Does VPN work on Netflix 2022?

NordVPN is one of the few VPNs to unblock several Netflix regions. However, the streaming platform is always finding new ways to block VPN traffic.

Netflix’s streaming blocks are becoming so effective that they can affect NordVPN’s excellent content unblocking capabilities.

We’ve listed below simple workarounds to help you if your VPN isn’t working with Netflix. They’ll help you bypass the m7111-5059 Netflix proxy error and stream geo-blocked content.

“Oops, something went wrong… Streaming Error. You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again.”

Netflix’s m7111-5059 “Streaming Error” message.

1. Connect to a Different Server

Netflix identifies IP addresses that belong to VPN servers and blacklists them. NordVPN overcomes this by operating a huge server network that is extremely difficult to block in its entirety.

However, individual servers can still make their way onto the blacklist, though. If the server you’re using has been blocked, try disconnecting from the VPN and then re-connecting to a different server.

Because you’ll be assigned a new IP address, this should solve the problem. However, you might have to try it a few times to find a server that works.

Thankfully, NordVPN’s server network is so large that you won’t even have to change location to do this. The service offers multiple VPN servers in each country.

See the list of some of NordVPN’s servers that we’ve verified to beat the geo-blockers.

EXPERT ADVICE: Connect to NordVPN servers which have the largest number next to them. These are the latest servers, therefore, they have the least chance of being blocked by Netflix.

2. Change Your Device’s DNS Servers

Another useful tactic is to make sure you’re using NordVPN’s DNS Servers. To do this:

1. Close the Netflix app if you’re on mobile, or clear the browser’s cache if you’re on desktop.

2. Restart the NordVPN application.

3. Manually configure your device to use the following DNS server addresses: 103.86.96.100 and 103.86.99.100. The NordVPN website explains how to do this on a number of different platforms.

4. Restart your device and check your DNS servers.

5. Open the NordVPN application and connect to a server.

6. Navigate to Netflix and start streaming.

3. Contact NordVPN’s Customer Support Team

If all else fails, contact the NordVPN Customer Support Team.

NordVPN’s live chat service is one of the best we’ve tested. It’s available 24/7 and the agents are often helpful and prompt in their replies.

4. Use a VPN that relibaly unblocks Netflix

Since the August 2021 Netflix VPN ban, most VPNs no longer work with Netflix. Even NordVPN stops working from time to time.

If our other troubleshooting steps don’t work, you’ll have to get another VPN that streams Netflix.

Our latest tests have found that ExpressVPN is currently the only VPN that can always stream US Netflix. It also unblocks the UK and Canada libraries.

Netflix has just introduced a new, cheaper subscription plan with ads (previously the service had been completely free of commercials). The "Basic with ads plan" is priced at 7 USD per month (compared to 10 USD for the ad-free "Basic" plan), and includes streaming on one supported device at a time. This tier does not include downloads, and certain movies and TV shows are also not available due to licensing restriction.

At launch in November 2022, the ad-supported plan will be available in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Brazil, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Korea, Spain, and the UK.

Netflix remains the most popular streaming platform around, but you’ll need the best VPN for Netflix if you want to unblock all shows and regions from anywhere in the world. But how do you find the best Netflix VPN when there are so many mediocre VPNs on the market that do not unblock Netflix? We put the most popular Netflix VPNs to the test for this updated guide in December 2022.

We set out to answer this question by testing all of the top VPNs and posting the results in this guide below. For starters, we conduct regular tests to verify exactly which Netflix VPNs are working consistently without any problems.

WARNING: Even though there are still a few VPNs that work with Netflix, the vast majority do not work well, even if they claim to be good “Netflix VPNs”. This is because:

1. Most VPNs are blocked by Netflix.
2. Many VPNs are too slow to work well with streaming, which results in buffering, interruptions, and videos timing out.
3. Very few VPNs can unblock a large selection of Netflix libraries around the world on a consistent basis.

