Does NordVPN Work With Netflix?

Being one of the most relevant streaming platforms in 2025, Netflix offers some of the best movies and shows that you can watch. Unfortunately, various copyright issues and licenses produce an issue of having different libraries of content which depend on your location.

From there, we have a common practice of using VPNs like NordVPN to unblock different catalogs. In doing so, people can access geo-restricted shows and movies, as NordVPN allows you to change your online location to another country, thus, tricking Netflix.

With Netflix’s anti-VPN measures, it’s increasingly hard to unblock many libraries. This spawns the question – does NordVPN work with Netflix? The answer is YES, but in today’s article, we’re going to examine it further and test its performance to give you a more decisive and definitive answer.

NordVPN

1. Does NordVPN Work With Netflix? Here Are Our Results!

NordVPN offers 5,400+ servers in 60 countries, where the majority of them are streaming-friendly. It has no special streaming servers like CyberGhost, but in my experience, they’re absolutely not needed here, as the provider works perfectly fine for this purpose.

Below we validate real-world access in multiple regions and discuss why it works—covering protocols, DNS behavior, peering to Netflix-relevant CDNs, and client-side hygiene (cookies, WebRTC, IPv6).

1.1 Netflix US

Let’s start with the American catalog of Netflix. This is the most popular catalog due to its huge number of movies and series, out of which, many are blockbusters and popular shows. In the screenshot below, you see NordVPN working with Netflix US without problems.

NordVPN Netflix US
Netflix US

The show I picked was Grey’s Anatomy because it’s available on Netflix US and Canada only. Yet, simply by connecting to a random server in the US, I managed to watch the show without a single issue. Oh, and the streaming performance was great, so there were no hiccups or buffering.

1.2 Netflix UK

Next up, we have Netflix UK and this time, I wanted to test if I can watch Deadline. This show is unique to the British catalog, which means it’s available only on Netflix UK. Once again, NordVPN worked flawlessly, which you can see in the screenshot below.

NordVPN Netflix UK
Netflix UK

This means the provider unblocked the catalog and allowed me to watch other content that’s natively available on it. During all these tests, I kept my protocol selection on Automatic, so NordVPN completed the tests effortlessly.

1.3 Netflix Canada

What about Netflix Canada? When testing it, I decided to try and watch Neon Lights, a movie that’s available only in this library.

NordVPN Netflix Canada
Netflix Canada

As you can see again, NordVPN shows extraordinary performance by unblocking it, and thus, unblocking the entire Canadian Netflix library with ease.

1.4 Netflix Japan

If you love watching anime and Japanese cinematography in general, know that NordVPN will also display a splendid performance.

NordVPN Netflix Japan
Netflix Japan

You can again see that it works perfectly by allowing me to watch this show called War of Trap. Mind you, War of Trap is exclusive to Netflix Japan, so it’s clear that this catalog is also accessible with this VPN.

1.5 Netflix Brazil

The same could be said about Netflix Brazil. This catalog might not be the most popular but it’s still home to many top-notch series and movies.

NordVPN Netflix Brazil
Netflix Brazil

With NordVPN, I just connected to the fastest Brazilian server, visited Netflix, and boom – it worked flawlessly. I selected a movie unique to this catalog, which is The Mad Hatter.

1.6 Netflix Australia

Last but not least, Netflix Australia was the next choice on my list. This catalog isn’t very hard to unblock and you can see that NordVPN works, as expected.

NordVPN Netflix Australia
Netflix Australia

This time, I went for the movie The Black Phone, and since it’s unique to Netflix AU, it’s easy to conclude that the provider works with this library.

NordVPN

2. Why NordVPN Works With Netflix: The Technical Angle

Access isn’t luck—it’s engineering. Here’s what under the hood makes NordVPN effective for Netflix in 2025:

  • WireGuard-based NordLynx: Modern crypto (ChaCha20/Poly1305) and lean code paths deliver low CPU overhead and stable 4K bitrates, even on mobile SoCs and ARM-based streamers.
  • IP rotation & server churn: NordVPN frequently refreshes address ranges. When a specific exit IP gets flagged, adjacent exits typically remain unlisted, minimizing time-to-recovery.
  • Smart DNS / SmartPlay: For platforms lacking native VPN apps (Apple TV, certain smart TVs, consoles), Smart DNS aligns DNS resolution with the intended region while keeping latency low. On desktops/laptops, the full app ensures encryption and leak protection.
  • DNS integrity: Apps enforce in-tunnel resolvers and mitigate split-horizon situations so disneyplus.com/netflix.com-style domains resolve against the exit region’s nameservers.
  • IPv6/WebRTC leak controls: Disabling IPv6 (or routing it) and managing WebRTC local IP exposure avoids “real location” bleed that can trip streaming checks.
  • TCP fallbacks: On captive portals or enterprise Wi-Fi that throttle UDP/QUIC, OpenVPN TCP (or a TCP mode) prevents black screens/spinners.
  • Peering & routing: Well-peered POPs toward major streaming CDNs reduce initial TTFB and limit adaptive bitrate drops during peak hours.

3. Test Methodology & Results Summary

We tested NordVPN with at least 12 Netflix libraries using multiple operating systems and browsers. We captured whether the library loaded, whether 4K/HDR titles sustained target bitrates, and whether session errors (proxy blocks, error codes) occurred after reconnects.

Netflix Library

Is It Working?

Which Server Did We Use?

US

Yes

United States #6949

UK

Yes

United Kingdom #2295

Canada

Yes

Canada #1555

Japan

Yes

Japan #671

Brazil

Yes

Brazil #80

Australia

Yes

Australia #776

Italy

Yes

Italy #196

Germany

Yes

Germany #1090

Spain

Yes

Spain #177

Portugal

No

Portugal #93

Turkey

Yes

Turkey #59

Singapore

Yes

Singapore #525

The only catalog that didn’t work in our tests was Netflix Portugal, while all the other libraries worked with no issues. Needless to say, NordVPN is surely one of the best VPNs for Netflix, with an almost perfect score across 12 Netflix libraries.

NordVPN

4. Setup Guides: Best Practices for Each Device Class

4.1 Desktop & Laptops (Windows/macOS/Linux)

  • Install the NordVPN app and sign in.
  • Protocol: NordLynx for speed; switch to OpenVPN TCP if you face spinners/black screens on restrictive networks.
  • Privacy toggles: enable Kill Switch; disable or route IPv6 inside the app if available.
  • Browser hygiene: clear cookies for netflix.com; disable “use secure DNS”/DNS-over-HTTPS in the browser if it bypasses system DNS.

4.2 Phones & Tablets (iOS/Android)

  • Use the native NordVPN app; select a region and connect.
  • If the Netflix app “sticks” to your old region: force close, clear app cache/data (Android), or reinstall (iOS), then retry.
  • Battery optimization: exclude NordVPN from aggressive battery saving to prevent background tunnel drops.

4.3 TVs, Consoles & Streamers (Apple TV, Fire TV, Smart TVs, PlayStation/Xbox)

  • Use Smart DNS from the NordVPN dashboard for devices without VPN apps.
  • Alternative: install NordVPN on the router (AsusWRT-Merlin/DD-WRT/OpenWrt) and keep one SSID for VPN and one for normal traffic.
  • QUIC/UDP blocked? Move the VPN to TCP at the router or temporarily use the desktop app and cast.

5. Troubleshooting: “NordVPN Not Working With Netflix”

If you’re having a problem with NordVPN not working with Netflix, know that this happens and you’re not the only one. Netflix and its anti-VPN blocks often prevent VPNs from unblocking the platform, so some catalogs that worked can later fail. Try the following:

  • Switch endpoints: Pick another city in the same country. IP reputation is localized—nearby POPs are often clean.
  • Change protocol: NordLynx → OpenVPN TCP can bypass networks that rate-limit UDP.
  • Purge sticky state: Clear netflix.com cookies; on TV apps, clear cache/data or reinstall; power-cycle the TV and router.
  • DNS sanity: Ensure your browser isn’t using DNS-over-HTTPS to a public resolver that leaks region; ensure IPv6 isn’t leaking.
  • Ask support: NordVPN’s live chat can point you to currently working locations for Netflix.

