The new Netflix VPN crackdown means that several previously trusted services are no longer available. We’ve re-run our exhaustive Netflix testing and updated this post to reflect the best Netflix VPN available at the time of publication, and we’ll continue to monitor the situation.
Netflix’s catalog is extensive, yet most of it is geo-restricted owing to copyright restrictions. This implies that the films and television series you may see are country-specific. This implies that if you go overseas, you may want a VPN to safely access your preferred home streaming services.
A VPN may enable you to access the worldwide Netflix collection, giving you access to hundreds of new films and television episodes regardless of whatever region you are in. As a result, if you go overseas, you may continue to enjoy safe access to your home streaming services.
However, due to Netflix’s VPN prohibition, very few VPNs operate properly with the service.
If you’ve used a VPN to access Netflix and seen the dreaded Netflix proxy error notice, you’re not alone. Fortunately, there are still a small number of VPNs that bypass the Netflix blacklist.
We’ll show you the best Netflix VPN and how to use it based on over 2,000 in-house tests.
During our testing, we discovered that a large number of providers were unable to evade Netflix’s VPN detection algorithm.
When using the majority of VPNs, Netflix displays the following error, along with the error number m7111-5059:
“Whoops, there was an error. A streaming error has occurred. You seem to be using a proxy or unblocker. Please disable any of these services and retry.”
We’ve suggested the top Netflix VPN based on the following criteria. We will publish our Netflix VPN testing process later in this post.
- Work with Netflix reliably and consistently.
- Fast enough to stream in high definition.
- Customer service that is prompt and competent.
- Strong digital security and privacy safeguards ensure that you can safely access Netflix and other services.
- Compatible with a variety of popular devices.
- Excellent selection of servers.
- Connections that are trustworthy.
The war between Netflix, its subscribers, and VPN providers continues, while viable options remain in flux. Servers that are operational now may be banned tomorrow, and new servers and locations are continually being added.
Best VPN for Netflix
NordVPN
While most of NordVPN’s dedicated streaming servers support Netflix, the majority will redirect you to the US version regardless of your location. Due to its cheap monthly price and ability to connect multiple devices simultaneously, NordVPN is an excellent budget alternative, particularly if you share an account with friends or family. NordVPN does not cut corners regarding security or privacy, delivering military-grade encryption and fast, dependable connections. It also performs well when accessing other popular streaming services, such as BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, HBO, and Hulu. Linux, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android applications are available.
Exceptional mentions
For one reason or another, these VPNs work with Netflix but fall short of our top suggestion. This could be due to uneven services, privacy concerns, slower bandwidth, or the inability of mobile devices to access Netflix. Because Netflix regularly disables VPNs, we also prefer companies with a track record of successfully resolving proxy errors. To be on the safe side, we avoid recommending Netflix VPNs that function today but not tomorrow.
VPNs that work with Netflix on occasion
- AirVPN
- Astrill
- Avast SecureLine
- Avira Phantom
- BlackVPN
- BulletVPN
- CactusVPN
- F-Secure Freedome
- FrootVPN
- Goose
- Hide.me
- Hide My Ass
- Ironsocket
- Keenow Unblocker
- Le VPN
- LiquidVPN
- McAfee Safe Connect
- Mullvad
- Norton Wifi Privacy
- Private Internet Access
- Private Tunnel
- ProXPN
- ProtonVPN
- PureVPN
- SaferVPN
- SlickVPN
- Speedify
- StrongVPN
- Surfeasy
- Torguard
- VPNArea
- VPN Tunnel
- VPN Unlimited
- VyprVPN
- Windscribe
- Zenmate
- ibVPN
VPNs for Netflix that do not work
Unotelly
Despite Unotelly publicly declaring its confidence in its ability to continue providing a high-quality [VPN] service to its dedicated and supporting subscribers, Unotelly has been unable to access Netflix for many years.
Hola
Hola will not allow you to access Netflix and you should avoid using it as a VPN for security reasons. The business has a checkered history of exploiting users of its peer-to-peer VPN-like network to distribute unlicensed content, pornography, and even to launch distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) assaults against websites.
