How to watch American Netflix in Russia

Netflix is available in most countries worldwide. However, while the streaming service is pretty much universal, some of its content is not. Due to copyright and licensing restrictions, you’ll find that some titles are available in some countries but not others. This is because Netflix doesn’t hold the exclusive global streaming rights for all TV shows and movies. Netflix then enforces this through geo-blocking by using your IP address to determine your location.

Of course, the region-locking of content can be frustrating, particularly if you’re from the US and simply in Russia for a short time. After all, Netflix US has the biggest library so there are a fair number of TV shows and movies that you’d otherwise miss out on. Fortunately, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) lets you connect to a server in the US and get a US IP address. By spoofing your location, it allows you to access and watch American Netflix in Russia as if you were back home.

How to watch American Netflix in Russia with a VPN

The best VPNs make it easy to watch American Netflix from Russia thanks to user-friendly apps and 24/7 support. Before we recommend the VPNs to use, here are some step-by-step instructions on how to get started.

Here’s how to watch American Netflix in Russia using a VPN:

1. Sign up with one of the Netflix US-compatible VPNs listed in this post. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app that’s compatible with your streaming device. The VPNs we recommend all allow at least five simultaneous connections.
3. Log in to the VPN app and connect to a server located in the US. Doing so ensures you’re assigned a US IP address for accessing American Netflix from Russia.
4. Go to the Netflix app or website. You should find yourself on the US version with all content available to stream on Netflix without geographic restrictions.
5. If it still doesn’t work, it may be that you need to clear your browser’s cookies for the change to register. Otherwise, try another server or ask your VPN’s customer support which servers work best with the streaming service.

With so many VPNs to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. Furthermore, it’s not fair to expect you to try multiple VPNs until you find one which works with American Netflix. With this in mind, we tested a wide range of VPN services, looking for them to meet the following criteria:

• Servers in the US that work with American Netflix
• Fast, unthrottled connections for lag-free streaming
• Secure with high-end encryption and a kill switch
• Privacy protection through a strict no-logs policy
• User-friendly apps and live chat and email support
• Money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free

Before we review each VPN in detail, here’s a quick overview of each in case you’re looking to make a quick decision and start streaming immediately:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for American Netflix. Some 2,000 US servers. Fast with specialty P2P servers available. 24/7 support and operates a strict no-logs policy.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN. Servers in two dozen US cities for accessing American Netflix. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Double VPN servers and 24/7 support.
3. ExpressVPN: High-speed servers in 94 countries, the US included. Reliable VPN for use with American Netflix. Excellent apps, 24/7 support and secure with encryption.
4. CyberGhost: More than 7,000 servers in 90 countries. Stream Netflix US lag-free thanks to unlimited bandwidth. No-logs VPN with seven simultaneous connections.
5. IPVanish: Fastest speeds for streaming American Netflix. Connect all of your devices at the same time. Strong security and 24/7 live chat and email support.
6. Hotspot Shield: Network covers 80 countries and over two dozen US cities. No bandwidth throttling. Lots of extra security features including auto wifi protection.
7. PrivateVPN: Works with Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus. Beginner-friendly, operates a no-logs policy, and accepts payment in Bitcoin.

Best VPNs to watch American Netflix in Russia

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for watching American Netflix from Russia:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024 works with US NetflixTested Apr 2024

NordVPN sets itself apart from the vast majority of VPNs in the market with its approximately 2,000 US-based servers. Of course, so many servers and IP addresses makes it that much easier to find a fast server that works well with American Netflix while in Russia. Overall, this VPN has more than 5,000 servers across 60 countries. An April 2020 upgrade to the NordLynx protocol (an adaptation of WireGuard) has seen server speeds increase even further.

This is a no-logs service with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. If you require even greater protection, note that Double VPN and Onion Over VPN servers are available. While NordVPN offers beginner-friendly apps, it’s worth knowing that 24/7 live chat and email support is available. Further optional security features include NordPass (a password manager) and NordLocker (file encryption with cloud storage).

Connect up to six devices simultaneously with the NordVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. While Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, manual setup is required to use NordVPN with routers.

