The best VPNs for streaming Netflix
Virtual private networks aren’t just powerful online security and privacy tools. They also provide enormous benefits for streaming Netflix.
Because these services enable you to change your internet protocol address by connecting to remote VPN servers, you can look like you’re in a different country. That’s very handy for circumventing geo-restrictions and accessing international Netflix libraries.
As well as letting you unblock foreign Netflix content, you can also use a VPN to access your domestic Netflix library when you leave the country. This means you won’t miss out on a big game or a new episode of your favorite show while abroad.
VPNs can even help improve the performance of Netflix streaming by tackling a common web problem known as internet throttling. This is when internet service providers (ISPS) implement speed and bandwidth restrictions on your WiFi network.
However, as VPNs hide your IP address and encrypt your web traffic, ISPs cannot track your web browsing activity and throttle your connection. Plus, other eavesdroppers – such as advertisers, government agencies, and cybercriminals – won’t be able to hassle you online, either, with a VPN installed on your device.
In 2024, there’s no shortage of VPN companies that support Netflix, so choosing the right one might be difficult. To make life easier for you, we’ve spent significant time testing the best Netflix VPNs and have ranked our favorite picks below.
Our choices provide access to a range of international Netflix libraries, operate high-speed server networks worldwide, offer apps for streaming Netflix on all your devices, and boast many other great features.
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The best VPN for secure Netflix streaming: Norton VPN
Pros:
- Built on leading antivirus software
- Protection against a wide range of threats
- Extras like parental controls and cloud storage
Free version: No, Server count: 35 locations, Protocols offered: WireGuard, OpenVPN, IPsec/IKEv2, and Mimic
For anyone looking for an impenetrable VPN service that will allow them to stream Netflix and browse the web securely, look no further than Norton Secure VPN.
Built on the cybersecurity giant’s market-leading antivirus software, it’ll secure your internet connection using banking-grade encryption, block cyber threats like malware and phishing, notify you if cyber crooks list your personal information on the dark web, and allow you to limit your kids’ screen time and prevent them from accessing adult websites.
Compared to other major VPN providers, Norton VPN operates a much smaller server network. It comprises 35 locations, including the US, the UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Denmark, Japan, Brazil, South Africa, Taiwan, and more.
I accessed Netflix libraries in the US, Canada, Australia, France, and Germany from the UK via Norton VPN. That said, with so few global servers at your disposal, this probably won’t be the right VPN service if you want to unblock geo-restricted on a much larger scale.
But with lots of innovative cybersecurity features on offer, it’s ideal for hiding your IP address from online snoopers like internet service providers. That’s handy if you think internet throttling is causing a laggy Netflix experience.
Depending on which plan you choose, you can also get up to 50GB of secure cloud backup with Norton VPN. The Standard and Plus plans cost $39.99 and $49.99 in the first year, covering up to five devices. Meanwhile, the Ultimate plan – which has all the bells and whistles and support for ten devices – is priced at $59.99 in the first year.
The best streaming VPN for most people: NordVPN
Pros:
- A huge server network
- Access to a range of Netflix libraries
- Easy-to-use apps
Cons:
- Support for just ten devices per account
Free version: No, Server count: 7000, Protocols offered: NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec
NordVPN offers one of the largest and fastest VPN server networks, with over 7000 servers in 113 countries. With them, you can easily unblock Netflix’s international content libraries. When reviewing NordVPN, I could access Netflix libraries in the US, Canada, Australia, Japan, France, and Germany by connecting to NordVPN servers in those countries.
As well as offering an impressive selection of international servers, NordVPN has fast and reliable connections. A big part of this comes down to the NordLynx protocol, which is designed to deliver fast connection speeds while enhancing your online privacy and security.
With easy-to-use apps for Android, iOS, Mac, Windows, Android TV, TVOS, and many other platforms, NordVPN will let you securely stream Netflix on any device. Plus, if you want to install it on a smart TV or games console that doesn’t natively support VPNs, you can do so, thanks to a SmartDNS feature. Or you can install NordVPN on a broadband router, extending the benefits of a VPN service to every device connected to your WiFi network.
