Netflix subscribers in France pay more for a monthly Netflix subscription and get fewer TV shows and movies than their American counterparts. Although Netflix has expanded its French library over the past few years, you can’t deny that there’s a lot of content that’s simply not available. So if you are currently traveling in France but don’t want to miss out on your favorite shows, you’ll need the help of a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access your home Netflix library.
Although many VPNs don’t have the ability to access Netflix, a few still do, and we’ve gathered them together here. We go into more detail about each one later on, but f you don’t want to read the rest of the article, here’s a summary.
The best VPNs to watch US Netflix while traveling abroad in France or anywhere else in the world:
- NordVPN: Our top recommendation for watching US Netflix while in France. Works on many types of devices, offers 24/7 support, and utilizes strong security. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Budget-friendly option that works with US Netflix. Boasts good security and an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
- ExpressVPN: Good all-around VPN that works with US Netflix and has 24/7 live customer support.
- CyberGhost: Easy-to-use VPN that has fast speeds and can access US Netflix from abroad.
- IPVanish: Servers in over 75 countries. Has solid security and allows unlimited connections.
- PrivateVPN: Fast VPN that has a simple interface and works with Netflix in several countries.
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How to watch US Netflix from France
If you want to access Netflix’s American library while in France, you’ll need a VPN. A VPN encrypts your device’s internet connection and routes it through an intermediary server in a location of your choosing. In this case, you would connect to a VPN server in the US, which makes it seem as though you’re accessing Netflix from back home in the USA. Netflix will, therefore, grant you access to the larger catalog of TV shows and movies.
To watch Netflix USA in France, follow these steps:
- Sign up for a VPN that works with Netflix. We recommend NordVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app.
- Run the app and select a server in the USA to gain a US IP address.
- Connect to the US server.
- Open Netflix and start streaming!
Not every server from a particular provider will watch Netflix. Typically a VPN provider operates a few Netflix-optimized servers, and these might not be apparent in the apps. You might need to contact customer support or consult your provider’s website in order to find out which server to connect to. All of the VPNs we recommend include live chat support that can walk you through what you need to do.
Best VPNs for US Netflix: at a glance
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 for US Netflix from France.
| No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | IPVanish | PrivateVPN |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | IPVanish.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for Netflix USA from France | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 39 Mbps | Total number of servers | 5,595 | 3,200 | 9,073 | 200+ | 2,200+ | 200+ | Simultaneous Connections | 6 | Unlimited | 5 | 7 | Unlimited | 10 | Activity logs | None | None | No identifying data | No identifying data | No logs stored |
| Best deal (per month) | $3.29 SAVE up to 63% + 3 months 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 | $2.96 SAVE 75% on the 2 year plan | $2.00 SAVE 85% on the three year plan |
Best VPNs to watch US Netflix from France
All of our recommended VPNs adhere to the following criteria:
- Works with US Netflix from France
- Fast speeds for high-quality, uninterrupted streams
- Strong security and a no-logs policy
- Fast and competent customer support
- Includes a money-back guarantee
Here is our list of the best VPNs for watching Netflix US from France:
1. NordVPN
May 2023
works with netflixTested May 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our favorite VPN to stream US Netflix from France or anywhere. It’s one of the most popular providers in the world, and there’s good reason for that. Almost every server works with Netflix. It can also securely access Netflix libraries in several other countries, including France, Australia, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands, and the UK. Not only that, it works with Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, among many other popular streaming sites.
NordVPN is among the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, so you can stream HD and 4K video without buffering. You also get beefy security and data leak protection, plus a kill switch that halts internet traffic if the VPN connection drops.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux.
Pros:
- Servers in 60+ countries, including almost 2,000 in the US
- Works with Netflix US
- Fast speeds for uninterrupted streaming
- Zero logs and strong security
- Inexpensive
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Occasional slow server
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR NETFLIX USA:NordVPN is our #1 choice, with all the speed and server access you need to stream Netflix USA from France. It comes with a risk-free, 30-day, money-back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
works with netflixTested May 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices on a single account, making it a great option for a family or group of housemates. Almost every server works with Netflix US; even connecting to servers in other countries will redirect you to US Netflix. That means there’s no anxiety about choosing the correct server to stream from.
