The Best VPNs for Streaming Netflix in 2026
Netflix is now available in over 190 countries, but the shows and movies you can watch are limited by your region. The Netflix library in the US is much larger than in most other countries. But with the right VPN, you can access the full US catalog from anywhere in the world. A VPN will also let you watch exclusive titles from other countries like the UK, Canada, Japan and more.
The problem is, Netflix tries very hard to block VPNs from accessing their service. Most VPNs either don‘t work at all with Netflix, or they get blocked soon after Netflix discovers them. To consistently unblock Netflix, a VPN needs vast resources along with skilled technicians who can engage in a cat-and-mouse game of staying one step ahead in the battle against the Netflix VPN ban.
After extensive testing, I‘ve identified the best VPNs that are winning this battle and providing reliable access to Netflix. Here are my top recommendations for the best Netflix VPNs:
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is my top overall pick as the most reliable VPN for streaming Netflix. In my tests, 100% of NordVPN‘s servers were able to unblock Netflix successfully. This gives you access to the US Netflix library as well as many other countries. Connection speeds were fast enough for buffer-free HD and even 4K Ultra HD streaming in most cases.
NordVPN operates an enormous network of over 5400 servers in 60 countries, which helps it stay ahead of Netflix‘s VPN detection. Even if one server gets blocked, you can easily find another one that works. The apps are user-friendly but also offer advanced features like a kill switch and split tunneling to protect your privacy.
Plans are very affordable if you sign up for a 1-year or longer subscription. NordVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans so you can test it risk-free.
Pros:
- 100% success rate unblocking Netflix
- Huge server network to ensure access
- Fast speeds for HD and 4K streaming
- User-friendly apps for all devices
- Strong privacy and security
- Affordable long-term plans
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Month-to-month plan is a bit pricey
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is a great VPN for streaming Netflix on a budget. It costs less than most premium VPNs but still offers excellent unblocking capabilities and connection speeds. Surfshark‘s network of 3200+ servers in 65 countries was consistently able to access Netflix in my tests. Speeds were excellent, averaging over 50 Mbps which is more than enough for smooth 4K streaming.
One standout feature of Surfshark is that it allows unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can protect all of your family‘s devices with a single subscription. The apps are beginner-friendly but include advanced features as well. Security is airtight with strong encryption, a kill switch, and a verified no-logs policy.
Surfshark‘s 2-year plan is one of the cheapest you‘ll find from a reputable VPN service. But you can also test it out with a 7-day free trial for mobile or a 30-day money-back guarantee on any plan.
Pros:
- Reliable access to Netflix
- Very fast streaming speeds
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Easy to use apps for all platforms
- Strong security and no-logs policy
- Very affordable 2-year plan
- 7-day free trial and 30-day guarantee
Cons:
- Fewer server locations than some competitors
3. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is an excellent all-around VPN with a long track record of success with Netflix and other streaming services. Its huge network of 3000+ servers in 94 countries unblocks more Netflix libraries than almost any other provider. It also delivers some of the fastest connection speeds I‘ve seen from any VPN, ensuring smooth high-definition streams.
ExpressVPN‘s apps are sleek and user-friendly, with an intuitive design that is great for VPN newbies. At the same time, there are plenty of advanced options for power users to tweak. Security is best-in-class, with unbreakable encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. The 24/7 live chat support is very helpful if you run into any issues.
The main downside to ExpressVPN is the price tag, as it‘s more expensive than competitors with similar features. But if you want the best combination of performance, features, and support, it‘s worth the cost. You can also take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Excellent unblocking for Netflix and more
- Blazing fast speeds for HD and 4K streaming
- User-friendly yet customizable apps
- Top-notch security and privacy protections
- Helpful 24/7 live chat support
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- More expensive than many competitors
4. CyberGhost
CyberGhost is a great VPN for unblocking Netflix on a budget. It has specialized "For Streaming" servers that are optimized for accessing popular streaming sites. These worked very well for Netflix in my tests, with only an occasional hiccup. Regular CyberGhost servers were hit-or-miss for Netflix access, however.
CyberGhost offers a huge selection of 7400+ servers in 91 countries, so you can access Netflix libraries all over the world. Speeds are generally fast enough for HD streaming, though they can vary considerably between servers. Be prepared to try a few different locations to get the best performance.
