The 5 best Netflix VPNs 2020 for watching shows and films from anywhere
A VPN has become one of the most popular online services to subscribe to in the last few years and one of the many reasons is Netflix. The way Netflix runs its business has created a unique quirk which means getting the best working VPN for Netflix can vastly increase the value you’ll get as a subscriber.
The logistical nightmare of managing global content licenses has meant that Netflix offers different content in each of the 190 countries it’s available in. Obviously there are plenty of crossovers – Netflix Original shows and movies are available exclusively on every version of Netflix in any territory – but inevitably whichever country you log in from you’ll find a range different content available to you.
The way these content licenses work means that if you’re from the UK and went on holiday to Australia, you might expect that you’d be able to take your UK account with you and still watch the same stuff. But Netflix might not have those licenses in Australia. That means that if you log in from Australia, no matter where your account is registered to, you’ll see the same content as anyone subscribing in Australia. The same goes in the US, Canada, Spain…anywhere.
Netflix has promised to ensure in the future that you can take your proper account with you but for the time being that’s not possible. The way around this is that you can use a VPN to change your IP address, making Netflix servers think you’re in another country and thus access that country’s Netflix content.
- Just want to know the overall best VPNs? Then click to see our table
How to use a VPN for Netflix
To use your VPN for watching Netflix, simply open the app on the device you’re going to watch from – whether that’s your Fire TV Stick, laptop, Mac, phone, tablet or games console – and select a server in the country you want to ‘watch from’. Sometimes this can be hit and miss so if it doesn’t work first time, you should try another server in the same country. Our favourite service, which is ExpressVPN, has myriad servers you can try from and excellent customer support if you;re still struggling.
The truth is that Netflix would probably happy to simply allow this to happen but the content licence holders and publishers absolutely do not want you to be able to do this and so Netflix is being forced to wage a bit of a war on VPN use. In fact, you should be aware that using one is in direct conflict with its Ts&Cs.
Every now and then, once a VPN server or IP address has been identified, it’ll be impossible to ‘trick’ the Netflix servers by using it. This not only makes VPNs for Netflix less useful and more frustrating than they used to be, it also means that if you’re going to sign up to a VPN for Netflix you need to make sure you sign up to the right one.
What that means in practise is signing up to one of the big services which can afford to constantly set up new servers, cycle and refresh IP addresses and generally thwart any efforts to neutralise their effectiveness. So going for one of the cheapo VPN services isn’t advised for this use – so with that in mind, here are our top recommendations for the best Netflix-ready VPN services you can download and use right now.
The BEST 5 Netflix VPN options you can get right now
(Image credit: Future)
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the best all-round VPN service and great for Netflix
Specifications
Good for Netflix: Yes
Number of servers: 3,000+
Server locations: 160
IP addresses: 30,000
Maximum devices supported: 5
Reasons to buy
+Available on any and all of your devices+Amazing customer support 24/7+Incredibly fast speeds
Reasons to avoid
–Slightly more expensive than others
When we tested, for example, we found that the some locations were recognised and ‘blocked’ while others work – luckily Express VPN has 24/7 customer support so they will always be on hand to point you towards the best method. Sometimes there is a bit of trial and error, but Express will get you there in the end.
ExpressVPN allows you five live connections at a time, as well, which means you could have one person watching Netflix US, one watching Netflix Canada and another watching Netflix UK all at the same time using the same account. Pretty handy if you’re in a family of keen travellers.
The apps on Android and iOS are also super easy to use so you won’t find yourself confused at any point – it really is very straightforward. ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money back guarantee so you can give it a try and cancel – no questions asked – if you have second thoughts or if you aren’t happy with the service.
Exclusive offer – save 49%: T3 readers also get 3 months free with all annual ExpressVPN plans – 15 months for the price of 12!
