The best VPN for Netflix in 2022 (10 total, all working, 2 free)

Netflix undeniably has the broadest media library among all streaming services. However, much of its content is geographically restricted due to copyright agreements. Therefore, despite the global availability of Netflix, you may not be able to stream what you indeed want unless you use a VPN.

This service can help you unblock Netflix and easily open up the international streaming catalog to hundreds of new TV shows and movies, regardless of your country.

However, since Netflix bans VPNs and proxies, only a few VPNs genuinely work with the streaming giant.

So, what are the best VPNs to access Netflix from anywhere you want? Find out all about it in this post.

A quick look at the top 3 Netflix VPNs

1. ExpressVPN – The best VPN for watching Netflix with privacy. Offers servers from 94 countries, fast speeds, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and excellent device compatibility.
2. NordVPN – Ensures robust security with blazing-fast speed, thorough privacy, customized streaming servers, strict no-logs policy, and affordable plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. Private Internet Access – An affordable solution with fast-speed connectivity, ten simultaneous connections, diversified device support, top-notch privacy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Is it legal to use a VPN with Netflix?

A VPN is undoubtedly the best way to get past Netflix geo-blocks and enjoy your favorite TV shows or movies.

But you may wonder whether you can get into any legal trouble by doing so.

Thankfully, it is entirely legal to access Netflix via VPNs. So your activity of accessing your own Netflix account for which you paid isn’t illegal, no matter how you access it.

However, some countries (such as China, UAE, and Saudi Arabia) tend to discourage VPN use. Some countries even label VPNs as illegal.

If you happen to be in such a country, it might cause you some legal issues. But that would not be because of Netflix, but rather the respective country’s laws around VPNs.

In a nutshell, it is generally legal for you to watch Netflix using VPNs. However, keep in mind that the streaming firm does not encourage users to use a VPN as it wants them to stream content based on their locations. So, while you won’t likely face legal issues for this behaviour, you may get errors in accessing the streaming platform.

Why you need the right type of VPN to unblock Netflix

Before diving into the best VPNs that work with Netflix, let’s discuss why you need one to unblock the streaming giant.

Netflix uses your IP address to determine your location, which it then uses to decide the type of movies or TV shows you can view and the ones to block (geoblocking). The reason why Netflix enforces blocks is the pressure of upholding distribution and licensing agreements.

Therefore, to bypass geoblocking, you need the right VPN. Otherwise, you won’t be able to watch your favorite movies.

For instance, with a robust VPN, you can unblock American Netflix outside of the US (which gives you access to the most extensive selection of TV shows and movies).

You also get to enjoy other Netflix regions, such as Netflix Canada, the UK, Netherlands, France, and more.

Subsequently, a quality VPN service encrypts your internet traffic to provide better security and privacy while enjoying your favorite shows.

How to choose the best VPN for Netflix

As you may already know, not all VPNs can work with Netflix. Therefore, you need to pick those that work (and provide fast streaming) while offering tremendous online privacy. So, how do you choose them?

Understandably, the best service for seamless Netflix streaming should first bypass Netflix’s VPN blocks.

Secondly, it must have servers in the country where you want to access the content. So, for instance, if you’re looking to watch Netflix US, you have to connect to the US VPN server to change your IP location.

Also, the VPN must offer high-speed connections with unlimited bandwidth to ensure unrestricted, fast, and high-definition streaming.

Besides, it also needs robust security features to protect personal data, like military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy.

10 best VPNs for Netflix – Detailed list

Now that you know how to pick the VPN services for seamless streaming, you must be afraid of spending so much time analyzing different services.

Thus, to save you from all this effort, we vetted more than 50 VPN providers based on criteria such as speed, robust security, server coverage, money-back guarantee, ease of use, and reliability.

Following these rigorous tests, below are the top Netflix VPNs to choose from in 2022.

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is one of the best providers that ticks all the boxes when it comes to using VPN with Netflix.

It supports all the popular devices available today, such as iOS, PC, Mac, Linux, and Android. Also, it works on routers (Linksys, Asus, Netgear, etc.) alongside Smart TVs, including Samsung Smart TV, Amazon Fire TV, Fire Stick, Apple TV, Google Chromecast, Roku, and Android smart TVs.

