How to Watch Netflix With a VPN in Other Countries (2024)

If you’re traveling and want to watch Netflix abroad, securing your internet connection is crucial. Public WiFi networks, commonly found at hotels, cafes, and airports, tend to lack robust security, making tourists attractive targets for hackers.

You should also note that Netflix libraries are restricted to certain countries. For example, many Netflix US shows won’t be available when you travel across Europe.

While you can technically use a VPN to access your home Netflix library from abroad, this would go against Netflix’s Terms of Service and could infringe on copyright. No one can tell what you do online when you use a VPN, which means it’s your responsibility to make sure you’re abiding by the rules.

However, if you want to protect your browsing activity while using public WiFi hotspots abroad, my top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It offers robust security features, a reliable server network, and fast speeds to easily stream Netflix in the highest quality. Best of all, you can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not 100% happy, getting a refund is easy. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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5 Best VPNs to Watch Netflix — Updated in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — Fast Speeds to Watch Netflix in 4K Quality Without Buffering

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested December 2024

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is impressively fast, perfect for uninterrupted 4K Netflix streaming. The VPN uses a custom-made and optimized Lightway VPN protocol to provide the best speeds. Most VPNs slow you down considerably due to the encryption process, but with ExpressVPN, I measured only a mere 6% drop in speed on its US server. This gave me a final speed of 94Mbps — much higher than the 25Mbps needed for UHD streaming.

While in the US, I had no buffering or audio stuttering when watching Netflix

With the MediaStreamer feature, you can enjoy watching Netflix on devices that don’t normally support VPN apps. I had no problems setting up MediaStreamer for my PS5 and Tizen smart TV. All I had to do was copy and paste the smart DNS address provided to me into the network settings of the target device. After that, I could open the Netflix app and enjoy my favorite shows from the US library while in Albuquerque.

The VPN also has a ton of servers, including 24 US locations. While connected to its New York server, my connection was stable, and I never had any disconnects or location errors while watching Obsession in the US.

One minor downfall is that the VPN is a tad expensive. But ExpressVPN often runs deals or promotions that let you save money — I got 61% off and 3 extra free months by opting for the 12-month plan. This got me an affordable final price of just $4.99/month.

Plus, getting a refund is quick and straightforward. If you don’t like the service, ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. I contacted support via 24/7 live chat (you can also use the email ticket system), answered a few standard questions, and got my refund approved. Just 3 days later, I got my money back in my bank account.

Useful Features

• Automatic obfuscation. All of ExpressVPN’s servers have obfuscation technology, which makes VPN traffic look like normal traffic. This allows you to stream Netflix on restrictive networks that use VPN-blocking firewalls, like workplaces and schools.
• Strong security. ExpressVPN keeps your connection secure with military-grade encryption (256-bit AES), a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. This ensures neither Netflix nor online snoopers can track your browsing activity.
• Unlimited bandwidth. You can stream Netflix content in the highest quality without worrying about hitting any data caps.
• Easy to use. All ExpressVPN apps are intuitive and responsive. Connecting to a server just takes a few clicks, and even complete VPN beginners should have no trouble using the apps.

2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers to Relibaly Watch Netflix

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost comes with servers specifically designed to watch Netflix reliably in great quality. These servers are regularly maintained and updated by the company to ensure you can reliably watch Netflix when you’re in specific countries like the UK, France, India, Australia, and many more. While in the US, I tested CyberGhost’s dedicated US Netflix servers and had no streaming issues. The servers are labeled and listed under the “For streaming” tab, so it’s easy to find the ideal one for your needs.

While in the US, you can choose from any of CyberGhost’s optimized servers for Netflix US

Despite being slower than ExpressVPN, CyberGhost is fast enough for UHD streaming and offers unlimited bandwidth. While in the US, I connected to its US server and experienced no buffering watching Twin Peaks. In fact, my connection remained above the 91Mbps mark, which was just a 9% drop from my regular speeds.

CyberGhost’s apps are user-friendly. For example, you can mark frequently used servers as "favorites" for easy access later. You may also type “Netflix” into the search bar to see a full list of CyberGhost’s Netflix-optimized streaming servers.

One slight disappointment is that the monthly plans aren’t just expensive but come with a reduced money-back guarantee (14 days). However, if you go for a long-term subscription, the price drops to just $2.19/month. The long-term plans also extend the money-back guarantee — allowing you to try CyberGhost risk-free for 45 days.

