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Due to licensing restrictions, Netflix shows you a different library of content depending on where you’re located. Additionally schools and wsork places routinely block Netflix access. It doesn’t matter where you set up your account; Netflix will determine your current location based on your IP address and show you the library for that region. If you are traveling abroadyou will need a VPN to securely access your home streaming services. A VPN lets you access Netflix libraries from other regions, so you can retain secure access to your content when away from home or access when it is blocked in your workplace or school.
This is where a Virtual Private Network (VPN) comes in. A VPN encrypts all of the internet traffic flowing to and from your device and tunnels it through a secondary VPN server. You get to choose the location of that server and are assigned a corresponding IP address. Netflix determines your location based on the new IP address and allows you to access the content for that region.
Using this method, you can watch Netflix US, Netflix UK, and other catalogs. Below, we’ll show you exactly how to do this in the fewest number of steps and reveal the best VPNs for the job.
How to access Netflix with a VPN in just 14 clicks
Using a VPN is very straightforward. Follow the steps below to get secure Netflix access on your desktop or laptop computer:
Here’s how to securely watch Netflix from anywhere (in just 14 clicks!):
- Sign up for a suitable VPN provider by going to the provider website and selecting “Buy Now” (or similar), choosing your subscription length, and submitting payment. We recommend NordVPN. (Usually 4 clicks)
- Download the app for your device from the website. With most VPNs, you’ll be prompted to hit Run to get the installation wizard started and to select Finish once it’s installed. (Usually 4 clicks)
- Launch the app and log in using the credentials provided when you set up your account. (Usually 3 clicks)
- In the app, select a server in the location of your choice. For example, for US Netflix, choose a US VPN server. Once you’ve selected a server, the VPN will either automatically connect to that server or you’ll have to click a connect button. (Usually 3 clicks)
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For mobile devices, the process is similar but instead of running an installation wizard, you’ll just be downloading and installing an app.
If you run into issues, the solution may be as simple as clearing your cache and cookies and reloading the page. In some cases, you may need to choose a different server, in which case your VPN’s provider’s support team can help. They should also be able to walk you through any other problems you may have.
Can I watch Netflix from anywhere?
Yes! Using the steps above, you can securely watch certain Netflix libraries from anywhere in the world. Most Netflix VPNs help you watch Netflix US when abroad. Others can access the UK library. A few can unlock several other international Netflix catalogs.
We’ll describe the best Netflix VPNs in detail below, but here is a quick rundown of our top picks.
Best VPNs to get Netflix:
- NordVPN Our first choice for a Netflix VPN. Amazing speeds and all servers work with Netflix. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark Budget VPN that works with Netflix and other sites and doesn’t have a device limit.
- ExpressVPN ExpressVPN is a solid streaming VPN with lots of location options.
- CyberGhost Offers user-friendly apps and great speeds.
- IPVanish A fast, reliable VPN with a no-logs policy.
- Hotspot Shield Boasts extremely fast speeds and apps for all major operating systems.
- PrivateVPN Great for streaming, browsing, and downloading.
Although our main selection criterion is that a VPN works well with Netflix, there are other factors we consider when choosing our favorite providers:
- Performs well in speed testing
- Offers reliable connections
- Doesn’t collect personal data
- Uses strong security features
- Provides solid customer support
Best VPNs to securely access Netflix
Here’s our list of the best VPNs to get secure Netflix access:
1. NordVPN
Apr 2024
works with NetflixTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our number one choice for watching Netflix. It can securely access multiple catalogs including Netflix US and UK. If you select a location for which it can’t access the corresponding Netflix library, you’ll be automatically redirected to Netflix US. So essentially, every server will enable you to watch Netflix. NordVPN has incredible speeds for HD streaming and comes with a low monthly price tag.
Don’t just want Netflix access? NordVPN works with plenty of other streaming platforms, including Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. This provider has apps for macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, and Android, and the VPN is configurable with some home routers. You can connect up to six devices at a time on one account.
Pros:
- Fastest VPN we’ve tested
- All servers work with Netflix
- Allows up to six simultaneous connections
- Keeps no logs at all
- Provides 24/7 live-chat support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Server switching on the desktop app can be delayed
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR NETFLIX:NordVPN is our #1 pick. It operates an expansive network of superfast servers and every server works with Netflix. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee making this a risk-free option.
