Netflix is the world’s largest publishing service with more than 150 million subscribers, but each country is limited to a specific content library.
Using a dedicated VPN service is the only reliable way to bypass Netflix’s content restrictions and unlock all of these ‘hidden’ TV shows and movies.
However, not all VPNs work with Netflix. Netflix actively blocks VPN services; therefore, you need to make sure that the VPN you select bypasses this VPN ban, otherwise you may face a terrible Netflix Proxy Error.
We’ve tested many VPN providers to see if Netflix libraries are unblocking and we regularly test this manual to keep it updated. The VPNs we choose work very well, providing streaming and continuous access to Netflix (especially the US video library) without buffering wherever you are in the world.
What a VPN Should Do for Netflix
- Must offer good speeds without cache
- Must have minimum daily policy and no IP leakage
- Must have advanced privacy and security features
- Must be easy to use on popular devices
- Excellent customer support (ideal via live chat)
Best VPN Services Working with Netflix
1. ExpressVPN
Pros
- Seamless access to Netflix
- Very impressive speeds
- Exclusive application for Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Minimum logging policy
- 24/7 live support
- Privacy extras
Cons
- Short term plans are expensive
ExpressVPN is the best VPN service for Netflix.
ExpressVPN is incredibly secure with a minimum logging policy and a ton of privacy extra features designed to keep you online as much as possible.
All applications of ExpressVPN run on the most secure connection protocol, OpenVPN, and also have a VPN kill key to protect you in the event of a connection failure.
ExpressVPN’s exclusive application for Amazon Fire TV Stick is a great bonus for those who want to use Netflix on their TVs, and the five device connection limits are also very generous.
Even better, Live support is available 24/7 on ExpressVPN’s website, so you can get help immediately if you encounter a terrible Netflix proxy error message.
For a more in-depth look, please read our full ExpressVPN Review.
2. CyberGhost
Pros
- Quick and easy access to Netflix
- Fast same country speeds
- Servers optimized for streaming
- Custom Firestick application
- Strict zero-day policy
- 24/7 live support
Cons
- No P2P or Kodi in Firestick
CyberGhost is a good price / performance VPN service for Netflix.
Access to Netflix is fast and easy, even if the speed does not exactly match those offered by ExpressVPN, thanks to CyberGhost’s dedicated streaming servers.
Although Amazon Fire TV Stick is a native CyberGhost VPN application, it is very useful and user-friendly applications are easy to install on other platforms.
CyberGhost’s strict logging policy is good news for user privacy with security features found in applications such as VPN kill button and DNS leak protection.
We love that all of CyberGhost’s applications are encrypted with the best encryption AES-256, and they only work on the OpenVPN protocol.
Live chat support is available on the CyberGhost website 24 hours a day, so if you have any problems watching Netflix, it’s at hand.
For a more in-depth look, please read our full CyberGhost VPN Review.
3. PrivateVPN
Pros
- Unblock Netflix
- Excellent download speed
- Tagged servers for streaming
- Exclusive application for Amazon Fire TV
- Strict zero-day policy
- Live chat support
Cons
- Few servers
- Live chat is not always available
PrivateVPN, now a well-established VPN service, is a valuable competitor for our best choices, especially when it comes to monitoring Netflix.
PrivateVPN is not only one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, but it also makes Netflix easy to monitor with VPN servers that are specifically tagged for streaming.
Even better, PrivateVPN follows a strict zero-day policy to keep you completely safe when you publish Netflix, and the desktop application comes with a VPN kill key.
PrivateVPN also works in OpenVPN, which is the most secure VPN protocol you can use without sacrificing speed.
PrivateVPN’s server network is small, but depending on where you are in the world, you may not get the best possible download speeds.
For a more in-depth look, please read our full PrivateVPN Review.