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
2. CyberGhost
Simple way to unblock and watch Netflix
Specifications
Number of servers: 5,700+
Server locations: 110+
IP addresses: N/A
Maximum devices supported: 7
Reasons to buy
+Very easy and simple to use+Great performance levels+Guaranteed US access
Reasons to avoid
–A few concerns and issues with the interface
A very internationally utilised and popular service, CyberGhost is an excellent choice when it comes to Netfix unblocking. Not only does it guarantee access to the US – it has 5,700 servers spread across 110 locations, meaning that you’ll be able to access a wide range of countries’ Netflix.
It’s also super simple and straightforward, so whether you’re a VPN newbie or a veteran you’ll find it easy to operate. It boasts apps for Windows, Mac, iOS and Android so it’s more than likely that one of your devices will be compatible with it.
Although it doesn’t have the same levels of live customer support that other providers have, CyberGhost has a very versatile range of features and services – one of the main reasons we rank it so highly!
Head to the CyberGhost website to get this effective, affordable VPN
(Image credit: NordVPN)
3. NordVPN
A super secure VPN for watching Netflix
Specifications
Good for Netflix: Yes
Number of servers: 5,500+
Server locations: 58
IP addresses: N/A
Maximum devices supported: 6
Reasons to buy
+Great apps+Use 6 devices at once+Good speeds
Reasons to avoid
–Not always the best user experience
It’ll also allow you to connect up to six devices at a time which is great for a student house or a family of international Netflix addicts.
Like the look of NordVPN? Head to its website to learn more and download
(Image credit: Future)
4. IPVanish
Strong and speedy VPN
Specifications
Number of servers: 1,300+
Server locations: 75
IP addresses: 40,000+
Maximum devices supported: 10
Reasons to buy
+Plenty of servers available+Speedy live chat support+Powerful, configurable apps
Reasons to avoid
–Shorter trial than most
There’s plenty of reasons why we’ve rated IPVanish for a while, just a few include the fact that it has 1,300 servers in over 70 countries, unlimited P2P traffic and 40,000 shared IPs.
It’s also great value for money considering that you can use it across 10 devices simultaneously so you only need one subscription! That’s more than most of the competition and double what ExpressVPN can offer.
Most importantly, of course, our tests showed that it easily unlocked Netflix, and it’s got 24/7 customer support for any queries or questions you may have.
You can grab an IPVanish VPN at its website
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
5. VyprVPN
A reliable VPN service that works great with Netflix
Specifications
Good for Netflix: Yes
Number of servers: 700+
Server locations: 73
IP addresses: 200,000+
Maximum devices supported: 3-5
Reasons to buy
+Great speeds+Good value VPN options+Use 3/5 devices at once
The good news is that VyprVPN has a 30-day money back guarantee day, which means you can easily get access to it and give it a trial run to make sure it’s going to do the job you want. It’s also really great value – particularly if you pay for a year or two in advance.
You can sign up for VyprVPN here
Looking for something else? Check out our other VPN guides:
How to use a VPN for Netflix
To use your VPN for watching Netflix, simply open the app on the device you’re going to watch from – whether that’s your Fire TV Stick, laptop, Mac, phone, tablet or games console – and select a server in the country you want to ‘watch from’. Sometimes this can be hit and miss so if it doesn’t work first time, you should try another server in the same country.
The truth is that Netflix would probably happy to simply allow this to happen but the content licence holders and publishers absolutely do not want you to be able to do this and so Netflix is being forced to wage a bit of a war on VPN use. In fact, you should be aware that using one is in direct conflict with its Ts&Cs.
Every now and then, once a VPN server or IP address has been identified, it’ll be impossible to ‘trick’ the Netflix servers by using it. This not only makes VPNs for Netflix less useful and more frustrating than they used to be, it also means that if you’re going to sign up to a VPN for Netflix you need to make sure you sign up to the right one.
What that means in practise is signing up to one of the big services which can afford to constantly set up new servers, cycle and refresh IP addresses and generally thwart any efforts to neutralise their effectiveness. So going for one of the cheapo VPN services isn’t advised for this use – so with that in mind, here are our top recommendations for the best Netflix-ready VPN services you can download and use right now.
