Why unblocking Netflix is harder than it looks
Netflix runs one of the most aggressive VPN detection systems on the internet. It maintains a constantly-updated blacklist of IP addresses associated with VPN datacenters. When you connect through a VPN server, Netflix checks your IP against this list — and blocks you if it matches.
This is why most VPNs fail with Netflix — their IP ranges get identified and blacklisted. Only VPNs that constantly refresh their IP pools and maintain dedicated streaming servers stay ahead of the blocks.
We test 5 VPNs with Netflix US, Netflix UK, and other regional libraries every single week. Here's the current ranking.
🥇 #1 NordVPN — Best overall for Netflix
NordVPN's SmartPlay technology is specifically designed for streaming. It automatically routes your connection through optimised servers when it detects you're accessing a streaming platform — without you having to manually select a streaming server.
In our 26 weeks of testing, NordVPN has never failed to unblock Netflix US or Netflix UK. Not once. That level of consistency is rare — most VPNs have bad weeks where certain servers get blocked.
🥈 #2 PureVPN — 100% success rate in our tests
PureVPN surprised us by achieving a 100% unblock success rate across all 9 streaming platforms we tested — slightly edging out NordVPN on breadth. However, NordVPN's consistency on US/UK specifically is slightly more reliable week-to-week.
Our weekly test results
| VPN | Netflix US | Netflix UK | Disney+ | HBO Max | BBC iPlayer | Hulu |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | ✓ Always | ✓ Always | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| PureVPN | ✓ Always | ✓ Always | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| HideMy.name | ≈ Unreliable | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| TurboVPN | ≈ Originals only | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Mysterium VPN | ✓ Usually | ≈ Node-dependent | ≈ | ≈ | ≈ | ✗ |
Why free VPNs don't work with Netflix
Free VPNs use shared IP addresses that get blacklisted by Netflix almost immediately. Netflix's detection system is sophisticated enough to identify VPN traffic patterns even without matching IPs. Free VPNs simply don't have the resources to constantly rotate and refresh their IP pools the way paid services like NordVPN do.
If you want to use a free option, Proton VPN's free plan is the most privacy-respecting — but even that struggles with Netflix in our tests.
Tips for using a VPN with Netflix
- Always use a dedicated streaming server if your VPN offers one. NordVPN labels these clearly in the app.
- If one server is blocked, try another in the same country. Netflix blocks individual IP addresses, not entire countries.
- Clear your browser cache before connecting — Netflix sometimes caches your real location.
- Use the VPN app, not browser extensions — full app protection is more reliable for streaming.
- Check your DNS settings — DNS leaks can reveal your real location even when connected to a VPN.
FAQ
Our verdict
NordVPN is our top pick for Netflix — it has never failed in 6 months of weekly testing, has dedicated streaming servers, and costs $2.99/mo. PureVPN is a close second at $2.14/mo with an impressive 100% success rate across more platforms.
Avoid HideMy.name and TurboVPN for Netflix — they're simply not reliable enough. Mysterium VPN can work due to its residential IPs, but requires node-switching and isn't consistent enough for everyday streaming use.