Netflix is available in most countries, but — as you’ve no doubt noticed — the content library you can view varies widely depending on your location. American Netflix subscribers visiting Australia will find that they cannot access their American library and are, therefore, unable to watch certain shows and movies that are available to watch on American Netflix. This can be frustrating for viewers traveling abroad. But don’t worry, we’ll tell you how you can get American Netflix in Australia or anywhere else; you just need a VPN with US servers.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts all of a device’s internet traffic and routes it through a middleman server in a location of your choosing. By connecting to a VPN server in the US, you will gain a US IP address and spoof your location, making Netflix think that’s where you are. This allows American travelers to regain access to their usual content library (and any other geo-restricted content) during a visit to Australia.
Unfortunately, not all VPNs will work, as Netflix is notoriously good at detecting and blocking most connections from VPN servers. However, we’ve put together a list of VPNs that still work to access your Netflix US library from anywhere. We go into more detail on each of them below, but if you are short of time, here is a quick summary.
The best VPNs to watch US Netflix in Australia:
- NordVPN Our #1 pick for watching US Netflix in Oz! It boasts blazing-fast speeds, a fantastic security offering, strong everyday usage potential, and almost 2,000 US servers. It even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Netflix. - Surfshark The best budget VPN for American Netflix. Works with lots of US streaming platforms. High speeds, strong privacy tools, and no connection limit.
- TotalVPN Strong US presence and works with multiple regional Netflix libraries. Fast and secure servers. Low-cost subscriptions include free antivirus software.
- ProtonVPN Makes it as easy as possible to stream American Netflix in Australia. Large server network with a global presence. Doesn’t compromise on security.
- ExpressVPN Works well with US Netflix and most other streaming services from Australia. Has a smart DNS service and an app for routers. Comes with built-in obfuscation.
- IPVanish A quick, beginner-friendly VPN with excellent speed and streaming abilities. Can help you watch Netflix across all of your devices simultaneously.
- PureVPN A secure, no-logs provider that works exceptionally well with Netflix and other major streaming platforms. Lets you connect up to 10 devices simultaneously and obfuscates traffic by default.
- CyberGhost A great choice for novices thanks to its Netflix-optimized servers, fast speeds, and streamlined apps. Strong security tools and a no-logs policy.
- PrivateVPN Provides secure access to most streaming sites. Lots of customization options including port forwarding and a stealth mode in case you visit a country with extreme censorship.
Many VPNs claim to work with Netflix but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.
We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock Netflix and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.
How to watch American Netflix in Australia: 5 simple steps
If you’re in Australia and want to regain access to the TV shows and movies available on US Netflix, you need a VPN. It’s easier than you might expect to get an American IP address with these services too! Just follow the five simple steps below, and you’ll be streaming American Netflix in Australia within minutes.
Here’s how to watch American Netflix from anywhere in 5 simple steps:
- Sign up for a suitable VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app, making sure to choose the right version for your device.
- Open Netflix and log in. It’s important to do this now, because if you try logging in after connecting the VPN, you’ll often get an “incorrect login details” error, even if you typed them perfectly!
- Connect to a VPN server in the US to gain the US IP address necessary to access American Netflix.
So long as you’re using an American server, you should be able to access the US content library. If not, we’d suggest using a server in a major city like New York or Los Angeles. - Start watching US Netflix. That’s it! You should now be able to stream your home content library without issue.
If something’s not working, try clearing your browser’s cookies before reloading the page, or try a different US server. If you struggle to find a server that works, contact your VPN’s customer support team; they should be able to point you in the direction of one that works with US Netflix.
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There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
How we select the top VPNs for Netflix USA
Many VPNs simply won’t work with Netflix — they don’t have the ability to bypass Netflix’s stringent VPN detection methods. In this case, you’ll see a proxy error that says: “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.”
To save you from wasting time and money figuring out which ones work, we’ve put together this list of VPNs that work reliably with Netflix — as well as scoring highly in the other areas outlined below.
- Speed: We tested how fast each provider’s US servers were in a series of speed tests.