Apart from its impressive streaming credentials, NordVPN also provides lots of features to keep you safe online. These include Threat Protection Pro, which blocks malware, phishing attempts, web trackers, and ads, as well as a dark web monitor that will alert you if your personal information is leaked online. You also get a no-logging policy, strong encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, Double VPN, support for ten devices per account, and more. The basic plan starts at $3.59 a month.
The best VPN for streaming Netflix on all your devices: Surfshark
Pros:
- Fast servers
- Unlimited connections
- Access to a range of Netflix libraries
Cons:
- A smaller server network than NordVPN
Free version: No, Server count: 3200, Protocols offered: WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2
If you’re looking for an affordable VPN service that will allow you and your loved ones to stream Netflix on multiple devices, look no further than Surfshark. Costing as little as $1.99 a month, it boasts an unlimited connections policy and can be used on as many devices as you’d like.
Surfshark operates a modestly sized network of 3200 servers across 100 countries, so you’ll be able to browse Netflix’s international libraries with ease. In fact, I was able to access Netflix US, Netflix Canada, Netflix Australia, Netflix France, and Netflix Germany without any issues.
With all of Surfshark’s servers now running on 10Gbps ports, you can enjoy buffer-free Netflix streaming. Speeds are aided by an extensive suite of leading VPN protocols, including WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2.
You can download Surfshark on all major operating systems — including iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac — and the apps are very easy to use. Surfshark also has a smart DNS capability and router support, allowing you to set it up on smart TVs and game consoles.
Installing Surfshark on your device will also protect it from various online threats, including web trackers, cookie pop-ups, ads, viruses, and malware. In terms of other features, it boasts split tunneling, Double VPN, a kill switch, obfuscated servers, a no-logging policy, strong encryption, and more.
The best Netflix VPN for ease of use: ExpressVPN
Pros:
- Very simple apps
- Servers in 105 countries
- Access to a range of international Netflix libraries
Cons:
- Not the cheapest premium VPN
Free version: No, Server count: 105 locations, Protocols offered: Lightway, OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPsec, and I2TP/IPsec
ExpressVPN is a reputable VPN company that is well-known for its easy-to-use and feature-packed apps. Thanks to a large power button, you can connect to the best available server. Or you can manually select a server from a list of international locations.
This VPN provider currently operates a fleet of sophisticated servers across 105 countries, making it perfect for unblocking global Netflix libraries. During my testing, ExpressVPN worked with Netflix in the US, Canada, Australia, Germany, and Spain, but it repeatedly failed to load Netflix in France.
Like NordVPN, ExpressVPN has developed its own flagship VPN protocol in the form of Lightway. Designed to provide a fast, secure, and reliable VPN experience, it’s perfect for streaming movies and TV shows on Netflix without slow and shoddy connections ruining things.
Compatible with Android, iOS, Windows, Mac, Apple TV, Android TV, Fire Stick, and many other platforms, ExpressVPN is ideal for streaming Netflix on phones, tablets, computers, TVs, and more. ExrpressVPN also offers the MediaSreamer DNS service, so you can set it up on devices that don’t play well with VPNs.
You get all the hallmarks of a top VPN service with ExpressVPN, including a no-logging policy, strong encryption, a kill switch, a range of leading protocols, and split tunneling. But it has lots of extras like an ad blocker, a tracker blocker, and a built-in password manager. Its plans start at $4.99 a month
Pros:
- The largest VPN server network
- Servers in 50 US states
- Access to a range of international Netflix libraries
Free version: No, Server count: Around 35,000, Protocols offered: WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IPSec
Private Internet Access is best known for offering a gigantic network of around 35,000 servers, which are spread across 140 locations and 91 countries. Its server network also covers all 50 US states, so it’s an excellent option for people who want to access American Netflix content.
