust the encryption level for faster speeds.

PrivateVPN's encryption options.
Users can reduce the encryption key length from 256-bit to 128-bit for better connection speeds (but worse security).

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. Want to know more? Check out our guide to using PrivateVPN with Netflix.

Buy this VPN if:

  • You want to stream Netflix from less common regions like South Korea
  • You need static IP addresses to avoid Netflix IP bans and proxy errors
  • You’re looking for a simple, user-friendly VPN interface
  • You need to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously

Don’t buy this VPN if:

  • You rely on round-the-clock customer support to troubleshoot Netflix errors
  • You want access to every major Netflix region without switching servers

ONE SIZE FITS ALL:PrivateVPN works with Netflix in a variety of countries, so it’s great if you want to access international libraries. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Recent updates to our recommended VPNs

We regularly update our VPN recommendations to include the latest features and improvements. Here’s what’s new from our top providers:

NordVPN

  • Browser extensions now feature timezone spoofing, enhancing privacy when paired with location masking (October 2025)
  • NordVPN has converted its Linux app to fully open-source code to improve auditability (October 2025)
  • Connection reliability enhanced with automatic reconnection (June 2025)
  • Meshnet file transfers upgraded with drag-and-drop support (June 2025)
  • Dark Web monitoring expanded to 50 email addresses (June 2025)

Surfshark

  • A web filter designed to block inappropriate content for minors is now available (October 2025)
  • New 100Gbps servers in Amsterdam bring significantly improved throughput (October 2025)
  • Bypasser feature now available on all platforms (April 2025)
  • Dedicated IP service expanded with seven new cities: Istanbul, Warsaw, Las Vegas, and more (April 2025)

Total VPN

  • tvOS app now available for Apple TV users
  • Android killswitch redesigned as “always on” protection
  • iOS and macOS feature “connect on demand” security

Proton VPN

  • ProtonVPN expanded into Panama, Armenia, Mongolia, and Laos (October 2025)
  • NetShield enhanced with phishing protection (Spring 2025)
  • Streaming service compatibility expanded to nearly 100 platforms (Spring 2025)

How does the Netflix proxy error work?

Netflix doesn’t publicly disclose how the VPN ban and proxy error work, but we can surmise a few things through our extensive testing.

Blacklisting IPs

An IP address is a unique string of numbers and decimals assigned to every internet-connected device. Public IP addresses are visible on the web and correspond to specific countries. Whenever you connect to a VPN or proxy service, your device’s public IP address is masked by that of the proxy server.

Netflix blacklists most proxy and VPN server IP addresses. Rather than weeding out individual servers, we believe Netflix simply blocks entire ranges of non-residential IP addresses. Netflix knows most proxy servers are hosted in data centers, which use different ranges of IP addresses than residential networks.

DNS filtering

Netflix can also detect when some VPNs and proxies are being used through DNS. DNS, short for Domain Name System, works like a phone book for the Internet, associating IP addresses with domain names.

Whenever you go to the Netflix website, your web browser sends a DNS request to a DNS server. The DNS server looks up the IP address for Netflix and returns it to your device, which then fetches the video from the Netflix server. Netflix can determine which DNS server was used in this transaction.

By default, your DNS server probably belongs to your local Internet Service Provider and corresponds to a specific country or region. Many proxies and VPNs only route web traffic and not DNS traffic. If Netflix spots a mismatch between your DNS server location and your IP address location, it knows a proxy service is in use and throws up the error.

Most good VPN providers route DNS traffic along with everything else through their servers, but the Netflix apps for iOS and Android compound the issue by overriding these DNS settings. The website version that you access in a web browser doesn’t do this, though, so accessing Netflix in a browser is typically easier than on mobile apps.

Why Netflix bans VPNs

Our research has conclusively shown that despite Netflix’s aggressive crackdown on VPN and smart DNS proxy providers, a select few VPN providers have managed to maintain Netflix access for their users. This heavy-handed VPN ban overlooks these tools’ crucial role in safeguarding users’ privacy and enabling secure access to home-based services while traveling abroad. We firmly believe that the value of these essential privacy shields should not be underestimated or ignored.