GetFlix
GetFlix is a clever DNS proxy service that launched with the promise of a quick and inexpensive way to stream Netflix. That didn’t last long, and the business is now saddled with an unsightly moniker that evokes terrible memories of its consumers being barred a few months later.
HideIPVPN
HideIPVPN previously said that its VPN and smart DNS proxy services would no longer be compatible with Netflix. “[…] as mentioned in our Terms of Service, we cannot guarantee your access to certain websites or services. That is the situation with Netflix for the time being.”
Overplay
After Netflix began sporadically restricting Overplay’s smart DNS proxy and VPN services, the firm seems to have surrendered, removing all references to Netflix from its website.
Blockless
For more than half a decade, this unfortunately-named service has been unable to access Netflix.
VPN Opera
Opera VPN, the browser’s built-in proxy, will not operate properly with Netflix.
Netflix VPN FAQs
How can I use a VPN in conjunction with Netflix?
It’s simple to use a VPN with Netflix as long as your provider allows it. Sign up for a VPN service using one of the recommendations above and then follow these easy procedures.
To use a VPN to access Netflix, follow these instructions or watch the video above:
- Install the VPN software by downloading it from your provider’s website or from an authorized app store. Ascertain that the VPN you are using is compatible with Netflix.
- Choose a VPN server in the United States that supports Netflix access. If you’re unsure, visit your provider’s website or customer support.
- Establish a VPN connection. Once the connection is established, launch Netflix on your browser or on your mobile device and begin viewing!
- If you continue to have issues, contact customer support. You may need to adjust a few device settings, such as IPv6 or DNS.
Why does Netflix prohibit the majority of VPNs?
Netflix perceives VPNs as a way to circumvent regional licensing limitations, which means that VPN customers who use the service for other purposes are caught in the crossfire. If it permits viewers to see a television program in a nation where it does not have the rights to broadcast it, it would violate those licensing limitations. However, Netflix does not differentiate between users who reside in other countries and those who are only visiting and want to use their domestic streaming services, or between users who are traveling and those who wish to utilize a VPN for privacy and security.
Why do we recommend using a VPN in conjunction with Netflix?
A VPN is not only a tool for deceiving applications and websites into believing the user is located someplace else. When it comes to privacy, VPNs are a no-brainer. We strongly advise everyone to utilize a VPN, regardless of whether they are a Netflix customer or not.
Netflix’s VPN restriction is a draconian measure designed to please copyright holders. This prevents VPN users from connecting regardless of their location as long as a proxy is discovered. This is not a policy that is equitable to paying subscribers. Forcing customers to disable their VPNs may jeopardize their privacy, particularly those linked to unprotected public wi-fi networks or going to countries with high monitoring levels.
You have the right to use a VPN, and Netflix should respect that right by refraining from forcing consumers to choose between privacy and enjoyment.
Which countries will these VPNs work in if I’m traveling and want to access US Netflix abroad?
The VPN services described above should enable you to access US Netflix in any country you visit, save countries where media is heavily controlled and VPNs are actively prohibited by a firewall, such as China.
The VPN we suggest will work in almost every other nation. Indeed, we’ve received comments and emails from people in Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Finland, Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Belgium, France, Israel, Spain, Ireland, South Africa, and Italy stating that they were able to access US Netflix successfully!
Can I use a VPN to access Netflix libraries in countries other than the United States?
A VPN that works with US Netflix will not necessarily function with other countries’ Netflix collections. While the Netflix version in the United States is by far the most popular, our suggested top VPN for Netflix works for a few other popular countries:
- Brazil
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- United Kingdom
- Japan
Is using a VPN to access the Netflix app the same as viewing Netflix on a web browser?
Accessing Netflix with a native app, such as the Netflix app for Android or iOS, is a bit more difficult for VPNs than using it through a normal browser, such as Chrome or Firefox. Netflix may sometimes bypass VPN DNS servers and route queries to your local public DNS server. This implies that even while using a VPN, Netflix may establish your real location and ban you appropriately.
However, the VPN we suggest has solved this obstacle, so it should not be an issue.
