What is the best VPN for Netflix right now?
The best virtual private network (VPN) for Netflix is NordVPN. During our testing, this VPN consistently provided the best speeds and successfully opened geo-locked libraries with the least amount of hassle.
Also: The best VPN services: Expert tested
The ZDNET team has had a finger on the pulse of the VPN market for decades. We frequently test these services to provide recommendations on the best VPNs for different use cases, like streaming and travel. We examined whether it was possible to access streaming libraries that are only available in specific countries or regions, but we don’t recommend or suggest that you use a VPN for this reason.
Below, you will find our top picks for the best VPNs for use with the Netflix streaming platform.
The best VPNs for Netflix in 2025
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NordVPN is one of the best Netflix VPNs available.
NordVPN lets you access Netflix from up to 10 devices under a single account and has 111 country options — one of the largest server networks currently offered by a VPN provider.
During our testing, this VPN never failed to load Netflix. We tested from the U.K. to locations including the U.S., Japan, and Australia. Unfortunately, using some servers to access U.S. content from the U.K. often resulted in only Netflix original content and globally licensed films and TV shows being displayed in the library, but it was easy to find another server to circumvent these restrictions.
Customers say they find the VPN to be consistently reliable and fast, with excellent connections available for U.S. servers.
Review: NordVPN
Prices begin at $3.39 per month on a two-year contract. One-year subscriptions start at $5 per month on a basic plan, whereas month-to-month subscriptions start at $13. Available add-ons on higher-tier contracts include browsing protection, anti-malware scanners, ad-blocking, and cloud storage. Premium plans come with up to one year of free service.
NordVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 10 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Android TV, Fire TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 111 | Kill switch: Yes | Logging: Email address and billing information only | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android | Trustpilot rating: 4.1 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7
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Surfshark is a budget-friendly, easy-to-use VPN with a loyal customer base. It isn’t always the fastest option, and you may struggle to connect when servers are far from your original location.
Overall, you can still take advantage of servers in 100 countries. Speed loss isn’t always noticeable when streaming, and this VPN offers excellent value for money.
Review: Surfshark VPN
When we used Surfshark to access Netflix, some countries, including Japan, were originally blocked. When we switched to a different server, the library was accessible. We could easily browse Netflix and watch global content, but we had less luck overall accessing geo-restricted films and TV shows.
Customers say that customer support is excellent, although some have experienced internet protocol (IP) blocking issues.
The cheapest two-year subscription is Surfshark Starter, which costs $2.19 per month and includes three months of free access. A one-year plan at the basic level costs $3.19 per month — with three months free — while one month of VPN service costs $15.45.
Surfshark features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Ad-blocker | Two-factor authentication | Kill switch: Yes | Countries: 100 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Fire TV, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, and routers | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android, iOS, and macOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.4 | Google Play rating: 4.6 | App Store rating: 4.7
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ExpressVPN is another great choice for watching Netflix. When we tested the service, we found that this VPN provided the best speeds, just ahead of NordVPN.
With 105 countries to choose from, you have plenty of options when you’re trying to access the service when you’re away from home.
Review: ExpressVPN
We noticed that while connected to some servers, account icons changed to red, which may mean Netflix detected a VPN. We also encountered a few obstacles when we used specific servers, but shifting the connection to another server in the target country usually resolved the problem. The price point may deter some customers if they just want a VPN for use with streaming platforms.
Subscriptions begin at $5 per month for two years of VPN service with four months free. Alternatively, you can pay $6.67 per month for an annual plan, and you will be given three months of free access added to the length of your contract. Alternatively, you can pay $12.95 for one month of service.
Customers say that customer support is top-notch, and the VPN consistently provides unobtrusive, speedy service.
ExpressVPN features: Simultaneous connections: 8 | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Linux, Fire TV, Android TV, tvOS, and routers | Countries: 105 | Logging: No browsing logs, some connection logs | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 4.4 | App Store rating: 4.7
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Private Internet Access (PIA) is another excellent VPN for streaming, and it did not disappoint when it came to Netflix.
PIA, together with NordVPN, provided the least amount of hassle for Netflix access. We didn’t encounter any blocks during testing. Regarding films and TV shows, we could access some geo-locked content and libraries, but in most cases, we were limited to Netflix originals and globally licensed content.
This could be your best bet if you just want to access Netflix while you’re away from home. PIA offers unlimited simultaneous connections, meaning you can use it on your PC, tablet, smartphone, and other devices at the same time.
Review: Private Internet Access
If you’re willing to sign up for two years, you will pay the equivalent of $2.19 per month and get two months of free access. Alternatively, you can opt for a six-month term for $7.50 per month.
PIA customer feedback indicates that many users are happy with this VPN, which can be used as a set-and-forget service.