4. NordVPN
Pros
- Easy access to Netflix
- Excellent same country speeds
- Totally indifferent policy
- Simple installation on all devices
- 24/7 live chat support
Cons
- No access to Netflix using Firestick
If you want a reliable and inexpensive VPN service that works for Netflix, NordVPN is a good choice. This is so unless you want to watch Netflix on Firestick or any other streaming device.
You can monitor Netflix (and other streaming platforms) using desktop and mobile VPN applications, but unfortunately, Netflix has been blocked by NordVPN’s Firestick’s dedicated application or router connections. However, if you don’t need to watch Netflix on your streaming device, NordVPN is a great choice.
NordVPN has a number of extra security features to keep you safe online, and a non-journal policy means that none of your personal information is collected or stored.
NordVPN’s proprietary VPN applications also protect against DNS and IP infiltrations while using the service.
For a more in-depth look, please read our full NordVPN Review.
5. Surfshark
Pros
- Quick access to Netflix
- Fast VPN speeds on nearby servers
- Indifferent policy
- Stylish custom VPN app for Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Easy installation on a range of devices
- 24/7 live support
Cons
- Top speeds lag behind other VPN selections
Founded in 2018, Surfshark is a new option for the VPN market, but has proven to be a solid choice for streaming fans, especially if you’re watching Netflix.
Unlike CyberGhost and PrivateVPN, Surfshark doesn’t come with well-labeled VPN servers, but there are many US servers that work with Netflix.
In fact, Surfshark unlocks 14 different Netflix libraries.
Surfshark isn’t as fast as our best VPNs for Netflix, but it should be fast enough for unbuffered streaming if you connect to a nearby server.
To stream streaming on your TV, there’s a range of stylish custom VPN applications for desktop and mobile devices and one for Amazon Fire TV Stick.
Surfshark is a powerful security feature with no logging and is the perfect VPN option for those who want a high level of privacy as well as Netflix access.
For a more in-depth look, please read our full Surfshark VPN Review.
Do I Need a VPN to Monitor Netflix?
If you want to access geo-restricted content and keep your personal information confidential while doing so, you need a VPN to monitor Netflix.
You can watch Netflix without a VPN service, but that means you’ll be limited to the video content available in your country.
A reliable VPN service will allow you to connect to a VPN server in any country in the world and bypass geographic restrictions to publish any content that would otherwise not be available to you.
How to Watch Netflix with a VPN
The most popular ways to monitor Netflix with VPN are:
- Computer (PC and Mac)
Download, install and start the VPN service, select your preferred server location, and launch the Netflix website.
If you’ve encountered an error screen, try clearing your cookies and browsing history if you haven’t already done so, and turn Netflix back on.
If you’re using a Chromecast or have an Android TV, you can also transfer your computer screen to your TV screen.
- Smart phone
Install one of the VPN services above on your smartphone. Connect to your preferred VPN server location, launch the Netflix site or application, and start streaming.
If you already have a Chromecast or an Android TV, you can easily stream Netflix to your TV.
- Amazon Fire Stick TV
If you use an Amazon Fire TV Stick or Fire TV Cube to watch shows, ExpressVPN, IPVanish or PrivateVPN will be the best option to watch Netflix.
All of these VPN services offer proprietary Firestick VPN applications and provide a range of reliable access to Netflix and other popular streaming sites.
- Game Consoles
You have several options here, including setting up VPN on your router or sharing your computer’s internet connection with your console.
For best results, always look for streaming-optimized VPN servers.
Does Netflix Allow VPNs?
Netflix allows VPN if you use only one to protect your privacy, but you may experience difficulties if you are trying to access content that cannot be used in your country otherwise.
Therefore, it is very important that you use a secure VPN service that encrypts your online activity and hides your real IP address, which means that your streaming activity cannot be tracked back to your device.
Is it illegal to monitor Netflix with VPN?
No it is not. You have every right to keep yourself safe by using a VPN service and using a VPN service to protect yourself, publishing Netflix is no exception.
Note, however, that using Netflix to access content that is not generally available in your location is in violation of the Terms of Service.