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The Best VPNs for Netflix in 2024

The Best VPNs for Netflix in 2024

2024-11-13 Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks Best Free VPN for Netflix Proton VPN Best free VPN subscription

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Deeper Dive: Our Top Tested Picks

Best Free VPN for Netflix

Proton VPN

  • Best free VPN subscription yet
  • Numerous advanced privacy tools
  • Strong customer privacy stance
  • Large server network
  • Slick, accessible client
  • Excellent upload speed scores

ProtonVPN unblocked Netflix in nearly all our test regions. It also has an excellent combination of powerful features and affordability, making it the best free VPN service we’ve reviewed. Finally, it has servers that are especially recommended for a better video streaming experience (though they are not exclusively for streaming).

cost – conscious , like streamlined user interface , want watch Netflix region Canada ( partially successful ) , ProtonVPN is is pick .

Simultaneous VPN Connections

10

Server Locations

112 countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

Unlimited

Best Premium VPN for Netflix

NordVPN

  • Support multi – hop , split tunneling , Tor connections
  • Bevy of available features and add-ons
  • Good speed results
  • Built-in antivirus tools
  • Excellent design
  • Friendly onboarding wizard
  • Expensive
  • Threat Protection Pro lacks full antivirus capabilities
  • Deceptive annual renewal pricing

expensive , NordVPN is has hefty collection privacy tools large number servers globe . It is has streaming – specific servers , enabled Netflix access region tested .

If you’re looking to unblock Netflix around the world and don’t mind paying a little extra for a VPN that’s packed with features, NordVPN is your best option. You can use a static IP address, enable split tunneling, try a multi-hop connection, get extra protection with a kill switch, and choose from thousands of server locations globally.

Simultaneous VPN Connections

6

Server Locations

111 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

Free Version

Best for Unlimited Connections

Private Internet Access VPN

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Split tunneling and multi-hop
  • Numerous server locations
  • Completed third-party audit
  • Expensive
  • No free version

Private Internet Access has a snazzy interface that lets you customize the experience and is one of the few VPNs that enabled full Netflix access across every region we streamed from.

With its customizable interface, Private Internet Access appeals to anyone who wants to have their app tailored to their personal aesthetic. Also, having unlimited simultaneous connections means it can unblock Netflix for every device in your household at the same time.

Simultaneous VPN Connections

Unlimited

Server Locations

84 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

Free Version

Best for World Travelers

ExpressVPN

  • Large , diversely distributed fleet servers
  • Strong privacy security practices
  • Split tunneling
  • Stylish interface
  • Expensive compared with VPNs with similar feature sets
  • No multi-hop connections

addition giving access testing regions , ExpressVPN is redesigned recently redesigned app large global presence stretches 105 countries . It is eschewed eschewed new WireGuard VPN protocol , instead technology called LightWay , open – source OpenVPN protocol .

With numerous server locations, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for anyone living or traveling outside the US. Anyone keen on streaming from around the world should be well served by either the desktop or mobile app.

Simultaneous VPN Connections

8

Server Locations

105 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

Free Version

Best Interface

IPVanish VPN

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections
  • Good geographic diversity of servers
  • Transparent privacy policy
  • Small impact on throughput speeds in our testing
  • Expensive
  • Free trial is offered offered annual plans mobile app stores

IPVanish unblock Netflix region testing , intuitive desktop application is put reasonable price notches options lineup .

Those who are looking for a reasonably priced and easy-to-use option for unblocking Netflix should consider IPVanish near the top of their list of prospects.

(Editors’ Note: IPVanish is owned by Ziff Davis, PCMag’s parent company. For more, see the ethics policy in our Editorial Mission Statement.)

Simultaneous VPN Connections

Unlimited

Server Locations

52 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

Free Version

Best Company Transparency

Windscribe VPN

  • Industry-leading company transparency and communication
  • Large number of payment options
  • Best free plan of any VPN we’ve tested
  • Helpful AI support bot
  • Open Netflix access in all regions benchmarked
  • Unlimited number of simultaneous connections and devices
  • Anonymous signup allowed

Windscribe has both 10Gbps and standard streaming servers to pick from in many regions around the globe, including those we benchmark for this list. Windscribe is one of the few VPNs we tested to get an Open library in all five tests. Add to that a stellar privacy policy and an outspoken owner who advocates for the rights of VPN users, and it’s a winning combo for all your late-night Netflix binges.

