While streaming services vary by region, Netflix maintains near-global availability—with China being the notable exception. However, the content library differs substantially between countries. Even Netflix Originals are sometimes geo-restricted depending on licensing agreements.
Traveling abroad often means losing access to your favorite U.S. shows and movies. Attempting to watch US Netflix internationally typically triggers geographic blocks or redirects to local content. Through comprehensive evaluation, I've identified the most reliable VPNs that successfully circumvent these Netflix restrictions.
TL;DR: Top VPN Choices for Accessing US Netflix
NordVPN
14See it at NordVPN
ExpressVPN
6See it at ExpressVPN
Surfshark
4See it at Surfshark
Understanding How VPNs Work
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and remote servers in your chosen location. This serves dual purposes: protecting your data from surveillance while masking your true geographical position—allowing you to bypass content restrictions.
Detailed VPN Comparisons
1. NordVPN - Ultimate Netflix Solution
Key Specifications:
- Pricing: Starts at $3.09/month
- Maximum Connections: 10 devices
- Server Network: 7,000+ servers across 118 countries
- Platform Support: Comprehensive including streaming devices
NordVPN maintains exceptional unblocking capabilities thanks to its vast network—particularly strong U.S. presence with nearly 2,000 domestic servers. The proprietary NordLynx protocol ensures smooth streaming experiences.
2. ExpressVPN - Premium Streaming Performance
Key Advantages:
- Consistently bypasses strict geo-blocks
- Lightway protocol optimizes streaming speeds
- User-friendly interface ideal for beginners
Testing Methodology
Our evaluation process examines critical factors:
- Reliability accessing US Netflix content
- Global server distribution
- Connection speeds under streaming loads
- Device compatibility and simultaneous connections
Simple Setup Guide
- Subscribe to a recommended VPN service
- Install the appropriate app for your device
- Connect to U.S.-based server locations
- Access Netflix US library normally
- Troubleshoot with cache clearance if needed
Common Questions
Why Don't Free VPNs Work?
Free services suffer from:
- Limited server options quickly blacklisted
- Bandwidth restrictions inhibiting streaming
- Poor speeds and unreliable connections
Impact on Streaming Quality
While encryption creates minor overhead, quality VPNs using efficient protocols like WireGuard minimize speed loss—often outperforming throttled ISP connections.
