Unlocking Netflix’s treasure trove of movies and TV shows is an art form shadowed by the frustrating reality of geographical restrictions. The unfair limitations that keep you from your binge-worthy favorites just because of where you’re located.
Whether you’re a globe-trotter yearning for a slice of home entertainment or just someone who wants access to a world of content, these barriers can be unbearable. But we have a solution for you. After exhaustive research and meticulous testing, we’ve found that a VPN for Netflix is your front-row seat. But tread carefully: Netflix has waged war on VPNs, and the market is littered with services that promise but don’t deliver.
Only a select few VPNs for Netflix can sidestep these VPN bans, granting you unlimited access to a world of streaming securely and reliably. Stay tuned. We’ve done the heavy lifting, so you don’t have to.
When connected to most VPNs, Netflix gives the following error, accompanied by 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.”
If you’ve connected with a VPN and been left frustrated by the dreaded Netflix proxy error message, you’re not alone. Thankfully, there is still a select group of VPNs that work reliably.
At the time of publishing, we have re-run our comprehensive tests to identify the VPNs that still work reliably with Netflix. In this article, we’ll not only provide you with a quick list of our top recommendations but also delve into our detailed findings from extensive VPN testing. Additionally, we’ll guide you on how to use a VPN with Netflix and help troubleshoot common issues.
We have found these are the best VPNs that work with Netflix:
- NordVPN: Best VPN for Netflix. Reliably works with the American Netflix library plus Netflix UK, AU, JP, and CA, among others. One of the fastest services on the market. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best budget option for Netflix. A reliable VPN for streaming abroad. Supports the super-fast WireGuard protocol and has a strict no-logs policy.
- ExpressVPN: A fast, privacy-conscious service that works with a huge range of Netflix libraries. Also works with Disney Plus, Amazon Prime, and a wide range of popular streaming platforms.
- CyberGhost: Has excellent speeds and a huge server network. Works well with Netflix US and other regional libraries. Apps are easy even for new VPN users.
- PrivateVPN: Impressive speeds and apps for all platforms that work to access American Netflix and 20+ other libraries. An excellent choice for streaming your favorite movies or shows.
- IPVanish: Works with UK and US Netflix on desktop, Android, iOS, and plenty of other streaming devices. Allows for unlimited simultaneous connections.
- AtlasVPN: Reasonably priced with excellent speeds, making it a great VPN for streaming. Works well with many Netflix regions and other popular streaming platforms.
Already got a VPN? Jump straight to how to use a VPN with Netflix
We selected the best Netflix VPNs based on the following criteria below. If you would like to see our full VPN testing and research process take a look at our dedicated article.
- Reliably and consistently work with Netflix
- Fast enough to stream in HD
- Fast, competent customer service
- Strong digital security and privacy protections so you can access Netflix and other services securely
- Works on popular devices
- Money-back guarantee
- Good choice of servers
- Reliable connections
Note: The battle between Netflix, customers, and VPN providers rages on, and viable alternatives are still very much in flux. A server that works today may get blocked tomorrow, while new servers and locations are constantly being added.
Best Netflix VPNs – Our hands-on review
We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice VPN for Netflix.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PrivateVPN | IPVanish | AtlasVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | PrivateVPN.com | IPVanish.com | atlasvpn.com | Ranking for Netflix | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 39 Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, Android, Smart TVs Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV | Total number of servers | 5,700+ | 3,200 | Undisclosed | 9,300 | 200+ | 2,200+ | 1000+ | Simultaneous Connections | 6 | Unlimited | 5 | 7 | 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Best deal (per month) | $3.19 SAVE 61% + 3 month FREE | $2.30 Get 2 Months FREE with a 2-year plan | $6.67 SAVE: 49% on the annual plan | $2.19 SAVE 82% on the 2 year plan + 2 months FREE | $2.00 SAVE 85% on the three year plan | $3.33 SAVE 72% on the 2 year plan | $1.82 SAVE 85% on a 2 year plan |
Best VPNs for Netflix in 2023
Based on our extensive testing, we found these to be the top VPNs for streaming Netflix:
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
Website:
www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Sep 2023
works with NetflixTested Sep 2023
- Can access Netflix in browser: Yes
- Can access Netflix app: Yes
Most of NordVPN’s streaming-optimized servers can access many Netflix content libraries, although the majority will redirect you to the US version even if you’re connected to another country. Thanks to a low monthly price and the option to connect up to six streaming devices at one time, NordVPN is a great budget option especially if you share an account with friends or family.
