How to Get American Netflix in Australia

Netflix is available in most countries, but – as you’ve no doubt noticed – the content library you can view varies widely depending on your location. American Netflix subscribers visiting Australia will find that they cannot access their American library and are, therefore, unable to watch certain shows and movies that are available to watch on American Netflix. This can be frustrating for viewers traveling abroad. But don’t worry, we’ll tell you how you can get American Netflix in Australia or anywhere else; you just need a VPN with US servers.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts all of a device’s internet traffic and routes it through a middleman server in a location of your choosing. By connecting to a VPN server in the US, you will gain a US IP address and spoof your location, making Netflix think that’s where you are. This allows American travelers to regain access to their usual content library (and any other geo-restricted content) during a visit to Australia.

Unfortunately, not all VPNs will work, as Netflix is notorious good at detecting and blocking most connections from VPN servers. However, we’ve put together a list of VPNs that still work to access your Netflix US library from anywhere. We go into more detail on each of them below, but if you are short of time, here is a quick summary.

The best VPNs to watch US Netflix in Australia:

1. NordVPN Our #1 pick for watching US Netflix in Oz! It boasts blazing-fast speeds, a fantastic security offering, strong everyday usage potential, and almost 2,000 US servers. It even comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Netflix.
2. Surfshark A reliable and versatile budget VPN option. Solid speeds, a strong privacy focus, and the ability to stream American Netflix anywhere. No connection limit.
3. IPVanish Favored by Kodi users for its remote-control-friendly apps. Allows unlimited devices to be connected and works with a range of streaming platforms.
4. ExpressVPN Works well with US Netflix and most other streaming services from Australia. Has a smart DNS service and an app for routers. Comes with built-in obfuscation.
5. ProtonVPN: Makes it as easy as possible to stream American Netflix in Australia. Large server network with a global presence. Doesn’t compromise on security.
6. PureVPN: A secure, no-logs provider that works exceptionally well with Netflix and other major streaming platforms. Lets you connect up to 10 devices simultaneously and obfuscates traffic by default.
7. CyberGhost Beginner-friendly VPN with easy-to-use apps. We were impressed by the vast server network and servers optimized for individual streaming platforms.
8. PrivateVPN Provides secure access to most streaming sites. Allows port forwarding and has a stealth mode for connections from restrictive countries. Lots of customization options.

How to watch American Netflix in Australia: 5 simple steps

If you’re in Australia and want to regain access to the TV shows and Movies available on US Netflix, you need a VPN. Using a VPN to gain an American IP address is the easiest solution to accessing American Netflix in Australia, and it’s not hard to do. Just follow the five simple steps below, and you’ll be streaming your favorite content in no time.

Here’s how to watch American Netflix from anywhere in 5 simple steps: 

1. Sign up for a suitable VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app, making sure to choose the right version for your device.
3. Connect to a VPN server in the US to gain the US IP address necessary to access American Netflix.
4. Start watching US Netflix. Thats it! You should now be able to stream your home content library without issue.
5. If it’s not working, try clearing your browser’s cookies before reloading the page, or try a different US server. If you struggle to find a server that works, contact your VPN’s customer support team; they should be able to point you in the direction of one that works with US Netflix.

How we select the top VPNs for Netflix USA

Many VPNs simply won’t work with Netflix — they don’t have the ability to bypass Netflix’s stringent VPN detection methods. In this case, you’ll see a proxy error that says: “Whoops, something went wrong. Streaming error. You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again.”

To save you from wasting time and money figuring out which ones work, we’ve put together this list of VPNs that work reliably with Netflix — as well as scoring highly in the other areas outlined below.

• Speed: We tested how fast each provider’s US servers were in a series of speed tests.
• Netflix region access: We scored providers on how many Netflix regions they were able to access, as well as their US server availability.
• Security and privacy: We used 16 different criteria for calculating VPNs’ security and privacy scores.
• Ease of use: We used 10 individual metrics for evaluating how easy each VPN service was to use.
• Value for money: We used eight unique criteria for establishing which providers offered the best value for money.

We get into the details of our testing process later in the article. We’ll also explore any significant results.

The best VPNs for Netflix USA: 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 American Netflix.

The best VPNs for watching US Netflix in Australia

At Comparitech, we’d never recommend a VPN that we haven’t used and extensively tested ourselves, so the following reviews are based on our first-hand experiences. Let’s take a closer look at the providers that impressed us.

