The best Netflix VPN in 2024
I've tested dozens of the best Netflix VPNs and these are my top 5
There are dozens of streaming services these days, but Netflix (and its iconic tu-dum sound) remains the most recognizable. It makes sense – Netflix boasts over 260 million subscribers and a huge catalog of shows and movies, with new ones arriving constantly. However, only by using the best Netflix VPN will you be able to watch everything on offer.
Downloading the best VPN for Netflix opens up a whole extra layer of content that you ordinarily wouldn't get. By changing the IP address of your device to another country altogether, you'll be able to stream content exclusively available in other territories – or watch your favorites when you're abroad.
Competition is ferocious between VPN providers for the crown of best Netflix VPN, with each one claiming to be the top dog. So to make sure you can trust the marketing spiel, we've tested and reviewed dozens of VPNs for Netflix, and narrowed down the top five you should pick from. You'll find an in-depth analysis of each on this page, plus handy information about how safe it is to use a VPN with Netflix. If you're in a hurry, though, just pick from the best three below.
The best Netflix VPNs at a glance
1. NordVPN – the very best Netflix VPN
Not only is NordVPN our top-rated VPN, it's also the most effective VPN for unblocking Netflix that we've tested. Not only does it have an excellent record for accessing geo-restricted content from pretty much anywhere in the world, it's also fast, secure and easy to use. Prices start at $2.99 per month and it even has a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark – the best cheap Netflix VPN
Surfshark proves definitively that lower price does not equal lower quality. It unblocks pretty much every streaming service including Netflix, and tops out our speed tests. You can also use it across every device you have thanks to its unlimited simultaneous connections with one subscription. Prices start at $1.99 per month with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. ExpressVPN – the easiest Netflix VPN to use
If you're looking for a VPN that's as easy to use as it is safe, then ExpressVPN is an excellent choice of Netflix VPN for you. The apps are very easy to use, and it offers servers in 160 locations, so you're bound to access to what you want to watch. It is a little more expensive than its competitors, with prices starting at $4.99 per month but there is also a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you change your mind.
Recent updates
This update saw me double-check all our providers' specs to give you the most up-to-date comparison and help you choose which VPN is right for you.
My tried and tested best Netflix VPNs of 2024
Why you can trust Tom's Guide
NordVPN: the best Netflix VPN today
1. NordVPN
The best Netflix VPN available
Unblocks Netflix: Yes (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan) | Other services unblocked: Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, ITVX, ITV, C4, 9Now, 10 Play | Streaming devices: Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox | 24/7 customer suppoort: Yes | Simultaneous connections: 10
✅ You want access to Netflix shows from all over the world: NordVPN can unblock almost any Netflix library you would want it to, including difficult-to-access Japanese content.
✅ You want an all-in-one VPN: NordVPN is fast, reliable, and offers more than enough privacy features, making it a well-rounded pick.
✅️ You prefer to watch Netflix on the TV: NordVPN is compatible with Apple TV, Roku and Chromecast, among several other devices.
❌ You mostly use Netflix on your phone: though not overly troublesome, the NordVPN Android and iOS apps for mobile phones are a little tricky to use compared to its desktop version.
❌ You disagree with big price hikes on renewal: NordVPN carries some bargain price options when you sign up for the first time, but things really shoot up when you come to the end of your term.
NordVPN is the best VPN for Netflix we've tested. With access to every library around the world that we tested it with, compatibility with all types of devices, as well as fast and reliable connections, NordVPN is the easy choice here. Try it for yourself with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
We suspect that if you carried out a survey of people who use a VPN for Netflix, NordVPN would feature among the most-used services. Its name has been synonymous with the software for the last decade or so, and it backs up the ubiquitous marketing with a product that works brilliantly.
The reasons for its top spot are plentiful. In our NordVPN review we saw that its unblocking powers are absolutely top-notch, unblocking Netflix catalogs from across the globe including the US, UK, Canada, Australia and Japan in our latest round of testing. Plus, if you want to set your viewing sights on a streaming service other than Netflix, NordVPN has got you covered here, too. It easily unblocked a number of different popular streaming platforms, both regional and global, including BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, ITVX, All4, 9Now, and 10Play.
