Streaming services such as Netflix offer a huge library of movies, series and documentaries, but geographical restrictions often limit the content available. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is therefore essential for avid streamers.
With a VPN, you can bypass geo-restrictions, unlock different Netflix libraries and access a wider range of content. Moreover, a good VPN ensures a smooth, buffer-free streaming experience. However, not all VPNs are able to unblock Netflix consistently, and some can slow down your speed, making choosing the right VPN crucial.
In this article, we review the best VPNs for Netflix for reliability, speed, server network and ability to unblock Netflix. Whether you want to stream international movies or exclusive series, we’ll help you find the ideal VPN to enhance your Netflix experience.
1. Best VPNs for Netflix in a nutshell
- NordVPN ⟶
Ideal for torrenting and streaming with an optimized set of P2P servers. You get a 30-day money-back guarantee. - ExpressVPN ⟶
Extensive support for various platforms ranging from TVs to video game consoles. More expensive than the others listed here, but offers value for money. Netflix is accessible on consoles, making it an excellent decision to have an app on such devices. They offer five different VPN protocols to choose from, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. - CyberGhost VPN ⟶
Access content from all over the world with more than 7,000 servers. They have a decent private browser with a built-in VPN extension. This is backed by a 45-day extended money-back guarantee. - Surfshark ⟶
The only VPN service here that offers unlimited simultaneous connections and devices. They also offer Multihop for using two VPNs on top of each other as an extra layer of security. All of this is covered by a standard 30-day money-back guarantee. - PureVPN ⟶
With a presence in more than 140 countries, you have the ability to access content from virtually any region. Take advantage of their seamless VOIP feature for audio calls. We have a strange specific 31-day money-back guarantee. You can try the program for seven days paid by paying $0.99.
2. Checklist – VPN for Netflix
Important factors in choosing the best VPN for Netflix
- Device support: Make sure you can connect multiple devices (at least five per plan) without the hassle of logging out.
- Server locations: Choose a VPN with servers in countries with interesting Netflix libraries, such as the US and UK, as well as worldwide.
- Security: High-quality encryption, a kill switch and DNS leak protection are essential to keep your data safe.
- Compatibility: Check that your devices are supported, including less common ones such as routers or game consoles.
- Unlimited bandwidth: Choose a no-limit VPN so you can stream in HD without a hitch.
- Speed: A stable speed above 50 Mbps is important for buffer-free streaming. Consistency is crucial.
- IP addresses: Consider a VPN with dedicated IPs to avoid blocking by Netflix; shared IPs can be more risky.
3. Best VPN for Netflix February 2025
Don’t worry; you don’t have to search frantically for the best VPN for Netflix. We’ve compiled a list of five of the best VPNs that unlock regionally locked content.
3.1 NordVPN – Best overall Netflix VPN
NordVPN is a top choice for Netflix, thanks to access to multiple libraries through 5,000 servers in 60 countries. Optimized streaming servers ensure smooth, reliable connections, while split tunneling routes your Netflix traffic through the VPN without affecting other activities. Dedicated IP options avoid blocking, and a kill switch protects you in case of connection loss.
In terms of speed, NordVPN performs consistently well, with average speeds of 100-120 Mbps worldwide, ideal for buffer-free streaming. Security is key with 256-bit encryption, a no-log policy and multi-factor authentication for added security.
The user-friendly desktop app offers a world map, auto-connect for Wi-Fi, and taskbar shortcuts. The mobile app supports split tunneling and protocol selection, but lacks Wi-Fi trust features. The browser extension offers basic functionality with a built-in adblocker, but still feels incomplete.
With a flexible pricing model, starting at $4.92/month with annual subscriptions, NordVPN offers excellent value for both Netflix and privacy. Whether you want access to global Netflix content or secure streaming on public networks, NordVPN delivers solid performance and features worth the investment.
