If you’re really serious about catching the very best online shows and movies, at some point you’re going to need a top quality Netflix VPN. This ensures you’ll not be limited to the entertainment offered by Netflix in your region, and can browse your way around the world to find the best of the best without silly regional restrictions.
Using a VPN or virtual private network gives you superpowers by creating an encrypted tunnel from your Internet connection directly to your target website or service. This means that your privacy is preserved, since no-one can snoop on your traffic, but it also gives you the ability to select a VPN server which is not in your country or region.
So, for example, if you live in London, UK, you can tunnel out to a Netflix server in Berlin, Germany just by pressing a button in your VPN application. This not only helps those of us who enjoy international entertainment which may not be available in our country, but also content such as documentaries which may be restricted due to a government ban or censorship.
So with that said, let’s take a look at the best Netflix VPN products on the market, and why you should consider using one for your late night chillax.
The three best Netflix VPNs in 2024
The technology behind VPNs has been improving steadily year on year for the past decade. The best ones offer not just improved security and privacy, but also a raft of other benefits which come with their products. Here’s our view of the best of the best:
The five best VPNs for Netflix in 2024
The best Netflix VPN overall
✔️ Your entertainment tastes range across the global content base.
✔️ You need to be confident your privacy will be maintained.
✔️ You hate buffering and stutters.
❌ You do most of your Netflix binging on your phone.
❌ You want to torrent content.
🔒 NordVPN stays out front because of its superlative security and speed. Perfect for Netflix lovers who want the best.
Head on over to our NordVPN review for an in-depth look at how it performed in our most recent VPN tests.
NordVPN is definitely one of the most popular VPNs on the market. The brand has not only become one of the most well respected VPN products over the past decade, but also delivers on its promise with speed, great features and unrivaled global coverage. Our evaluations show that these advantages manage to edge out rivals like ExpressVPN to claim top spot as the number one Netflix VPN.
Not only does it deliver range, but also depth. NordVPN offers class leading speeds, and in our tests it nearly hit the maximum capacity of our 1Gbps test connection, thanks in no small part to its cutting edge NordLynx protocol. The bottom line is users experience almost native net connection speeds, with almost no delays or buffering en route.
▶ Sign up now for our top-rated Netflix VPN
The product also doesn’t fall short when it comes to privacy. NordVPN features dual kill switches which will sever your internet connection in an instant should the VPN tunnel fail. The VPN also employs world standard encryption tech, and promises a strictly audited no-logs policy to further protect user privacy.
Another key feature is the innovative NordVPN proprietary DNS protocol, which includes a Double VPN feature, to add an extra layer of security to all data routing. It does this by transmitting through two VPN servers, thereby encrypting your data not once, but twice. This offers an additional shield against DNS-based web restrictions while enhancing both privacy and security.
The mobile application is also nicely robust, although the navigation UI may take a bit of getting used to. This is due to the small screen constraints and the fact that the UX is based on a map-centric interface. Despite this, the Android version still manages to deliver a solid user experience, featuring a nicely friendly country list which is accessed alphabetically via a simple swipe of a finger.
When you add in the legendary NordVPN support options like 24/7 live chat, and the massive amount of online tutorials and troubleshooting tools, it’s clear why the brand is so popular. A tip of the hat also to NordVPN for its development focus. The company is constantly expanding server coverage – now over 111 territories – and servers. The number of devices that can simultaneously connect has also been increased from six to ten.
Entertainment junkies looking for a super reliable Netflix VPN that doesn’t compromise on access, functionality, or speed, need look no further than NordVPN. It offers unmatched unblocking capabilities, ultra private DNS, and commits to a zero-logs policy, all whilst ensuring that the streaming experience is smooth and uninterrupted.
The 24 month price of under $5 a month, with three free months and a default 30-day money-back guarantee is further evidence of their confidence in the quality of the product and support services.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | A fun design, but can feel a little cluttered | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Easy to use on most device, but the UI on its mobile app isn't the best for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Excellent speeds, one of the fastest VPNs in our tests | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Not only unblocks Netflix in every country, but unblocks other streaming apps too | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Great security and privacy thanks to its AES 256-bit encryption and no-logs policy | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Professional, easily accessible help | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | There are cheaper VPNs, but overall pretty good value for money | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
The best cheap Netflix VPN
✔️ You're looking for a low-budget, high-performance VPN.
