There is a better way to watch your favorite movies and TV shows using a Netflix VPN! If you’re living abroad and want to stream US Netflix, or perhaps you are in America and want to see what’s available internationally, finding the best VPN for Netflix is incredibly useful. Here’s what you need to know.
Key Takeaways
- Using a virtual private network allows you to access different Netflix libraries from around the world, greatly expanding the shows and movies available to stream.
- Top VPNs for Netflix in 2024 are Surfshark (budget option), NordVPN (best mobile apps), and ExpressVPN (legacy popular choice).
- It’s not illegal to use a VPN with Netflix, though it violates their terms of service. Netflix rarely bans accounts but may block VPN IP addresses.
- Using a VPN allows access to region-locked shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Modern Family, The Big Bang Theory, The Office, Friends, How I Met Your Mother, and more.
Netflix is available in almost all countries across the world (not all). So why use a VPN for Netflix?
The reason has to do with licensing agreements. Different countries have different libraries, so if you change Netflix region you can access new shows. So the shows and movies you watch in one country are different than what you can watch in another country.
Need an example?
Did you know that as of the publication of this article, the US Netflix library has 1,326 TV shows and 4,339 movies? This is the largest Netflix library.
Compare this with the Netflix library available in the Maldives, which has access to only 210 shows and 515 movies.
No wonder a lot of people want to use a Netflix VPN to stream content!
They want to use an IP address in the United States so they can get the complete set of shows and movies.
Or maybe you want to stream The Big Ban Theory on Netflix, which isn’t possible from within the US.
Either way, you need a quality VPN for streaming. There are three key features you need to consider with a Netflix VPN:
- Speed: Speed is key when you’re streaming content.
- Server Quality: You need real servers, not virtual servers. You also need servers whose IP addresses haven’t been blocked by Netflix.
- Dedicated Apps: If the VPN doesn’t offer an app for Amazon Fire TV or mobile devices, it won’t be quite as beneficial for streaming Netflix.
We’ll cover all of these in more detail below. You can use the table of contents below to jump to a specific section if you like.
Not every service is optimized for streaming content, which is why the research you’re doing on the best VPN for Netflix is so important.
Let’s jump in!
Note: Some links in this article are affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may be compensated i you choose to use services mentioned here.
How to Choose a Netflix VPN that Works
As mentioned above, there are three primary features you should use to evaluate whether or not a service could be considered the best VPN for Netflix.
Let’s look at each of these individually.
Server Speed | Fast = Better Streaming
I don’t think I need to tell you why faster speed is a good thing.
The problem is that every single VPN company claims to have “lightning-fast server speeds!” Is it even possible to determine which ones are telling the truth and which ones are just marketing to you?
Honestly…no.
There are too many variables to accurately determine server speed. What you can control, however, are the available VPN connection protocols.
Some VPN providers only offer one connection protocol or they automatically choose for you without giving you an option. A good VPN for Netflix will allow you to change your connection protocol to one that might offer less security but is much faster.
For reference, you’re probably going to be best served by a VPN service that gives you an option either for SmartDNS or, if they’re really cutting edge, they integrate the newer, faster Wireguard protocol.
Server Quality | Real > Virtual Servers
The best VPN for Netflix has thousands of servers that cover each country where Netflix delivers content. These are usually real, physical servers which can be either rented or owned by the company.
Some companies, however, save money by creating a number of “virtual servers” along with their lineup of physical servers.
There are two major problems with these virtual servers:
- They aren’t as reliable;
- They expose your real IP;
When your real IP is exposed to Netflix, you won’t connect to the appropriate Netflix library.
The best VPNs for Netflix connect you through real servers, not virtual servers.
Of course, VPNs don’t advertise their use of virtual servers. That’s where trusted recommendations from those who have tested the VPN come in handy.
Dedicated Apps | Smart TVs and Mobile Devices
If you’re like most Netflix users, you tend to stream the service either on your mobile device or your SmartTV.
