How to watch Netflix USA in Portugal with a VPN

Netflix content is subject to copyright restrictions, so some titles aren’t available everywhere. This is why if you try to access Netflix USA from Portugal, you’ll be redirected to Netflix Portugal, and some of your regular shows and movies will be missing. Luckily, it’s easy to watch your home Netflix from anywhere, you just need a VPN with US servers.

With a Virtual Private Network (VPN), the data traveling to and from your streaming device is encrypted, protecting it from snoopers and other security threats. It’s run through a server in the location of your choosing, in this case, in the US, which makes it look like you’re browsing from that location. This allows American users to watch Netflix USA in Portugal (or anywhere while traveling abroad).

Unfortunately, not every VPN works to access Netflix, as it has sophisticated VPN detection methods. So, we’ve put together a list of the best VPNs that work with Netflix US from anywhere, and we’ll explain how to use them. We’ll start with a quick summary, but keep scrolling to find more in-depth reviews of the VPNs we recommend.

Best VPNs for Netflix USA in Portugal:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Netflix USA. Nearly 2,000 US servers. Fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. P2P and Double VPN servers available. No-logs VPN with 24/7 support. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN. Servers in 20 US cities. Fastest VPN we’ve tested. Unlimited simultaneous connections and Double VPN servers. 24/7 support and a no-logs policy.
3. ExpressVPN: Servers in 94 countries including the US. High-speed connections and unlimited bandwidth. Works with Netflix and offers 24/7 support. Secure with high-end encryption.
4. CyberGhost: 9,000 servers in 90 countries (almost 1,500 in the US). Unthrottled bandwidth for lag-free streaming of Netflix US. Use on up to seven devices. Password manager in beta.
5. IPVanish: Connect an unlimited number of devices at once. Servers in 20 US cities. Good speeds for streaming Netflix US in Portugal. No-logs policy for anonymous browsing.
6. PrivateVPN: Works with Netflix, Amazon Prime, and more. Servers in dozens of countries. Fast speeds for streaming and torrenting. Strict no-logs policy.
7. Hotspot Shield: Servers in 80 countries, including the US, for watching Netflix US. 24/7 live chat and email support. Security includes encryption and a password manager.

TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Netflix.

How to watch Netflix USA in Portugal with a VPN

Some people are wary of VPNs because they sound quite technical. However, these services couldn’t be easier to use! In fact, you need only follow the simple setup instructions detailed below and you’ll be streaming your favorite content in no time.

Here’s how to watch Netflix USA from Portugal using a VPN:

1. Start by signing up with a VPN provider that provides servers in the US (and works with Netflix US!). We recommend NordVPN.
2. Next, you’ll need to download one of the VPN’s apps. Make sure you’re installing the correct version for your streaming device.
3. Log in to the VPN app and connect to a server back home in a US city. You’ll then be assigned a US IP address so you can watch Netflix USA from abroad.
4. Now you can go to Netflix US, which should load without redirecting you to Portugal’s library. All content should now play without restriction.
5. Didn’t work? Try clearing your browser’s cookies. Alternatively, try another server, as your current IP address may be blacklisted. Otherwise, get in touch with your VPN’s customer support for further assistance.

How we selected the top Netflix US VPNs

While there are hundreds of VPNs to choose from, many simply aren’t worth your time and money. We take the guesswork out of it for you by only including those VPNs that meet the following non-negotiable criteria:

• Servers in the US that successfully work with Netflix US
• High-speed connections and unlimited bandwidth
• Security features including encryption and a kill switch
• Customer support via live chat and email (preferably 24/7)
• No-logs policy, so you can browse and stream anonymously
• Minimum of five simultaneous connections per account

Want to know more? Check out our detailed section on our VPN testing methodology section below.

Best VPNs to watch Netflix USA in Portugal

At Comparitech, we personally use and test every VPN we recommend to you (and many more that don’t make the grade). The following reviews are based on our first-hand experiences and real-world tests. Let’s dive in.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Netflix USA:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024 works with US netflixTested Apr 2024

NordVPN is our top recommended VPN for watching Netflix US from Portugal (or anywhere). This veteran provider offers more servers in the US than any other VPN we’ve come across. Of its 5,500 plus servers, almost 2,000 are spread across 15 US cities. Of course, this makes it very easy to watch popular streaming services from Portugal, be it Netflix USA, Amazon Prime Video, or HBO. With an average download speed of 115 Mbps (per our latest tests), it’s more than fast enough for lag-free streaming in 4K. Better still, it also offers unlimited bandwidth.

This VPN has an increasing array of security features, making it one of the most secure options on the market. First, there’s 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks. Further, this no-logs service even offers Double VPN servers as well as NordPass password manager. With all of NordVPN’s apps, you can secure up to six devices at once. Have any questions? 24/7 live chat and email support are available.