Useful Features

• WireGuard protocol. CyberGhost uses the WireGuard protocol by default, which is designed for fast speeds. This is perfect for seamless high-quality streaming on Netflix.
• Router compatibility. All accounts get a total of 7 simultaneous connections. However, by installing it on your router, you can use the VPN on every device on your network without being subject to this limit — including smart TVs and game consoles.
• Dedicated IP. For a small added fee, you can purchase a dedicated IP with CyberGhost. This is an IP address only you can use, unlike regular VPN IP addresses, which are shared by many users. For example, if you’re in the US, you can get a dedicated US IP that is more reliable for private streaming.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customizable Settings To Tailor the VPN for Streaming Netflix

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA offers several adjustable settings, letting you optimize your connection for Netflix. For example, you can switch encryption level — I recommend lowering your encryption to AES 128-bit from 256-bit to get a nice boost in speed while remaining highly secure. The VPN also lets you choose between OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols. For the best speeds, I highly recommend choosing WireGuard.

It only takes a few clicks to speed up your connection for Netflix streaming

Unlimited device connections mean you can connect as many devices as you want to PIA, without any restrictions. When testing PIA, I connected and streamed Netflix on a handful of devices and didn’t notice a drop in performance. The connection remained stable and my speed stayed above 88Mbps, just 12% slower than my base connection.

Similar to CyberGhost, the service also offers a few streaming-optimized servers. You can select from 7 different locations, such as the UK, the US, Japan, India, and Australia. For example, if you're in the US, connecting to a US streaming-optimized server will give you a more reliable connection for streaming your local US library.

By going for a long-term subscription, you can get PIA for just $2.19/month. Monthly plans don’t provide anything extra but cost more in the long run, so I recommend getting the 3-year subscription.

Useful Features

• Huge server network. PIA offers 29,650 servers across 91 countries — it’s one of the biggest VPN networks out there. This means you’ll run little risk of running into overcrowded servers, which can cause massive slowdowns and sudden disconnects.
• Split tunneling. It allows you to set specific apps to ignore the VPN connection. This can be useful if you have apps where low ping is important, such as online mobile games (VPNs increase your latency).
• Money-back guarantee. The service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free.

4. NordVPN — User-Friendly VPN Apps to Watch Your Local Netflix Shows with Ease

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN’s intuitive apps are ideal for VPN beginners. Thanks to its world map interface, it only takes a few seconds to find a local server and secure your connection. Just pan the map to the relevant country and click it to connect. It also only takes a few minutes to install, and everything works right out of the box.

The VPN’s NordLynx protocol uses an upgraded version of WireGuard for efficient video streaming. It’s designed to be lightweight, simple, and efficient, making it faster than many traditional VPN protocols. When testing the US servers from the US, my average download speed was 82Mbps, letting me watch NCIS in high quality without delays.

The only issue I have is that certain servers take a while to connect. However, since NordVPN has 6,800 servers all over the world, it's easy to switch to a different server if you encounter a slow connection. You also get unlimited bandwidth, so you can stream without interruptions once you get a working server.

If you’re unsure, you can try NordVPN for free using its 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested this policy by contacting support and asking for a refund. After a short chat, the rep approved my request, and my money arrived within a week.

Useful Features

• 24/7 live chat. When I had an issue with NordVPN’s Threat Protection feature (an ad and malware-blocker), the 24/7 support team gave me a useful fix within minutes.
• Obfuscated servers. These servers disguise VPN traffic as regular traffic, allowing you to access services like Netflix on restrictive networks like some schools and offices.

5. Surfshark — Camouflage Mode to Safely Stream Netflix on Restrictive Networks

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

Surfshark’s Camouflage mode allows you to bypass VPN blocks and watch Netflix securely on restrictive networks — such as those found in schools and workplaces that block VPN connections. So Surfshark’s Camouflage mode disguises your VPN traffic as regular traffic, allowing you to watch Netflix without issue.

Nicely, Surfshark generally offers good speeds, too. While I did observe a considerable drop in speed (around 20%), I was still able to stream 4K content on Netflix smoothly without any delays. When testing Surfshark with the WireGuard protocol from the US, I experienced no slowdown on the US servers.

You can get Surfshark’s long-term plan for just $1.99/month. Monthly plans don’t offer anything extra but cost more, so I recommend the yearly plans. In case you don’t like the VPN, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. I got my refund in just a few business days.

Useful Features

• Unlimited device connections. Like PIA, Surfshark also offers unlimited device connections. While Surfshark isn’t quite as fast as PIA, I could still stream Netflix on several devices without running into any slowdowns or disconnects.
• Bypasser. With Surfshark, you have the freedom to specify which apps should use the VPN connection. While in the US, I configured my browser to use the VPN tunnel, allowing me to stream Netflix securely, while FIFA 2023 stayed on my regular connection, letting me game online at low latency.

Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Netflix

All the VPNs on my list offer impressive speeds and robust security features to securely watch Netflix without delays. But if you want to perform your own tests, feel free to use my checklist of key features:

• Fast speeds. To stream Netflix in UHD without delays or audio stutters, you need a fast VPN with unlimited bandwidth. Look for a service that doesn’t drop your speeds by more than 50%.
• Quality security and privacy features. Choose a service with AES 256-bit encryption, a verified no-logs policy, IP/DNS/WebRTC leak protection, and a kill switch. That way, you can stream Netflix privately and securely in other countries.
• Reliable customer support. Choose a VPN with helpful support teams that are available 24/7 — so you can get assistance wherever you are in the world.
• Device compatibility. Make sure you select a VPN that is compatible with the devices you use to stream Netflix.
  Trustworthy money-back guarantee. If a VPN has a reliable money-back guarantee, you can receive a complete refund if you're not happy with the service.

