How to get American Netflix in Canada in 2024 – Full guide

For Americans visiting Canada, the disappointment of not being able to access the full range of American Netflix content they enjoy back home can be a real downer. But don’t worry, there’s a straightforward solution to this issue. In this guide, we’ll take you step by step through the process of securely accessing US Netflix in Canada using a VPN, and we’ll even recommend some VPNs that are proven to work.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a secure way to encrypt all the data sent to and from your device over the internet. It then re-routes this data through an intermediary server in a location of your choosing. This secure method allows you to change your IP address, spoof your location, and access US Netflix while in Canada. Simply connect to a VPN server in the US, then open the Netflix app or website.

If you’re in a hurry and just want to get started, here’s a quick list of the top VPNs we recommend for securely accessing American Netflix in Canada:

Best VPNs to securely access American Netflix in Canada:

1. NordVPN Our #1 choice for Netflix! Works with various Netflix catalogs. Servers are fast and reliable. Many security and privacy features. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for US Netflix.
2. Surfshark Is a reliable streaming VPN that respects user privacy and doesn’t break the bank. It allows unlimited connections and works great with Netflix.
3. IPVanish Allows any number of devices to be connected simultaneously, which is great for families. Fast servers are good for streaming video.
4. ExpressVPN This reputable VPN can help you securely access plenty of Netflix libraries and comes packed with strong security tools.
5. CyberGhost Apps are easy to install and get started with. Has servers specifically optimized for accessing US Netflix.
6. PureVPN A quick, reliable service that works with Netflix and similar platforms. Offers a good set of security features and easy-to-use apps.
7. ProtonVPN Highly-customizable VPN with exceptional streaming ability. It’s fast enough, very privacy-conscious, and ideal for streaming Netflix US abroad.
8. PrivateVPN Is a strong contender with an exceptional security toolkit. Works well with Netflix and similar services.

How to get American Netflix in Canada

Don’t worry if you’ve never used a VPN before. The process is quite simple; just follow the simple steps below, and you’ll be accessing your home content in minutes.

Here is how to get American Netflix in Canada:

1. First, you’ll need a VPN that US Netflix doesn’t block. We found NordVPN to be the most reliable option, but Surfshark, IPVanish, and ExpressVPN are great alternatives.
2. Install the VPN software on the devices you want to watch Netflix on. All of the VPNs in this article are compatible with popular devices and operating systems.
3. Connect to one of your VPN’s US servers.
4. Connect to Netflix USA and enjoy a broader content library of movies and shows that are only available on American Netflix.
5. If you can’t connect immediately, try clearing your cookies and cache before reloading the page. Alternatively, try a different US server; not all will work with Netflix, so you may need to try a few or ask customer support which one is best.

Criteria for choosing the best VPNs for watching US Netflix in Canada

Only a few VPN providers work reliably with Netflix. We’ve selected the best of the bunch after carrying out numerous tests in the following areas:

• Speed: We conducted multiple speed tests while connected to each VPN’s US servers at three different times of the day.
• Netflix region access: We scored providers on their compatibility with a range of Netflix libraries. We also scored them on their US server availability.
• Security and privacy: We used 16 different metrics for calculating VPNs’ security and privacy scores, including encryption levels, protocols, and leak protection.
• Ease of use: We used 10 unique criteria to evaluate how easy each VPN service was to use, including ease of sign-up and cancellation and the presence of task-specific servers.
• Value for money: We used eight individual metrics, including connection limits and free trials, to establish which providers offered the best value for money.

You can read about our full testing process later in the article. We’ll also explore the results and the impact these have on choosing between VPN providers.

Best VPNs for US Netflix in Canada: Our hands-on review

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for watching US Netflix in Canada.

Best VPNs to watch US Netflix in Canada

From our extensive testing and real-world experience, here’s our list of the best VPNs for American Netflix in Canada:

1. NordVPN

Dec 2024 works with US NetflixTested Dec 2024

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for watching US Netflix while traveling in Canada. This veteran provider has a global network of over 6,200 servers, almost 2,000 of which are in the US. Your best bet for finding which servers work with US Netflix is to go to the NordVPN knowledge base. There, you can search for Netflix (or several other streaming services) to find a support page that lists Netflix-compatible servers. NordVPN also works with Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, among others.