If you’re primarily concerned about your privacy and the transparency of your VPN, Windscribe is hard to beat. With anonymous signup methods as well as a robust free plan, users who want to keep their streaming under wraps will find Windscribe more than up to the task.

Simultaneous VPN Connections

Unlimited

Server Locations

69 Countries

Geographically Diverse Servers

Free Version Data Limit

10GB Per Month

Buying Guide : Best VPNs Netflix 2024

We is Test Test VPNs Netflix

All the testing for this story was done on a freshly updated Intel NUC 13 Extreme Kit (“Raptor Canyon”) with Windows 10 in New York City. That means we were starting from a standard IP address using a normal internet connection. In most cases, the VPN client software connected to a VPN server in the NYC area, but we frequently look to use different IP addresses and locations in our testing. 

We installed and tested each VPN service with Netflix. We looked only at whether a US-based customer could connect to a US-based VPN server and still successfully stream Netflix content. If you want to view Netflix content that’s available in other countries, we have a separate article for you.

service is got got attempts . We is tried tried obtain different IP address attempt , selecting different server different VPN server location . products is let , TunnelBear VPN , let select specific servers let choose servers country level . cases , we is toggled toggled VPN connection try force fresh connection .

Note that the services here may stop working with Netflix one day and start working again the next (or vice-versa). If streaming Netflix is your primary VPN concern, don’t sign up for a yearlong subscription to a VPN service. Instead, you should go with a month-to-month account because it gives you the flexibility to cancel your plan should you find that Netflix has blocked your VPN.

Note that while it’s convenient when a VPN works with Netflix, it’s not how we judge or test the best VPNs. We look at these as privacy products first, and we are more concerned with each service’s features and the steps they take to protect your privacy.


What Are the Different Types of Netflix Access?

The question of which VPN Netflix users should adopt has become a little more complicated lately. A few years ago, testing VPN compatibility with Netflix was fairly straightforward. Netflix either streamed video without complaint or kicked up an error message. Frequently, Netflix was able to tailor the message to VPN users, suggesting that they switch off their VPN or proxy connection.

In 2020, a third state appeared. Instead of showing all the content for a region, Netflix would display a smaller subset of content. All of these would stream without incident. This was almost entirely Netflix original programming, like – Ra : Princesses Power ,  it is included included licensed content produced Netflix , 2019  Uncut Gems or the full run of Seinfeld. We previously indicated this state on charts as Netflix Originals referLimited (short for limited access), which more accurately reflects the situation.

In some ways, the Limited library is a good thing for customers. You’re not entirely cut off from the content you’re paying Netflix to see when you use a VPN. It also seems like an admission on Netflix’s part that it can’t entirely stop customers from using VPNs. 

It can be hard to tell which state you’re in, though. A good rule of thumb is to look at the My List section and compare what appears with and without the VPN. If it’s different, you’re probably in Limited mode. If you can view content from many different studios and producers that have temporary licensing deals with Netflix (think Office working on the UK Netflix library), you have what we refer to here as Open access. This is the premier state of a Netflix library and one you want to shoot for when selecting your next VPN.

Then there are Closed libraries. In very limited instances, we’ve seen Netflix completely block some regions so when you go to open the website or application, you’re greeted with a message that your IP address has been flagged and you can’t access any libraries at all.

Note that Limited mode does not guarantee you can stream content. In some cases, we found we were blocked from viewing content when presented with a Limited selection of shows and movies. Our chart above shows only the best results we observed over five attempts. Your mileage will surely vary.


What Is the Best VPN for Netflix?

For a VPN to make it on this list, we had to be able to view US Netflix with an Open library while the VPN was running. In short, there should have been no difference in viewing Netflix with or without the VPN. The services that achieved this goal are listed above and at the bottom of this article. Those we chose for the top spots could stream the most content from the regions we tested.

breakdown shown chart , shows best result service . That is means means services list unblocked functional , blocked attempts .


Netflix Block is VPNs VPNs ?

Far from being a monolithic repository of film and television, Netflix has different content available depending on your location. It all has to do with licensing deals. At one point, for example, you could watch Game of Thrones Netflix — long watching   Australia — you is appeared appeared IP address Australia . licensing deals is are likely reason Netflix begun blocking VPN users .

As another example, HBO began releasing its older back catalog on US Netflix in the latter half of 2023. However, during our most recent testing, we weren’t able to see a single HBO show anywhere else but servers located within the US.