How can I view Netflix on a device that does not support my VPN software, such as a Chromecast, a smart TV, an Apple TV, a PlayStation 4, or an Xbox One?
If you want to use a VPN to watch Netflix but your device does not allow VPN applications, you must route your device’s internet traffic via a router and set up the VPN on the router. This method differs according to your router’s firmware, and you may need to flash a router that supports VPNs, such as TomatoUSB or DD-WRT, with updated firmware. Consult your VPN provider for advice on how to configure your router.
If you’re not comfortable establishing a VPN on your wireless network, try purchasing a pre-configured router, such as those offered by ExpressVPN.
Another option is to construct a VPN-enabled virtual router on a laptop. This may be accomplished on either a Mac or a Windows computer.
Finally, if you have a screencasting device, such as a Chromecast or an Apple TV, you may connect to the VPN using a device that supports VPN programs and stream video from the Netflix device.
Is it possible to stream Netflix with a clever DNS proxy?
Smart DNS proxies such as Unotelly, Overplay, and Unblock-US were a blip in Netflix’s proxy battle. After Netflix began blocking connections from the majority of VPN servers, many customers migrated to these providers. Smart DNS proxy is a service that keeps track of all DNS queries made on your device. DNS queries are used to determine which servers are linked to particular domain names (e.g., “netflix.com”). If it detects a DNS request for Netflix, it redirects all browser web traffic to an American Netflix server through the server, thereby altering both your public IP address and DNS server.
The strategy worked for a few months until it attracted Netflix’s notice, and a subsequent crackdown effectively disabled the majority of clever DNS proxy users. Today, just a few smart DNS proxy providers continue to operate with Netflix, but the only one that has worked regularly for us is ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer service. MediaStreamer is a clever DNS proxy solution that comes pre-installed on all ExpressVPN accounts. It is automatically utilized when you connect to the VPN, or you may configure it individually so that it is used independently.
Is it permissible to use a VPN in conjunction with Netflix?
Yes. There is no legislation prohibiting the use of a VPN to access Netflix.
However, using a VPN to access the Netflix library in another country violates the company’s terms of service, which state:
“You may view Netflix content primarily within the country in which you have established your account and only in geographic locations where we offer our service and have licensed such content. The content that may be available to watch will vary by geographic location and will change from time to time.”
While Netflix does everything possible to enforce this regulation by restricting internet connections from the majority of VPN providers, it does not punish consumers who try to watch over a VPN. Apart from merely blocking streams, we have not seen Netflix prohibit, suspend, or take legal action against VPN users.
Which free VPN services are compatible with Netflix?
TunnelBear is the only free VPN that works consistently with Netflix. Regrettably, it only provides free users with 500 MB of bandwidth per month, which is hardly enough for an episode of television.
The majority of free VPNs do not function with Netflix, and those that do are unlikely to operate indefinitely. Free VPNs just lack the infrastructure required to provide consistent access to Netflix without getting blocked.
The VPN we suggest above provides a money-back guarantee, which you can use to watch Netflix for a month before requesting a refund. This VPN has the resources and experience necessary to circumvent Netflix VPN limitations.
Is a US payment method required to access American Netflix?
If you do not have a credit or debit card issued in the United States, there are a few different options for paying for Netflix in the United States:
- In some markets, virtual cards are accepted. These are similar to credit cards but are only available online.
- Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover prepaid cards
- Netflix gift cards are available at a variety of locations, both physical and online.
- PayPal
It’s worth noting that you do not need a US payment method to access American Netflix. You may join up and pay from any country and then use a VPN to change your location to the United States.
Is it possible to stream Netflix over a VPN on a Firestick, Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, Xbox, PlayStation, or Smart TV?
VPNs are not supported on all devices. If you’re searching for a streaming gadget that works with VPNs, the Amazon Fire TV Stick or Cube are your best bets. The VPN provider we recommend provides Firestick-specific applications.
Roku, Chromecast, Apple TV, and the majority of smart TVs do not enable VPNs through an app or manual settings. To connect these devices to a VPN, you must first set up the VPN on a router and then connect the device(s).
