Netflix is one of the most popular streaming services around. Even though it has a lot of competition these days, it still boasts a huge subscriber count. And Netflix continues to deliver awesome shows like Stranger Things, Squid Game, and Cobra Kai.
However, one of the things you may not know about Netflix is that the content library varies enormously from country to country. The shows and movies you can see on Netflix in the US aren’t the same as those on the UK version of Netflix, for example.
Many people want to be able to access multiple versions of Netflix from different countries. VPNs can help with that. In this guide, we’ll help you find the best VPN for Netflix and explain how Netflix can become even better with the help of a VPN.
What is a VPN for Netflix?
A virtual private network or VPN is a cybersecurity tool that a lot of people and businesses use to safeguard their internet connections. It works by encrypting your connection via a series of secure servers located all around the world.
In simple terms, a VPN hides your IP address and your location to help you be much more secure when using the internet, especially in public places. But that’s not all! VPNs can also be useful for streaming shows and movies on sites like Netflix, too.
Many streaming platforms have geo-restrictions in place. They automatically detect where a user is located and only show them content that is relevant to that region. But with a VPN, you can get around these restrictions and access exclusive streaming content.
Why would I want the best VPN for Netflix?
The main benefit to having the best VPN for Netflix is that you get to access lots more content than you would usually have access to. This could unlock shows that you might want to watch or help you find new pieces of entertainment to enjoy.
Without a VPN, you can only access the Netflix library for the country you’re currently located in. But with a VPN, you can unblock Netflix content from almost anywhere. This is great for users who want to get more out of their subscriptions.
You’ll be able to watch shows from other regions, access content in other languages, and even get access to your regular Netflix watch list and library when you travel out of the country for vacations.
How do I install a VPN for Netflix**?**
Installing a VPN for Netflix is really simple. Here’s the whole process, broken down into a few basic steps:
- Choose a VPN you’d like to use
- Visit the VPN site and download the software
- Install the VPN and log in to your account
- Connect to a server in a location you want to use Netflix in
- Load up Netflix in your browser or on your device to view exclusive content
How to choose the best VPN for Netflix
So, which is the best VPN for Netflix streaming? Well, there are lots of VPNs out there that are able to bypass Netflix's various blocks and restrictions, but some are much better than others. Here's what to look for in a Netflix VPN:
- Compatibility - Make sure it works on your favorite devices for streaming.
- Speed - A good Netflix VPN needs to be fast for HD streaming.
- Locations - The best Netflix VPN needs servers in the locations where Netflix has the best content, like US and UK.
Next, let’s look at some of our favorite Netflix VPNs.
Express VPN is the best VPN for Netflix overall
If you want to stream the latest Netflix shows in high quality on your smart TV or other devices, you’ll need a VPN that can offer lightning fast speeds. And when it comes to speed and performance, Express VPN is one of the best around.
This VPN has more than 3,000 servers in close to 100 different countries across the world, making it super fast and reliable. Even if one server isn’t quite working well, you can switch to another in a matter of seconds.
ExpressVPN has no trouble unlocking Netflix libraries from the US, Canada, the UK, France, Japan, and various other countries. Plus, it’s one of the easiest VPNs to work with, making it a big hit with beginners.
- Very fast speeds
- Stream in HD or 4K
- Beginner friendly
- Works with other streaming sites
Nord VPN has strong security for Roku users
When it comes to lists of the best VPN for Netflix providers, Nord VPN often appears at the top. This is by far one of the best Netflix VPNs you can use in every aspect, including speed, performance, security, and reliability.
Nord VPN has more than 5,000 servers spread out around the world, including many in the best Netflix countries, giving you almost instant access to any Netflix library you want to unlock. It’s also fast enough to allow for HD or even 4K streaming.
Nord is also one of the safest and most reliable VPNs to use. Plus, it's relatively affordable, with great customer service, up to six simultaneous connections, and full compatibility with a range of devices like Android phones, Apply TV, and Roku players.