Because Netflix is actively rolling out new blocks, most of the smaller VPN services simply cannot stay ahead of this cat-and-mouse game. Therefore we are recommending only four VPNs for Netflix. These four VPNs work the best at consistently (every day) unblocking the largest selection of Netflix libraries around the world.

NordVPN Review

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Surfshark VPN Review

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ExpressVPN Review

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VyprVPN Review

$5.00/month
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So without further delay, here are the different topics we will cover in this Best Netflix VPN guide:

1. The 4 best VPNs for Netflix that are working right now with a large selection of Netflix libraries
2. 20 VPNs that are blocked (or too slow) with Netflix
3. Netflix VPN FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
4. Netflix VPN Comparison Table

Ranking the best Netflix VPNs

Here are the criteria that we used for ranking the best VPNs for Netflix:

1. Unblocks American Netflix, as well as other popular Netflix regions
2. Excellent speeds and reliability to stream HD Netflix without interruptions.
3. Professional and prompt technical support.
4. Reliable and secure VPN apps to use on Netflix streaming devices.
5. Thoroughly tested and found to perform well with different devices and server locations.

Now let’s examine the best VPNs for Netflix:

NordVPN – Best VPN for Netflix in 2022

VPNNordVPNBased inPanamaLogsNo logs (audited)Price$2.49/mo.Support24/7 live chatRefund30 daysWebsiteNordVPN.com

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NordVPN is currently the best VPN for Netflix simply because it always works with the service and offers the fastest speeds with consistent reliability. With a huge network of global servers, NordVPN unblocks numerous Netflix regions with ease (see the list below). While most VPNs struggle to provide consistently fast speeds for HD streaming, NordVPN delivers. Below is one of our tests with NordVPN using the WireGuard (NordLynx) protocol, which gave us download speeds of 445 Mbps in the NordVPN review.

With NordVPN’s network of 5,200 servers spread across 59 locations, you can easily find a fast server near you. All of these servers are running in RAM-disk (no hard drives) for enhanced security and to ensure no data is stored on any server. Being legally based in Panama, NordVPN can maintain a strict no-logs policy. It is one of the few no-logs VPNs that has been independently audited.

Aside from being a leader in streaming, NordVPN is also among the best VPNs with privacy and security. It has passed third-party security audits conducted by Versprite as well as no-logs audits conducted by PWC AG in Switzerland. Additionally, NordVPN offers many advanced privacy features:

• CyberSec feature to block ads, trackers, and malware domains (one of the best VPN ad blockers available)
• Double-VPN servers that encrypt and route traffic over two different locations
• Tor-over-VPN servers that encrypt traffic with the Tor network, in addition to the VPN server
• Obfuscated servers to conceal VPN traffic as regular HTTPS encryption (a useful feature if you need a VPN for China)

One other huge advantage you get with NordVPN is the WireGuard VPN protocol. This gives NordVPN users a big performance advantage over other VPNs. For example, you can see in the ExpressVPN vs NordVPN comparison how NordVPN came out on top in every speed test. Aside from blazing-fast speeds, WireGuard also connects quickly, can easily transition between network interfaces, and works much better on mobile devices than legacy VPN protocols. This protocol also offers major security and encryption upgrades over OpenVPN and IPSec.

See all NordVPN security features here >>

Using NordVPN with Netflix

For Netflix streaming, NordVPN is the top-performer. It supports all major Netflix libraries around the world and have dedicated apps for all types of streaming devices, from computers, phones, and tablets to Android TV boxes, Smart TVs and more. They even offer a dedicated app for using a VPN with FireStick. Below I’m streaming American Netflix through a NordVPN server in the US:

NordVPN worked perfectly in our tests to access Netflix with the VPN in many regions around the world.

Other streaming services: With support for Netflix, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and numerous regional channels, we’ve rated NordVPN as the best VPN for streaming. It simply offers the best access in comparison to all the other VPNs we’ve tested, along with great apps for all streaming devices.