Here are the best VPNs for watching US Netflix in Australia:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 works with US NetflixTested Nov 2024

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for accessing American Netflix from Australia or anywhere. Operates more than 6,000 servers worldwide, including almost 2,000 servers in the US, so it’s sure to have one that lets you securely stream Netflix USA in Australia.

We wanted to know how fast NordVPN’s US servers were, so we carried out several speed tests while connected. For reference, our base connection speed was 249.13 Mbps.

As you can see from the chart above, NordVPN was fast across the aboard. It’s average speed was 210 Mbps, which was more than double the average speed of the other providers that we tested. This means that you won’t have to worry about lag or buffering interrupting your streaming.

As well as Netflix, this service works with Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, among other platforms.

This is a true no-logs provider that ensures you have a secure connection at all times. It utilizes military-grade encryption with perfect forward secrecy. A kill switch and leak protection keep your data safe inside the encrypted tunnel. NordVPN is known for its extra security features, including automatic wi-fi protection and the option to direct your traffic through two VPN servers (double VPN).

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. You may connect up to six streaming devices simultaneously.

BEST VPN FOR US NETFLIX:NordVPN is our first choice for streaming American Netflix. It offers almost 2,000 servers in the US, strong privacy and security features, impressive streaming and download speed, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review here, or check out the video review below.

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2. Surfshark

works with US NetflixTested Nov 2024

Surfshark makes it easy to securely access the U.S. Netflix content library from anywhere, even Australia. In fact, most of its non-US servers automatically redirect you to the American version of the site. This means that travelers in Australia can get a lower-latency fast internet connection than if they had to use a US-based server.

Those who do use a US server will no doubt be glad to know that Surfshark is fast. In our tests, it consistently achieved speeds in excess of 190 Mbps. Note that our base connection speed without a VPN was 246.61 Mbps.

On average it was 90 Mbps faster than the combined average speeds of the other providers that we tested. This is an excellent result, and means you’d have little trouble streaming 4K video while connected.

Surfshark clearly emphasizes security. It keeps your data private at all times using a kill switch, protection against DNS, IPV6, and WebRTC leaks, and 256-bit strong encryption. There’s also a built-in malware scanner and ad blocker. Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy, so once connected, you’ll be almost entirely anonymous.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Surfshark allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.

BEST BUDGET PICK:Use any Surfshark server to securely stream American Netflix from anywhere. This inexpensive yet security-conscious provider offers unlimited simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review

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3. IPVanish

works with US NetflixTested Nov 2024

IPVanish is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, and it can help you securely access U.S. Netflix from anywhere. Better still, it boasts solid speeds and lets users connect all of their devices at once. If you want to stream the highest quality video possible, this is the VPN for you.

To find out exactly how fast IPVanish’s US servers were, we carried out several speed tested over the course of a day. For reference, our base connection speed was 243.25 Mbps.

IPVanish performed solidly throughout the day, with an average overall speed of 149 Mbps. This compare favorably against the other providers that we tested, which had an average combined speed of 112.6 Mbps. Needless to say, IPVanish is fast enough for streaming US Netflix in 4K.

Security is a priority, and IPVanish uses 256-bit encryption with perfect forward secrecy. There’s also protection against leaks, and desktop apps have a kill switch. No logs are maintained whatsoever.

Any number of simultaneous connections are permitted, and there are apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Manual configuration for routers and Linux systems is possible too.

SECURE EVERY DEVICE:IPVanish is great for families and multiple connections. Works with US Netflix and many other streaming platforms. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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4. ExpressVPN

works with US NetflixTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN has numerous servers in the US that work with Netflix USA. In total, it operates more than 3,000 servers in 105+ countries.

Besides Netflix, ExpressVPN can securely access Stan, HBO, and Amazon Prime Video, and if your chosen platform doesn’t work right away, you can contact a live chat support representative at any time of day to be directed to a working server.

To find out how fast the provider’s US servers were, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected. You can see the results below.

ExpressVPN achieved decent enough speeds. While certainly not the fastest, they are nevertheless fine for streaming high quality video interruption-free — that is, provided you have a good connection speed to start with (ours averaged 250.02 Mbps).

You can expect tight security and privacy from this VPN. Desktop apps come with a built-in kill switch, and all apps have leak protection, so your data is always safe. 256-bit encryption with perfect forward secrecy comes as standard. Privacy is a priority for ExpressVPN; you can pay with Bitcoin, and your personal information is never logged.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Linux, and certain wi-fi routers. With a monthly plan, you can connect five devices at a time, and with longer-term subscriptions, you can connect up to eight devices.

