With over 260 million subscribers and a frankly astoundingly large catalogue of movies and TV shows, it's not surprising that Netflix stands out among the dozens of streaming services around these days (and let's be honest, the iconic tu-dum sounds helps, too). However, if you want to access everything Netflix has to offer, you're going to need to use the best Netflix VPN.
By downloading the best VPN for Netflix, you'll unlock new realms of content you wouldn't usually be able to access. This is because a VPN can change the IP address of your device to a different country, allowing you access that country's Netflix library. This will allow you not only to watch content exclusive to certain territories, but to access your faves when you're travelling, no matter where you are.
Many VPNs claim to be the best Netflix VPN, and the competition is fierce. However, only one provider can take the top spot, and so we have conducted a series of tests to finally determine which VPN can take the crown as the best VPN for Netflix. We've narrowed down the top five for you to pick from, so you can choose safe in the knowledge that these VPNs can actually unblock Netflix content. Read on for a in-depth analysis of each VPN, as well as handy information like how to use a VPN with Netflix, and the safety of doing so. If you're in a rush, though, just check out our top three Netflix VPNs below.
The best Netflix VPNs at a glance
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 Our writers and editors spend hours analyzing and reviewing products, services, and apps to help find what's best for you. Find out more about how we test, analyze, and rate.
NordVPN: the best Netflix VPN today
✅ 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.
If you surveyed everyone that uses a VPN with Netflix and asked them which VPN they use, chances are NordVPN would feature heavily in the given answers. This VPN take the top spot in many of our VPN buying guides, and for good reason, too. It more than lives up to the hype by seamlessly blending power with functionality and security.
The reasons for its top spot in this guide in particular 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 performed exceptionally well, making it one of the fastest VPNs we tested. When using its proprietary NordLynx protocol, it maxed out its connection speeds at over 950 Mbps. Considering just 25 Mbps are needed to stream 4k video, you can use NordVPN to stream all the Netflix shows and movies you want without worrying that your streaming session will be slowed down by NordVPN.
If you are just looking for a VPN for Netflix, privacy might not even cross your radar. However, it certainly doesn't harm NordVPN to have you covered in that area, too. NordVPN offers not one but two kill switches on top of industry-standard encryption and its super-secure NordLynx protocol. These kill switches help keep you safe by cutting off your connection if you connection to your VPN fails. Not only this, but you can be sure that your data won't be tracked or stroed, as NordVPN has recently passed its fourth no-logs audit this year, proving yet again its dedication to user privacy.
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
✅ 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.
Surfshark is well known as one of the best cheap VPNs, solidly proving that a low price does not have to mean low quality. Surprisingly (or rather, unsurprisingly considering its glowing track record), Surfshark is also one of the best streaming VPNs, going toe-to-toe with NordVPN both in terms of speeds and unblocking capabilities. In my Surfshark review, I found that it maxed out our connection tests at over 950 Mbps as well as being able to unblock Netflix libraries from all across the world, including Australia, Canada, the UK, the US and Japan. Plus, Surfshark ensures you'll be able to access the Netflix library of the country you want thanks to its servers in 100 countries.
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.
If you're concerned about Netflix (or any other site you use) suffering a data breach and your data getting compromised, you'll be pleased to know that Surfshark has you covered here, too. Using its Alternative ID feature, you can set up a set of randomly generated, fake personal information for you to use online. This means that if Netflix gets hacked, your real personal data will stay 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
✅ 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.
Coming in at #3 is ExpressVPN, and while it may be behind NordVPN and Surfshark, that doesn't mean it's not seriously worth your consideration as a Netflix VPN. In my testing for my ExpressVPN review, I found it to be an excellent VPN for Netflix, easily unblocking content on most servers from not only the UK and the US, but from Australia, Japan and Canada, too.
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 area that ExpressVPN does falter is the limited number of simultaneous connections it offers. While it does offer 8 simultaneous connections, which is definitely not nothing and could probably stretch to cover a small household, it simply doesn't match NordVPN's 10, not to mention Surfshark's unlimited simultaneous connections. However, ExpressVPN itself offers a handy solution to this restriction, by being the best router VPN on the market, and even offering a bespoke router called Aircove. By using a VPN on your router, you encrypt all connections for anything connected to the Wi-Fi in your household.
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
✅ 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 security is just as important to you as watching all the movies and TV shows you can handle on Netflix, then Proton VPN is a great shout. Its engineers are not satisfied with just ensuring its one of the most secure VPNs on the market, and have also been trying their hand at making sure its one of the best Netflix VPNs by combating Netflix's efforts to quash VPN useage. In testing for my Proton VPN review, it performed on-par with Surfshark, NordVPN and ExpressVPN, unblocking the Netflix libraries of the US, Canada, the UK, Japan and Australia on most servers.
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.
If you're looking for one of the best free VPNs, Proton usually has you covered here, however its free plan does not include content unblocking. If you want the full Proton VPN experience, you'll have to pay for it, but this premium plan does include top-class security features as well as stellar unblocking performance. There are few that can rival it in terms of anonymity, too, as it is very much a privacy and security-focused VPN.
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 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✅ 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.
Last, but certainly not least, we have Private Internet Access. This VPN boasts one of the largest server networks with tens of thousands of servers in more than 90 countries. Plus, in our testing for my Private Internet Access review, we found that it unblocked every Netflix 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 truly dedicated to user privacy, so it's not surprising that its one of the most private VPNs. It's the only VPN to have proven its no-logs policy in court not once but twice, as well as publishing quarterly transparency reports. These reports show how many times user data has been requested, and how many times these requests have been denied. Between this and the court cases, PIA has firmly proven that when they won't log your data, they definitely mean it.
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.
One area that may also be a sticking point is speed. If you only ever watch 4K content, or have a lot of people using your Wi-Fi at the same time, all the time, PIA's speeds simply cannot compete 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.