ExpressVPN is arguably the best option, with a dedicated Netflix page and a range of server locations that make unblocking Netflix a child’s play. In addition, it allows you to unblock Netflix both in the web browser and the Netflix App.

The streaming speeds are second to none, and the provider easily bypasses VPN blocks thanks to over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. Besides, you can use this VPN on five different devices simultaneously with a single subscription, regardless of the platform (even if it is a virtual machine).

Also, ExpressVPN values privacy alongside guarding your data with the best-in-class encryption protocols, a strict no-logs policy, and an automatic kill switch.

The provider has 24/7 live chat support to answer all your questions instantly. In addition, every ExpressVPN subscription has a Media Streamer smart DNS proxy that you can use if your device doesn’t support VPNs.

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2. NordVPN

One VPN that works perfectly with Netflix is NordVPN. It seamlessly supports Linux, PC, Mac, iOS, Android, and routers.

As with ExpressVPN, no matter which device you have, NordVPN will mask your IP address, hide your location online, and encrypt internet traffic.

Moreover, it allows accessing Netflix in the browser as well as via the Netflix app.

NordVPN unblocks different Netflix catalogs; precisely, any server that you connect will unblock Netflix. It also offers dedicated streaming servers optimized for HD videos.

Plus, its Smart Play technology offers unlimited unblocking quickly, thanks to its vast network of over 5,200 servers in 59 countries across the globe.

With high-end security, unlimited bandwidth, and super-fast speeds, NordVPN can virtually overcome all VPN blocks. Moreover, you can easily keep your household entertained with six simultaneous device connections with one subscription.

NordVPN isn’t only made for Netflix but to gain complete online anonymity as you get double-encryption where data travels over two secure tunnels that leave no trace.

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3. Private Inernet Access

While many VPN providers offer low-performance and cheap VPS, Private Internet Access (PIA) has a fast network of excellent powerful dedicated servers worldwide to ensure that everything runs smoothly without waiting or lagging.

PIA offers easy-to-use VPN apps for Windows, Linux, iOS, Android, router, and macOS. The provider also provides you with the website and device filters, smart mode, app guard, and other extra features.

It has servers in more than 28,000 servers across more than 80 locations. Like other Netflix VPNs covered in this article, Private Internet Access is trusted by millions of people globally.

With PIA VPN, each personal plan will allow you to use the service on up to ten devices.

Furthermore, as with other top-notch VPNs, your internet traffic is protected from hackers or spies through SSL encryption that runs seamlessly in the background.

4. Surfshark

If you want to unblock Netflix with just a click, then SurfsharkVPN is the way to go. The best thing is you get 30 days to test this VPN for free.

SurfsharkVPN is an excellent choice for fast and high-quality Netflix streaming. It has an extensive network of 3200+ servers in 65 countries, indicating that it can unblock almost every Netflix library.

Also, its robust security features, such as AES encryption, offer added privacy and anonymity while streaming your favorite TV shows and other content.

Besides, Surfshark’s CleanWeb feature protects you from malware, ads, phishing attempts, and trackers.

On top of everything, you receive a 30-day money-back guarantee when subscribing to Surfshark, which means you can try it risk-free.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish is not only a reputed VPN but also a fast service that stands tall with what it claims for security and privacy.

Interestingly, it also supports unlimited simultaneous device connections in a single subscription. The apps available include PC, Mac, Linux, Windows, Android, and iOs.

Moreover, it lets you unblock your preferred version of Netflix in the browser and US Netflix app.

IPVanish boasts over 2,000 servers with server locations in more than 75 locations. Besides, they have expeditious 24/7 live chat support.

Also, with this VPN, you can enjoy unlimited P2P (torrent) traffic without worrying about your privacy.

To test this VPN yourself, subscribe to it as it offers a 7-day money-back guarantee, making it attractive for those looking to bypass Netflix VPN blocks and download torrents safely.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN also has apps available for macOS, iOS, Windows, and Android. Even though PrivateVPN is a small provider, it still unblocks Netflix in over 20 countries.

The provider also has a 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s also affordable and straightforward to use while offering top-of-the-line security features. Besides, it guarantees not to collect personal data.

For beginners, it’s what you’ve been looking for, as you can have a customer support agent install your VPN software through remote assistance. Furthermore, it has a 7-day free trial.

