How to watch Netflix USA content in South Africa: VPN streaming guide

Netflix is available almost everywhere in the world, but the content library changes based on your location. While there’s little to separate American Netflix and Netflix South Africa regarding the number of titles available for streaming, the actual TV shows and movies on offer can still vary due to licensing restrictions. Luckily for Americans traveling in South Africa, there is a way to access the same content you’d see back home — just use a VPN.

When you connect to an American VPN server, you’re given a temporary US IP address, which can help you regain access to your home Netflix library. VPNs have another major benefit: they greatly increase your online privacy. Once connected, all of your network traffic is encrypted, meaning it can’t be read by snoopers like your internet service provider (ISP), employer, or government. Further, as your data is routed through servers elsewhere in the world, VPNs enable you to easily bypass government-imposed blocks.

We’ll be examining each of the following services in greater detail later, but if you’re in a rush, take a look below to find our list of the best VPNs for watching Netflix USA content in South Africa.

Best VPNs to watch American Netflix in South Africa

1. NordVPN Our first choice for South Africa. With nearly 2,000 high-speed US servers and a strong focus on privacy and security, NordVPN is ideal for streaming US Netflix in South Africa. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for US Netflix.
2. Surfshark: The best budget choice. A fast, security-conscious VPN that’s able to access Netflix US from South Africa securely. Allows you to connect as many devices as you like.
3. ExpressVPN: A reliable VPN with over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. Works well with American Netflix in South Africa, includes powerful security features, and offers consistently high speeds.
4. CyberGhost: Versatile yet simple enough for beginners to use. Offers excellent streaming and download speeds, one-click secure access for platforms like Netflix USA, and pre-configured security features.
5. IPVanish: A fast VPN with a proprietary network of servers in 50+ countries, including South Africa. Kill-switch and obfuscation features. Allows torrenting and works to stream US platforms.
6. PrivateVPN: Works with more than a dozen Netflix libraries and provides very fast connections for streaming American Netflix from South Africa. Boasts a no-logs policy and a strong commitment to your security.
7. Private Internet Access: Fast, easy-to-use VPN with proven ability to access US Netflix from anywhere. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
8. PureVPN: Ideal for streaming geo-blocked platforms like Netflix abroad. Tons of speedy servers and the ability to beat just about any form of digital censorship. 24/7 support via live chat.
9. ProtonVPN: Quick and secure, with plenty of customizable security features. Let you use platforms like Netflix US, Hulu, and Peacock in South Africa. Strict no-logs policy.

How to stream Netflix US in South Africa using a VPN

New to VPNs and not sure how to get started? Don’t worry, VPNs make it easy to securely access your usual Netflix library as you travel. Just follow the steps below:

Here’s how to get Netflix USA in South Africa:

1. Start by signing up for one of the VPNs above (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the software. All of our recommended services have dedicated apps for mobile and desktop platforms, so be sure to get the right version for your device.
3. Connect to one of your VPN’s American servers. This will give you a US IP address for accessing American Netflix in South Africa.
4. Log in to Netflix and play a video. It should start right away, but if you’re still getting a proxy error (“You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again”), try clearing your cache and cookies and then refreshing the page.
5. Still can’t watch American Netflix? Try a different server or contact your VPN’s support team for further assistance. They should be able to direct you to a server that works with Netflix US.

How we select the top VPNs

Choosing a VPN doesn’t have to be an ordeal. While there are literally hundreds of VPNs to choose from (and new ones appearing all the time), we’ve narrowed the list to VPNs that meet all of the criteria below. This means they’re all highly versatile services, capable of handling just about anything you throw at them.

Criteria for selecting the best VPNs

• Has servers able to securely access Netflix US from South Africa
• Provides consistently high speeds
• Logs no personally identifiable information
• Offers apps for all of the most popular operating systems
• Uses effectively uncrackable encryption and includes various other security features

You can read more about how we test the VPNs we recommend in our methodology section below.

