How to Use a VPN to Watch Netflix — Updated Guide (2024)

Reading time: 21 min

  • Elijah Ugoh

    Written by Elijah Ugoh Cybersecurity & Tech Writer

  • Amar Cemanovic

    Fact-Checked by Amar Cemanovic Cybersecurity Expert

The content you can watch on Netflix varies depending on your IP address, determined by the country you’re in. This is because streaming platforms sign licensing agreements with production companies, which restrict where a movie or TV show is available.

You can technically use a VPN to change your IP address to watch a Netflix movie in another location. However, this violates the platform’s Terms of Service and copyright agreements. For these reasons, I don’t condone using a VPN to watch restricted content.

But if you just want to use a VPN for security, ExpressVPN is the best VPN for streaming Netflix. It refreshes its IP addresses frequently to avoid blocks and has a large high-speed server network. It’s also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it risk-free. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Watch Netflix with ExpressVPN

Quick Guide: 3 Steps to Watch Netflix With a VPN

  1. Sign up for a trusted VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because of its high-speed servers and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Try ExpressVPN risk-free.
  2. Connect to a server. For the best speeds, pick a server in your location.
  3. Start watching your favorite shows. Log in to your account and watch your favorite Netflix TV shows and movies

Note: My team and I don’t condone breaking Netflix’s terms of service. Since all the recommended VPNs have strict zero-logs policies, they can’t keep track or see your online activities. It’s up to you to use your VPN responsibly and follow all rules and regulations.

Why You Need to Use a VPN When Watching Netflix

VPNs can help you stay anonymous online by encrypting your traffic and hiding all your activities from hackers and other third parties. This also applies to streaming shows on Netflix, especially when you use unsecured public WiFi a lot to save data.

A VPN can also improve streaming quality, especially when an ISP throttles speeds. However, I don’t condone using a VPN to hide your traffic or the fact that you’re streaming from your ISP, as it’s against most providers’ terms of use.

Recently, Netflix introduced cheaper ad-supported plans that are great for your wallet, but can be annoying. To avoid these ads, you can use a reliable VPN like NordVPN or Surfshark, as they come with built-in ad-blocking and anti-tracking features. This gives you an optimized streaming experience while enhancing your online privacy.

The Best VPNs to Use With Netflix in 2024

1. ExpressVPN — #1 VPN with High-Speed Servers for Watching Netflix without Buffering

Key Features:

  • Extensive server network with 3,000+ high-speed servers in 105 countries
  • It’s multiple high-speed servers allow you to watch Netflix in UHD uninterruptedly
  • Lets you connect up to 8 devices at once
  • 24/7 customer support via email, live chat, and tutorials
  • 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans

ExpressVPN is my top choice for streaming Netflix as it has high-speed servers that help you avoid lags. Its global network includes more than 3,000 servers, all of which work with Netflix in many countries like the US, UK, Japan, Germany, and Australia. ExpressVPN also updates its IP addresses frequently to avoid proxy detection and ensure it always works with Netflix.

Watch your favorite shows on Netflix without lags with ExpressVPN

I tested ExpressVPN’s distant servers in the US to determine how fast it is. The average speed was 74Mbps, approximately 14% less than my regular internet speed but 3 times what I’d need for UHD streaming on Netflix. This was faster than all the VPNs I tested. Plus, ExpressVPN was consistently stable for streaming, even on slow networks.

During tests, I noticed that ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway protocol provided strong security without compromising speeds. It allowed me to switch WiFi connections without interrupting my show — a common issue when I’m streaming on my iPhone. Fortunately, it’s available in all apps, including iOS and Android. ExpressVPN’s other advanced features are:

  • TrustedServer technology — uses RAM-based servers to ensure no identifiable data is ever stored.
  • Audited zero-logs policy — proves that ExpressVPN doesn’t collect any data that can be used to identify you.
  • AES-256 encryption — secures your streaming sessions with military-grade encryption that has never been cracked.
  • Split tunneling — allows you to channel traffic from certain apps and websites through the VPN while allowing others to bypass it.
  • Private DNS — sends your requests through its encrypted DNS servers to keep your activities private.
  • Automatic kill switch — disconnects your internet traffic if the VPN connection drops at any time.

While ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for watching Netflix, it’s slightly more expensive than other premium VPNs on this list. But it’s worth the speed and working IP addresses it provides for Netflix.

If you’re looking for affordable short-term VPN plans, you can start with ExpressVPN’s monthly plan. I recommend its 2-year + 4 months free plan for the best value, as it starts at $4.99/month. Plus, it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. When I tested this policy by requesting a refund via live chat, it was approved instantly and I was refunded within 3 days.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

ExpressVPN works with: Hulu, Max (formerly HBO Max), BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Disney+, Apple TV, Crackle, Peacock TV, ESPN+, Swedish TV, Pluto TV, and more.

ExpressVPN works on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Nvidia Shield, Xiaomi Mi Box, Chromecast, Roku, Android TVs, smart TVs, routers, and more.

Get ExpressVPN's Black Friday Deal! You can subscribe to ExpressVPN for as low as $ 4.99 per month + get extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 61%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.

 

2. CyberGhost — Dedicated Servers to Ensure Buffer-Free Streaming on Netflix

Key Features:

  • 11,670+ servers, plus multiple dedicated streaming servers in 100 countries
  • Offers you a number of streaming-optimized servers for watching Netflix
  • Allows up to 7 simultaneous device connection
  • Online support via 24/7 live chat and email
  • Long-term plans offer a 45-day money-back guarantee

CyberGhost has streaming-optimized servers worldwide for Netflix. These servers are available in the US, UK, Germany, France, and India. Since they’re checked frequently by CyberGhost’s team, the servers always have working IP addresses for Netflix. During tests, my teammates worldwide used CyberGhost’s optimized servers without issues.

Screenshot of CyberGhost streaming-optimized servers in the US.

CyberGhost’s optimized servers for Netflix allow buffer-free streaming

Since CyberGhost offers many advanced features, it’s also ideal for protecting your privacy and security when streaming on a public WiFi network:

  • Military-grade encryption — encrypts your data, protecting you from third parties, including hackers.
  • Strict no-logs policy — committed to your privacy as the policy has been tested and proven during third-party audits.
  • Kill switch — guards against data leakage if your VPN disconnects abruptly.
  • WiFi protection — turns on VPN connection when your device detects public WiFi.
  • DNS and IP leak protection — prevents your real IP address and DNS requests from being exposed.

During tests, CyberGhost allowed me to connect up to 7 devices at a time, which is good if you often stream Netflix on multiple devices. CyberGhost has native apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. I could also install the VPN app on Android TV to watch my favorite shows in UHD on a big screen.

My only issue is that its distant servers are not as fast as other VPNs I’ve tested. However, CyberGhost’s local and streaming-optimized servers are fast enough for binge-watching without interruptions. The speeds were excellent on regular servers near my current location in Sweden — the servers in the UK and Copenhagen only saw an average speed drop of 16%.

You can get up to 84% discount on your subscription by opting for CyberGhost’s 2-year + 4 months plan, which also comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee. This means that if you’re not satisfied with the service, you can request a refund. I emailed customer support and got my refund approved within 30 minutes.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

CyberGhost works with: Hulu, Max (formerly HBO Max), BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Disney+, Apple TV, Crackle, Peacock TV, Pluto TV, and more.

CyberGhost works on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Extensive Server Network Allows You to Watch Netflix Without Restrictions

Key Features:

  • 35,000+ servers in 91 countries
  • Largest server network for watching Netflix and other streaming platform without lags
  • Allows unlimited device connections per account
  • 24/7 support via live chat, email, and step-by-step guides
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Among all the VPNs I tested, PIA has the largest network to watch Netflix without lags. Overcrowded servers can become slow, but PIA’s 35,000+ servers in 91 countries provide sufficient bandwidth to support all its users. You’ll also have access to more servers in your country if one is overcrowded.

PIA also includes streaming-optimized servers in Denmark, Finland, Italy, Japan, Sweden, Australia, the UK, and the US. I tried the streaming-optimized servers in Sweden, Finland, and the US, and averaged a speed of 47Mbps, dropping by 34% from my base speed of 72Mbps.