✔️ You have a need for super-fast connection speeds.
✔️ You want an easy-to-use interface.
❌ You want to access tons of servers locations.
❌ A reliable kill switch is your top priority.
🔒 Surfshark's has proved itself as a top tier Netflix VPN supplier. It’s fast, cheap and comes with some great features.
Read our full Surfshark review for an exploration of this great VPN's full budget-friendly security suite.
Surfshark is a standout choice for streaming Netflix content. It features excellent throughput speeds of up to 950 Mbps, and a nice selection of geographic servers to unblock material when needed. The product will unlock streams from the usual suspects, including US, UK, Japan, Canada and Australia, so fear not anime fans, they’ve got you covered.
As well as Netflix, Surfshark can also access geo-restricted entertainment from a bunch of other streaming services. This includes the likes of Amazon Prime, Hulu, BBC iPlayer and Disney+. Found an obscure arthouse show online? You’re probably good to go with this set of options. Another nice touch is the $2.29 a month two year plan, which is very competitive.
▶ Try this super-speedy Netflix VPN on unlimited devices
The Surfshark network features servers in 100 countries (not the biggest amount on this list—that goes to ExpressVPN), and the use of a VPN tunnel really does improve the viewing experience by reducing or removing annoying pop-ups, ads and spyware hassles. Your privacy and fun buttons will both thank you.
Security is also top notch. As well as security auditing, the VPN comes with a strict no-logs policy, which means that there’s no stored record of any user details. No logs, no tracking or snooping of past habits. Your data, connection details, and online activities stay completely private and unrecorded. Unfortunately our testing did point out a minor issue at times with the kill switch feature on Windows, which showed some vulnerability during testing. But it’s worth noting that the issue is very much an edge case, and is unlikely to occur in most situations.
Surfshark supports a wide array of devices including Roku and Apple TV, and even supports the rather fringe Amazon Fire Stick.
The bottom line is, Surfshark should definitely be on your shortlist as a Netflix VPN. It represents a top grade product with its high speed operation, wide range of device support and large geographic server offering. All this is wrapped up in an extremely competitively priced set of plans along with a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can test it out for a month, secure in the knowledge that if it doesn’t fit the bill, you can uninstall and get your cash back in an instant.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Not only is it intuitive and professional, it's also fun | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | A great VPN for both newbies and more seasoned VPN users | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | The fastest VPN around | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Easily unblocks most services, but not all | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Its kill switch has some issues, but it does offer both antivirus and an ad blocker | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Has a very extensive library of help articles, but answers can be hard to find | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | A low-price, high-performance VPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Best of the rest
✔️ You to access content from across the globe.
✔️ You want a VPN that's highly configurable.
✔️ Security is a top priority for you.
❌ You want to access US or UK Netflix.
❌ You're on a tight budget.
❌ You need a lot of simultaneous connections.
🔒 Media streaming freaks should take a long hard look at ExpressVPN to satisfy their Netflix VPN needs. It’s not the cheapest, but it’s hard to fault its security credentials.
Check out our ExpressVPN review and see why we recommend it, even if it is at a higher price point than other VPNs.
ExpressVPN is a big deal in the VPN world, which makes it an obvious choice for use with Netflix streaming. In tests it has consistently proved its worth in delivering stable, fast connections on demand. The brand has been around for some 15 years, and in 2019 was a founding member of the VPN Trust initiative, an advocacy group for consumer online safety.
The company runs a network of servers in 105 countries, including the UK, Japan, US and Australia. Your data is protected by AES-256 encryption to guarantee privacy and security against snooping. The company is so serious about security that their servers only run in RAM, without hard drives. This added protection means that immediately a computer is shut down, all information on the VPN server disappears and cannot be recovered. This ‘TrustedServer’ setup was an industry first when introduced in 2019.
▶ Try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee
In addition to top class security, ExpressVPN also provides a raft of other features which are designed to enhance user privacy. An intuitive kill switch system and the smart DNS MediaStreamer feature, which adds VPN encryption to devices which don’t have it built in, are just part of the product menu. This commitment to innovation is also demonstrated in its recent software updates, including a new app tailored for Apple TV and a revamped interface for Android TV which rolled out several months ago.