Netflix Regions: NordVPN currently unblocks the following Netflix regions: US, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Finland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Brazil, Japan, India, and Korea. NordVPN support staff told me other locations are available as well, but these are some of the most-used locations.

+ Pros

• Works with 15+ Netflix regions
• Supports numerous streaming services
• User-friendly apps for all devices and operating systems
• Double-VPN and Tor-over-VPN servers
• 24/7 live chat support and 30 day money-back guarantee
• No logs (audited)
• Upgraded network security with all servers running in RAM-disk mode
• Full WireGuard support
• CyberSec feature to block tracking, ads, and malware domains

– Cons

• Big discounts only available for longer subscriptions

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Surfshark – Fast and secure VPN to unblock Netflix

VPNSurfsharkBased inThe NetherlandsLogsNo logsPrice$2.49/mo.Support24/7 live chatRefund30 daysWebsiteSurfshark.com

Surfshark is a fast and reliable VPN that works for Netflix and many other streaming services. Officially launched in 2018, Surfshark offers a secure, high-performance VPN that delivers access to all major Netflix regions. And aside from the low price, Surfshark also stands out by giving you an unlimited number of connections. This allows you to stream Netflix on every device (the whole family!) without having to worry about exceeding your connection limit.

Surfshark is a great option for all types of streaming. In addition to Netflix support, you can also use this VPN for Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and many other services. It’s a great VPN for Amazon Prime with a dedicated Firestick app in the Amazon Store.

Following NordVPN’s lead, Surfshark recently integrated the WireGuard protocol into their service. With Surfshark’s WireGuard servers, I was able to hit speeds of 397 Mbps in the Surfshark review. This means Surfshark will deliver more than enough bandwidth for HD streaming on all your devices.

With premium speeds and support for all types of devices, Surfshark is also a great VPN for Kodi streaming. Like our other top Netflix VPNs, Surfshark has a large network with 3,200+ servers in 95 countries. This large network will unlock many Netflix libraries and streaming services around the world.

Surfshark also does well with security. VPN traffic is encrypted with an AES-256 cipher via the OpenVPN and IKEv2 protocols, and a ChaCha20 cipher with WireGuard. Like NordVPN, Surfshark offers many great privacy features:

• CleanWeb feature to block ads, trackers, and malware domains
• Double-VPN servers to secure traffic with an extra layer of encryption
• Browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome browsers
• Whitelister split tunneling feature to route certain apps or websites outside of the VPN tunnel

Using Surfshark VPN with Netflix

We’ve found nearly all VPN servers in the supported streaming countries to work with Netflix. It’s just a matter of connecting to the server, clearing your browser cache, and then logging in to Netflix. Below I am using a Surfshark server in London to watch UK Netflix:

Surfshark VPN works very well for accessing Netflix libraries around the world.

At only $2.49 per month with the coupon below, Surfshark is probably one of the cheapest VPNs worth considering for Netflix. All plans come with a 30 day money-back guarantee and 24/7 live chat support.

Regional Netflix availability: Surfshark officially supports and unblocks ten different Netflix regions: US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Poland, Netherlands, Italy, Norway, Sweden, India, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Turkey, and Taiwan. Surfshark may also work on other Netflix regions.

+ Pros

• Unlimited connections
• User-friendly apps for all devices and operating systems
• CleanWeb feature to block ads, trackers, and malware domains
• Works great with numerous Netflix regions (over 16)
• Unblocks Amazon Prime, BBC iPlayer, and other streaming services
• 24/7 live chat support + 30 day refund window
• Split tunneling feature
• Secure encryption and leak protection features

– Cons

• Limited VPN router support
• Discounts limited to long-term subscriptions

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Our Surfshark review has more info and test results.

ExpressVPN – Reliable Netflix VPN with user-friendly VPN apps

VPNExpressVPNBased inBritish Virgin IslandsLogsNo logs (audited)Price$6.67/mo.Support24/7 live chatRefund30 daysWebsiteExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN has long been one of the top Netflix VPNs on the market. It simply works when most other VPNs are having problems. In fact, ExpressVPN has built a name for itself with rock-solid reliability in nearly every category, from privacy and security to streaming and unblocking content. This is a premium VPN that just works.