PIA’s streaming-optimized servers are good for UHD streaming

With many features to keep your streaming sessions private, PIA is one of the best VPNs to use in 2024. Its top security features include:

  • SOCKS5 and Shadowsocks Proxies — hide your traffic from anti-VPN firewalls that block VPN connections when trying to stream.
  • MACE ad blocker — removes annoying ads from movie review sites when you browse for top shows to watch.
  • Two encryption levels — allows you to switch from AES-128-bit to AES-256-bit for improved security.
  • Perfect Forward Secrecy — changes your session keys frequently so that only a very small portion of your data is compromised in the unlikely event it’s hacked.
    Unfortunately, PIA is based in the US, which is part of the 5-Eyes Alliance that shares internet surveillance data with other governments. However, PIA’s no-log policy has been audited and proven in courts — it doesn’t have any data to share with the authorities.

PIA is one of the least expensive VPNs on this list, backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Its 2-year + 4 months plan goes for $2.03/month with an 83% discount. To test its money-back guarantee, I reached out to its customer support via live chat and got a full refund within 7 days.

Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

PIA works with: Hulu, Max (formerly HBO Max), BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Disney+, Crackle, Peacock TV, Pluto TV, and more.

PIA works on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Opera, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Amazon Fire TV devices, Chromecast, Apple TV, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.

4. NordVPN — Built-in SmartPlay Allows You to Watch Your Favorite Netflix Shows Securely

Key Features:

  • 6,300+ servers in 111 countries
  • Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously
  • Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Chrome, Edge, and more
  • Support available via 24/7 live chat, email, and step-by-step guides
  • 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans

NordVPN SmartPlay is a built-in Smart DNS feature with VPN security that makes watching Netflix easier. With most VPNs, Smart DNS has to be configured manually, and it still doesn’t encrypt your traffic. SmartPlay works automatically and requires no setup, so you can watch Netflix quickly and securely.

My teammates and I tested the speeds of NordVPN’s nearby and distant servers, including a few obfuscated servers. All the servers tested delivered impressive speeds and were more than enough for buffer-free UHD streaming. The average speed was 65.5 Mbps, which was ideal for watching Netflix.

Screenshot of streaming Stranger Things on Netflix with NordVPN connected to a server in the US

You can watch Netflix in UHD with NordVPN without buffering

Additionally, NordVPN has other advanced security features like:

  • Threat protection — protects you from cyber threats, including malware, trackers, and risky websites.
  • Dedicated IP — get an IP address that isn’t shared with other users to avoid being blocked by Netflix.
  • Obfuscated servers — enables you to watch Netflix using school and office networks that often block VPNs.

However, very few NordVPN servers have obfuscation features. But it has at least 2 obfuscated servers in every region. This means you can still access the internet anonymously from restrictive regions and protect your data from hackers and prying eyes.

With plans starting at $2.99/month, you can easily find one that works for you with a 30-day money-back guarantee. To be sure that you’ll really get your money back, I tested this by contacting customer service via email for a refund. I got a response within an hour, and my money was fully refunded in 7 business days.

NordVPN works with: Hulu, Max (formerly HBO Max), BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Disney+, Pluto TV, and more.

NordVPN works on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Chromecast, Android TVs, routers, and more.

5. Surfshark — Camouflage Mode Disguises Your VPN Connection to Watch Netflix

Key Features:

  • More than 3,200 servers in 100 countries
  • Offers unlimited simultaneous device connections
  • Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, and more
  • 24/7 customer support via live chat, email, and how-to-step guides
  • 30-day money-back guarantee

Surfshark’s camouflage mode makes your traffic look like a regular connection to watch Netflix without getting the M7111-5059 error, which occurs when a VPN is detected. My team and I tested this feature in different locations and could stream Netflix safely without issues.

I also tested Surfshark’s unlimited devices connection on 2 Windows PCs, 1 Android device, and an iPhone. My connections remained stable and secure. Besides military-grade 256-bit encryption, Surfshark offers other security features, like:

  • Reverse Bypasser — lets you select specific apps to go strictly through the VPN tunnel.
  • IP Rotator — changes your IP address frequently to ensure your online activities can’t be traced back to you.

