5 Best Netflix VPNs That Still Work Reliably — Updated 2023

Finding a VPN that can consistently bypass Netflix’s tough geoblocks is easier said than done. Many VPNs that claim to work are easily detected by Netflix and fail to unblock region-locked titles. This can result in constant proxy errors or, in some cases, access to only Netflix's Original content.

My team and I are constantly testing dozens of VPNs with Netflix, so we always know which ones are at the top of their game. The latest results were eye-opening — only a few VPNs met our high standards.

My top recommendation for Netflix is ExpressVPN because it consistently unblocks more than a dozen Netflix libraries. Plus, it has impressively fast speeds which let you stream in top quality without buffering. It’s also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so it’s easy to get a full refund if you’re not totally happy with it.

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Best VPNs for Netflix — Full Analysis (Updated 2023)

1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall Netflix VPN With Fast Speeds for Lag-Free Streaming

ExpressVPN is my favorite because it’s the fastest VPN for Netflix streaming. During my latest tests, I connected to its nearby UK servers and recorded an average download speed of 124.28 Mbps (only a 2% drop from my base connection).

The speeds were fast, even over long-distance connections. This let me watch Uncut Gems in UHD on Netflix Canada without a single instance of buffering, despite Canada being thousands of kilometers away. ExpressVPN reliably accessed 13+ Netflix libraries without encountering issues. These include Netflix US, UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia. I even gained access to some trickier libraries in Brazil, Germany, Spain, and the Netherlands.

ExpressVPN let me stream Netflix content from long-distance libraries in UHD

ExpressVPN stands out as one of the most reliable Netflix VPNs. This is mainly due to the fact that it regularly rotates its IP addresses. So, even if one is blocked by Netflix, it gets replaced with a new IP to ensure you can continue watching your favorite shows.

Moreover, it incorporates obfuscation on all its servers with the Automatic protocol. This hides your VPN use, making it more reliable to establish a connection on a restrictive network so you can access Netflix.

ExpressVPN's MediaStreamer feature lets you watch region-locked titles on smart TVs. Essentially functioning as a SmartDNS, it helps you quickly change locations on devices that typically don’t support VPNs — this also includes gaming consoles and some streaming devices.

However, it's important to mention that MediaStreamer is limited to US and UK streaming platforms. If you want content from other regions, you can install ExpressVPN on your router instead. Whatever you choose, ExpressVPN provides step-by-step guides for a quick and easy setup process.

ExpressVPN is a bit pricier than most VPNs — the cheapest you can sign up for is $6.67/month. However, it offers generous discounts and deals throughout the year that make it a bit more affordable. You can also try ExpressVPN risk-free with Netflix as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied with the service, you can get all your money back.

Useful Features

• Speedy Lightway protocol. ExpressVPN’s impressive speeds are due in part to its proprietary Lightway protocol. Not only is it one of the fastest protocols we’ve tested, it’s also very battery-friendly — meaning that I could stream content from my favorite Netflix library for longer on my laptop and phone.
• User-friendly. All of ExpressVPN’s apps are sleek and simple. Its intuitive interface makes it straightforward to use, even for those who are not tech-savvy. To start streaming Netflix US, all I had to do was type in “USA” into the app search bar, select one of the resulting servers, then press the power symbol to connect.
• Powerful browser extension. It offers VPN extensions for popular browsers, including Chrome and Firefox. Unlike most browser VPN add-ons, it provides you with the same level of access to Netflix and security as its full-fledged VPN app. This means you can watch Netflix safely without issues.

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2. CyberGhost — Netflix-Optimized Servers to Access Your Favorite Library Without Hassle

One of the many reasons I find myself coming back to CyberGhost is that it offers streaming-optimized servers, including some for popular Netflix libraries. These make it downright easy to access your favorite library, as the ideal server to access it is clearly marked.

CyberGhost even has Netflix-optimized servers for Firestick and Android TV

CyberGhost’s Netflix-optimized servers are regularly updated to ensure constant access to the associated library. As someone who’s been using CyberGhost’s Netflix-optimized servers for years, I can attest that they’re consistently reliable. In my latest tests, I connected to its Netflix servers in the US, UK, Canada, and Japan and had no problem accessing these Netflix catalogs.

