How to watch American Netflix in the UK

Netflix is available in almost every country across the globe, but the library of content you can view depends on where you’re located. When in the UK, you may be disappointed to find you can’t access some of the shows and movies that are available to watch on American Netflix. This is true even if you signed up for Netflix in the US.

Luckily, it’s relatively simple to unblock the American Netflix library from the UK, or anywhere else for that matter, in just a few clicks. A VPN redirects your internet connection through a second server and assigns you an IP address from that server. Because you can choose the VPN server location, you can make it appear that you’re anywhere (such as the US) and trick Netflix into granting you access to US-only content.

First, we’ll explain exactly how to do this with any compatible VPN. However, not all VPNs works with US Netflix, so we’ll also reveal our top picks below.

How to watch American Netflix in the UK

Setting up a VPN to work with US Netflix is pretty simple. Just follow these steps to watch Netflix US from anywhere.

Here’s how to watch American Netflix in the UK with a VPN:

1. Sign up for a Netflix account if you haven’t already.
2. Subscribe to a top-rated Netflix VPN. We recommend ExpressVPN.
3. Download the appropriate VPN client or app for your device and log in.
4. Connect to a US VPN server. For US Netflix, you may need to look for a server labeled for this use or ask your VPN provider which one to use.
5. Log in to your Netflix account and you should automatically see the US library of content.

Netflix attempts to stop users from utilizing VPNs to bypass geo-restrictions and many VPNs simply won’t work with the service. 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.”

That said, many services make it a priority to continue to circumvent Netflix’s blocks. We recommend the best of these below. Our selections are based on the following criteria:

• Unblocks Netflix
• Offers fast, reliable connections
• Employs strong encryption
• Doesn’t log user information
• Provides reliable customer support

If you don’t have time to read our mini-reviews below, here’s a brief look at the best VPNs for American Netflix.

Best VPNs to get American Netflix in the UK:

1. ExpressVPN: Our number one recommendation to watch American Netflix in the UK. ExpressVPN is fast, secure and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. CyberGhost: A great budget VPN that’s fast, private, and adept at unblocking Netflix.
3. NordVPN: Offers tons of security features and can unblock lots of platforms.
4. Hotspot Shield: Boasts very fast speeds and unblocks popular streaming sites.
5. Surfshark: Easily unblocks several Netflix libraries and doesn’t have a device limit.
6. IPVanish: A no-logs VPN with easy-to-use, reliable apps.
7. PrivateVPN: Prioritizes privacy and security as well as bypassing geo-restrictions.

Best VPNs to watch American Netflix in the UK

Here’s our list of the best VPNs to watch American Netflix in the UK:

1. ExpressVPN

Feb 2020unblocks us netflixTested Feb 2020

ExpressVPN is our top choice for accessing US Netflix. It’s extremely fast and very reliable and comes with excellent customer support. Aside from American Netflix, ExpressVPN can unblock several other country versions, as well as popular streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. If you’re a Brit and travel outside the country, ExpressVPN will help you watch BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, All 4, and more from abroad. If your chosen platform doesn’t work right away, you can contact a live chat support representative at any time of day to be directed to a working server.

In addition to incredible performance, you can expect tight security and privacy from this VPN. Desktop apps come with a built-in kill switch and all apps have leak protection, so your data is always safe. 256-bit encryption with perfect forward secrecy comes as standard. Privacy is a priority for ExpressVPN; you can pay with bitcoin and your personal information is never logged.

ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and the VPN can be configured with some home routers. You can connect up to five devices at a time.

BEST VPN FOR NETFLIX US:ExpressVPN is our top choice for unblocking Netflix US in the UK. It’s fast and reliable and works with multiple Netflix libraries. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee, making this VPN a risk-free option.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

2. CyberGhost

unblocks us netflixTested Feb 2020

CyberGhost is a solid budget alternative. This VPN has amassed a huge network of servers in the US and around the globe. It clearly labels which servers work with various services, including Netflix US, making setup a breeze. Other platforms you can unblock include Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.

This VPN builds lots of security features into its apps, including strong encryption with perfect forward secrecy, leak protection, and a kill switch in all apps. CyberGhost never logs any user data.

This VPN imposes a seven-device limit and you can download apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. You can configure it manually with certain home routers.

BEST BUDGET ALTERNATIVE:CyberGhost is our top budget choice This provider makes it easy to find a server that works with American Netflix and provides you with a secure, reliable connection. CyberGhost offers a 45-day refund policy.

Dive into our full review of CyberGhost.

3. NordVPN

unblocks us netflixTested Feb 2020

NordVPN has long proved its abilities in the area of unblocking and continues to perform well on this front. It unblocks several Netflix libraries, and will redirect you to the US Library if a local catalog is inaccessible. It also works with Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.

This is a true no-logs provider that ensures you have a secure connection at all times. It utilizes military-grade encryption with perfect forward secrecy. A kill switch and leak protection keep your data safely inside the encrypted tunnel. NordVPN is known for its extra security features including automatic wifi protection and the option to direct your traffic through two VPN servers (double VPN).