Surfshark offers fast speeds without sacrificing security. It keeps zero logs and also works with BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Pros:
- Works with US Netflix from almost any server
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Strong security and no logs
- Extremely fast
- Knowledgeable customer support
Cons:
- Some features can’t be used without a Surfshark One plan
Our score:
BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark lets you watch Netflix on as many devices as you want, has servers in 100+ countries, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN
works with netflixTested May 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN lets users watch American Netflix from abroad by connecting to any of its US locations. ExpressVPN is one of our top VPNs for speed, so you should have no problems streaming high-quality video from France. It also works with other geo-blocked content, including that from BBC iPlayer, Hulu, HBO, and Amazon Prime Video.
The company operates more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries. Every connection is guarded by strong encryption, leak protection, and a network lock—ExpressVPN’s name for a kill switch that cuts off the internet in the event of a dropped VPN connection. The company doesn’t store any identifying logs.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and certain wifi routers. You can connect any five devices at one time on a single plan.
Pros:
- Works with US Netflix
- Fast servers
- Strong security
- Zero logs policy
- 24/7 live chat support
Cons:
- A bit more expensive than rivals
- Streaming servers aren’t labeled
Our score:
WATCH NETFLIX AND MORE:ExpressVPN is a great all-round VPN that works with US Netflix from abroad. You can try it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
works with netflixTested May 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is one of the fastest and most secure VPNs we’ve tested. In addition to the traditional list of server locations, CyberGhost’s apps let you choose which streaming service you want to access. US Netflix is listed at the top, along with several other streaming channels, including Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer. It will even open Netflix in a browser window for you, making it one of the most reliable Netflix VPNs around.
Encryption standards are strong, and CyberGhost doesn’t store any logs about its users or what they do online.
Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. You may connect up to seven devices at once on a standard plan.
Pros:
- Vast server network of over 9,000 in 90 countries
- Makes it easy to watch US Netflix
- Fastest VPN
- Very secure
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Doesn’t work well in China
- Better suited to beginners than advanced users
Our score:
SUPERB ACCESSIBILITY:CyberGhost makes watching US Netflix a breeze. Easy to use, fast, secure and it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
5. IPVanish
works with netflixTested May 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is an excellent choice for those looking to access Netflix USA from France. Has a network of over 1,900 servers in more than 75 locations, including numerous servers in the United States. Plus, fast and consistent connections enable seamless streaming of high-quality video without buffering or lag.
IPVanish allows you to connect unlimited devices simultaneously. If you need assistance, their dedicated customer support team is available 24/7 via live chat and email to help you with any issues or questions. It adheres to a strict no-logs policy and employs robust security measures, including AES-256 encryption, DNS leak protection, and a built-in kill switch, automatically cutting off your internet connection if the VPN connection drops, preventing any data leaks.
IPVanish offers user-friendly apps for various platforms, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and even Amazon Fire TV. The service also supports router configuration for those who wish to secure their entire home network.
Pros:
- Does not maintain logs of your activity
- Offers excellent performance speeds
- Allows multiple simultaneous connections
- Clearly values user security
Cons:
- Potentially subject to security laws in the U.S.
- Has difficulty with some larger streaming services
Our score:
UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is a superfast provider offering robust security features and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full IPVanish review
6. PrivateVPN
works with netflixTested May 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN excels at securely accessing international services like US Netflix and has fast servers to make streaming a breeze. Although its server network is smaller than the others on this list, PrivateVPN has a wide range of locations to choose from. The interface is simple, and streaming servers are clearly labeled in the apps. PrivateVPN also works to stream Hulu and BBC iPlayer, among other services.
Live chat support is available should you need it. PrivateVPN meets all of our security and privacy standards.
Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. You can connect up to 10 devices at a time.