For this reason, you want to make sure that whatever VPN service you choose has dedicated apps for the device you use most often.
- Do you use Amazon Fire TV?
- Do you prefer Kodi?
- Do you usually watch on your iPad?
It takes time and money to develop apps for each of these devices.
You’ll need to do your research to find the best VPN for Netflix that has an app for your preferred device.
Recommended VPN for Netflix 2024
There are literally hundreds of VPN services on the market and many of them will work well as a Netflix VPN.
Unfortunately, a free VPN can’t stream Netflix at full resolution without buffering due to bandwidth limitations. Hence, you must invest in a reliable paid VPN service.
Below are the ones we’ve tested and recommend for both their speed and server quality.
Recommended VPNs for Netflix
- Surfshark: If you’re on a budget, Surfshark is the cheapest on this list and offers amazing apps & physical servers.
- NordVPN: This VPN offers the best mobile experience for those streaming Netflix on the go more often than at home.
- ExpressVPN: This VPN has been the most popular VPN for millions of Netflix viewers over the past decade.
**Each of these recommended VPNs also provides a 30-day money back guarantee, which means that you can give them a try and if it doesn’t work like you hoped, you can get your money back.
Now let’s dive a bit deeper into each of these options so you can understand what makes them unique.
Surfshark: Best Overall Netflix VPN
- Differentiates between physical & virtual servers;
- Unlimited devices and simultaneous connections; Private Internet Access is another VPN that offers this.
- Lowest priced VPN;
Although Surfshark is the youngest company on this list, they have become my favorite and most recommended VPN for Netflix.
Why?
Well, first of all, Surfshark gives you the option to choose between physical and virtual servers across the globe. This is important because most streaming services like Netflix, Hulu & Disney+ often block the virtual servers.
Surfshark has super-fast speeds and apps for all major platforms, including the Amazon Fire TV stick. It’s a great option to watch Netflix not only because it works, but also because it’s the lowest-cost option here.
Of course, there is a 30-day money-back guarantee so if you are not happy, you can claim a refund.
Give Surfshark a try and experience for yourself this best VPN for Netflix.
NordVPN: Best Mobile App VPN
- Most beautiful, easy-to-use apps for desktop and mobile;
- Available media streaming apps as well;
- 6 simultaneous connections;
If you like watching Netflix on the go, NordVPN will be the best choice for you. It can unblock Netflix and has apps for all major platforms including Android and iPhone.
And, of course, if you like traveling with your laptop, you can install it on your Windows or Mac computer too.
NordVPN comes with a kill switch so your IP is not revealed even if the VPN connection drops. And if you are traveling and are watching Netflix using your hotel’s Wi-Fi, NordVPN gives you that extra layer of security.
As with all of these choices, NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can get a refund if it doesn’t stream Netflix like you wanted it to.
ExpressVPN: Popular Legacy VPN Option
- Excellent server options;
- Apps for most media streaming devices;
- 5 simultaneous connections;
ExpressVPN has real servers so you can get reliable connections without revealing your true IP. Also, since ExpressVPN offers blazing speeds, it becomes easy to stream HD shows and movies on Netflix without the issue of buffering.
A nice feature of the software is that you can run a speed test from within the ExpressVPN app. Based on the results, you can select the fastest server and connect to it.
ExpressVPN has apps for all major platforms. It can also be installed on smart TVs and Amazon Fire Stick. If you have a VPN-incompatible device, you can install ExpressVPN using their SmartDNS capabilities (although locations are limited).
ExpressVPN is an all-around quality VPN that gives great performance no matter what your needs are. However, its prices are on the higher side.
How to Watch Netflix with a VPN
Time needed: 10 minutes
Before you use a VPN with Netflix, make sure that the VPN provider can actually unblock Netflix. If it can, let’s begin with the steps.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device
If you plan to watch Netflix on your phone, you will need to download the app from the official app store of your device. If you are planning to watch Netflix on your laptop, you can download the app from your provider’s website. Apps can also be downloaded and installed on other media devices and even installed on your WiFi router based on the VPN service.