Desktop clients are available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux, and there are mobile apps for iOS and Android. The VPN works with select home routers via manual configuration. You can connect up to six devices under each plan.

SECURE VPN:NordVPN is another low-priced option for a Netflix VPN. It comes packed with security extras and is adept at unblocking a range of streaming platforms. Users can take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Learn more in our in-depth NordVPN review.

4. Hotspot Shield

unblocks us netflixTested Feb 2020

Hotspot Shield is a speedy VPN that unblocks most sites we’ve tested it with, including Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and ITV Hub. Its excellent speeds are attributed to its “Catapult Hydra” protocol, which is endorsed by some top cybersecurity firms.

This protocol is backed by strong encryption standards and perfect forward secrecy. All apps have a built-in kill switch and protection against leaks. IP addresses are logged during a session but are disposed of upon disconnection.

A subscription allows for up to five simultaneous connections. Hotspot Shield apps can be downloaded for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Router support is currently in the works.

GREAT FOR STREAMING:Hotspot Shield is a speedy VPN with a focus on both performance and security. This provider offers a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our full review of Hotspot Shield.

5. Surfshark

unblocks us netflixTested Feb 2020

Surfshark is a top performer when it comes to unblocking restricted media. It provides access to several Netflix libraries, but as with NordVPN, if it can’t connect you to the local library, you’ll be automatically redirected to the US catalog. Other platforms it unblocks include Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.

Surfshark is constantly improving its service and continues to boost its security profile. Features include military-grade encryption, perfect forward secrecy, split tunneling, automatic wifi protection, a kill switch in all apps, and leak protection.

There’s no limit to the number of devices you can connect at a given time. Desktop clients are available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux, as well as mobile apps for iOS and Android. Surfshark can be manually configured with some home routers too.

CONNECT ALL DEVICES:Surfshark won’t disappoint and is a reliable choice for accessing Netflix US from abroad. It allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our full review of Surfshark.

6. IPVanish

unblocks us netflixTested Feb 2020

IPVanish isn’t usually our first choice for streaming but it does work with Netflix and several other streaming sites. This one is particularly popular among torrenters and Kodi users.

Security is a priority and IPVanish uses 256-bit encryption with perfect forward secrecy. There’s also protection against leaks and desktop apps have a kill switch. No logs are maintained whatsoever.

Up to 10 simultaneous connections are permitted and there are apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Router configuration is possible too.

SPEEDY AND PRIVATE:IPVanish is fast, secure, and private. It works with American Netflix and has great speeds for streaming at home and on the go. Plans come with a 7-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

7. PrivateVPN

unblocks us netflixTested Feb 2020

PrivateVPN has been around for a number of years maintaining a fairly quiet but solid presence in the industry. It seems content with a small network of servers but makes the most of them. Fast speeds and excellent unblocking abilities make it a breeze to stream Netflix and other sites (Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and All 4 to name a few).

PrivateVPN doesn’t keep any logs and protects your connection with 256-bit encryption and perfect forward secrecy. You also get leak protection, and the Windows client has a kill switch.

You can have apps running on up to six devices at once. They’re available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. PrivateVPN supports some home routers as well.

GREAT UNBLOCKER:PrivateVPN enables access to multiple Netflix libraries as well as other streaming platforms. Subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our in-depth PrivateVPN review.

Can I use a free VPN to watch American Netflix in the UK?

The VPN providers on this list work hard to ensure they can continuously provide access to US Netflix from abroad. Free VPNs simply don’t have the resources to do the same. As such, it’s difficult to find a free VPN that works with Netflix. Even if you do find one, these services impose low data caps, so you may not even be able to watch one episode of your favorite show before being disconnected.

Other practical pitfalls that come with free VPNs include lag and buffering, long wait times to connect to servers, unexpected dropped connections, and lots of annoying ads. Clearly, none of this is ideal for streaming.

There are issues when it comes to privacy and security too. Many free VPNs record detailed logs of user activity and sell the information to advertisers. Plus, security issues arise due to weak or non-existent encryption standards. One free VPN was even caught using its users’ idle bandwidth to run a botnet.

For stress-free streaming and browsing, it just makes sense to go with a reputable paid provider.

What’s available on American Netflix?

Netflix’s US and UK libraries both have around the same number of titles (roughly 5,900). However, there are some titles that are available in the US that you can’t watch in the UK. This is usually due to licensing restrictions. Although Netflix has the rights to air a TV show or movie in the US, those rights don’t always extend to all other parts of the globe.

Here are a few titles you’ll unlock once you have access to US Netflix:

1. A Night at the Roxbury
2. The Bachelor Season 1
3. Die Another Day
4. Doubt
5. DragonHeart
6. Goldeneye
7. The Peacemaker
8. Rachel Getting Married
9. Raging Bull
10. The Rum Diary
11. The Secret Life of Pets 2
12. Tomorrow Never Dies
13. The World is Not Enough