If you don’t see a server optimized for a specific Netflix library, you can try one of its regular servers. During my tests, they were almost as reliable as the specialized servers. Overall, I was able to watch a total of 13+ Netflix libraries with a speed drop of only 5% on nearby servers. Long-distance connections were slower (speed drops of up to 23%), but as long as you have a decent baseline connection, you should still be able to watch Netflix in high quality.

Interestingly, CyberGhost’s SmartDNS can access more Netflix libraries than many of the similar services offered by other VPNs. With it, I could watch Netflix content from the US, the UK, Japan, or Germany — all via my Smart TV or game console. Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost also offers router support if you’d like to access a library that’s unsupported by the SmartDNS.

CyberGhost also offers a 45-day money-back guarantee, which is more generous than most VPNs. This lets you try CyberGhost risk-free, and if you’re not impressed, you can easily get a full refund.

Useful Features

• Value for money. You can get CyberGhost for just $2.11/month with its long-term plan, which makes it one of the most affordable VPNs out there.
• Optimized servers for other popular streaming platforms. In addition to Netflix, CyberGhost also offers specialized servers for services like Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
• Control which sites use the VPN. CyberGhost lets you set certain URLs to ignore the VPN connection. For example, I could add the URL to my local e-banking website to avoid additional security checks while connected to the VPN. This let me stream my favorite Netflix library without making access to my online finance accounts difficult.

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3. NordVPN — Reliable Server Network Can Access Tons of Netflix Libraries

If you want access to a vast selection of Netflix titles, NordVPN is an ideal choice. It uses built-in Smart DNS (called SmartPlay), which helps it reliably overcome geoblocks. I tested it with 21 Netflix libraries, and it accessed 16 of them with ease. This is more than any other VPN on this list. I could easily access popular libraries like Canada, Japan, the UK, and the US, but NordVPN also worked exceptionally well with lesser-known catalogs. For example, it’s the only VPN that worked for Netflix Israel and Argentina.

NordVPN is incredibly fast (second only to ExpressVPN), so it’s more than capable of providing you with a smooth streaming experience. When I connected to its nearby UK servers, I experienced a speed drop of only 4%. The drop was negligible even on its faraway New York server. I also watched a movie to see how the quality would hold up over time, and I was impressed that it loaded nearly instantly.

I was able to watch all of RRR without any instances of buffering

If you don’t mind paying a little extra, NordVPN also offers dedicated IPs in over half a dozen locations for an added fee. Usually with VPNs, you share an IP with multiple people, which makes it easy for Netflix to recognize VPN use and ban the IP. A dedicated IP is solely yours, so there’s a much lower risk of your streaming session being interrupted by a sudden ban.

My only complaint with NordVPN is that its mobile apps aren’t the most intuitive. For example, while its map-based interface works fairly well on large screens, I find it a bit laggy and awkward to use on mobile devices. However, it’s not a big deal since you can use the dropdown server list in the sidebar instead.

You can test NordVPN for free by making use of its 30-day money-back guarantee. Getting a refund is quick and hassle-free.

Useful Features

• Obfuscated servers. NordVPN offers obfuscated servers to hide VPN use. This allows you to bypass tough firewalls and VPN blocks. This lets you stream Netflix on restrictive networks such as those found at school or work.
• NordLynx protocol. NordVPN’s fast speeds can be attributed to its proprietary NordLynx protocol. It’s built around WireGuard, so it’s fast, reliable, and lightweight. This makes it a solid choice for Netflix streaming.
• Meshnet. This feature can help you connect to your Netflix account from different networks without getting flagged for sharing passwords. It lets you create something similar to a LAN with up to 60 devices sharing one IP. This comes in handy want you want to watch Netflix while not connected to your home network.

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4. Private Internet Access — Massive Server Network to Reliably Access Popular Netflix Libraries

What sets PIA apart is its large server network — it has over 29,650 servers scattered across 91 countries. This means you don’t have to worry about server overcrowding, which can lead to slowdowns or connection drops. This also gives you reliable access to popular Netflix libraries — even if one server fails to work, you’ll have plenty of others to choose from. During my tests, I could stream content on 10+ Netflix libraries without much hassle.

