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
- How to unblock Netflix
- How to access American Netflix from other countries
- Netflix VPN ban (overview)
- Netflix VPN speed
- Netflix VPN conclusion
How to watch Netflix with a VPN
Watching Netflix with a VPN is incredibly simple. As long as you are using a good VPN and have enough bandwidth, you can watch Netflix with your VPN by following these steps:
Step 1: Choose a Netflix VPN
As a brief recap, here are to the top VPNs that work with Netflix based on the latest test results:
- ExpressVPN (49% discount)
- NordVPN (66% discount)
- VPNArea
- VyprVPN (25% discount)
- VPN.ac
Note: ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and VyprVPN offer a 30 day money-back guarantee.
Step 2: Install the VPN software
You will be able to find the VPN software for your specific device directly on the VPN’s website. If you go with
ExpressVPN, you’ll have access to a large selection of applications you can use to access Netflix. ExpressVPN also supports TV boxes, Smart TVs, and Amazon FireTV/Fire Stick, in addition to computers, routers, tablets, and phones.
Step 3: Connect to a VPN server
Simply run the software and connect to a server in the location where Netflix is available, such as in the US or UK.
Step 4: Enjoy streaming with Netflix
Now just log in to your existing Netflix account and enjoy streaming Netflix.
How to unblock Netflix
One problem with streaming Netflix is that it is often blocked in various regions. If you’re wondering how to unblock Netflix, we’ll cover the different solutions below.
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 infamous Netflix unblocker proxy error.
Here are some different solutions that should help you unblock Netflix:
- Use one of the VPNs listed on this page.
- If you are still getting blocked, contact the VPN’s support, and then connect to the exact server they tell you to.
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, where Netflix will 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 with a VPN
Many people who are overseas are wondering how to access American Netflix.
The reason for this is simple:
American Netflix has the largest selection of content. 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!
Whether you are an expat living in France, Germany, Canada, or perhaps even Japan, you can have the best that American Netflix offers, wherever you are located. Or, if you are an American simply traveling abroad, not to worry! You can enjoy Netflix wherever you may be located.
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.
Free VPN Netflix
Some people are also looking to access Netflix with a free VPN. The problem with using a free VPN to unblock Netflix is summed up with the following rule:
When something is free, then you are the product.
As time goes on, this is becoming painfully obvious with VPNs. As discussed in the
free VPN guide, there are many dangers and risks with free VPNs. These mainly include third parties having access to your browsing history and data, which is collected by the VPN and then sold to third parties (usually advertisers).
Some VPNs also offer a limited amount of free data, but force you to upgrade to a paid plan if you want more. One example of this is TunnelBear, but as we already pointed out, it does not work with Netflix. Check out the
free trial VPN guide for more info.
Therefore you’re back to the only viable option: using a
safe,
secure, paid VPN service.
Netflix VPN ban
The Netflix VPN ban began in January 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.
Here was the original Netflix VPN ban announcement:
This was the announcement that kicked off the infamous Netflix VPN ban.
The Netflix VPN ban and the continual efforts to block paying customers from access is somewhat
ridiculous. After all, why should customers be blocked from using a service that they legitimately pay 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 get away with charging 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 giving you access as long as you pay up.
Thankfully there are a few
VPN services that continue to work very well with Netflix, despite the VPN ban.
Netflix VPN speed
VPN speed was a key consideration when ranking the best VPN services for Netflix.
So how much speed do you need with your VPN to stream Netflix?
Here are some benchmarks:
- 500 Kbps = Minimum quality
- 1,500 Kbps = Normal quality (less than 480p)
- 3,000 Kbps = SD quality (480p or better)
- 5,000 Kbps = HD quality (720p or better)
- 25,000 Kbps = Ultra HD quality (1080p or better)
To optimize the best speed and reliability when streaming Netflix, 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.
In testing out ExpressVPN, I’ve found that any server will give me maximum quality when streaming Netflix from Europe. Here I am streaming American Netflix through a Washington DC server with
ExpressVPN:
ExpressVPN offers the speed for high-quality Netflix streams at all times (zero buffering).
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.
VPN for Netflix conclusion
Using the right 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.
- Unlock American Netflix to give you the largest selection of movies and TV shows.
- Access other Netflix regions, such as Netflix UK, France, and Netherlands (but US Netflix has the largest selection by far).
- 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 listed on this page should give you everything you need. Remember to contact the VPNs support team directly if you are having any issues with streaming or unblocking Netflix.
