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The best Netflix VPNs of 2024: Expert tested and reviewed
What is the best VPN for Netflix in 2024?
The best VPN for Netflix is NordVPN. During our testing, this VPN consistently provided the best speeds and access to Netflix. It was also able to unblock geo-locked libraries with the highest rate of success — and the least amount of hassle.
Also: The best VPN services: Expert tested
I’ve been testing VPNs for years. The ZDNET team has kept a finger on the pulse of the VPN market for decades, and we frequently test these services to provide recommendations on the best VPNs for different use cases, like streaming and travel. During testing, we examined whether it was possible to access libraries that are typically only available in specific countries or regions, but we don’t recommend or suggest that you use a VPN for this reason.
Below, you will find our top picks for the best VPNs for Netflix.
The best VPNs for Netflix in 2024
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NordVPN
The best VPN for Netflix overall
NordVPN is one of the best Netflix VPNs available.
NordVPN lets you access Netflix from up to 10 devices under a single account and has 111 country options — one of the largest server networks currently offered by a VPN provider.
During my testing, this VPN never failed to load Netflix, and I tested from the UK to locations including the US, Japan, and Australia. Using some servers to access US content from the UK, for example, often resulted in only Netflix original content and globally licensed TVs and shows being displayed in the library.
Customers say they find the VPN to be consistently reliable and fast, with excellent connections available for US servers.
Review: NordVPN
Prices begin at $3.39/month on a two-year contract, with free eSIM data thrown in. One-year subscriptions start at $4.99/month on a basic plan, whereas month-to-month subscriptions are priced at $12.99. Available add-ons on higher-tier contracts include browsing protection, anti-malware scanners, ad blocking, and cloud storage.
NordVPN features: Native Streaming Apps: Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV | Simultaneous connections: 10 | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Android TV, Chrome, Firefox | Logging: None, except billing data | Countries: 111 | Servers: 6,000+ | Money-back guarantee: 30 days
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Surfshark VPN
The best affordable VPN for Netflix
Surfshark is a budget-friendly, easy-to-use VPN with a loyal customer base. It isn’t always the fastest option, and you can struggle to connect when servers are far from your original location. Overall, however, you can still take advantage of servers in 100 countries. Speed loss isn’t always noticeable when streaming, and this VPN offers excellent value for money.
Review: Surfshark VPN
When I used Surfshark to access Netflix, some countries, including Japan, were originally blocked. When I switched to a different server, however, the library was unblocked. I could easily browse Netflix and watch global content, but I had less luck overall accessing geo-restricted content.
Customers say that customer support is excellent, although some have experienced IP blocking issues.
The cheapest two-year subscription is Surfshark Starter, which costs $2.19 monthly and includes three months of free access. A one-year plan at the basic level costs $3.39/month (with one month free), while one month of VPN service costs $15.45.
Surfshark VPN features: Native streaming apps: Fire TV, Android TV, Nvidia Shield TV, Apple TV | Simultaneous connections: unlimited | Kill Switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Firefox, Chrome | Locations: 100 | Servers: 3,200+ | Logging: No activity logs | Money-back guarantee: 30 days
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ExpressVPN
The best Netflix VPN for speed
ExpressVPN is another great choice for accessing Netflix. When I tested the service, I found that this VPN provided the best speeds, just ahead of NordVPN. With 105 countries to choose from, you have plenty of options when you’re trying to access the service when you’re away from home.
Review: ExpressVPN
I did notice that while connected to some servers, my icon changed to red, which may be linked to when Netflix detects a VPN. I also encountered a few blocks to accessing Netflix when I used specific servers, but shifting my connection to another server available in my target country resolved the problem.
Subscriptions begin at $6.67 per month for a year of VPN service. Alternatively, you can pay $9.99/month for six months or $12.95 for one month. If you pick the annual plan, you will be given three months of free access added to the length of your contract and free Backblaze cloud backup.
Customers say that customer support is top-notch, and the VPN consistently provides unobtrusive, speedy service.
ExpressVPN features: Native Streaming Apps: Fire TV, Android TV, Nvidia Shield TV, Apple TV | Simultaneous Connections: 8 | Kill Switch: Yes | Platforms: A lot (see the full list here) | Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs | Countries: 105 | Money-back guarantee: 30 days
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Private Internet Access
Best VPN for streaming Netflix over different devices
Private Internet Access is another excellent VPN for streaming, and when it comes to Netflix, this VPN did not disappoint.