While testing Surfshark’s speed on several of its servers, I could stream without any lag or buffering. However, the nearest servers delivered the best speeds for binge-watching sessions on Netflix.

Although Surfshark has fewer global servers than most of the other VPNs I tested, I could connect to any local Surfshark server in less than 3 seconds and watch my favorite content with excellent speeds. If you’re in the US, you can easily connect to any of Surfshark’s local servers and stream American Netflix shows without lags.

Streaming The Last Dance on Surfshark's Los Angeles server.

Surfshark works smoothly for secure content streaming in the U.S.

Surfshark’s 2-year + 4 months plan costs only $1.99/month. It’s also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Aside from the support team asking why I was canceling my subscription, getting my money back was easy, and it was done in 5 days.

Surfshark works with: Hulu, Max (formerly HBO Max), BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more.

Surfshark works on: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, smart TVs, routers, and more.

Comparison Table: Best VPNs to Use With Netflix

Global Servers and Countries Speed (On Distant US servers) Dedicated Streaming Servers Best Plan and Price Money-Back Guarantee
ExpressVPN 3,000+ servers in 105 countries 74 Mbps All servers support streaming 2-year + 4 months free plan at $4.99/month 30 days
CyberGhost 11,670+ servers in 100 countries 68 Mbps 2-year + 4 months plan at $2.03/month 45 days
PIA 35,000+ servers in 91 countries 72 Mbps 2-year + 4 months plan at $2.03/month 30 days
NordVPN 6,300+ servers in 111 countries 65.5 Mbps Regular servers support streaming 2-year + 3 months plan at $2.99/month 30 days
Surfshark 3,200+ servers in 100 countries 70 Mbps Regular servers support streaming 2-year + 4 months plan at $1.99/month 30 days

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: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs to Use With Netflix

I meticulously evaluated VPN services based on key features that are essential for an optimal Netflix viewing experience:

  • Large Network — VPNs with extensive server networks provide more connection options, more resources, and less congestion, which is crucial for lag-free streaming.
  • Works with Netflix — All the VPNs on this list have working IP addresses for Netflix in a large number of countries.
  • Fast Speeds — I prioritized VPNs that offer fast speeds, which is essential for streaming shows in UHD without buffering on Netflix.
  • Top Security and Privacy Features — I selected VPNs that offer the best security features for online privacy, such as military-grade 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and obfuscation features.
  • Customer Support — The VPNs I’ve shortlisted have highly responsive customer support services available 24/7 via live chat.
  • Money-Back Guarantees — Since all the VPNs I’ve listed offer at least a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try them risk-free.

FAQs on How to Use VPN With Netflix

How do I use a VPN with Netflix?

Choose a VPN that works reliably with Netflix. After that, connect to your local server to stream with minimal speed loss. For example, if you are in the UK, you can watch shows like After Life, The Last Kingdom, and Peaky Blinders on ExpressVPN’s UK servers.

Is using a VPN to watch Netflix illegal?

No, using a VPN to watch Netflix is not illegal. While a VPN can help you stay anonymous online, using it to bypass geo-blocks violates Netflix’s Terms of Service. Netflix doesn’t ban VPN users, but if it detects you’re using a VPN to bypass geo-blocks, you may see an error message like M7111-5059 or N8106 154-5059.

Can Netflix Suspend My Account for Using a VPN?

While it’s not illegal to use a VPN to watch Netflix, it’s against the platform’s Terms of Service to use a VPN to access content not available in your country. Netflix may also send a message informing you about VPN usage and restrict your access until the VPN is turned off.

Can I use the Netflix app on my mobile device?

Yes, you can use the Netflix app on your mobile device. But if you often stream using public hotspots to save mobile data, get a top VPN like ExpressVPN to protect your privacy and personal information. Hackers often watch these unencrypted networks to steal data. After connecting to a local VPN server, you can sign in to your Netflix account and stream as usual.

How do I use a VPN with Netflix on a smart TV?

