With a presence in over 190 countries, Netflix is undoubtedly the king in OTT streaming and entertainment. However, Netflix is not available in all countries, and even if it works in your country, you will only have access to its local content library. You need a VPN to overcome these problems, and here we are to tell you the best VPN for Netflix.
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Last updated on 28 November 2023
Why Do I Need the Best VPN for Netflix?
You need a VPN for Netflix because of many reasons. First of all, Netflix is not accessible in all countries, and especially it does not have any presence in China, Syria, Russia, North Korea, and Crimea. So, unfortunately, if you are located in any of the countries where Netflix does not work, you will fail to access the platform.
Another reason why you need the help of a VPN that unblocks Netflix is a country-specific content library of Netflix. In other words, Netflix adheres to the licensing agreements or broadcasting contracts signed with content producers. As a result, it does not have the right to show all content across all countries. So, it may happen that a particular movie is available on Netflix in the USA, but the same can be seen on any other OTT platform in a different country.
But how does Netflix block/provide access or offer the local content library based on my location? Netflix does it by reading your IP address and geolocation. It gets to know where you are located by reading this information. Now, if your location is outside Netflix’s permitted zone, the access will be denied immediately. Further, if it finds out that you are operating from a country where Netflix works, it will only allow you to see the local content. So, sitting in India, you won’t be able to watch the Japanese or USA library.
If you want to circumvent these restrictions, you need a VPN that unblocks Netflix. Read our guide on how to change Netflix region.
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How to Choose the Best Netflix VPN
We have kept many things in mind while choosing the best Netflix VPN. Our major concerns have been the server base, increasing the chances of unblocking, streaming features, speed, device compatibility, and obfuscation technology.
Server Base
The server base is extremely important, considering Netflix’s presence in over 190 countries. So, if you are located in a country where Netflix does not work, you can connect to the server of any of those permitted countries for streaming. Trust us. It is the easiest way to evade Geo-blocking implemented by Netflix.
Further, if you feel like watching content exclusively available in a foreign country, the server base plays a crucial role. Suppose you are in the UK and want to watch the USA catalog. Now, for that, the VPN you are using needs to have a sound server base in the USA. So, the more the number of server locations, the more the chances are for getting access to different content libraries.
Streaming Features
By streaming features, we refer to how strong the VPN is in maintaining your anonymity during online streaming. We have assessed many services and handpicked the ones with bolstered IP protection mechanisms like a kill switch and DNS leak protection.
Streaming Speed
Broken streams are annoying. So, we have tested many VPNs to check how consistent they are with the streaming speed and quality. To excel in these matters, a VPN needs to have powerful protocols (ExpressVPN has Lightway, NordVPN has WireGuard) and stop bandwidth throttling.
Without anyone to control or steal your bandwidth, the question of a broken or lagging stream does not occur.
Device Compatibility
We have tested VPNs to check their compatibility with various operating systems, devices, and browser extensions. See, versatile compatibility is important to increase the chances of your device supporting the VPN you have subscribed to. Further, usually, leading VPNs offer more than one simultaneous connection with a single account. So, compatibility is an important factor.
Obfuscation Technology
This is kind of an extension of the streaming features we checked but, of course, in a more advanced form. VPN blocking is very much possible by Netflix, and we have already highlighted this in one of our earlier sections. So, obfuscation becomes essential to evade the prying eyes of Netflix.
The Best VPN for Netflix Streaming in 2023
You already know the major parameters we have considered to find out the best VPNs for Netflix in 2023. Along with those factors, we have checked whether the services are value for money or not, how their customer support teams work, encryption standards, and the transparency in the money-back guarantee. Nevertheless, here goes our list.
How to Watch Netflix with a VPN
You can easily stream Netflix with the best VPN Netflix. Here is your step-by-step guide.
