Best VPNs for Netflix

What is the best VPN for Netflix that consistently works in September, 2020?

We set out to answer this question by testing all of the top providers and posting the results in this guide below. We run monthly tests of all the top VPNs because things are always changing with new blocks and restrictions.

WARNING: Even though there are still a few VPNs that work with Netflix, the vast majority do not work well, even if they claim to be good “Netflix VPNs”. This is because:

1. Most VPNs are actively blocked by Netflix; or
2. Many VPNs are too slow to work well with streaming, which results in buffering, interruptions, and videos timing out.

Therefore the only way to be sure is to continually test which VPNs work with Netflix. Here’s what we’ll cover in this guide:

1. 5 best VPNs for Netflix that are working right now (tested September 2020)
2. 17 VPNs that are blocked (or too slow) with Netflix
3. Netflix VPN FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
4. Netflix VPN Comparison Table

The Best VPN for Netflix

• ExpressVPN – Best VPN for streaming Netflix
• NordVPN – Best value VPN for Netflix
• Surfshark – A low-cost VPN for unblocking Netflix
• VyprVPN – Consistently unblocks regional Netflix locations
• Trust.Zone – A fast and simple Netflix VPN

Ranking the best Netflix VPNs

Here is the criteria that we used for ranking the best VPNs for Netflix:

1. Unblocks American Netflix (and often other Netflix regions as well).
2. Excellent speeds and reliability to stream HD Netflix without interruptions.
3. Professional and prompt technical support (chat or email).
4. High-quality VPN apps to use on Netflix streaming devices.
5. Thoroughly tested and found to perform well with different devices and VPN servers.

Now let’s examine the test results.

1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN for streaming Netflix

ExpressVPN is currently the best VPN for Netflix simply because it always works with the service and offers the fastest speeds. It also does very well in the areas of security and online anonymity, with maximum encryption and excellent privacy features. ExpressVPN’s apps are user-friendly, simple, and come with built-in leak protection via the Network Lock (kill switch) feature.

In terms of performance, ExpressVPN is one of the fastest and most reliable VPNs I’ve tested. This ensures that Netflix videos stream with HD quality and no playback errors or interruptions. Below I’m streaming American Netflix from my location in Europe, using an ExpressVPN server in Washington DC:

If you want the fastest VPN speeds and best HD streaming quality for Netflix, ExpressVPN would be the top recommendation. It is also arguably the best VPN for streaming in general, providing access to all major services and streaming sites.

ExpressVPN with Smart TVs – ExpressVPN can also be used with smart TVs, which normally do not work with VPN services. With ExpressVPN, you can use the MediaStreamer feature, which is a smart DNS service. This will allow you to unblock Netflix and other streaming services directly through your smart TV. Their support staff can help you get this set up correctly.

Support – ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support directly through their website. This may come in handy when setting up ExpressVPN to use Netflix on your computer, TV box, tablet, or other devices. To remove any risk, ExpressVPN offers a 30 day money-back guarantee with all plans. This gives you lots of time to ensure it works perfectly for your situation with Netflix streaming or anything else.

Regional Netflix availability – ExpressVPN provides access to the following Netflix regions: US, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Italy, Japan, and Germany. While I’ve heard there are other (smaller) Netflix regions supported, I have not tested this yet, since all major regions are already covered by ExpressVPN.

Other streaming services – ExpressVPN works great with all major streaming services, including Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, ESPN, HBO, and more.

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You can also get more information on the ExpressVPN Netflix streaming page.

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2. NordVPN – Best value VPN for Netflix

Another great VPN that works with Netflix is NordVPN – a no logs service based in Panama. NordVPN is among the fastest VPNs I’ve tested with a huge network of 5,400 servers in 59 countries. All of NordVPN’s servers run on dedicated hardware in RAM-disk mode for enhanced security.

For Netflix streaming, NordVPN is also a top-performer. They support all major Netflix libraries around the world and have dedicated apps for all types of streaming devices, from computers, phones, and tablets to Android TV boxes, Smart TVs and more. They even offer a dedicated app for using a VPN on FireStick and Fire TV.