NordVPN doesn’t skimp on security or privacy, offering military-grade encryption, a split tunneling feature, and a kill switch. Plus it provides fast and reliable connections. It’s pretty good at accessing other popular streaming services as well, like Disney+, Amazon Prime, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Apps are available for Linux, Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
NordVPN was the most reliable option in our testing.
Pros:
- Servers specifically optimized for Netflix
- Works well with other streaming services
- Connect up to 6 devices at once
- Very fast speeds make this a strong choice for 4K streaming
- No logs and encrypted connections for total privacy
- Live chat support is available
Cons:
- Desktop apps can take a while to connect sometimes
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR NETFLIX: NordVPN is our #1 pick. Access Netflix US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan, and more. Offers exceptionally high speeds, great privacy, and security credentials, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
works with netflixTested Sep 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
- Can access US Netflix in browser: Yes
- Can access US Netflix app: Yes
Surfshark is a relatively new VPN service that makes it easy to stream Netflix. There’s no trial and error here because all of SurfShark’s servers can access Netflix and other streaming sites. Most of them will redirect you to the US version of Netflix, but it does offer local versions for a handful of countries, including popular libraries like France, Canada, and Japan. Speeds are fast enough to stream in HD without buffering and without compromising security.
Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Android, and you get unlimited simultaneous connections.
Surfshark worked well with Netflix UK, US, Australia and other Netflix libraries.
Pros:
- All servers can access Netflix
- Strong security and privacy credentials
- Connect as many devices as you like
- Very affordable price
- Doesn’t keep any logs
Cons:
- Some features require Surfshark One as an extra monthly cost
- Has the occasional slow server
Our score:
BEST LOW-COST OPTION:A low-cost VPN that works great with Netflix and puts your security first. Connect any number of devices. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN
works with netflixTested Sep 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
- Can access Netflix in web browser: Yes
- Can access Netflix App: Yes
ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for Netflix, although it is more expensive than NordVPN and Surfshark. It has a dedicated Netflix page and a few VPN server locations can reliably access geo-restricted content on Netflix. They change on occasion, so it’s best to send a quick message to the live chat support on ExpressVPN’s website to ask which server to connect to. We found speeds suitable for HD streaming without buffering.
ExpressVPN provided reliable access to Netflix on every platform tested, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Linux, and certain wifi routers. ExpressVPN lets you connect up to five devices at a time. Plus, every ExpressVPN subscription comes with the MediaStreamer smart DNS proxy. MediaStreamer can access Netflix on streaming devices that don’t typically support VPNs, such as Apple TV, and gaming consoles like Xbox One and PS4.
We enjoyed secure, buffer-free Netflix streaming with ExpressVPN.
Pros:
- Reliably access Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and iPlayer
- Fast streaming and download speeds
- Keeps no logs of personally identifiable information
- 24/7 customer service
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than some rivals
- Lack of advanced configuration for power-users
Our score:
STREAM NETFLIX ANYWHERE:ExpressVPN is another good choice. Access Netflix US, UK, Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Japan, Germany, as well as most other video streaming services like BBC iPlayer with great speeds for buffer-free HD viewing. Try it risk free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
works with netflixTested Sep 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
- Can access US Netflix in web browser: Yes
- Can access US Netflix App: Yes
CyberGhost makes it easy to watch Netflix in just a few clicks. The app’s streaming video section lists dedicated streaming servers by what they access, instead of just their physical location. Netflix is clearly listed right at the top, and clicking it will turn on the VPN connection and even open Netflix on your behalf. CyberGhost VPN users can give instant feedback as to whether a particular server works with Netflix with simple thumbs up, and thumbs down buttons.
