Watching Netflix using a VPN is not unusual. It’s not even needed if you only watch content native to the country you live in. But, if you ever try to access the same content outside of the country, you’ll find it’s impossible. This is due to copyright and broadcast laws, and contracts Netflix has signed with content producers. To combat that, you need to trick Netflix into thinking you’re there. But, this only leads to more trouble. With a “weaker” VPN, you would be greeted with the dreaded “You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy” message. So, if you want to fly under the radar, use any of the best VPN services for Netflix we mention below.
Benefits of using Netflix with a VPN
- Faster streaming speeds if your ISP is throttling your connection.
- Access to restricted content in your area.
- Improve your security and privacy while using Netflix.
- Get offers that aren’t otherwise available in your region.
Top 12 Netflix VPNs
1. ExpressVPN
We already explained how Netflix works. With that in mind, we think ExpressVPN is the best VPN service for Netflix. Even with a valid license, Netflix is obligated to block VPNs. In fact, they are blocking hundreds of IP addresses every day. For that reason, VPN providers need to keep up and provide new ones to their users. Well, ExpressVPN provides uninterrupted, 24/7 access to Netflix. Add unlimited bandwidth, connections of up to 5 devices on a single Netflix account, more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries with lightning-fast speeds, and you can watch 4K content without a hitch.
2. NordVPN
We will be forthcoming, NordVPN is pretty close to ExpressVPN. They also offer constant access, whether to download movies on Netflix in the United States or watch British TV shows on Netflix UK. This also includes Netflix AUS, CA, FR, IT, DE, JP, and many others. Additionally, NordVPN offers more than 5,500 servers in 59 countries, and they’re all configured with maximum download/upload speed in mind. Using their service, it’s very much possible to watch Ultra HD content without buffering or freezing, provided your native Internet speed is good enough. Oh, they also offer a VPN for a router – awesome for a large family of media addicts.
3. Surfshark
You might be surprised to hear that Surfshark is a premium VPN service, yet it “only” has more than 1,700 servers in 63 countries. That’s is due to four things. First is the ability to unblock not only Netflix, but also Netflix alternatives such as Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, DAZN, HBO Max, Hulu, and others. Second is something unusual, support for an unlimited number of connections on a single account! The third reason is a mix of two – support for 4K streaming and gaming with a VPN. The fourth? A feature called Whitelister, allowing you to use only certain apps with a VPN, and others with your native IP address.
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is among the cheapest VPNs on the market. Yet, the price doesn’t reflect its capabilities. They offer s a zero-log policy, 256-bit AES encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, support for torrenting, and access to more than 7,000 servers in 90 countries. Many of those are dedicated servers, which handle large amounts of downloading and uploading with low latency – perfect for streaming Ultra HD content. If you plan on hosting a LAN party or gathering up for a movie night, don’t worry. CyberGhost allows up to 7 simultaneous connections on a single account.
5. IPVanish
We were reluctant to recommend IPVanish because it is based in the United States. It’s certainly not a country known for respecting people’s privacy. But, IPVanish owns every link in its infrastructure and promises never to keep logs of data transferred via its servers. Plus, data is encrypted using a 256-bit key, so it’s gibberish even if intercepted. With that said, you can access 40,000+ IP addresses on 1,300+ servers in 75 locations. It also supports an unlimited number of connections on a single account. This is a saving grace for a large family that loves watching TV shows together.
6. PureVPN
PureVPN is one of the most affordable services with the ability to unblock Netflix. That’s especially true if you decide to purchase a two-year subscription plan. If you do, you’ll get a VPN that has a dedicated Netflix U.S. tab in its interface, feeding you IP addresses that always work. Additionally, you can unblock Amazon Prime Video US, or connect to over 2,000 servers in over 140 countries for privacy and security. Even better, you can log into the service with as many as 10 devices at the same time, and contact their customer support 24/7/365.
7. Windscribe
Coming to streaming, in this era of region-centric content and platforms offering varying plans, a VPN is a must for an overall perfect TV viewing experience. As such, some VPNs excel at bypassing regions and geo-blocks without compromising streaming speeds, and that too at affordable pricing. Windscribe is one of the best streaming VPNs as it is not only budget-friendly but also feature-rich to aid users in their viewing experience. It is the only VPN whose free version can run Netflix, HBO Max, and BBC Player. Coming to the premium version, the provider allows users to create their plans which cost a net minimum of $3, and a pro version that charges $5.75 per month. But it is well worth it as the VPN can unlock almost all of the Netflix libraries, Hulu, Prime, and most streaming services.
8. PrivateVPN
You know how they say “it’s not the size of the dog in the fight, it’s the size of the fight in the dog”? That’s true for this Sweden-based VPN provider because they only have about 150 servers in 60 countries. This, however, lets them focus on providing a high-quality service, and configure servers for blazing fast speed, low latency, and minimal Internet speed reduction. Of course, unblocking Netflix and its alternatives is part of the equation. In fact, the StealthVPN feature they offer is so powerful that it can unblock access to Netflix in China. This is not a feat achievable by many, as the country’s government has very strong censorship measures.
9. VyprVPN
Although its two-year subscription plans are pretty affordable, VyprVPN’s one-year plan is the go-to, in our opinion. They support VPN for TVs, and routers, and even have a separate VyprVPN Cloud feature. Not much to do with Netflix, but if you ever need to access a cloud server securely – there you have it. Going back to streaming, they offer servers in 70 countries across the globe. VyprVPN promises to unblock Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, and YouTube, and offers lightning-fast speeds without video chopping and buffering on up to 5 devices at once.
10. Trust.Zone
Trust.Zone is a service based in Seychelles, well-known for escaping your own government’s laws and measures. Right off the bat, we were able to unblock Netflix US, Canada, and France, and had no hiccups, stuttering, or freezing while the video was playing. And we didn’t even pay, because they offer a 30-day trial of their premium VPN services with no payment information required. When combined with Netflix and their free 30-day trial, this becomes an amazing and possibly intentional deal.
11. Astrill VPN
Astrill VPN is undoubtedly one of the costliest VPNs on the list, but fairly so. The VPN excels at bypassing geo-blocks and has custom obfuscation capabilities. Hence it is only fair that its users should cough up almost $12.5 per month. That said, the product is not for everyone or even for normal use. It is a highly advanced product. And it would be a great disservice if you are going to use it for streaming. But, it can stream Netflix and Hulu just fine. But there is no added support for only streaming. Thus, streaming fans should stay away. Although if you are craving some Netflix a continent or two away from home, then Astrill VPN is the way to go.
12. Hotspot Shield
The last entry on our list is taken by a VPN provider with a 45-day money-back guarantee. They have servers in all major cities in the United States, all of which can unblock Netflix US. You can also unblock Netflix in the United Kingdom, Sweden, and Spain, as well as Hulu and Amazon Prime Video. Hotspot Shield also has apps for all major operating systems, excluding Linux, and allows its users to connect up to 5 devices at the same time.