The apps are very easy to use, with a clean interface and helpful features like ad blocking and a connection checker. CyberGhost is one of the cheapest premium VPNs, especially if you opt for a 2 or 3-year plan. You can test it out risk-free with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Special streaming servers work well with Netflix
- Large server selection to access many libraries
- User-friendly apps with handy features
- Strong privacy and security
- Very affordable long-term plans
- Generous 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Inconsistent speeds between servers
- Regular servers are less reliable for Netflix
Honorable Mentions
These VPNs also work with Netflix, but have some limitations compared to my top picks above:
- Private Internet Access: Unblocks US Netflix and has good speeds, but less reliable for other countries‘ libraries. Affordable longer plans and a 30-day guarantee.
- PrivateVPN: Works well with Netflix and allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. But the server network is smaller which can impact speeds and unblocking abilities.
- ProtonVPN: High-quality VPN with good streaming support, but only the most expensive plan can unblock Netflix. Cheaper plans limit speeds and server access.
Netflix VPNs to Avoid
Due to Netflix‘s aggressive efforts to block VPNs, many services are unreliable for streaming or don‘t work at all anymore. Free VPNs are almost always detected and blocked by Netflix within a short time. Even many paid VPNs struggle to keep up access to Netflix on a consistent basis.
In my testing, the following popular VPNs had very low success rates with unblocking Netflix:
- PureVPN
- IPVanish
- TunnelBear
- Kaspersky VPN
- Avast SecureLine
Your mileage may vary, but I would avoid these VPNs if your main goal is streaming Netflix. Stick with a proven Netflix VPN from our recommendations list above for the best results.
How to Use a VPN with Netflix
Using a VPN to watch Netflix is very straightforward. Just follow these simple steps:
- Sign up for a Netflix-friendly VPN. I recommend NordVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app on your device.
- Launch the VPN app and connect to a server in the country of the Netflix library you want to access (such as the US).
- Open the Netflix app or go to the Netflix website.
- Log into your Netflix account if prompted. You should now see the catalog of TV shows and movies for the country your VPN is connected to.
- Enjoy watching Netflix with your VPN! If you have any problems, contact your VPN‘s support team.
FAQs About Netflix VPNs
What is the best free VPN for Netflix?
I strongly recommend against using free VPNs for Netflix. Very few free services can bypass the Netflix VPN ban for long before getting blocked. Free VPNs also tend to have slow speeds, data limits, and waiting queues that make it impractical for streaming video. You‘re better off using an affordable, Netflix-optimized paid VPN.
Is using a VPN for Netflix legal?
VPNs are completely legal to use in most countries. However, using a VPN to access geo-restricted content may violate Netflix‘s terms of service. Netflix retains the right to terminate your account for circumventing their region locks, but there are no documented cases of them actually doing this. Use a VPN for Netflix at your own risk.
Will a VPN slow my Netflix streaming speeds?
All VPNs will reduce your internet speed to some degree due to the extra encryption and routing of your traffic. However, the best VPNs minimize this impact and provide speeds more than fast enough for HD streaming. Choose a VPN optimized for Netflix and connect to a nearby server for the best possible performance.
Can I use a VPN to watch Netflix on any device?
Yes, top VPNs offer apps for a wide range of devices including Windows PCs, Macs, iOS, Android, smart TVs, streaming devices and more. You can also set up a VPN on a compatible router to automatically protect all the devices on your network. This way you can watch Netflix with a VPN on devices that don‘t normally support VPN apps.
Do I need a separate Netflix subscription to use a VPN?
No, you can access Netflix libraries from anywhere in the world with a single Netflix subscription. When you connect to a VPN server in a different country and visit the Netflix site, it will automatically display the library of content available in that region. You don‘t need to sign up for another account.
Conclusion
A VPN is an essential tool for any Netflix user who wants to access the largest possible selection of TV shows and movies. But with Netflix cracking down on VPN services, it‘s critical to choose a top-quality provider with a track record of reliable unblocking and streaming performance.
NordVPN is my top recommendation due to its huge server network, excellent speeds, strong security, and 100% success rate with Netflix. Surfshark is a great budget-friendly alternative, while ExpressVPN offers the best all-around combination of features. Whichever VPN you choose, you‘ll be able to enjoy Netflix to the fullest without being constrained by geographic content restrictions.