PIA even has servers optimized for streaming in the US, Japan, Denmark, Sweden, Finland, the UK, and Italy. I could access Netflix with each of them, and its US East streaming server worked well with a couple of other streaming sites like Disney+ and Hulu. That said, PIA’s streaming servers fall short compared to CyberGhost in terms of location coverage.

You can see all available streaming servers by typing “streaming” in the search bar

One small issue is that it can take a while to get in touch with a support agent on its 24/7 live chat (up to 5 minutes). There are even times when you’re requested to send an email because no one is available. But you’ll eventually get the help you need.

Each plan is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can take it for a test run with no financial risk.

Useful Features

• Customizable security. With PIA, you can tweak your VPN settings and optimize your connection for Netflix. For example, I switched from 256-bit encryption to 128-bit on OpenVPN and experienced markedly faster speeds.
• Fast WireGuard protocol. In addition to OpenVPN, PIA also offers the speedy WireGuard protocol. This lightweight protocol is perfect for streaming Netflix — I got 109 Mbps download speed (against a baseline of 127 Mbps), despite connecting to a long-distance server.
• Split tunneling. You can easily define which apps should pass through the VPN and which ones should ignore it. This adds a lot of flexibility — I could stream my favorite Netflix library with the VPN, while gaming at low latency via my normal connection.

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5. Surfshark — Unlimited Connections for Uninterrupted Netflix Streaming on Any Device

One of Surfshark's most appealing features is the provision of unlimited device connections under a single, cost-effective subscription. This makes it an outstanding option for large families or individuals with numerous devices. Consequently, you won't need to disconnect a family member's device from the VPN to enjoy Netflix on your own.

To put this to the test, I connected my iPad, Windows laptop, and 6 other devices to its New York server. Even though there were multiple active connections, I could still stream Netflix in HD on all devices simultaneously. This isn’t surprising, as Surfshark offered me an impressive average speed of 122 Mbps (only a 5% drop) on nearby UK servers. That said, it did sometimes take a long time to connect to the VPN server — sometimes I was waiting 20+ seconds.

When it comes to accessing international Netflix catalogs, Surfshark doesn’t disappoint. With its reliable server network, I could stream content on 14+ Netflix libraries. I never had any problems with popular libraries (like the US, UK, Canada, and Japan). However, the less popular ones may require you to experiment with different servers or VPN protocols.

Each title that I tested with Surfshark loaded in under 4 seconds

It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try Surfshark for free with Netflix. Just ask for a refund if it’s not for you.

Useful Features

• Easy to install and use. It has apps for most modern devices, so getting it set up is pretty straightforward. Plus, it has a user-friendly and minimalist interface that’s easy to navigate and begin using with Netflix.
• Built-in speed test tool. This lets you check the download and upload speed on each server, making it easy to choose the ideal server for streaming Netflix.
• NoBorders mode. If Surfshark detects restrictions on your network, it will automatically obfuscate your traffic to hide the fact you are using a VPN. This will let you freely stream Netflix.

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Quick Comparison Tables: Best Netflix VPNs

Netflix VPN Features

Below, you'll find a table summarizing the top features of my recommended VPNs for Netflix. It shows you how many Netflix libraries each can access, the maximum simultaneous device connections supported, and the least expensive monthly subscription.

Additionally, I have provided details on whether the VPN provides Smart DNS. This feature makes it easy to watch Netflix in HD on devices that are usually not compatible with VPNs, like gaming consoles and smart TVs.

Netflix Libraries Accessed

The tables below contain information on which libraries each VPN could access and how easy it was to get working. Here’s how to read the results:

• ✅Works — the VPN could access the library on the first attempt.
• 🔶Some Difficulties — the VPN could access the library, but it took multiple attempts and may have required some troubleshooting to get working.
• ❌No Access — the VPN did not manage to access the library once in all our attempts, despite troubleshooting.