In the streaming category, ExpressVPN has a lot to offer. It supports a huge number of Netflix libraries, including all of the most popular regions: US, UK, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Japan, and more. It also works with all of the other popular streaming services, including Hulu, Amazon Prime, DAZN, Disney Plus, ESPN, and many others.

ExpressVPN also offers a great selection of apps and support for numerous types of streaming devices. They have apps for Windows, Mac OS, Linux, Android, iOS, and even routers. ExpressVPN also has the MediaStreamer app, which allows you to use ExpressVPN on all types of streaming devices, from Smart TVs, to TV boxes, gaming systems, Apple TV, and more. They also have a dedicated app if you need a VPN for Firestick.

While some Netflix VPN users may not be overly concerned with privacy and security, ExpressVPN excels in these areas, too. They utilize strong AES-256 encryption with all of their apps and infrastructure, as well as the OpenVPN, IKEv2, and Lightway VPN protocols. Lightway is very similar to WireGuard in that it offers faster speeds and improved security. ExpressVPN has also passed third-party audits for both security and privacy guarantees (no logs).

Using ExpressVPN with Netflix

ExpressVPN is very easy to use with Netflix. Simply connect to an ExpressVPN server in the region you need and enjoy streaming Netflix as normal. As with all Netflix VPNs, there are occasional hiccups, so you may need to open an ExpressVPN chat box to ask support exactly which servers to use for a given area. While some servers may get block from time to time, others will be working to ensure 24/7 access to Netflix through the VPN.

Below I am streaming US Netflix through an ExpressVPN server in Washington, DC.

ExpressVPN continues to work well for streaming Netflix with many different regions available.

Support – ExpressVPN offers 24/7 live chat support directly through their website. They are available to help you find the best server to use, help you get ExpressVPN working on your devices, or anything else you may need. And like our other top VPNs for Netflix, ExpressVPN gives you a full 30 day money-back guarantee on all plans.

Regional Netflix availability – ExpressVPN provides access to the following Netflix regions: USA, UK, Canada, Australia, France, Italy, Netherlands, Japan, Brazil, Belgium, Germany, and Spain. While I’ve heard there are other (smaller) Netflix regions supported, I have not tested this yet, since all major regions are already covered by ExpressVPN.

Other streaming services – ExpressVPN works great with all major streaming services, including Hulu, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, ESPN, HBO, and more.

+ Pros

• User-friendly and secure apps
• Split tunneling feature (for Mac OS, Windows, and routers)
• Works with Netflix and most streaming services
• 24/7 live chat support
• Passed independent third-party audits for security and no-logs
• Very large server network

– Cons

• Above-average prices
• Fewer features
• Average OpenVPN speeds (use Lightway)

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Our ExpressVPN review has additional test results and information.

VyprVPN – Reliable VPN that works with Netflix

VPNVyprVPNBased inSwitzerlandLogsNo logs (audited)Price$5.00/mo.Support24/7 live chatRefund30 daysWebsiteVyprVPN.com

Third up on our list of the best Netflix VPNs is VyprVPN. While it may not be as well-known as NordVPN and Surfshark, VyprVPN is a very reliable service that has always performed well with Netflix. While it does not unblock as many libraries as the other top Netflix VPNs, VyprVPN continues to work with great reliability.

Like our other top choices, VyprVPN is fast because it offers full WireGuard support. And when you are streaming an HD Netflix movie on the other side of the world, speed is important. Another great aspect of VyprVPN is the reliability, with apps that do not crash or glitch when you’re trying to watch movies.

VyprVPN also checks all the boxes for security and privacy. Here are some quick highlights:

• Audited – VyprVPN has passed independent audits for both security and privacy (no logs).
• Secure – All VyprVPN include a VPN kill switch to block any leaks.
• Protocols – Traffic is encrypted with secure VPN protocols (OpenVPN or WireGuard).
• User-friendly – VyprVPN are simple and well-designed.

