All About Cookies is an independent, advertising-supported website. Some of the offers that appear on this site are from third-party advertisers from which All About Cookies receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear).
All About Cookies does not include all financial or credit offers that might be available to consumers nor do we include all companies or all available products. Information is accurate as of the publishing date and has not been provided or endorsed by the advertiser.
The All About Cookies editorial team strives to provide accurate, in-depth information and reviews to help you, our reader, make online privacy decisions with confidence. Here's what you can expect from us:
- All About Cookies makes money when you click the links on our site to some of the products and offers that we mention. These partnerships do not influence our opinions or recommendations. Read more about how we make money.
- Partners are not able to review or request changes to our content except for compliance reasons.
- We aim to make sure everything on our site is up-to-date and accurate as of the publishing date, but we cannot guarantee we haven't missed something. It's your responsibility to double-check all information before making any decision. If you spot something that looks wrong, please let us know.
Best Free VPN for Netflix
- More expensive than NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost
We looked at several of the top virtual private networks (VPNs) and evaluated them for speed, ease of use, and Netflix streaming quality. From our testing, we discovered that Surfshark and NordVPN are the best VPNs for Netflix because they make it easy to log in and change server locations, and they don’t drastically slow down browser speeds.
Proton VPN also topped the list thanks to its free plan that still offers respectable streaming speeds and unlimited bandwidth.
Keep reading to learn the pros and cons about each of our top VPNs for streaming your favorite Netflix content.
NordVPN: Best for convenience
Surfshark: Fastest speeds
Proton VPN: Best free VPN
Honorable mentions
How we test VPNs
How to choose the best Netflix VPN
FAQs
Bottom line: The best VPNs for Netflix
The best Netflix VPNs 2024
- NordVPN: Best for convenience
- Surfshark: Fastest speeds
- Proton VPN: Best free VPN
Top 3 VPN services for Netflix compared
VPN | NordVPN |
Surfshark |
Proton VPN |
Starting price | Starts at $2.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $3.99/mo (billed every two years) | Starts at $4.99/mo (billed annually) |
Free version | Yes — unlimited bandwidth without streaming support | ||
Streaming support | Yes — Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, and more | Yes — Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, DAZN, and more | Yes — only with paid plans |
Learn more | Get NordVPN | Get Surfshark | Get Proton VPN |
A VPN encrypts your IP address and masks your location, giving you the ability to access streaming services as if you’re in a different country. Whether you're traveling abroad and missing your local shows or want to see what streaming content other countries have to offer, a VPN allows you to access new content that's only available on Netflix in other countries.
If you’ve never used a VPN before, you don’t need to worry about whether VPNs are legal. They're a perfectly legal solution to protecting your internet privacy.
NordVPN: Best for convenience
Who it’s best for
NordVPN makes using a VPN to watch Netflix easy. Its NordLynx protocol prioritizes speed without sacrificing security so you can stream without worrying about buffering or lag.
NordVPN also offers a SmartPlay feature which helps you unblock streaming content. SmartPlay automatically changes DNS servers to get around DNS blocking, mask your IP address, and encrypt your internet connection.
Does NordVPN unblock Netflix?
US to US | US to UK | US to Canada | US to AU | US to Japan | |
Did it unblock Netflix? |
What we liked
We like that NordVPN has presets where you save different settings for browsing, speed, and downloads. If you find that perfect server for Netflix, you can save the server location that works best for you. NordVPN also has convenient settings like auto-connect, a kill switch, and dark web monitoring too.
NordVPN has 6,800+ servers throughout the world, so you can easily find a country and server that works best for you.
What we didn’t like
Overall, NordVPN performed well. We didn’t have any issues with speed, connecting to various servers, or streaming Netflix. But NordVPN stopped offering official support for Netflix, so you're on your own if you experience issues. Even so, you can still use NordVPN to bypass Netflix password-sharing restrictions.