In the security and privacy category, NordVPN also leads the pack. It has passed independent security audits for network security (conducted by Versprite) and also a no-logs audit conducted by PWC AG in Switzerland. Additionally, NordVPN offers many advanced privacy features:

• CyberSec feature to block ads, trackers, and malware domains
• Double-VPN servers that encrypt and route traffic over two different locations
• Tor-over-VPN servers that encrypt traffic with the Tor network, in addition to the VPN server
• Obfuscated servers to conceal VPN traffic as regular HTTPS encryption (a useful feature if you need a VPN for China)

It is also worth noting that NordVPN is a top-performer with speeds and reliability. It was the winner by a large margin in recent speed tests with the NordVPN vs IPVanish comparison. This ensures you’ll have the best quality for HD Netflix streaming. Additionally, NordVPN now supports the WireGuard VPN protocol, which offers faster speeds over OpenVPN and IKEv2 (legacy VPN protocols).

NordVPN also stands out in the area of customer support with a 30 day money-back guarantee. This gives you plenty of time to test NordVPN with Netflix to make sure everything works well. You can also get instant access to 24/7 live chat support directly through the website.

Aside from Netflix, NordVPN also does very well unblocking other streaming services. You can use it if you need a VPN for BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and more.

Regional Netflix availability: NordVPN currently unblocks the following Netflix regions: US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Japan, Australia, India, and Italy. (Other regions may also be supported, so this list is not exhaustive.)

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3. Surfshark – A low-cost VPN for unblocking Netflix

Surfshark is one of the newer additions to our list of the best Netflix VPNs. Officially launched in 2018, Surfshark offers a secure, high-performance VPN that does very well with unblocking many Netflix regions. It is a VPN that gives you unlimited connections, full support For Netflix streaming, and great privacy features – at a very low price.

Surfshark is a great option for all types of streaming. In addition to Netflix support, Surfshark also works well with BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon, Disney+, and many other services. Performance tests with Surfshark yielded good results, although not quite as fast as NordVPN or ExpressVPN. It’s a great VPN for Kodi streaming with dedicated apps for all major devices and operating systems.

Surfshark also does well with security. VPN traffic is encrypted with an AES-256 cipher via the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols. Like NordVPN, Surfshark offers many great privacy features:

• CleanWeb feature to block ads, trackers, and malware domains
• Double-VPN servers
• Browser extensions

At only $2.49 per month with the discount below, Surfshark is a cheap VPN worth considering.  All plans come with a 30 day money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat support.

Regional Netflix availability: Surfshark officially supports and unblocks ten different Netflix regions: US, UK, Australia, Canada, Singapore, Italy, South Korea, Germany, Japan, and Norway. Additionally, they are also working to unblock Netflix regions in other areas.

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Our Surfshark review has more info and test results.

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4. VyprVPN – Consistently unblocks regional Netflix locations

VyprVPN is another great VPN to proxy into Netflix. It is based in Switzerland and offers good speeds and top-quality applications. Like our other top Netflix VPNs, VyprVPN has a large selection of custom applications for different devices and operating systems. All of the apps I tested were stable, user-friendly, and well-designed.

As explained in the VyprVPN review, the speed test results were also pretty good. VyprVPN has a great selection of servers around the world, although not as large as ExpressVPN or NordVPN. For features, VyprVPN provides an obfuscation VPN protocol called Chameleon, as well as a malicious sites filter, and IP/DNS leak protection.

VyprVPN does well with security and is currently working to integrate the WireGuard VPN protocol into their service. It is one of the few VPNs that has undergone a no-logs audit to verify privacy-protection measures and policies.

Regional Netflix availability: The following regions are currently supported by VyprVPN: US, UK, and Germany.

Website: https://VyprVPN.com

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5. Trust.Zone – A fast and simple Netflix VPN

Last up on our list is Trust.Zone VPN. This is another great VPN to fix the Netflix proxy error and stream your favorite content. Trust.Zone is a privacy-focused VPN based in Seychelles with a strict no-logs policy. One unique benefit with Trust.Zone is that you can get a free 30-day trial without entering any payment information. Simply go to this page and create an account to get started.

