While Netflix actively blocks many VPNs, providers like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, and CyberGhost consistently work by rotating servers and using obfuscation, though success depends on specific servers and regions; it's best to use their money-back guarantees to test for your desired library, as what works today might not tomorrow.
NordVPN, ProtonVPN and Surfshark offer the best performance for unblocking Netflix. All VPNs were tested for speed, Netflix compatibility, and regional availability.
In our testing, we found that, yes, NordVPN unblocks American Netflix as well as other countries' Netflix libraries with its vast VPN server network. The VPN app works if you're outside the country wanting to watch your local content or if you're trying to connect to a non-U.S. server to watch geo-restricted content.
Netflix doesn't usually ban users for using VPNs. Instead, it blocks the VPN connection. If that happens, you'll get an error or lose access to specific shows.
Yes, Proton VPN can bypass Netflix, but it works best with paid plans (VPN Plus/Unlimited) and specific servers, allowing access to various regional libraries like the US, UK, Canada, and Japan, though free accounts are often blocked by Netflix's IP detection; you'll need to connect to a dedicated streaming server for consistent success, as Netflix actively blocks VPNs.
VPNs provide greater protection because they encrypt traffic. For organizations that deal with sensitive data and need to keep their browsing activity hidden, a VPN is the ideal solution. Organizations that are simply looking for users to browse the internet anonymously can benefit from a proxy server.
Can Netflix detect a VPN? Yes, Netflix can identify if you're using a VPN. However, there are several VPN services that have optimized servers that will go undetected by Netflix.
How To Avoid VPN Blocks
How do I change my Netflix region on my TV? To change your Netflix region on your TV, you need to find a VPN that's compatible with your TV, be it Chromecast, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, or another service. Once you have signed up for and downloaded the VPN, log in and connect to another country's server.
Does the Netflix VPN trick still work? Yes, at the current time of writing you'll be able to access UK Netflix content while connected to a VPN like Surfshark or ExpressVPN.
Once you're connected to a VPN server, go to Netflix and see if you can access it. Log in to your Netflix account, and watch what you want. If Netflix isn't unblocked, connect to a different server and try again.
In countries where VPNs are legal, the main risk is usually violating a platform's terms of service (like Netflix or Hulu). Some services may block VPN traffic or suspend accounts. But there are no legal penalties for VPN use itself.
NordVPN is our number-one choice VPN for accessing and changing Netflix regions.
ProtonVPN and PrivadoVPN are the two free VPNs we trust the most on the market right now. It's worth noting that paid VPNs for Netflix provide more powerful servers. These VPNs often employ obfuscated servers, which hide your VPN usage better than free versions and let you bypass Netflix's restrictions easily.
As mentioned earlier, Netflix identifies and blocks IP addresses it associates with VPNs. If you're connected to a server assigned a blocked IP address, you won't be able to stream content on the platform. Switching to a different server increases the chances of connecting to one that it hasn't identified.
The good news is that there is almost no way to track live, encrypted VPN traffic. Law enforcement can only obtain data, if available, about websites visited and so on. Otherwise, hackers and snooping government agencies are generally blocked by the fact that the data is encrypted.
How to get around the Netflix VPN ban
Whether or not you can get in trouble for using a VPN depends on what country you're in. If you're in the U.S., VPNs are legal, so no, you can't get into trouble for using them. However, if you're in a country that bans VPNs, like China, then yes, you can get into trouble for using them.
The United States has the largest content library of all, so naturally, Netflix subscribers outside America want access to content from the United States because it offers them the most choice and flexibility. And that, unfortunately, is the reason for Netflix's controversial VPN crackdown.
If you don't see TV shows and movies that are available for your country, you may need to turn your VPN off. Note:Watching Netflix while using a VPN isn't allowed on an ad-supported plan. Live events on Netflix can't be watched while using a VPN.
Choose a suitable VPN provider that works with Netflix.
We recommend NordVPN but Surfshark and ExpressVPN are great alternatives that work with multiple Netflix catalogs.
Software-Defined Wide Area Network (SD-WAN)
SD-WAN allows network administrators to write new rules and policies and then configure and deploy them across the entire network at once. SD-WANs are known for lower cost, higher performance, and greater reliability compared to VPNs.
Using a proxy server in and of itself is not illegal. However, the legality of using a proxy depends on how it is being used and in which jurisdiction. In some countries, using a proxy to bypass internet censorship or access restricted websites may be illegal.
A VPN might reduce your connection speed even if your internet service provider isn't throttling your speed; Using a VPN on mobile will increase your mobile data usage; Some apps may require your IP to come from your country of residence. This is particularly common with banking apps.