CyberGhost also offers faster speeds than most of its competition, top-notch security, strong encryption a no-logs policy, and fast customer support. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Android.
CyberGhost’s dedicated Netflix servers made connecting a breeze.
Pros:
- Access American Netflix
- Fast, constant speeds
- Great for novice users
- Zero logs and good privacy features
Cons:
- Doesn’t work reliably in China
- May not offer enough functionality for power users
Our score:
GREAT VALUE: CyberGhost's apps are easy to use for those who want to get reliable access to Netflix without fuss. Stores no logs and streams HD video reliably. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost VPN review.
5. PrivateVPN
works with netflixTested Sep 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
- Works with US Netflix in web browser: Yes
- Works with US Netflix App: Yes
PrivateVPN works with Netflix in more countries than any other provider—no small feat for a VPN with only a couple of hundred servers. PrivateVPN scored well in our speed tests, meaning you can continue to stream your favorite shows and movies in high definition or even 4K.
You’ll also get a zero logs service, up to 10 simultaneous connections, and live chat support. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
PrivateVPN had no issues avoiding Netflix blocks.
Pros:
- Works with US Netflix
- Very fast connection speeds
- Zero logs policy
- Use up to six devices at once
Cons:
- Small network of servers
- Live chat not 24/7
Our score:
GREAT SPEED: PrivateVPN works with Netflix in 20 countries and allows up to 6 devices on the same account. Small global network of servers but fast connections. 30-day money-back guarantee
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
6. IPVanish
works with netflixTested Sep 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
- Works with US Netflix in browser: Yes
- Works with US Netflix app: Yes
IPVanish has support for users who want to watch US Netflix. We have tested it and confirmed it works on both desktop browsers and Netflix’s mobile app on Android and iOS. We recommend you contact IPVanish’s customer support to ask which server to use and troubleshoot any issues you might have connecting. IPVanish is built with privacy and security in mind while also offering decent speeds to stream in HD.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV.
IPVanish worked well with US Netflix.
Pros:
- Works with US and UK Netflix
- Fast speeds
- Zero-logs provider with strong security
- Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
Cons:
- Doesn’t work in China
- Streaming speeds can be inconsistent
Our score:
GREAT FOR STREAMING:Start watching US and UK Netflix with IPVanish and get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full IPVanish review.
7. AtlasVPN
works with netflixTested Sep 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.atlasvpn.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
- Works with Netflix in web browser: Yes
- Works with Netflix App: Yes
Atlas VPN was launched in 2019. It is a VPN that puts accessing streaming services at the forefront. It provides super-fast WireGuard connections that are ideal for streaming in HD. Atlas can reliably access several popular Netflix catalogs, including Netflix US. It also works with Disney Plus, Prime Video, and Hulu. AtlasVPN has high-speed servers in 40+ countries and apps for all platforms that come with malware filtering. Plus, it has a solid no logs policy. You can test it yourself using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
As you can see, Atlas VPN is super fast, which makes it great for streaming Netflix and other services in HD. It also boasts a robust suite of security features and live-chat customer support. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, and Android.
Pros:
- Consistently works with US Netflix and a choice of other catalogs
- Connect unlimited devices simultaneously
- Strong security features
- 30-day refund policy
Cons:
- Relatively small server network versus other providers
Our score:
HIGH SPEED AND LOW COSTS:AtlasVPN makes watching Netflix a breeze and is easy on the wallet. You can use it on an unlimited number of devices, meaning you can share your account with friends and family. Includes malware filtering for added security.
Read our full review of AtlasVPN
Honorable mentions
These VPNs work with Netflix, but for one reason or another, they don’t make the top seven cutoff. This may be due to inconsistent service, privacy concerns, slower speeds, or the inability to access Netflix on mobile devices. Netflix frequently blocks VPNs, so we also favor those with a proven track record of resolving the proxy error. Erring on the side of caution, we don’t want to recommend Netflix VPNs that work today but not tomorrow.