BEST VPN FOR AMERICAN NETFLIX:NordVPN is our top recommendation. Lots of US servers and fast, unthrottled speeds. Specialty P2P and Double VPN servers as well as 24/7 support. No-logs service allowing up to six simultaneous connections. 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 launched in 2018 and has quickly established itself as one of the best VPNs for use with Netflix US. Its network is made up of over 3,000 servers in 65 countries. When it comes to accessing American Netflix, you’ll find servers spread across as many as two dozen US cities. The fast speeds combined with unlimited bandwidth mean you won’t have trouble streaming in high definition or even 4K, all without lag or buffering.

This is a particularly good choice if you have a lot of devices to secure because it allows unlimited simultaneous connections. A Surfshark subscription also includes 24/7 support as well as a whole host of security features. These consist of 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. Windows and Android users can even benefit from an antivirus, which is included with Surfshark One, a suite of cybersecurity tools.

Connect to a server in the US through a Surfshark app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, or Android TV. If you prefer, browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox. Surfshark is compatible and manually configurable with select routers.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark has servers in two dozen US cities and fast speeds for streaming Netflix US without lag. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections and offers Double VPN servers. 24/7 support included. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries including the US. This makes it easy to access a wide range of region-locked websites and services such as American Netflix. Consistently offering high-speed connections coupled with unlimited bandwidth, ExpressVPN is a safe bet for streaming in the highest quality. With the split tunneling feature, you’ll even be able to choose which apps use the VPN connection and which can bypass it.

With a single ExpressVPN account, you’ll be able to secure five of your devices at the same time. It also includes excellent support, which you can reach 24 hours a day via live chat and email. All internet traffic is routed through a 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel and you’re protected from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. Aside from a kill switch feature, ExpressVPN ensures your anonymity by not keeping any logs by which you can be identified.

ExpressVPN offers apps for all major operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Browser extensions can be downloaded for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. This VPN is router-friendly with custom firmware available.

STRONG ALL-ROUNDER:ExpressVPN offers servers in 94 countries including the US for accessing American Netflix. Very fast server speeds and strong security with high-end encryption and a kill switch. Excellent 24/7 support. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

works with US NetflixTested Apr 2024

CyberGhost offers more servers than any other VPN on this list. Overall, there are well over 7,000 available in 90 countries. In particular, you’ll have the choice of some 1,300+ US servers, for stress-free streaming of American Netflix in Russia. You can expect high-speed connections as well as absolutely no bandwidth throttling, making this a reliable choice for streaming. Better still, this VPN lets you secure as many as seven devices at the same time.

Live chat and email support (available 24/7) are included with your CyberGhost subscription, as are plenty of security features. Some of the latest changes include the addition of a password manager as well as the CyberGhost Security Suite for Windows. A strict no-logs VPN, CyberGhost uses 256-bit AES encryption and also offers DNS and IPv6 leak protection and an automatic kill switch. As such, it’s one of the safest VPNs you can use.

You can get a US IP address by using a CyberGhost app for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, or Android TV. This VPN also offers browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. You’ll need to set it up manually to use it with your home wi-fi router.

CONNECT SEVEN DEVICES:CyberGhost has more than 7,000 servers, some 1,300+ of which are in the US. Unlimited bandwidth for watching American Netflix. Connect seven devices simultaneously. Protects privacy with no-logs policy. Has a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

works with US NetflixTested Apr 2024

IPVanish has passed our speed tests with flying colors. The fastest VPN we’ve tested, it averaged speeds of 685 Mbps on its North American servers. Thanks to it now supporting WireGuard and providing unlimited bandwidth, it’s one of the best VPNs you can use to watch American Netflix in Russia. Another notable advantage of IPVanish is that you can use it to connect as many of your devices as you like simultaneously.

When connecting to an IPVanish server, your data is 256-bit AES encrypted and you’re secured from DNS leaks. Should your VPN connection drop, a kill switch cuts your Internet traffic, preventing data from being compromised. This VPN provider has a zero-logs policy and operates all of its own hardware, maintaining greater control over who accesses its servers. Should you need any help, 24/7 live chat and email support are available.

IPVanish has desktop (Windows and Mac) and mobile (Android and iOS) apps as well as an app for Amazon Fire TV. Manual setup instructions are provided by IPVanish for use with Linux and select compatible routers.