VyprVPN is also a great value. One subscription gives you 30 simultaneous connections. And it is also the cheapest Netflix VPN on our list, coming in around $1.67 per month with the coupon below.

Using VyprVPN with Netflix

Using VyprVPN with Netflix is quite easy. Simply choose one of the supported Netflix regions, connect to a server, and enjoy watching Netflix as normal. Officially, VyprVPN works with four Netflix regions (US, UK, Canada, and Germany), but I have found it to also work with a few other random countries.

Support – VyprVPN offers live chat support directly through its website. This may come in handy when setting up VyprVPN to use Netflix on your computer, TV box, tablet, or other devices. To remove any risk, VyprVPN gives you a 30 day money-back guarantee with all plans.

Regional Netflix availability – VyprVPN currently supports fewer Netflix regions than NordVPN and Surfshark, but the list is growing. Right now you can use VyprVPN to access these Netflix regions: US, UK, Canada, and Germany.

Other streaming services – VyprVPN works well with most other streaming services. It is a good VPN for Hulu, Amazon Prime, and Disney Plus.

Get Started with VyprVPN here >>

You can get more information in our VyprVPN review here.

Many VPNs are blocked (or too slow) with Netflix

Unfortunately, most VPN services on the market today are blocked with Netflix or are simply too slow to work well. In the past, nearly all VPNs worked with Netflix, but that all changed when Netflix decided to actively block VPN services in 2016.

Now let’s take a look at VPNs that are not working well with Netflix.

Disclaimer: This list is based on my own experience testing numerous VPNs with Netflix. Since variables are always changing with Netflix and VPNs, this list may not reflect the most recent changes. If in doubt, you can check with your VPN or run your own tests.

Here are a few VPNs that I have found to not work well with Netflix:

CyberGhost not working with Netflix

In our CyberGhost VPN review, we showed how the VPN was getting blocked by US Netflix. This occurred even while we were using the CyberGhost server that was dedicated for streaming Netflix in the US.

CyberGhost is one of many VPNs that were blocked by Netflix in our tests.

You can see the CyberGhost VPN server in the background (right) with the Netflix proxy error message on the left.

PureVPN too slow for Netflix

PureVPN is not the best choice to use with Netflix, mainly due to performance problems. Extensive testing for the PureVPN review identified serious issues, including slow speeds, data leaks, and dropped connections. This would make viewing Netflix very frustrating.

Even worse, PureVPN was found to be logging customer data and handing it over to the FBI (US authorities), despite claiming to have a “zero logs policy”.

Hotspot Shield

Hotspot Shield VPN is a larger VPN provider with many users around the world, but it does not seem to be a good VPN for Netflix. It was previously in the news for a vulnerability that could reveal the user’s location to hackers. Additionally, this VPN was found to be injecting JavaScript codes using iframes for advertising and tracking purposes, as well as embedding tracking libraries into their Android VPN apps. Various Hotspot Shield VPN servers may or may not work with Netflix, but regardless, it would be wise to consider alternatives.

Hola VPN

Hola is another free VPN service that should probably be avoided if you are looking to stream Netflix. It was found to be hijacking user bandwidth and fraudulently reselling it through its sister company Luminati. These bandwidth-stealing practices expose the end-user to all kinds of problems and dangers.

Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access is a decent VPN service, but it’s not a great VPN to use with Netflix. In my own tests of Private Internet Access, I found it to be consistently blocked with US Netflix.

PIA claims to sometimes work with Netflix, but for me, it has never worked well.

Tunnelbear

TunnelBear is known for its free VPN (giving users 200 Mb of free data per month) but it does not work well with Netflix. In testing out the service for the TunnelBear review, I also found the speeds to be quite slow, which would make Netflix streaming difficult.

