The best Netflix VPN

The way we watch our favourite TV and movies is constantly evolving, but you still need a Netflix VPN to make sure that experience is safe and secure. Cyber threats are a major concern today, a concern that can only be combated with the best VPNs. We live in a digital age where we have access to endless catalogues of content from the comfort of our sofa, or anywhere in the world for that matter. Netflix has led this charge for the longest time. While this digital age has come with its advantages, serious risks have arisen too. When you stream on Netflix, you’re not safe from the dangers of the internet unless you have the best Netflix VPN by your side.

As far as online activities go, streaming is heavy on usage and the time spent connected to the network is far greater than nearly anything else. It’s for this reason that you need the protection of a Virtual Private Network that much more. As long as you stream through a VPN connection, your device will be protected from the hazardous, unpredictable flow of ordinary internet traffic.

The best Netflix VPN at a glance:

• The best Netflix VPN: NordVPN - View on NordVPN
• The best Netflix VPN for unblocking: ExpressVPN - View on ExpressVPN
• The best Netflix VPN for value: CyberGhost - View on CyberGhost

It’s not all safety this, protection that when it comes to using a VPN with Netflix. There are some added bonuses you definitely shouldn’t be turning your nose at. One of the advantages to a Virtual Private Network is that you can alter your IP address to another global location. While this is first and foremost a privacy measure, this also means you’ll have access to the region-specific content of whichever IP you choose. In the case of Netflix, every country has a different catalogue of films and TV, so your streaming options will expand exponentially.

When it comes down to choosing the right VPN provider for your Netflix habits, there are a few key things you’ll need to look out for me. Like many of the best streaming VPNs, their greatness is determined by performance and features.

Please note: All prices are correct at time of writing. VPN deals and savings are subject to change at short notice.

About our expertise

At What’s The Best, we live and breathe technology. Among our team of tech experts, we have pretty much every base covered - from televisions and speakers to cameras and smartphones.

To say we spend a lot of time on the internet is a bit of an understatement, and most of the time, we’re using a VPN. Whether for work or recreation, we’re regularly connecting to VPN servers near and far.

It’s by collecting this shared knowledge, experience and passion, that we are able to select the best VPNs for you. We trust each of our picks implicitly - in fact, many of them we use ourselves. That's because at What’s The Best, if we wouldn’t buy it ourselves, we don’t recommend it. Simple.

The Criteria

VPN speeds are a huge factor in how well you’ll be able to stream on Netflix. Peak speeds are obviously important, but super-fast speeds are nothing if they’re not consistent. The fastest VPNs are so great because they can maintain those top speeds at a reliable rate.

It goes without saying that your Virtual Private Network should have the best security money can buy, especially for those long Sundays spent Netflix binging. You shouldn’t be settling for anything less than military grade encryption, next-gen encryption is even better. The most secure brands offer privacy features like kill switches, ad blockers and trackers. All of these make for a truly secure VPN.

Of course, if you’re after getting your hands on some otherwise inaccessible Netflix catalogues, you’ll need a provider with well-tested unblocking. Only the best Netflix VPNs will be able to unblock the streaming service in certain countries, so finding the one that can is imperative.

Glossary of terms

VPN – Virtual Private Network

Streaming services - On-demand online entertainment sources accessible to multimedia devices

Kill switch - If internet connection is lost it kills any internet connection until a secure VPN link re-established

Simultaneous devices - Number of devices that can connect to the VPN at once

How to use a VPN on Netflix

Using a VPN on Netflix is fairly simple, but it does depend on the device you’re on. On mobile devices, tablets, and desktops you’ll simply have to download the VPN to your device either through the website or the app store. Once downloaded and logged in, simply open up Netflix and you’re protected. This process is identical for Amazon Prime VPNs too. It's even more essential to follow this process with the best providers for BBC iPlayer, espeically if you're wanting to access the service from another country.

On some smart TVs, consoles, and other devices where you can’t download a VPN directly to them, do not fear. In this instance, you’ll need to either install the VPN to your router or connect your device to a computer or laptop that’s protected by the VPN.

Which free VPN works with Netflix?

There are plenty of free VPNs that wok with Netflix. The problem with even the best free providers is that they have restrictions like data and bandwidth limits. You’ll find your Netflix experienced very diminished if you chose to use a free VPN.

Can Netflix ban you for using a VPN?

No, Netflix does not ban users for using a VPN. However, it does block IP addresses that it knows are associated with VPNs. This means that if you use a VPN to connect to Netflix, you may not be able to access the content you want to watch.

There are a few things you can do to try to bypass Netflix's VPN block:

• Use a VPN that is known to be able to unblock Netflix.
• Clear your cookies and cache before logging into Netflix.
• Connect to a different VPN server.
• Block IPv6 on your PC.

Netflix blocks VPNs to comply with licensing agreements and to prevent fraud.

If you are concerned about your privacy, you can still use a VPN to connect to Netflix. However, you should be aware that you may not be able to access all of the content that you want to watch.

Netflix may start banning users who use VPNs to bypass geo-blocking in the future. This is because Netflix is increasingly cracking down on VPN use. However, as of right now, there is no evidence that Netflix is banning users for using a VPN.

Jack Barrell is the Commercial Content Writer for VPNs. He's hands-on when it comes to producing best-of articles, how-to guides, and product reviews for Virtual Private Networks. On his off-days, Jack can be found in the gym, at the movies, or flicking through a car mag.