The best VPNs for US Netflix in South Africa: at a glance

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 US Netflix.

Best VPNs for watching US Netflix in South Africa

Comparitech aims to give you the most accurate and helpful VPN recommendations possible. To do that, our team personally uses each VPN and puts them through rigorous tests. The following reviews are based on our expert analysis and real-world experience.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for watching American Netflix in South Africa:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 works with Netflix USTested Nov 2024

NordVPN is our top recommendation for watching US Netflix in South Africa. It’s a particularly fast VPN and has a huge network, with over 5,500 servers in 60+ countries (and roughly 2,000 in the US alone). This VPN is great for securely streaming Netflix USA as well as the likes of BBC iPlayer, and with reliable connections, you’ll be able to watch without any noticeable buffering or lag. Better still, NordVPN allows up to six simultaneous connections.

This service enables you to create your ideal security setup. There’s 256-bit encryption, protection against IPv6, WebRTC, DNS, and port forwarding leaks, an app-specific kill switch, a malware scanner, and an ad-blocker. This VPN even has specific servers for use in countries with strict internet censorship. NordVPN has a strict no-logs policy, so your privacy is guaranteed. If you need help, support is available over live chat 24/7.

NordVPN provides Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV apps. It also has extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. While NordVPN works with network routers, this must be configured manually.

BEST VPN FOR US NETFLIX:NordVPN is our top choice. This powerful VPN has several advanced security features, works well with American Netflix, and has over 5,500 high-speed servers to choose from. What’s more, it includes a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a risk-free option.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

works with Netflix USTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is a budget-friendly provider with over 3,200 servers across 100+ countries, including the US. This service not only lets you watch American Netflix in South Africa, but it also works with platforms like Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. A key attraction of this VPN is that it has no connection limit, offering excellent value and making it particularly suitable for households with lots of devices.

This service takes your privacy seriously. It has a zero-logs policy, so details of your activities can’t be revealed, even if requested. Users can also pay with Bitcoin for added anonymity. Surfshark uses 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection to secure your data. Live chat-based support is on hand 24/7 in case you run into any problems.

Surfshark has Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV apps. You’ll also find browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. It works on routers, too, although it must be installed manually.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark is a fast, security-conscious VPN that works well with Netflix US. With no connection limit and a no-logs policy, you can stream safely on as many devices as you like. This service comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

works with Netflix USTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN has a network of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, including the US. It provides consistently high speeds and can securely access a wide range of streaming services, including Netflix USA, Hulu, and Sling TV from abroad. With five connections permitted on a monthly plan and eight on a longer subscription, you can protect all of your most commonly used devices simultaneously.

This VPN keeps your traffic safe from prying eyes using DNS and IPv6 leak protection, 256-bit AES encryption, and a kill switch that automatically stops all data transferal whenever your connection drops suddenly. There’s also the option to pay with Bitcoin, but ExpressVPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, so your activities can’t be traced back to you either way. Need help? You can reach customer support 24/7 via live chat.

ExpressVPN has apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. It also has browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Last but not least, there’s custom firmware designed to make it easier to install ExpressVPN on select internet routers.

SECURE AND RELIABLE:ExpressVPN is a great choice for watching American Netflix in South Africa. It’s fast, reliable, and secure, plus it offers access to more than 3,000 servers worldwide. ExpressVPN also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

works with Netflix USTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost has the most extensive server network on our list, with over 9,000 servers in 90+ countries, more than 1,400 of which are in the US. This service is ideal for streaming American Netflix in South Africa or overseas as it’s fast and offers unlimited bandwidth. It allows you to search for the best server by latency, load, or the service it’s best suited for. With CyberGhost, you can stream safely on up to seven devices simultaneously.

There’s no need to configure anything because all of CyberGhost’s security features are enabled by default. These include 256-bit encryption, an always-on kill switch (in every version), DNS and IPv6 leak protection, an ad-blocker, and a malware scanner. Best of all, this service doesn’t log any information that could identify you. In case of any issues, 24/7 customer support is available over live chat.