VPNs that sometimes work with Netflix
- AirVPN
- Astrill
- Avast SecureLine
- Avira Phantom
- BlackVPN
- BulletVPN
- CactusVPN
- F-Secure Freedome
- FrootVPN
- Goose
- Hide.me
- Hide My Ass
- Ironsocket
- Keenow Unblocker
- Le VPN
- LiquidVPN
- McAfee Safe Connect
- Mullvad
- Norton Wifi Privacy
- Private Internet Access
- Private Tunnel
- ProXPN
- ProtonVPN
- PureVPN
- SaferVPN
- SlickVPN
- Speedify
- StrongVPN
- Surfeasy
- Torguard
- VPNArea
- VPN Tunnel
- VPN Unlimited
- VyprVPN
- Windscribe
- Zenmate
- ibVPN
Netflix VPNs that DO NOT work
Hola
Hola won’t access Netflix, and you shouldn’t be using it as your VPN for security reasons anyway. The company has a sordid history of abusing members of its peer-to-peer VPN-ish network to distribute pirated materials, and pornography, and even carry out distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks on websites.
GetFlix
GetFlix is a smart DNS proxy service that made its debut heralding a fast and cheap means to watch Netflix. That didn’t last long, and now the company is stuck with an embarrassing name that brings up painful reminders of when its users were blocked a few months later.
HideIPVPN
HideIPVPN has previously mentioned that neither its VPN nor its smart DNS proxy service would continue to work with Netflix. “[…] as stated in our ToS we cannot guarantee that you will be able to access specific websites or services. For now, that is the case with Netflix.”
Overplay
After Netflix began intermittently blocking Overplay’s smart DNS proxy and VPN services, the company seems to have given up the fight, scrubbing its website of any mention of Netflix.
Opera VPN
Opera VPN, a proxy built into the Opera browser, will not reliably work with Netflix.
How to watch Netflix with a VPN (Video)
This video explains how to change Netflix region with a VPN so you can securely watch shows and movies when away from home. For example, you can access US or Japanese Netflix from the UK, Australia, Canada or elsewhere you might be traveling to.
Netflix libraries by country
You may have already realized that depending on where you live in the world, you could be getting shortchanged when it comes to Netflix content. Check out our up-to-date list of the best Netflix libraries and start streaming the best content available.
Netflix VPN ban: What the VPN providers say
To find out more about their ongoing fight, we spoke to executives from NordVPN, VyprVPN, ExpressVPN, and LiquidVPN for some insight from the front lines.
“We are receiving an unprecedented number of inquiries from people looking to access Netflix service, suggesting there are not a lot of VPNs left that offer an alternative workaround,” NordVPN CIO Emanuel Morgan tells Comparitech. “Keeping up with offering new workaround solutions might require significant resources and it is understandable that some services chose to forgo advocating for this issue – choosing to concentrate their resources on primary service functions (offering privacy and security solutions) instead.”
Morgan says Netflix probably isn’t targeting isolated VPN providers. He believes a combination of techniques is used to block them. One of those techniques, says LiquidVPN CEO Dave Cox, is by identifying connections coming from data centers instead of residences. He goes on to explain that the Netflix apps combat SmartDNS services by forcing you to use a public DNS server and frequently change the URLs that do geolocation for their content. This makes it impossible for services that could support thousands of customers streaming at a time by only forwarding the geolocation packets through their servers.
Since this article was first published, we’ve seen reports from other VPNs of Netflix blocking residential IP addresses in the streaming giant’s latest round of measures targeting VPNs.
It’s not just Netflix. Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and several other streaming sites have all implemented VPN bans at some level. Should the trend continue, legally watching licensed content online from any site would require users to relinquish their privacy.
Accessing Netflix across the globe: study
A European Commission report estimates cross-border film availability on Netflix within the EU is just 31%.
Comparitech has conducted the most comprehensive study to date of which VPNs work with Netflix in which countries. We tested 59 VPNs in 30 countries with our Netflix subscription in a desktop web browser and the Netflix iOS and Android apps. In all, our team ran more than 5,000 manual tests on real devices.