- Select a VPN server and connect to it
Ask your VPN provider about the servers that unblock Netflix. Depending on your VPN provider, there might be specific servers that unblock Netflix better than others. Also, depending on your provider, there might be different settings. For example, if you use VyprVPN, you need to enable VyprDNS before connecting to Netflix.
- Open Netflix and Start Streaming!
Once you’re connected with the right server, you can open Netflix and watch your favorite movies and TV shows. The app should start displaying movies and TV shows from the country library where your VPN server is located.
- Troubleshoot Connection Problems
If you happen to get a Netflix connection error, shut down Netflix and then reconnect to a new server, a different connection protocol, or a different VPN service.
If you prefer, it’s possible to connect your VPN to a good router so that any device that connects to your WiFi has access to the connection.
Frequently Asked Questions | Netflix VPN
While VPNs are gaining popularity as more and more people want to access bigger Netflix libraries, many people are unaware of how to do that. And others are apprehensive because Netflix bans proxy IPs.
Is it really a good idea to use Netflix with a VPN?
Let’s answer some frequently asked questions about Netflix VPNs.
As a business, Netflix wouldn’t mind if you use a VPN with your connection. But Netflix has crumbled under the pressure exerted by copyright holders. Hollywood studios and TV networks have an outdated business model of distribution rights and they don’t want their businesses to be affected because anyone can access Netflix from anywhere now.
A successful show makes money for its network not just because of its distribution in the domestic market but also because it is sold to TV networks all over the world. If Netflix starts showing these shows, it will mean fewer dollars for the TV network that produced them.
What Netflix does is called geoblocking. When you visit a website or an application, it can see your IP address and thus your geographical location. If a website blocks your IP from accessing its services because of your location, this is geo-blocking. It can be bypassed by using a good VPN.
Netflix actively monitors all IPs making requests on their streaming site. When they see too many requests being generated by a single IP address, they assume it’s a proxy IP. VPN companies like ExpressVPN often have thousands of servers so when one server is flagged by Netflix, they bring up another one.
No. It’s not illegal to use a VPN with Netflix. However, it is against Netflix’s terms of service to use a VPN. As long as you’re a paying customer, however, they won’t do anything about it.
No. Netflix has historically not banned accounts from paying users. However, you will not be able to continue streaming if Netflix bans an IP address. This means you can continue using your Netflix account but you’ll need to connect using another IP address with a VPN.
Yes. If Netflix owns the licensing and distribution rights, they make it available in all countries. However, if a show is Netflix exclusive but not created by Netflix, it might be limited to certain regions.
Streaming Specific Shows on Netflix
A big reason you might want to use a VPN for Netflix is to get access to various shows that aren’t available in your region. For example, many people ask:
- Is Brooklyn Nine-Nine on Netflix?
- Is Modern Family on Netflix?
- Is the Big Bang Theory on Netflix?
- Is The Office streaming on Netflix?
- Is Friends on Netflix still?
- Can I Watch How I Met Your Mother on Netflix?
- Can I Stream Parks and Rec on Netflix?
- How to watch Harry Potter on Netflix?
The answer to all of these, as you can imagine, is YES. But it’s all about which VPN server you choose as you’re connecting to the streaming service.
Final Thoughts | Best VPN for Netflix in 2024
There’s so much to be gained by using a Netflix VPN to watch your favorite movies and TV shows. Whether you’re in China (where Netflix is blocked) or elsewhere in the world, it works beautifully.
If you’re looking for a recommendation for the best VPN for Netflix, the one I use with my family every day is Surfshark.
And if you’re having trouble streaming Netflix on the Brave browser, there’s a quick fix for that.
I’ve already listed a few others in case it doesn’t work well in your specific location. The good news is that each of my recommendations includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Enjoy your streaming!
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