Through years of experience testing VPNs, we’ve discovered that even with the ban in place, VPNs and smart DNS proxies are still the most commonly used and accessible methods for accessing Netflix outside of one’s home country. We firmly believe that both options effectively resolve the proxy error, and we will detail how to do so in the upcoming sections.

How do VPNs work with Netflix?

As mentioned above, a VPN encrypts a device’s internet traffic and routes it through a middleman server in a location of the user’s choosing. By connecting to a VPN in the US, you can access the internet as if you were physically located in the US.

For the average Netflix user, a VPN is a desktop or mobile app that usually requires a small monthly fee.

Most VPNs that can reliably access Netflix don’t share how they do so. Again, however, we can surmise how they manage to do it.

Because Netflix blacklists most data center IP addresses, VPN providers set up several servers using residential IP addresses. These IPs are off Netflix’s radar, and blocking them could result in some non-proxy users being unable to access videos. If Netflix happens to block a residential IP anyway, the VPN provider swaps it out with the next one in line.

A few VPNs have also forced the Netflix app to use the VPN provider’s DNS servers instead of local ones. This ensures that Netflix cannot determine whether the user is accessing videos through a VPN.

Smart DNS proxy

A smart DNS proxy cleverly allows you to use a proxy only as needed for certain websites, apps, and services. It is usually configured in the DNS settings of your device’s network settings menu. Like VPNs, DNS proxies often require a monthly subscription.

We mentioned before that DNS works like a phone book for the internet. Smart DNS alters entries in the phone book for specific domains like “netflix.com.” Instead of Netflix’s IP address, a request for netflix.com on a smart DNS proxy sends your traffic to a proxy server in the US (or the location you want to access).

These proxy servers likely use residential IP addresses in place of commercial data center IP addresses to avoid Netflix’s firewall, similar to some VPNs. Unlike VPNs, however, your internet traffic is not necessarily encrypted, so you don’t get the same level of privacy or security. They are useful, however, on Smart TVs when no VPN app is available.

Combining smart DNS and VPNs

Most VPN providers that can access Netflix only operate a small handful of servers that can do so. This means users must look up or ask customer service which server or location to connect. To get around this, some providers combine a VPN with smart DNS to let users use Netflix regardless of which server they’re connected to.

For example, when you connect to any NordVPN server through a VPN, you use NordVPN’s DNS servers. Those are smart DNS servers that, in most cases, will route requests to Netflix back to the US version, regardless of actual server location. This allows NordVPN users to access Netflix USA from any server location, although they might not get the localized version they expect. In this case, even though you’re connected to a server in Mexico, your connections to Netflix still run through US servers.

Some VPN providers like ExpressVPN allow you to use smart DNS either with the VPN or as a standalone service.

Netflix Proxy Error: FAQs

If I keep using a VPN, will Netflix ban me?

Don’t worry, Netflix is unlikely to ban you for using a VPN. Using a VPN to access region-locked content is against the streaming platform’s terms of service, and Netflix has the right to restrict access. However, there is no evidence that Netflix is banning users for using VPNs. The worst-case scenario is that an IP address becomes blocked. In this case, you’ll need to connect to another VPN server for a different IP address.

Can I use a free VPN to get around the Netflix Proxy error?

Probably not. Although a handful of free VPNs might be able to access Netflix, those that do usually cap your data or restrict bandwidth. That means you’ll only get through one or two episodes before getting cut off, or you’ll encounter constant buffering.

In addition, most Free VPNs are not to be trusted. Many of them spy on user activity and sell that data to third parties. Some carry malware. A lot of them don’t have very good security and could put your data at risk.

In short, stick with paid VPNs. You can always take advantage of the money-back guarantee if you decide it’s not for you.

Why does Netflix say I'm using a proxy when I am not?

It could be that Netflix might say you’re using a proxy because your IP address has been assigned to a public proxy server. This could happen if you’re using a VPN service that doesn’t correctly route all of your traffic or if you’re accidentally connected to a public proxy server.

The second possibility is that Netflix has detected some unusual traffic coming from your IP address. Several things could cause this, but the most likely explanation is that you’re using a proxy service to access Netflix content that isn’t available in your country.

If this is the case, then you’ll need to disable the service and restart your browser in order to continue watching Netflix.