In our latest speed tests, Nord was one of the fastest VPNs we tested, maxing out its connections speeds at over 950 Mbps when using its proprietary NordLynx protocol. As you only need 25 Mbps to stream 4k video, this ensures that you can stream Netflix's content to your heart's content, safe in the knowledge that NordVPN won't be slowing you down.
While privacy may not be the first thing you think of when looking for a Netflix VPN, it's reassuring to know that Nord's got you covered in that area, too. As well as industry-standard encryption and a super-secure NordLynx protocol, NordVPN also offers two kinds of kill switches, which both keep you safe by cutting your connection if your VPN connection drops. Nord's also proved (again) that it's dedicated to user privacy by passing its fourth no-logs audit this year, meaning that there is proof your data will not be tracked.
On the security side, not only does it have its own private DNS for bypassing DNS-based internet censorship with increased privacy and security, NordVPN boasts a Double VPN (multi-hop) feature, meaning your data is transferred via two VPN servers instead of one, encrypting your data twice.
Those watching on desktop can also make use of Nord's Threat Protection Pro tool. This analyses websites automatically for malware, phishing scams and suspicious activity, giving you peace of mind to stream to your heart's content – but is only included in the Plus plan and higher.
The mobile app’s interface can be a little fiddly. The map style can make it difficult to find and choose a server if you, like many other people, are using a mobile device (and therefore a small screen) to access Netflix. However, both the Android and iPhone apps feature a conventional alphabetical country list upon swiping up, so there’s nothing to be worried about.
Plus, if you're ever stuck and need help, NordVPN's 24/7 live chat facility is there for you. There are also several great tutorials to help you overcome common issues.
If you want a Netflix VPN that allows you access to almost the entire Netflix global library without sacrificing functionality or speed, NordVPN, with its unblocking capabilities, private DNS and no-logging policy, is a perfect choice. Plus, on the off chance it doesn't work out, you've got a 30-day money-back guarantee to protect you.
Feature | Comments | Rating |
---|---|---|
Design | A fun design but it’s not the most intuitive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of use | Overall easy to use, but the map-like interface is not the handiest | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | Some of the highest speeds for Netflix streaming | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Unblocking | Unblocks Netflix and every other streaming app in most locations | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Security and privacy | A verified no-logs policy and top-notch encryption with features like a built-in antivirus | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Customer support | 24/7 expert assistance available | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | Provides ample value for the price | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Surfshark: the best cheap Netflix VPN
2. Surfshark
The best cheap Netflix VPN
Unblocks Netflix: Yes (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan) | Other services unblocked: Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, ITVX, ITV, C4, 9Now, 10 Play | Streaming devices: Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox | 24/7 customer suppoort: Yes | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
✅ You want a VPN for your entire family: Surfshark’s among the few VPNs that offer unlimited simultaneous connections.
✅ You have a need for speed: Surfshark is one of the fastest providers I’ve tested. With speeds over 950Mbps, you get a smooth and lag-free streaming experience.
✅ You want the best deal on VPNs: Surfshark arguably offers the very best combination of features and price on the market.
❌ You are a Windows user: Windows users miss out on a couple of features of this VPN like a 7-day trial and a few updates – but really this isn’t much of an issue.
Surfshark offers the perfect combination of high-end features, low prices, and of course great performance with Netflix – it's a very viable alternative to NordVPN. You’re backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee so if you discover you're not a fan, you won’t be losing out.
If you're looking for not only one of the best cheap VPNs, but also one of the fastest VPNs for Netflix, then Surfshark has got you covered. This great value VPN goes toe-to-toe with our #1 pick NordVPN both in terms of speed (maxing out or connection tests at over 950 Mbps), but in terms of unblocking capabilities, too. When putting it to the test for my Surfshark review, I found that it can handle unblocking Netflix libraries from across the globe, including the UK, US, Australia, Canada and Japan. Plus, with servers in 100 countries, Surfshark makes sure you'll be able to access the Netflix library of the country you want.