- Begin the process by choosing a reliable VPN for streaming Netflix. We recommend ExpressVPN as it has excelled in every test we have conducted. Be it streaming features, server performance, IP protection, or speed, it surely does not have any match.
- Then, you need to download and install the VPN app according to your device’s operating system.
- The next step is signing up for the VPN and buying one of its plans.
- Now, you can log into the VPN account using your credentials and connect to a server according to the Netflix content library you want to stream. To put it simply, to watch the Japanese library, choose a server in Japan and to watch the USA library, connect to an American server.
- Finally, log into your Netflix account and start streaming.
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Try ExpressVPN for FREE
The best VPN to watch Netflix, ExpressVPN, comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This is a no-question-asked refund guarantee, enabling a user to seek a full refund if the service is not satisfactory. In addition, there is a 7-day free trial offer for users who use the VPN on Android or iOS phones.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions related to the best VPN to stream Netflix. Let’s make an attempt to find the answers.
Is it legal to use a VPN for Netflix?
Yes, it is legal to use a VPN for Netflix. Netflix never explicitly bans the use of a VPN for streaming the site. However, according to Netflix guidelines, a VPN should be used when users want to stream global content. For accessing the local content library, the VPN should be turned off immediately.
What we understand from the Netflix guideline is that using a VPN with obfuscation technology is imperative. It is imperative because Netflix can block VPN traffic if there are any violations of the guideline. However, with obfuscation, the chances of detecting VPN traffic and blocking it become almost nil.
Can I use a free VPN for Netflix?
Yes, but we do not recommend using a free VPN to watch Netflix. Free VPNs cost you heavily though they don’t have subscription charges, there is a high chance that free VPNs will sell your sensitive data and logging patterns to third parties. Thus, you will be vulnerable to virus and malware attacks. Further, free VPNs do not have full-proof privacy and streaming features. So, your IP address can get leaked, and your online anonymity can be invaded anytime, making you fall under the radar of vigilant authorities.
Moreover, free VPNs do not have an impressive server base like premium VPNs. So, they may fail to help you in evading censorship in the very first place. So, instead of looking for a free VPN, try out the 30-day money-back guarantee or 7-day free trial from ExpressVPN.
My Netflix VPN is not working – what to do?
You must use a streaming-optimized VPN like ExpressVPN to ensure these kinds of problems do not occur frequently. However, if your VPN does not work, chances are that your IP address has been blocked. To overcome this, you need to connect to another server in the same location and clear all your browser cookies and histories.
Further, if you get M7111-1331-5059, 22004, or any other error code from Netflix, it will be best to contact the customer service team. The team will guide you with necessary measures like switching protocols, using SmartDNs, etc.
How to watch American Netflix in India?
You can easily watch American Netflix in India with the help of a powerful VPN like ExpressVPN. You just need to connect to one of its USA servers. Thus, you will get a USA IP address, and as you stream Netflix, the platform will read your USA IP, irrespective of where you are located. As a result, it will immediately grant your access to the American content library.
How to watch Netflix with ExpressVPN?
It is easy to watch Netflix with ExpressVPN. You have to download and install the ExpressVPN app based on the operating system of your device. Then, sign up for the VPN and buy one of the plans. Next, log into your ExpressVPN account and connect to a server based on the content library you want to access. For example, to watch American Netflix, you must connect to a USA server. Now, all you need to do is log into the Netflix account and stream the content you want.
Conclusion
Netflix is one of the most popular streaming platforms available in over 190 countries. However, not every country has access to the same movies, series, and TV shows, meaning you will not be able to watch another country’s exclusive content unless you have the best VPN to unblock Netflix. A VPN will allow you to access foreign content libraries in your country.
ExpressVPN is our recommended best VPN for streaming Netflix. It has a server presence in more than 94 countries, obfuscation technology, advanced protocol, and the best streaming features. Try ExpressVPN for 30 days and if you are not satisfied with the service, you can get a full money-back guarantee, with no questions asked.