Connecting to the fastest-available VPN server takes seconds, thanks to a large on button that dominates the Private Internet Access app. You can select one manually from a list of global locations, too. I unblocked Netflix in the US, Canada, Australia, France, and Germany using Private Internet Access.
Because Private Internet Access offers 10Gbps servers, unlimited bandwidth, and support for an unlimited number of devices per account, you can stream Netflix to your heart’s content on all your gadgets. It works on all manner of devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, game consoles, and routers.
The company also has an impressive track record of upholding the online privacy rights of its users. Private Internet Acess has proven its strict no-logging two times in court, commissioned independent audits into the privacy of its infrastructure, and uses RAM-only servers to ensure user data isn’t stored on physical hard drives.
It also offers built-in antivirus, strong encryption, split tunneling, the WireGuard and OpenVPN protocols, DNS leak prevention, and a kill switch. You can pick up a Private Internet Access plan for just $1.98 a month, making it one of the most affordable premium VPN services available on the market today.
Pros:
- Servers in 100 countries
- Access to a range of international Netflix libraries
- Affordable
Cons:
- Just seven device connections
Free version: A free Chrome extension, Server count: 100 locations, Protocols offered: WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2
CyberGhost is another great VPN service for streaming Netflix, thanks to a network of high-speed and reliable 10-Gbps servers covering 100 countries and over 120 different locations.
During my testing, CyberGhost was able to unblock Netflix in the US, Canada, Australia, Germany, and France. What’s neat about CyberGhost is that you can browse a list of streaming-optimized servers located in different countries. And each of these servers is clearly labeled with the streaming service it’s optimized for.
Every CyberGhost server is also RAM-only and boasts 256-bit AES encryption, so you don’t need to worry about your data being logged or leaked. CyberGhost will also block web trackers, ads, and malicious domains, allowing you to browse the web privately and securely. Another nifty feature is Identity Guard, which will notify you if your email address is leaked online.
What’s more, CyberGhost has a kill switch, a no-logging policy, a privacy hub with advice on staying secure online, strong encryption, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, and several protocols. Subscriptions start at $2.07 a month, which come with 24/7 customer support, a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, and support for up to seven devices. Plus, it offers free trials for mobile and desktop users.
What to look for in a VPN:
When it comes to choosing a VPN service, you’ll want a service that takes your online privacy and security seriously by offering features like a no-logging policy, strong encryption, secure protocols, a built-in kill switch, and split tunneling.
If you plan on using a VPN for unblocking geo-restricted content like international Netflix libraries, it’s vital to choose a provider with an extensive network of international servers that offer fast and reliable connections. The best VPNs for streaming Netflix will also offer unlimited bandwidth and plenty of device connections, allowing you to stream as regularly as you want and on all your gadgets.
How to use a VPN:
VPNs are generally very easy to use. Firstly, you’ll need to choose a provider and purchase a subscription via its website. You can then install their app on your device and sign into your account.
Once you’ve signed into your account for the first time, a few simple on-screen instructions will appear. Usually, this will involve providing the VPN service with access to your device’s settings.
Finally, you can connect to a VPN server. Most VPN apps have quick-connect buttons so you can begin using the fastest-available server immediately. But they’ll also have international server location lists, allowing you to choose a server manually.
Which VPN protocol is best for Netflix?
The best VPN protocol for streaming Netflix will vary depending on the operating system of your device. But generally speaking, WireGuard is a good choice because it’s designed to establish fast, reliable, and secure VPN connections, which is ideal for streaming. Whatever the case, you can try out different VPN protocols and choose the best one that suits your needs by heading into the settings of your VPN app.
Is a VPN worth it for Netflix?
One of the biggest benefits of using a VPN for streaming Netflix is that it’ll allow you to unblock international Netflix libraries. That way, you can enjoy the latest and greatest TV shows and movies — regardless of location. It’ll also let you access Netflix content from back home when you travel abroad and prevent internet throttling, which can impact the performance of streaming.
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