One thing Surfshark does have over Nord, however, is the fact that it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, while Nord offers only 10. This means you can unblock and stream Netflix on as many devices as you want – and you can even share with your friends and family too.
Another excellent feature of Surfshark's is its Alternative ID. This lets you create a set of random, fake personal information for use online so even if Netflix gets hacked and/or suffers a data breach, your real personal information is kept safe.
Surfshark also neatly handles the geo-restricted content of other streaming services, too, unblocking a number of different streaming platforms including Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Hulu and Amazon Prime Video, among others. Surfshark also makes sure you won't be disturbed while you stream by blocking cookie pop-ups, ads and some malware, keeping you safe and free of online bothers.
Surfshark has had its servers fully audited, which brings peace of mind. The no-logging policy ensures that the VPN does not record your data, connection timestamps, or other online activities. However, it's a little disappointing that the kill switch isn't as strong on the Windows app. In our testing, we managed to make it leak – although this is incredibly unlikely to ever happen in the real world.
Just like NordVPN, it offers polished apps on a huge range of devices like Apple TV, Roku, and even one of the best VPNs for Fire Stick. So, if you're looking for a great value VPN that's useful for streaming and is also secure, fast and easy to use, Surfshark ticks all those boxes.
Overall, Surfshark is a great option for its reliable connection speeds, multiple server locations, and user-friendly interface. Plus, with its affordable pricing plans and a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it out risk-free and see for yourself why it's considered one of the top Netflix VPNs on the market.
Feature | Comments | Rating |
---|---|---|
Design | Cool and intuitive design, ideal for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of use | Simple to use, no expertise needed whatsoever | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | The fastest provider I’ve tested | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Unblocking | Unblocks most content streaming platforms effortlessly | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Security and privacy | Strong encryption for safe streaming, but the kill switch needs a few tweaks | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Customer support | 24/7 reliable customer support assistance but navigation isn’t the easiest | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | One of the best budget VPNs | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
ExpressVPN: Netflix VPN for privacy nuts
3. ExpressVPN
A top VPN for privacy that is also very good for Netflix
Unblocks Netflix: Yes (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan) | Other services unblocked: Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, ITVX, ITV, C4, 9Now, 10 Play | Streaming devices: Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Chromecast, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox | 24/7 customer suppoort: Yes | Simultaneous connections: 8
✅ Your top priority is privacy and security: ExpressVPN provides multiple layers of privacy protection with features like a Threat Manager and ad and malware blockers, and with a proven no-logs policy, it’s the best privacy option out there.
✅ You're a K-drama or Asian content fan: ExpressVPN has servers in 27 Asia-Pacific countries alone, which is much higher than most VPNs
✅ You want a simple interface: ExpressVPN has an extremely simple and user-friendly interface. If you're not tech-savvy, this one's for you.
❌ You're on a budget: ExpressVPN is a little on the expensive side, but it’s well worth the price. For the best bargain picks, consider Surfshark or PIA.
❌ You want a fully-fledged privacy suite: despite being one of the most secure VPN services on the market, other providers like NordVPN offer add-ons like antivirus.
ExpressVPN is great for individuals or small families looking for a secure and stable VPN for Netflix unblocking. It’s premium-priced, but you get the best provider for beginners with 24/7 responsive customer support, a wide server network, and arguably the most well-rounded security money can buy. Test it out with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
While ExpressVPN may be behind NordVPN and Surfshark in our Netflix VPN rankings, that doesn't mean its not still an excellent choice. ExpressVPN is one of the most prominent names in the VPN industry and for good reason – as a Netflix VPN alone it performs admirably. In my testing for my ExpressVPN review, it was able to unblock Netflix content on most servers from Japan, Australia, Canada, the UK and the US.
No matter what your device of choice for watching Netflix is, chances are ExpressVPN offers a simple, easy to use apps for it. Available across a quite frankly astounding range of tech, it's ExpressVPN is of of the best PC VPNs, one of the best Mac VPNs and even one of the best Android VPNs. Best of all, its performance is pretty consistent across all platforms, meaning you won't be left out in the cold as you device-hop.
One downside, however, is ExpressVPN's limited number of simultaneous connections. It does offer 8, which is not nothimg, but it doesn't quite measure up to NordVPN's 10 or even Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections. With this being said, there is a solution to this restriction – using a router VPN. Luckily, ExpressVPN is the best router VPN on the market, and even offers a bespoke router, Aircove, which is available on Amazon.
ExpressVPN’s strongest suit is its security features, including an rock-solid kill switch and excellent encryption. It has a unique MediaStreamer tool that allows you to access blocked content on devices that don't natively support VPN connections with greater flexibility than any regular DNS. But that doesn't stop them iterating their dedicated device apps as well – only in December did it release a brand new Apple TV app and updated Android TV interface.
With over 3,200 servers in 105 different countries, you’ll get access to a wide array of Netflix locations, including a broad range of Asia-Pacific countries. So, if you're looking for a VPN for global access, ExpressVPN is an ideal pick.
Despite not being the fastest provider when compared to Surfshark and NordVPN, ExpressVPN is still 25 times faster than what you would need for streaming Netflix in 4K.
ExpressVPN is undoubtedly a top choice for Netflix unblocking and with an audited no-logs policy, proprietary security features like its Threat Manager, and great commitment to user privacy, it's an excellent choice for anyone looking to protect their online activities and access geo-restricted content.
Feature | Comments | Rating |
---|---|---|
Design | Minimalistic and clean design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of use | Best suited for beginners, but also very configurable for more tech-savvy users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | Not the fastest but still more than adequate for streaming in HD and 4K | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Unblocking | Unblocks a ton of Netflix locations, but misses out on a couple of niche libraries | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Security and privacy | Jam-packed with numerous security features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Customer support | Friendly professionals available 24/7 for assistance | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | Not among the cheapest VPNs but worth every dime | ⭐⭐⭐ |
The best of the rest
4. Proton VPN
Super secure provider brings its A-game to Netflix streaming
Unblocks Netflix: Yes (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan) | Other services unblocked: Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, ITVX, ITV, C4, 9Now, 10 Play | Streaming devices: Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, Chromecast | 24/7 customer suppoort: No | Maximum devices supported: 10
✅ You want exceptional unblocking: Proton VPN knows its way around unblocking, and it has proved that time and again.
✅ You'd like a VPN you can set and forget: Proton VPN comes with an always-on VPN feature – turn it on and it’ll keep you connected at all times without any effort from your end.
✅ You need a multitude of simultaneous connections: you can stream on 10 devices simultaneously with one Proton VPN account – that's more than ExpressVPN offers.
❌ You want a free Netflix VPN: while Proton VPN’s free version is one of the best around, it doesn’t come with any unblocking abilities.
❌ You need 24/7 support: Proton VPN still doesn't offer round-the-clock live chat support – that now looks sorely lacking when you look around at its main competitors
❌ You’re on a budget: Proton VPN isn’t the most economical option when compared to the likes of Surfshark.
Proton VPN is a great option for you if you’re after a privacy-centered VPN with exceptional Netflix unblocking capabilities. While the paid plans look after your streaming requirements, the free plan is also great for general use. However, there are cheaper and more comprehensive options if all you’re looking to do is stream Netflix with a VPN.
If you value your security as much as watching the latest Netflix TV shows and movies, Proton VPN is a great option. Its engineers, who are usually concerned with making sure Proton VPN is one of the most secure VPNs, have been trying their hand at making it one of the best streaming VPNs by combating Netflix's efforts to counteract VPN useage. In my Proton VPN review, I found that it was able to unblock the Netflix libraries of the UK, the US Canada, Australia and Japan on most servers, putting it on-par with Nord, Surfshark and Express.
It's no slouch when it comes to speed, either, thanks to its speedy WireGuard and OpenVPN connections. In fact, in our latest round of testing, it was able to outperform both NordVPN and ExpressVPN, although it did fall short of the super-fast Surfshark.
It keeps up with the competition in terms of unblocking other streaming services, too, giving you access to Amazon Prime, Disney+ and BBC iPlayer, as well as other streaming platforms. Proton also recently overhauled its server network, now offering 8,200 servers across 112 countries for you to choose from.
Proton’s Secure Core servers are a unique implementation of multi-hop VPN. By routing your traffic through locations like Switzerland, Sweden, and Iceland before you connect to your chosen destination, you avoid any risk of having your internet traffic compromised – whether that’s simply your Netflix history, or more personal information.
As a privacy and security-focused Netflix VPN, there are few that rival it in terms of anonymity. Proton has a one of the best free VPN plans, but it doesn’t include content unblocking, which is the core of an ideal Netflix VPN. The premium plan delivers stellar unblocking performance and top-class security features.
Overall, Proton VPN is a solid choice if you’re looking for a Netflix VPN that’s primarily focused on privacy and security, along with being capable of getting you into almost any Netflix library. If you're still on the fence, you have a 30-day money-back guarantee to make sure you don’t spend a dime on the service if it doesn’t resonate with you after testing.
Feature | Comments | Rating |
---|---|---|
Design | Intuitive and dynamic design | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of use | The mobile interface is fine but the desktop interface could be a little more user-friendly | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | Ridiculously rapid, outpacing some of the very best | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Unblocking | Paid plans unblock almost every streaming platform with ease | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Security and privacy | Reliable and strong security with an audited no-logs policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Customer support | A wide array of technical guides and 24/7 customer support, but no live chat | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | The free plan is decent for general use but otherwise, the plans are a bit expensive | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
5. Private Internet Access
Another solid choice for Netflix use
Unblocks Netflix: Yes (US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan) | Other services unblocked: Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, ITVX, ITV, C4, 9Now, 10 Play | Streaming devices: Android, iOS, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Chromecast | 24/7 customer suppoort: Yes | Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
✅ You want streaming-specific servers: PIA has dedicated streaming servers that are capable of unblocking content no matter where you are.
✅ You want multiple device access: Like Surfshark, PIA supports unlimited simultaneous connections – much better than both ExpressVPN and NordVPN.
✅ You demand confidence in terms of privacy of data: With PIA, you can rest assured that your data will not be exposed, as its no-logging policy has been proven twice in court.
❌ You’re a beginner: PIA is highly configurable and while that offers more power, a rookie might find it overwhelming.
❌ You want faster speeds: PIA isn’t slow, but if you’re after blazing speeds, go for services like Surfshark, Proton VPN or NordVPN.
Private Internet Access is an effective and budget-friendly VPN with one of the most expansive server networks in the VPN industry. Although the high customizability can sometimes work against it, it comes with unlimited simultaneous connections and a proven no-logs policy.
Rounding out our list is Private Internet Access, which has one of the largest server networks with tens of thousands of servers in more than 90 countries. It's no surprise, then, that in testing for my Private Internet Access review it unblocked every location we tried on most servers.
Not only this, but PIA allows you watch more than just Netflix by unblocking Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more.
If you like to watch Netflix on your browser, PIA has you covered with one of the best Chrome VPN browser extensions, blocking ads and trackers to keep you safe while you surf the web.
Private Internet Access is one of the most private VPNs and is truly dedicated to user privacy, being the only VPN to have proved its no-logs policy in court not once but twice. Additionally, PIA publishes quarterly transparency reports, so users can see how many times their data was requested, and how many times PIA refused to give it up.
On top of this, PIA’s apps, just like ProtonVPN’s, are 100% open source meaning you can inspect them at any time you want. This adds great transparency and credibility to the VPNs.
