Did you know that Netflix isn’t the same everywhere in the world? The Netflix library you can access at home will differ from that in a foreign country. In the US, Netflix has 4,035 movies and 1,844 TV series, in the UK, Netflix has 3,831 movies and 1,842 TV series, and in Australia, it has 3,615 movies and 1,734 TV shows.
A VPN allows you to access any Netflix library globally. With only one Netflix subscription and a VPN, you can expand your Netflix library substantially, all from the comfort of your home.
With that said, not all VPNs work with Netflix.
Because VPNs allow customers to watch Netflix in countries where it doesn’t have the rights to broadcast some of its content, Netflix tries to block VPN connections. It does this because of existing licensing agreement already in place in these locations.
These blocks can be hard to get around, and with a slow VPN you’ll come across Netflix not working with VPN issues. This could mean you waste money on a subscription for something that won’t even work.
Fortunately, there are some reliable VPNs that work with Netflix.
Our expert team has test VPNs to see which works best with Netflix. We’ve tested numerous VPNs over multiple criteria and have compiled a list of the best VPNs for Netflix so you can watch the streaming service anywhere and access Netflix libraries from across the globe.
What makes a good Netflix VPN?
For us to figure out whether a VPN is a good VPN for Netflix, we look at four criteria, VPN speed, number of servers, types of servers whether it be dedicated servers or virtual servers, security and the ability to get around Netflix’s VPN blocking techniques. Yes, that’s right, Netflix blocks VPNs.
A good VPN for Netflix needs to be fast. If you’re trying to watch a movie or film and its constantly buffering or loading, it ruins the experience. A VPN needs fast connection speeds to ensure this doesn’t happen with Netflix.
Not all VPNs have servers in every country in the world. In fact, the differences are pretty drastic. Some VPNs have servers in 100+ countries, while others only have servers in 30 countries or less. A good VPN for Netflix will have servers worldwide, so you can access any Netflix library you want. This will open up the possibility of watching even more content from your home.
When it comes to VPNs there are two different types of servers, dedicated and virtual. We consider dedicated servers to be more reliable and a VPN that has a network of dedicated servers over virtual servers is favourable.
Security is essential for a VPN to work well with Netflix. Because Netflix uses VPN blocking techniques, the best VPNs must be secure enough to ensure Netflix cannot identify their IP addresses and block them.
The most important feature that ensures Netflix works with a VPN is the VPNs ability to get around Netflix’s VPN-blocking techniques. This takes into account all of the criteria explained above.
The best VPNs use their speed, security and servers to ensure they can stay one step ahead of Netflix’s VPN blocking techniques. This will allow you to watch Netflix reliably from anywhere worldwide without running into issues.
How we test the best VPNs for Netflix?
We test VPNs for Netflix over multiple criteria:
- We test how secure the VPN is: We do this by running it through DNS leak tests. If the VPN has a DNS leak issue, it has an issue with its security, as internet service providers (ISPs) can still potentially see your online data. The best VPNs don’t come across these sorts of issues. As an added bonus enhanced security features ensure its safe to use a VPN with Netflix as well.
- The number of servers: The best VPNs have thousands of servers around the world. The more servers, the better. Lesser VPNs, especially free VPNs, don’t have many servers meaning there’s less opportunity for you to surf the web anonymously.
- Speed: We measure the speed of a VPN by doing speed tests for multiple servers worldwide. We then compare this to our base internet speed with a VPN turned off.
- Compatibility with streaming services: A critical use case for VPNs is the ability to access geo-blocked streaming services. Unfortunately, these services try and prevent VPNs from accessing their platforms. The best VPNs have measures in place to get around these blocks. When testing a VPN, we try it with several geo-blocked streaming services. The best VPNs will allow you to watch all the leading streaming services worldwide.
- Price: Based on our research, the average cost of the top 20 VPNs is $4.33/month. We use this as a comparison when looking for the best-value VPNs.
- Devices: VPNs are usually compatible with more than one device simultaneously. Obviously, the more, the better.
The best VPNs for Netflix
1. ExpressVPN 🥇 $6.66/month
The fastest and most reliable streaming VPN of 2023
- ✔160+ IP addresses in 94+ countries
- ✔5 simultaneous devices
- ✔Live chat support
- ✔Over 3,000 servers
- ✔>80% connection speed
- ✔Unlimited bandwidth
ExpressVPN ($6.66/month) stands out as the top VPN choice specifically for Netflix. What’s noteworthy is that ExpressVPN consistently provides servers that reliably work with Netflix, ensuring uninterrupted streaming.
While many VPNs struggle to bypass streaming restrictions, ExpressVPN remains dependable for Netflix users.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
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2. NordVPN $3.19/month
An incredibly fast and trustworthy VPN
- ✔Over 5,000 servers worldwide
- ✔6 simultaneous devices
- ✔Reliable customer service
- ✔Fast NordLynx protocol
- ✔Cybersec ad and tracker blocker
- ✔Easy to use interface
NordVPN is a leading VPN globally, and there’s a good reason for that. It boasts a user-friendly app that provides swift connections and an extensive VPN server network.
