To determine the best VPNs for Netflix, our team at Forbes Advisor tested 16 VPNs and scored them on eight primary factors. We considered each VPN’s privacy and security features, streaming capability, speed and performance, server capacity and compatibility with various systems and devices.
We also examined their costs, how many device connections they allow on each account, users’ experience with them, how well they support users who need help and what experts have to say about them. We weighted these metrics to score each Netflix VPN.
Here’s how we determined the best VPN for Netflix streaming.
Pricing and fees (15%)
For pricing, we examined each VPN’s monthly prices and the discounts available for new users and long-term commitments. We also considered whether or not users need to pay more to access a smooth streaming service. Next, we compared the availability of a free version, free trial or money-back guarantee that allows users to explore a VPN before buying it. This factor accounted for 15% of our weighted scoring.
General features (47.5%)
We examined the VPN providers’ security, performance and compatibility with Netflix. We checked how robust their security provision is, whether or not they offer must-have features such as multiple security protocols and reliable servers for streaming and nice-to-have features such as dedicated IPs and dedicated streaming servers. We also considered their compatibility with desktops and mobile devices, which allows you to stream Netflix from anywhere.
We also considered how fast they are since Netflix requires a minimum speed of 5 Mbps for high-definition videos and 25 Mbps to watch in 4K. We examined the VPNs’ average download speeds and found them adequate to stream Netflix. These factors account for 47.5% of the total score.
Additional features (17.5%)
We also considered the presence of VPN qualities that enhance streaming on Netflix. For example, the VPNs that got our attention are those with over 400 servers in more than 50 countries, especially with servers across continents. Other helpful features are the no-logs policy, independent audits and simultaneous connections allowed. We also looked at how much support they give, whether or not they provide live chat, a rich knowledge base, support over the phone, or are available 24/7. These features account for 17.5%.
Reviews and ratings (10%)
Our team further considered the experiences of other users when it comes to streaming Netflix with these VPNs. We turned to third-party review sites, including Trustpilot, G2 and Capterra. Then, we interviewed some users to form 10% of our scoring.
Expert score (10%)
Not only did we test these VPNs to get hands-on experience to determine the best VPNs for Netflix, but we also interviewed cybersecurity and IT experts from different organisations to tell us what they’ve observed using these VPNs. Our experts considered additional criteria, such as the VPNs’ standout features, ease of use, popularity and value for money. Altogether, the expert analysis forms 10% of the total score.
* conversion correct as of 11 January 2024
FAQs
The three best Netflix VPNs in 2024
NordVPN tops my list due to its supreme unblocking power. You'll have no trouble accessing every Netflix region, and its apps work on almost every device—making it perfect if you want to take your shows on the go. NordVPN is also seriously quick.
What VPN server is best for Netflix? ›
The Best VPNs for Netflix of 2024
- Proton VPN: Best for regular discounts.
- Private Internet Access (PIA): Best for dedicated streaming servers.
- Surfshark: Best for simultaneous connections.
- NordVPN: Best for speed.
- Windscribe VPN: Best for free streaming access.
- ExpressVPN: Best for restricted regions.
Netflix is known for its VPN-blocking technology. However, ExpressVPN frequently rotates its IP addresses, making it easy to stay undetected and access most Netflix libraries.
Which VPN is best for changing Netflix location? ›
NordVPN: The most reliable VPN for switching Netflix countries. #1 in our Netflix tests for 6 years running. Very high speeds, strong security, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for changing Netflix region.
Can Netflix ban me for VPN? ›
However, you should keep in mind that Netflix is smart and many times it knows when you're using a VPN. If it catches you, you won't be banned or get in trouble, but it will block certain content until you turn off your VPN.
Does Netflix still detect VPN? ›
Most websites don't care if you're using a VPN or not. But streaming platforms like Netflix realize that VPNs can be used to get around geographic restrictions and try to block them entirely. This can cause issues if you are traveling abroad and want to watch the Netflix library from your home country.
How does Netflix know I'm using a VPN? ›
If it detects a suspiciously high volume of traffic from one IP address, it can flag that IP address as VPN. Netflix also looks at cookies. If it finds a recent cookie with a different location than that of your IP address, it detects you are using a VPN.
How is Netflix blocking my VPN? ›
DNS server location mismatches reveal VPN use
On some devices, often those running iOS or Android, the Netflix app may override your DNS setup, exposing your real ISP server. If Netflix recognizes this mismatch, it will become obvious that you are using a VPN.
In which country is Netflix the cheapest? ›
Due to their incredibly cheap prices across all three plans (without ads), Pakistan, India, Egypt, and Turkey are the most cost-effective countries to watch Netflix. And with above-average library sizes (at least 500 more than the average of 5,824), they seem to get more while paying less.
What is the best VPN to bypass Netflix? ›
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for watching Netflix, with its superb region-restricted content unblocking, fast internet speeds and large server network.
NordVPN offers more than 6300 ultra-fast VPN servers covering 111 countries, while Surfshark has over 3,200 servers covering 100 countries. Overall, NordVPN has more servers in Europe and North America, while Surfshark offers more choices in Asia, Africa, and South America.
What is better, ExpressVPN or NordVPN? ›
NordVPN's NordLynx protocol offers superior download speeds, making it the faster and better-performing option. While ExpressVPN outshines NordVPN in some server locations for upload speeds, overall, NordVPN emerges as the clear winner in the comparison of download and upload speeds.
Does Netflix no longer allow VPN? ›
Check your Netflix plan
You can't use a VPN while watching Netflix if you have an ad-supported plan. Go to your Account page to check your current plan. If you have an ad-supported plan: You'll need to change to an ad-free plan to use a VPN while watching Netflix.
How to access US Netflix with VPN? ›
How to unblock U.S. Netflix
- Sign up to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
- Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
- Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
- Visit Netflix to watch movies and shows from the U.S. content library.
ExpressVPN is optimized to work with Netflix so you can enjoy online privacy and security all the time, without the VPN interfering. It should never be used as a means of copyright circumvention, which is strictly against our Terms of Service.