- Netflix region access: We scored providers on how many Netflix regions they were able to access, as well as their US server availability.
- Security and privacy: We used 16 different criteria for calculating VPNs’ security and privacy scores.
- Ease of use: We used 10 individual metrics for evaluating how easy each VPN service was to use.
- Value for money: We used eight unique criteria for establishing which providers offered the best value for money.
We get into the details of our testing process later in the article. We’ll also explore any significant results.
The best VPNs for Netflix USA: 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 American Netflix.
| No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | TotalVPN | Proton VPN | ExpressVPN | IPVanish | PureVPN | CyberGhost | PrivateVPN |
| Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | TotalVPN.com | ProtonVPN.com | ExpressVPN.com | IPVanish.com | PureVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for American Netflix | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | Total number of servers | 7,425 | 3,200 | 1,800 | 12,660 | Undisclosed | 2,400 | 6,000+ | 8,000+ | 200+ | Streaming services | Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime, Disney+, ITV Hub, BBC iPlayer, and more | Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and others | Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and others | HBO Max, ITV Hub, BBC iPlayer, and others | HBO, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and others | HBO Max, ITV Hub, BBC iPlayer, and others | HBO Max, ITV Hub, BBC iPlayer, and others | Hulu, Disney+, ITV Hub, and others | HBO Max, ITV Hub, BBC iPlayer, and others | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV | Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Apple TV | Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, Android, Chromebook | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Smart TVs, Chromebook, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best deal (per month) | $3.09 Up to 77% off 2 year plans + 3 months free | $1.99 87% OFF + 3 months free | $1.58 SAVE $80 on an annual plan | $3.59 SAVE 64% on a 2-year plan | $3.99 SAVE: Up to 69% + 4 months free on 2 year plans | $6.49 Best MONTHLY deal | $3.66 83% off + 6 months free on 2 year Max plan | $2.19 SAVE 83% on the 2 year plan + 2 months free! | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
The best VPNs for watching US Netflix in Australia
At Comparitech, we’d never recommend a VPN that we haven’t used and extensively tested ourselves, so the following reviews are based on our first-hand experiences. Let’s take a closer look at the providers that impressed us.
Here are the best VPNs for watching US Netflix in Australia:
1. NordVPN
Sep 2025
works with US NetflixTested Sep 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 9.2 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.6 / 10 |
| Netflix region access: | 8.8 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
| US Speed: | 10.0 / 10 |
| Value for money: | 7.9 / 10 |
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our top choice VPN for accessing American Netflix from Australia or anywhere else abroad. It operates more than 7,000 servers globally, with around a third of its network spread across the United States. If ease of use is a priority, you’ll love this service — it can access a huge range of streaming platforms and very rarely requires more than one attempt, plus it can block ads automatically.
We wanted to know how fast NordVPN’s US servers were, so we carried out several speed tests while connected. For reference, our base connection speed was 243.25 Mbps.
As you can see from the chart above, NordVPN was fast across the board. It’s average speed was 210 Mbps, which was almost double the average speed of the other providers that we tested. This means that you won’t have to worry about lag or buffering interrupting your streaming. On that note, this service works with Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, among other platforms.
This is a true no-logs provider that ensures you have a secure connection at all times. It utilizes effectively uncrackable encryption with perfect forward secrecy. A kill switch and leak protection keep your data safe inside the encrypted tunnel. NordVPN is known for its extra security features, including automatic wi-fi protection and the option to direct your traffic through two VPN servers (double VPN).
Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. You may connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want access to as many Netflix libraries as possible
- You want the fastest US connection speeds available
- You want simplified Tor access
- You’re connecting from China
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You do a lot of torrenting and want port forwarding
BEST VPN FOR US NETFLIX:NordVPN is our first choice for streaming American Netflix. It offers almost 2,000 servers in the US, strong privacy and security features, impressive streaming and download speed, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review here, or check out the video review below.