Click the image below to see the full results in a Google Spreadsheet:
International Netflix VPNs: by the numbers
PrivateVPN worked with Netflix in more countries than any other provider, and it did so on all three platforms: desktop browser, iOS, and Android.

43 out of 59 VPNs were able to access American Netflix on at least one platform, nearly double the second-place British Netflix. Given that there are almost 70 million subscribers in the US alone, it should come as no surprise that many VPN providers make accessing US Netflix a high priority.
Users who want access to the Belgian version of Netflix have the smallest choice of VPN providers; it can only be accessed by one of the 59 VPNs we tested (ProtonVPN). Accessing Netflix in countries like Belgium and Turkey is probably not at the top of the priority list for most VPNs, and many of the VPNs we tested don’t have servers in those countries at all.
Our team recorded roughly 1,650 results on each platform: Netflix website in a desktop browser, iOS Netflix app, and Android Netflix app. The website in a desktop browser was accessed 286 times, while Android and iOS apps were close at 197 and 184, respectively. It’s worth noting that not all the VPNs we tested have mobile apps, in which case the result was negative.
Some VPNs redirect users to the US version of Netflix regardless of VPN server location. NordVPN, for example, can access Netflix when connected to any country, but uses a DNS proxy to route Netflix requests to the US version, except for Australia, Canada, Japan, Netherlands, and UK. Opening Netflix while connected to any other country through NordVPN will return the US version. And though Surfshark users can access Netflix on any server, they all redirect to the US version except France, India, Japan, the Netherlands, and the UK. Similarly, AirVPN redirects many international users to US Netflix regardless of their VPN server’s IP address.
Netflix VPN testing methodology and limitations
For each test, our staff connected to the VPN, opened Netflix in a browser or in the Netflix app (depending on the OS), and played a video. If the streaming video played normally, the VPN scored a positive result. If it wasn’t clear which server to connect to for a given VPN, we contacted the VPN’s customer support team to ask which servers work with Netflix.
In order for a VPN to pass our test, it must be able to work with Netflix videos out of the box, meaning no manual configuration outside of the VPN app is necessary. It must also work with a reasonable degree of consistency—no reconnecting to the same server over and over in the hopes of finding an IP address that hasn’t been blocked. Finally, we used the paid subscription versions of VPNs when available.
The country Netflix catalogs we tested include:
- Australia
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- India
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Mexico
- The Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Romania
- Russia
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand,
- Turkey
- UK
- USA
- Ukraine
We tested the most popular VPNs to see which worked with Netflix in each country.
The VPNs we tested Netflix with:
- Air VPN
- Anonymous VPN
- Astrill
- Avast Secureline VPN
- Avira Phantom VPN
- BTGuard
- Betternet
- BlackVPN
- Buffered
- BulletVPN
- CactusVPN
- CyberGhost
- EarthVPN
- ExpressVPN
- F-Secure Freedom VPN
- FrootVPN
- Goose, Hide My Ass! (HMA)
- Hide.me
- Hola
- Hotspot Shield
- IPVanish
- Ironsocket
- Ivacy
- Kaspersky Secure Connection
- Keenow
- Le VPN
- LiquidVPN
- McAfee Safe Connect
- Mullvad
- NordVPN
- Norton WiFi Privacy
- OneVPN
- PerfectPrivacy
- Private Internet Access (PIA)
- Private Tunnel
- PrivateVPN
- ProXPN
- ProtonVPN
- PureVPN
- SaferVPN
- SlickVPN
- Speedify
- StrongVPN
- SurfEasy
- Surfshark
- TigerVPN
- Torguard
- TunnelBear
- UnoTelly
- VPNBook
- VPN Tunnel
- VPN Unlimited
- VPNArea
- VyprVPN
- Windscribe
- WorldVPN
- Zenmate
- ibVPN
A few VPNs bundle smart DNS proxies with their subscriptions, and some of those DNS proxies work with Netflix (e.g. Ironsocket DNS, Keenow Unblocker, ExpressVPN MediaStreamer). Due to time constraints and practicality, however, we elected not to test smart DNS services and instead solely focus on VPNs.
