Want to get the most out of your Netflix subscription? With a VPN for Netflix, you can access new titles that aren’t available in your region at no extra cost. However, as with everything in life, there is a small catch. Many VPN providers struggle to access Netflix, so you’ll need to stick to the few VPNs that can access this popular streaming service.
Are you tired of hitting a brick wall every time you try to access different Netflix libraries from your region? Navigating the digital maze of geo-restrictions might seem daunting, but what if the key to unrestricted Netflix content was just a VPN away? Let’s explore the best VPN for Netflix, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies no matter where you are in the world.
Finding the perfect Netflix VPN isn’t just about unblocking content; it’s about seamless streaming, maintaining speed, and keeping your browsing safe. The top contenders in this arena boast robust server networks, lightning-fast speeds, and iron-clad security features. They ensure that not only can you access a global content library, but you also enjoy it in the highest quality with no buffering.
We have reviewed over 150 VPNs, and always test them to make sure they can reliably access in-demand streaming services like Netflix. From our research, we’ve found that the following VPNs will work best:
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To ensure that we’re recommending VPNs that can actually access Netflix, we regularly test the services listed on this page to ensure that they meet the following criteria:
Can it access Netflix catalogs from around the world? Is it fast enough to stream in HD and 4K? Does it offer great customer service? Does it have great apps for popular devices?
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The 10 best VPNs for Netflix | In-depth analysis
Below, we take a closer look at the ten best Netflix VPNs on the market. If you’d like to learn more about any of the providers listed here, or want to compare even more services, then head on over to our dedicated review pages.
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Compare the number of libraries they access
Before we recommend any VPN service to our readers, we put it to the test ourselves to figure out how many Netflix regions it can access, and whether it can access the most popular libraries – and we make sure to check out the Netflix USA, Canada, UK, France, Germany, and Japan libraries in particular.
Take a look at the table below to compare services based on which regions they access. We haven’t included each and every Netflix region, however, just the ones with consistently popular content.
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How does ProPrivacy review VPNs?
Reviewing VPNs is a huge part of ProPrivacy’s mission, and I’ve tested all of the VPN providers on this page to make sure they can access international Netflix catalogs. I kept my tests straightforward, to mimic the steps an ordinary user would take, and to weed out any services that require an overly complicated streaming configuration.
First, I installed the VPN app (and its browser extension, if applicable) and connected to an international server. I then opened Netflix in my Chrome browser. From here, I checked to see if the homepage was displaying location-specific shows, and clicked on content to make sure that it loaded, streamed in HD, and wasn’t interrupted by buffering issues. If a VPN ticked all these boxes, I was happy to include it in this top 10 guide.
Want to learn more?
Head over to our review process page for a more in-depth explanation of ProPrivacy’s testing process.
What is the fastest VPN for Netflix?
If you’re using a VPN to stream Netflix, then it’s important the VPN provider has servers fast enough to deliver HD content without buffering interruptions. To that end, we test the server speeds of 27 industry-leading VPNs on a regular basis to find the quickest providers.
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For more information on VPN speeds, you can check out our speed methodology.
Will a VPN improve my speeds for streaming?
The internet is full of people claiming that a VPN can speed up your internet. However, unless your ISP is actively throttling your bandwidth, this isn’t true.
A VPN must constantly encrypt and decrypt your traffic and route it via a VPN server, which will usually have a slight negative impact on your speeds. However, the fastest VPNs can do this without slowing your internet down much at all – so you can still stream HD content on Netflix without issues.
How to access Netflix with a VPN
It’s incredibly easy to use a VPN with Netflix. To check out more content, all you need to do is sign up for a compatible service and follow the steps in the video below:
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How to tell your Netflix VPN is working
A few years ago, it was easy to tell whether your VPN was working correctly with Netflix. This was because of the error message Netflix served to VPN users asking them to disconnect. Nowadays, Netflix takes a different tactic, showing subscribers using VPNs only the shows and movies that it has a global license for (primarily just Netflix originals).
Don’t be fooled!
This can cause confusion, and make VPN users believe that they’ve successfully accessed a different Netflix region. In reality, they’re just being served a special, restricted Netflix library – without any region-locked content.
Obviously, this defeats the purpose of using a VPN to access international content libraries! We recommend following the steps in this guide to connect to Netflix via your VPN. Then, search for movie or TV titles that you know are unique to the region you’re accessing.
To help, we have listed some regionally exclusive titles that you can search for below:
If you can stream the titles mentioned above while connected to your chosen Netflix region – your Netflix VPN is working correctly.