To find out whether NordVPN was fast enough for streaming, we carried out several speed tests while connected to its US servers. Note that our base connection speed while testing was 248.52 Mbps.

NordVPN was exceptionally fast in all three tests. Its average speed was an impressive 202.18 Mbps, which is far faster than the combined average speed of the other providers. This makes the provider eminently suitable for a variety of data-intensive tasks, including streaming, torrenting, or gaming.

NordVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy and uses strong encryption, so your privacy is all but guaranteed. The apps include leak protection and a kill switch.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. You may connect up to ten devices at one time on a normal plan.

THE BEST VPN FOR US NETFLIX:NordVPN is our first choice VPN for US Netflix. It’s exceptionally fast, prioritizes your security, and even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

works with US NetflixTested Dec 2024

Surfshark is a low-cost, fast, versatile VPN that makes watching Netflix USA as you travel. You can use any of the 3,200+ available servers that are closest to your location, too, since they all work with Netflix.

Like NordVPN, Surfshark is very fast and a great option for streaming US Netflix. We know this because we repeatedly tested its US servers. The results are shown below.

As you can see, the provider achieved speeds greater than 185 Mbps in all three tests (for reference, the test computer had an average download speed of 246.69 Mbps). On average, it was more than 60 Mbps faster than the combined average speed of the other providers.

Surfshark doesn’t log any information that could see you personally identified. IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection are included, as is 256-bit encryption and a kill switch (in every version of the app). Users can connect any number of devices at once.

Surfshark has apps for Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux.

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is a low-cost VPN that makes it simple to use Netflix as any server works with the service. Plus there’s no limit to the number of devices you can connect. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

works with US NetflixTested Dec 2024

IPVanish is a speedy VPN with more than 2,000 servers worldwide. It’s able to securely access Netflix US both via the mobile app and desktop browser. Not all servers work with this service, but the 24/7 live chat support makes it quick and painless to find out which to use.

We tested the provider’s US servers to find out whether they were suitable for streaming Netflix in UHD. As you can see from the chart below — they were.

Speeds averaged 178.97 Mbps, which is a great result (for reference, our base download speed while testing was 242.40 Mbps).

Subscribers can connect any number of devices on a single account, making it one of just two VPNs in this list that can say this. You’ll also get top-notch encryption, a no-logs policy, leak protection, and a kill switch to keep your connection secure.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish has a large network of servers. Generally solid for torrenters, P2P & Kodi users. Adhere to the highest standard of privacy, may need to try server switching to securely access Netflix. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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4. ExpressVPN

works with US NetflixTested Dec 2024

ExpressVPN reliably works with Netflix both on desktop browsers and the Netflix mobile apps for iOS and Android. Not all servers will work, though, so shoot a quick message to ExpressVPN’s live customer support on the website to ask which servers to use.

To find out how fast ExpressVPN’s US servers were, we carried out three-speed tests over the course of a day. For reference, the test computer had an average download speed of 249.04 Mbps.

The provider performed solidly in all three tests, with an average speed of 107.65 Mbps. This is fast enough to stream Netflix US in UHD without issue — though it’s worth pointing out that there were much faster providers available.

ExpressVPN boasts top-of-the-line encryption, a no-logs policy, robust data leak prevention, and a kill switch. On a single plan, you may connect up to eight devices at the same time.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and certain wi-fi routers.

SECURE AND VERSATILE:ExpressVPN is a reliable choice that works with major streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. Smart DNS and an app for routers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

works with US NetflixTested Dec 2024

CyberGhost makes it very easy to access US Netflix on both mobile devices and desktop. Instead of looking up which servers work on a website or asking customer service, you just select the appropriate option from the VPN’s list of streaming servers.

CyberGhost has hundreds of US servers available. As we found when carrying out speed tests, you may occasionally come across one that’s slower than the rest.

Even with the slower result included, CyberGhost still managed a respectable average download speed of 116.93 Mbps. In practice, users who come across a slow server can simply switch to a faster one.

