People generally report that NordVPN, ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and ProtonVPN work well for watching Netflix. But what does that mean? Well, one way to know what works is to go out snooping in order to read what people are saying, then try out one VPN company for yourself. Usually, you get a free 30 day trial period. Here, I’m doing some of the snooping for you.
FlixbossCom comments on this question: About to purchase VPN and Netflix. What’s the best combo?
“We test VPNs for Netflix on our site on a regular basis and in our opinion the ones that work best are NordVPN, Surfshark or ExpressVPN. Out of these, Surfshark is the cheapest one (and works as well as the other two).”
In the sidebar at r/NetflixViaVPN one can find the following: Which VPN to Use for Netflix/Streaming? According to the FAQ, NordVPN is favored.
Over at Forum.LanguageLearningwithNetflix.com, they like these VPNs: FastestVPN, ExpressVPN, NordVPN. Check out the link here.
How to Use a VPN to Watch to Netflix When You Travel Overseas | WIRED
Here’s a list of key points from the Wired article:
- Circumventing Regional Restrictions:
- VPNs allow you to bypass regional content restrictions on streaming platforms like Netflix by connecting to servers in different countries, making it appear as though you are accessing the internet from that location.
- Ease of Use:
- Installing and using a VPN, especially on mobile devices, is straightforward. Popular VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost offer user-friendly apps where you simply select a server location and connect.
- Legal and Ethical Considerations:
- Using a VPN to access Netflix content in another country is legal as long as you have a valid subscription, though it might violate Netflix’s terms of service.
- Server Selection:
- You need to choose a server in the country whose Netflix library you want to access. For instance, connecting to a U.S. server while abroad allows you to watch U.S. Netflix content.
- Troubleshooting:
- If a server isn’t working due to being overloaded or maintenance, you can switch to another server within the same country.
- Sometimes, Netflix might detect and block VPN usage, requiring you to change servers or contact VPN support for assistance.
- Potential Issues:
- While VPNs work well for most content, live events or ad-supported plans might not work as smoothly.
- Mobile apps can sometimes be trickier, with better results often found by using Netflix via a browser in desktop mode.
- Benefits Beyond Streaming:
- VPNs provide additional benefits like privacy protection and security from threats when using public Wi-Fi or traveling.
- VPN Services Mentioned:
- ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, and CyberGhost are highlighted as reliable options for streaming Netflix internationally.
- Cost:
- VPN services vary in price, with options like ExpressVPN being more expensive than others like Surfshark, which offers competitive pricing for longer-term plans.
- Support and Community:
- VPN services often provide customer support, and online communities like Reddit can offer tips on which servers work best for unblocking Netflix content.
There you go. VPNs work for access to Netflix, but all is not perfect.
VPN Recommendations for Germany/Europe perhaps – A language learners’ forum
“I’ve used Proton VPN for years and highly recommend it. Its security and privacy credentials are excellent, and they have many streaming-specific servers that have never failed to work for me. I have used it to watch region-locked content in a variety of countries: I can watch US content while not located in the US (Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime streaming), Canadian content while not in Canada (Netflix, Crave, CBC, etc.), and online public broadcasting content in countries like the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, etc. while located in North America.”
VPN Recommendations for Germany/Europe perhaps – A language learners’ forum
“Anyway, my experiences. I used NordVPN for several years and it was several years of on/off glitches and headaches. The vpn would work flawlessly for a few months and then there would be months of the vpn not maintaining a connection, or not able to connect in the first place… Customer service was usually prompt to reply, and what they suggested usually worked, but it was a hassle to again and again have to turn on/off features at different times to make the vpn function properly.”
“At the end of my subscription I cancelled, switched to Proton, have had zero issues in the year or so I’ve been with them.”
“I think most/all vpn providers are always trying to stay ahead of the vpn-blocking that streaming websites and other websites do. Proton has a “stealth mode” that they claim “evades detection and allows you to bypass most firewalls and VPN blocking methods.” I haven’t tested it to say whether it works or not.”
Is NordVPN Legit? Can Reddit Guide Me? : VPNTorrents
https://www.reddit.com/r/VPNTorrents/comments/1fo76qv/is_nordvpn_legit_can_reddit_guide_me/
- NordVPN Overview:
- General Consensus:
- NordVPN is widely recognized for its speed, reliability, and extensive feature set, making it a popular choice for both streaming and gaming. Users often praise its fast server connections, which are crucial for uninterrupted streaming and low-latency gaming. However, there’s a recurring theme of it being more expensive compared to other VPNs, which might make it less appealing for budget-conscious consumers.
- User Experiences:
- Streaming:
- Many users report positive experiences with NordVPN for streaming, citing its ability to unblock content from various regions effectively. The service is noted for its speed, which reduces or eliminates buffering, especially for services like Netflix where it consistently bypasses geo-restrictions.
- Gaming:
- For gaming, while NordVPN is generally good due to its speed, some users mention occasional issues like packet delays or timeouts, particularly in complex network scenarios. However, for many, the reduction in ping times when connecting to servers closer to game hosts is beneficial.
- Comparison with Alternatives:
- Proton VPN:
- Some users prefer Proton VPN over NordVPN due to perceived better privacy policies and possibly because it’s based in Switzerland, known for strong privacy laws. However, Proton VPN might not match NordVPN in terms of speed or server options for streaming.
- Other VPNs:
- Alternatives like Surfshark, Windscribe, and ExpressVPN are frequently mentioned. Surfshark, in particular, is highlighted for offering similar features at a potentially lower cost, with some users suggesting it as a cost-effective alternative.
- Criticisms:
- Price:
- The recurring theme is that while NordVPN offers premium services, its cost can be prohibitive for some users. There’s also mention of dissatisfaction with automatic renewals and refund policies.
- Mobile App Stability:
- Some users have noted issues with the mobile app’s reliability, particularly on iOS devices, where it might disconnect unexpectedly.
- Features for Torrenting:
- NordVPN lacks port forwarding, which can be a disadvantage for users focused on torrenting, leading some to prefer services like AirVPN or TorGuard for these activities.
- Conclusion:
- NordVPN is generally considered a good and reliable VPN service. While it tends to be more expensive, many feel the investment is justified for the security features and performance it offers. However, for those looking for budget options or specific features like port forwarding for torrenting, alternatives might be more suitable. Use the 30 day free trial period to see if NordVPN is right for you.