PIA, together with NordVPN, provided the least amount of hassle for access to Netflix. I didn’t encounter any blocks during testing. Regarding films and TV shows, I could access some geo-locked content and libraries, but in most cases, I was limited to Netflix originals and globally licensed content.
This could be your best bet if you just want to access Netflix while you’re away from home. PIA offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can use it on your PC, tablet, smartphone, and other devices at the same time.
Review: Private Internet Access
While a month of access will cost you $11.99, if you’re willing to sign up for two years, you will only pay the equivalent of $2.19/month. Alternatively, you can opt for a six-month term for $7.50/month.
PIA customer feedback indicates that many users are happy with this VPN, which can be used as a set-and-forget service.
Private Internet Access features: Native Streaming Apps: Android TV, Google TV, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV | Simultaneous Connections: unlimited | Kill Switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS, various browsers | Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs | Countries: 91 | Money-back guarantee: 30 days
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Also: The best streaming VPNs: Expert tested
|
VPN |
Price |
Simultaneous connections |
Access to Netflix |
|
NordVPN |
$3.39+ |
10 |
Yes, solid performance, some limits |
|
Surfshark |
$2.19+ |
Unlimited |
Yes, some blocks, overall good access, some limits |
|
ExpressVPN |
$6.67+ |
8 |
Yes, several blocks, some limits |
|
Private Internet Access |
$2.19+ |
Unlimited |
Yes, some restricted content |
A Netflix VPN service is a virtual private network compatible with the Netflix streaming service. Using a VPN to access your streaming services can allow you to watch your local content anywhere, or use a server to change your location via IP address and access other content libraries. This may, however, go against Netflix’s licensing agreements.
See also: What is a VPN and why do you need one?
Netflix says that if a VPN is detected, the service will only show you content for which the company has global rights. However, during my testing, I found this isn’t always the case.
How to set up a Netflix VPN
There are different ways to set up a VPN to work with your Netflix subscription.
Netflix says that using a VPN isn’t permitted on an ad-supported plan. In addition, the company says that if you use a VPN, Netflix will only make available shows that have been licensed worldwide and won’t offer live events. This is, however, assuming that Netflix detects your VPN. In my testing, I found that Netflix sometimes fails to detect when you’re using a VPN.
While setting up a VPN for Netflix will differ depending on your preferred service, most of the steps will be the same. First, decide on how you want to install your VPN for Netflix. If you are on a PC, you can visit your VPN’s website and download the app directly. For smartphones, you will need to visit Google Play or Apple’s App Store. On your TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV, you will need to check if a native app is available.
Once you have downloaded your VPN, sign in using your login credentials, select your preferred country and server, and connect. Visit Netflix and see if you have access.
During my testing, I found that very few VPNs were blocked outright; it was far more common for libraries to be restricted to globally licensed content when it appeared Netflix wasn’t sure of the region. It might make sense for Netflix to adopt this approach rather than locking down libraries outright. However, if you want to watch the content you have a right to and improve your security at the same time, this can be a frustrating limitation.
See also: How to set up a VPN on your router
Many providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth testing and reviews by members of our ZDNET team. We’ve been talking about other VPNs for years, spoken with their management and their users, and developed a generally favorable impression.
ZDNET tests VPN services from multiple locations, but we can’t test from all locations. Every home, community, local ISP, and nation has a different infrastructure.
We analyzed the best VPNs for Netflix below using the following criteria that were most important in helping you make an informed decision:
- Performance: Our top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance. After all, there’s no point in using a VPN while streaming Netflix content if your connection continually drops or lags.
- Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit the number of devices you can connect to a service simultaneously. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or smart TV you want to connect to a VPN, you need a service that allows at least five or six simultaneous connections.
- Security: There’s no point in using a VPN unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We also ensured the development team behind each recommended VPN cared about making security improvements over time and patching reported bugs.
- Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an important feature for a VPN, as it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.
- Geo-blocks and streaming: VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you’re away from home. We ensured that our top recommendations performed well considering these factors and are unlikely to slow down your connection while streaming, although we can’t guarantee that every VPN will consistently work with Netflix. We also tested access to geo-locked libraries, although we don’t suggest you should.
- Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our Netflix VPN recommendations have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive apps suitable for various hardware.
- Countries and servers: How many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough — at least 50 or so — to provide variety.
- Trial length and price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee of at least 30 days.