CyberGhost has an audited no-logs policy and RAM-only servers. All of its security tools come enabled by default. You can connect up to seven devices at a time.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

Easy-to-use apps:CyberGhost has a simple set-up. Another affordable choice. Good on privacy. Streams HD video reliably. Good for Netflix. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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7. PureVPN

works with US NetflixTested Dec 2024

PureVPN has roughly 6,000 servers throughout 65 countries including the US and Canada. These not only allow you to access the American version of Netflix while traveling but also work with platforms like Max and Peacock.

We tested the provider’s speeds while connected to its US servers. You can see the results below. Note that our base connection speed without a VPN was 249.1 Mbps.

PureVPN achieved an average download speed of 157.25 Mbps. This was faster than the average combined speed of the other providers that we tested, making PureVPN a good option for streaming US Netflix in the highest possible quality.

The service permits up to 10 simultaneous connections and offers 24/7 support via live chat. Response times could be improved but in our experience staff have always been able to resolve our problems quickly.

This VPN protects your privacy with DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch that ensures you never browse unprotected, and encryption that is industry-approved and uncrackable. If you choose the Plus or Max plans, you’ll also get a built in tracker-blocker.

Crucially, PureVPN doesn’t keep tabs on your browsing activities. We know this for sure because it’s had multiple third-party audits, meaning you don’t have to take the company’s word when it claims to value anonymity. It’s one of the few providers that still works in China.

PureVPN apps are available for MacOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Android. Alternatively, it can be manually configured to work with most routers – check the help section of the website for instructions.

STREAM NETFLIX ANYWHERE:PureVPN has no issues accessing the American version of Netflix abroad. Transparency-focused provider with a proven no-logs policy. All plans include a 31-day money-back guarantee, just in case you’re still not sure it’s right for you.

Read our full review of PureVPN to learn more.

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8. ProtonVPN

works with US NetflixTested Dec 2024

ProtonVPN can help you access the US Netflix library while on vacation, but it’s also a great choice for anyone looking to stream Hulu, Peacock, and more. With secure servers in 112+ countries, there really isn’t much you can’t do.

We carried out several speed tests while connected to the provider’s US servers. As the chart below indicates, ProtonVPN consistently achieved speeds over 110 Mbps.

This is more than enough for streaming Netflix in 4K — provided that you have a suitably fast base connection speed (ours was 247.17 Mbps).

A maximum of 10 devices can be connected simultaneously and there’s 24/7 customer support via live chat just in case anything goes wrong. However, you will need a paid subscription to benefit from these features.

This VPN excels at keeping you safe. It prevents DNS and IPv6 leaks and uses uncrackable encryption by default. There’s also a built-in ad and tracker blocker, plus Secure Core servers stored in high-security data centers for maximum privacy.

Experienced users can set up port forwarding (on Windows) or allow certain apps to pass through the VPN unencrypted, too. Most importantly, ProtonVPN refuses to log any data that could identify you. On that note, it has been independently audited and accepts multiple anonymous payment methods.

ProtonVPN has its own iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and MacOS apps. If you’d like to install it on a router, you’ll have to follow manual setup instructions.

SOLID EVERYDAY CHOICE:ProtonVPN works great with Netflix and just about any other service you’d care to use. It’s also a strong choice for torrenting or gaming securely. Best of all, every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our complete ProtonVPN review.

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6. PrivateVPN

works with US NetflixTested Dec 2024

PrivateVPN is a well-established presence in the VPN industry, and a top choice for cord-cutters. Despite its relatively small server network, PrivateVPN works with just about everything we’ve tested it against.

To find out how fast PrivateVPN was, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected to its US servers.

The provider consistently achieved speeds above 30 Mbps. This exceeds Netflix’s minimum speed requirement of 15 Mbps for streaming 4K video. However, if your connection speed is much slower than ours (240.91 Mbps), you might want to choose one of our other recommended providers.

PrivateVPN boasts a no-logs policy and strong encryption. Connections are leak-proof and can optionally be protected with a kill switch that cuts off all internet access should the VPN connection drop. Not only that, but this service is its own ISP, preventing any other organization from accessing your data.

