6 Best VPNs to Unblock Netflix [works great for streaming]

Beyond security and safety, one of the best things a VPN, or virtual private network can do is increase your access to streaming service libraries from other locations. Many streaming services offer different content depending on the region you use. Finding the best VPN for Netflix will help you open up the most region-specific content and maximize your entertainment value.

The Verdict

There are a lot of factors to take into account when choosing the best VPN for Netflix. You want to make sure that the VPN has servers in locations you wish to access. The best VPN for Netflix offers servers that are fast enough to stream video in high quality. You need to know if it is reliable, and so you can unblock Netflix whenever you want to use it.

The best Netflix VPN does all of these things and offers even more features and benefits to help make sure that you get the best viewing experience available. There are a few other VPN options that can also work, and they might be better depending on specific shows you want to watch. Here are the best VPN for Netflix and a few runners up.

Best VPN for Netflix

ExpressVPN gives you access to servers in 94 countries, the most of any VPN on this list. With all those servers, you gain access to almost the entire Netflix library. The VPN is well known for its incredibly fast speeds, so you will be able to watch Netflix in the highest quality offered with no problem.

Even though it doesn’t offer a dedicated IP, the company works very hard at staying one step ahead of Netflix’s attempts to block VPN servers. So the VPN allows you to consistently log in and watch your favorite Netflix material from all over the world. The VPN has native apps for most devices and offers smart DNS for devices that can’t use a VPN.

Overall, Express VPN Netflix gives users the best mix of features, speed, and reliability to make it the best choice for your Netflix VPN. The price for all this utility can be a little high, but you get your money’s worth with everything the VPN can do.

Get ExpressVPN

Runners Up: NordVPN

NordVPN isn’t available in as many locations as ExpressVPN. You only get slightly more than half the countries. It still offers a very useful amount of countries for you to access. It still gains access to many of the most popular Netflix libraries, and its high-speed connections allow you to access your favorite shows in high quality without buffering.

NordVPN is also very reliable and stays ahead of the Netflix block. You can get a dedicated IP in some countries, and you have access to a smart DNS to connect devices that don’t work with VPNs. Overall it is an excellent VPN for Netflix, and it tends to be a little easier on the wallet than ExpressVPN. The biggest downside is you only get about half the server locations.

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Best Free VPN for Netflix: Windscribe

Windscribe offers a fully free VPN that allows users to connect to servers in eleven different countries. The free services can work with Netflix, and you gain access to the Netflix library in other countries. The free plan does come with a limit of ten GBs of data every month. That gives you about ten hours of standard definition viewing and only three hours of HD content a month.

Though there are some limits, this is still better than many free VPNs. If you decide to upgrade Windscribe, you gain access to dedicated Netflix servers called Windflix, and you upgrade to unlimited data and devices. For a free option, Windscribe will let you keep up with a few shows a month, which is all some people want from Netflix.

Get Windscribe

How Did We Choose the Best VPN for Netflix?

VPN and Netflix can give you a lot of additional entertainment value. When you are looking for the best VPN for Netflix, there are many different features to consider. You want to get a VPN that offers you the most content, and you want to make sure that you will be able to stream that content when you want it. Here are some of the most important factors to consider when looking for your VPN.

Multiple Server Locations
Reliability
Multiple Simultaneous Connections
VPN Streaming Speeds
Dedicated Servers for Streaming
Unblock with Smart DNS
Dedicated IP
Split Tunneling

Multiple Server Locations

You not only want a lot of locations to choose from to gain the most content. You also want to make sure that your favorite countries are available. As a general rule, Netflix America, UK, and Japan tend to have the most region-specific available content. You want to ensure that your VPN provides access to all of these.

You also have to consider what shows you are specifically looking for. Many people are hunting for a specific movie, series, or content creator. Locations in Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, India, and other places can offer unique options that you may want to see. Find out what locations provide the shows you are looking for and make sure the VPN has servers there.

Reliability

You have your popcorn and your ice-cold beverage, you turn down the lights, and log on to your VPN, ready to stream your favorite movie and show. Sounds pretty perfect. However, when you try to access Netflix, you’re denied, or even worse, your show starts, and you get kicked off halfway through. These are nightmare scenarios that can happen if your VPN is not reliable.

Some VPNs are better at making sure that you can continuously connect to Netflix. Some VPNs tend to get targeted by Netflix more often and lose their connection to the service. To make sure that doesn’t happen, you want to know how well your VPN works with Netflix and that you can access your material when you want.

Multiple Simultaneous Connections

In today’s world, everyone in your home has a device capable of watching Netflix, and the odds are many people are going to want to stream shows at the same time. Having a VPN that allows you to have multiple simultaneous connections will maximize how many people can watch different shows at once.

Multiple simultaneous connections are essential if you are going to be using your VPN with a family. Though unlimited is a nice feature, it is usually overkill. Figure out how many people watch TV at the same time in your home, and that will give you an idea of how many connections your VPN will have to provide.

VPN Streaming Speeds

Not all VPNs have the same streaming speeds. Most VPNs have listings of their top speeds that you can find. You want to make sure that the VPN can accommodate streaming, and ideally, you want to be able to stream shows at their highest resolution available, which will require even higher speeds.

Sometimes, the more safe VPNs have slower speeds because of all the added security. Though this is great for other VPN functions, it is not the best for streaming Netflix. With these more secure options, you want to make sure that they offer ways to turn off or limit some of the more speed throttling features.

Dedicated Servers for Streaming

Dedicated streaming servers are optimized for watching movies and tv from your VPN. These streaming servers come preset to maximize your streaming speed. These servers are designed to make it easier and faster to stream, and some VPNs even have servers dedicated to streaming Netflix specifically.

These servers are also usually more monitored by VPN companies to make sure that they can always connect with Netflix. This attention can be very important as Netflix continues to attempt to stop the use of VPNs. Dedicated Netflix servers indicate that you will be able to access Netflix more consistently.

Unblock with Smart DNS

Smart DNS can be used to unblock restricted content on devices that don’t work with VPNs. To get the content, it takes a smart DNS address that appears to be located in a different location for all your browser searches.

You can use smart DNS to connect devices like smart TVs, game stations like Xboxes and Playstations, and streaming devices like Apple TV and Roku. Some VPNs offer smart DNS in addition to their other VPN features. They are easy to set up, but you will have to put them on each device individually.

Dedicated IP

VPNs offer dedicated IP and shared IP addresses. With a shared IP, if Netflix discovers and blocks one user with that IP, you will find yourself blocked from Netflix. VPN users call this problem the bad neighbor effect. It is also easier for Netflix to block a single shared IP than to discover all the unique addresses available.

With a dedicated IP, it is harder for Netflix to block you from streaming. They have to find out that you specifically are using a VPN, which is more challenging because a dedicated IP is used far less often. Dedicated IPs can help make sure that you have continuous access to Netflix.

Split Tunneling

Split tunneling allows you to bypass network restrictions placed on you by third parties to access blocked sites and data. This feature can be a great thing if you are trying to get around blocks placed on you at work or school for accessing Netflix. It allows you to open up a full range of material that network administrators may be stopping you from accessing.

Split tunneling also lets you access content from multiple places at the same time. This feature can be really useful if you want to stream Netflix from one location but still do other activities, like web browsing or shopping, from different locations. Split tunneling is especially useful for VPNs that work at the router.

Most Popular Shows Available on American Netflix

There are many popular shows that you can access with American Netflix right now. Some of these are US only Netflix shows. They breakdown into two categories shows that Netflix has access to from other creators and original Netflix series that you can stream. America offers the most TV shows and the most content overall on Netflix. Here are some of the most popular shows offered.

Netflix Originals

Stranger Things
Bojack Horseman
Ozarks
When They See Us
The Crown
Umbrella Academy
Daredevil

Other Networks Shows

Shameless
Breaking Bad
The Walking Dead
Blacklist
Flash
The New Girl
NCIS

This list is only a small sample of the over 1,800 shows available on American Netflix. You will likely be able to find a show that you are interested in and want to watch.

Most Popular Streaming Services VPNs Unblock

On top of Netflix, there are many other streaming options that VPNs can unlock for users in specific locations. There are VPNs that can help you stream content from almost any service out there. You just have to make sure that the VPN you pick will be able to gain access to the service you want most.