CyberGhost offers apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux (command line). It also has a free Chrome extension but must be manually installed on wireless routers.

COMPREHENSIVE SECURITY:CyberGhost provides fast, reliable connections, advanced security and privacy features, and the ability to stream US Netflix from almost anywhere. This VPN has over 1,400 US servers and includes a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

IPVanish is a US-based VPN with servers in over 60 countries, including South Africa. It works well to access streaming platforms such as Netflix US, Netflix South Africa, and Amazon Prime Video. Having implemented the very fast WireGuard protocol, IPVanish has recorded much-improved speeds, making it one of the fastest VPNs on the market today. It also allows unlimited simultaneous connections per account.

This secure and private VPN service uses strong AES 256-bit encryption and reliable privacy-protecting features, including obfuscation, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. A no-logs policy means IPVanish does not store any of your online activities. Note that split tunneling is available, albeit only for Android and Fire TV apps. Should you require any assistance, 24/7 live chat and email support are included.

SUPER FAST:IPVanish has a proprietary network of servers that make it secure and fast. Works to access US streaming services such as American Netflix from South Africa. Allows unlimited connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

works with Netflix USTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN might not have the largest network (around 200 servers in 60+ countries), but it does offer some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen. Additionally, this service has no problems securely accessing multiple Netflix libraries from abroad, Netflix USA included. This makes it perfect for international travelers. With up to 10 simultaneous connections allowed, you can stream on whichever device you prefer.

This VPN uses a combination of 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks to keep your data secure. PrivateVPN has a strict no-logs policy, although you can sign up anonymously by paying with Bitcoin and using a throwaway email address. If you need help, you can contact support via live chat up to 22 hours per day. Free remote help and installation is also available.

PrivateVPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. This VPN can be manually configured to work with Linux systems and home routers.

FLAWLESS STREAMING:PrivateVPN boasts exceptionally high speeds and access to servers in multiple US cities. A no-logs policy and strong focus on security keep you safe at all times. PrivateVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Private Internet Access

Works with Netflix USTested Nov 2024

Private Internet Access is a fast and user-friendly provider with a large network of 10,000+ servers spanning 90+ countries, including the US and South Africa. In the US, these servers are spread across 20+ cities, ensuring you have plenty of choice. In our testing, PIA reliably accessed a variety of popular Netflix libraries, including Netflix US, UK, and Canada. What’s more, with impressive speeds and no connection limits, you can stream flawlessly across all of your devices.

PIA comes with many advanced features, including DNS leak protection, a kill switch, malware filtering, and customizable 256-bit AES encryption. It also features the Wireguard protocol, allows torrenting, and has a proven no-logs policy, so you can be sure your online activities remain private.

PIA has apps available for most platforms, including Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It offers 24/7 live chat in case you have any issues and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can test it out risk-free.

FLAWLESS STREAMING:PrivateVPN boasts exceptionally high speeds and access to servers in multiple US cities. A no-logs policy and strong focus on security keep you safe at all times. PrivateVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at our full Private Internet Access review.

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8. PureVPN

Works With Netflix USTested Nov 2024

PureVPN is a fantastic option for anyone looking to continue watching American Netflix abroad. It has reliable servers in over a dozen US cities and provides some of the highest speeds we’ve seen (nearly 400 Mbps as of our latest tests). Better still, this VPN works with plenty of other streaming platforms too, like Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Paramount+. It’s equally well-suited to torrenting and gaming, plus it offers a generous 10-device limit and 24/7 support.

Don’t be fooled by its beginner-friendly apps; PureVPN actually has plenty of powerful security tools built-in. These include unbreakable encryption, support for multiple protocols, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. It’s one of the only providers that has been audited four times, so we can safely say that it doesn’t keep logs. There is a tracker-blocking feature too, but unfortunately, this only works if you chose the Plus or Max subscription.