Check out our in-depth review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
works with NetflixTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is a great budget alternative. It’s newer than the other VPNs on this list, but it’s establishing itself as a speedy, reliable provider with great streaming abilities. It works with multiple Netflix libraries, and similar to NordVPN, it will default to the US catalog if it won’t work with Netflix for a particular location. Surfshark will also help you access Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.
A huge perk of purchasing a plan with this provider is that it doesn’t impose a connection limit. You can use the VPN on as many devices as you like. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. You can configure the VPN with select routers.
Pros:
- Every server works with Netflix
- Unlimited connections
- Strong security
- No-logs provider
- 24/7 support
Cons:
- Some settings are hidden away in submenus
Our score:
BEST BUDGET NETFLIX VPN:Surfshark offers a strong service and doesn’t impose connection limits. It extends a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our in-depth review of Surfshark.
3. ExpressVPN
works with NetflixTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is another solid choice to access Netflix. Its fast speeds make for a seamless streaming experience and connections are as reliable as they come. ExpressVPN always has servers available that work with Netflix US and UK, along with a handful of other libraries. It does change servers used to access Netflix from time to time, but a quick message to the 24/7 live chat support team will have you up and running in not time.
Aside from Netflix, ExpressVPN works with Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and many other streaming sites. This provider has apps for Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV, all of which have Netflix apps.
You can connect up to five devices at a time. ExpressVPN can also be installed on a home router which counts as one device. Plans include a MediaStreamer smart DNS proxy. Although this doesn’t encrypt your connection, it can help you get Netflix access on devices that don’t have native VPN apps, including some smart TVs and gaming consoles.
Pros:
- Works with Netflix US and UK and other sites
- Great speeds
- Doesn’t log personal data
- Around-the-clock support
Cons:
- Price is a bit higher than some competitors
Our score:
RELIABLE VPN:ExpressVPN is fast, secure, and works with multiple Netflix libraries with ease. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of ExpressVPN.
4. CyberGhost
works with NetflixTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is another hot contender for a top Netflix VPN. It boasts fast speeds and works with Netflix quickly and easily. Within the app, servers are clearly labeled so you always know which one to select for your use case. You’ll find specific Netflix servers, as well as those for Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and other sites.
CyberGhost has desktop clients for Linux, macOS, and Windows, and mobile apps for iOS and Android. It can be manually configured with select home routers. You can connect up to seven devices at a time under a single subscription.
Pros:
- Works well with Netflix
- Great speeds
- Doesn’t keep logs
- Seven-device limit
Cons:
- Doesn’t work well in China
Our score:
FAST AND RELIABLE:CyberGhost is a speedy yet sturdy VPN that works with Netflix and is great for beginners. The company offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Dive into our full CyberGhost review.
5. IPVanish
works with NetflixTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is a popular VPN that’s ideal for browsing, streaming, and downloading. It provides access to Netflix and several other sites and delivers exceptional speeds for streaming HD video. Only select servers work with Netflix, so check the IPVanish site or hop on a live chat if you have any issues. IPVanish is particularly popular with torrent users and Kodi users and has a remote control-friendly app that can be directly downloaded to Android-based devices.
This service is compatible with macOS, Windows, iOS, Fire TV, and Android. You can install the app manually on Linux and select routers. IPVanish allows you to connect all of your devices at the same time.
Pros:
- Works with Netflix US and UK
- Fast, reliable VPN
- Strict no-logs provider
Cons:
- Doesn’t work with as many sites as rivals
- Privacy enthusiasts may prefer a VPN based outside of the US
Our score:
NO CONNECTION LIMIT:IPVanish has no device limit and will help you seamlessly stream Netflix. Annual plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Learn more from our full review of IPVanish.
6. Hotspot Shield
works with NetflixTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Hotspotshield.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.
Hotspot Shield is another provider that offers an incredibly fast VPN connection. It is adept at securely accessing streaming services including Netflix. Other sites you can access include BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video. During testing, all the US servers we tried worked with Netflix, but if you run into issues, live chat support will be able to help.
Hotspot Shield has mobile apps for iOS and Android, and desktop clients for Windows, macOS, and Linux. It has recently added support for select routers. Up to five simultaneous connections are permitted.
Pros:
- All US servers work with Netflix
- Great speeds
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- No anonymous payment options
Our score:
LOW PRICE:Hotspot Shield is a high-performance VPN with a surprisingly low price tag. You can get your money back within 45 days if you’re not satisfied.
