Best VPN for Netflix

Netflix offers different content libraries in every country, with some regions having far more shows and movies than others. The US library alone has thousands more titles than most countries, while the UK, Japan and Canada each host exclusive series that aren't available anywhere else.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, allows you to securely connect to servers in different countries and access Netflix libraries from around the world. This means you can watch content that would otherwise be geo-restricted, all while maintaining your privacy and security online.

In this guide, we look at two VPN providers that consistently work with Netflix and bypass its VPN detection, NordVPN and Surfshark. Both offer fast streaming speeds, reliable connections to Netflix libraries worldwide, and strong privacy features that keep your viewing private.

What a VPN is and how it works with Netflix

A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through a secure server in another country. This makes it appear as if you're browsing from that location, which allows you to access Netflix content available in that region.

Netflix uses geo-blocking to restrict content based on your IP address. When you connect to a VPN server in the US, UK or Japan, Netflix sees that country's IP address instead of your real one, giving you instant access to that library.

Here's how it works:

1. Install the VPN app on your device
2. Connect to a server in your desired country (US, UK, Japan, etc.)
3. Open Netflix and stream content from that country's library
4. Enjoy buffer-free streaming in HD or 4K

Why you may need a VPN for Netflix

Netflix's content library varies dramatically by country due to licensing agreements. A show available in one country might be completely unavailable in another, or available months later.

Using a VPN for Netflix helps you:

• Access Netflix libraries from the US, UK, Japan, Canada and 15+ other countries
• Watch exclusive shows and movies not available in your region
• Continue watching your favorite series when travelling abroad
• Get early access to new releases that launch in other countries first
• Stream in HD and 4K with fast, reliable connections
• Keep your viewing activity private from your ISP

For streamers who want the full Netflix catalog at their fingertips, a VPN removes all geographic restrictions and unlocks thousands of additional titles.

VPNs that work reliably with Netflix

NordVPN: unblocks Netflix everywhere

NordVPN is one of the most reliable VPNs for Netflix, consistently bypassing geo-restrictions and delivering fast, buffer-free streaming. It works with Netflix US, UK, Japan, Canada, Australia and many more regions.

Highlights of NordVPN:

• Unblocks 15+ Netflix libraries including US, UK, Japan
• SmartPlay technology optimized for streaming
• Lightning-fast speeds for HD and 4K streaming
• Works on Smart TVs, Firestick, Apple TV and all major devices
• Independently audited no-log policy
• 24-hour live chat support
• 30-day money back guarantee

Best for: Streamers who want consistent access to multiple Netflix libraries with the fastest speeds and zero buffering.

Surfshark: unlimited devices, unlimited streaming

Surfshark is another top choice for Netflix users. It unblocks major Netflix libraries reliably and supports unlimited simultaneous connections, making it perfect for families or households with multiple devices.

Highlights of Surfshark:

• Unlimited device connections on one account
• Unblocks Netflix US, UK, Japan, Canada and more
• Fast speeds for smooth HD streaming
• Works with Smart TVs, Firestick, gaming consoles
• CleanWeb feature blocks ads and trackers
• Affordable long-term pricing
• 30-day money back guarantee

Best for: Families and multi-device households who want to stream Netflix on every screen without limits.

‍

VPN comparison for Netflix streaming

Both NordVPN and Surfshark excel at unblocking Netflix libraries worldwide. See the quick comparison below to choose the best fit for your streaming needs.

NordVPN is ideal if you want the fastest streaming speeds, access to the most Netflix libraries (15+), and flawless 4K performance.

‍Surfshark is better if you have multiple devices in your household and prefer unlimited simultaneous connections with excellent value pricing.

Which Netflix libraries can you access?

Both NordVPN and Surfshark reliably unblock Netflix in:

• 🇺🇸 United States - The largest library with 5,000+ titles
• 🇬🇧 United Kingdom - Exclusive BBC co-productions and British originals
• 🇯🇵 Japan - Unique anime and Japanese films
• 🇨🇦 Canada - Different selection than US with some exclusives
• 🇦🇺 Australia - Unique Australian content
• 🇩🇪 Germany - European films and series
• 🇫🇷 France - French cinema and shows
• 🇮🇹 Italy - Italian productions
• 🇪🇸 Spain - Spanish language content
• 🇧🇷 Brazil - Portuguese language shows
• 🇮🇳 India - Bollywood and regional content
• 🇰🇷 South Korea - K-dramas and Korean films
• 🇳🇱 Netherlands - Dutch content
• 🇸🇬 Singapore - Southeast Asian selection

Simply connect to a server in any of these countries and Netflix will show you that region's catalog.

How to set up a VPN for Netflix

Setting up a VPN for Netflix streaming is quick and straightforward.

Step-by-step setup:

1. Purchase and install your chosen VPN on all your devices
2. Open the VPN app and connect to a server in your desired country (e.g., US, UK, Japan)
3. Open Netflix in your browser or app
4. Start streaming - Netflix will automatically show content from that country
5. Switch servers anytime to access different libraries

Pro tips for best performance:

• Choose servers geographically closer to you for faster speeds
• Use wired connections or 5GHz WiFi for 4K streaming
• Clear your browser cache if Netflix shows wrong content
• Keep your VPN app updated for best compatibility

Does Netflix block VPNs?

Netflix does attempt to block VPN traffic, but premium VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark have the resources to stay ahead of these blocks. They constantly update their server IP addresses and use advanced technology to remain undetected.

If you see the Netflix proxy error, try:

1. Disconnecting and reconnecting to a different server in the same country
2. Clearing your browser cache and cookies
3. Contacting your VPN's 24/7 support for recommended servers

Both NordVPN and Surfshark have dedicated streaming servers that are optimized to work with Netflix and updated regularly to bypass detection.

Can I use a free VPN for Netflix?

Free VPNs rarely work with Netflix and come with significant drawbacks:

• Most free VPNs are already blocked by Netflix
• Extremely slow speeds cause constant buffering
• Data caps limit how much you can watch
• Security risks from questionable privacy policies
• No customer support when issues arise

Premium VPNs like NordVPN and Surfshark invest heavily in maintaining access to Netflix and providing fast, reliable streaming. The small monthly cost is worth it for unlimited, buffer-free streaming across all Netflix libraries.

VPN for Netflix on different devices

Both NordVPN and Surfshark work on all major streaming devices:

Smart TVs: Native apps for Android TV, LG, SamsungStreaming devices: Firestick, Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, ChromecastGame consoles: PlayStation, XboxMobile: iPhone, iPad, Android phones and tabletsDesktop: Windows, macOS, LinuxBrowsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge extensions

You can stream Netflix with a VPN on up to 6 devices simultaneously with NordVPN, or unlimited devices with Surfshark.

Final recommendation: best VPN for Netflix 2026

A VPN unlocks the full potential of your Netflix subscription by giving you access to thousands of additional shows and movies from around the world. Whether you want to watch US exclusives, Japanese anime, or British dramas, a VPN removes all geographic restrictions.

NordVPN is the top choice for streamers who want the fastest speeds, most reliable connections, and access to 15+ Netflix libraries with zero buffering.

Surfshark is ideal for families and multi-device households who want unlimited simultaneous connections and excellent value for money.

Both are premium VPNs that consistently bypass Netflix's VPN detection and deliver smooth, HD streaming on every device. Choose either one and you'll never run out of content to watch.