Private Internet Access VPN features: Simultaneous connections: Unlimited | Kill switch: Yes | Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Edge, tvOS, routers, Fire TV, and NAS | Countries: 91 | Logging: No-logs policy | Money-back guarantee: 30 days | Trial: Seven days on Android and iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.3 | Google Play rating: 4.4 | App Store rating: 4.7
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CyberGhost is an excellent VPN for streaming Netflix and one that we recommend if you are a subscriber to various platforms.
CyberGhost has consistently proven itself to have strong streaming capabilities and reliable connections across a range of services. During our testing with streaming apps, CyberGhost performed well when streaming across Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+ but did not work properly with the anime streaming service Crunchyroll on the web unless we went Incognito.
Strong speeds are bolstered as the company offers streaming-focused servers, available through the server list dashboard. Other optimized servers are on offer for gaming and torrenting, as well.
Review: CyberGhost VPN: A solid VPN for beginners
Customers report that they like the VPN’s ease-of-use, but CyberGhost’s billing system needs improvement.
CyberGhost’s two-year plan costs $2.19 per month, including two months of free access. A six-month plan is priced at $7 per month, whereas a month of access costs $13. CyberGhost offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.
CyberGhost VPN features: Simultaneous connections: 7 | Platforms: Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Android TV, Fire TV, NAS routers | Countries: 100+ | Kill switch: Yes | Logging: Payment information only | Money-back guarantee: 45 days | Trial: 24 hours on macOS and Windows; three days on Android, seven days on iOS | Trustpilot rating: 4.2 | Google Play rating: 3.9 | App Store rating: 4.2
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Also: The best streaming VPNs: Expert tested
|
VPN |
Price |
Simultaneous connections |
Access to Netflix |
|
NordVPN |
$3.39 per month |
10 |
Yes, solid performance, some limits |
|
Surfshark |
$2.19 per month |
Unlimited |
Yes, some blocks, overall good access, some limits |
|
ExpressVPN |
$5 per month |
8 |
Yes, several blocks, some limits |
|
Private Internet Access |
$2.19 per month |
Unlimited |
Yes, some restricted content |
|
CyberGhost |
$2.19 per month |
7 |
Yes, some restricted content |
A Netflix VPN service is a virtual private network compatible with the popular streaming service. Using a VPN to access streaming platforms allows you to watch your local content anywhere. You can also use a server to change your location via IP address and access other content libraries. This may go against Netflix’s licensing agreements.
See also: What is a VPN and why do you need one?
Netflix says that if a VPN is detected, the service will only show you content for which the company has global rights. During our testing, however, we found this isn’t always the case.
How to set up a Netflix VPN
There are different ways to set up a VPN to work with your Netflix subscription.
Netflix says that using a VPN isn’t permitted on an ad-supported plan. In addition, the company says that if you use a VPN, Netflix will only make available shows that have been licensed worldwide and won’t offer live events. This is assuming that Netflix detects your VPN. In our testing, we found that Netflix sometimes fails to detect VPN usage.
Setting up a VPN for Netflix will differ depending on your preferred service, but most of the steps will be the same. First, decide how you want to install your VPN for Netflix. If you are on a PC, you can visit your VPN’s website and download the app directly. For smartphones, you will need to visit Google Play or Apple’s App Store. On your TV, Amazon Fire Stick, or Apple TV, you will need to check if a native app is available.
Once you have downloaded your VPN, sign in using your login credentials, select your preferred country and server, and connect. Visit Netflix to see if you have access.
During our testing, we found that very few VPNs were blocked outright. It was far more common for libraries to be restricted to globally licensed content when Netflix wasn’t sure of the region. It might make sense for Netflix to adopt this approach rather than locking down libraries outright.
See also: How to set up a VPN on your router
Many providers recommended in this list have been subject to in-depth tests and reviews by members of the ZDNET team. We’ve been talking about VPNs for years, spoken with their management and their users, and developed a generally favorable impression.
ZDNET tests VPN services from multiple locations, but we can’t test from all locations. Every home, community, local internet service provider (ISP), and nation has a different infrastructure.
We analyzed the best VPNs for Netflix below using the following criteria that were most important in helping you make an informed decision:
- Performance: Our top VPNs must have a minimum level of performance. There’s no point in using a VPN while streaming Netflix content if your connection continually drops or lags.
- Simultaneous connections: Many VPNs limit the number of devices you can connect to a service simultaneously. If you have a phone, tablet, laptop, desktop, or smart TV you want to connect to a VPN, you need a service that allows at least five or six simultaneous connections.
- Security: A VPN is useless unless its security protocols and encryption levels are up to scratch. We also ensured that the development team behind each recommended VPN cares about making security improvements over time and patching reported bugs.
- Kill switch: A kill switch prevents you from having an unprotected connection. It is an important feature for a VPN, as it protects you by preventing a return to a default Wi-Fi connection should your internet connection unexpectedly drop.
- Geo-blocks and streaming: VPNs can be key to accessing local content and services while you’re away from home. We ensured that our top recommendations performed well considering these factors and are unlikely to slow down your connection while streaming, although we can’t guarantee that every VPN will consistently work with Netflix. We also tested access to geo-locked libraries, although we don’t suggest you use a VPN for such circumvention.
