How to Get American Netflix in Australia

Netflix is available in most countries, but 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 notorious for detecting and blocking most connections from VPN servers. However, we’ve put together a list of VPNs that still work to access Netflix USA 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:

1. 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.
2. Surfshark A reliable and versatile budget VPN option. Solid speeds, a strong privacy focus, and the ability to stream American Netflix anywhere. No connection limit.
3. ExpressVPN Works well with US Netflix and most other streaming services from Australia. Fast speeds and a solid set of security and privacy features.
4. CyberGhost Beginner-friendly VPN with easy-to-use apps. We were impressed by the vast server network and streaming speeds during testing.
5. IPVanish Favored by Kodi users for its remote-control-friendly apps. Allows any number of devices to be connected.
6. PrivateVPN Newish network, one to watch, provides secure access to most streaming sites. Still growing its server list. Accesses American Netflix from anywhere.

How to watch American Netflix in Australia

If you’re in Australia and want to regain access to the TV shows and Movies available on US Netflix, you need a VPN. Using a VPN to gain an American IP address is the easiest solution to accessing American Netflix in Australia, and it’s not hard to do. Just follow the simple steps below, and you’ll be streaming your favorite content in no time.

Here’s how to watch American Netflix from anywhere: 

1. Sign up for a suitable VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app, making sure to choose the right version for your device.
3. Connect to a VPN server in the US to gain the US IP address necessary to access American Netflix.
4. Start watching US Netflix. Thats it! You should now be able to stream your home content library without issue.
5. If it’s not working, try clearing your browser’s cookies before reloading the page and trying again.
6. If you are still struggling, contact your VPN’s customer support team. Not all the US servers from a particular provider will work with American Netflix, but they should be able to point you in the direction of one that does.

How we select the top VPNs for Netflix USA

Many VPNs simply won’t work with Netflix. 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 still work reliably with Netflix. Our selections are based on the following criteria:

• Helps you securely access Netflix from anywhere
• Plenty of US servers to access American Netflix
• Offers fast, reliable connections
• Employs strong encryption
• Doesn’t log user information
• Provides reliable customer support

This is just an overview, but you can find out more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in the methodology section below. For now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made the grade.

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.

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

Apr 2024 works with US NetflixTested Apr 2024

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for accessing American Netflix from Australia or anywhere. Operates more than 6,000 servers worldwide, including almost 2,000 servers in the US, so it’s sure to have one that lets you securely stream Netflix USA in Australia. It’s one of the fastest VPN providers we’ve tested, too, so you won’t have to worry about lag or buffering interrupting your streaming. As well as Netflix, 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 military-grade 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 wifi 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 six streaming devices simultaneously.

NordVPN speed test data

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.

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2. Surfshark

works with US NetflixTested Apr 2024

Surfshark makes it easy to securely access the U.S. 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 fast internet connection than if they had to use a US-based server.

This VPN service 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.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Surfshark allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.

Surfshark speed test data

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

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3. ExpressVPN

works with US NetflixTested Apr 2024

ExpressVPN operates several servers in the US that work with Netflix USA. Just ask the live chat support which server to use, and you’ll be up and running within minutes. ExpressVPN ensures you’ll have the necessary bandwidth to stream video in high quality with minimal buffering. In total, it operates more than 3,000 servers in 100+ countries.

Besides Netflix, ExpressVPN can securely access Stan, HBO, and Amazon Prime Video, and 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.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Linux, and certain Wi-Fi routers. With a monthly plan, you can connect five devices at a time, and with longer-term subscriptions, you can connect up to eight devices.

ExpressVPN speed test data

STREAM US NETFLIX:ExpressVPN is great for streaming. It prioritizes your privacy, offers fast, secure connections, apps for most streaming devices, and best of all, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

works with US NetflixTested Apr 2024

CyberGhost is an excellent streaming VPN for novices and makes it easier than ever to stream U.S. Netflix from Australia. CyberGhost has a vast network of over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries, including over 2,000 in the US. Plus, instead of just choosing a server location and hoping for the best, you can select a Netflix-optimised server from the list and let CyberGhost do the work for you. Other supported streaming channels include Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer.

CyberGhost scored a perfect score in our annual privacy and security assessment, so you can feel safe knowing your data won’t be visible to anyone but you. Online speeds are great, and there’s plenty of bandwidth to keep you binging high-quality video late into the night.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. You can connect up to seven devices at the same time.

CyberGhost speed test data

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.

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5. IPVanish

works with US NetflixTested Apr 2024

IPVanish is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, and it can help you securely access U.S. Netflix from anywhere. Better still, it boasts solid speeds and lets users connect all of their devices at once. If you want the highest quality video possible, this is the VPN for you.

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.

Any number of simultaneous connections are permitted, and there are apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Manual configuration for routers and Linux systems is possible too.

IPVanish speed test data

SECURE EVERY DEVICE:IPVanish is great for families and multiple connections. Works with US Netflix, but you may need to chat with support to direct you to the best server. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

works with US NetflixTested Apr 2024

PrivateVPN has a smaller network than some of its rivals but doesn’t let that dissuade you. It works with a huge range of services, including US Netflix, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. PrivateVPN also performed well in our speed tests, so you can stream high-quality video with no buffering (though your base speeds have a part to play here).

PrivateVPN meets all of our privacy and security standards. Servers that work with Netflix US are clearly labeled in the app, so you won’t need to ask customer service which one to use. Live support is available should you encounter any issues, though.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. You may connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

PrivateVPN speed test data

GREAT SPEEDS: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.

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Finding the best VPNs to watch US Netflix – our methodology

With so many VPN providers on the market, finding the right one for the job can be a time-consuming process. To fix this problem, we test the world’s leading VPN brands for you. We use a scientific VPN testing method to check that each service not only works with Netflix US in Australia but also offers watertight privacy and data security.

Below, we have included a list of the important features we looked for when recommending VPNs for Netflix.

• Fast US servers: To stream American Netflix in glorious HD, you are going to require a VPN that has plenty of throughput and unlimited bandwidth. However, in addition to being fast, it must have servers in America that have not been blocked by Netflix. Our recommendations have been thoroughly speed-tested, and all offer what you need to enjoy Netflix US in Australia.
• Apps for all platforms: The best VPNs offer apps for a multitude of platforms that let you stream Netflix on any device you own. Our recommendations have custom apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even Linux. Plus, some have browser extensions, router compatibility, and apps for Firestick devices.
• Robust security features: All our recommendations were checked to ensure they don’t have any IP or DNS leaks. This guarantees they provide the privacy you expect from them. We also checked the encryption to be sure that your data is always tunneled in a completely secure manner.
• Advanced features: We looked for VPNs that offer not just the basics but also plenty of advanced privacy and security features. We looked for things like a kill-switch, obfuscation, DNS leak protection, malware filtering, ad blocking, split tunneling, auto-connect, and Smart DNS to let you stream on non-VPN compatible devices such as consoles.
• Excellent customer care: We tested each VPN’s support department in search of VPNs that respond quickly and effectively. All our recommendations have email and live chat support that is available around the clock.
• Unrestrained accessibility: In addition to working with Netflix US, our recommendations have servers in Australia and elsewhere around the globe. This means you can also use the VPN to access Australian TV services abroad – or torrent sites that have been blocked within Australia. With servers located globally, the sky really is the limit.

If you’d like to know more, you can read more about the testing process in our dedicated methodology article.

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 Netflix US in Australia: FAQs

See also:

• How to change Netflix region