The results for the most popular libraries:

Results for more obscure libraries:

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Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Netflix

In selecting a VPN for Netflix, certain key factors should be taken into account. Here's a summary of what I evaluated to rank these VPNs for Netflix use:

• Can access US Netflix. US Netflix is one of the largest libraries out there and likely has many of the shows and movies you want to watch, such as Gladiator. I tested all the VPNs on this list regularly to ensure that their US servers can consistently access US Netflix.
• A large server network to access more libraries. If you’re wondering how to change Netflix region, you’ll want more servers. A vast network that’s well-distributed around the world usually helps you access more. Plus, the VPNs in my list have several servers in each country, so they’re less crowded (which makes them faster).
• Fast speeds. Your VPN should offer consistently fast speeds across all its servers. Ideally, the speed drop shouldn’t be more than 35%. This way, you’ll be able to stream Netflix in HD without buffering if you have a decent baseline connection.
• Device compatibility. When searching for a VPN, ensure it works with the devices you use for streaming Netflix, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Firestick, and others. The top-tier VPNs will also offer support for routers and Smart DNS functionality, enabling Netflix streaming on devices that may typically be incompatible with VPN apps, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles.
• Value for money. Make sure to choose a VPN that offers excellent value for money. Consider picking a long-term subscription since longer subscriptions often come with a better price. I’d also recommend going with a VPN that has a high number of simultaneous device connections, so your household can stream Netflix on every device on a single subscription.
• Excellent customer support. Even with a premium VPN, you might occasionally encounter issues where you’ll be unable to access your desired Netflix content. So, it’s important to have responsive support, whether via email, live chat, or contact form.
• Offers a free trial or money-back guarantee. It’s important to test a VPN before committing to a subscription to know what you’re signing up for. I made sure all VPNs on my list offer a money-back guarantee or free trial.

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VPN Not Working With Netflix? Try These Quick Troubleshooting Tips

Netflix works hard to block VPN connnections from accessing it. Even some of the best VPNs on the market struggle sometimes. If your VPN all of a sudden stops working, there are a bunch of easy fixes you can try to avoid the VPN ban and get past the infamous proxy error:

1. Change servers. The server you’re on may have been blocked by Netflix, so try switching to another one.
2. Use a different VPN protocol. Most VPNs let you switch between a few of these tunneling methods. Lightway, WireGuard, and OpenVPN are all reliable choices for Netflix.
3. Use your browser. Sometimes VPNs struggle with the Netflix app, so switching to a browser can fix the problem. In addition, try different browsers — if Chrome isn’t working, try Microsoft Edge, Firefox, or any other browser you commonly use.
4. Clear browser cache and cookies. You’ll find this option in your browser’s security or privacy settings.
5. Disable IPv6. This is a little more involved than some of the other methods, but it’s worked for me before. You can normally find the option to disable this in your device’s network adapter settings.
6. Reach out to customer support. When all else fails, it’s a good idea to contact support. That’s one reason why my favorite VPNs come with a 24/7 live chat service. Usually an agent will be able to provide you with a list of servers known to be working with Netflix at that moment.
7. Try using obfuscation. You could be experiencing a network-wide VPN block. If you’re using a public WiFi network, or one from school or work, turn on the obfuscation setting to hide your VPN-use. ExpressVPN automatically obfuscates your traffic just by using its default Automatic protocol or Lightway.

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Warning! These VPNs Don't Work With Netflix

Our tests revealed quite a few VPNs that claim to work with Netflix but don’t. I strongly recommend choosing one of the VPNs from the list above, but these are some you want to avoid in any case:

• CactusVPN — Claims its SmartDNS can unblock Netflix, but my tests found otherwise.
• Celo VPN — It couldn’t unblock any Netflix libraries during my tests.
• PureVPN — This service claims to unblock Netflix but I couldn’t even get it to connect at all during my tests.
• Hola VPN — Not only is it incapable of unblocking Netflix but Hola VPN was caught secretly stealing its users’ bandwidth.
• StrongVPN — It only works on Mac, so it's not a good option if you want to stream Netflix on other devices
• Unotelly — During my tests, I wasn’t able to unblock any Netflix libraries with this VPN.
• HideIPVPN — HideIPVPN mentions that it can’t guarantee access to Netflix. During my tests, I wasn’t able to unblock Netflix on any servers.

These VPNs also didn’t work with Netflix:

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FAQs on Watching Netflix with a VPN

On which devices can I use a VPN to unblock Netflix?

You can watch Netflix with a VPN on any device using a major OS. This includes Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS for both computers and mobile devices. Leading VPNs typically provide dedicated applications for Android TVs and Amazon Fire devices too. Additionally, they often offer browser extensions compatible with Chrome and Firefox.