Discover more in our Hotspot Shield review.
7. PrivateVPN
works with NetflixTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN works hard to ensure it always offers access to at least the US and UK Netflix catalogs. It runs a small network of servers but prides itself on its abilities as a streaming VPN. It can also unlock other sites such as BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu.
Mobile apps are available for iOS and Android, and desktop clients can be downloaded for Windows and macOS. There’s support for Linux and some home routers, and you can connect up to 10 devices at a time.
Pros:
- Good option for streaming services
- Fast, reliable connections
- 10-device limit
Cons:
- Small network or servers
- Live chat support is down at select times
Our score:
SMALL, POWERFUL VPN:PrivateVPN may have a low number of servers, but it reliably provides fast connections and work with most streaming sites with ease. This company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Find out more details in our full PrivateVPN review.
Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs for streaming Netflix safely
Netflix has spent considerable amounts of time, effort, and money trying to stop VPN users from accessing the service. As such, most VPNs simply won’t work. We’ve filtered out these providers by comparing each potential recommendation to a strict list of criteria. To earn a spot in our list, a VPN must excel in all of the areas below:
- Suitability for Netflix: Lots of providers work with the US catalog but we specifically looked for VPNs that could provide secure access to multiple Netflix libraries. This allows users from a wider range of countries to keep streaming their usual content while traveling.
- Performance: 4K video requires speeds of around 25 Mbps. This might not sound too difficult but with every VPN slowing you down to some degree, you’d be surprised how challenging it can be. We’ve speed tested dozens of leading VPNs and can safely say that all of those above are fast enough for uninterrupted streaming.
- Security and privacy: It’s not enough to be able watch Netflix, you also have to be secure while doing so. That’s why we require 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. Of course, we’d like to see an even greater range of security tools if possible.
- User-friendliness: Part of our testing involves looking for features that make the service easier to use. This could be Netflix-optimized servers or something as simple as 24/7 live chat.
This is actually only the beginning of our process. To find out more about how we put services through their paces, read our full VPN testing post.
Watching Netflix via VPN: FAQs
Can I use a free VPN to watch Netflix?
Free VPNs certainly seem like an attractive option. Unfortunately, they carry too many risks and limitations for us to recommend them.
First, free VPNs likely won’t be able to help you get Netflix access. They simply don’t have the resources needed to stay one step ahead of the streaming giant. And if you’re looking for customer support, you’ll be hard pushed to find it.
Even if you do manage to access your favorite shows, you’ll face another set of hurdles. You might have to join a queue to connect to a server, and free VPNs tend to have slow, unreliable connections. Plus, with low data caps, you may only get halfway through a stream before you’ve reached your limit.
Free services aren’t a good idea from a privacy and security standpoint either. They have a reputation for tracking users, collecting user data, and selling that data to the highest bidder (usually advertisers). Some free VPNs have been found to use weak encryption (or none at all), while a few have even been found to install malware on users’ systems.
As you can see, it makes far more sense to pay a small fee for excellent service and peace of mind.
Why does Netflix restrict content?
These days, Netflix produces a lot of its own content, giving the service free rein to offer content worldwide without restrictions. However, most of the content that Netflix airs is licensed. When it purchases rights to broadcast shows and movies, those rights are usually region-specific. This is why you’ll find that Netflix US, for example, has a different catalog of shows compared to Netflix UK.
The library that Netflix shows you will depend on your geographic location at the time of login. For example, even if your account was set up in Canada, if you log in to Netflix while traveling to Japan, you’ll see the Japanese library. The way to change your library is to use a VPN, as outlined in the steps at the beginning of this article.
Netflix realizes that users employ VPNs to access content from different libraries and actively blocks VPN traffic. As such, only some VPNs, such as those in the list above, will work reliably. Whatever streaming service you use a VPN is a good option to protect your security and privacy.
Will I get into trouble for using a VPN for Netflix?
Generally speaking, it is not illegal to use a VPN for Netflix. However, Netflix doesn’t condone the use of VPNs or proxies to access content that has been geo-blocked in a specific country. If caught violating this policy, your account may be suspended or terminated (though it’s unlikely). Depending on the region’s local laws, you could face legal trouble, so we suggest checking those first. Netflix might also block connections from known VPN servers, so it’s a good idea to research different VPN services before settling on one.