3.2 ExpressVPN – Fastest Netflix VPN
ExpressVPN provides access to Netflix libraries worldwide through more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries. Optimized speed (average 179-188 Mbps) lets you stream seamlessly, even in 4K. Split tunneling lets you use Netflix over the VPN while other apps keep your regular connection. A kill switch and AES-256 encryption ensure security and privacy, backed by a no-logs policy that is regularly monitored.
The easy-to-use apps work on virtually any device, including routers, and support up to five simultaneous connections. The mobile app offers Lightway protocol for added speed and reliability, while the browser extension provides full device protection.
With convenient features such as a customizable dashboard, built-in speed test, and easy server management, ExpressVPN is ideal for beginners and advanced users alike. Prices start at $8.32/month with an annual subscription, including a 30-day money-back guarantee. With its strong performance, extensive features and high level of ease of use, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for Netflix and online privacy.
3.3 CyberGhost – Secure VPN for Netflix
CyberGhost is an excellent VPN for accessing Netflix libraries worldwide, with optimized servers for streaming in regions such as the US, UK, Japan and Germany. It has more than 7,000 servers in 91 countries, allowing users to access a variety of content libraries.
In addition to Netflix, CyberGhost supports other OTT platforms such as Hulu and Prime Video. The VPN offers features such as split tunneling and a kill switch for security, while 256-bit encryption and a no-logs policy ensure your privacy. Headquartered in Romania, outside of data retention laws, CyberGhost is reliable when it comes to data protection.
The apps are user-friendly, with an intuitive interface and profiles optimized for streaming or torrenting. Up to seven simultaneous connections are allowed, ideal for multiple devices. Mobile and desktop apps offer quick server choices, while browser extensions provide easy access to VPN features.
In terms of speed, CyberGhost performs well, with speeds of 95-105 Mbps depending on region. Prices start at $2.25/month for a two-year subscription, including a 45-day money-back guarantee. CyberGhost offers a reliable and user-friendly option for both streaming and privacy.
3.4 Surfshark VPN – Best budget VPN for Netflix

Surfshark is ideal for Netflix lovers thanks to access to more than 30 Netflix libraries worldwide. With unlimited device connections and bandwidth, users can stream seamlessly on all their devices. It supports multiple platforms, such as Windows, Android, iOS, and offers features such as split tunneling, multi-hop and a built-in adblocker.
With more than 3,200 servers in 64 countries, Surfshark provides reliable access to global content. Camouflage mode hides VPN usage, and GPS location spoofing makes you completely anonymous. Thanks to AES-256 encryption, RAM-only servers and a strict no-logs policy, your privacy is guaranteed.
Surfshark performs well on speed, averaging 138-142 Mbps in different regions, ideal for 4K streaming. The desktop app offers advanced features such as MultiHop and a built-in antivirus, while the mobile app is intuitive and supports GPS spoofing.
With prices starting at $2.49/month (for a two-year plan) and features such as CleanWeb and support for an unlimited number of devices, Surfshark is an affordable and versatile choice for both Netflix and privacy.
3.5 PureVPN – Netflix VPN with many locations
PureVPN is a strong choice for Netgear routers thanks to more than 6,500 servers in 140 countries, providing extensive access to regional content and bypassing geo-restrictions. It supports P2P traffic and offers unlimited bandwidth, which is ideal for torrenting and streaming.
With robust AES-256 encryption and port forwarding for better P2P performance, PureVPN ensures both security and speed. The VPN hotspot feature allows multiple devices to connect to VPN through the router. You can protect up to 10 devices simultaneously, including smartphones, tablets and laptops.
PureVPN supports multiple protocols, such as OpenVPN and IKEv2, with automatic selection for optimal performance. The desktop app offers enhanced usability and modes for specific needs such as streaming or privacy. For mobile, the app offers split tunneling, although features such as VPN on-demand are missing on Android.
In terms of speed, PureVPN performs well, averaging 78-94 Mbps depending on region, sufficient for 4K streaming. Prices start at $3.74/month for an annual subscription, with a two-year plan being the most economical option. Although customer support and privacy have been up for debate in the past, PureVPN is a versatile and functional VPN for users who appreciate router compatibility and flexible features.