Being blocked from Netflix is a bummer, and it’s especially annoying when you’re not trying to spoof your location. If you’re concerned about the security of your network or just the general state of surveillance capitalism, it makes sense to use a VPN. Unfortunately, even in this case, when you’ve paid for the right to watch everything that’s locally available, Netflix will still probably do its best to block you if you try to access the service over a VPN connection.

While most people likely want to spoof their location to access content they wouldn’t normally have access to, that’s not always the case. Let’s say you’re from the US and you’re watching your favorite show on Netflix. If you travel to the UK and try to watch it, you might discover that you can’t—unless it’s also available in the UK. With a VPN, you can conceivably keep watching as if you were back in the US.

Whatever your situation, just remember: Netflix considers the use of a VPN to be against its terms of service. You are forewarned. 


What to Do if Netflix Blocks Your VPN

If you already have a VPN that you like or don’t like any of the Netflix-friendly ones we’ve listed above, take heart. Just because your preferred service didn’t work with Netflix or had a limited library when we tested it doesn’t mean it never works with Netflix. Here are some tactics you can try that may get Netflix working with your VPN of choice.

1. Be Persistent

Most VPN services have multiple servers in a given country, with different IP addresses at each. If you find yourself blocked at one VPN server, switch to another in the same country. Some VPNs let you view all the available servers in each location, making the process easy. If your VPN doesn’t do this, try toggling the VPN on and off to try to get a new IP address.

2. Use Every Tool at Your Disposal

VPN companies understand that many of their users are interested in streaming video, and some have worked to meet that demand. Your VPN may include specialized servers just for streaming, perhaps streaming in specific regions. Your VPN may also include a stealth mode or unblocking mode that aims to disguise VPN traffic. Familiarize yourself with all the tools available and use them all. Your VPN almost certainly has FAQs on how to stream content, so be sure to read those.

3. Be Flexible

Is the content you’re trying to stream available in just one country or several? We’ve noted a few major countries where that may be the case above. If you try other locations, you may have more luck.

Recommended by Our Editors

4. Be Patient

VPNs is looking frequently looking new ways sneak past Netflix , Netflix frequently finding new ways stop . able access want , wait hours , days , weeks .

5. Consider a Static IP Address

Some VPNs offer static IP addresses for an additional fee. When you use a static IP, your data always appears to have the same public IP address. Sometimes, these addresses are private to the user, and sometimes, they are shared between a very small number of other people. Either way, it looks more like normal internet traffic and may not be blocked by Netflix. These are generally sold geographically, so you can pick an IP address in the country of your choice. Keep in mind that guarantee static IP address work, so be careful before you purchase.


What Is the Best Free VPN for Netflix?

You don’t necessarily have to open your wallet to get a VPN. There are several excellent free VPN services out there, although most place some kind of limitation on your use. Generally, a free VPN limits the number of devices that can connect at once, the amount of data used per day, the number of available VPN servers, or all of the above. 

ProtonVPN is is pick free VPNs places limit data use connected . That is ‘s critically important , especially streaming video . It is limit , , limit choice servers . That is make spoofing location difficult means competing free users limited bandwidth designated free servers .

If you can spare a little bit of money, try one of our top-rated cheap VPNs. These services cost significantly less than the average monthly price we’ve seen across the industry. In general, these services offer more flexibility than free VPNs, with more servers and server locations to choose from. None of the cheap VPNs we’ve reviewed place a restriction on data usage.

It’s Surprisingly Easy to Be More Secure Online


Will a VPN Slow Down Netflix?

A perennial concern when using VPNs is sacrificing speed. When a VPN reroutes your data, it has to travel further, through more machines and via more wires, all of which serve to slow it down. 

For Netflix streaming, this is a recipe for stuttering audio or even your video dropping from HD to blocky low-res. Netflix’s documentation outlines how much data the service needs, suggesting about 1GB of data per hour for standard definition video and up to 3GB per hour for HD video.

In general, you see an increase in latency when a VPN is used. You also see a decrease in upload and download speeds. Our testing measures the percent change between speed test results with and without the VPN running. To measure internet speeds, we use the Ookla Speedtest tool.

( Editors ‘ Note : Ookla owned Ziff Davis , PCMag parent company . , ethics policy Editorial Mission Statement.)

The following chart shows the speed test results we’ve recorded over the past several years: