The 5 best VPN for Netflix that still actually work in 2025

You’ve paid for Netflix. You’ve paid for a VPN. Yet, instead of your favorite show, you’re staring at that infuriating message: “Whoops, something went wrong… You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy.”

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Netflix is locked in a constant cat-and-mouse game with VPN providers, getting smarter every day at detecting and blocking their traffic. The service that worked wonders last month might be completely useless today, leaving you frustrated and out of pocket.

As a tech analyst who lives and breathes cybersecurity, I’ve seen countless users give up. That’s why my team and I spent the last month rigorously testing over 30 of the most popular services to find the best VPN for Netflix that doesn’t just make empty promises but consistently punches through the blocks. This isn’t guesswork; it’s data-driven truth.

Stop guessing and getting blocked. Let’s dive into the data and discover which VPNs truly earned their spot in Safelyo’s 2025 lineup.

1. The best VPNs for Netflix: Quick picks

I get it. You’re not here for a lecture on network protocols; you just want to finish that season of a show that’s only available in the UK. Time is precious.

For those of you who just want the answer and want it now, this summary is for you. After countless hours of testing, getting blocked, and finding workarounds, my team and I have distilled our findings into this at-a-glance table. I’ve highlighted the most critical factors: which key libraries they unblock, their real-world speed impact, and what each service is uniquely good at. This ‘best for’ category is often the real tie-breaker, helping you choose based on your specific needs – whether it’s for the whole family or just getting Netflix on your tricky smart TV.

Here’s how our top contenders stack up right now:

2. The 5 best VPNs for Netflix in 2025: In-depth test results

Now for the main event. We move past the summaries and into the nitty-gritty details. I personally installed, tested, and tried to break each of these VPNs to see how they performed under real-world conditions. This isn’t just about reading a feature list; it’s about what happens when you try to stream a 4K movie on a Friday night.

Here’s the detailed breakdown of why these five services earned their place on Safelyo’s list.

2.1. #1 – NordVPN: Best overall VPN for Netflix

Provider: NordVPN

Jurisdiction: Panama (Excellent for privacy, outside 5/9/14 Eyes alliances)

Servers: 6,400+ servers in 111 countries

Average Speed Drop: ~12% (Excellent)

Unblocks: US, UK, JP, CA, AU & 10+ more

SmartDNS: Yes (SmartPlay technology, integrated automatically)

There’s a reason NordVPN sits at the top. It’s the complete package. It combines industry-leading speeds with ironclad unblocking capabilities and an incredibly user-friendly app. For the vast majority of users who want to unlock global Netflix without any hassle, I believe NordVPN is the undisputed best choice on the market today. It just works.

Netflix Unblocking Results

In my years of testing, NordVPN has consistently been the most reliable key for unlocking Netflix’s global library. This is no surprise given its massive network. During our most recent tests in August 2025, it was flawless. I connected to a server in New York to catch the latest US-exclusive episodes of a new series, and it loaded in seconds with zero errors.

Then, for a real challenge, I jumped over to Japan to access their legendary anime collection. Again, NordVPN connected on the first try. It successfully unblocked every single one of the 15 libraries we tested, including the most popular ones: the US, UK, Japan, Canada, and Australia. This level of consistency is exactly what you’re paying for.

Speed Performance for 4K Streaming

Here’s a simple truth: All VPNs will slow your internet down a little. The magic is in how little. On my 100 Mbps home connection, I connected to a NordVPN server in Los Angeles and ran a speed test. The result was an average of 88 Mbps.

To put that in perspective, Netflix recommends just 15-25 Mbps for 4K Ultra HD streaming. NordVPN delivered nearly four times that amount. This means you can stream in the highest possible quality without ever seeing that dreaded buffering wheel, even if other people in your house are using the internet at the same time.

Device Compatibility & Ease of Use

I tested NordVPN on my Windows laptop, my Android phone, and, most importantly for many, my Amazon Fire TV Stick. The Fire TV Stick app is fantastic – it’s not a clunky afterthought. It’s fast, intuitive, and uses a map-based interface that even my non-techie parents found simple. You literally click on a pin in the country you want, and it connects. It’s that easy.