IPVanish

IPVanish is a decent VPN service, although it does not do a great job of unblocking Netflix. I asked a customer support representative if IPVanish works with Netflix and he had this to say: “Netflix has been very vigilant recently in trying to block our services.” If you want a VPN that works consistently with Netflix, IPVanish is not the answer.

IPVanish was also caught logging users and providing the data to the FBI, despite claiming to be a “zero logs” VPN service. (We discuss this more in the IPVanish review.)

HideMyAss (HMA VPN)

In our tests for the HideMyAss review, we found it to work sporadically with US Netflix. However, it would get blocked for other regions, such as Netflix UK and Netflix Canada.

Proton VPN

Proton VPN has been hit or miss with Netflix over the years. In our own streaming tests, we have found Proton VPN to work with US Netflix (usually), but it’s also unreliable with other regions. These streaming tests are discussed more in the ProtonVPN vs NordVPN comparison.

Other VPNs that get blocked by Netflix

In addition to the providers mentioned above, these VPNs also were found to not work well with Netflix:

• Avast Secureline VPN
• Private Tunnel
• Ivacy
• iVPN
• F-Secure Freedome
• Hide.me
• CactusVPN
• AVG VPN
• SecureVPN
• Celo VPN
• Kaspersky Secure Connection

Note: This is just a small sample of VPNs that are blocked or not working well with Netflix, but there are surely many more. Keep in mind, however, that the Netflix VPN blocking game is dynamic. Therefore this list will continue to change as Netflix and VPNs evolve with these changes.

Using a VPN to unblock different Netflix regional libraries

We have been testing out VPNs with Netflix for about 6+ years — and there is a reason we only recommend the four VPNs above. The answer is simple: they unblock a large number of regions on a consistent basis.

One of the best advantages of using a VPN with Netflix is that it gives you access to a huge library of content. With your Netflix account, all you need is a good Netflix VPN to unblock a large selection of content from all over the world. Take for example NordVPN. You can use their servers to access more than 15 different Netflix regional libraries.

The streaming possibilities are truly endless — especially when you consider the other streaming services you can access through your VPN. If you want to change Netflix regions with ease, then you need a good VPN.

Most “Netflix VPNs” are very restricted

There are many VPNs that claim to “work with Netflix” — but they usually don’t tell you the regions they support. This is because most of these “Netflix VPN” services only support one or two regions. One example of this is HideMyAss VPN. In our HideMyAss VPN review, we found that it only worked with US Netflix, while all other regions were blocked.

Therefore if you want full access to the largest selection of Netflix regional libraries, go with one of the recommended VPNs in this guide.

Netflix VPN FAQs

Aside from determining which VPN is best for Netflix, there are many other areas you may be wondering about. Below we will address different questions and topics that often come up when discussing Netflix and VPNs. Here’s what we’ll cover:

• How to watch Netflix with a VPN when abroad or overseas
• How to unblock Netflix
• How to access American Netflix from other countries
• What free VPN works with Netflix?
• Why does Netflix block VPN users?
• What is the fastest VPN for streaming Netflix?
• How much speed do you need with a VPN to stream Netflix?

How to watch Netflix with a VPN when traveling abroad

Many people who work or travel abroad are looking to Unblock Netflix with a VPN. As long as you are using a good VPN and have enough bandwidth for streaming, you can watch Netflix with your VPN by following these simple steps:

Step 1: Choose a good Netflix VPN service

First you need a good VPN that works with Netflix:

1. NordVPN (69% off coupon)
2. Surfshark
3. ExpressVPN
4. VyprVPN

Any of these VPNs will work well with Netflix streaming.

Step 2: Install the VPN software on your streaming device(s)

You will be able to find the VPN software for your specific device(s) directly on the VPN’s website. If you go with NordVPN, you’ll have access to a large selection of VPN apps for all types of devices and operating systems, including TV boxes, Smart TVs, and Amazon FireTV/Fire Stick, as well as computers, routers, tablets, phones, and more.

Step 3: Connect to a VPN server

Simply open the VPN app on your device and connect to a server in the location where Netflix is available, such as in the US or UK. To improve Netflix VPN performance, connect to the closest VPN server possible.