Where Can I Watch Netflix Online?

You can watch Netflix in over 190 countries, so it’s easier to list locations where Netflix isn’t available — China, Crimea, North Korea, Russia, and Syria.

However, some Netflix shows are only accessible in certain regions due to licensing agreements. The platform checks your IP address to see where you’re located, then redirects you to the library for your region. For example, if you live in the US but travel abroad, your Netflix account will connect to the library for the country you’re in instead of Netflix US. That means you can lose access to the shows you usually watch at home.

Keep in mind that not every VPN works with Netflix. For example, the issue with a lot of VPNs is that nearly all their IP addresses have already been blocked by Netflix and were never replaced. This can lead to you getting the annoying “You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy” M7111-5059 error message.

By choosing the right VPN, you should never have to see this screen

Note: Theoretically, you could use a VPN to obtain your home country's IP address while traveling. However, this may violate Netflix’s terms and conditions and could potentially be viewed as copyright infringement.

FAQs on Watching Netflix With a VPN

Is it legal to watch Netflix with a VPN?

Yes, using a VPN with Netflix to secure your connection is legal. After all, VPNs are tools to protect your sensitive data, especially on unsecured WiFi hotspots. They also prevent sites like Netflix from tracking your online activity.

That being said, it's important to note that some countries (like China, Russia, and Iran) have laws that restrict the use of VPNs or make it illegal to access certain types of content. Always check your local laws and regulations before using a VPN.

Does Netflix ban VPN users?

Not as of the time of writing. There have been no recorded incidents of a Netflix user being banned for simply using a VPN. Instead, Netflix attempts to block VPN connections, not ban the users themselves.

It’s also worth noting that Netflix states in its Terms of Use that you should primarily access content in the geographic location in which you established your account. Please keep up to date with Netflix’s Terms of Use at all times to make sure you aren’t breaking any rules.

What should I do if my VPN isn't working with Netflix?

There are a few things you can try to troubleshoot the issue. But before doing anything, it's worth noting that not all VPN providers work with Netflix. I’d first ensure you’re using a reliable VPN that’s been proven to consistently work with Netflix.

If your VPN should really be working with Netflix but isn’t, try the following:

• Make sure your VPN app is up to date. If you're having trouble with your VPN connection, it may be due to a bug. You can usually resolve this issue by installing the most recent version of the VPN application.
• Connect to a different VPN server. Try connecting to a different server in the same country to see if that resolves the issue.
• Try a different protocol. Some VPN protocols aren’t strong enough to work with Netflix. Try switching to one that’s more secure, like Lightway or OpenVPN.
• Clear your browser cache and cookies. Clearing them can help resolve Netflix connectivity issues. Using Incognito mode (or private mode) can also help.
• Contact your VPN provider. If you've tried the above steps and you're still having trouble connecting to Netflix, contact your VPN provider's customer support team for help.

Can I get Netflix subtitles in my language?

Yes, you can manually select your subtitle preferences in your Netflix settings. It’s easy to switch these up by going to Audio & Subtitles on your account page.

How do I change my Netflix billing country?

The country on your account can't be changed unless you move to a new one. Keep in mind that pricing, billing currency, and available payment methods vary by country. You will most likely need a payment method that is accepted in the new country. To change your Netflix billing country, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Netflix account. Click on your profile icon in the top right corner of the screen and select Account.
2. Click on the Membership & Billing section. Then select the Change billing information option.
3. Select Billing information. Enter your new billing information, including your new billing address and payment method.
4. Save the new changes. Simply click on the Update payment info button.

Can I watch Netflix with a free VPN?

It's not recommended. Many free VPNs have tiny networks, poor security, and bad customer service, making it difficult to find a server that works with Netflix. Additionally, most free VPNs deliberately restrict your speeds, bandwidth, and data — limiting how much you can stream. It's better to use a reputable paid VPN with a money-back guarantee.

Even if you find a free VPN without too many limitations, you could be putting your data at risk. Free services have been known to log what you do online and sell the information to the highest bidder.

Securely Watch Netflix With a VPN in Minutes

If you wish to enjoy watching Netflix shows without worrying about your online security on public WiFi hotspots, a top-notch VPN is essential. All VPNs on my list offer robust security features and fast speeds for buffer-free streaming.

ExpressVPN is the best choice for Netflix. It offers military-grade encyption and impressive speeds for streaming. It's also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test ExpressVPN risk-free. In case it doesn’t meet your standards, getting a refund is simple.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs to securely watch Netflix…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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