2.2. #2 – ExpressVPN: Premium choice for reliability and device support

Provider: ExpressVPN

Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands 

Servers: 3,000+ servers in 105 countries

Average Speed Drop: ~15% (Very Fast)

Unblocks: US, UK, JP, CA, & 8+ more

SmartDNS: Yes (MediaStreamer)

ExpressVPN is the premium, hassle-free option. If your top priority is getting Netflix to work on every single device you own, especially “tricky” ones like gaming consoles and Apple TV, there is simply no better or easier choice. You’re paying a little extra for a service that works flawlessly, everywhere, every time.

Netflix Unblocking Results

ExpressVPN has built its reputation on one word: consistency. While it might not have the largest server count, the ones it does have are rock-solid. In my tests, it unblocked every major Netflix library I threw at it. I will say, for the Japan library, I had to connect to a second server (“Tokyo – 2”), but it worked instantly after that. This kind of reliability is what makes it a premium service.

Speed Performance for 4K Streaming

Running on its custom-built Lightway protocol, ExpressVPN is incredibly fast and stable. On my 100 Mbps line, the connection to its UK server averaged around 85 Mbps. The key here isn’t just the raw number, but the stability. I left a 4K stream running for over two hours and experienced zero buffering and zero connection drops. It’s a workhorse that you can set and forget.

Device Compatibility & Ease of Use

This is where ExpressVPN truly shines and, in my opinion, justifies its higher price tag. Many devices, like my Apple TV, PlayStation 5, and Xbox, don’t support native VPN apps. ExpressVPN’s solution is a brilliant feature called MediaStreamer.

Think of it this way: Instead of installing a full app, you just change one setting in your console’s network menu by copying and pasting a code from your ExpressVPN account. It took me less than three minutes to set up on my PS5, and suddenly I was browsing the US Netflix library from my couch. For users of these devices, this feature alone is a massive game-changer.

2.3. #3 – Surfshark: Best value for unlimited devices

Provider: Surfshark

Jurisdiction: The Netherlands 

Servers: 3,200+ servers in 100 countries

Average Speed Drop: ~18% (Fast)

Unblocks: US, UK, JP, CA, & 7+ more

SmartDNS: Yes

Surfshark offers the best bang for your buck, period. If you need to unblock Netflix for your entire family or want to protect every device you own without worrying about connection limits, it is the undisputed champion of value. You get a premium-level service for a fraction of the cost.

Netflix Unblocking Results

Don’t let the low price fool you; Surfshark is a powerhouse for unblocking content. It consistently got past the blocks for Netflix US and UK on the first attempt every time. It did struggle a bit with the Japan library, requiring me to try a few different servers before one worked, but for the most popular English-speaking libraries, it was very effective.

Speed Performance for 4K Streaming

For a “budget” option, the speeds are impressive. I streamed a movie in 4K from a US server without any issues. I did notice a moment or two of initial buffering when connecting to an Australian server – which is literally on the other side of the planet from me – but for most connections, the performance is more than enough for high-quality streaming.

Device Compatibility & Ease of Use

Here is Surfshark’s killer feature: unlimited simultaneous connections. Most VPNs limit you to 5-10 devices. With Surfshark, you can use one account for your entire family, your friends, or your whole collection of gadgets.

I tested this by running it on my PC, my partner’s MacBook, two phones, a tablet, and a Fire TV Stick, all at the same time. Nothing broke. This makes it an unbelievably good deal for households with lots of devices.

2.4. #4 – CyberGhost: User-friendly VPN with optimized streaming servers

Provider: CyberGhost

Jurisdiction: Romania 

Servers: 11,700+ servers in 100 countries

Average Speed Drop: ~20% (Good)

Unblocks: US, UK, DE, FR & 5+ more

SmartDNS: Yes

CyberGhost is the perfect choice for VPN beginners. If you’re intimidated by the idea of VPNs and just want a simple, ‘point-and-click’ solution to watch US or UK Netflix, this is the friendliest and most direct option available. It prioritizes ease of use above all else.

Netflix Unblocking Results

CyberGhost’s greatest strength is how it eliminates guesswork. For a beginner, trying to find the right server can be frustrating. CyberGhost solves this beautifully.

Inside the app, I didn’t just pick a country. I navigated to the “For Streaming” tab, where I found a list of servers clearly labeled for specific services. I clicked the server named “Optimized for Netflix US,” and it connected and launched the Netflix homepage for me. It’s the most straightforward experience I’ve had, and it worked every time for the libraries it supports.

Speed Performance for 4K Streaming

With a massive server network, finding a fast connection is easy. The speeds aren’t quite on the lightning-fast level of NordVPN, but my connection was stable and averaged around 75-80 Mbps on my 100 Mbps plan. This is more than enough for smooth 4K viewing without any annoying interruptions.

Device Compatibility & Ease of Use

The app is clean, well-organized, and consistent across Windows, Android, and Fire TV Stick. The standout feature is, without a doubt, the dedicated streaming list. It turns a potentially technical task into a simple, one-click process. This makes it my top recommendation for friends and family who are less tech-savvy.

2.5. #5 – Proton VPN: Security-focused streaming with a solid free option

Provider: Proton VPN

Jurisdiction: Switzerland 

Servers: 5,200+ servers in 91 countries

Average Speed Drop: ~19% (Fast)

Unblocks: US, NL, JP, DE

SmartDNS: No

Proton VPN is for the security-conscious streamer. If your primary concern is privacy and you want a VPN from a company with an impeccable reputation, this is your best bet. The fact that its paid plan is also a very reliable key to the US Netflix library makes it a fantastic two-in-one solution.

Netflix Unblocking Results

Proton VPN comes from the same team behind the ultra-secure ProtonMail, so their first priority is privacy. However, their paid “Plus” plan is surprisingly capable for streaming. In my tests, it reliably unblocked Netflix US, the Netherlands, and Japan. It wasn’t as successful with the UK library, but for accessing the huge American catalog, it was fast and effective.

Speed Performance for 4K Streaming

Thanks to a feature they call “VPN Accelerator,” Proton VPN delivered great speeds. My connection to their US servers was fast enough to stream in 4K without a single hiccup. It’s clear they have invested heavily in their server infrastructure, and it shows.

Device Compatibility & Ease of Use

The app feels professional and robust, clearly built by a team that takes security seriously. It’s important to note that their famous free version is excellent for privacy, but does not support Netflix streaming. You need the Plus plan for that. Their Secure Core feature, which routes your traffic through multiple servers in high-privacy countries, is a testament to their commitment, though it’s overkill if you’re just streaming.

2.6. NordVPN vs. ExpressVPN: Which is better for Netflix?

After all the testing, it’s clear that NordVPN and ExpressVPN are in a league of their own. They are the two heavyweights of the streaming world. But I often get asked, “If you could only pick one, which would it be?” The honest answer is: it depends entirely on what you value most.

Think of it like choosing between two top-of-the-line cars. One might have a slightly higher top speed, while the other has a more luxurious, user-friendly interior. Both will get you where you need to go in style, but your personal preference will determine the winner.

To make it simple, I’ve broken down their key differences based on what matters most for streaming Netflix.

My final advice is this:

• Choose NordVPN if: Your main goals are getting the absolute fastest speeds for 4K streaming and the best possible price. It’s the powerhouse choice that delivers unbeatable performance and value.
• Choose ExpressVPN if: Your top priority is streaming on a device like an Apple TV, PlayStation, or Xbox. The ease of setting up MediaStreamer on these devices is worth every extra penny. You’re paying for a seamless, “it just works” experience across your entire digital life.

3. Why does Netflix block VPNs? And how the best ones get around it

Ever wonder why Netflix even bothers to block VPNs? It’s not that they want to be the villain in your streaming story. The real reason comes down to boring, but legally binding, content licensing agreements.

Think of it like this: a movie studio sells the rights to stream a film to Netflix in the US, but to a different streaming service in the UK. To uphold that contract, Netflix is legally required to ensure only users in the US can watch it on its platform. Their main weapon for enforcing this is blocking VPNs.

So, how do they do it? It’s actually quite simple. Netflix identifies and blacklists the IP addresses that belong to known VPN data centers. When thousands of people suddenly try to stream from the single, shared IP address of a VPN server, it’s a dead giveaway. That IP address gets blocked, and you get the dreaded proxy error.

This is where the top-tier VPNs prove their worth. In my experience, they don’t just use one trick; they use a combination of sophisticated methods to stay one step ahead:

Massive, rotating server networks

The best services, like NordVPN, operate thousands of servers and are constantly adding new VPN IP addresses. It’s a relentless game of whack-a-mole. When Netflix blacklists one IP, the VPN has hundreds of fresh ones ready to go, often ensuring you don’t even notice a disruption.