- Huge server network
- Great levels of performance
- Fast speeds
- Excellent compatibility
IPVanish has some of the best customer service
If you don't have much experience with VPNs, you may want to focus your search on one that is easy to use, with good customer service. In that case, you might like to choose, IP Vanish, which is famed for its usability.
Affordable, reliable, and secure, this VPN covers all the bases. It provides easy online safety and has proven effective at accessing Netflix in most major markets, like the US, so it's good for people who travel a lot but want to have non-stop access to the shows they love.
Plus, with over 2,000 servers worldwide, IP Vanish has lots of options available to help you access other sites and services that might be restricted or blocked in your region. Plus, the support and customer care from this brand is truly top notch. Find out more about IP Vanish and Netflix here.
- Great customer support
- Secure and private
- Big server network
- Fast speeds
Pure VPN is one of the cheapest Netflix VPNs
Looking for the best VPN for Netflix on a budget? If so, you’re not alone. Many people don’t want to spend too much on a VPN, especially when they already have recurring bills for Netflix and other streaming services.
Pure VPN is a great choice for budget-conscious users. It's one of the cheapest VPNs out there, and despite being so cheap, it has a lot to offer. It uses 256-bit military-grade encryption, for example, to protect your data.
PureVPN also has a range of advanced features like kill switches and IP masking. Its security is really impressive, and it can boast good enough speeds for high-definition streaming of your favorite Netflix shows like Ozark and Bridgerton.
- Good value for money
- Strong security
- Advanced features
- Works with HD streaming
Surfshark works well in all major Netflix markets
Last up, we have Surfshark. This is another good all-rounder that is great for streaming on Netflix and a range of other streaming services, such as Hulu and Amazon Prime, giving you lots of content to potentially enjoy.
Surfshark is competing with the likes of Express VPN and Nord VPN in terms of performance and speed. It's super fast, highly compatible with lots of commonly-used devices, and has great 24/7 customer support for its users, too.
There aren't many downsides to this VPN, especially if you use it for Netflix. It can unlock the US library, the UK catalog, and Netflix content from other locations, such as Japan, as well, covering all of the most popular markets.
- An affordable VPN
- Fast speeds for streaming
- Works in most markets
- Easy to work with
Is it legal to use a VPN for Netflix?
There’s nothing illegal about using a VPN. VPNs are completely legal and accessible all around the world. However, using VPNs for Netflix is a bit of a gray area. There's a chance that using a VPN for Netflix could violate the service's terms of service, which may put your account at risk.
However, at the time of writing, there are no known reports of any users actually getting their accounts blocked or deleted for using a VPN, and many people do use VPNs to access Netflix and other platforms daily.
Our takeaway: Choose the best VPN for Netflix based on your needs and budget
As we can see, there are several great VPNs you can use to get on Netflix all around the world. But which is the best VPN for Netflix? Well, that will depend on your budgets and preferences, as each VPN has its own pros, cons, and price tag.
ExpressVPN is our #1 pick, but there may be other options that tempt you more. Make sure to compare your options and choose the right VPN for you. And if you’d like to learn more about how VPNs work, check out our ultimate VPN guide. You can also see our recommendations of the best VPN for Roku and best VPN for Fire Stick, too.
Khadija Bilal • Author
Khadija Bilal is an accomplished writer with over a decade of experience under her belt. Having developed a versatile writing style that allows her to tackle a wide range of topics, Khadija has several publications to her name. Khadija’s expertise includes in-depth guides and how-to articles.
Kelsey Reynolds • Editor
Kelsey is a content strategist based in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Minnesota. Kelsey was drawn to working at Flixed because the team was so open, motivated, and curious. She most enjoys thinking about how to blend programmatic and editorial content to answer readers’ questions as completely and efficiently as possible. When she’s not at her computer, Kelsey can usually be found working in her garden or walking her two dogs in the park.
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