What sets it apart, especially for Netflix, is its unmatched ability to consistently unblock US Netflix. This success isn’t just by chance. NordVPN has gone the extra mile by employing a dedicated technical team whose sole task is to ensure smooth connectivity with popular streaming platforms like Netflix.
Moreover, they’ve heavily invested in expanding their IP address range in strategic locations to facilitate beino able to watch any NEtflix library anywhere in the world.
Read our full NordVPN review.
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3. Private Internet Access $2.03/month
An affordable, reliable VPN
- ✔35,000 servers worldwide
- ✔Unlimited simultaneous devices
- ✔24/7 chat support
- ✔Servers in over 80 countries
- ✔MACE ad blocker included
- ✔Supports multiple protocols
Private Internet Access (often referred to as PIA) is a standout VPN service known for its staunch no-log policy, boasting a user base of over a million subscribers.
One of the major draws of PIA is its impeccable ability to bypass the restrictions set by streaming platforms. In particular, it has proven to be exceptionally proficient at providing steadfast connections to US Netflix, ensuring viewers have uninterrupted access to their favourite shows and movies. While it also offers compatibility with other platforms like BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and the like, its performance with Netflix is particularly noteworthy.
A further advantage is PIA’s generous policy allowing an unlimited number of devices to connect simultaneously. This means you, along with your friends and family, can all benefit from a single account, enhancing value and convenience.
Read our full Private Internet Access review.
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4. Ivacy $1.00/month
A trustworthy and affordable VPN
- ✔5700+ servers worldwide
- ✔10 simultaneous devices
- ✔24/7 customer support
- ✔Dedicated IP address option
- ✔Available on all major platforms
- ✔Great price
If you’re on the hunt for an outstanding VPN specifically tailored for streaming Netflix, Ivacy, priced at just $1.00/month, stands out as a top pick.
Its main allure isn’t just the feature-rich capabilities similar to other VPNs but its highly competitive price point. With Ivacy, you’re not only getting great value for your money, but you also get seamless access to US Netflix. Whether you’re using a Mac, PC, Android device, iOS, or FireStick, Ivacy ensures high-definition streaming from any corner of the globe. Additionally, it’s adept at unlocking other popular streaming platforms, such as BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and more.
Read our full Ivacy review.
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5. CyberGhost $2.19/month
A solid VPN package
- ✔Deloitte verified no logs policy
- ✔Servers in 91 countries
- ✔7 simulatenous devices
- ✔Proprietary NoSpy servers
- ✔Multiple protocol options
- ✔Split tunneling support
CyberGhost stands out as one of the premier VPNs, especially when it comes to accessing Netflix. With its extensive and proven global network of servers, users can expect smooth streaming experiences.
Specifically tailored for those who demand an even higher level of security, CyberGhost offers its unique NoSpy servers. These servers are meticulously designed to ensure an enhanced level of privacy for its users, making it a top choice for Netflix binge-watchers who also value their online security
Read our full CyberGhost review.
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Why do I need a Netflix VPN?
Although Netflix is available worldwide, it’s not the same in every country. If you’ve ever been overseas, you will have found Netflix doesn’t have all the same content as at home. It might have less content. It might have more.
This is happening because Netflix needs to purchase broadcasting rights for its content in every country. For example, you can watch Better Call Saul on Netflix in the UK because Netflix UK has purchased the rights to broadcast that show. On the flip side, Netflix US doesn’t have the rights to broadcast Better Call Saul, so it’s not on the platform in that country.
It’s the same for other countries as well. Japanese Netflix has significantly more anime content than Netflix everywhere else in the world.
A VPN can unlock all of that content. The best VPNs allow you to change your Netflix region to access any Netflix library from anywhere in the world.
To put it in basic terms, if you’re wondering how to watch Netflix from other countries, a VPN will substantially increase the amount of content you can watch with your Netflix subscription. It also will secure your device so you can safely surf the internet anonymously.
Will Netflix ban me for using a VPN?
The simple answer is probably not, Netflix won’t ban you for using a VPN. There are a number of pros and cons of using a VPN with Netflix but you’re not likely to get banned from the service when using a VPN.
But, it’s important to know that using a VPN with Netflix goes against the streaming services’ Ts&Cs. This may put your account at risk, but as of today, no one has been banned by Netflix for using a VPN.
When we consider that one in three people use a VPN, it’s improbable that Netflix will ban you for using a VPN.
What it does do though, is try and block VPNs from accessing its service. It can’t block a VPN entirely, but it can block the IP addresses the VPN provides. This is why you must use a VPN that has measures in place to stay one step ahead of Netflix’s VPN blocking techniques.
Netflix not working with VPN?
If you’re trying to watch Netflix and are coming across VPN not working issues, the streaming service has most likely identified and blocked all the IP addresses your VPN can provide.
Fortunately, there are several fixes you can try to resolve Netflix not working with VPN.
Most of the time, though, the reason this is happening is because your VPN isn’t fast or secure enough, it doesn’t have reliable servers, and it doesn’t have measures in place to stay one step ahead of Netflix’s VPN blocks.
The best fix is to upgrade to one of the best VPNs for Netflix.