Here are some of the most popular streaming services that people access with VPNs other than Netflix:

Hulu
Disney Plus
Amazon Prime
HBO Max
BBC iPlayer
Spotify
Youtube

There are many streaming services with location-dependent libraries, so a VPN can open up many new entertainment options for you. Once you have a VPN that can access this content, you’ll want to experiment with what you can get.

Why Free VPNs Are Not Reliable to Unblock Netflix

Free VPNs are great to use when you are trying to increase your security and privacy online. They allow you to encrypt your communication, and they can help you hide your IP. However, they are not great for streaming Netflix. There are very few free VPNs that can help you unblock Netflix libraries.

A free VPN usually limits your data and throttles your speed. The data can make it difficult to stream. According to Netflix, one hour of standard definition video takes a gigabyte of data. A data cap can make even a good free VPN difficult to use. Some free VPNs can achieve breakneck speeds on the premium plan, but the free plan is capped at a much slower rate that makes it hard to stream.

Even if you have enough data and speed, Netflix tends to be on top of blocking the free VPN servers. The companies that provide free VPNs don’t put as many resources behind getting around the blocks and so it can be hard to stream Netflix with these apps. Some free VPNs can work with Netflix, but the drawbacks make them hard to use consistently.

The Best VPN for Netflix Reviews

Many VPNs allow you some access to region-specific Netflix, but some do it better than others. These reviews cover some of the most useful VPNs to use when attempting to access your favorite streaming material.

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN Netflix offers users some of the best connection and speed options. You gain access to over 3000 servers in over 94 countries with this VPN. There are multiple serves in several of these locations. These include some of the most popular Netflix countries, the US, UK, and Japan. ExpressVPN also offers split tunneling, and it runs on five devices at the same time.

ExpressVPN has a server speed test that you can run, and the servers are categorized by speed, so you will know how fast your VPN server is moving to maximize your viewing experience. The VPN doesn’t offer dedicated IP addresses, so it can sometimes get blocked if Netflix discovers one of its shared IP addresses.

ExpressVPN gives you access to so many locations. It has nearly double the available countries that most other VPNs offer. With so much unique content available, you will get the most out of your Netflix account.

Get ExpressVPN

NordVPN

NordVPN gives users access to over 5,000 servers in 59 countries. You can get dedicated servers in the UK and the US, which will help you gain access consistently to two of the more extensive Netflix libraries. There are many countries that you can’t get a dedicated IP in, including Japan.

NordVPN allows you to connect up to six devices at one time, and it offers split tunneling. It doesn’t have dedicated servers for streaming, but it has dedicated servers for other activities like torrents. These servers help free up bandwidth for streaming. NordVPN Netflix uses super fast security protocols that help keep the streaming speed up. They also offer a smart DNS for devices that can’t use a VPN.

NordVPN has a mix of features and servers that make it very useful. It has been able to keep up with the ever-changing landscape of Netflix’s attempts to stop VPNs. It is a reliable option for enjoying Netflix and chill.

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Surfshark

Surfshark is well known for offering users fast and reliable access to Netflix. The VPN provides 3,000 servers in 65 countries. On the Website, Surfshark talks about subscribers getting access to 15 unique Netflix libraries, including the US, the UK, Japan, Australia, and India. These libraries open up a lot of content for you to enjoy.

Surfshark supports unlimited device connections at one time. That means that you and your whole family can connect and stream from the VPN at the same time. The VPN also offers split tunneling and smart DNS, so you will have a few different options you can use to access Netflix if you ever encounter a problem.

Surfshark will let you watch Netflix in most situations with decent speeds. When you add that to the fact that it offers one of the less expensive plans on the list, you get a very attractive option to enjoy streaming.

Get Surfshark

PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN prides itself on opening up location-restricted content on Netflix and other streaming services. Their server selection page informs you what servers are dedicated to getting you specific streaming services to help you find access to these libraries. The US, the UK, Canada, Germany, Italy, and Peru all have dedicated Netflix servers.

PrivateVPN lets you connect to over 150 servers in 60 countries. The VPN offers dedicated IP addresses, which can make it easier to access Netflix in some areas. Though there are no smart DNS options on PrivateVPN, you can install the VPN on your router. You can also have up to 6 devices connected at once on the plan.