I tested out Trust.Zone with American Netflix and found it to perform perfectly. Trust.Zone offers dedicated Netflix servers for the US, Canada, and France. Speeds were great, streaming quality was perfect, and there were no hiccups, buffering, or interruptions. It’s a great VPN for streaming, although with fewer supported Netflix regions.

One drawback with Trust.Zone is that they only offer custom VPN apps for Windows and Android. Other devices and operating systems, however, are supported through third-party apps, or natively on the operating system. Their configuration wizard walks you through the setup process.

Trust.Zone also offers dedicated IP addresses, which also fixes the Netflix proxy error. The dedicated IP VPN option can be added to your cart at checkout. Support is available via email and all plans come with a 10 day money-back guarantee.

Regional Netflix availability: Trust.Zone offers dedicated Netflix servers for American Netflix, Canada Netflix, and France Netflix.

Trust.Zone Discount: You can now get an additional 10% discount on any Trust.Zone subscription. Simply enter this coupon code: RESTOREPRIVACY10

Website: https://Trust.Zone

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17 VPNs that are BLOCKED (or too slow) with Netflix

Unfortunately, most VPN services on the market today are blocked with Netflix or are simply too slow to work well. In the past, nearly all VPNs worked with Netflix, but that all changed when Netflix decided to actively block VPN services in 2016.

Now let’s take a look at VPNs that are not working well with Netflix.

Disclaimer: This list is based on my own experience testing numerous VPNs with Netflix. Since variables are always changing with Netflix and VPNs, this list may not reflect the most recent changes. If in doubt, check with your VPN provider to see if it’s working.

Here are a few VPNs that I have found to not work well with Netflix:

PureVPN

PureVPN is not the best choice to use with Netflix, mainly due to performance problems. Extensive testing in my review of PureVPN identified serious issues, including slow speeds, data leaks, and dropped connections. This would make viewing Netflix very frustrating.

Even worse, PureVPN was found to be logging customer data and handing it over to the FBI (US authorities), despite claiming to have a “zero logs policy”.

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield is a larger VPN service with many users around the world, but it does not seem to be a good VPN for Netflix. Hotspot Shield was in the news for a vulnerability that could reveal the user’s location to hackers. Additionally, this VPN was found to be injecting JavaScript codes using iframes for advertising and tracking purposes, as well as embedding tracking libraries into their Android VPN apps (see here). Various Hotspot Shield VPN servers may or may not work with Netflix, but regardless, it would be wise to consider alternatives.

Hola VPN

Hola is another free VPN service that should probably be avoided if you are looking to stream Netflix. Hola VPN was found to be hijacking user bandwidth and fraudulently reselling it through its sister company Luminati. These bandwidth-stealing practices expose the end-user to all kinds of problems and dangers.

Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is a decent VPN service, but it’s not a great VPN to use with Netflix. In my own tests of Private Internet Access, I found it to be consistently blocked with US Netflix. PIA claims to sometimes work with Netflix, but for me, it has never worked well.

Tunnelbear

TunnelBear is known for its free VPN (giving users 200 Mb of free data per month) but it does not work well with Netflix. In testing out TunnelBear for the review, I also found the speeds to be quite mediocre, which would make Netflix streaming difficult.

IPVanish

IPVanish is a decent VPN service, although it does not do a great job of unblocking Netflix. I asked a customer support representative if IPVanish works with Netflix and he had this to say: “Netflix has been very vigilant recently in trying to block our services.” If you want a VPN that works consistently with Netflix, IPVanish is not the answer.

Other VPNs that are blocked with Netflix

In addition to the providers mentioned above, these VPNs also were found to not work well with Netflix:

• Avast Secureline VPN
• Private Tunnel
• Ivacy
• iVPN
• F-Secure Freedome
• Hide.me
• CactusVPN
• SecureVPN
• Ra4w VPN
• Celo VPN
• Kaspersky Secure Connection

Important: This is just a small sample of VPNs that are blocked or not working well with Netflix, but there are surely many more. Keep in mind, however, that the Netflix VPN blocking game is dynamic. Therefore this list will continue to change as Netflix and VPNs evolve with these changes.

