Can VPNs still unblock Netflix? I tested them (so you don't have to)

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Tin can VPNs however unblock Netflix? I tested them (so yous don't have to)

(Image credit: Studio R3/Shutterstock)

About a calendar month ago I wrote an article exploring how a number of the all-time VPN services had been afflicted past Netflix's new blocking techniques. Let'southward just say that the results weren't stellar.

Now the dust has settled and the providers have had time to develop their solutions, I idea I'd see how they've improved – if at all.

I tested the paid-for versions of ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, Hotspot Shield, CyberGhost, IPVanish, VyprVPN and ProtonVPN in five different locations, and during each test for each location I changed the individual Netflix VPN server a number of times.

It's worth noting that during these tests I used the automatically selected regional server to reflect the average user, although if I had issues I'd manually select another.

And so, if you lot're wondering whether ExpressVPN can notwithstanding unblock Usa-only Netflix shows or if NordVPN can get you lot access to The Office on Netflix Britain, only check the relevant sections below for the in-depth results – or reference the table for quick info.

NB: While I'm confident these tests are right at the time of publishing, be aware that we're seeing a lot of changes pretty quickly in this expanse. Nonetheless, all the providers I've tested offer at least a 30-day money-back guarantee, and then you can make sure you can unblock what you desire before committing.

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Which VPNs work with Netflix at a glance

	UK	US	Canada	Australia	Japan
ExpressVPN	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yep	No
NordVPN	Yep	Yes	Intermittent	Intermittent	Intermittent
Surfshark	Intermittent	Yes	Intermittent	Intermittent	No
ProtonVPN	Yes	Yeah	No	No	No
Hotspot Shield	Yes	Intermittent	No	No	No
CyberGhost	Yes	No	No	No	No
VyprVPN	No	No	No	No	No
IPVanish	No	No	No	No	No

(Image credit: Time to come)

1. United states Netflix

Probably the almost popular location for those looking to evade geo-blocks, United states of america Netflix is dwelling to a whole host of shows and movies unavailable anywhere else, similar Radium Girls, Rain Human, and What's Eating Gilbert Grape.

Because of that, it'due south usually fairly easily attainable when using a United states VPN, but it was past no means a clean sweep in my testing.

NordVPN, ProtonVPN, CyberGhost and Hotspot Shield impressed, and unblocked Netflix on each server I tried.

A week or so ago I was having a few bug with ExpressVPN and US Netflix, merely after a quick chat to a client support agent I was informed that the Los Angeles – three server should be working. Thankfully it did, and I was able to watch exactly what I wanted.

Surfshark also had a few problems with US Netflix, and while I was able to unblock content, it was only about thirty% effective. Finally, VyprVPN and IPVanish weren't able to unblock U.s.a. Netflix and – spoiler alert – they couldn't unblock any other countries either. That's the last y'all'll hear of them in this article.

two. UK Netflix

Thanks to the proliferation of streaming services in the United states of america, tons of hugely popular titles like the aforementioned The Office have moved to other sites – but in the Britain, many of these are still available on Netflix. So, it'southward definitely worth having a UK VPN that tin can get admission if y'all're in us.

ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark and ProtonVPN had no problems getting access to Britain content. So, if y'all desire to sentry It'southward Always Sunny, American Graffiti, or even Green Street (don't judge me) on Netflix, one of these providers is a safe bet.

Hotspot Shield wasn't a total failure, simply in this round of testing it only had a thirty% success rate when accessing United kingdom content. Unfortunately, despite having a dedicated streaming server, CyberGhost wasn't able to become admission at all in my testing.

three. Canadian Netflix

While maybe non equally widely used as the UK or Us, Canadian Netflix has a remarkably good selection of content non available elsewhere. However, many VPN providers announced to neglect the location – and this was true even earlier Netflix's beefed-up blocking came into play.

In my testing, only ExpressVPN was able to scissure the Canadian library on every effort, which is an impressive result. Withal, on some occasions Netflix loaded at a snail's pace – non reflected in full general browsing when using the aforementioned server – so while information technology'south constructive, you'll need to exercise a little patience.

NordVPN was successful well-nigh fifty% of the time, and Surfshark nearly 30%. If you're a Surfshark user looking to unblock Canada, I'd propose trying the Toronto server kickoff – information technology'southward the only 1 that worked for me.

Canada is where ProtonVPN's run of successes concluded. While it's disappointing that it couldn't complete a make clean sweep, its excellent functioning in the US and United kingdom of great britain and northern ireland demonstrates that the provider'south committed to upping its game in this department. Until recently, Proton wasn't even a contender every bit a streaming VPN, then I'm looking forward to seeing if it continues to up its game.

(Paradigm credit: Netflix)

4. Australian Netflix

We're getting a little more niche now, just I think it'due south important to cheque more than just the most popular locations. Plus, Aussie Netflix boasts a number of classic movies similar The Big Lebowski and Plane, so it'south worth having admission.

Unfortunately, Down Under doesn't seem to accept been a priority for VPN providers, and none of the VPNs tested were able to unblock it 100% of the time.

Much like with US Netflix, a number of ExpressVPN'southward Australian servers were unable to admission Aussie content, but after talking to the support team I was informed that Sydney – 2 would get me access. Lo and behold, it did, and this goes to show merely how useful a responsive customer support team is.

NordVPN besides performed well, with each server tested gaining access to the library. Still, in one instance playback was blocked considering a VPN was detected. Surfshark over again delivered a roughly 30% success charge per unit, which is usable in a compression, but is hardly the effortless feel I've get used to from the fantabulous cheap VPN.

5. Japanese Netflix

Over again, it's a niche library, but for those travelling outside Japan or wanting to watch some anime bachelor nowhere else, having access to Japanese Netflix could exist a bargain billow.

Perhaps reflecting that lack of demand, I found it was the trickiest location to proceeds access to. Out of all the providers I tried, only NordVPN was able to unblock Netflix Japan – and even then, simply every other time. ExpressVPN, Surfshark, and the rest all failed to become access to sectional content.

Which VPN is best for Netflix correct now?

With the server information I received from support agents combined with my ain testing, I'd say that ExpressVPN has the edge over NordVPN, but it's a seriously close fight.

That comes downwardly to the fact that although Nord can access most things later on several tries, knowing the right ExpressVPN servers allows seamless streaming in more than locations. If I didn't accept that information, I'd be coming to a different conclusion.

Surfshark comes in tertiary, but the big surprise is ProtonVPN. While it's not class-leading, it's quietly upping its game, and may well exist a provider to keep an eye on in the futurity.

So, if you're not afterwards Japanese exclusives I'd recommend ExpressVPN, and if you are, and so NordVPN is the sensible selection. But right now annihilation could happen. The primary take abroad, though? Make use of your VPN'due south support network if you tin can – it really can save you lot a lot of trial and mistake.

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Which ExpressVPN servers work for U.s.a. Netflix?

At the time of publishing, you need to utilise Los Angeles – 3 to access U.s.a. Netflix from exterior united states. If that's not working, get in contact with the back up team and run into if they have upwardly-to-the-infinitesimal information.

Mo is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide. Day-to-day he oversees VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity content, and besides undertakes independent testing of VPN services to ensure his recommendations are accurate and up to date. When he's non getting stuck into the nitty-gritty settings of a VPN you've never heard of, yous'll find him working on his Peugeot 205 GTi or watching Peep Show instead of finally putting upward those shelves.

Source: https://www.tomsguide.com/news/can-vpns-still-unblock-netflix-i-tested-them-so-you-dont-have-to

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