Certain VPNs even offer a Smart DNS feature, so you can access Netflix on devices traditionally incompatible with VPNs, such as Apple TV, smart TVs, Xbox, and PlayStation.

To stream Netflix on other devices that don’t support VPNs, like Chromecast, Google TV, and Roku, you can also set up a VPN on your router. Some Netflix VPNs even sell pre-configured routers, and others (like ExpressVPN) come with a dedicated router app. It’s even possible to set up a virtual router or mobile hotspot using a computer. This way, you can share your VPN connection with other devices.

Lastly, if the device you want to watch Netflix on supports screencasting, simply use the VPN on a supported device and then screencast its content. This way, you’ll be able to watch Netflix on any device with screencasting capabilities.

Is using a VPN for Netflix legal? Will Netflix ban me?

For the most part, it’s legal, yes. In most places, it’s legal to access Netflix with a VPN. You only need to be careful in countries that ban or regulate VPN use due to heavy online censorship (countries like Iran, China, and Russia, for example). Using a VPN at all can be illegal in these places.

It’s highly unlikely Netflix will ban you for using a VPN. While you are technically breaking its terms and conditions when you use a VPN to watch content that isn’t licensed in your region, I’ve never heard of a user being banned for doing so. Netflix instead tends to focus its efforts on banning any VPN IP addresses it detects. This is why many VPNs struggle to work with the platform.

Can I watch Netflix US, Netflix Japan, or Netflix in other countries?

Yes. All you need to do is get a reliable Netflix VPN and connect to a server in the country where you want to access Netflix. For example, if you want to access your Netflix US account from another country, you’ll need to connect to a US server. Once your VPN is connected, load Netflix and it will show you the US library of shows and movies.

Why does Netflix block VPNs?

Netflix tries to block the use of VPNs in order to comply with licensing contracts. These contracts frequently enforce restrictions to make specific titles only available in certain regions. Netflix VPN blocks are tough to beat, which is why only a few VPNs still work with the service.

This situation makes it difficult when you're traveling, as Netflix might block your usual content library once it sees you’re in a new region. To restore access, you’ll need an IP address matching your home country. The VPNs we recommend for Netflix provide expansive server networks with a diverse set of IP addresses from multiple countries, making this an easy problem to fix.

Can I use a free VPN to watch Netflix?

You can, but it’s not something I recommend. It’s better to use a low-cost premium VPN that comes with a money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. A premium VPN will offer you the best speeds, unlimited data usage, and consistent access to Netflix. None of which can be said about forever free VPNs.

For example, free VPNs often fail to access region-locked Netflix titles. Even if you manage to find one that works, you’ll likely be stuck with slow speeds and limited data. This means you’ll probably only be able to watch an hour or two of poor-quality streaming per month.

Even worse, free VPNs can collect and sell your data to make money. This can put your online privacy at risk. Premium VPNs are held to a much higher data security standard and often adhere to strict no-logs policies.

Which country has the largest Netflix library?

Netflix US is widely considered the largest Netflix library. However, this constantly changes since it depends on the copyright agreements in each country.

Usually, it’s a constant race between Netflix US, UK, Canada, and Japan. To access these libraries, you would need an IP address from one of the respective countries. My top VPNs for Netflix all provide reliable IPs for the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and more.

Get the Best VPN for Netflix Today

Finding a VPN that works reliably with Netflix can be a difficult task. Some VPNs can’t access Netflix at all, while others can only access a few libraries (and not consistently).

All my VPN recommendations can access dozens of regional libraries while offering fast enough speeds to stream content in the highest quality. I was able to reliably watch my favorite shows without encountering any annoying errors or disconnects. To make things even better, each of the VPNs works out-of-the-box for most popular devices, and with a little bit of setup, I could even watch region-locked Netflix content on the big screen.

ExpressVPN is my favorite because it was consistently the absolute fastest VPN in my tests. I never experienced any buffering, even when I accessed a regional library thousands of kilometers away. Over my multiple years of testing, it’s also proven to be the most reliable for Netflix. You can put it through its paces completely risk-free as ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.

To summarize, the best VPNs for Netflix in 2023 are...