VPN Providers | Netflix Libraries |
NordVPN | US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Italy, Japan, Australia, Netherlands, Spain, India, Brazil, South Korea, Finland, Poland, Turkey |
ExpressVPN | US, UK-Docklands, Canada, Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Australia, South Korea, Turkey, Singapore, Japan, Argentina, Finland, Mexico, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Romania, Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland, France, Poland, Israel, Chile, Colombia, Greece, Hong Kong, Switzerland, South Africa |
CyberGhost VPN | US, UK, Germany, France, Italy, Japan |
Surfshark | US, UK, Canada, France, India, Italy, Germany, Netherlands, Australia, South Korea, Turkey, Singapore, Japan, Poland, Israel, Chile, Colombia, Greece, Hong Kong, Switzerland, Argentina, Finland, Mexico, Thailand, Taiwan, Malaysia, Romania, Czech Republic, Hungary, Ireland |
PureVPN | US, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan, France, Germany |
4. What to do if a VPN doesn’t work with Netflix
If your VPN is not working with Netflix, there are several steps you can take to fix the problem:
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Switch Servers: Netflix is actively trying to block VPN traffic, and some servers may be flagged. Try connecting to another server in the same country or another country where the content you want to watch is available.
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Clear browser cache and cookies: Your browser’s cache and cookies may store location data. Clearing these can help prevent conflicts with the VPN’s location.
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Use a different browser: Sometimes the problem can be browser-specific. Try accessing Netflix with a different Web browser when connected to your VPN.
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Check for IP or DNS leaks: Use online tools to check for leaks of your real IP address or DNS requests. If there are leaks, Netflix can detect your real location and block access.
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Update VPN software: Make sure your VPN software is up to date. VPN providers constantly update their software to counter attempts by streaming services to block them.
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ContactVPN customer service: Contact your VPN’s customer service for advice. They may have specific servers or settings that work better with Netflix.
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Try a different VPN protocol: Change the VPN protocol in your VPN settings. Some protocols can get around Netflix’s limitations better than others.
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Use a VPN with strong Netflix support: If your current VPN continually fails with Netflix, consider switching to a VPN known for its ability to work with Netflix. Some VPNs specialize in bypassing geo-restrictions of streaming services.
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Try a Smart DNS Service: If the VPN doesn’t work, a Smart DNS service may be an alternative. It does not offer the security of a VPN, but can help bypass geographic content restrictions.
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Ensure compliance with Netflix’s Terms of Service: Be aware that using a VPN to access Netflix content from other regions may violate Netflix’s terms of service.
Remember that the effectiveness of a VPN with Netflix may vary depending on the quality of the VPN service, the specific server used, and the measures Netflix has in place to detect and block VPN traffic.
5. Netflix VPN FAQ
Why do I need a VPN for Netflix?
Netflix has a wide variety of content from different regions of the world. Because of distribution rights, not all content is available in your region. Therefore, you need a VPN that allows you to access content that is geo-restricted to a particular region.
Is there a penalty for using a VPN with Netflix?
For years, users have been using the best VPNs to watch Netflix content from around the world. There seemed to be no problem at all. Recently, Netflix decided to tighten the noose and started banning accounts and IPs associated with VPN.
According to Netflix’s terms and conditions, using a VPN to access their content in other regions is not allowed and can result in account bans.
Are there recommended speeds for streaming Netflix?
Yes, there are. There are official recommendations from Netflix itself. A minimum broadband speed of 1.5 Mbps is required for Netflix to work properly and display menus, among other things. And 0.5 Mbps is the bare minimum to browse the library.
Stream quality | Speed |
Standard definition (SD) | 3 Mbps |
High definition (HD) | 5 Mbps |
4K/Ultra HD (UHD) | 25 Mbps |
Which country has the largest Netflix library?
As of January 2022, Ireland tops the list with 6,379 titles, while Malaysia is second with 6361 titles. They are closely followed by Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines. Meanwhile, the U.S. Netflix library stands at more than 5,800 titles.
How to bypass Netflix Proxy errors?