The basic plan allows you to connect up to 10 devices at a time. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

CHEAP SUBSCRIPTIONS:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Works with US Netflix and allows up to 10 devices on the same account. Comes with powerful obfuscation that works in China. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Our Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for Netflix US

Netflix has devoted incredible amounts of time and energy to preventing VPN users from accessing its service. As such, not just any VPN will work. We carefully considered the aspects of a VPN that are most important for streaming Netflix abroad before making any recommendations. This required testing the following attributes:

Speed

There’s not much point in being able to access US Netflix if the VPN you’re using seriously hampers your connection speed. To find which VPNs were fast enough for streaming Netflix interruption-free, we conducted speed tests while connected to their US servers.

The tests were conducted on a virtual machine that we rate limited to 250 Mbps. Why this figure? At the time of writing, this was the median average of fixed broadband speeds in the US. It’s the closest we could get to a representative speed.

Measurements were taken using the desktop version of the Ookla speed testing app in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon. The averages for each provider are shown below.

NordVPN was the fastest VPN overall and suitable for any task — not just streaming. Surfshark and IPVanish are also very well-suited to the demands of streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Netflix region access

We scored each provider based on how many Netflix libraries they could access in addition to the US library. All of the providers were excellent in this regard. We then scored them on how many US server locations they had. As some providers don’t release actual server numbers, using the location count can be a useful alternative measure of availability.

These two scores are combined to give us our Netflix region access score.

Surfshark and ExpressVPN have plenty of US server availability and work particularly well with a wide range of Netflix libraries (including the US). NordVPN and IPVanish are also excellent choices.

Security and privacy

If you don’t want your ISP or other third parties to know what you do online, you’ll need a provider that takes security and privacy seriously. Use the following table to see how each VPN performs against our security and privacy criteria.

We assign a score to each of these criteria so that we’re left with an overall score out of ten. This makes it easier to compare providers.

NordVPN and Surfshark scored the highest, closely followed by ProtonVPN. All three are solid choices if staying safe online is important to you or if you need to connect from a particularly restrictive country.

Ease of use

For most users, a VPN is a means to an end — in this case, it’s to access US Netflix. With this in mind, we try to find VPNs offering a stress-free service. We do this by first evaluating them against the following criteria:

We assign a score to each criteria and then combine them to produce a total score out of ten. We can use this to conveniently compare providers.

NordVPN is the easiest to use, with a well-designed interface and a streamlined sign-up and cancellation process. IPVanish and ExpressVPN are the next best options.

Value for money

Rather than focus solely on how much each provider costs, we try to take a broader view. You can see which metrics we think are important to gauge value in the table below.

Each of these is given a score, which we combine to create an overall score out of ten. We can then use this to meaningfully compare providers.

Surfshark represents the best deal overall, combining unlimited device connections with low-cost, long-term subscriptions. IPVanish also scores highly for similar reasons.

Using a free VPN to access American Netflix in Canada

Unfortunately, we know of no free VPN that can reliably access Netflix without triggering the proxy error. Even if you found one that works, chances are it will be blocked soon.

In any case, free VPNs tend to be congested with too many users, resulting in slow speeds. That means low-quality video streaming and a lot of buffering. Many free VPNs implement data caps and bandwidth limits, further inhibiting your ability to stream video.

Finally, many free VPNs don’t offer the same privacy and security as their paid counterparts. To make money, free VPN providers frequently collect and sell data about your usage history and what you do while connected to their service. They may even hijack your web browser or install malware on your device.

In short, avoid free VPNs and opt for a quality paid VPN instead.

Netflix Canada vs Netflix US

Netflix Canada’s catalog has made significant headway in catching up to its American counterpart in recent years, but some movies and TV series haven’t made their way up north quite yet. By some counts, US Netflix has about 200 more titles in total. They include:

• American Horror Story
• Sons of Anarchy
• Parenthood
• Parks and Recreation
• Frasier
• Dexter
• It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
• … and many more.

Generally speaking, Netflix US seems to have more Hollywood content, while the Canadian version has more international stuff.

How to watch American Netflix in Canada FAQ