NordVPN is also priced competitively with other VPNs that we tested. The best rates are with a two-year commitment, though, so if you just need a VPN for a short period of time, you’ll pay extra. And while Nord doesn’t have a free plan available, it does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
NordVPN specs
Price range | $2.99–$17.99/mo |
Free version | No, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee |
Number of servers | 6,800+ servers in 111 countries |
Max connected devices | 10 |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Netflix support | Yes |
Torrenting support | Yes |
Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more |
Learn more | Get NordVPN Read NordVPN Review |
Surfshark: Fastest speeds
Who it’s best for
Surfshark is a great solution if you're looking for a fast and reliable VPN. With Surfshark, you can easily find the fastest location or nearest server at the touch of a button. You can also save your favorite server locations so they’re easily accessible.
Does Surfshark unblock Netflix?
US to US | US to UK | US to Canada | US to AU | US to Japan | |
Did it unblock Netflix? |
What we liked
Surfshark’s user interface is simple but easy to understand and navigate. It also has CleanWeb, which allows you to block ads and trackers when you’re connected to the VPN. CleanWeb 2.0 doesn’t require a VPN connection and works on Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browsers. It can even block ads on streaming services, which can be helpful if you have a Netflix ad-supported plan.
Surfshark also offers kill switch and auto-connect features to keep your connection secure. It was also our choice for the best VPN for the Amazon Fire TV Stick.
What we didn’t like
Surfshark has some features, like Surfshark Search, that seem beneficial but can actually jeopardize your privacy.
We tried Surfshark Search, a private search feature inside the platform, but when we input our search results, it opened the search in a Chrome tab which was already logged in to our Google account. So while the features may seem convenient, it's best to test their security before using them as part of your browsing experience.
Surfshark specs
Price range | $1.99–$17.95/mo |
Free version | No, but it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee |
Number of servers | 3,200+ servers in 100 countries |
Max connected devices | Unlimited |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Netflix support | Yes |
Torrenting support | Yes |
Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and more |
Learn more | Get Surfshark Read Surfshark Review |
Proton VPN: Best free Netflix VPN
Who it’s best for
Proton VPN is the only VPN we evaluated that offers a free plan. Proton specifies that it doesn’t guarantee its free service will work with streaming services, but if you're looking for a free option to use short term, Proton VPN is one of the best choices thanks to its unlimited bandwidth.
Keep in mind, though, the free plan has limited server locations in the U.S., Japan, and the Netherlands, so you’ll only be able to access those countries’ Netflix libraries. (The paid plan has servers in 112 countries.)
On the plus side, its user interface is easy to navigate, and you can easily switch between server locations depending on what content you want to access.
Does Proton VPN unblock Netflix?
US to US | US to UK | US to Canada | US to AU | US to Japan | |
Did it unblock Netflix? |
What we liked
Proton VPN was easy to use, and the platform makes it simple to switch to different servers. We also like that Proton's free plan comes with unlimited bandwidth. This isn't always the case, and many free VPN plans cap your data usage at such a low amount that you'll run out of data faster than you can say, "The Office is back on Netflix!"
Having unlimited bandwidth is beneficial if you're using a VPN for streaming, which takes up a lot of data.
Our testing on Proton’s paid plan showed the app had no trouble connecting to an Australia server and unblocking the Australian Netflix region. Along with Netflix Originals, we got access to Australian-only TV shows like “Secret City.”
What we didn’t like
If you’re using the free plan, you may run into issues when streaming, and you can only connect to three countries with the free plan. So we’d say the free version of Proton VPN is only ideal if you’re traveling outside of the U.S. and want to access your U.S. Netflix account or if you're interested in streaming content from the Netherlands and Japan.
And it still may not work even then thanks to Netflix blocking VPN access to certain content.
Proton’s paid plan is also the most expensive out of the VPNs we looked at. So if the free plan won’t work for your needs, you’ll pay more than you would with other VPN services.
Proton VPN specs
Price range | Free–$9.99/mo |
Free version | Yes |
Number of servers | 9,100+ servers in 112 countries |
Max connected devices | 10 |
No-logs policy | No logs |
Netflix support | Yes — paid only |
Torrenting support | Yes — paid only |
Compatibility | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS and more |
Learn more | Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review |
Honorable mentions
There are so many VPN options out there to help you stream Netflix from various countries. Here are a couple of honorable mentions for our best VPN list that may be a good solution if the top three aren’t viable options for you:
- CyberGhost: CyberGhost is easy to navigate, and you can switch between server locations without too much trouble, making it a solid option for VPN beginners. It even offers streaming-optimized servers for Netflix to ensure the best connection.