Aside from specifically testing VPNs with Netflix, we run extensive VPN testing to assess all major attributes of VPNs we recommend.
Netflix VPN FAQs
How do I use a VPN with Netflix?
Using a VPN with Netflix is easy, so long as your provider supports it. Sign up for a recommended VPN service from above and then follow these simple instructions.
To watch Netflix with a VPN, follow these steps or watch the video above:
- Download and install the VPN software from your provider’s website or an official app marketplace. Ensure you use a VPN that works with Netflix.
- Select a VPN server in the region that can want to access Netflix from. Remember, different regions have different content. If you’re unsure which one to choose, consult your provider’s website or customer service.
- Connect to the VPN. Once the connection is established, open Netflix in a browser or app and start watching!
- If you are still having problems, contact customer support. You may need to tweak a few settings on your device, such as IPv6 or DNS settings.
Why does Netflix ban most VPNs?
Netflix doesn’t distinguish between users who live in other countries and those that are just visiting and want to access their home streaming services or between people who are abroad and those who just want to use a VPN for privacy and security.
Why do we advocate for using a VPN with Netflix?
A VPN is not simply a proxy tool to fool apps and websites into thinking the user is somewhere they are not. VPNs are in everyone’s best interest when it comes to privacy. We wholeheartedly recommend everyone use a VPN, whether they are a Netflix subscriber or not.
Netflix’s VPN ban is a blunt instrument. It attempts to block VPN users no matter where they are located so long as a proxy is detected. This is not really a fair policy to paying subscribers. Forcing users to turn off their VPNs could sacrifice privacy, especially those connected on unsecured public wi-fi networks or traveling abroad to surveillance-heavy countries.
You have the right to use a VPN, and Netflix should respect that right by not forcing users to choose between privacy and entertainment.
I’m traveling and want to access US Netflix Abroad, which countries will these VPNs work in?
The VPN services listed should allow you to access US Netflix in any country you might be traveling to, other than those where media is censored and VPNs are actively blocked by a firewall such as China (see our list of the VPNs working in China and pick one that works there, too).
In pretty much every other country, the VPNs in our list will work. In fact, we’ve received comments or emails from people in Canada, the UK, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, France, Israel, Spain, Ireland, South Africa, and Italy telling us they’ve successfully accessed US Netflix!
Can I access Netflix libraries from countries other than the US with a VPN?
A VPN that works with US Netflix won’t necessarily work with Netflix catalogs of other countries. While the US version of Netflix is highest in demand by far, we’ve also made up lists of the best VPNs for a few other popular countries:
Is accessing the Netflix app with a VPN the same as watching Netflix in a web browser?
Accessing the Netflix native app, such as the Netflix app for Android and iOS, is a little more challenging for VPNs than working with it in a web browser like Chrome or Firefox. Netflix can sometimes override the VPN’s DNS servers and send requests to your nearest public DNS server. That means Netflix can determine your true location and block you accordingly, even with a VPN.
However, all of the VPNs we recommend have overcome this hurdle, so it shouldn’t be a problem.
How do I watch Netflix on a device that doesn't support my VPN app like Chromecast, smart TV, Apple TV, PS4, or Xbox?
If you want to watch Netflix with a VPN, but your device doesn’t support any VPN apps, then you’ll have to route that device’s internet traffic through a router and configure the VPN on that router. This process varies depending on your router’s firmware, and you might have to flash new firmware onto the router that supports VPNs, such as TomatoUSB or DD-WRT. Check with your VPN provider for router setup instructions.
If you don’t feel comfortable configuring a VPN on your wi-fi router, then consider buying a pre-configured router like those available from ExpressVPN.
Another alternative is to use a laptop to create a VPN-enabled virtual router. This can be done on either Mac or Windows.
Lastly, if you have a device that supports screencasting, such as a Chromecast or Apple TV, you can connect to the VPN on a device that supports VPN apps and stream video from the Netflix device.
Can I watch Netflix using a smart DNS proxy?