SmartDNS technology

Features like ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer or NordVPN’s SmartPlay are game-changers. Instead of encrypting all your internet traffic (which can slow things down), this tech cleverly reroutes just the tiny piece of data that reveals your location to Netflix. The result? You get access to the library you want with faster speeds, which is perfect for 4K streaming.

Dedicated & residential IPs

As a premium feature, some VPNs offer you an IP address that isn’t shared with thousands of other users. A residential IP, in particular, makes your connection look exactly like a normal home internet connection, not one from a data center. From Netflix’s perspective, this makes your VPN traffic virtually undetectable.

4. How Safelyo tests VPNs for Netflix

In a market flooded with bold claims, we believe that real data is the only thing that matters. We don’t just read feature lists or re-post what other sites say. We get our hands dirty. Our commitment is to provide you with recommendations based on a rigorous, repeatable, and transparent testing process.

I want you to know exactly how we arrived at our “Safelyo Netflix Score” so you can trust our conclusions. Our testing protocol is updated and re-run every single month to keep up with Netflix’s constantly changing blocking tactics. The results you’re reading today are from our latest test cycle conducted in August 2025.

Here’s a breakdown of our scoring criteria:

4.1. Unblocking capabilities (50% of score)

This is the most heavily weighted factor because if a VPN can’t get you into Netflix, nothing else matters.

• What we do: We test each VPN against the 15 most-requested Netflix libraries, including the US, UK, Japan, Canada, Australia, Germany, and France.
• How we score: I personally connect to servers in each country and record whether it works on the first try, requires multiple attempts, or fails completely. The more libraries a VPN unblocks reliably and on the first try, the higher its score.

4.2. Speed performance (30% of score)

Unblocking is half the battle; the other half is being able to watch your show without it looking like a slideshow.

• What we do: First, I measure my baseline internet speed without a VPN (typically 100 Mbps). Then, I connect to VPN servers in three key regions (US, UK, and Japan) and run multiple speed tests for each.
• How we score: We calculate the average percentage drop in download speed. A lower drop means a higher score. To pass, a VPN must easily exceed the 25 Mbps Netflix requires for 4K streaming.

4.3. Device compatibility & ease of use (10% of score)

A powerful VPN is useless if it’s a nightmare to use.

• What we do: We install and use the native apps on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and, crucially, an Amazon Fire TV Stick. We also evaluate the setup process for SmartDNS on devices like an Apple TV.
• How we score: We reward VPNs with intuitive, bug-free apps and clear instructions. Big points are awarded for a great “big screen” experience on smart TVs and simple solutions for non-native devices.

4.4. Reliability and consistency (10% of score)

A VPN that drops your connection mid-movie is a deal-breaker.

• What we do: For our top contenders, I’ll leave a stream running for at least two hours to check for connection drops, sudden buffering, or IP leaks that trigger the proxy error mid-show.
• How we score: A perfect score here means the connection was as stable as a rock from the opening credits to the end.

This detailed methodology ensures that when we say a VPN is the “best,” it’s a claim backed by hours of meticulous, real-world testing.

5. VPNs that failed our Netflix tests

In the world of VPNs, a popular name or a slick marketing campaign doesn’t guarantee access to Netflix. To save you the headache and the cost of a subscription that won’t work, it’s just as important to know which VPNs to avoid for streaming.

During our testing, we found several well-known services that consistently failed. It’s not that these are necessarily “bad” VPNs overall – many are great for general privacy – but for the specific, difficult task of unblocking Netflix, they simply fell short. The primary reasons were either being completely blocked by Netflix’s detection systems or being too slow to provide a buffer-free experience.

Based on our August 2025 tests, here are a few popular VPNs we do not recommend for Netflix:

Private Internet Access (PIA)

While I’m a big fan of PIA for its privacy features and customization options, its performance with Netflix is incredibly hit-or-miss. More often than not, our attempts to stream were met with the proxy error, especially when trying to access libraries outside the US.

IPVanish

IPVanish offers great speeds and a solid app, but Netflix appears to be its kryptonite. In our tests, it was detected and blocked by nearly every Netflix library we tried, including the US and UK.