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Netflix VPN FAQs

Aside from determining which VPN is best for Netflix, there are many other areas you may be wondering about. Below we will address different questions and topics that often come up when discussing Netflix and VPNs. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• How to watch Netflix with a VPN when abroad or overseas
• How to unblock Netflix
• How to access American Netflix from other countries
• Can you use a free VPN for Netflix?
• Why does Netflix block VPN users?
• What is the fastest VPN for streaming Netflix?
• How much speed do you need with a VPN to stream Netflix?

How to watch Netflix with a VPN when abroad or overseas

Many people who work or travel abroad are looking to Unblock Netflix with a VPN. As long as you are using a good VPN and have enough bandwidth for streaming, you can watch Netflix with your VPN by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Choose a good Netflix VPN service

First you need a good VPN that works with Netflix:

1. ExpressVPN
2. NordVPN
3. Surfshark
4. Trust.Zone
5. VyprVPN

Any of these VPNs will work well with Netflix streaming.

Step 2: Install the VPN software on your streaming device(s)

You will be able to find the VPN software for your specific device(s) directly on the VPN’s website. If you go with ExpressVPN, you’ll have access to a large selection of VPN apps for all types of devices and operating systems, including TV boxes, Smart TVs, and Amazon FireTV/Fire Stick, as well as computers, routers, tablets, phones, and more.

Step 3: Connect to a VPN server

Simply open the VPN app on your device and connect to a server in the location where Netflix is available, such as in the US or UK. To improve Netflix VPN performance, connect to the closest VPN server possible.

Note: You may need to check with your VPN provider to learn which servers to use.

Step 4: Enjoy streaming with Netflix from abroad

Now just log in to your existing Netflix account and enjoy streaming Netflix as normal. From Netflix’s perspective, you are just another user connecting from the country where your VPN server is located.

How to unblock Netflix

One problem with streaming Netflix is that it is often blocked in various regions. If you’re wondering how to unblock Netflix, we’ll cover the different solutions below.

Many people who try to access Netflix through a VPN or proxy service will run into the message below about an “unblocker or proxy” being used. Here’s what this looks like (the image below is from the NordVPN vs PIA comparison).

Here are some different solutions that should help you unblock Netflix:

1. Use one of the Netflix VPNs listed in this guide whenever you stream Netflix.
2. If you are still getting blocked, contact the VPN’s support, and then connect to the exact server they recommend for streaming Netflix.

That’s pretty much the secret to unblocking Netflix. Use a good VPN and connect to the correct VPN server.

There is a perpetual cat and mouse game that is being played, where Netflix will block some VPN servers (IP addresses) and then the VPN will roll out a new solution. So if you are already using a Netflix VPN from above, just verify which server will allow you to unblock Netflix with the VPN’s support department.

How to watch American Netflix from other countries

Many people living and working overseas are looking to access Netflix from abroad. This applies to expats and also foreign nationals – but there is one region that stands out from them all: Netflix in the US.

Why do so many people want to access American Netflix with a VPN?

The reason for this is simple: American Netflix has the largest video library anywhere. Other Netflix regions in various parts of the world only have a fraction of what US Netflix offers. For example, UK Netflix only gives you about one-third of the content available through US Netflix media library!

A VPN remains the best available tool to unblock websites and other content around the world.

Whether you are an expat living in Europe, Asia, or South America, you can have the best that American Netflix offers, wherever you are located. Or perhaps you are simply an American traveling and working abroad. Either way, it is easy to unblock American Netflix using the steps in this guide.

To access American Netflix from overseas simply follow the steps laid out above. Any of the recommended Netflix VPNs on this page will give you full access to American Netflix. You just need to choose one of the VPNs and then connect to a VPN server for full access.

Do you need to pay for American Netflix with a US payment method?

Answer: No.

You can access American Netflix from anywhere in the world, even if you purchased your Netflix subscription in a different country, such as France or Japan. All you need is a US IP address, which you can access by connecting to a US server through your VPN. This will unblock American Netflix, regardless of whichever Netflix region you originally subscribed to.

Can you use a free VPN for Netflix?

Some people are also looking to access Netflix with a free VPN. The problem with using a free VPN to unblock Netflix is summed up with the following rule:

When something is free, then you are the product.