- Platforms: What systems and devices can you run the VPN on? Our Netflix VPN recommendations have to offer easy-to-use and intuitive apps suitable for various hardware.
- Countries and servers: In how many different countries does the VPN have servers? This can include physical and virtual servers, and whether there are enough — at least 50 or so — to provide variety.
- Trial length and price: Each VPN we recommend has a solid money-back guarantee of at least 30 days.
For a more extensive breakdown, check out our comprehensive VPN testing methodology page.
|
Choose this Netflix VPN… |
If you want… |
|
NordVPN |
A do-it-all, fast, and secure VPN with good access to Netflix, geo-locked libraries, and few restrictions. NordVPN offers a massive server network with plenty of countries to choose from. |
|
Surfshark |
An affordable VPN with a decent success rate in accessing Netflix. Surfshark’s speed isn’t the greatest compared to competitors, but it is one of the best affordable VPNs for streaming. |
|
ExpressVPN |
A fast VPN service. ExpressVPN offers some of the lowest speed loss, stable connectivity, and an expansive server network. Switching servers is not too much of a hassle if you encounter a block. |
|
Private Internet Access |
A VPN service with unlimited simultaneous connections. PIA is a great option for watching Netflix while you’re on the move and when you want to access the service from multiple devices at the same time. |
|
CyberGhost |
A solid VPN that is excellent for streaming. CyberGhost provides servers optimized for streaming, torrenting, and gaming, and has a good success rate when accessing Netflix. |
When you are selecting your new Netflix VPN, you need to consider the following factors:
- Speed: There’s nothing worse than loading up your favorite Netflix show only to experience lag or failures to load. Choose a VPN that provides consistently strong speeds and a stable connection.
- Use cases: Some VPNs are better than others when accessing streaming services. Consider which service you need to access with the VPN.
- Geo-locking: Some VPN users might want to access Netflix content in libraries not typically available in their home country. While we don’t suggest you do so, if this is your intention, you will need to consider how often the IP addresses used by your VPN are detected and blocked. Customer reviews might be worth reading.
- Price: You can subscribe to a VPN for as little as a few dollars a month, but if you want a VPN that is reliable in certain locked-down countries — such as China — you will likely have to pay more.
What’s the best free VPN for Netflix?
If you want to test out a VPN for use with Netflix but are not ready to sign up for a paid plan, we would recommend you try out the free plans offered by Proton VPN or Windscribe. The free plans are limited, so don’t expect paid-tier speeds.
You may also not be able to access the country server you want. That said, both free options have servers in the U.S.. Alternatively, sign up for one of our top VPNs and take advantage of their money-back guarantees, all of which will give you at least 30 days to try them out.
If the main reason you want a VPN is to access your streaming service while you are away from home, it might be worth paying a few dollars a month for the privilege. VPNs also provide a layer of security that can be important for day-to-day browsing and online activities.
Remember that using a VPN to access different Netflix libraries might go against Netflix’s terms of service. If you consistently do so, Netflix may track down and block the IP addresses assigned to your VPN, leaving you unable to access content libraries. The reason behind the cat-and-mouse game is that Netflix has licenses to broadcast content in different countries rather than global permission, and you are only allowed to access content in your home location.
It’s highly unlikely your account will be banned or blocked, but you may lose access to content until you turn your VPN off.
No, but the company can often detect VPN usage by comparing historical data on your typical locations and logins.
As VPN usage can violate Netflix’s licensing agreements, the company appears to try to track down and block the IP addresses used by VPN providers. Therefore, a server that works one day may not work the next.
While there are trustworthy free VPNs that don’t sell your information, they are backed by paid subscribers and will reduce the server range, number of servers, and speeds on offer. They aren’t often the best option for streaming services such as Netflix.
To use a VPN that won’t drastically reduce your Netflix speeds, you will need a Netflix subscription and a basic, paid VPN plan.
First, choose a reputable VPN vendor with a strong security background. Then check that your VPN is working properly by comparing your IP address before and after enabling a VPN connection. You can find this in your device’s settings or by visiting whatismyipaddress.com.
If you see the same IP address, your VPN is probably not working properly, as a VPN should assign you a new one. You can also visit dnsleaktest.com to see if any domain name service (DNS) leaks have been detected while using a VPN, which could be a sign that your information is being leaked.
If you find that some websites can’t be accessed while you’re using a VPN, don’t fret. Some websites will detect and block IP addresses used by the VPN provider. It may not suggest anything to be concerned about — just try connecting to a different server.
You should also be careful with free VPNs, especially if they are outside of official app repositories or from relatively unknown companies. Free is rarely free, and while there are a handful of trustworthy VPN options, many will sell your information.
It can be a cat-and-mouse game between streaming services and VPNs, and so, maybe none of the above options are the best fit for you. If so, consider other noteworthy VPNs for Netflix below:
