Netflix has begun blocking VPNs, but some are still functional. Find out which virtual private networks perform optimally with Netflix below.
Netflix started blocking VPNs (virtual private networks) in January 2016. Because of this change, it is now against Netflix’s TOS to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to access the Netflix catalog in a different country.
However, there are still a select good vpns for netflix that function admirably with Netflix and have established themselves as reliable methods of getting around Netflix’s geoblocks. This article will provide a list of reliable VPN services from which you can make your selection.
Top Virtual Private Network Service:
- ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is your best bet if you’re an American traveling abroad and want access to American content. It has served us well for over a year, and we have no hesitation in recommending it.
ExpressVPN requires minimal configuration and works seamlessly across platforms, including Linux. The ExpressVPN app makes it simple to access Netflix on Linux without any additional software. Furthermore, it has a remarkably simple router setup process, allowing you to route all of your network traffic through the VPN.
Since ExpressVPN has received such high marks from numerous reviewers, the streaming service keeps a close eye on its servers to ensure that no users are abusing the service. Since the Netflix servers are constantly being updated, you may need to refresh the information every time you launch Netflix. There were no issues with the stream starting up quickly or with fast-forwarding or rewinding the 1080p video.
ExpressVPN only reliably supported US Netflix regions. Canada in particular is one of the countries whose connections occasionally hold, but you shouldn’t count on it.
For a limited time, MakeUseOf readers can get ExpressVPN for 83% off the regular monthly price of $12.95 (or $8.32 if you sign up for a full year).
- StrongVPN
StrongVPN was one of the few services to consistently circumvent Netflix’s blocks in the early going. In particular, it has won the devotion of British audiences.
Although StrongVPN’s apps are available for Windows, macOS, and iOS, getting everything set up can be a bit of a challenge for some users. If you want to customize Android, you’ll have to go into the settings. It’s a plus that it provides in-depth instructions for setting up common gadgets and operating systems. Not like ExpressVPN or VyprVPN, though; they make it too easy.
Both the United Kingdom and the United States servers of StrongVPN perform admirably in terms of speed and responsiveness. Both 1080p video and skips worked without a hitch during streaming. When the Canadian server is overloaded, a lower resolution (720p) is used.
StrongVPN has an edge over ExpressVPN because it supports more Netflix countries. But you have to be ready to put in the effort required for the initial setup.
StrongVPN is one of the most reasonably priced choices among these VPN services, costing only $10 per month or $70 for an entire year. You also get StrongDNS if you’d rather use a proxy DNS than a VPN when watching online videos.
- PrivateVPN
It’s time to try PrivateVPN if you’re one of the old guards who cherished being able to watch everything on Netflix regardless of where they happened to be physically located. We were able to test it in the most international setting possible.
PrivateVPN has apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, so it’s easy to set up on any device. The device’s connection settings are where you’ll make any other necessary adjustments. It’s also a good idea to clear your browser’s cache before attempting to watch Netflix.
As long as you connect to the correct servers, PrivateVPN delivers flawless performance. Make sure you choose the right server by consulting the company’s list of active Netflix servers. Assuming you’ve done that, 1080p video will look as good as you’d hoped.
As of this writing, PrivateVPN has the widest range of Netflix country support. Countries such as the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Norway, Poland, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands are included.
If you try one of these and it doesn’t work, try clearing your browser’s cache. We found out the hard way that it was slightly irritating, but clearing our cache fixed the issue.
Although PrivateVPN normally costs the same as StrongDNS, they are currently running a discount (as of August 2017). One month costs $7.67, and a full year costs $50.40.
- Computer Security Software: CyberGhost
Try CyberGhost if the only reason you need a VPN is to watch Netflix. Setting up a VPN and watching Netflix with this method is a breeze.
CyberGhost’s standout feature is its simple installation process. Simply download the app, swipe left to reveal the “Secured Streaming” option, and select Netflix from the menu. You’ll need to log into your Netflix account the first time you do this. After that, CyberGhost will automatically apply your preferences going forward. We found it to be the most user-friendly VPN service for accessing Netflix on mobile devices.
