By default, the content you can watch on Netflix is dependent on your location. Some shows are geo-locked to a specific region and you can’t watch them unless you are based in that region. Using a VPN for Netflix can help, but only if it can bypass the geo-blocks. We have tested several VPNs and here are those that are up to the task.
Not All VPNs Are Equal
While there are plenty of VPN services out there, not all VPNs are equal. Many can’t get around geoblocks. I tried to access my Netflix content libraries using popular browser-based VPNs from separate VPN countries. This led to glitches, such as the E100 error and “the title is not available.” I could tell most simple VPNs are just not built for streaming.
Netflix primarily uses a geo-blocking filter that identifies VPN usage through a list of known VPN server IP addresses. Further, DNS leaks on your browser or app can reveal a mismatch between your IP address and DNS server location, allowing Netflix to detect VPN usage. That’s why it is important to test out a VPN to see if it works before you make the purchase.
Best VPNs for Netflix at a Glance
A VPN for Netflix should provide extremely fast network speeds and the ability to bypass the streamer’s VPN detection ability and various geoblocks. The VPN will clearly advertise its suitability for accessing streaming services. The VPNs listed below stay updated with Netflix’s geo-blocking methods. Here is a brief summary of what each one has to offer with respect to Netflix.
| Speed | Number of Servers | Supports Streaming? | Cost | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Second fastest | 6500+ | Yes | <$4/month |
| ExpressVPN | Fastest | 3000+ | Yes | <$5/month |
| Surfshark | Extremely fast | 3000+ | Yes | <$2/month |
| Hotspot Shield | Extremely fast | 3000+ | Yes | Freemium |
1. NordVPN: Best VPN for Netflix With Most U.S. Servers
Cost: $3.89 per month (2-year plan)
If you are not a U.S. resident, but would like to access Netflix’s latest Hollywood releases, indie films, and U.S.-specific broadcasts, then NordVPN is the best one for you.
With nearly 2,000 U.S.-based servers, NordVPN offers the widest coverage for the United States among top-tier VPNs. But numbers are just one part of the equation. Many of these servers boast high speeds in the 10 Gbps category, making NordVPN the second-largest provider of such servers after ExpressVPN. Speed is crucial for streaming, and NordVPN delivers it in spades.
One reason NordVPN ranks high on our list is its support for numerous obfuscated servers. These servers mask your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, effectively bypassing VPN blocks. While streamers like Netflix continually enhance their VPN detection methods, a good VPN like NordVPN keeps introducing new VPN servers to help you bypass any newest restrictions.
2. Surfshark: Best Cheap VPN for Netflix
Cost: $1.99 per month (2-year plan)
Among affordable commercial VPNs, few can match Surfshark’s rates, with a Starter pack priced at less than $2 per month. It provides incredible access to all streaming services, including Netflix, and much more. Beyond its low cost, we have extensively reviewed Surfshark as one of the top streaming VPNs. There are many specific reasons you should consider this VPN for Netflix.
Personally, the biggest draw of Surfshark for me is its ability to quickly bypass Netflix site errors. I used to think that Netflix had detected the VPN causing a dropout, but that wasn’t always the case. All I had to do was disconnect from my Surfshark connection, log out from Netflix, and then sign back in from a VPN connection. This “refresh” solution fixed the issue every time.
Additionally, I found Surfshark very effective for handling Netflix errors, such as error code m7111-5059. I just had to switch the VPN server to regain access. Like other top-tier VPN providers, Surfshark offers obfuscated servers with a feature called Camouflage Mode, or Obfuscation. Along with AES-256-GCM encryption, dynamic multi-hop, and DNS leakage protection, Surfshark goes to great lengths to disguise the fact that you’re using a VPN.
3. Hotspot Shield: Best Free VPN for Netflix
Cost: Freemium
We’ve already discussed that free VPNs are generally not suitable for the complex task of streaming. However, there are exceptions. In our tests, we found Hotspot Shield to be the only “free” VPN that bypasses Netflix’s stringent geographical content restrictions. I was able to access my entire Netflix library from multiple locations using this VPN. Since it is free, there are a few caveats that you need to be aware of.
For starters, Hotspot Shield’s Basic free plan allows only 500 MB of VPN data access per day. This is not sufficient for streaming a single movie or TV show. However, you can still watch newsreels and browse through your entire list. As it’s a U.S.-based VPN provider, you get much better access to U.S-based Netflix content with Hotspot Shield than most other free VPN providers. To get enhanced access, you’ll need to upgrade to a paid plan starting at $6.66 per month.
Subscribing to Hotspot Shield’s paid plans is not a bad idea. It’s actually one of the best commercial VPNs for streaming. The key lies in its own Hydra protocol, which gives faster speeds and uses DNS acceleration technology to drastically reduce latency.
Although the claimed connection speeds of Hotspot Shield still somewhat lag behind ExpressVPN, I can see its benefits in staying entertained away from home, as in my experience, connection dropouts are non-existent. This is one of the most reliable VPNs for continuous, uninterrupted connectivity.
4. ExpressVPN: Best VPN for Streaming Netflix
Cost: $4.99 per month (2-year plan)
When it comes to the top contender for the best VPN for streaming Netflix, it’s a close contest between ExpressVPN and NordVPN. While you could go with either, I would still choose ExpressVPN due to its exceptional user experience. I have been using it for many years, and it has never disappointed in unblocking the sites I wanted.
I personally find it the best VPN solution because of its guaranteed high speeds. Sometimes, ExpressVPN’s smart servers even provide higher speeds than your ISP, which may seem unbelievable but is true, as ISPs are known to throttle your bandwidth when you extensively stream from Netflix and other sites. With ExpressVPN’s high-quality obfuscated IP addresses, all that traffic is cleverly masked, allowing you to watch anything you want without interruptions.
Another reason I like ExpressVPN is its user-friendly interface, which is ideal for laptops where I access most of my content. It also works exceptionally well with smart TVs, allowing me to use my Netflix subscription while traveling as a digital nomad. Many hotels now have smart TVs, and I find it very convenient to connect to them as if I’m on my home network.
While using the right streaming VPN is the best way to access Netflix content restricted to your country, the issue can also be addressed with choosing a bundled streaming provider which gives you more choices. If you’re not a fan of traditional streaming services, you might find more value with YouTube Premium.
Image credit: Pixabay. All screenshots by Sayak Boral.
