watch Netflix USA from france

Netflix’s content library varies by region, so if you’re in France, you might find it lacking compared to the American selection. Licensing agreements and regional restrictions are to blame, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating when you’re traveling abroad. Luckily, there’s an easy solution. In this article, we’ll explain exactly how to watch Netflix USA from France with the help of a VPN.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) hides your IP address and masks it with one in the location of your choice – in this case, the US. This makes websites like Netflix believe you are connecting from within America, and you regain access to your US content. As a bonus, VPNs also protect your online privacy and keep your data safe from prying eyes. Perfect!

However, not all VPNs work to bypass Netflix’s restrictions, so we’ve compiled a list of rigorously tested VPNs that do. We go into more detail about each of these providers later on, but in case you’re short on time, we’ll start with a quick summary.

The best VPNs to watch US Netflix while traveling abroad in France or anywhere else in the world:

  1. NordVPN: Our top recommendation for watching US Netflix while in France. Nearly 2,000 US servers, works on many types of devices, offers 24/7 support, and utilizes strong security. Comes with a risk-free 30-day  money-back guarantee.
    TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly.
  2. Surfshark: Budget-friendly option that works with US Netflix. Boasts good security and an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.
  3. ExpressVPN: Good all-around VPN that works with US Netflix. Has 24/7 live customer support and exceptional security features.
  4. CyberGhost: Easy-to-use VPN that has fast speeds and can access US Netflix from abroad. Has a vast server network with over 2,000 servers.
  5. IPVanish: Servers in over 75 countries, including over 1,000 in the US. Has solid security and allows unlimited connections.
  6. PrivateVPN: Fast VPN that has a simple interface and works with Netflix in several countries.
  7. Atlas VPN: Servers in multiple US cities. Lag-free streaming thanks to its very fast speeds. Unlimited devices and lots of extra security features.

How to watch US Netflix from France

Don’t worry if you’ve never used a VPN before the process is quite simple. Just follow the step-by-step guide below, and you’ll be watching US content in France in no time. 

Here’s how to watch Netflix USA in France:

  1. Choose a VPN that works with Netflix: We highly recommend NordVPN.
  2. Download and install the VPN app: Ensure it’s compatible with your device, including Android TV.
  3. Select a US server to gain the US IP address necessary for seamless access to the American content library.
  4. Open Netflix and start streaming: Dive into your favorite shows and movies!
  5. Not seeing the US content? Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies before reloading the page. Alternatively, try connecting to a different US server. You may need to contact customer support to find a server that’s working with 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 selected the top VPNs for accessing US Netflix in France

There are hundreds of VPN providers on the market, but they don’t all provide the same level of service. To simplify the process, we’ve only included those VPNs that meet the following criteria:

  • Plenty of US servers
  • Consistently accesses 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

This is just an overview, but you can read more about how we test the VPNs we recommend in the methodology section below.

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 valueNordVPNSurfsharkExpressVPNCyberGhostIPVanishPrivateVPN
WebsiteNordVPN.comSurfshark.comExpressVPN.comCyberghost.comIPVanish.comPrivateVPN.com
Ranking for Netflix USA from France123456
Avg Speed (Mbps)100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps100+ Mbps39 Mbps
Total number of servers6,000+3,20011,000+200+2,200+200+
Simultaneous Connections10Unlimited87Unlimited10
Activity logsNoneNoneNo identifying dataNo identifying dataNo logs storedNone
Best deal (per month)$3.09
Up to 69% off + 3 months FREE
$2.29
Save 85% on a 2 year Starter plan
$6.67
SAVE: 49% + 3 months free
$2.03
SAVE 84% on the 2 year plan
$2.75
SAVE 78% on the 2 yr plan
$2.00
Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free

Best VPNs to watch US Netflix from France

The following reviews are based on extensive real-world testing and first-hand experiences. Let’s take a closer look at the VPNs that impressed us.

Here is our list of the best VPNs for watching Netflix US from France:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN Mar 2024 works with netflixTested Mar 2024

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background 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:

4.5 out of 5

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.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark works with netflixTested Mar 2024

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:

4.5 out of 5

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.

Surfshark Coupon
Save 85% on a 2 year Starter plan
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3. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN works with netflixTested Mar 2024

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 100 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 eight devices at one time on a single plan.

Pros:

  • Works with US Netflix
  • Fast and reliable servers
  • Strong security protocols and privacy features
  • Zero logs policy
  • 24/7 live chat support

Cons:

  • A bit more expensive than rivals
  • Streaming servers aren’t labeled

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

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.

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4. CyberGhost

CyberGhost works with netflixTested Mar 2024

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:

  • Over 10,000 in 100 countries, including 2,000+ in the US
  • Makes it easy to watch US Netflix
  • Fast speeds ideal for streaming
  • Very secure
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Doesn’t work well in China
  • Better suited to beginners than advanced users

Our score:

4.5 out of 5

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.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish works with netflixTested Mar 2024

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 2,000 servers in more than 75 locations, including over 1,000 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:

4 out of 5

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is a superfast provider offering robust security features and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN works with netflixTested Mar 2024

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:

4.5 out of 5

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.

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7. Atlas VPN

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background FireTV

Website:  www.AtlasVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Atlas VPN works with multiple Netflix libraries, and this includes Netflix US.  Simply connect to one of its servers in the US (Los Angeles, New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Miami, Phoenix, or New Jersey) and you’re all set. When it comes to streaming Netflix US from France, you’ll likely get the best speeds when connecting to a server on the East Coast of the US. Atlas VPN is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, so streaming should be free from lag.

When you connect to an Atlas VPN server, your data is 256-bit AES encrypted and thus as secure as can be. This VPN also provides DNS leak protection and a kill switch feature, as well as a malware blocker and MultiHop servers (for two or more layers of encryption). Your privacy is very much protected with Atlas VPN because it doesn’t keep logs that can be tied to your identity. 24/7 support is also available.

Connect all of your devices simultaneously with the Atlas VPN app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Bear in mind that Atlas VPN doesn’t provide router support, however.

Pros:

  • Servers in multiple US cities for accessing Netflix US from France
  • One of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested (stream in high resolution)
  • Extra security features including a malware blocker
  • No limit to the number of devices you can connect at once

Cons:

  • Doesn’t provide router support
  • No browser extensions included

Our score:

4 out of 5

LAG-FREE STREAMING:Atlas VPN is very fast so you can stream Netflix US from France in high resolution without lag. Works with many other popular streaming services. Unlimited simultaneous connections and MultiHop. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Atlas VPN review.

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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 is 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. 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?

You can watch Netflix in France without a US IP address, but you will only have access to the French content library, which differs from the American.

If you want to watch US Netflix from France, you will need a U.S. IP address, which will change your IP address and make it appear that you’re in the United States and give you access to Netflix US.

Similarly, if you wanted to watch UK Netflix, you’d need a UK IP address. For Italian Netflix an Italian IP, etc.

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.

How Much is Netflix in France? 

As of 2023, Netflix offers three subscription plans in France:

  • Standard with ads: €6.99 per month
    • Ad-supported
    • Access to all but a few movies and TV shows
    • Unlimited mobile games
    • Watch on 2 supported devices at a time in Full HD
  • Standard: €15.49 per month
    • Unlimited ad-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games
    • Watch on 2 supported devices at a time in Full HD
    • Download on 2 supported devices at a time
    • Option to add 1 extra member who doesn’t live with you for €7.99 each per month
  • Premium: €19.99 per month
    • Unlimited ad-free movies, TV shows, and mobile games
    • Watch on 4 supported devices at a time in Ultra HD
    • Download on 6 supported devices at a time
    • Option to add up to 2 extra members who don’t live with you for €7.99 each per month
    • Netflix spatial audio

These prices are subject to change, and it’s always a good idea to check the latest prices on the official Netflix website.