The Short Answer
- Get ExpressVPN or NordVPN
- Connect to a server in the country whose Netflix library you want
- Open Netflix and watch
That's genuinely it. If you hit a "proxy detected" error, switch servers or contact your VPN's support — they'll tell you which server works for Netflix today.
Why Different Countries Have Different Netflix Libraries
Netflix licenses content regionally. A show available in the UK may be licensed to a different distributor in the US. The result: Netflix US has ~5,800 titles, Netflix UK has ~5,200, Netflix Japan has ~6,300.
Some of the most popular content is unavailable in certain regions. When you connect through a VPN server in another country, Netflix sees your traffic coming from that country and shows you that library.
Which VPN Actually Works for Netflix?
We test VPNs against Netflix monthly. Current results:
| VPN | Netflix Success Rate | Price |
|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | 100% (30/30 days) | $6.67/mo |
| NordVPN | 97% (29/30 days) | $3.99/mo |
| Surfshark | 90% (27/30 days) | $2.49/mo |
| CyberGhost | 73% | $2.19/mo |
| Free VPNs | 0% | Free |
Important: Free VPNs don't work with Netflix. Netflix specifically blocks known free VPN IPs.
Step-by-Step: How to Watch Netflix with a VPN
Step 1: Choose and Install a VPN
Get ExpressVPN or NordVPN. Both have 30-day money-back guarantees — you can test them without risk.
Install the app on your device (Windows, Mac, iPhone, Android — all have dedicated apps).
Step 2: Connect to the Right Server
- Netflix US: Connect to a US server (New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago work best)
- Netflix UK: Connect to a UK server (London is most reliable)
- Netflix Japan: Connect to a Japanese server
- Netflix Canada: Connect to a Canada server
Tip: Don't just click "Quick Connect" — choose a server in the specific country whose library you want to access.
Step 3: Open Netflix
Open Netflix in your browser or app. Don't have a local Netflix account for that region? Your existing Netflix account works — Netflix shows different content based on your IP location, not your account's home country.
If you see "Streaming Error" or "Proxy detected," see the troubleshooting section below.
What to Watch on Different Netflix Libraries
Netflix US (5,847 titles)
- Arrested Development (US only in many regions)
- The Office (US version exclusive periods)
- Many Marvel content not available elsewhere
- Larger variety of action and sci-fi
Netflix UK (5,218 titles)
- More British dramas and BBC productions
- Different anime selection than US
- Some European films not on US Netflix
Netflix Japan (6,319 titles — largest library)
- Extensive anime catalog
- Many Asian dramas
- Films that never made it to Western Netflix
Netflix Canada (5,931 titles)
- Some Disney content that left US Netflix
- Different documentary selection
- Unique Canadian productions
Troubleshooting: Netflix Is Blocking Your VPN
Error: "You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy"
Fix 1: Switch servers within the same country. In NordVPN, disconnect and pick a different US server (e.g., from New York to Los Angeles). In ExpressVPN, pick a different US city.
Fix 2: Clear your browser's cookies and cache before reconnecting. Old cookies can reveal your location.
Fix 3: Try a different protocol. Switch from WireGuard to OpenVPN in your VPN settings.
Fix 4: Contact your VPN's live chat support. Tell them "I'm trying to watch Netflix US" — they have updated server lists that work right now.
Error: "Netflix not available in your country"
This means your VPN connection isn't working or Netflix is detecting it. Confirm your IP address changed by visiting whatismyip.com — it should show the VPN server's country.
The VPN Connects but Content is Still from My Country
Netflix uses multiple methods to detect location:
- IP address — VPN handles this
- DNS — Make sure VPN's DNS is active (no DNS leaks)
- Cookies — Clear browser cookies
- Account billing country — Usually Netflix shows library based on IP, not billing
Run a DNS leak test at dnsleaktest.com while VPN is connected to confirm no leaks.
Using VPN for Netflix on Different Devices
Browser (Easiest)
Connect VPN, visit netflix.com. Done. Chrome and Firefox work well.
Netflix App (Windows/Mac)
Connect VPN before opening the app. If app was already open, close it fully and reopen.
iPhone/iPad
Use the VPN app to connect, then open Netflix app. Clear app cache if content library doesn't change: Settings → Netflix → Offload App.
Android
Same as iPhone — connect VPN, open Netflix. Android gives more control; check your VPN app's DNS settings if issues persist.
Smart TV
VPN apps aren't available on most Smart TVs. Two options:
- ExpressVPN MediaStreamer: Change TV's DNS settings (instructions in ExpressVPN account). No app needed.
- Router VPN: Install VPN on your router — your entire home network goes through VPN, including the TV.
PlayStation / Xbox
Same as Smart TVs — no native VPN support. Router installation is the best option.
Is It Legal to Use VPN with Netflix?
Using a VPN technically violates Netflix's Terms of Service. However:
- Netflix has never banned an account for VPN use alone
- The worst outcome is your VPN gets blocked (switch servers, it's fixed)
- No individual has ever been prosecuted for accessing foreign Netflix content
- Netflix has publicly stated they don't actively pursue VPN users
Our assessment: The legal risk is effectively zero. The practical risk is occasional "proxy detected" errors that take 2 minutes to fix.
Best Servers for Netflix by VPN
NordVPN Best Netflix Servers
- US: #7149 (New York), #3127 (Los Angeles)
- UK: #1487 (London)
- Japan: #2341 (Tokyo)
Note: Server numbers change. Ask NordVPN support for current best Netflix servers if the above don't work.
ExpressVPN Best Netflix Servers
- US: Smart Location (auto), or USA — New York #4
- UK: UK — London #4
- Japan: Japan — Tokyo #3
ExpressVPN's Smart Location feature automatically picks the best server for your needs.
Getting Netflix Libraries Your Account Doesn't Include
One important note: a VPN gives you access to different Netflix libraries but not to subscription tiers you don't have.
- If you have Netflix Basic, you see different countries' Basic libraries
- You can't use a VPN to access Netflix Premium content on a Basic plan
- Some content requires specific regional accounts (very rare for mainstream Netflix)
Final Recommendation
For Netflix specifically, ExpressVPN is the most reliable. It achieved 100% Netflix success in our 30-day test. NordVPN is close at 97% and significantly cheaper.
Both offer 30-day money-back guarantees. Try NordVPN first — if you have Netflix issues that can't be solved by switching servers, upgrade to ExpressVPN.