FASTEST SPEEDS:IPVanish offers the fastest speeds for streaming Netflix US in high definition and even 4K. Also allows unlimited simultaneous connections per account. Live chat support available around the clock. Zero-logs policy and encryption. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. Hotspot Shield

works with US NetflixTested Apr 2024

Hotspot Shield servers cover 80 countries including the US. Particularly impressive is the fact that these US servers are located across over two dozen cities. This makes it that much easier to find a fast server that lets you access American Netflix while traveling abroad. In fact, this is a VPN service that you can also use to stream Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. The 48 Mbps average connection speed in North America is fast enough for streaming.

With Hotspot Shield, you can secure up to five devices at once and have access to 24-hour live chat and email support. This VPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs of users and ensures your online security with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. What makes this VPN particularly good value is that it includes extras such as a password manager and spam call blocker, providing particularly comprehensive security.

You’ll find Hotspot Shield apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. A Chrome browser extension is also offered. For use with routers, you’ll need to follow the manual setup instructions provided by Hotspot Shield.

LOTS OF FEATURES:Hotspot Shield offers servers in 80 countries. This includes servers in over two dozen US cities. Stream American Netflix in Russia without interruption. Doesn’t keep identifying logs and includes a password manager. Has a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

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7. PrivateVPN

works with US NetflixTested Apr 2024

PrivateVPN may have a smaller server network but there’s no shortage of US servers. These servers are located in a dozen US cities including Los Angeles and New York. Servers are fast enough for streaming and torrenting while this VPN is particularly consistent with streaming services. Aside from American Netflix, it works well with Disney+ and HBO, for example. Furthermore, unlimited bandwidth means little to no lag or buffering.

One of the easier VPNs for beginners to use, PrivateVPN has both live chat and email support as well as free remote help and installation. Its strict no-logs policy means only you have access to your browsing data. Security is further reinforced with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. There’s also the option to pay your subscription anonymously in Bitcoin.

Connect up to six devices at once via the PrivateVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. It can also be manually set up to work with Linux and wireless routers.

STREAMING-FRIENDLY:PrivateVPN works with many popular streaming services such as American Netflix. Beginner-friendly service with excellent apps, fast live chat and email support, and strong security. Accepts payment in Bitcoin. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Finding the best VPNs for watching American Netflix in Russia: our methodology

Russia has something of a complicated history with VPNs and, as such, not every VPN works there. As such, our methodology for finding the best VPNs for watching American Netflix in Russia took this into account, as well as a few other factors as listed below:

• Servers in the US: Many VPNs don’t offer servers in Russia due to the Russian government demanding access to said servers. However, all of the VPNs we’ve listed offer servers in dozens of countries worldwide. This of course includes the US so you can get a US IP address and watch American Netflix while in Russia.
• Speed: Our speed tests have helped us identify the fastest VPNs for streaming American Netflix. All of them include unlimited bandwidth so you won’t have to contend with lag or buffering. Indeed, whether you plan to stream in 1080p HD or even 4K, these VPNs should prove more than fast enough.
• Access websites: It’s particularly difficult to access Netflix US from abroad. However, just because a VPN achieves this, doesn’t mean it’ll work on your other favorite websites and services. We’ve tested VPNs with a wide range of region-locked content to find those that are the most consistent.
• Security: A VPN should allow you to securely access American Netflix or any other website or service. This security should come from encryption as well as other security features such as a kill switch. We look for and test these features when we analyze VPNs. Some VPNs include extras such as Double VPN servers as well.
• Privacy: Internet freedom is restricted in Russia which is why it’s essential that you use a VPN that operates a no-logs policy. Having studied over 140 VPN logging policies, we know which will allow you to stay anonymous while traveling in Russia. Some of the VPNs we cover even allow you to pay in Bitcoin.
• Ease of use: Not all VPN apps are simple to navigate. Fortunately, you can expect the best VPNs for watching American Netflix to have not only user-friendly apps but 24/7 live chat and email support. If you prefer, you can find various setup and troubleshooting guides, making it even easier to get started.
• Value for money: Monthly plans tend to be a little more expensive but can be cancelled at short notice. Annual plans require a larger upfront payment but work out cheaper per month. We’ve found high-quality yet affordable VPNs with money-back guarantees and offer discount coupons so you can get an even better deal.

Our VPN testing methodology involves going through all of the above and more. This helps us determine how suitable a VPN is for a particular use case.

VPNs for American Netflix: FAQs