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7. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost is one of the best choices for unblocking Netflix without fuss, as it doesn’t store logs and streams HD video reliably. The dedicated servers of CyberGhost VPN are the ones that make streaming Netflix real fun. The streaming section of the app lists servers by what they can unblock alongside their location.

Besides, the diversified platform compatibility, such as PC, iOS, Android, Linux, and Mac, makes CyberGhost another excellent choice for unrestricted streaming. Moreover, it unblocks US Netflix in the web browser as well as the US Netflix app.

Also, CyberGhost offers excellent speeds, a no-logs policy, top-notch security, and friendly customer support via 24/7 live chat.

Furthermore, you get a 45-day money-back guarantee with this provider.

But it’s not a top-of-the-line provider like the top 3 options on the list. Based on our extensive tests, you can expect better Netflix streaming with NordVPN and others (Surfshark and ExpressVPN).

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8. Windscribe

Windscribe has apps for all major platforms, such as Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and even Opera.

This VPN safeguards your online privacy via robust AES-256 cipher with SHA12 authentication and the 4096-bit RSA key. Moreover, the provider supports perfect forward secrecy.

To facilitate customers, the provider offers well-categorized support on its website, including setup guides, knowledgebase, and FAQs.

Alongside enabling you to watch your favorite shows on Netflix, Windscribe encrypts your browsing activity, unblocks other streaming channels, and blocks ads.

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9. Keenow Unblocker

Keenow Unblocker is a free VPN that unblocks US Netflix smoothly. After being in the free market for almost two years, the provider has also created a premium offering.

The central selling point of this Israel-based VPN provider is its ability to unblock streaming sites such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.

Also, it encrypts your internet traffic, securing it from potential hackers looking to sniff or hijack your data.

Keenow suits any user, making it a good option for beginners. Like the premium VPNs, you only need to sign in and connect, then let the app do the rest.

It also guarantees high-speed servers from top providers like Amazon web services, Microsoft Azure, and IBM Cloud. The client support is also excellent, so you resolve your queries quickly.

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10. ZenMate VPN

ZenMate was initially meant to be a free security extension for Chrome. But now, it has emerged as the best VPN you can use for Netflix streaming. It provides apps for many platforms/devices while offering budget-friendly plans.

It has over 4,200 servers in over 80 countries worldwide for streaming, unblocking VoDs, and P2P file sharing.

ZenMate ensures protection for yourself and your family across all your devices. You can use its apps on mobile devices, browsers, and desktops. You can also extend the security to all devices with ZenMate Ultimate, powered by OpenVPN.

Moreover, ZenMate is easy to install and boasts good speeds. Besides, they have set up prompt customer support.

Notably, ZenMate still has to cover a long way to become a great VPN. But if you have simple needs and want a low-cost Netflix unblocker, it should be a fine choice.

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Some of the VPNs are not working with Netflix anymore

While you know not all VPNs work with streaming platforms like Netflix, some service providers have admittedly failed at this point. Thus, you should better stay away from those services at all costs.

Here is a quick list of those VPNs that you must always avoid.

Buffered

Before September 2017, you could unblock Netflix on Windows, macOS, and in a web browser with Buffered VPN, but that is not the case now.

Despite the Netflix ban, the provider has not given up the fight yet. When our team of cybersecurity experts at PrivacySavvy contacted them, we discovered that the provider was actively working on escaping the Netflix VPN error.

The VPN’s representatives couldn’t provide a specific date to resolve the issue. So we do not know if it will work with Netflix ever again.

In the meantime, please do not get fooled by its popularity. It would be better for you not to trust Buffered for Netflix. However, if you wish, you can use it for torrenting and accessing other streaming services.

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Unlocator

It is not a VPN but rather a DNS proxy service, which used to work well with Netflix until mid-2016.

Since it is easier for Netflix to block DNS servers (compared to VPNs), Unlocator unsurprisingly faced the wrath of Netflix too.

Like Buffered VPN, Unlocator is actively working to evade the Netflix proxy error, but it remains unclear when the company will succeed.

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Unblock-US

It was once among the most widely used services for changing the Netflix region, but it all changed in July 2016.

Now, even Unblock-US has no mention of Netflix on its website, hinting that the company has surrendered to Netflix.

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Hola

Since Hola is a free VPN that promises to unblock any website on the planet, many people out there keep trying it with Netflix. However, it is not good enough to pass through the defences of Netflix.