Certain VPN providers, such as ExpressVPN, feature a dedicated smart DNS proxy service as part of their subscription packages. Even if your device does not support VPNs, you may still use custom DNS servers. While smart DNS proxies may not provide the kind of anonymity and security offered by VPNs, they can assist you in safely accessing Netflix and other content.
VPN for Netflix not working? Consider the following…
If you’ve signed up for the VPN mentioned above but continue to get proxy errors on Netflix, the following actions will help you fix the issue:
Consider using a different VPN server. To save any trial and error, call your VPN’s customer care and inquire about the Netflix server to connect to.
Clear the cookies and cache from your browser.
Ascertain that you are utilizing the DNS servers provided by your VPN. Generally, you can verify this in the VPN app’s settings.
Consider viewing using a web browser rather than the Netflix app.
Does Netflix automatically deactivate customers who use a VPN?
No, Netflix has never penalized consumers who utilize VPNs. While Netflix has tried everything possible to prevent VPN connections, it has taken no disciplinary action against VPN users’ accounts. That said, utilizing a VPN to access Netflix content from overseas violates the service’s terms of service, and so may result in account suspension or cancelation in the future. However, this has not occurred so far.
Can I stream Netflix with free DNS codes?
For a while, smart DNS proxies were a popular method of accessing Netflix, but Netflix has effectively eradicated them. We strongly discourage the use of free DNS codes and other complimentary smart DNS proxies. These services are readily capable of redirecting you to harmful websites and tracking your online surfing history. A VPN service from a reliable, paid provider is a far more secure and private choice.
Is it true that Netflix employs covert codes?
Yes, Netflix contains over 70,000 “secret” codes that allow you to filter films according to a variety of parameters. By using these codes, you may filter your search for titles belonging to a particular specific category.
For instance, code 10105 is reserved for television documentaries, whereas code 67879 is reserved for Korean television series. A list of these codes is available on NordVPN’s website.
You may attach the following code to this URL: https://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/[CODE].
Replace [CODE] with the code of your choosing (including brackets).
Can my Netflix account be compromised if I use a VPN?
By using a VPN, you can increase your security and make it less likely that your Netflix account will be stolen. Having said that, a VPN is not a panacea, and your Netflix account may still be hijacked in other ways. If someone obtains your password, for instance, a VPN will not protect you against account hacking.
Is it possible to use my Netflix VPN to access other streaming services?
Yes, very likely!
The VPN we suggest for Netflix is also compatible with other popular streaming services such as Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Crave TV, ITV, All 4, and a variety of live TV and sports streaming services.
Which VPN is the quickest for Netflix?
NordVPN is the fastest VPN for Netflix in our latest testing. The average worldwide download speed for our testing was 205 Mbps. ExpressVPN and Surfshark were in second and third place, with 135 Mbps and 115 Mbps, respectively.
How do I change the region of Netflix on my Roku?
When you initially connect to a Roku device, it automatically detects your region by checking your home IP address. This complicates the process of using a Roku device with a VPN. The good news is that a remedy exists.
You may change the region of your Roku by doing a factory reset and connecting it to a VPN the first time you use it. As a result, you will be able to view the expanded US catalog (or a catalog for a different area) from overseas.
To gain access to a certain region, just do a factory reset and configure your Roku device while connected to a VPN server located in that location. Just keep in mind that you’ll need to connect to the VPN each time you want to watch Netflix.
Is Netflix available for free in any country?
No. Netflix requires a subscription fee in every country where it is offered. However, the business sometimes offers a free trial in certain places. This implies that for the first 30 days, you may be able to enjoy Netflix for free.
One critical point to understand is that even if you join up for a free Netflix trial, you will be required to provide your payment information. If you do not cancel your membership before the trial period ends, you will be charged for the first month.
Additionally, whereas anybody could get a 30-day free trial a few years ago, this has altered as a result of the epidemic. Netflix has discontinued its free trial in the United States, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, and several other countries.
The good news is that a few countries remain on trial, including Switzerland, Portugal, Azerbaijan, Russia, and Kazakhstan. If you’re unsure if your country offers a trial period, visit the Netflix website before subscribing.
What VPN providers have to say about Netflix’s VPN ban
To learn more about their ongoing battle, we spoke with executives from NordVPN, VyprVPN, ExpressVPN, and LiquidVPN.
“We’re receiving an unprecedented volume of inquiries from people looking to access Netflix, indicating that there aren’t many VPNs left that offer a workaround,” NordVPN CIO Emanuel Morgan said. “Advocating for this issue may require significant resources, and, understandably, some services have chosen to forego advocacy in favor of primary service functions (offering privacy and security solutions).”
Morgan believes Netflix is unlikely to target isolated VPN providers. He believes they are blocked using a combination of techniques. According to LiquidVPN CEO Dave Cox, one of these strategies is to detect connections that originate from data centers rather than houses. He continues by stating that Netflix applications work against SmartDNS services by requiring you to utilize a public DNS server and regularly changing the URLs used to geolocate their content. This precludes providers from supporting hundreds of consumers streaming simultaneously by simply sending geolocation packets via their servers.
Since this article was originally published, we’ve received reports from other VPN providers that Netflix has begun blocking residential IP addresses as part of the streaming giant’s latest round of VPN-related measures.
Netflix is not limited to it. Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Now, and a variety of other streaming services have all instituted some kind of VPN prohibition. If this trend continues, legally viewing licensed content online from any site would entail users giving up their privacy. Maintaining a Netflix workaround continuously requires significant resources. Each VPN provider we contacted expressed optimism but was unsure if they would still have a workaround six months from now.
Methodology and constraints of testing
Our employees connected to the VPN for each test-launched Netflix in a browser or the Netflix app (depending on the operating system), and played a movie. If the streaming video played properly, the VPN received a favorable score. If it wasn’t apparent which server to use with a certain VPN, we contacted the VPN’s customer service staff to inquire about whether servers work with Netflix.
To pass our test, a VPN must operate with Netflix movies out of the box, which means no manual setting outside of the VPN software is required. Additionally, it must operate with a fair degree of consistency—not repeatedly returning to the same server in the hope of locating an IP address that has not been blacklisted. Finally, we utilized the commercial subscription versions of VPNs where available.
Among the country-specific Netflix libraries we examined are the following:
- Australia
- Belgium
- Brazil
- Canada
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Hong Kong
- India
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Norway
- Poland
- Romania
- Russia
- Singapore
- South Africa
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- Thailand,
- Turkey
- UK
- USA
- Ukraine
We tested the most popular VPNs in each region to see which ones worked with Netflix.
We tried Netflix with the following VPNs:
- Air VPN
- Anonymous VPN
- Astrill
- Avast Secureline VPN
- Avira Phantom VPN
- BTGuard
- Betternet
- BlackVPN
- Buffered
- BulletVPN
- CactusVPN
- CyberGhost
- EarthVPN
- ExpressVPN
- F-Secure Freedom VPN
- FrootVPN
- Goose, Hide My Ass! (HMA)
- Hide.me
- Hola
- Hotspot Shield
- IPVanish
- Ironsocket
- Ivacy
- Kaspersky Secure Connection
- Keenow
- Le VPN
- LiquidVPN
- McAfee Safe Connect
- Mullvad
- NordVPN
- Norton WiFi Privacy
- OneVPN
- PerfectPrivacy
- Private Internet Access (PIA)
- Private Tunnel
- PrivateVPN
- ProXPN
- ProtonVPN
- PureVPN
- SaferVPN
- SlickVPN
- Speedify
- StrongVPN
- SurfEasy
- Surfshark
- TigerVPN
- Torguard
- TunnelBear
- UnoTelly
- VPNBook
- VPN Tunnel
- VPN Unlimited
- VPNArea
- VyprVPN
- Windscribe
- WorldVPN
- Zenmate
- ibVPN
Several VPN providers provide clever DNS proxies as part of their service, and some of those DNS proxies work with Netflix (e.g. Ironsocket DNS, Keenow Unblocker, ExpressVPN MediaStreamer). However, due to time limits and practical considerations, we chose not to evaluate smart DNS services and instead concentrated on VPNs.
Apart from testing VPNs with Netflix, we do rigorous VPN testing to evaluate all important features of the VPN we suggest.