Dedicated streaming servers in six unique locations and features that ensure you stay connected help make PrivateVPN useful. You will be able to enjoy Netflix with less hassle.

Get PrivateVPN

Windscribe

Windscribe offers dedicated Netflix servers that it calls Windflix for its premium subscribers. These servers work for Netflix in the US, the UK, Canada, and Japan. It doesn’t offer the largest number of libraries out there, but it has the most sought after ones. The VPN connects to over 63 countries and 110 cities. You may be able to access Netflix in those places, but the four with dedicated servers almost always available.

You can connect as many devices as you want at the same time to your Windscribe account, which is great for using this service with your family. The service gives users a dedicated IP address and split tunneling, making it easy to access many streaming services. There is no smart DNS option, so connecting some devices can be a little more complicated.

Windscribe has a free VPN service that works pretty well for streaming Netflix. It is one of the few free VPN options that are able to log on to Netflix without getting blocked too often. It gives you eleven servers to choose from and ten GBs of data a month at no cost. This can help you keep up on a show or two absolutely free.

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CyberGhost

CyberGhost allows its ghosties access to 89 countries with over 6,000 servers. With that many countries, you gain access to almost everything Netflix has to offer. This VPN provides dedicated Netflix streaming servers in Germany, United States, France, Japan, and the United Kingdom. These servers mean that you will get great connections and high speeds on those servers for Netflix.

You gain access to smart DNS and split tunneling with your CyberGhost VPN. You can also add a dedicated IP option if you want to make accessing Netflix even more reliable. You can connect seven devices at one time. All these features make CyberGhost useful for using Netflix.

Get CyberGhost

Troubleshooting

There will be times that even the best VPN has trouble connecting to Netflix. Occasionally this can be caused by issues on the Netflix side or your VPNs side. When you first can’t connect to Netflix, make sure to search for outages. If outages aren’t the issue, you can take some practical and straightforward steps to attempt to rectify the problem.

Try Different Servers
Try Smart DNS Option
Ask Support
Try Buying Dedicated IP Add-on
Get Another VPN

Try Different Servers

Sometimes a specific server on the VPN can get bogged down. It can also get temporarily or permanently blocked by Netflix. If you are having trouble connecting, switch to a different server. This fix works best if your VPN provider offers multiple servers in the location you want to stream Netflix from. Just because one server didn’t work once, you may be able to switch back to it and find that it now works.

Try Smart DNS Option

If you are having a problem using a server from your VPN with Netflix, you can use a smart DNS feature from your VPN. This solution can sometimes help you get around a temporary Netflix block of your VPNs servers. This option is something you can try quickly to see if you can still access geo-restricted shows that way.

Ask Support

You can try to contact your VPNs support and ask them about the issue. They will know if something has changed with how Netflix works with their VPN. They may also be able to offer suggestions about settings that will help you achieve your streaming goals.

A good VPN will have customer support that is available when you need them. You want to make sure that your Netflix VPN offers ways to contact support that works for you. Some VPNs provide 24-hour support, which can be great, especially if you watch Netflix after regular business hours.

Try Buying Dedicated IP Add-on

Dedicated IPs are harder for streaming companies to block. If your VPN is using a shared IP address, you may be having more trouble accessing Netflix. Some services make you purchase a dedicated IP add-on. Getting a dedicated IP might help you fix your connection issues.

Some VPNs offer dedicated IPs for no extra charge. You just have to turn that feature on. VPNs offer this feature to help ensure that you can log on to specific sites. It will also help you gain better access to Netflix. Having the option can help you continue enjoying Netflix without a price increase.

Get Another VPN

Sometimes a VPN is no longer good at accessing Netflix. This problem can be annoying, but once the streaming giant targets a specific VPN company, you may never be able to reaccess location-restricted content. Netflix VPN ban can be a real problem that the VPN company can’t overcome. When all other options fail, it may be time to get a different VPN so you can enjoy the shows and movies you want.

When looking for a new VPN, you will want to find out how reliable it is at logging on to Netflix and other streaming companies. Not every VPN does a good job at avoiding Netflix bans. You don’t want to leave one VPN and still have the same problem with your new one.