CyberGhost’s functionality is flawless on a Wi-Fi-enabled computer provided a constant, high-speed internet connection is available. As a result of our emphasis on mobile use, we also conducted tests over 4G. We’ve seen better, but this is still pretty good. Streaming American content from Netflix on the go was smoother with ExpressVPN when using 4G.
Countries with Netflix: For some reason, it only functions with the American Netflix service. Foreign catalogs are inaccessible to you.
Pricing: The app can be downloaded and tested free of charge for seven days, giving you plenty of time to decide if it’s worth paying for. While CyberGhost normally bills at $12.99 per month, we’ve negotiated a special rate just for MakeUseOf readers. Use this link to get 12 months for $5.99 or three years for $2.75.
CyberGhost says that it is compatible with a wide variety of streaming services.
- TorGuard
It’s safest to go with TorGuard as your vpn for torrenting reddit of choice if you want to watch Netflix from any country. It’s so useful because it allows you to acquire a permanent IP address. This is similar to being assigned a permanent IP address; however, in this case, the address is still hidden behind the VPN’s encryption.
A service like Netflix would benefit more from shared IP addresses than from individual ones because they are less difficult to track down. When Netflix discovers the shared string of VPN users on a given IP, it immediately blocks access to the VPN. But identifying a specific IP address and verifying that it is using a VPN to access Netflix is a tedious and time-consuming process. This strategy makes more sense in the long run.
TorGuard’s setup is the most complicated because a VPN and a static IP address must both be configured. Although the procedure is a nightmare, you must complete it.
When it comes to performance, this is the best we’ve seen so far; there was never any lag, pages loaded quickly, and quality never decreased.
TorGuard’s Netflix compatibility was 100% across all tested countries.
TorGuard costs roughly twice as much as any of the other VPNs we looked at. This is because, in addition to the VPN service, a dedicated IP address is included in your purchase. The VPN service alone will set you back $10 per month, while a dedicated IP address will add another $8. But if you want to watch everything Netflix has to offer at top speed, it’s money well spent.
- NordVPN
When it comes to VPN services, NordVPN is among the most well-known names out there. You can connect up to six devices to a single account, and there is a strict no-logs policy and 5,200 VPN servers in 60 different countries.
NordVPN’s easy-to-use app connects you to servers in any country you like. Only the app itself is required to function.
In terms of performance, NordVPN is on par with other leading VPNs, so you can watch Netflix movies and shows without a hitch. Buffering of 4K content is possible if your location is far from the server you are connected to.
When accessing Netflix from outside the United States, you will need to connect to a server located outside of Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Italy, Japan, Australia, the Netherlands, India, Brazil, Spain, South Korea, or Finland. Netflix is available in the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
NordVPN is priced at $12/month, with discounts of up to 70% available for those who commit to longer subscription terms.
- VyprVPN
Consider VyprVPN as an alternative to ExpressVPN. If you only care about watching American Netflix, this is a great option. It doesn’t keep any logs, works with protocols like WireGuard and secure DNS, and has no bandwidth caps, so you can stream as much as you want. It even has a secret “Chameleon Protocol” to help you access content that may be restricted in your country.
The app makes the setup process simple. It can be used on smart TVs, routers, computers, Roku players, and Android and iOS devices.
VyprVPN’s performance is second to none. If your typical connection speed is 100 Mbps, and you connect to a server in your area, you should see speeds closer to 80 Mbps.
Countries with Netflix: Stream Netflix from anywhere in the world with access to over 300,000 IP addresses and servers in 70 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and more. Netflix can’t keep up with the rate at which blocks are being implemented.
With a three-year commitment, the cheapest plan costs just $1.67 per month. There is a $12.95 monthly fee for a plan that renews every month.
Find out which virtual private network works best with Netflix
ExpressVPN (because you want to access Netflix US everywhere) and PrivateVPN are the two best VPN services out there (if you want the most number of Netflix libraries). Otherwise, pick one of the above suggestions; they should all serve you well. Using a VPN to access Netflix should now be a breeze, we hope!