STREAM US NETFLIX:ExpressVPN is great for streaming. It prioritizes your privacy, offers secure, private connections, apps for most streaming devices (including routers). Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. ProtonVPN

Works with US NetflixTested Nov 2024

ProtonVPN is a fast service with a network spanning 112 countries. It’s a reliable way to regain access to your usual services during a trip abroad, working flawlessly with Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video, to name but a few.

The provider is fast, too. We tested its US servers at several points over the course of a day and it averaged 130.4 Mbps.

This makes it fast enough for streaming US Netflix, as well as carrying out other activities such as gaming or torrenting.

ProtonVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections. Not only that, but it has a built-in ad-blocker meaning you can spend less time waiting around and more time catching up on your favorite shows. Support staff are on hand 24 hours per day over live chat.

Worried about your privacy? Don’t be; ProtonVPN uses industry-approved encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch to ensure that your online activities can’t be monitored. In fact, even the company doesn’t know what you get up to because it follows the strict no-logs policy (which has been independently verified by external auditors).

You can even take advantage of the port forwarding and split tunneling features if you need a little more control over your connection. Plus, there are special Secure Core servers for tasks where anonymity is vital, though these may be too slow to stream reliably.

ProtonVPN has its own Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and MacOS apps. Users also have the option to manually install it on a wide range of different routers.

ADVANCED SECURITY:ProtonVPN gives you plenty of ways to customize your security setup. It’s fast too, and works exceptionally well with most popular streaming platforms. Paid subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Still have questions? Find answers in our full ProtonVPN review.

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6. PureVPN

Works with US NetflixTested Nov 2024

PureVPN offers access to more than 6,000 servers worldwide, with many of these in the US. As such, it’s a fantastic choice for anyone hoping to stream their usual Netflix catalog while on vacation.

To find out how fast its US servers were, we carried out several speed tests while connected. You can see the results below.

The provider was very quick for the first two tests, but less so for the third (it’s not uncommon to hit upon a slow server now and then). Even with the slower server, the provider achieved an average speed of 115.7 Mbps. This is fast enough for interruption-free streaming, though a little slower than the other providers’ combined average speeds.

PureVPN does a fantastic job of keeping you connection safe thanks to its uncrackable encryption, kill switch, and built-in leak protection. It can even obfuscate your traffic, hiding the fact that you’re using a VPN at all. If you run into any problems, customer support staff can be reached at any time via the 24/7 live chat service.

This provider has a strong commitment to transparency, proving its no-logs claims by being audited four separate times. We would prefer it if tracker-blocking was included as standard instead of only on the Plus and Max plans, however.

PureVPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Alternatively, you can follow manual setup instructions to run it directly from your router.

EASY TO USE:PureVPN has plenty of US servers that work great with Netflix. Does a great job of keeping you safe and its apps are designed with beginners in mind. Best of all, every plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PureVPN review.

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7. CyberGhost

works with US NetflixTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost is an excellent streaming VPN for novices and makes it easier than ever to stream U.S. Netflix from Australia. CyberGhost has a vast network of over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries, including over 2,000 in the US.

Plus, instead of just choosing a server location and hoping for the best, you can select a Netflix-optimised server from the list and let CyberGhost do the work for you. Other supported streaming channels include Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer.

CyberGhost’s US servers are fast enough for streaming high quality video. In our tests, they achieved speeds averaging 29.7 Mbps.

This is fairly slow compared to the other providers in this list, though still more than fast enough to meet Netflix’s minimum requirement for 4K streaming (which is 15 Mbps).

CyberGhost has plenty of security and privacy features, so you can feel safe knowing your data won’t be visible to anyone but you.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. You can connect up to seven devices at the same time.

GREAT FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost is easy to use and has a huge number of US servers. Great privacy with zero logs and DNS leak protection. Works with many popular US streaming platforms including Netflix USA. Subscription plans come with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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8. PrivateVPN

works with US NetflixTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN has a smaller network than some of its rivals but doesn’t let that dissuade you. It works with a huge range of services, including US Netflix, Disney Plus, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.

In our speed tests, PrivateVPN exceeded the 15 Mbps minimum speed requirement for streaming Netflix in 4K.

However, if you have a much slower base connection speed than ours (which was 244.87 Mbps), then you might want to opt for one of the other providers in this list.

PrivateVPN meets all of our privacy and security standards. Servers that work with Netflix US are clearly labeled in the app, so you won’t need to ask customer service which one to use. Live support is available should you encounter any issues, though.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. You may connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

STRONG ON PRIVACY:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. No problems with US Netflix, and allows up to 10 devices on the same account. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Finding the best VPNs to watch US Netflix – our methodology

Before recommending VPN providers for use with US Netflix in Australia, we evaluate them in the following areas:

Speed

Accessing US Netflix typically requires connecting to a US server first. This is only really useful if the ensuing connection is fast enough for streaming. We tested providers’ US server speeds three times: once in the morning, once at noon, and once in the afternoon. We then averaged the results.

Tests were carried out on a virtual machine that had been rate limited to 250 Mbps. This figure was chosen because it’s the median average of fixed broadband speeds in the US, and thus most likely to reflect real-world experiences.

As you can see from the above, NordVPN was the fastest provider overall. Surfshark and IPVanish were also notably quick.

Netflix region access

We scored each VPN on the number of Netflix libraries (including the US) they were able to access. We then scored them on how many US server locations they had. This number was used in lieu of the actual server count (which many providers are reluctant to share).

We combined these scores to give us an overall idea of how easy it was to access US Netflix with each provider.

Surfshark scored the best VPN for changing Netflix region, though ExpressVPN and NordVPN also hit the sweet spot in terms of server access and Netflix compatibility.

Security and privacy

We looked for VPNs that offer not just the basics, but also plenty of advanced privacy and security features. We used the following criteria to evaluate them against.

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

If security and privacy are important to you, then NordVPN and Surfshark are your best options. They combine strong encryption, audited no-logs policies and highly effective obfuscation. ProtonVPN is also an excellent option.

Ease of use

VPNs vary in how easy their services are to use. To find those that are the least likely to induce headaches, we first evaluate them against the metrics outlined in the table below.

Scores for each metric are combined to produce a total score out of ten, which we can use to conveniently compare providers.

NordVPN provides the easiest to use service overall, with a simple sign-up process and neatly designed apps. IPVanish and ExpressVPN are great alternatives.

Value for money

Getting a cheap subscription is all well and good, but it’s not much good if, for example, it doesn’t cover all of your devices. To more accurately measure value, we used the following criteria.

Each of these ten criteria 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 will get you the most bang for your buck overall, closely followed by IPVanish. NordVPN and CyberGhost are also good value for money.

Watching American Netflix in Australia with a free VPN

We know free VPNs are tempting, but your chances of watching US Netflix in Australia with a free VPN are very low. Most free VPNs just don’t work with Netflix at all due to the streaming platform’s stringent anti-VPN protocols. You might get lucky and find one that does, but since Netflix routinely blocks VPN servers, even if you find one, it won’t last long. Paid providers, on the other hand, have the resources to stay one step ahead.

Plus, free VPNs are heavily limited. Due to server congestion or bandwidth restrictions, they’re often much too slow to stream high-quality video. You may encounter data caps or waiting queues, which can seriously disrupt your streams and lead to a frustrating experience.

Finally, free VPNs can end up harming your privacy rather than helping it. To make money, many of them track your online activity and sell your personal data to third-party advertisers. Some VPN apps even carry malware payloads or are used for botnet scams.

In short, we recommend avoiding free VPNs and paying a few dollars a month for a quality paid provider. However, if you are set on trying to watch American Netflix in Australia for free, here are some tips on how to do so safely.

How to watch Netflix US in Australia for free (safely):

• Opt for a VPN that offers a free trial. These range from 1 – 7 days, so it could be enough if you’re just going away for a few days.
• Make the most of the money-back guarantees of the providers we’ve listed here. They range from 30 to 45 days, so they should be enough to cover you for a vacation or short work trip. Unlike free trials, you do have to pay upfront but can at least rest assured that if you’re not 100% happy with the service, you can claim a full refund. Check out our step-by-step guide to claiming a full refund from NordVPN to see how simple it is.
• Try a reputable VPN with a free basic level – such as ProtonVPN. Proton’s free tier has limited servers, but these include two in the US that have worked with Netflix in the past – there is no guarantee that they will still, but it’s worth a try before you pay for a subscription!

Frequently asked questions