Popular VPNs Not Designed to Unblock Netflix

Many popular VPNs can’t help you unblock Netflix. These VPNs may be great for security and safety, but there are other options out there if you are looking for access to specific content. Here are some of the most used VPNs that don’t work well with Netflix.

TunnelBear

TunnelBear is a top-rated VPN that has a very well respected free VPN option. The free VPN has data restrictions that make it completely impractical to stream Netflix. 500 MB a month only gets you 30 minutes of SD viewing.

Even when you are paying for the service, connecting to Netflix with TunnelBear is spotty. It can even be blocked in the region you are actually located in. These blocks make TunnelBear a lousy option for streaming Netflix.

Opera VPN

Opera VPN works on your Opera browser. You can’t pick the exact location of your VPN with Opera VPN, but instead, you select a general region. This region selection makes it hard to know what location’s Netflix you may be using. Also, Netflix often blocks Opera’s VPN. Put together these two problems means there are better Netflix VPNs to choose from.

Celo VPN

Though Celo VPN claims to access Netflix, most users complain that they aren’t even able to access Netflix when they are logged into servers in their current country. The VPN has other useful features, but there are many better VPNs to use if you want to open up your Netflix options.

IVPN

IVPN is an excellent option if you are looking for privacy and security when you are online. However, if you are looking to get more Netflix shows, you are out of luck. The company’s own site is candid about this and explains that its focus is on security. They say that you may get some access to streaming services, but they are not fighting to stay ahead of the streaming giants’ war on VPNs.

Avast Secureline VPN

Avast Secureline still claims to work with Netflix on its site, and sometimes it does. However, you can usually only access three libraries, the USA, the UK, and Norway. Even with these libraries, you get inconsistent connections, which can be very frustrating. Many of the servers for this VPN have been totally blocked. There are many better options to unblock Netflix.

FAQ

Do you still have queries about how a VPN can help you access more information from Netflix? Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about VPNs and Netflix.

How to Watch US Netflix from Abroad?

You can watch US Netflix from abroad by getting a VPN that allows you to log into a US server. The server will give you an IP address in the United States, and then you will be able to watch US Netflix in other countries. Sometimes Netflix may attempt to block different VPNs, so you have to make sure that the VPN you are using can access Netflix from their servers.

Also, know that some VPNs gain access to US Netflix in a few different server locations. When this is the case, you want to access the nearest location that offers US Netflix. This functionality can help you access the US Netflix at higher speeds, making the whole experience more enjoyable.

How to Watch Netflix with VPN?

To watch Netflix with VPN, you have to log on to your VPN at the server location you want to view Netflix from. Then log on to your Netflix account. You will gain access to all the Netflix content that is found in that location. You can also switch your location to gain access to other regions, so you can enjoy many different Netflix libraries.

A VPN by itself may not be able to get you different Netflix options on devices that can’t load a VPN; this includes game systems, streaming devices, and smart TVs. There are a few ways to fix this. You can use a smart DNS or get a VPN on your router, which will give you benefits on every device connected to it.

Is Using a VPN for Netflix Legal?

There are currently no laws about using a VPN to access different material on Netflix. However, it is against Netflix’s terms and conditions. Though you technically could be banned from the service for using a VPN, it is unlikely. No ban has been heard about, even after multiple offenses. If Netflix finds out you are using a VPN, they will display a message saying you can’t use this service currently.

There are some locations in the world where the use of VPN is restricted. You will want to check the laws in the place you plan on using the VPN to make sure that it is safe to use it there. These laws are about VPNs in general, though, and are not specific to streaming.

How to Change Netflix Region?

You can change your Netflix region by selecting a server on your VPN in the country that you want to access the material. Once you are logged in to your VPN, you log in to your Netflix account and watch. Netflix now thinks that you are located in your chosen servers region, and you gain access to available libraries in that area.

How to Use VPN with Netflix?

To Use your VPN with Netflix, you have to pick a server location and log on to your VPN. Then you have to log into your Netflix account. You will then be able to use the Netflix library available in your VPN server’s location.