Smart DNS proxies like Unotelly, Overplay, and Unblock-US were a flash in the pan during Netflix’s war on proxies. After Netflix blocked connections from most VPN servers, many users switched to these services instead. A smart DNS proxy is a server that monitors any DNS requests sent from your device. DNS requests are a means of looking up which domain names (e.g. “netflix.com”) are associated with which servers. If it detects a DNS request for Netflix, it sends all the browser web traffic for that request through the server to an American Netflix server, thereby changing both your public IP address and DNS server.
This approach worked for a few months until it caught the attention of Netflix, and a subsequent crackdown blocked most smart DNS proxy users. Today, a handful of smart DNS proxy services still work with Netflix, but the only one that’s consistently worked for us is ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer service. MediaStreamer is a smart DNS proxy service that comes with every ExpressVPN subscription. It’s used by default when you connect to the VPN, or you can set it up separately so that it’s used on its own.
Is it legal to use a VPN with Netflix?
Yes. There is no law against using a VPN to watch Netflix.
However, using a VPN to access another country’s Netflix library is against the company’s terms of use, which state:
“You may view Netflix content primarily within the country in which you have established your account and only in geographic locations where we offer our service and have licensed such content. The content that may be available to watch will vary by geographic location and will change from time to time.”
Although Netflix does what it can to enforce this rule by blocking internet connections from most VPN providers, it has so far not penalized users who attempt to watch through a VPN.
Which free VPN works with Netflix?
TunnelBear is the only VPN with a free tier that reliably works with Netflix. Unfortunately, it only offers free users 500 MB of data per month, which is only enough for about one episode of TV.
Most free VPNs do not work with Netflix, and those that do probably won’t work for long. Free VPNs just don’t have the resources necessary to offer reliable access to Netflix without being blacklisted.
All of the VPNs we recommend above come with money-back guarantees, which you can take advantage of to watch Netflix for a month before asking for your money back. These VPNs have the resources and expertise to stay a step ahead of Netflix VPN bans.
Do I need a US payment method for American Netflix?
If you don’t have a US credit or debit card, there are a few other ways to pay for Netflix in the US:
- Virtual cards are accepted in some markets. These are like credit cards but only exist digitally.
- Prepaid cards from Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover
- Netflix gift cards are available at physical and online retailers
- PayPal
Note that you don’t need a US payment method to access American Netflix. You can sign up and pay in any country, then switch your location to the US with a VPN.
Does Netflix auto unsubscribe users for using a VPN?
No, there is no precedent of Netflix penalizing users who use VPNs. Although Netflix does what it can to block VPN connections, it has not taken punitive action against VPN users’ accounts. That being said, using a VPN to watch Netflix content from abroad is against the service’s terms of use, so using a VPN could be grounds for account suspension or termination at some point in the future. But so far, this has not come to pass.
Can I use free DNS codes to watch Netflix?
Smart DNS proxies were a popular means of accessing Netflix for a time, but Netflix has pretty much stamped all of them out. We strongly recommend against using free DNS codes and other free smart DNS proxies. These services could easily redirect you to malicious sites on the web and track your web browsing activity. A VPN from a reputable, paid provider is a much safer, more private option.
Is it true Netflix has secret codes?
Yes, Netflix has more than 70,000 “secret” codes that you can use to filter titles by a number of criteria. Using these codes lets you narrow down your search to titles within a very specific genre.
For example, code 10105 is for TV documentaries, while code 67879 is for Korean TV shows. These are just a couple of the codes you can use, but there are hundreds of websites out there providing secret code lists.
You can append these codes to the end of this URL: https://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/[CODE]
Replace [CODE] (including brackets) with the code of your choice.
Can my Netflix VPN watch other streaming services?
Most likely, yes!
The majority of the VPNs we recommend for Netflix also work with other popular streaming services like BEIN CONNECT, VIU, Amazon Prime Video, Crave TV, ITV, All 4, Vudu, and a number of live TV and sports streaming services.
Which VPN is the best overall for streaming?