For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page.
|
Choose this Netflix VPN… |
If you want… |
|
NordVPN |
A do-it-all, fast, and secure VPN with good access to Netflix, geo-locked libraries, and few restrictions. NordVPN offers users a massive server network with plenty of countries to choose from. |
|
Surfshark |
An affordable VPN with a decent success rate in accessing Netflix. Surfshark’s speed isn’t the greatest compared to competitors, but it is one of the best affordable VPNs for streaming out there. |
|
ExpressVPN |
A fast VPN service. ExpressVPN offers some of the lowest speed loss, stable connectivity, and an expansive server network. Switching servers is not too much of a hassle if you encounter a block. |
|
Private Internet Access |
A VPN service with unlimited simultaneous connections. PIA is a great option for watching Netflix while you’re on the move and when you want to access the service from multiple devices at the same time. |
When you are selecting your new Netflix VPN, you need to consider the following factors:
- Speed: There’s nothing worse than loading up your favorite Netflix show only to experience lagging or failures to load. Choose a VPN that provides consistently strong speeds and a stable connection.
- Use cases: Some VPNs are better than others when accessing streaming services. You must consider what you plan to use the VPN for and what service to use it for.
- Geo-locking: Some VPN users might want to access Netflix content in libraries not typically available in their home country. While we don’t suggest you do so, if this is your intention, you will need to consider how often the IP addresses used by your VPN are detected and blocked. Customer reviews might be worth reading.
- Cost: Cost will be a factor in your decision. You can subscribe to a VPN for as little as a few dollars a month, but if you want a VPN that is reliable in difficult countries — such as China — you will likely have to pay more.
FAQs on Netflix VPNs
What’s the best free VPN for Netflix?
if you want to test out a VPN for use with Netflix but are not ready to sign up for a paid plan, we would recommend you try out the free plans offered by Proton VPN or Windscribe. The free plans are limited, so don’t expect your usual speeds. You may also not be able to access the country server you want. However, both free options do have servers in the US. Alternatively, sign up for one of our top VPNs and take advantage of their money-back guarantees, all of which will give you at least 30 days to try them out.
Does Netflix ban VPN use?
No, but the company can often detect VPN usage by comparing historical data on your typical locations and logins.
As VPN usage can violate Netflix’s licensing agreements, the company appears to try to track down and block the IP addresses used by VPN providers. Therefore, a server that works one day may not work the next.
Can I use a VPN to access different Netflix libraries?
Remember that using a VPN to access different Netflix libraries might go against Netflix’s terms of service. If you consistently do so, Netflix may track down and block the IP addresses assigned to your VPN, leaving you unable to access content libraries. The reason behind the cat-and-mouse game is that Netflix has licenses to broadcast content in different countries rather than global permission, and you are only entitled to content in your home location.
It’s highly unlikely your account will be banned or blocked, but you may lose access to content until you turn your VPN off.
Is it worth getting a VPN just for Netflix?
Possibly. If the main reason you want a VPN is to access your streaming service while you are away from home, it might be worth paying a few dollars a month for the privilege. VPNs also provide a layer of security that can be important for day-to-day browsing and online activities.
Do I have to pay for a Netflix VPN?
While there are trustworthy free VPNs that don’t sell your information, they are backed by paid subscribers and will simply reduce the server range, number, and speed on offer. So, they aren’t often the best option for streaming services such as Netflix.
To use a VPN that won’t drastically reduce your Netflix speeds, you will need a Netflix subscription and a basic, paid VPN plan.
How do I tell if my VPN is safe?
First, choose a reputable VPN vendor with a strong security background. Then, to check that your VPN is working properly, compare your IP address before and after enabling a VPN connection. You can find this in your device’s settings or by visiting whatismyipaddress.com.
If you see the same IP address, your VPN is probably not working properly, as a VPN should assign you a new IP address. You can also visit dnsleaktest.com to see if any DNS leaks have been detected while using a VPN, which could be a sign that your information is being leaked.
If you find that some websites can’t be accessed while you’re using a VPN, don’t fret. Some websites will detect and block IP addresses used by the VPN provider. It may not signal anything dangerous, so just try connecting to a different server.
You should also be careful with free VPNs, especially if they are outside of official app repositories or relatively unknown companies. Free is rarely free, and while there are a handful of trustworthy VPN options, many will sell your information.
It can be a cat-and-mouse game between streaming services and VPNs, and so, maybe none of the above options are the best fit for you. If so, consider other noteworthy VPNs for Netflix below:
