
The Best Netflix VPNs That Really Work in 2021
Looking for a VPN that works with Netflix? Perhaps you’re trying to unblock your usual Netflix library while traveling, want to access titles that aren’t available where you live, or (like me) prefer never to turn off your VPN for privacy and security reasons.
The good news is that, while Netflix expressly forbids the use of VPNs to access geo-restricted content, it’s certainly possible – and Netflix has never, to our knowledge, banned a user for trying to visit the site through a VPN. That said, finding a VPN that gets past Netflix’s VPN block without impacting performance can be tricky, and rarely comes for free.
Don’t have time to read the full article? Here are our favorites:
Best Netflix VPNs at a Glance
VPN | Best For | Price | Visit |
---|---|---|---|
ExpressVPN | Super high speeds and airtight security | Starting from $6.67 | Visit ExpressVPN |
NordVPN | Large number of servers to choose from | Starting from $3.71 | Visit NordVPN |
Surfshark | Budget-friendly price tag and unlimited devices | Starting from $2.21 | Visit Surfshark |
How does a VPN Unblock Netflix
Websites know where you are based on your IP address. A VPN works by rerouting your internet connection through a server in a different location, so the website sees the IP address of this server instead of your real one. Whatever country the server is in, that’s where the website thinks you are.
Sometimes there are clues that give the game away, so a VPN provider has to be smart to blend in. Many sites, including Netflix, will block access if they think you’re using a VPN. This makes your choice of VPN crucial (more on that below).
Once you’ve downloaded a VPN that works with Netflix, all you need to do is launch the app on your device and connect to a server located in a country whose library you want to browse. Top VPN brands make this really easy; the first thing you’ll see will be a dropdown menu or an interactive map, so you can just click and hit “connect”. You can then head over to the Netflix site, sign in to your account and the library will automatically update to show whatever titles are available in your server country.
The 3 Best VPNs that work with Netflix
We’ve tried and tested a bunch of different VPNs to find the best VPN for Netflix. Here’s our pick.
1. ExpressVPN – the best Netflix VPN overall
Platforms Supported: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox | Compatible Devices: Raspberry Pi, Amazon Fire TV| Unblocks Netflix | 3,000+ Servers | 95 Server Country Locations | Maximum Devices Supported: 5
ExpressVPN has servers in more countries than any other leading VPN provider, meaning you can access the broadest possible range of Netflix libraries. It’s fast, reliable and easy to use, and works with all major operating systems and devices.
ExpressVPN is powerful enough to unblock Netflix from anywhere in the world, too – even if you’re in China. Plus, it offers top-notch security and privacy features, giving you peace of mind as you stream. The company is based in the British Virgin Islands, keeps no activity logs and has TrustedServer technology to safeguard user identities. For more details, check out our in-depth ExpressVPN review here.
Price: Starting from $6.67 per month
2. NordVPN– best VPN for Netflix on mobile devices
Platforms Supported: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox | Compatible Devices: Raspberry Pi, Amazon Fire TV| Unblocks Netflix | 5,000+ Servers | 59 Server Country Locations | Maximum Devices Supported: 6
NordVPN is a fast, versatile, easy-to-use VPN with an absolutely enormous selection of servers around the world, so you can access pretty much any Netflix library that tickles your fancy. It’s super privacy-conscious, even offering a double-VPN option for unbreakable anonymity. Pricing is very reasonable, too.
NordVPN works on any device or operating system and you can use it simultaneously on up to 6 devices. Its simple, reliable mobile app is one of the best things about NordVPN. Especially for users of MacOS and iOS devices, as the VPN won’t interfere with AirDrop, giving it a slight edge over ExpressVPN. you can check out our in-depth NordVPN review here.
Price: Starting from $3.71 per month
3. SurfShark– the lowest-cost VPN for Netflix
Platforms Supported: Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox | Compatible Devices: Routers, Raspberry Pi, Amazon Fire TV| Unblocks Netflix | 1,000+ Servers | 61 Server Country Locations | Maximum Devices Supported: Unlimited
Surfshark is extremely cheap, especially given that you can install it on as many devices as you want. It unblocks Netflix while in China and works with all major operating systems. From a privacy standpoint, it scores highly, too. Surfshark is based in the British Virgin Islands, has a no-logs policy and uses military-grade encryption.
While easy to use and offering great speeds, Surfshark isn’t quite at the same level as ExpressVPN or NordVPN for performance or range of server locations. However, if you’re looking for an affordable VPN to use with Netflix, it’s an excellent choice. For more details, check out our in-depth Surfshark review here.
Price: Starting from $2.21 per month
Free VPNs to Stream Netflix
While there are plenty of free VPNs out there, very few of them are powerful or reliable enough to fool Netflix’s VPN blockers.
If these companies only offer a free version, they won’t have the resources to invest in finding ways to keep avoiding detection, especially if Netflix gets better and better at spotting the signs of a VPN. They’re also unlikely to have a particularly good range of servers – and those in sought-after locations will need to serve a lot of users at once, dragging down speeds.
The best of the bunch is ProtonVPN. That’s because ProtonVPN does actually have a paid version of its well-performing VPN, but offers a limited free version, too, which is very unusual. However, while you should be able to access Netflix, you can only connect from three server countries: the USA, the Netherlands and Japan. What’s more, you’ll be limited to medium speeds, which could lead to a frustrating viewing experience. To learn more about ProtonVPN, check out our full review here or read more about other free VPNs to stream Netflix.
Conclusion
If you want a VPN that works with Netflix, you will realistically need to pay for it. Luckily, subscriptions to some of the best streaming VPNs work out at just a few dollars per month. It’s definitely worth the cost to avoid the hassle and frustration of getting blocked by Netflix or spending half your time waiting for the movie to buffer!
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