Here is how to install a VPN on your smart TV to watch Netflix:

  1. Choose a compatible VPN — Select a VPN service that works well with streaming services like Netflix and your router.
  2. Install the VPN on your router — Since smart TVs typically don’t have built-in VPN support, install the VPN on your router. This way, all devices connected to the router, including your smart TV traffic, will be encrypted by the VPN.
  3. Connect smart TV to router — Configure your smart TV to connect to the VPN through the router. Ensure that the VPN connection is active.
  4. Open Netflix app — Launch the Netflix app on your smart TV. Sign in and enjoy your favorite shows.

What can I do if my VPN won’t work with Netflix?

This could be because Netflix has blocked the VPN server’s IP addresses. Ensure you choose a VPN that works with Netflix, like ExpressVPN. It frequently removes blacklisted IPs and adds new ones. Additionally, make sure you’re only watching content available in your location. You can also try to turn off your VPN and then reconnect.

You can also try different servers, clear your browser cache and cookies, use incognito mode, obtain a dedicated IP, or use obfuscated servers. You can also contact your VPN’s customer support for further assistance.

How do I speed up my internet with a VPN?

A VPN can help maintain stable speeds for buffer-free streaming. However, the VPN protocol you use might introduce a potential trade-off in connection speed. In this case, I recommend ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol, as it gives you the best streaming speeds while protecting your data.

Additionally, to optimize your streaming experience on Netflix, consider closing unnecessary windows and applications. You can also try different VPN servers. Finally, opt for a wired connection instead of WiFi.

What else can a VPN do besides helping me watch Netflix?

Generally, VPNs are great for ensuring your online security and privacy. By encrypting your internet connection, a VPN safeguards your data on public WiFi and provides online anonymity by masking your IP address. It even adds an extra layer of security to your online transactions, while protecting you against cyber threats.

Can I use a free VPN with Netflix?

It may be possible, but I wouldn’t recommend it as free VPNs are often not safe and most of their IP addresses have already been blocked by Netflix. You can try these reliable free VPNs but they still come with limitations like the number of free servers available, and how much data you can use. Free VPN servers are also often crowded so it’s difficult to stream without lags.

Start Watching Netflix with a VPN Today

Using a VPN to watch Netflix helps to improve your overall streaming experience, but most importantly, it safeguards your online activities. A VPN encrypts your binge-watching sessions, ensuring you can stream without buffering or annoying lags.

For a secure and uninterrupted streaming experience, I recommend ExpressVPN. It constantly updates its IP addresses, has a large high-speed server network, and robust security features. Since all its plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s risk-free to try it with Netflix.


Summary — The Best VPNs to Use With Netflix in 2024

Top Ranked Top Choice
ExpressVPN
$4.99 / month Save 61%
Find Out More
CyberGhost VPN
$2.03 / month Save 84%
Find Out More
Private Internet Access
$2.03 / month Save 83%
Find Out More
NordVPN
$3.09 / month Save 76%
Find Out More
Surfshark
$1.99 / month Save 87%
Find Out More

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: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

We review vendors based on rigorous testing and research, and also take into account your feedback and our affiliate commission with providers. Some providers are owned by our parent company.
Elijah Ugoh
Written By Elijah Ugoh
Elijah‌ ‌is‌ ‌an‌ ‌avid‌ ‌content‌ ‌writer‌ ‌with‌ ‌a‌ ‌passionate‌ ‌interest‌ ‌in‌ ‌tech-related‌ ‌topics,‌ ‌digitization,‌ ‌and‌ ‌entrepreneurship. His‌ ‌experience‌ ‌and‌ ‌background‌ ‌spans‌ ‌across‌ ‌5‌ ‌years‌ ‌of‌ ‌writing‌ ‌insightful‌ ‌articles‌ ‌and‌ ‌technical‌ ‌content‌ ‌across‌ ‌several‌ ‌niches. ‌ ‌
Did you like this article? Rate it!
I hated it I don't really like it It was ok Pretty good! Loved it!

We're thrilled you enjoyed our work!

As a valued reader, would you mind giving us a shoutout on Trustpilot? It's quick and means the world to us. Thank you for being amazing!

Rate us on Trustpilot
4.20 Voted by 3 users
Title
Comment
Thanks for your feedback
Loader
Please wait 5 minutes before posting another comment.
Comment sent for approval.

Leave a Comment

Loader
Loader Show more...