As time goes on, this is becoming painfully obvious with free VPN services, which are inherently risky. For example, with third parties having access to your browsing history and data, which is collected by the VPN and then sold to third parties (usually advertisers). How else could a VPN with high fixed costs be free? (By collecting and selling user data.)

Some VPNs also offer a limited amount of free data, but force you to upgrade to a paid plan if you want more. One example of this is TunnelBear, but as we already pointed out, it does not work with Netflix. Free trial VPN services might be a better alternative.

Therefore you’re back to the only viable option: using a safe, secure, paid VPN service.

Why does Netflix block VPN users?

The infamous Netflix VPN ban was officially rolled out in early 2016. Following the initial announcement in January 2016, Netflix initiated a number of consecutive steps to further block VPN and smart DNS services. By January of 2017, many of the VPNs that previously worked with Netflix could no longer access the service.

Here was the original Netflix announcement that began their VPN blocking efforts:

The Netflix VPN ban and the continual efforts to block paying customers from access is somewhat ridiculous. After all, why should paying customers be blocked from using a service that they have already paid for?

The answer to that question is that Netflix caved in to pressure from large copyright holders, who wanted to further restrict access to their licensed content. This is usually done so that they can charge people more money to stream the same movie in different locations.

This also lines up with the trend we see unfolding whereby the internet is getting carved up and more restricted, with the gatekeepers blocking access to content, media, websites, etc.

Fortunately, there are a handful of VPN services that continue to invest significant resources into unblocking Netflix, while many others have simply given up completely.

What is the fastest VPN for streaming Netflix?

The fastest VPN for streaming Netflix is a tie between ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

Both of these VPN services are blazing fast and they both were close to maxing out my baseline speed in testing (around 150 Mbps). To get the fastest VPN speeds when streaming Netflix, use ExpressVPN or NordVPN, and then connect to a nearby server.

VPN speed was a key consideration when ranking the best VPN services for Netflix. So let’s examine this use in more detail.

How much speed do you need with your VPN to stream Netflix?

Here are some benchmarks for streaming speed and quality:

• 500 Kbps = Minimum quality
• 1,500 Kbps [1.5 Mbps] = Normal quality (less than 480p)
• 3,000 Kbps [3 Mbps] = SD quality (480p or better)
• 5,000 Kbps [5 Mbps] = HD quality (720p or better)
• 25,000 Kbps [25 Mbps] = Ultra HD quality (1080p or better)

To optimize the best speed and reliability, connect to the closest VPN server you can. For example, if you are in the UK and want to stream American Netflix, a VPN server in New York would be better than a VPN server in Los Angeles. This will minimize latency and should improve overall performance.

Depending on your VPN provider, you may want to experiment with a few different locations. If you ever notice speed issues with your VPN, you can always troubleshoot with the VPN’s support department – or switch to a faster VPN service.

Conclusion on Netflix VPNs

Using the best Netflix VPN will unlock a world of potential for you – wherever you may be located. A VPN will allow you to:

• Access Netflix from any location in the world.
• Unblock American Netflix to give you access to the largest selection of movies and TV shows.
• Access other Netflix regions, such as Netflix UK, Canada, France, Netherlands, and many more.
• Encrypt your internet connection to give you more privacy and security while streaming your favorite shows.

Even though accessing Netflix with a VPN continues to be a cat and mouse game with some providers, all of the VPNs recommended in this guide should give you everything you need. The trend with people using VPNs for streaming will only continue to grow with the current landscape. A VPN gives you unlimited access and streaming freedom.

Netflix VPN Comparison Table

As a brief recap, below are the best VPNs for Netflix that are working right now. These VPNs have been tested and found to meet the following criteria:

1. Unblock American Netflix (and usually many other Netflix regions as well).
2. Have excellent speeds and reliability to stream HD Netflix without interruptions.
3. Offer professional and prompt technical support (chat or email).
4. Provide high-quality apps to use on various devices.
5. Were thoroughly tested and found to perform well with different devices and VPN servers.

Enjoy streaming movies with the best VPN for Netflix in 2020!

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Last updated on September 19, 2020.

If you have any feedback, problems, or questions about Netflix VPN services, drop a comment below.