Your VPN works better with the browser version of Netflix. The App version of Netflix tends to catch more VPN users and does not work as often. It can sometimes work with your app, but you will probably want to access Netflix with your browser for the best results.

How Do I Pay for American Netflix?

If you are not in America, you have to log into your VPN to an American server to pay for American Netflix. You can then go to the Netflix site and create an account using an American zip code. You can look up a zip code online or use a famous one like Beverly Hills 90210.

For a US Netflix account, you have to either have a US billing address or use some other payment method. When you make a payment, you will want to use a virtual card from an American address, Paypal, or a Netflix gift card. Once you have done that, you will have an American Netflix account.

Why Does Netflix Block VPN?

Netflix signs contracts to show specific material on their server. These contracts sometimes have regional restrictions. To keep these contracts, Netflix has to take steps to ensure that their libraries are not being used in places where the company can’t play these shows. These contracts mean that they have to do their due diligence to stop VPNs.

Netflix doesn’t seem to be overly upset with the use of VPNs, though, and they don’t take very many actions against their customers who use a VPN. Though VPNs are against their terms of service, they do not block users for infractions, even if they happen a lot. All they do is post a message saying that you can’t view the content.

Which VPN Works with Netflix?

Many different VPNs work with Netflix. They can work with varying degrees of access to the streaming service. Some of the better VPNs that work with Netflix are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, PrivateVPN, Windscribe, and CyberGhost. You can see how well these work in the review above.

There are many popular companies that get complaints about Netflix not working with VPN servers or that have a very limited function with Netflix. Just because a VPN is well known, it may not be made for streaming. Many VPNs just have features that help with security and privacy. These VPNs won’t be great for someone who is primarily interested in Netflix.

What is the Best VPN for Netflix?

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Netflix overall. You gain access to more countries and servers with this VPN option. It allows you to stream shows with lightning-fast speed, so you can enjoy your media in its highest quality. It is very reliable at accessing Netflix, which means you can watch your shows when you want, without annoying blocks and buffering.

There are a few other good options out there like NordVPN and Windscribe. Both of these offer unique features that may help specific streamers, with Windscribe offering a very useful free VPN option.

What is the Best Free VPN for Netflix?

Some free VPN options still work for Netflix. Most of these services have data limits and speed limits that can make it hard to enjoy Netflix. Even if you can put up with the limitations, the free VPN servers tend to get blocked more often by Netflix and other streaming providers.

The best free VPN for Netflix is Windscribe. The free plan gets you access to eleven different countries. There is a ten GBs data limit a month on the free service, but that can get you ten hours of standard-definition programming, so you should be able to keep up with a specific show you want to watch. Though it can get blocked, it tends to get around that and access Netflix pretty well.

What is Smart DNS?

Smart DNS or smart Domain Name Server works similar to a proxy server or a VPN. However, it only redirects your browser queries through another server. This function allows you to access other countries’ websites with an IP that looks like you are in those other locations.

Smart DNS is used to get geo-restricted content on devices that don’t run VPNs, like game consoles, smart TVs, and other smart streaming devices. Remember that smart DNS doesn’t offer any security or privacy that you get with most VPNs. It shouldn’t be a problem for streaming Netflix, but they are not a replacement for VPNs.

How to Unblock Netflix with a Smart DNS?

Unblocking Netflix with your smart DNS is very easy. Each provider may have a slightly different method to use the smart DNS, so you may have to look up how your specific provider works. You may also have to find what settings options to choose from on your specific device.

Most of the time, you first log in to your smart DNS provider. Then go to settings, and find the smart DNS location you want to use and the corresponding DNS address. Copy that address into the settings menu of the device you want to use. Then go to Netflix on your browser and log in. You should now be getting content from your smart DNS location.

How to Get Around Netflix VPN Block?

You can try a few steps for how to unblock Netflix on your VPN. You can first try a different server in the same country if it is available. You can also try to turn on a dedicated IP, which might have better access to Netflix. This feature could be free on your VPN, or it may be an upgrade.

You can also try a smart DNS for a Netflix unblock, which is sometimes offered on VPNs. If that doesn’t work, you can contact the support for your VPN. They will know if there is anything that can be done to fix the problem. Finally, if none of that can help you, it may be time to find a new VPN provider.