Besides, the firm has a shady history as it has been found to violate users’ privacy in the past and even carried out DDoS (distributed denial-of-service) on sites.

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Unotelly

In 2016, Netflix blocked many DNS and VPN services. Unfortunately, Unotelly was also among them.

The provider hasn’t escaped the VPN traffic ban by the streaming giant and remains ineffective for unblocking Netflix.

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HideIPVPN

In 2016, the VPN provider announced that neither its smart DNS proxy nor its VPN service would help to unblock Netflix anymore.

Very next year, in 2017, HideIPVPN claimed that they had resolved the issue as the provider released beta access (with no promises and no complaints notice) for American Netflix unblocking.

But apparently, the beta is also a failure, as it didn’t work with Netflix during our extensive tests.

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GetFlix

As the name suggests, GetFlix is a VPN and Smart DNS proxy service that gained respect by allowing users to officially unblock Netflix when unavailable.

But it stopped working with Netflix in 2020. It didn’t work now either during our tests.

Some users reported to PrivacySavvy that it works sometimes. But that does not make it a good VPN for Netflix streaming, as it is no longer a reliable option for streaming your favorite TV shows.

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TunnelBear

Being launched in 2011, even though the provider is one of the oldest VPN services available there, it does not work with Netflix.

The provider does not mention Netflix on its site, probably because it knows it only has a small network of servers (compared to VPNs known to work with the streaming giant). (But it isn’t entirely useless, either. Read more about it in this extensive TunnelBear review).

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Blockless

It is a Canada-based company offering Smart DNS services to unblock streaming sites. But it has not worked with Netflix since it was put to the test by the streaming giant in 2016.

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Opera VPN

This one is a genuinely free in-browser proxy VPN that requires no subscription and enables you to unblock sites with unlimited speeds, bandwidth, and data.

It might let you unblock Netflix UK sometimes if you are lucky enough, but it won’t work for accessing Netflix US.

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OverPlay

This one is a known Smart DNS and VPN provider which once worked with Netflix. But as its servers were blocked by the streaming giant in 2016 intermittently, it never worked with it again.

It seems the company has given up on the fight to evade Netflix’s proxy detection system, as OverPlay now does not even claim to unblock Netflix on its website.

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Why does Netflix block some VPNs?

Netflix started blocking connections from proxies and VPNs in 2016, primarily to enforce its copyright obligations.

It results from pressure from the industry to uphold distribution and licensing agreements.

For instance, national TV stations pay licensing fees to the production studios to broadcast movies, popular shows, or other content.

The fact that consumers could view the locally-licensed content, especially without paying, didn’t go down well. Therefore, Netflix was pressured to block servers known to belong to VPNs.

The streaming giant blocks users using VPNs by their IP addresses. Netflix can even block a range of IP addresses belonging to a known data centre hosting VPN servers.

That is why many VPNs cannot combat the sophisticated firewall of Netflix. However, all the recommended providers are proven (and thoroughly tested) to bypass Netflix’s VPN ban.

Bypassing Netflix proxy error real quick

Since you must have selected the best VPN for Netflix of your choice by now, you might wonder how to avoid the infamous Netflix proxy error.

Here’s how to do it.

1. Sign up for the best VPN to beat the Netflix proxy ban, such as ExpressVPN.
2. Run the VPN app.
3. Select the server location you want to unblock for the Netflix library. For instance, if you watch American Netflix, you choose a server in the US.
4. Then click the Connect button and then wait for a few seconds for it to establish a connection.
5. Open the Netflix app or go to Netflix in a web browser to enjoy streaming your favorite content.

If the VPN works (as it should), you can stream your favorite movie without the proxy error.

Final thoughts

You don’t have to worry about the proxy error anymore. The best Netflix VPNs picked after extensive tests here will seamlessly get you past the Netflix blocks.

However, remember that some free VPN services like KeeNow and ZenMate may not always be consistent.

Therefore, if you want to enjoy smooth streaming on Netflix and unblock any country version, choose a robust service provider like ExpressVPN.

Let not your location be the barrier to enjoying the best movies and TV shows on your favorite streaming service. Subscribe to a VPN, sign up, sit, and enjoy unrestricted Netflix.

Happy streaming!