Netflix is one of the leading streaming services in the world, thus, it is not surprising that the platform has a lot of content. However, many of these contents are restricted based on geographical location. This means that a Netflix user in the US cannot access the same shows and content as a Netflix user in Spain. It also means that if you travel from one country to another, you may not be able to enjoy the shows you used to enjoy in your previous country.
All of these is the problem that this article seeks to solve by explaining how to watch Netflix from anywhere with a VPN.
Best VPNs to stream/watch Netflix from anywhere
The following are VPNs that can help you bypass the geographical barrier and allow you to enjoy your favorite shows on Netflix, regardless of your location;
- NordVPN: This is the first choice amongst other VPNs for watching Netflix, anywhere in the world. This VPN has impressive speed, strong security features, as well as numerous servers in almost all the countries in the world. There is also a 30-day money-back offer, so you get your money back if you are not impressed with the VPN.
- CyberGhost: This VPN provides you with fast servers for streaming Netflix in countries such as the US and UK. You can connect up to seven different devices to this VPN at the same time, meaning that you get to enjoy Netflix with friends and family, using this VPN. What’s more, the security apparatus used by this VPN is military-grade encryption.
- Surfshark VPN: Surfshark combines affordable VPN services with versatility. It offers a premium VPN service while charging an inexpensive fee. Thus, you need not commit a lot financially to watch Netflix anywhere in the world.
- ExpressVPN: This VPN offers support to users 27/4. And apart from Netflix, it works for other streaming services such as Hulu and ITV hub. It uses a standard encryption feature to protect the data of users.
How to watch Netflix from anywhere with a VPN
1. Choose a Preferred VPN service
To watch Netflix anywhere, you need a VPN. Here’s why; Netflix uses geo-blockers or restrictions on many of its contents. For instance, there are contents that Netflix users in the US enjoy that cannot be accessed by Netflix users in Spain, Mexico, or other countries. This means that you need to bypass these restrictions before you can access these shows once you are outside the US.
Now, there are many VPN services out there, each with varying types of offers and services. Also, news came out in 2021 that Netflix is devoting a lot of resources to blocking many VPNs from accessing and bypassing the restrictions placed on the platform. This means that not all VPNs can allow you to access the content on Netflix. Therefore, you need to choose a VPN that is effective in bypassing the restrictions placed by the streaming service.
In choosing the ideal VPN service, you may need to consider the following factors
- Server selection: this refers to the number of servers available on a VPN service. Here is why this factor is important; server selection determines the number of countries where you will be able to watch Netflix, and the number of libraries that you will be able to access. As an example, if you are a Netflix user in the US and you want to enjoy a show or movie on Netflix Germany with your VPN, the VPN needs to have servers in Germany. If not, you will not be able to watch and enjoy the content.
- Speed: This is another vital factor that determines how much you enjoy streaming activities. The recommendation by Netflix is that you have, at least, a 25Mbps connection to stream 4K content. Thus, this is the least acceptable speed that your VPN should provide. To get a better experience, go for VPN services with enough speed that multiple devices can connect and stream simultaneously.
- Security and Privacy: An ideal VPN service should keep your connection and data safe from third parties, including your Internet Service provider. This means that the VPN must feature powerful encryption, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, and a leak protection protocol. These features are some of the basic security protocols that an ideal VPN service should possess. There are some extra security features that high-end VPNs possess.
- Value of Money: Not every VPN is worth the price tag that comes with it. Therefore, the value you receive for using the VPN must be worth the price tag. This is why it is advisable to go for affordable VPN services with premium offerings. This way, you get quality VPN services while paying less.
By considering the factors discussed above, you are more likely to choose a VPN service that is perfect for watching Netflix anywhere in the world.
2. Create an Account or Login
If you are new to the selected VPN service, you will need to create an account before you can use the VPN service. To do this, you will need to provide certain pieces of information, such as your email address, preferred username, and preferred password.
If you have an account with the VPN service before, all you have to do is log in with the information you already provided when creating the account.
3. Connect the VPN to a server in the country where you want to view the content
For instance, if you are outside the US and you want to watch a US show, you need to connect to a US server on the VPN. The same pattern goes for Netflix libraries in other countries.
4. Play and Enjoy your Favorite Content
Once you are connected, you can open Netflix and choose the show that you want, and start watching. If you are not able to load the content, try clearing your browser cache and cookies, and reloading the page. It should work this time.
FAQs
Is it legal to watch Netflix with VPNs?
The usage of VPN is legal in many countries of the world. you are not doing anything illegal by using a VPN. All a VPN does is to re-route your internet traffic through another encrypted server in another part of the world. The only thing is Netflix frowns upon the use of VPNs to view its content abroad. But there has never been a report of any user banned by Netflix due to the use of VPNs.
Why does Netflix restrict content based on Geographical Location?
The reasons for Netflix’s restrictions border around licensing and copyright issues. The streaming platform does not have worldwide rights to offer all of its content for streaming. Thus, to ensure that the platform doesn’t contravene the licensing agreements and fall into copyright issues, Netflix introduces regional restrictions. This means that the content available for streaming varies from country to country.
Can I watch Netflix on multiple devices with VPN?
A Netflix account allows you have about five profiles. However, the ability to have multiple devices watch content on Netflix at the same time depends on your subscription tier. As for the VPN, you can connect multiple devices as long as the VPN allows for multiple device connections.