The best VPNs that still work with Netflix in December 2023
Hopping geofences to chase the flix you want
Before we begin, let's call the VPN provider / Netflix dynamic what it is: one big game of whack-a-mole. Netflix has the hammer and it routinely bash-bans a bunch of companies trying to circumvent the geo-restrictions of its service. Basically, if you're in Australia, Netflix wants you watching the pissweak local version that offers a fraction of the content enjoyed by US and UK viewers. (Mind you, we've got it nowhere as bad as the Kiwis with their Nitflux service.)
Fortunately, whenever the Netflix hammer lands in one spot, another new option (or two) will poke its head up somewhere else. That said, trying to skip around the barricades to do what you want comes with some risks. Circumventing content blocks via a VPN is, for example, forbidden by Netflix's terms and conditions. It's also worth noting that there's no way of knowing how reliable a VPN company is. Just because they're awesome today doesn't mean they're not some fly-by-night business that will lose some or all of its features tomorrow. Basically, we're not vouching for anybody or anything here. Our info is correct at the time of writing but old school caveat emptor rules very much apply.
Hotspotshield
Hotspotshield specs
- Number of servers
- 2,000+
- IP addresses
- n/a
- Number of devices
- 5
- Free trial?
- Yes
- Payment option 1
- 24 months $2.99/mth
- Payment option 2
- 1 month $12.99/mth
Strong VPN
Strong VPN specs
- Number of servers
- 650+
- Server locations
- 45+
- IP addresses
- n/a
- Number of devices
- 5
- Free trial?
- Yes
- Payment option 1
- 12 months $5.83/mth
- Payment option 2
- 3 months $8/mth
- Payment option 3
- 1 month $10/mth
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN specs
- Number of servers
- 2,000+
- Server locations
- 150+
- IP addresses
- 30,000
- Number of devices
- 3
- Free trial?
- No
- Payment option 1
- 15 months $6.67/mth
- Payment option 2
- 6 months $9.99/mth
- Payment option 3
- 1 month $12.95/mth
NordVPN
NordVPN specs
- Number of servers
- 4,000+
- Server locations
- 60+
- IP addresses
- n/a
- Number of devices
- 6
- Free trial?
- Yes
- Payment option 1
- 24 months $3.29/mth
- Payment option 2
- 12 months $6.99/mth
- Payment option 3
- 1 month $11.95/mth
VyprVPN
VyprVPN specs
- Number of servers
- 600+
- Server locations
- 70+
- IP addresses
- 200,000
- Number of devices
- 5
- Free trial?
- Yes
- Payment option 1
- 12 months $5/mth
- Payment option 2
- 12 months $6.67/mth
- Payment option 3
- 1 month $9.95/mth
Using a VPN on different devices
While most of the VPNs above will come with a bunch of handy downloadable clients (and browser plug-ins) for a variety of devices/platforms, some users may want to set up their VPN on a router level instead. Some devices of a more closed nature won't allow you to download and make use of the aforementioned apps (eg gaming consoles like PS4, Xbox, Switch and things like Apple TV). Other benefits include having a greater means to control the security and IP anonymity of absolutely everything connected to your network.
Some newer routers, like the Asus AC3100 RT-AC88U, will allow you to set up a VPN without modifying your firmware – a convenience you'll pay through the nose to have. Older, less expensive models will require a bit of brute force and a downloaded third party operating system (and if you're going to take that route, be it on your head because any firmware tinkering can end in ruined router tears).
Basically, it's a can of worms we won't open here today. But here's a good place to start if you are interested: https://troypoint.com/install-vpn-router/
Recommended speed for streaming Netflix on VPN
Before you dive in, it's worth knowing what Netflix (officially) expects of you in terms of Internet download speed, per stream for playing TV shows and movies.
- 0.5 Megabits per second – Required broadband connection speed
- 1.5 Megabits per second – Recommended broadband connection speed
- 3.0 Megabits per second – Recommended for SD quality
- 5.0 Megabits per second – Recommended for HD quality
- 25 Megabits per second – Recommended for Ultra HD quality
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