2. Surfshark
works with US NetflixTested Sep 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 9 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Netflix region access: | 9.0 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.5 / 10 |
| US Speed: | 9.2 / 10 |
| Value for money: | 8.1 / 10 |
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark makes it easy to securely access the US Netflix content library from anywhere, even Australia. In fact, most of its non-US servers automatically redirect you to the American version of the site. This means that travelers in Australia can get a lower-latency connection than if they had to use a US-based server.
Those who do use a US server will no doubt be glad to know that Surfshark is fast. In our tests, it consistently achieved speeds in excess of 190 Mbps. Note that our base connection speed without a VPN was 243.25 Mbps.
On average, it was 72 Mbps faster than the combined average speeds of the other providers that we tested. This is an excellent result, and means you’d have little trouble streaming 4K video while connected. Of course, if you felt like torrenting, playing games, or video calling, Surfshark could handle that too.
Surfshark clearly emphasizes security. It keeps your data private at all times using a kill switch, protection against DNS, IPV6, and WebRTC leaks, and 256-bit strong encryption. There’s also a built-in malware scanner and ad blocker. Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, so once connected, you’ll be almost entirely anonymous. Unlike most of its rivals, it offers a rotating IP address feature that makes you even harder to track while keeping your location the same!
Apps are available for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android. Surfshark allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
Buy this VPN if:
- You have a relatively slow internet connection
- You want to share an account with friends and family
- You have a device running Linux
- You want a low-cost subscription
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want a VPN that isn’t based in a Nine Eyes country
BEST BUDGET PICK:Use any Surfshark server to securely stream American Netflix from anywhere. This inexpensive yet security-conscious provider offers unlimited simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark review
3. Total VPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.8 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.4 / 10 |
| Netflix region access: | 9.0 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.1 / 10 |
| US Speed: | 8.2 / 10 |
| Value for money: | 8.5 / 10 |
Website: TotalVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Total VPN has servers in 24 US locations. Overall, it has a presence in 85+ countries, including China and Russia. The provider works with a wide range of streaming services beyond just Netflix US. During testing, we had no problems accessing typically stubborn platforms like BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video.
While connected to Total VPN’s US servers, we measured speeds of between 171.02 Mbps and 183.25 Mbps. These are more than fast enough for 4K streaming, multiplayer gaming, or just about anything else you can think of.
Total VPN makes it easy for new users to establish a connection, and doesn’t overwhelm them with information. The dashboard consists of a large ‘connect’ button and a list of available servers. Once connected, the provider shows how much data is being uploaded and downloaded, and the duration of the connection.
The provider uses strong 256-bit AES encryption to protect users’ traffic. Built-in leak protection and a kill switch ensure users’ IP addresses are concealed from potentially malicious third parties.
Users get a choice of four different connection protocols, with the speedy WireGuard used by default. Those connecting from restrictive countries such as the UAE can use the HYDRA protocol to obfuscate their traffic and evade network blocks.
Subscriptions cost the equivalent of $1.59 a month for the first year. They include Total AdBlock ad-blocking software and TotalAV antivirus software. Users can connect up to five devices simultaneously. Apps are available for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and tvOS.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want reliable streaming access from places like Russia and China
- You want a budget-friendly plan that includes extras like antivirus software
- You’re new to VPNs and want a simple one-click server selection process
- You value support for multiple VPN protocols
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You require advanced privacy tools like multi-hop or obfuscation
SPEEDY US SERVERS:Total VPN has a strong US presence and worls with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Subscriptions are great value and include free antivirus software. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Total VPN review.
4. ProtonVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8.1 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.6 / 10 |
| Netflix region access: | 7.7 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.3 / 10 |
| US Speed: | 6.6 / 10 |
| Value for money: | 7.3 / 10 |
Website: www.ProtonVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ProtonVPN is a strong contender here. It was created by the team responsible for ProtonMail, a privacy-first service used by activists all over the world, and its network spans an impressive 122+ countries. Of course, what really stands out to users is how reliably it can access streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video.
Let’s talk about performance. We tested ProtonVPN’s US servers at multiple times of day; check out the results below:
Straight away, we can see that its speeds could be a little more consistent. Still, with an average speed of 147 Mbps, you’ll be able to stream Netflix, play online games, or torrent without any issues.
ProtonVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. Not only that, but it has a built-in ad-blocker, meaning you can spend less time waiting around and more time catching up on your favorite shows. Support staff are on hand 24 hours per day over live chat.
Worried about your privacy? Don’t be; ProtonVPN uses industry-approved encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch to ensure that your online activities can’t be monitored. In fact, even the company doesn’t know what you get up to because it follows the strict no-logs policy (which has been independently verified by external auditors).
You can even take advantage of the port forwarding and split tunneling features if you need a little more control over your connection. Plus, there are special Secure Core servers for tasks where anonymity is vital, though these may be too slow to stream reliably.
ProtonVPN has its own Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and macOS apps. Users also have the option to manually install it on a wide range of different routers.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want access to a range of streaming platforms
- Security and privacy are important to you
- You want lots of customization options and advanced features
- You’re looking for a large server network
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re on a tight budget
- You’re connecting from China
ADVANCED SECURITY:ProtonVPN gives you plenty of ways to customize your security setup. It’s fast too, and works exceptionally well with most popular streaming platforms. Paid subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Still have questions? Find answers in our full ProtonVPN review.
5. ExpressVPN
works with US NetflixTested Sep 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 8 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.0 / 10 |
| Netflix region access: | 8.9 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 9.2 / 10 |
| US Speed: | 5.7 / 10 |
| Value for money: | 7.0 / 10 |
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN has a larger network than many of its competitors, covering 105 countries around the world. Not only does it offer more than half a dozen US server locations, but it also excels at accessing stubborn streaming sites. As well as Netflix USA, you’ll be able to securely access Paramount+, Max, and Amazon Prime Video, to name but a few platforms. If you have any issues, staff are available around the clock via live chat.
To find out how fast the provider’s US servers were, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected. You can see the results below.
ExpressVPN achieved decent enough speeds, with an average of 129.5 Mbps. While it’s not the fastest provider around, it is more than quick enough for streaming Netflix, even in 4K (provided you have a good connection speed to start with (ours averaged 243.25 Mbps).
You can expect tight security and privacy from this VPN. It boasts a built-in kill switch, leak protection, unbreakable encryption, and automatic obfuscation. There’s also a new Advanced Protection tab in the settings, allowing you to block ads, malicious sites, and trackers. Privacy is a priority for ExpressVPN: you can pay with Bitcoin, and it has been audited multiple times to prove it doesn’t keep logs of your activities.
Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Linux, and certain Wi-Fi routers. Users can connect up to eight devices at a time.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want to stream US Netflix on VPN-incompatible devices
- You’ve never used VPN software before
- You routinely need to evade VPN blocks
- You want a knowledgeable 24/7 live chat
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re looking for the cheapest subscription
- You might want to connect more than eight devices simultaneously
STREAM US NETFLIX:ExpressVPN is great for streaming. It prioritizes your privacy, offers secure, private connections, apps for most streaming devices (including routers). Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
6. IPVanish
works with US NetflixTested Sep 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 7.9 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 8.1 / 10 |
| Netflix region access: | 8.6 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 8.7 / 10 |
| US Speed: | 6.7 / 10 |
| Value for money: | 7.3 / 10 |
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish has really come into its own recently. Our experts watched as its speeds and streaming ability steadily improved, its network grew (now covering 100+ countries, including the US), and it introduced more and more advanced functionality. In fact, this was one of the first major VPNs to scrap connection limits entirely! Whether you’re looking to stream Netflix US regularly or just protect your traffic, IPVanish is a fantastic choice.
To find out exactly how fast IPVanish’s US servers were, we carried out several speed tests over the course of a day. For reference, our base connection speed was 243.25 Mbps.
IPVanish performed solidly throughout the day, with an average overall speed of 149 Mbps. This compares favorably against the other providers that we tested, which had an average combined speed of 129.8 Mbps. Needless to say, IPVanish is fast enough for streaming US Netflix in 4K.
One of the best things about this VPN is that it takes your privacy seriously. It is based in the US, but thanks to its unbreakable encryption, kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and proven zero-logs policy, there’s virtually no chance of your data being intercepted. IPVanish also added automatic tracker-blocking in a recent update too, so it’s clearly not content to rest on its laurels.
Any number of simultaneous connections is permitted, and there are apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Manual configuration for routers and Linux systems is possible too.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want easy access to US Netflix and other streaming services
- You want to share an account with friends or family
- You’d find a SOCKS5 proxy useful
- You want a low-cost subscription
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You’re connecting from China
- You want a provider based outside of the US
SECURE EVERY DEVICE:IPVanish is great for families and multiple connections. Works with US Netflix and many other streaming platforms. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full IPVanish review.
7. PureVPN
Works with US NetflixTested Sep 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 7.2 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Netflix region access: | 6.7 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 8.7 / 10 |
| US Speed: | 4.9 / 10 |
| Value for money: | 6.4 / 10 |
Website: www.PureVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 31 DAYS
PureVPN offers access to more than 6,000 servers worldwide, with many of these in the US. It may not cover as many countries as some of its rivals (around 65 in all), but it does work well with a wide range of streaming platforms. As such, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone hoping to stream their usual Netflix catalog while on vacation.
To find out how fast its US servers were, we carried out several speed tests while connected. You can see the results below.
We would like to see this provider work on its consistency moving forward, since there was significant variability in all three of our tests. Still, even its slowest result was well above what you’d need to watch Netflix in 4K, and it managed to secure an average of 115.7 Mbps regardless. This is slightly below the other providers’ combined average, but still fairly impressive.
PureVPN does a fantastic job of keeping your connection safe thanks to its uncrackable encryption, kill switch, and built-in leak protection. It can even obfuscate your traffic, hiding the fact that you’re using a VPN at all. Further, This provider has a strong commitment to transparency, proving its no-logs claims by being audited four separate times. We would prefer it if tracker-blocking were included as standard instead of only on the Plus and Max plans, however.
PureVPN apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Alternatively, you can follow manual setup instructions to run it directly from your router. If you run into any problems, customer support staff can be reached at any time via the 24/7 live chat service.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want streamlined access to US Netflix and other platforms
- You’re looking for a cheap long-term subscription
- You regularly need to bypass VPN blocks
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want a built-in ad-blocker
- You want access to multi-hop servers
EASY TO USE:PureVPN has plenty of US servers that work great with Netflix. Does a great job of keeping you safe and its apps are designed with beginners in mind. Best of all, every plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PureVPN review.
8. CyberGhost
works with US NetflixTested Sep 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 6.6 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 9.1 / 10 |
| Netflix region access: | 6.3 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 8.9 / 10 |
| US Speed: | 1.3 / 10 |
| Value for money: | 7.2 / 10 |
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is an excellent VPN for novices and makes it easier than ever to watch American Netflix in Australia. Further, it has a vast network of over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries, with almost a dozen different locations in the US alone. Better still, you don’t have to choose a server and hope for the best — CyberGhost tells you exactly which are best for streaming Netflix, YouTube TV, Hulu, and more.
To find out how reliable CyberGhost’s performance was, we tested it at three times of day. Here are the results:
Generally, this VPN is pretty quick, so we were surprised to see an average speed of 29.7 Mbps. While this is higher than the 15 Mbps required to stream 4K video, it’s the slowest speed of any VPN we tested, and shows that there’s still work to be done.
This service has plenty of security and privacy features, so you can feel safe knowing your data won’t be visible to anyone but you. For starters, it offers 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a proven no-logs policy. There’s also a random port connection feature to help bypass some forms of VPN detection and a smart rules system that lets you customise how and when you connect.
Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. You can connect up to seven devices at the same time.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want servers optimized for particular streaming platforms
- You don’t have much experience with VPN software
- You want access to a vast server network
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You want features such as port forwarding or multi-hop servers
- You’re connecting from a restrictive country such as China
GREAT FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost is easy to use and has a huge number of US servers. Great privacy with zero logs and DNS leak protection. Works with many popular US streaming platforms, including Netflix USA. Subscription plans come with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
9. PrivateVPN
works with US NetflixTested Sep 2025
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
VPN Ratings:
| Overall score: | 6.2 / 10 |
|---|---|
| Ease of use: | 8.2 / 10 |
| Netflix region access: | 6.8 / 10 |
| Security & privacy: | 8.6 / 10 |
| US Speed: | 1.0 / 10 |
| Value for money: | 6.5 / 10 |
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN has a smaller network than some of its rivals, but don’t let that dissuade you. It operates roughly a dozen servers in the US (with around 200 servers in 63+ countries globally) and works with a huge range of services, including US Netflix, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.
Now, this VPN has never been the quickest around, but it’s still important to make sure it’s fast enough for streaming. With this in mind, we ran three speed tests:
As you can see, the AM test delivered the highest result, though speeds fell later in the day, leading to an average of 33.8 Mbps. That’s more than you’ll need for streaming, though you may want to look elsewhere if you have a much slower base connection speed than ours (which was 243.25 Mbps).
PrivateVPN meets all of our privacy and security standards. It does use 128-bit encryption by default, but you can increase this to 256-bit via a menu on the main page. There’s also leak protection, a kill switch, and a zero-logs policy, plus a stealth mode capable of beating even the strictest online blocking. If you need help, support staff are available almost 24 hours per day via live chat.
Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. You may connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.
Buy this VPN if:
- You want a cheap subscription
- You want port forwarding
- You’d appreciate strong customer support
Don’t buy this VPN if:
- You have a slow internet connection
- You want access to a large server network
STRONG ON PRIVACY:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. No problems with US Netflix, and allows up to 10 devices on the same account. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
Recent updates to our top VPNs
Our ongoing VPN provider monitoring ensures recommendations stay current with the latest innovations. Here are the newest developments:
NordVPN
- Network stability enhanced through smart reconnection capabilities (June 2025)
- File collaboration revolutionized via Meshnet’s drag-and-drop transfer system (June 2025)
- Identity monitoring scaled to include 50 email addresses in Dark Web surveillance (June 2025)
- Security defense upgraded with Threat Protection Pro’s sophisticated malware filtering (May 2025)
- Linux platform modernized through graphical user interface deployment (May 2025)
Surfshark
- Architectural breakthrough achieved through Nexus technology’s software-defined networking (February 2025)
- Routing flexibility perfected via Bypasser’s cross-platform implementation (April 2025)
- Global infrastructure strengthened with seven new dedicated IP cities: Istanbul, Warsaw, Las Vegas, plus others (April 2025)
- Linux integration enhanced through Flatpak distribution method (October 2024)
- iOS user experience augmented with Bypasser functionality for traffic management (October 2024)
Total VPN
- Apple TV integration completed through tvOS application development
- Android security reinforced via “always on” killswitch mechanism
- iOS and macOS efficiency improved through “connect on demand” functionality
- Performance benefits delivered through WireGuard protocol universal implementation
Proton VPN
- Living room privacy delivered through Apple TV app introduction (October 2024)
- Protocol modernization achieved via IPv6 support in browser extensions and Linux client (2024)
- Threat detection enhanced via NetShield’s anti-phishing capabilities (Spring 2025)
- Streaming freedom expanded to encompass approximately 100 entertainment platforms (Spring 2025)
ExpressVPN
- Future-ready compatibility delivered through Windows Copilot+ support (September 2024)
- American privacy services enhanced with Identity Defender launch (November 2024)
- User experience refined via account deletion process improvements (March 2025)
IPVanish
- Premium experience expanded through Advanced plan featuring Secure Browser and storage solutions (October 2024)
- User engagement strengthened through dedicated suggestions and ideas portal (February 2025)
- Security intelligence augmented with QR code threat analysis functionality (April 2025)
Read more Netflix articles here:
Watching American Netflix in Australia with a free VPN
We know free VPNs are tempting, but your chances of watching US Netflix in Australia with a free VPN are very low. Most free VPNs just don’t work with Netflix at all due to the streaming platform’s stringent anti-VPN protocols. You might get lucky and find one that does, but since Netflix routinely blocks VPN servers, even if you find one, it won’t last long. Paid providers, on the other hand, have the resources to stay one step ahead.