6. Performance Expectations (HD/4K/HDR)

  • 1080p HD: ~8–12 Mbps sustained; almost any modern link will do over NordLynx.
  • 4K SDR: 25+ Mbps sustained; pick endpoints geographically close to major Netflix POPs.
  • 4K HDR/Dolby Vision: 35–40+ Mbps sustained; keep Wi-Fi 5/6 link rate > 200 Mbps; avoid congested evening servers.

Throughput alone isn’t enough—latency stability (low jitter) and zero packet loss matter for consistent adaptive bitrate behavior.

7. Security & Privacy Posture (And Why It Matters for Streaming)

NordVPN supports AES-256, ChaCha20 (via WireGuard/NordLynx), Kill Switch, and split tunneling. Its no-logs policy has undergone independent audits, and an expanding RAM-only infrastructure reduces the risk of residual data on hosts. While these are privacy-centric features, they also translate to streaming reliability: clean tunnels, predictable routing, and fewer app-visible DNS anomalies.

8. So, Is NordVPN Good for Watching Netflix?

NordVPN Streaming
NordVPN Streaming

Yes. With 5,400+ worldwide servers, unlimited bandwidth, NordLynx speed, and stable performance, NordVPN remains one of the best VPNs for Netflix in 2025. The client lineup covers all platforms, and Smart DNS fills gaps on living-room devices. Pricing is competitive on long-term plans, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

NordVPN Review

Visit NordVPN


FAQ — NordVPN & Netflix in 2025

+ Is NordVPN fast enough for Netflix 4K/HDR?
Yes. With NordLynx and 10 Gbps uplinks in many locations, sustained 35–40+ Mbps for Dolby Vision/HDR10 is achievable. If 4K drops to HD, choose a closer endpoint, avoid peak congestion, or switch to TCP on restrictive networks.
+ Will free VPNs work with Netflix?
Generally no. Their IPs are quickly flagged, bandwidth caps are tight, and speeds are inconsistent. For reliable access, a premium VPN with frequent IP rotation and Smart DNS is required.
+ Smart DNS vs VPN for Netflix?
Smart DNS is great for TVs/consoles because it doesn’t need an app and adds minimal overhead, but it doesn’t encrypt traffic. VPN encrypts end-to-end and provides better privacy. Many users run Smart DNS on the TV and the VPN app on phones/laptops.
+ Why do I get the Netflix proxy error after connecting?
That exit IP is likely flagged or your browser/app is leaking region data. Switch city, clear netflix.com cookies/app cache, ensure DNS/IPv6 don’t leak outside the tunnel, and try TCP mode on networks that throttle UDP.
+ Can I watch on Apple TV, PlayStation, or a smart TV?
Yes. Use NordVPN’s Smart DNS for devices without VPN apps, or install NordVPN on a compatible router to tunnel the whole SSID used by your living-room gear.
+ Will using a VPN violate Netflix Terms of Use?
Netflix discourages region shifting and can limit content based on location signals. Using a VPN is legal in most countries, but you should follow local laws and the service’s terms. Practically, Netflix may show your home catalog or throw an error if it detects a VPN endpoint.
+ How many Netflix libraries can NordVPN unlock?
In our tests, NordVPN unlocked 11 out of 12 libraries (US, UK, CA, JP, AU, BR, DE, ES, IT, TR, SG). Performance varies over time as Netflix updates blocks, but NordVPN is fast to recover via alternate endpoints.
+ What about subtitles and audio tracks?
Netflix serves language assets by region/title. If a title lacks your preferred audio/subs in a target region, switch regions or pick a different episode/server; availability is catalog-specific, not VPN-specific.
+ Tips for hotels, campuses, and captive portals?
Use TCP profiles (OpenVPN TCP), set port 443, and avoid QUIC/UDP. If you must accept a captive portal, connect first without VPN to authenticate, then enable the tunnel. Router-level VPN can also help keep sessions stable.
+ Does split tunneling help with Netflix?
On desktop, you can route only the browser through VPN while keeping other apps local. This avoids conflicts (e.g., banking sites) and reduces the chance of background services touching location signals.

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