There are over 3,200 servers spread in the network, including in the Asia-Pacific region, which is perfect for those who enjoy having the ease of access of anime and K-drama on tap. The network is not the fastest we’ve tested, especially when judged next to some of our other winners, like NordVPN and Surfshark, but it’s definitely more than up to the task of streaming Netflix content in ultra-high definition 4K resolution.
The service also falls short in terms of simultaneous connections when compared to others in our list, with only eight on offer. But there is a choice to install the ExpressVPN service on your home router, which will give full security on any device on the home network. The company also offers a dedicated VPN router for the home, called Aircove, which can be purchased from any reputable retailer.
Overall we have no hesitation in recommending ExpressVPN as a stellar choice for Netflix unblockers. It boasts an audited no-logs policy, proprietary protective technologies like Threat Manager, and a strong focus on user privacy. Although the 12 month discounted price of $6.67 a month is not the cheapest around, these factors, together with its reliable access to geo-restricted content, make it a standout option for users interested in safeguarding their digital activities and enhancing their online showtime entertainment.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
| Design | Streamlined design makes it easy to find the features you need | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Configurable for those familiar with VPNs, easy-to-use for those that aren't | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Decent enough speeds for streaming, but overall slower than both Surfshark and NordVPN | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Unblocks most places, but struggles with the US and UK | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Incredible security features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Unbeatably friendly and professional, always-available support | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | More expensive than other VPNs, but arguably worth it | ⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You’re fanatical about your streaming privacy.
✔️ You want to use a free VPN.
✔️ You need Linux support.
❌ You need the cheapest solution.
❌ You need more than 10 simultaneous connections.
🔒 ProtonVPN is the Swiss quality VPN which offers great speed, and even better security.
Read our in-depth review of Proton VPN to learn the differences between its free plan and paid subscription, and their respective offerings.
ProtonVPN is a top class VPN service and worthy of inclusion on our recommended listing. Movie and show lovers will find a lot to like with the Proton service. For one thing it runs on a large array of devices, including Mac and PC, iOS and Android smartphones and also broadband routers and smart TVs. Performance is maintained across all device types, which is perfect for those who like to consume their entertainment on different devices at different times.
The key factor with any product in this category is whether or not it can deliver entertainment content from more than one region of the world. Here ProtonVPN works flawlessly. It unblocks exclusive content from the United States, U.K., Canada, Australia, and Japan. For those with more wide-ranging tastes, NordVPN can also unlock regional content from services such as BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, ITV, and others. This makes it a top choice for culture vultures the world over.
The user interface on the desktop can be a little overwhelming for novice users, but if you’re OK with multiple options and not phased out by choices, then you should be fine. This configuration power is perfect for the more expert user though, and in many cases is well worth exploring to get the best out of the product.
We also like the excellent security features like auto-hopping to ensure the best connection, as well as the top quality open source protocols which underpin the VPN functionality. Overall ProtonVPN is a great service, although you will need to pay a little bit extra to take advantage of all the Swiss product and privacy quality. Still, $3.59 a month for the 30 month plan is not too far out of the ballpark.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | If you prefer your apps to be in dark mode, this is the VPN for you | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Its desktop apps can be overwhelming, but its mobile apps are easier to use | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | A decent option, but some variation between its apps | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | It's paid service is great at unblocking content, the free plan not so much | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | Offers AES-256 bit encryption, a no-log policy, plus add-on options to boost all-around security | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Live support can be hit or miss and its help articles tend to be quite technical | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Its free service is pretty good, although its paid subscription is on the pricey side | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
✔️ You like the idea of servers in all 50 US states.
✔️ You want dedicated streaming servers.
✔️ You prefer a VPN with customization options.
❌ You're a VPN newbie.
❌ You find too many options off-putting.
❌ You want the best speeds on the market.
🔒 Private Internet Access offers a super value bundle of VPN services and a massive global network which should ensure your Netflix streaming is successful anytime any place.
Learn more about this super configurable VPN by checking out our in-depth Private Internet Access review.
This US-based VPN company offers top class connectivity and privacy with its VPN service. One of the very cool features of Private Internet Access is the fact that you get unlimited simultaneous connection.
This means you can enjoy your Netflix binge on multiple devices at the same time, and even share VPN tunneling with all your friends and family with no problem. It’s perfect for those who can’t guarantee access to a computer all the time, or those who simply love carrying their movies from the couch to the kitchen on their phone.
▶ Try Netflix on unlimited devices by using PIA.
Unlike many of the VPN services on our list, Private Internet Access is unashamedly USA based. This shows in the fact that it’s the only service on the list which features servers in 50 US states. This is perfect if you’re keen to watch your Netflix with a local flavor. We’re kidding.
More seriously, the massive selection of global does mean you should never be caught out without a high speed location to choose from when streaming. The more servers you can select from, the more chance your movie will be streamed without buffering or the dreaded stutters. We’ve also got to mention the price, which at just over $2 a month on the 24 month plan is outstanding value for money.
The bottom line is that Private Internet Access is a great Netflix VPN service for those who need a low cost, high speed provider with unlimited device connectivity.
| Attributes | Notes | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Design | Very customizable design but little overall detail | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Ease of use | Can be inaccessible for beginners | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Performance | Overall average performance in all areas | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Unblocking | Great unblocking capabilities | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Security and privacy | A very secure VPN that uses the latest technology | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Customer support | Not only has a helpful support library, but great interactive support too | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Price | Good value for money when you consider its features | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
How to choose a Netflix VPN
We take great pains to ensure that our VPN testing is thorough, rigorous and safe for our users to trust at all times. We feel very strongly that we have a responsibility to our readers to cover the essentials you need to make the best choice. This is especially important with Netflix VPN selection, where specifications are typically not enough.
We don't simply parrot spec sheets and declare the check-box champions as winners. Our dedicated in-house team rolls up its metaphorical sleeves and goes hands-on, head to head with every provider, and then some.
We continually scour the market for products with new features, policy or technology shifts. And every six months we re-subscribe and install the products on a variety of different devices. We’re especially careful to run Windows apps through a grueling gauntlet – testing leak defenses, kill switch safety and carefully measuring connection speeds.
We also run through our specialist Mac, iPhone and Android VPN app tests, meticulously checking that each setting delivers on its promise. If we find anything which is a bit suspect , we’ll dig deeper in order to root out the true issues, looking at anything from source code (where available) and any other relevant backend tech functionality.
It’s more difficult to evaluate product aesthetics and usability, but we try to provide balanced views on the most important user interface and operational impacts. Finally our stream team takes over, testing and checking that the top services can indeed connect to their claimed server locations around the world.
Netflix compatibility is a key component of any testing, especially since it’s a constantly shifting specification, and the technology is often tricky to pin down. For this reason, we check Netflix access for the leading VPN products on a monthly basis.
Best Netflix VPN FAQs
Does Netflix block VPNs?
Netflix provides its content from a wide variety of global sources. As such, there’s a myriad of copyright issues the company needs to deal with in order to comply with contract agreements and local laws. For example, a show which is made in Germany may be restricted to the EU by the production company because of the license terms for the actors and writers.
For these reasons and others, Netflix often has to maintain a fairly robust policy towards breaking geo-location rules. The bottom line is that Netflix does maintain a regional content policy and using a VPN to break those rules can get your account banned. The company also continually updates its technology to try and prevent VPN circumvention. The best VPNs however, will typically be able to keep access alive.
What is the best VPN for Netflix?
The general rule is the best VPN is the one which delivers the smoothest, unblocked movies, shows and games in your region from anywhere in the world. Based on extensive testing, NordVPN tops our list at the best Netflix VPN. Many, if not most of the free or cheapest VPN services will not be able to deliver this experience.
They will either be too slow to provide smooth streaming without annoying buffering, or they will be blocked by the Netflix algorithm from access to the content you want. All of the products on the list here are tested to ensure that they deliver the optimum Netflix experience you’re after.
Can I unblock Netflix using a free VPN?
There’s usually a hidden cost for free services, and in the case of Netflix or other streaming VPNs it's usually performance, security or access. The free VPNs don’t have the revenues to constantly update their technology as the market changes. This means that Netflix access is usually locked off to these products.
These companies also don’t have the funds for tech support, or to guarantee optimal bandwidth speeds. The result is, you’ll usually find that almost all of the free VPNs, apart from being inherently risky in terms of snooping and privacy, will not be able to deliver the Netflix service you need. The biggest problem is usually the service is too slow to cope with the huge bandwidth demands of high quality video streaming.
Disclaimer
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