You can connect to NordVPN via apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. If you prefer, browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox. With manual configuration, you can even use NordVPN with your wifi router.

BEST VPN FOR NETFLIX USA:NordVPN is our top choice for watching Netflix USA in Portugal. Very fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Nearly 2,000 US servers. P2P and Double VPN servers available. Includes 24/7 support and a no-logs policy. You can try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

works with US netflixTested Apr 2024

Surfshark has fast become one of the larger VPNs on the market, offering over 3,000 servers in 100 countries. If you’re looking to watch Netflix US in Portugal, you can choose from more than 500 servers spread across 20 US cities. As such, it’s easy to find a server that suits your needs and offers the fastest possible speeds. There’s no bandwidth throttling, either, so streaming is typically free of interruptions. In fact, our testers around the world have been able to watch over 30 Netflix libraries so far!

With a Surfshark account, you can connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. You’ll also have access to 24/7 support as well as Double VPN servers. This no-logs VPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, so it isn’t subject to any mandatory data retention laws. Internet traffic is routed through a 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel while further security is provided via DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and automatic malware scanning.

Connect to a server in the US by downloading and installing a Surfshark app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, or Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available while this VPN can be manually installed with select compatible routers.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark has servers in over 20 US cities for watching Netflix USA and is the fastest VPN we’ve tested. Connect all of your devices at the same time. No-logs service with 24/7 support and Double VPN servers for extra security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

works with US netflixTested Apr 2024

ExpressVPN is one of your best bets for accessing geo-restricted websites and services from around the world. The reason for this is that it has an impressive 3,000+ servers in 94 countries. With servers in a dozen US cities, including Los Angeles and New York, you can stream Netflix USA in Portugal or anywhere else. ExpressVPN is also known to provide very fast server speeds and, particularly important for streaming, doesn’t throttle your bandwidth.

This is a VPN service that’s particularly suitable for beginners thanks to the user-friendly apps and 24/7 support. Its new interactive router setup guide makes it easier than ever to use ExpressVPN with your router and all connected devices. Security-wise, you can expect 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. Unlike some VPNs, ExpressVPN helps you stay anonymous because it doesn’t keep any identifying logs, runs RAM-only servers, and accepts Bitcoin payments.

Upon signing up with ExpressVPN, you’ll have access to apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. You’ll also find custom firmware for routers as well as browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

CONSISTENT ACCESS:ExpressVPN has high-speed servers in 94 countries, the US included. Reliable access to Netflix USA. Beginner-friendly apps as well as 24/7 support. Highly secure with encryption and a kill switch. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

works with US netflixTested Apr 2024

CyberGhost stands out for offering a network of approximately 9,000 servers across 90 countries. Overall, there are nearly 1,500 US servers available, all of which are optimized for P2P traffic. High-speed connections and unlimited bandwidth mean you’ll be able to stream Netflix USA without any lag or buffering, even in 4K. Once you have a CyberGhost account, you’ll be able to use it to secure up to seven of your devices at the same time.

A strict no-logs policy ensures your privacy while using CyberGhost. Security is further backed up with 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. More recently, this VPN has introduced its CyberGhost Security Suite for Windows. This includes an antivirus for even greater protection. Should you require any assistance, live chat, and email support can be contacted 24 hours a day via live chat.

To watch Netflix USA in Portugal, connect to a CyberGhost server via a Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or Linux app. There’s also the option of Android TV and Amazon Fire TV apps, as well as Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Routers require manual setup.

1,500+ US SERVERS:CyberGhost has a huge network of over 9,00 global servers and 1,500 in the US. No bandwidth throttling and allows up to seven simultaneous connections. Strong security thanks to encryption and a strict no-logs policy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

works with US netflixTested Apr 2024

IPVanish is headquartered in the US, where a significant proportion (nearly 1,200) of its servers are located. You have the choice of some 20 US cities and, as such, can find a server closer to your physical location for faster speeds (WireGuard support is also arriving sometime in 2021, which should boost these even further). IPVanish doesn’t throttle your bandwidth, so you can stream Netflix US from Portugal as much as you like. This VPN is P2P-friendly and allows torrenting on all of its servers.

While most VPNs only allow a few simultaneous connections per account, IPVanish lets you secure as many devices as you want. The service also includes live chat and email support, available 24/7. Data is secured with 256-bit AES encryption, protecting you from hackers and snoopers alike, while there’s also a kill switch and DNS leak protection. The zero-logs policy of IPVanish means that none of your data is collected or shared with anyone.

IPVanish apps are provided for desktop (Windows and Mac) and mobile (Android and iOS). There’s also an app for Amazon Fire TV, although use with Linux and wireless routers requires following the manual setup instructions provided by IPVanish.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections — great for sharing with family. Servers in 20 US cities for watching Netflix USA from Portugal. No-logs service with 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

works with US netflixTested Apr 2024

PrivateVPN is one of the most reliable options for accessing region-locked websites and services, including Netflix USA. On top of this, it offers fast speeds, making it a strong choice for streaming as well as torrenting. With absolutely no bandwidth throttling, you won’t have to contend with frustrating issues like lag or buffering. This VPN is only likely to get faster moving forward as it looks to introduce support for the WireGuard protocol in the near future.

This VPN has a true no-logs policy, which means your privacy is protected at all times. Indeed, very little information is required to create an account and you can even pay anonymously in Bitcoin. Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection from DNS leaks, not to mention an anti-censorship stealth mode. Live chat and email support are included, although PrivateVPN is easy to use thanks to its user-friendly apps, which allow up to 10 simultaneous connections.

PrivateVPN apps can be found for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. To use this VPN with your Linux system or home wifi router, you’ll need to configure it manually.

USER-FRIENDLY:PrivateVPN works with many popular streaming services including Netflix. Servers in dozens of countries, including the US and Portugal. Good, consistent speeds and strong privacy protection thanks to its strict no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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7. Hotspot Shield

works with US netflixTested Apr 2024

Hotspot Shield works with a number of popular US streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. This is thanks to its many US servers, which are located in over two dozen cities. Overall, this VPN has more than 1,800 servers in 80 countries, making it highly suitable for use from Portugal or while traveling abroad. With a single account, you can connect up to five of your devices simultaneously.

There’s no shortage of security features with Hotspot Shield. Aside from the essentials of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch, it offers automatic wifi protection and its own Hydra protocol. Indeed, you can even access a password manager, spam call blocker, and antivirus with its premium plan. Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep any logs by which users can be identified. It also provides subscribers with around-the-clock live chat and email support.

In order to use Hotspot Shield, you’ll need to download one of its apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, or Amazon Fire TV. Alternatively, a Chrome browser extension is available. Select compatible routers are supported, albeit with manual setup.

WIFI PROTECTION:Hotspot Shield offers servers in 80 countries including the US. No bandwidth throttling, and includes 24/7 support. Doesn’t keep identifying logs and offers automatic wifi protection and a password manager. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

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Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for watching Netflix USA in Portugal

It can be frustrating to discover that while your favorite TV shows and movies are on Netflix, they’re not available when you travel abroad. Netflix Portugal has fewer titles than that of Netflix USA. Furthermore, Netflix US is region-locked abroad. Below, we’ll explain a little more about the things we looked for in the best VPNs for watching Netflix USA in Portugal, starting with offering servers in the US!

• Servers in the USA: In order for a VPN to be able to access Netflix USA from abroad, it must have servers in the US. Ideally, it will offer servers in multiple US cities so you can find one as close to your location as possible. You’ll then have a US IP address, which will allow you to securely access Netflix US while in Portugal or when traveling abroad.
• Speed: Without fast server speeds, you’ll struggle to stream Netflix in high resolution without lag and buffering. We regularly speed test all the VPNs we recommend to ensure they have not only high-speed servers in the US for streaming in 1080p HD (and even 4K), they also provide unlimited bandwidth. This means you can stream on their servers as much as you like.
• Network size: Aside from providing plenty of servers in the US, it also helps if a VPN has servers in other countries, such as Portugal! After all, there may be times when you need to access a different website or service, particularly if traveling abroad. Most of the VPNs recommended have thousands of servers in dozens of countries.
• Security: Browsing the web can come with some security risks, particularly if you are using unsecured public wifi networks. In doing so, you may be vulnerable to the theft of your data. However, a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, securing it from hackers. In fact, some VPNs even offer Double VPN servers for an extra layer of security.
• Privacy: Some VPNs log your data and sell it to third parties. But any quality VPN won’t keep any identifying logs of its users. You should be able to browse and stream anonymously without anyone (such as your VPN or ISP) knowing what you’re doing. To find out if your VPN keeps logs, take a look at our study of VPN logging policies.
• Ease of use: The fact that a VPN encrypts your data makes it sound fairly technical. However, it should be easy to use, providing beginner-friendly apps for a variety of operating systems. Furthermore, it’s important that there’s live chat and email support (preferably 24 hours a day) so you can get help as and when you need it.
• Value for money: One of the advantages of having so many VPNs to choose from is that there are options to suit all budgets. Here, we’ve tried to find VPNs that are affordable without compromising on key aspects such as server speed or level of security. Better still, you can save further by taking advantage of our VPN coupons and the providers’ money-back guarantees.

In order to find out if a VPN offers the above, we have to test it extensively ourselves. Want to know more? check out our article detailing our comprehensive VPN testing methodology.

Watching Netflix USA with a VPN: FAQs

See also: How to change Netflix location