Sometimes the message“You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please disable one of these services and try again.” appears when you use a proxy to watch Netflix programs from other regions. The problem with proxies is that most of them provide IPs shared by many users from around the world. Ultimately, this makes it easy to identify the group of VPN users.
The simplest solution to this is to use a VPN with a private IP assigned specifically to you. And as for Netflix’s DNS filtering, most good VPNs route their Web traffic through the SmartDNS to keep everything uniform and leave nothing behind. This is an effective way to bypass existing controls.
Can we use SmartDNS to watch Netflix?
What SmartDNS does is that it hides your real DNS server with IP and pretends it is sent from a server in the location of your choice. For example, if you want to access American Netflix content while based in the U.K., SmartDNS sends your traffic to a server in the U.S. before forwarding it to you. This way, Netflix thinks that a US residential IP is requesting the website.
Over the past few years, SmartDNS has stopped working for many Netflix regions. You can still access Netflix US to some extent, but the library is limited.
What to do if your Netflix VPN doesn’t work?
The first thing you should do is turn it off and on again to be sure. After that, try these solutions to get it working again.
- Connect to another server in the same region. The server may have been shut down or blacklisted by Netflix.
- Clear your browser’s cache and cookies. Sometimes browser data gets corrupted if it is cluttered, or the system partition does not have the required space.
- Get a Dedicated IP that is yours alone. This is generally available from most good VPNs. If that is not the case with you, make sure you get one as a priority.
- Disable your security software that can sometimes interfere with a VPN connection.
- Change the DNS if it is not automatically changed to the DNS provided by the VPN. If the DNS is present, make sure you clear the device’s DNS cache.
How can I watch Netflix on devices that don’t support VPN apps?
Not every device can get a VPN app. Generally, this can prevent a TV, video game console or even a Kindle from using a VPN. You can use a VPN directly by installing it on the Wi-Fi/Internet router.
Some preconfigured routers have VPN clients installed. On other routers, you can manually enter your VPN credentials, along with other relevant server parameters. This way, VPN works on all devices using the router without the need to install an app.
How different is the experience when accessing Netflix through the website’s own app?
There is a fundamental difference in stream quality when streaming from the Netflix website. With the exception of Safari and Edge, all other browsers stream only up to 720p. You can set it to the highest quality through settings, but the quality will be limited to 720p. There are a few extensions and scripts to get around this, but they rarely work as advertised.
On the other hand, the proprietary application offers all the features with the highest possible stream quality.
Can I use a free VPN to watch Netflix?
There is a well-known saying, “There is no such thing as free food.” Free VPNs are good to get you started, but there is no guarantee of privacy and security. While you surf for free, your activities and information are often passed on to advertisers in exchange for revenue. They offer you a free service and in return depend on revenue in various ways to keep it viable.
Do I need a U.S. Netflix account to view U.S. content?
As of now, you don’t need a U.S. account. Connect to a VPN server in the U.S. and then access your Netflix account. You will then have access to the full library of Netflix US.
How much speed is needed on the VPN to watch Netflix?
Netflix has a highly optimized streaming system, so it works on the slowest networks. Official recommendations suggest a download speed of at least 1.5 Mbps for a low-quality stream. Standard definition guarantees 3 Mbps, High definition requires 5 Mbps, and if you’re going for 4K, 25 Mbps is best. In all cases, a minimum of 0.5 Mbps is required for Netflix to work properly. The DNS we mentioned above offer an average download speed of 50 Mbps, which ensures that your streams will be buffer-free.
Is MultiHop recommended for Netflix?
Multihop allows you to connect to a VPN to connect to another VPN located in the same or different regions. Using Multihop to stream shows and movies on Netflix is not worth it. Unless your region has a strict policy against content on Netflix, there is practically no need to use two VPNs together.
Which VPN protocol is suitable for Netflix streaming?
OpenVPN, WireGuard and Lightguard are pretty reliable protocols used by most leading VPNs. You don’t have to worry about them because they are set up automatically. Change the protocols only if there are performance issues with the currently set parameters.
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