How we pick the best VPNs for Netflix – VPN testing methodology
Netflix works hard to block VPNs. This means there are very few services that work. This makes it difficult for consumers to confidently pick a VPN to stream Netflix on vacation.
In addition, many VPNs lie about the level of protection they provide. They also exaggerate how fast they are, which makes it hard to tell if the VPN is good for tasks like HD streaming on Netflix.
Our review process has been developed over many years and uses precise metrics to ascertain the most accurate results
To guarantee that we always provide accurate recommendations, our experts use a dedicated VPN testing methodology. Our review process has been developed over many years and uses precise metrics to ascertain which VPN is better.
To this end, we check a VPN’s apps, test its security features, analyze the privacy policy, and test that the VPN has everything you require to play games, make video calls, or stream in HD.
Below, we have included some of the things we looked for when recommending the best VPNs for Netflix:
Servers in the US and elsewhere that work to stream Netflix with the proxy error message. The ability to access not just Netflix but as many popular streaming platforms as possible. This includes BBC iPlayer, Disney Plus, Hulu, and HBO Max. Fast servers and VPN protocols, such as WireGuard, optimized for streaming. The ability to quickly bypass the Netflix VPN blocks to keep providing access for their users. Strong AES encryption, a kill-switch, DNS leak protection, and other security features needed to gain online privacy at home and on public WiFi. Privacy levels you can count on to watch Netflix at work or on another restricted network without being monitored. Secure apps for all platforms to let you stream Netflix on any device.
Do all VPNs work with Netflix?
Unfortunately not. Netflix invests a lot of time and money into blocking VPNs, and it does so because some of its content has licensing restrictions, meaning it can only be shown is certain regions.
Each year, Netflix gets better at blocking IP addresses associated with VPN providers. This results in fewer VPNs providing reliable access to the service. As a result, using a VPN that isn’t listed on this page will likely result in the following Netflix error message:
[[post-object type=”blockquote” author=”Netflix Proxy Error”]]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.[[/post-object]]
If you see this message, it means that Netflix knows you’re using a VPN, and will prevent you from streaming any content until you disconnect. Our recommended VPNs understand the importance of consistently providing access to Netflix, though, and work ceaselessly to keep maintaining servers that can access all sorts of global libraries.
If your VPN is not working with Netflix, check out our Netflix VPN Troubleshooting guide for some handy tricks to get it working again.
VPNs that DON’T work with Netflix
Many well-known services (Avast Secureline, Kaspersky Secure Connection, Buffered, and TunnelBear – to name a few) don’t even try to bypass Netflix restrictions!
Below you’ll find some providers you can write off immediately.
Conclusion
Now that we’ve covered which VPNs work with Netflix and which don’t, let’s review our top picks:
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FAQs
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”What country has the best Netflix catalog?” answer=”Though some countries’ Netflix libraries have now eclipsed the US library in terms of the number of available titles, we all know that quantity doesn’t necessarily translate to quality. The Netflix US library may no longer have the largest catalog, but it certainly remains the most popular and sought-after Netflix library in the world. Each provider listed in this guide gives users access to the US catalog.” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Can my Netflix account get banned?” answer=”No, your Netflix account won’t be banned if you happen to use a VPN. It’s far more likely that you’ll be unable to access the shows and movies you’re after–either because your VPN no longer works with the service, or because Netflix has banned IPs belonging to it. Still, you won’t get into trouble for trying! In order to avoid disappointment, your best bet is to invest in one of the reliable providers recommended in our list, seeing as they’re known to work well with Netflix (and other sites).” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Do all VPNs work with Netflix?” answer=”The short answer is no. Why? Well, Netflix puts a lot of time and money into blocking IP addresses that belong to VPN companies. This is why most providers won’t work with the service. Fortunately, we’ve listed several VPNs that provide reliable access to Netflix–no matter where you are in the world. If you choose a VPN that’s not featured in our list, be sure to check with a customer service representative to ensure that it works with the streaming services you’re subscribed to.” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Can I use a free VPN to access Netflix shows?” answer=”You can, but I wouldn’t recommend it. <a href=’/vpn/comparison/free-vpn-services’>Free VPNs</a> are restrictive and come with a ton of limitations that make them ill-suited to streaming. However, there is a way to get a premium VPN without paying a penny. Check out our <a href=’/vpn/guides/free-vpn-netflix-hack’>free VPN for Netflix</a> for the details.” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Why does Netflix block content in my location?” answer=”Netflix itself would love to be able to offer you all of its movies and TV shows – regardless of where you live! However, copyright holders have the final say about where Netflix can (and can’t) broadcast content, and can force the services’ hand. This is typically done to protect licensing agreements that exist in other countries–and it’s why Netflix libraries vary slightly from location to location. If you’re looking to regain access to content in your native country when traveling abroad, check out our guide on <a href=’/vpn/guides/change-netflix-region’>how to change your Netflix country</a>.” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Is it illegal to use a VPN for Netflix?” answer=”VPNs are not illegal, no, and countless businesses and individuals use VPNs to gain digital privacy. VPN software is not illegal in any country, but if you’re concerned, we’d recommend looking at our<a href=’/vpn/guides/illegal-vpn-netflix’>is Netflix illegal?</a> guide for a look at the potential repercussions of using a VPN with Netflix.” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”What should I do if my VPN stops working with Netflix?” answer=”Firstly, don’t panic! There are things you can try if your VPN stops working with Netflix. Try connecting to a different server and reloading the service. If that doesn’t work, reach out to your VPN’s customer service team for more tailored advice. You can usually do this via live chat or email. We’ve also got troubleshooting tips of our own in our <a href=’/vpn/guides/netflix-vpn-troubleshooting-guide’>Netflix VPN not working</a> guide.” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Does Netflix ban VPN Users?” answer=”No. Countless individuals use VPNs with services like Netflix, after all, and it wouldn’t make good business sense to cut off paying customers. However, copyright holders do put pressure on Netflix to crack down on subscribers using VPNs–and Netflix has an obligation to its shareholders. Ultimately, this is why you’re more likely to be prevented from streaming any shows or movies until you disconnect from your VPN.” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Do VPN browser extensions work with Netflix?” answer=”It’s fairly common to come across VPN providers offering <a href=’/vpn/comparison/best-vpn-google-chrome’>extensions for Chrome</a> and Firefox, as well as various proxy extensions. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely that these proxies can access Netflix on their own. So, I’d suggest sticking to a full VPN client if you’re looking to access Netflix from overseas.” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”I think my VPN is making Netflix buffer. What should I do?” answer=”Sluggish speeds are a pain, but there are things you can do to get things moving quickly again. For a start, the level of encryption implemented within your VPN client could be impacting your connection. Plenty of VPNs allow you to customize the encryption you use, and when it comes to accessing Netflix, it’s better to go with either <a href=’/vpn/guides/vpn-encryption-the-complete-guide’>PPTP, OpenVPN UDP, or IKEv2</a>. You’ll find these protocols in the advanced settings menu of your VPN client. I’d also recommend connecting to a server that’s located as close to your actual position as possible. For example, if you’re in the UK trying to stream US Netflix, try a server on the east coast.” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Can I watch Netflix using a smart DNS proxy?” answer=”Most Smart DNS services no longer work to watch Netflix. This is because Netflix works hard to block as many IPs as possible. Netflix has already blocked IP addresses associated with the majority of Smart DNS services, so they will not work. That said, some market-leading VPNs also throw in a free Smart DNS service. These VPNs make it part of their mission to keep providing IPs that work with Netflix. This should mean that the Smart DNS service provided by the VPN works (as well as the VPN itself) to watch Netflix. The only thing to remember is that the Smart DNS services provided by VPNs are usually only set up to provide you with an IP address in America. This means that the Smart DNS service will only let you access the US Netflix library. You will still need to use the full VPN client to access other Netflix regions.” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”Can I use a Netflix VPN for other streaming services?” answer=”Yes, in most cases, the VPNs that work seamlessly with Netflix have no problem accessing other streaming services too – and so, most of our recommended services for Netflix work with Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more. However, to ensure you’ve chosen the right VPN for the streaming platforms you’re most interested in, check our <a href=’/vpn/reviews’>in-depth VPN reviews</a>.” /]]
[[post-object type=”accordion” question=”How can I try a VPN for Netflix for free?” answer=”Most industry-leading VPNs nowadays offer a seven-day free trial or a 30-day money-back guarantee, which means you can try the premium Netflix VPNs for free, or at least without risking your cash. Simply subscribe to a VPN service, download the app/software on your device, and put it through its paces. If you’re not entirely happy with how a VPN is working with Netflix, you can always unsubscribe (within 30 days), get your money back, and try another one.
In the meantime, most free VPN services are not worth a second glance. They are slow, unreliable, and often come with data caps and bandwidth limitations, making them almost useless for your data-intensive tasks – such as streaming Netflix. That’s why, instead of free VPNs, we always recommend the best-value-for-money providers, like those above. They often don’t cost more than a couple of bucks per month, and they all come with a money-back guarantee.” /]]