PureVPN apps are available for Windows, Android, MacOS, iOS, and Linux. Alternatively, users can follow manual setup instructions to get it running on their router.

WATCH NETFLIX ANYWHERE:PureVPN helps you regain access to American Netflix, no matter where you are in the world. It’s fast, highly-secure, and easy to use, plus it offers 24/7 support in case anything goes wrong. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Interested? Read our full review of PureVPN.

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9. ProtonVPN

Works With Netflix USTested Nov 2024

ProtonVPN has more than 1,500 US servers and works flawlessly with major streaming platforms like Netflix. It’s extremely fast, suitable for torrenting, and allows up to 10 connections at a time, plus it offers 24/7 support via live chat. Note that while there is a free plan, this comes with several significant limitations, such as the inability to choose which server you’re using. As such, anyone hoping to watch Netflix in South Africa will have to upgrade to a paid subscription.

One of the best things about his VPN is its versatility. You can set up port forwarding and split tunneling, block ads and trackers automatically, or get an extra layer of privacy using its specially-optimized Secure Core servers (though these are quite a bit slower). Naturally, there’s also uncrackable encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch, plus an independently-verified zero-logs policy. Looking to sign up anonymously? No problem: you can pay in either Bitcoin or cash.

ProtonVPN offers apps for iOS, Android, MacOS, Windows, and Linux devices. It supports most routers too, though you’ll have to follow manual configuration instructions.

TOP-TIER PRIVACY TOOLS:ProtonVPN goes above and beyond to keep your data hidden. Lets you effortlessly regain access to Netflix USA and similar sites in South Africa. Paid subscriptions come with 24/7 customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at our in-depth ProtonVPN review.

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Methodology: how we found the best VPNs for Netflix USA in South Africa

Not every VPN with US servers will let you watch Netflix USA in South Africa. Some VPNs won’t be capable of unblocking the geo-restrictions, while others lack the speed to stream in 1080p HD or 4K without performance issues. To help us develop a list of the best VPNs for the job, we’ve collated a list of what we look for to separate the best from the rest.

• Server availability: To stream US Netflix from South Africa, the VPN you choose must have servers in the United States. Some VPNs only have a small number of server locations per country, which isn’t beneficial if one of the servers goes down and there’s no backup. To ensure you’re not in this position, the VPNs on our list have a decent range of servers for each location.
• Performance: Streaming content online is resource-heavy, so choosing a VPN that offers impeccable speeds is vital. Fortunately, we keep up with the latest VPN speeds by running several speed tests. It’s no coincidence that most of these VPNs use the WireGuard protocol and offer unlimited bandwidth.
• Streaming capability: Streaming platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Disney Plus have restrictions in place to block VPN usage, so it’s important each VPN can bypass detection. We test VPNs on various streaming platforms to ensure they can evade restrictions when you’re streaming from abroad.
• Security: To ensure your connection remains private to you and out of sight of prying eyes like your ISP, it’s crucial to select VPNs with a clear no-logs policy, and those that use 256-bit encryption offer a kill switch and DNS leak protection. Although we never shy away from added privacy tools!
• Usability: When you’re looking to stream a TV show, there’s nothing more frustrating than having a screen full of confusing settings. The VPNs we choose have apps for all major platforms and will have you set up in a couple of clicks.
• Value: We compare the VPNs on our lists to ensure they offer pricing that reflects the range of features included with a subscription. They stay off our lists if they overcharge for basic features without adding anything extra. We also include providers with a money-back guarantee, with most consisting of at least 30 days (45 days in the case of CyberGhost) to cancel for a full refund.

Check out our VPN testing methodology if you’d like to learn more about how we test each VPN.

Watch US Netflix in South Africa: FAQs

See also:

• Best VPNs for South Africa
• How to change your Netflix country
• How to get a South African IP address