Note: You may need to check with your VPN provider to learn which servers to use.

Step 4: Enjoy streaming with Netflix from abroad

Now just log in to your existing Netflix account and enjoy streaming Netflix as normal. From Netflix’s perspective, you are just another user connecting from the country where your VPN server is located.

How to unblock Netflix regions

One problem with streaming Netflix is that it is often blocked in various regions. When this happens, one of two things will happen:

1. You will get a proxy error message; or
2. You will be unable to locate the titles for the region you want to access.

As an example of the second case, let’s say you want to access US Netflix in order to stream The Office. If you are getting blocked by Netflix (through your VPN), then you will simply not be able to find The Office anywhere in the library.

Many people who try to access Netflix through a VPN or proxy service will run into the message below about an “unblocker or proxy” being used (the first case from above). Here’s what this looks like (the image below is from the NordVPN vs PIA comparison).

Most VPNs don’t work well with Netflix, which results in this proxy error message. We see this here with Private Internet Access.

Here are some different solutions that should help you unblock Netflix:

1. Use one of the Netflix VPNs listed in this guide whenever you stream Netflix.
2. If you are still getting blocked, contact the VPN’s support, and then connect to the exact server they recommend for streaming Netflix.

That’s pretty much the secret to unblocking Netflix. Use a good VPN and connect to the correct VPN server.

There is a perpetual cat and mouse game that is being played between Netflix and VPN services. We regularly see Netflix block some VPN servers (IP addresses) and then the VPN will roll out a new solution. So if you are already using a Netflix VPN from above, just verify which server will allow you to unblock Netflix with the VPN’s support department.

How to watch American Netflix from other countries

Many people living and working overseas are looking to access Netflix from abroad. This applies to expats and also foreign nationals – but there is one region that stands out from them all: Netflix in the US.

Why do so many people want to access American Netflix with a VPN?

The reason for this is simple: American Netflix has the largest video library anywhere. Other Netflix regions in various parts of the world only have a fraction of what US Netflix offers. For example, UK Netflix only gives you about one-third of the content available through US Netflix media library!

A VPN remains the best available tool to unblock websites and other content around the world.

Whether you are an expat living in Europe, Asia, or South America, you can have the best that American Netflix offers, wherever you are located. Or perhaps you are simply an American traveling and working abroad. Either way, it is easy to unblock American Netflix using the steps in this guide.

To access American Netflix from overseas simply follow the steps laid out above. Any of the recommended Netflix VPNs on this page will give you full access to American Netflix. You just need to choose one of the VPNs and then connect to a VPN server for full access.

Do you need to pay for American Netflix with a US payment method?

Answer: No.

You can access American Netflix from anywhere in the world, even if you purchased your Netflix subscription in a different country, such as France or Japan. All you need is a US IP address, which you can access by connecting to a US server through your VPN. This will unblock American Netflix, regardless of whichever Netflix region you originally subscribed to.

What free VPN works with Netflix?

There are not very many good free VPNs that work with Netflix simply because most free VPNs are blocked, restricted, or not secure to use with Netflix. In our updated guide on free VPNs, we discuss how many “free” VPN services have been caught collecting user data for profit (and selling it to third parties). There have even been VPNs, such as Hotspot Shield VPN, that have been called out for installing tracking libraries in free VPN apps.

There are some trustworthy VPNs that offer limited free plans. This is the “freemium” business model that offers you a limited “free” VPN option in the hopes that you upgrade to a paid plan. Here are a few examples:

• PrivadoVPN – This is a low-cost VPN that also offers a free plan. Check out the free version here.
  You can also get 69% off paid plans here>>
• TrustZone – TrustZone also offers a basic and limited free VPN with only 3 GB of data, but again, it does not work well with Netflix. (See the TrustZone review for info.)
• Atlas VPN – Atlas VPN also has a limited freemium VPN, but the free VPN servers do not work with Netflix. (See our Atlas VPN review for more info.)