- Private Internet Access: Private Internet Access is one of the best VPNs for affordable privacy. It comes with plenty of privacy features, including two types of kill switch, split tunneling, and a double VPN.
Get Private Internet Access | Read Our Private Internet Access Review
- ExpressVPN: ExpressVPN is another popular VPN provider that has successfully unblocked Netflix in the past. Best of all, it offers VPN apps for a variety of devices including your mobile device, router, smart TVs including Android TV and Apple TV, and gaming consoles. Its MediaStreamer feature also allows you to install the ExpressVPN app on devices that don’t normally support a VPN.
How we test VPNs
It was important for us to find VPN solutions that could be used in several different countries to access Netflix content. So no matter where you are, you have access to your favorite shows thanks to a VPN on the go.
Speed is also an important factor when streaming Netflix or other services, so we made sure these VPNs didn’t slow things down to where you spent more time buffering than watching.
The features we found most important for a streaming VPN include:
- Ease of use: How simple is it to connect to a different server, especially in a different country?
- Speed: Does connecting to the VPN limit the speed of your internet connection?
- Price: If you’re traveling extensively, finding a VPN solution that’s cost-effective is also important.
- Additional features: Does the VPN offer other services that make browsing the internet safer?
How to choose the best Netflix VPN
Finding the right VPN to stream Netflix is all about how you’ll use the VPN outside of streaming. If you just need a VPN to access your favorite show when traveling, you may not be concerned about additional features like kill switches or split tunneling.
If you’re just looking for a VPN to use for a limited amount of time, the price may also be a more significant factor in your decision since all of the VPNs we looked at incentivize longer-term contracts.
When choosing the best Netflix VPN, make sure the VPN supports streaming services, that it has servers located in the countries where you want to watch Netflix, and that it doesn’t slow down your internet speeds when connected.
Most VPNs have several other features that can be helpful, but at the end of the day, if you’re just looking to watch Netflix, these are the most important.
FAQs
How do I change my country on Netflix?
The best way to change your country on Netflix is through a VPN. If you are moving to a different country, you can update your Netflix location. (Just beware this could result in changes to billing and availability.)
What country has the best Netflix library?
Netflix libraries can vary based on location and the best can vary based on personal preference. The best way to have the ultimate Netflix library is by using a VPN, which allows you to change your location and access additional titles.
There are a variety of Netflix libraries around the world that offer unique and different programs from what may be available in the United States or your home country. Netflix is available in more than 190 countries and each of those countries has a different catalog.
Does NordVPN work with Netflix?
Yes, NordVPN does work with Netflix and other streaming services. However, keep in mind that Netflix blocks new VPN connections on a regular basis, so your VPN may work one week and have trouble unblocking Netflix the next week.
If this happens, it’s worth connecting to a different server in a different country or city in the same region. For example, if you’re trying to unblock Netflix Germany, try connecting to Frankfurt instead of Berlin.
Bottom line: The best VPNs for Netflix
If you’re traveling out of the country or you want to see the Netflix library for a different country, your best option is to use a VPN. A VPN is also useful if you're looking to watch geo-restricted content from other countries.
If you’re looking for even more titles to choose from, a VPN that allows you to connect to servers in other countries will give you ample new content. We looked at quite a few VPNs for Netflix and our favorites include NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN. We liked these three for a variety of reasons, but most importantly, they work great for streaming Netflix.
NordVPN is easy to use, and you can seamlessly switch between server locations and access new and unique Netflix content. Surfshark is the best when you're looking for servers with the fastest speeds in a variety of countries. Proton VPN offers a free option that could work to access Netflix if you’re traveling outside of the U.S.
3 best Netflix VPNs 2024
Starting price | Best for | Learn more | |
NordVPN |
$2.99/mo (billed every two years) | Best for convenience | Get NordVPN |
Surfshark |
Starts at $3.99/mo (billed every two years) | Fastest speeds | Get Surfshark |
Proton VPN |
Starts at $4.99/mo (billed annually) | Best free Netflix VPN | Get Proton VPN Read Proton VPN Review |