Not only this, but it's one of the best cheap VPNs, with its price currently at just $2.03 for two years plus four months free. Just like fellow excellent value VPN, Surfshark, it also offers unlimited simultaneous connections. With its straightforward installation and login process, this means you can get to streaming Netflix across as many devices as you want quickly and easily.
There are caveats that you should note, though – it's not for nothing that there are four other providers above it in this list. For starters, all of the others in this list are just a bit friendlier for beginners. So if the idea of getting started in the world of VPNs is a bit intimidating, the others are probably a better place to begin your adventure.
Plus, if speed is your main concern (perhaps you only ever watch 4K content, or there are a lot of people always using your Wi-Fi at the same time), then PIA's speeds are nowhere near competing with the likes of Surfshark or Proton VPN.
All in all, though, PIA is an affordable option that will more than sufficiently meet your Netflix streaming needs or even VPN needs in general. Plus, it's a serious bargain, so if you're on a budget it's well worth a look. And even if it doesn’t work out for you, you’re protected by the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Feature | Comments | Rating |
---|---|---|
Design | Customizable interface but an overwhelming number of options | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Ease of use | Not ideal for beginners, but it’s a delight for tech enthusiasts | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Performance | Very average – nowehere near as fast at Surfshark or others | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Unblocking | Fast content unblocking with dedicated streaming servers | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Security and privacy | Audited no-log policy and best-in-class configuration | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Customer support | Helpful guides and a contact form to reach the support team | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Price | A superb bargain pick, one of the best | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How we test the best VPN services
When it comes to recommending a product that users will entrust with quite possibly every byte of their online life, we have to be absolutely sure that our choices are correct, and thoroughly tested.
Unlike some sites, we don't simply reel off a spec sheet and declare the provider with most impressive claims the winner. Instead, we have a dedicated team in-house that gets hands-on with all the providers listed (and more).
Checking the claims
Every six months, after scouring the website for new claimed features or changes in policy, we sign up to a plan and install it on a range of devices. The Windows app sees the most rigorous testing, and it's here that we'll try to break the kill switch, ensure any leak protection is working correctly, and measure connection speeds.
Testing the apps
The other apps, including the Mac VPN, iPhone VPN, and Android also see comprehensive testing, and we'll check every available setting in every app to make sure it's functioning as promised by the provider.
Digging deep
As we use the apps, if anything appears to be behaving strangely we'll investigate that. We might dig into the source code, or view the contents of its RAM. This general usage stage is also how we make decisions on aesthetics and ease of use – although these are admittedly more subjective.
Ensuring streaming compatibility
Then comes the streaming testing. We'll test each VPN with all the big streaming sites from a number of locations to ensure it's working as claimed. As Netflix is still hugely popular and somewhat troublesome when it comes to VPNs, we test the biggest providers every month to make sure our recommendations are still relevant.
There's a lot more to our testing procedure, too, so if you'd like to learn more, check out our full explainer on how we test VPNs.
How to choose the best Netflix VPN
Ability to unblock Netflix
This might be a "duh" moment, but many VPNs are unable to unblock Netflix at all, and more still can only tap into one of two locations. If you're serious about finding the best VPN for Netflix, you'll want a provider that can unblock as many locations as possible.
Great speeds
There are two essential factors to consider when finding the best Netflix VPN, the first of which is the connection speeds a VPN is capable of delivering. If you're browsing at a crawl, you'll find yourself buffering more than you'd expect.
Plenty of server locations
Simply put, you'll want a good number of servers in each country you expect to be using the Netflix library of.
Excellent privacy
Just because you're mostly using your VPN to watch Netflix doesn't mean that your privacy doesn't matter. After all, when you're connected to the VPN, all of your traffic passes through it – so you should have complete trust that it isn't logging what you're up to.
From our latest testing, we currently consider NordVPN to be the best Netflix VPN on the market for reliability and countries accessed. However, every VPN on this page has earned its spot – all you need to do is pick the one that's the best fit for you.
