How to get American Netflix in Canada in 2025 – 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 The best low-cost way to stream US Netflix abroad. Respects user privacy and allows any number of connections. A great everyday option.
3. IPVanish A fast and reliable VPN with excellent streaming abilities. Allows unlimited connections and doesn’t compromise on privacy. Ideal for Netflix.
4. ExpressVPN This reputable VPN can help you securely access plenty of Netflix libraries and comes packed with strong security tools. Works anywhere.
5. CyberGhost Beginner-friendly apps with servers specifically optimized for accessing US Netflix. Solid set of advanced features including ad-blocking.
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 A strong contender with an exceptional security toolkit. Works well with Netflix and similar services, though could be slightly faster.

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. Log into Netflix. If you try to do this step later, you may be shown an “Incorrect login” error, regardless of whether you entered your details correctly.
4. Connect to one of your VPN’s US servers. The city shouldn’t matter but in our experience, servers in LA and New York tend to work best for streaming.

   

5. Refresh the page. You should now be viewing the US content library, allowing you to enjoy a broader content library of movies and shows that are only available on American Netflix.
6. 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

Feb 2025 works with US NetflixTested Feb 2025

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. Here’s the best part: you can use any of these — NordVPN does work with multiple Netflix catalogs but it defaults to the US library. Of course, this VPN can also help you access Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and many similar services.

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 204.8 Mbps, which is far faster than the combined average speed of the other providers. This makes NordVPN 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. That’s not all: the latest updates have brought tools like automatic ad and tracker-blocking, improvements to the Meshnet feature, and more.

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 Feb 2025

Surfshark is the budget option for watching Netflix USA during a trip abroad. It delivers consistently high speeds, provides access to 3,200+ servers in over 100 countries, and can protect every device you own at the same time. Not only that, this VPN works with all kinds of streaming services, from Hulu to Amazon Prime Video.

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 248.52 Mbps). On average, it was around 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). It also boasts a NoBorders mode for beating extreme digital censorship, and a CleanWeb feature capable of blocking ads, trackers, and malware automatically.

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 Feb 2025

IPVanish is a speedy VPN with more than 2,400 servers in 100+ countries worldwide and around 1000 in the US alone. 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 179 Mbps, which is a great result (for reference, our base download speed while testing was 248.52 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 help 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 Feb 2025

ExpressVPN is a fantastic choice for anyone hoping to stream. Not only does it have thousands of servers covering 100+ countries, it also does a great job of accessing stubborn streaming platforms. For instance, it works with around a dozen Netflix libraries, both in browser and using the mobile apps. If you feel like a change, you’ll also be able to watch Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video, Paramount+, and more.

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 base download speed of 248.52 Mbps.

The provider performed solidly in all three tests, with an average speed of 117.3 Mbps. This is fast enough to stream 4K video without any issues (in fact, you could cue up almost a dozen before you’d start to notice any problems). That said, there are faster providers available so if speed is a high priority for you, you may want to consider a different service.

ExpressVPN boasts top-of-the-line encryption, robust data leak prevention, and a kill switch. It also offers obfuscation that kicks in automatically as needed, and a newly-introduced Advanced Protection tool that stops ads and trackers while blocking access to shady sites. This VPN has been repeatedly audited to prove that it doesn’t keep any logs. From a privacy standpoint, that’s the gold standard.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and certain wi-fi routers. On a single plan, you may connect up to eight devices at the same time.

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

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

works with US NetflixTested Feb 2025

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. Of course, in everyday use, you’ll notice that the general-purpose American servers work pretty well too.

This is all very impressive, but how well does this VPN actually perform? To find out, we put its American servers to the test. Here are our findings:

Even with the slower result included, CyberGhost still managed a respectable average download speed of 126.9 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. Most of its security features come enabled by default, including unbreakable encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. It’s also possible to manually activate random port connection or set up custom connection rules to fit your needs. 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. Ideal for Netflix. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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6. PureVPN

works with US NetflixTested Feb 2025

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 248.52 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 (though this doesn’t also block ads, which is a bit of a shame).

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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7. ProtonVPN

works with US NetflixTested Feb 2025

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.

Once all of our tests were done, we recorded an average speed of 143.14 Mbps. That’s nearly fast enough to stream 10 4K videos simultaneously and will let you download a 1GB file in about 55 seconds. That’s not bad at all! It will depend on you having a suitably fast base connection speed, though (ours was 248.52 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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8. PrivateVPN

works with US NetflixTested Feb 2025

PrivateVPN is a well-known service with a long history and spotless reputation, which isn’t something many providers can say. It has a fairly small network, with roughly a dozen US servers (and 200 worldwide), but don’t write it off just for that. This VPN works with a huge range of geo-blocked streaming platforms including Netflix USA, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.

To find out how fast PrivateVPN was, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected to its US servers. These were then averaged to get a more representative idea of the speeds you can actually expect.

The provider consistently achieved speeds above 30 Mbps. This exceeds Netflix’s minimum speed requirement of 15 Mbps for streaming 4K video. However, there’s no denying that PrivateVPN could improve its performance — it came in almost 130 Mbps below the average speed of its rivals.

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.

VERSATILE NO-LOGS VPN: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 just under 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, with speeds that are suitable for any task, from streaming to torrenting. Surfshark and IPVanish weren’t too far behind, though PrivateVPN definitely has some catching up to do in this category.

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.

As you can see, competition was fierce; the lowest score any of our top VPNs earned was a 7.6. Surfshark came in first, with ExpressVPN and IPVanish tied for second. So why these providers? Simply put, they all have lots of American server locations and exceptional streaming ability, particularly where Netflix is concerned.

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.

Feeling a little bit lost? Don’t worry! We assign each VPN a score based on what it offers security-wise, then weight and normalize this so that every provider ends up with a single representative rating out of 10. Check out the chart below to see how our recommended services compared:

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, accessing US Netflix abroad. With this in mind, we try to find VPNs offering the most stress-free service. This involves looking at how easily you can sign up, find a suitable server, and start watching your favorite shows, but we also consider several other features. You’ll find a full list in the table below:

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. For instance, how often does it go on sale? Is it possible to save by choosing a longer plan or letting them know you’re a student? 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. ProtonVPN had the lowest score as it costs a little more per month, but we do think it’s worth remembering that this VPN has a free tier that you can use indefinately.

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 Netflix would already working on blocking it.

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. In fact, it appears to have leapfrogged its neighbor, offering roughly 400 more titles in total.

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