This is a more difficult question than you might think! For instance, if a VPN works with 1,000 streaming services but can’t access the little-known one you want, does that mean it can’t be the best? What if it doesn’t support as many platforms but works extremely consistently?
In our experience, the best streaming VPNs tend to have a few things in common: they’re quick, can securely access lots of popular services, and have servers in lots of different countries. NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN all meet these criteria, and as a bonus, these three work extremely well with Netflix too.
Can I cancel my VPN if it stops working with Netflix?
You can usually cancel your VPN subscription if Netflix stops working so long as you aren’t on an annual plan. If you pay for your VPN monthly, you’ll typically be able to cancel the agreement to prevent it from renewing the following month. many VPNs offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the VPN with Netflix, and cancel if it stops working. if you’re enrolled in an annual plan and past the guarantee period, most VPNs won’t issue a refund if the VPN stops working with Netflix.
Can I stream Netflix in HD when using a VPN?
Yes, you can stream Netflix in HD when using a VPN. VPNs help to reduce bandwidth throttling which can slow down your internet connection, often resulting in poor streaming quality. Some VPNs that support the WireGuard protocol are great options for streaming in HD as they can supercharge streaming and gaming speeds. Additionally, VPNs that allow you to adjust your encryption level are ideal for enjoying Netflix in HD as lowering encryption for activities like streaming can drastically improve speeds.
Will a Netflix VPN slow my internet down?
Any VPN, be it one of the best VPNs for Netflix or otherwise, can slow your internet down. The reason for this is that with a VPN, your internet traffic travels through the VPN server. This is an additional step and means data has to travel further. Another contributing factor is that a VPN encrypts your internet traffic which itself takes time.
However, some VPNs offer better performance than others. There are a variety of factors to take into account such as the distance between the VPN server and your physical location, the server load, and which protocol the VPN is using (WireGuard is one of the fastest a VPN can use, for example). In some cases, a VPN can even improve your connection speed, particularly if you’re already suffering from bandwidth throttling from your ISP provider.
With the best VPNs for Netflix (many of which make our list of the fastest VPNs), you likely won’t notice any difference in speed. In any case, Netflix recommends at least 3 Mbps for HD (720p) streaming, 5 Mbps for full HD (1080p), and 15 Mbps for 4K. Any quality paid VPN service comfortably exceeds this so you shouldn’t have any issues streaming Netflix.
Why is it so hard to find a VPN that works with Netflix?
Streaming providers are aware that consumers use VPNs to bypass region locks. Streaming services like Netflix must do everything in their power to prevent this to comply with the licensing agreements they enter into with copyright holders, content producers, and publishers.
For this reason, Netflix (and all other streaming providers) attempt to uncover IP addresses associated with VPNs. If they find one they blacklist it so that nobody can access their service from that VPN server.
This process is often referred to as a game of cat and mouse. This is because the very best VPN providers have found ways to stay a step ahead of Netflix.
Successful Netflix VPNs regularly introduce new IPs so that even when Netflix blocks one, they still have new ones that work for their users. This requires time and effort – and costs a lot of money – which is why only a few VPNs successfully manage to stay ahead of the Netflix VPN blocks.
Can I access Netflix from the Philippines with a VPN?
Yes, you can access Netflix from the Philippines with a VPN. A VPN will allow you to change your IP address to one located in another country, tricking Netflix into thinking you are in, say, the US and allowing you to access all of that country’s content.
However, only some VPNs work with Netflix; even for the libraries they work with, only some servers will work. Therefore, choosing a reputable VPN provider from our above list is essential.
See also: Which countries pay the least and most for Netflix?
Are the solutions listed here no longer working for you? Do you know of any other VPN services that work with Netflix? Drop us a note in the comments!
My sincere apologies, I was mistaken about ProtonVPN. the US-CA#3 server does unblock US Netflix.
You can add Proton VPN to the VPNs and Smart DNS providers that DO NOT work with Netflix category.
Hi YHKC, search our site for Netflix in other countries, we’ve written up separate articles for Spain, UK, Brazil, Japan, and a couple others.