Therefore you’re back to the only viable option: using a safe, secure, paid VPN service.

Why does Netflix block / ban VPN users?

The infamous Netflix VPN ban was officially rolled out in early 2016. Following the initial announcement in January 2016, Netflix initiated a number of consecutive steps to further block VPN and smart DNS services. By January of 2017, many of the VPNs that previously worked with Netflix could no longer access the service.

The Netflix VPN ban and the continual efforts to block paying customers from access is somewhat ridiculous. After all, why should paying customers be blocked from using a service that they have already paid for?

The answer to that question is that Netflix caved in to pressure from large copyright holders, who wanted to further restrict access to their licensed content. This is usually done so that they can charge people more money to stream the same movie in different locations.

This also lines up with the trend we see unfolding whereby the internet is getting carved up and more restricted, with the gatekeepers blocking access to content, media, websites, etc.

Fortunately, there are a handful of VPN services that continue to invest significant resources into unblocking Netflix, while many others have simply given up completely. However, we see similar restrictions rolling out with bans on account sharing.

Is it illegal to use a VPN for Netflix?

Generally speaking, it is not illegal to use a VPN for Netflix. The VPN blocks are put in place by Netflix to limit content. In other words, these blocks are not carried out by state governments or municipalities. Therefore getting around these blocks should not be illegal or break any laws where you are located.

With that being said, we encourage you to check your local laws just to be safe, and of course this is not legal advice. VPNs can be a grey area in some places of the world, such as in China, Dubai, and some other countries with restrictive internet regulations. So do your own homework beforehand.

What is the fastest VPN for Netflix streaming in 2022?

The fastest VPN for streaming Netflix is NordVPN. It consistently delivers the fastest speeds with the WireGuard protocol, around 445 Mbps in my tests. The runner up, not far behind, is Surfshark, which was about 400 Mbps in my tests.

To get the fastest VPN speeds when streaming Netflix, use NordVPN or Surfshark, and then connect to a nearby server with the WireGuard protocol. All four of our top Netflix VPN recommendations support WireGuard. That said, NordVPN is by far the fastest and offers the most Netflix regions to choose from.

Get the NordVPN Netflix deal here >>

VPN speed was a key consideration when ranking the best VPN services for Netflix. So let’s examine this use in more detail.

How much speed do you need with a VPN to stream Netflix?

Here are some benchmarks for streaming speed and quality:

• 500 Kbps = Minimum quality
• 1,500 Kbps [1.5 Mbps] = Normal quality (less than 480p)
• 3,000 Kbps [3 Mbps] = SD quality (480p or better)
• 5,000 Kbps [5 Mbps] = HD quality (720p or better)
• 25,000 Kbps [25 Mbps] = Ultra HD quality (1080p or better)

To optimize the best speed and reliability, connect to the closest VPN server you can. For example, if you are in the UK and want to stream American Netflix, a VPN server in New York would be better than a VPN server in Los Angeles. This will minimize latency and should improve overall performance.

Depending on your VPN provider, you may want to experiment with a few different locations. If you ever notice speed issues with your VPN, you can always troubleshoot with the VPN’s support department – or switch to a faster VPN service.

Conclusion: Use a good Netflix VPN to access more regional libraries from anywhere

Using the best Netflix VPN will unlock a world of potential for you – wherever you may be located. A VPN will allow you to:

• Access Netflix from any location in the world.
• Unblock American Netflix to give you access to the largest selection of movies and TV shows.
• Access other Netflix regions, such as Netflix UK, Canada, France, Netherlands, and many more.
• Encrypt your internet connection to give you more privacy and security while streaming your favorite shows.

Even though accessing Netflix with a VPN continues to be a cat and mouse game with some providers, all of the VPNs recommended in this guide should give you everything you need. The trend with people using VPNs for streaming will only continue to grow with the current landscape. A VPN gives you unlimited access and streaming freedom.

Is Netflix still banning VPN?

Can I use my Netflix account with a VPN?