Pros:
- Works with US Netflix
- Fast speeds
- Strong security and no logs
Cons:
- Fewer servers than others on the list
- Live chat is not available 24/7
Our score:
SIMPLE AND EFFECTIVE:PrivateVPN gets the job done and works with US Netflix without hassle. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
Using a free VPN to watch US Netflix from France
Free VPNs are not recommended for Netflix. Attempting to watch Netflix while connected to a free VPN will result in a proxy error in all but a few rare cases. Even if you happen to find a free VPN that Netflix hasn’t blacklisted, most free VPNs are too slow to stream video.
Free VPNs also tend to be less secure. To make money, they often harvest user data and sell it to third-party advertisers and data brokers. Some free VPNs even carry malware.
Paid VPNs have the resources and business incentive to keep Netflix-optimised servers maintained and available at all times for customers. We recommend you stick to paid VPNs and stay away from free alternatives.
Netflix US vs Netflix France
French Netflix has a total of 6,413 titles at the time of writing, according to our latest research:
- 4,364 movies
- 2,049 TV shows
In contrast, US Netflix has a total of 5,995 titles:
- 3,833 movies
- 2,162 TV shows
Some of the TV shows and movies on American Netflix that you can’t get on Netflix France include:
- The Real World
- Basketball Wives
- The Amazing Race
- Junior Baking Show
- Falling in Love Like a Romantic Drama
- Are You Afraid of the Dark?
- Newly Rich, Newly Poor
- The Baker and the Beauty
- The Unsettling
- Love Island USA
- Sister, Sister
- The Parkers
- One on One
Despite having fewer TV shows, the most basic Netflix subscription costs US$5.90 per month in France. In the US, a subscription costs $6.99 per month.
VPN testing methodology
Comparitech relies on real-world tests to ensure our recommendations are reliable. Our team of international testers are instructed to connect to the VPN, open Netflix US, and attempt to watch a show. If the show plays, the tester records a positive result. And if the proxy error is returned instead, the result is negative.
This is done as a part of our wider Netflix VPN testing in which we test each VPN’s access to Netflix libraries in 20 countries on both the Netflix mobile app and the Netflix website in a desktop web browser. As of this year, we’ve conducted about 3,000 individual tests on 37 VPNs.
To ensure the VPN is not just redirecting to the US version of Netflix—many VPNs do this—we check each library for country-exclusive shows. This ensures we are connected to the intended country version of Netflix.
Watching US Netflix in France: FAQs
Is it legal to watch American Netflix from France?
Yes it's legal to access your home Netflix library with a VPN. VPNs are a great way to keep your data private and secure, and they're also a great way to bypass geographic restrictions on content. So as long as you're using a VPN that's based in the US, you should be able to watch all of the American Netflix content that you want. Enjoy!
Can I watch American Netflix without a VPN?
Yes, you can watch American Netflix without a VPN, but it's not the easiest option. Your best bet is to use a VPN because it will allow you to access the US version of Netflix without changing your DNS settings or installing any additional software.
Do I need a U.S. IP address to watch Netflix from France?
Yes, if you want to watch Netflix from France, you will need a U.S. IP address. French Netflix content is different from U.S. content, so unless you have a U.S. IP address, you will not be able to watch French Netflix content. However, with a VPN connection to an American server, they will change your IP address to appear that you're in The United States.
Why does Netflix have different shows in different countries?
Most streaming services (including Netflix) keep their costs down by only buying the rights to show TV shows in specific countries. For instance, they might offer more French-language content in France, without having to pay for global broadcasting rights.
As part of these agreements, broadcasters have to do their best to prevent anyone outside of these regions from watching. That's why streaming services tend to block VPN users, proxy servers, and so on. Unfortunately, this means that people traveling abroad may find themselves unable to keep watching their favorite shows until they get back home.
Will Netflix ban me for using a VPN?
Netflix has gotten very good at detecting VPN usage in the last few years. Usually, if it realizes you're connected to one, it'll display an error such as the infamous "you seem to be using an unblocker or proxy" message. You might also find that you're only able to stream Netflix Original content or that you're unable to log in with a VPN active.
The good news is that all of these problems will go away once you disconnect from the VPN. Here's something that should give you a little more peace of mind: we've been testing VPNs against Netflix for years -- some work, some don't, but we've never had an account banned and have never heard of any other user being banned simply for using a VPN either.