The best Netflix VPN 2021: stream any country's content from anywhere
The best Netflix VPN will allow you to access your favorite TV shows wherever you are in the world
If you’re hunting down the best Netflix VPN, you’ve come to the right place. Our team of experts has been testing as many VPNs as they can get their hands on to bring you nothing but the most effective, secure, and reliable services on the internet. You don’t need to worry about paying an arm or a leg for the pleasure, either - we've found the best deals to keep costs down (you’re welcome).
But what is a VPN, exactly? It stands for ‘Virtual Private Network’ and encrypts communications online to keep your data safe. It also allows you to overcome 'geo-blocking’ - a practice where content isn’t available in certain regions, usually due to rights issues. More specifically, the best Netflix VPN will trick the internet into thinking you’re somewhere you’re not.
As such, VPNs are essential if you’re on vacation and want to catch up with a show you can access at home but not abroad. All you need to do is log in, and voila; it’s business as usual. You'll also find some content isn't on Netflix in your country but is elsewhere and you can use your own membership to enjoy it too via a VPN. Handy, right?
We've listed a few of our favorite Netflix VPNs below to get you started. Don't forget about our rundown of the very best VPN overall, either. Still unsure if you need a VPN for streaming TV? Our guide is here to help.
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If you are feeling like you're running out of things to watch on Netflix though, perhaps another streaming service is the answer? We have a few guides on the matter you might find useful, so take a look at the latest HBO Max prices, Peacock TV costs, Disney Plus bundles, and Hulu prices.
The best Netflix VPN options compared
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1. ExpressVPN
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The best of the bunch, all things considered. ExpressVPN is more than fast enough for HD streaming, works on a wide spread of devices, and supports Netflix in the US, UK, and Canada. Beyond this though, where Express VPN really sings is in its ability to work on ordinarily VPN-unfriendly machines such as smart TVs and games consoles. That very handy indeed given that, let’s face it, most of us would rather watch Netflix on something attached to a big screen, rather than stream it through a humble tablet or even the best gaming laptop.
Express VPN is a bit pricier than other services, but running such a good Netflix VPN solution, with 256-bit encryption, zero logging of traffic or browsing data, and a 30-day money back guarantee, it’s a hard one to begrudge when you look at the overall quality.
2. Surfshark
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If you want a lightning-fast VPN that still keeps you secure, Surfshark is your best bet. It's one of the quicker options available right now, and that's important when it comes to watching movies or shows - nothing takes you out of the moment more than a dodgy connection.
Happily, it's easy to set up as well. Surfshark has been designed with accessibility in mind, and you can get online with just two taps of a button. On much the same note, you can also have as many devices using the VPN as you want at any one time. That makes it a great choice for families that watch things separately.
3. NordVPN
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Reasons to buy
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The most water-tight VPN around, Nord VPN supports Netflix in the US, France, the Netherlands, India, and Canada. It runs with powerful, 2048-bit encryption, NDS leak protection, and a wide array of servers to choose from. Oh, and if you’re super privacy-eager, you can rest assured that NorPN will not keep any logs of your activity
The cost for all of this? Nothing at first, if you take up the three-day trial. NordVPN also comes with a 30-day money back guarantee if you decide to back out shortly after that. You’ll be better off taking up one of the longer-terms plans if you can (and want to), as monthly billing is a tad prettier than that of some rivals, but if you’re happy to opt for a year or more, you’ll find exponential savings the longer you take up the service.
4. VyprVPN
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Really only reliably useful (at the moment) for users outside the US wanting access to American Netflix, VyprVPN says that its service ‘might’ work elsewhere, but you’d be chancing it.
That said, on the flipside, the service is pretty damn fast, with strong download speeds, and multiple protocols supported on the security front, along with a NAT firewall. Your connection times and IP address will be recorded though, so be aware of that if 100% privacy is vital to you. Vypr VPN doesn’t offer refunds, but it will give you a free, three-day trial before you commit to anything. If you do decide to get involved longer than that, you’ll be looking at a choice between monthly and annual payment, with the options of Basic and Premium packages. Both of the annual plans are predictably cheaper in the long-term, with the Premium version offering the best value.
5. Strong VPN
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With, well, strong server coverage and great download speeds, even on long distance tests, Strong VPN’s in-built, multi-format support for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android devices (and manual set-up guides for others) makes it a pretty formidable offering. You should be good to go on everything from phone to gaming laptop.
Similarly formidable is the customer support, offering 24-hour coverage so that you’re clear however late that series binge goes. The only downside is that the pricing plans come in precisely two flavours, and don’t really reward the short-term customer. Paying monthly will cost you nearly double the long-term sign-up, though the year-long plan is pretty well comparable to most other VPNs on test here.
There are helpful VPN workarounds for the gamers amongst you, too. We dive into these (and why you might want to consider them) in our guide to VPN for gaming. This includes info on getting a Virtual Private Network for Xbox One, PC, and the best VPN for PS4. Essentially, you’re set no matter which platform you use.
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As the site's Tabletop & Merch Editor, you'll find my grubby paws on everything from board game reviews to the latest Lego news. I've been writing about games in one form or another since 2012, and can normally be found cackling over some evil plan I've cooked up for my group's next Dungeons & Dragons campaign.