Free VPNs (in general)

I know the appeal of a free service is strong, but when it comes to Netflix, you truly get what you pay for. Free VPNs are almost always the first to be blocked. Even if you find one that works for a day, they typically have severe data caps (you might get through one episode before being cut off) and painfully slow speeds that make streaming anything above standard definition impossible. Trying to stream 4K on a free VPN is like trying to drive on the freeway with a scooter – it just wasn’t built for it.

This is precisely why our rigorous, hands-on testing is so important. A VPN’s ability to unblock Netflix can change from one week to the next, and only the most dedicated providers can keep up.

6. How to use a VPN to watch Netflix on any device

Alright, you’ve chosen your champion VPN. Now, let’s get it working so you can start streaming. The good news is that the top providers have made this process incredibly simple. I’ll walk you through the most common scenarios, from your laptop to your big-screen TV.

6.1. For PC, Mac, and smartphones (the 3-step method)

This is the most common and easiest way to use a VPN. It works for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. I do this on my laptop and phone almost daily. It takes less than two minutes.

1. Subscribe and download: Go to the website of your chosen VPN (let’s say NordVPN) and sign up for a plan. Once you’ve created your account, download the official app for your device.
2. Connect to a server: Open the app and log in. You’ll see a list of countries or a map of the world. To watch US Netflix, simply find and click on the “United States.” The app will confirm when you’re connected.
3. Start streaming: That’s it! Just open your Netflix app or go to the Netflix website. You’ll now see the full American library. To switch to another country, like the UK, just go back to the VPN app, disconnect from the US, and connect to the United Kingdom.

6.2. For Amazon Fire TV Stick

The Amazon Fire TV Stick is my favorite streaming device because it makes using a VPN so easy. You don’t need any complicated workarounds.

1. From your Fire TV home screen, go to the search bar and type in the name of your VPN (e.g., “Surfshark” or “ExpressVPN”).
2. Select the app from the search results and click “Download” or “Get.” It will install just like any other app.
3. Open the VPN app, log in, and connect to a server in the country you want.
4. Go back to your home screen, open the Netflix app, and enjoy the new library.

6.3. For Apple TV, PlayStation, & Xbox (using Smart DNS)

These devices are tricky because you can’t install a VPN app directly on them. But don’t worry, this is where the SmartDNS feature (like ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer) comes to the rescue. It sounds technical, but it’s really just a copy-and-paste job.

1. Get your SmartDNS address: Log in to your VPN account on your computer’s web browser. Find the SmartDNS or MediaStreamer settings page. It will give you a special code (a series of numbers).
2. Go to your device’s network settings:
   • On Apple TV: Go to Settings > Network > Wi-Fi > Configure DNS > Manual.
   • On PlayStation (PS5): Go to Settings > Network > Settings > Set Up Internet Connection > [Your Wi-Fi Network] > Advanced Settings > DNS Settings > Manual.
   • On Xbox: Go to Settings > General > Network settings > Advanced settings > DNS settings > Manual.
3. Enter the address: Carefully type the code you got from the VPN website into the DNS field on your device and save the settings.
4. Restart your device: A quick restart helps ensure the new settings take effect. Now, when you open the Netflix app, it will automatically use the new location. It’s like telling your console to get its location info from a different place, without needing a full VPN.

7. FAQ about the best VPN for Netflix

I’ve covered a lot of ground, but after years of talking about this topic, I know there are still some specific questions that pop up time and time again. Here are quick, direct answers to the most common ones I hear.

8. Conclusion

Navigating Netflix’s geo-blocks can feel like an impossible task, but it doesn’t have to be. While it’s true that most VPNs will fail, choosing a powerful and dedicated service is the key to unlocking a world of content. The difference between frustration and seamless streaming comes down to picking a provider that invests heavily in its network and technology.

To recap, here are the key things to remember from our tests on the best VPN for Netflix:

• Netflix blocks VPNs to enforce regional content licensing deals, not to punish you.
• The best VPNs win by using huge, constantly updated server networks and smart technologies like SmartDNS.
• NordVPN is our #1 pick for its unbeatable combination of speed, unblocking power, and overall value.
• ExpressVPN is the champion for tricky devices like Apple TV and gaming consoles, while Surfshark offers incredible value with its unlimited device connections.

Don’t waste your time or money on a VPN that will only lead you back to the infamous proxy error. Invest in one of the proven options from this list and take control of your streaming experience. Let Safelyo be your guide. Explore our full list of the best VPNs for streaming and never let a geo-block get in your way again.