Using a VPN to circumvent restrictions goes against Netflix's Ts&Cs, and doing so may put your account at risk.
Best Netflix VPN FAQ
Does Netflix allow VPN?
While Netflix won't stop you altogether using its service while you have a VPN connected, it will restrict what content you can access.
Guidance on its Help Center pages says: "While using Netflix through a VPN, we will only show you TV shows and movies we have worldwide rights for, like Squid Game or Stranger Things.
"If you don't see TV shows and movies that are available for your country, you may need to turn your VPN off.
"NOTE: Watching Netflix while using a VPN isn't allowed on an ad-supported plan. Live events on Netflix can't be watched while using a VPN."
That all said, our own testing shows that the best Netflix VPNs are so effective that the streamer isn't able to detect that they're being used. Allowing you to access content libraries that are exclusive to overseas territories.
Why do I need a Netflix VPN?
While some shows may be regular Netflix fare in much of the world, even the powerhouses that are the United States and Canada miss out on some content – and things can even vary drastically between north and south of the border.
Japanese Netflix has lots of anime you won't find elsewhere, and Netflix in the U.K. still has some classic British shows that aren't available anywhere else. And that's just the tip of the iceberg.
If you travel, a Netflix VPN is a must, as when you're out of your home country it's likely that you won't be able to keep up with the shows you're currently bingeing.
Also, if you feel like you're missing out on all that great Netflix content that you can't get in your home country, it's definitely worth considering investing in a Netflix VPN to expand your viewing. If you fancy learning more, and want to know how to use a VPN, make sure you check out my dedicated guide.
Why is Netflix blocking my VPN?
Not all the content on Netflix is created by Netflix itself – it has to licence these shows for distribution. If a show is already licenced in a certain country by another streaming site, it won't be available on Netflix in this location.
By blocking VPNs, Netflix is holding up its licencing agreement. When accessing content with a VPN, it's actually Netflix's problem – by 'allowing' you to do it, it's not upholding copyright laws, and you're simply making use of a loophole.
Is it legal to use a VPN for Netflix?
There are a couple of important things to note here. First of all, using a VPN or another kind of proxy service to access Netflix in other countries may violate Netflix's terms of service. That puts your account at risk of being terminated – but that's never actually happened.
Second, Netflix tries to identify and block VPN and proxy servers, with mixed results. That's why many VPNs can't get you watching. The company didn't always do this, but it's now under pressure from Hollywood studios, major TV companies and other content creators to block cross-border streaming.
We reached out to Netflix for further clarification, and were directed to a company blog post from early 2016.
"We have a ways to go before we can offer people the same films and TV series everywhere...In the meantime, we will continue to respect and enforce content licensing by geographic location... We look forward to offering all of our content everywhere and to consumers being able to enjoy all of Netflix without using a proxy."
Why is Netflix not working with my VPN?
Netflix (and other streaming services, for that matter) are constantly trying to block the IP addresses of VPNs to stop people watching content they're not entitled to.
While the five Netflix VPNs recommended in this guide have proven that they're reliable and can consistently unblock Netflix, there's always the possibility that at one point certain servers will be unavailable.
In this situation, we recommend speaking directly to the VPN's support team. They will know many users prioritise streaming support, and will usually do all they can to get you on a working server as quickly as possible.
Can a Netflix VPN access other streaming services?
If you pick the best Netflix VPN, you may be able to access other streaming services like BBC iPlayer, NBC's Peacock, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video and tons more. However, if there's a particular service you want access to, it's worth checking in advance.
Many services can, but you should check the full review of any provider before purchase, just to make sure that it can do everything that you expect from it.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:
1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).
2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.
We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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Mo is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide. Day-to-day he oversees guides on the best VPNs, privacy, and cybersecurity content, and also undertakes independent testing of VPN services to ensure his recommendations are accurate and up to date. When he's not getting stuck into the depths of a VPN you've never heard of, you'll find him working on his Peugeot 205 GTi or watching Peep Show instead of finally putting up those shelves.
- Adam MarshallContributor