Plus, free VPNs are heavily limited. Due to server congestion or bandwidth restrictions, they’re often much too slow to stream high-quality video. You may encounter data caps or waiting queues, which can seriously disrupt your streams and lead to a frustrating experience.
Finally, free VPNs can end up harming your privacy rather than helping it. To make money, many of them track your online activity and sell your personal data to third-party advertisers. Some VPN apps even carry malware payloads or are used for botnet scams.
In short, we recommend avoiding free VPNs and paying a few dollars a month for a quality paid provider. However, if you are set on trying to watch American Netflix in Australia for free, here are some tips on how to do so safely.
How to watch Netflix US in Australia for free (safely):
- Opt for a VPN that offers a free trial. These range from 1 – 7 days, so it could be enough if you’re just going away for a few days.
- Make the most of the money-back guarantees of the providers we’ve listed here. They range from 30 to 45 days, so they should be enough to cover you for a vacation or short work trip. Unlike free trials, you do have to pay upfront but can at least rest assured that if you’re not 100% happy with the service, you can claim a full refund. Check out our step-by-step guide to claiming a full refund from NordVPN to see how simple it is.
- Try a reputable VPN with a free basic level – such as ProtonVPN. Proton’s free tier has limited servers, but these include two in the US that have worked with Netflix in the past – there is no guarantee that they will still, but it’s worth a try before you pay for a subscription!
Watching US Netflix in Australia: FAQ
Is streaming American Netflix from overseas legal?
Anybody traveling abroad who wants to regain access to their usual Netflix content library in America can do so completely legally with a VPN. As a paying subscriber, you are entitled to watch your account, and a VPN is a legal tool that helps you do so while you are on vacation. This is why Netflix does not actively attempt to single out subscribers who use a VPN.
That said, Netflix states in its terms of service that accessing a foreign catalog is against the rules of its policy. This is why the streaming giant uses technologies to discover and block VPN IP addresses associated with VPNs. It does this to comply with the agreements it has entered into with copyright holders.
Although nobody we know of has been prosecuted for watching Netflix from abroad, we recommend that you check Netflix’s policies to understand the rules yourself. Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice, and it is important that you do your own research before deciding to use a VPN to bypass geo-blocks.
How Does Netflix Block Content?
Netflix geo-blocks content by looking at the IP address of the device you are using to watch it. If your IP address indicates that you are accessing Netflix from a country other than the one you signed up for, then you will be shown a message telling you that the show or movie is not available in your location.
The content is blocked in order to comply with licensing agreements that stipulate which countries particular films and television shows can be aired in. For example, a movie that is licensed to be shown on Netflix in the United States might not be licensed for airing in Australia.
This is why using a VPN to change your IP address is the best way of bypassing Netflix’s geo-blocks.
Will Netflix know that I am using a VPN?
Over the years, Netflix has put a lot of time and money into detecting VPNs. They’ve gotten very skilled at identifying the subtle signs of VPN usage, and only a few VPN providers have managed to stay ahead of them by constantly improving and innovating.
Providers that don’t have the resources or time to keep finding new workarounds are inevitably detected and blocked. This is why you can’t sign up for any old VPN or free VPN and expect it to work. If you do, you’ll probably come across the dreaded Netflix error message:
“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 this happens, you need to disconnect, try a different server, contact your VPN customer service team for help, or sign up for a different VPN with a proven ability to access Netflix.
Thanks for the run down. Another great service is Unlocator. They work with US Netflix and since it’s a Smart DNS service it’s easier to use for devices that don’t support VPN.