How to get American Netflix in the UK

Netflix is available in almost every country globally, but the library of content you can view varies widely depending on your location. Americans visiting the UK may be disappointed that they can’t access some of the shows and movies available to watch on American Netflix. This is true even if you signed up for Netflix in the US, and it can be frustrating for viewers. Luckily, it’s relatively simple to get American Netflix in the UK. You just need to use a VPN to gain a US IP address.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) redirects your internet connection through a server in your chosen location and assigns you an IP address from that server. This means that when you choose a US server, you can make it appear that you’re connecting from back in America. This lets you bypass geographic restrictions and stream US Netflix abroad. VPNs also have the advantage of encrypting your internet traffic, keeping your online activities and data safe from prying eyes.

However, not all VPNs work with US Netflix – it’s a notoriously tricky platform. So we’ve put together a list of the top providers for you here, and we’ll also explain exactly how to use them to access US Netflix from anywhere. If you don’t have time to read the whole article, here’s a quick summary.

Best VPNs to get American Netflix in the UK:

1. NordVPN: Our number one choice for watching American Netflix in the UK. Offers tons of security features and works with most major streaming platforms. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Netflix.
2. Surfshark: Our top budget-friendly VPN for accessing US Netflix. Reliable accessing abilities, fast servers in 100+ countries, and allows unlimited device connections.
3. IPVanish: A no-logs VPN with easy-to-use, reliable apps. Choice of UK aservers and excellent speeds for streaming. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
4. ExpressVPN: Fast and secure, this service makes it easy to stream Netflix US from anywhere. A solid set of privacy features and 24/7 live chat support.
5. CyberGhost: A great beginner-friendly VPN that’s fast, private, has a huge server network, and is great for streaming Netflix US from anywhere.
6. PrivateVPN: Prioritizes privacy and security. Consistently accesses most streaming platforms. Impressive speeds for streaming Netflix US from the UK.
7. PureVPN: The cheapest VPN that works to watch Netflix US. Excellent speeds and reliability. Works with many popular streaming services including UK platforms abroad.
8. ProtonVPN: A highly advanced VPN. Works to gain online privacy to stream Netflix at work. Fast and secure with a kill switch, stealth, and multi-hop features. Choice of US servers.

How to watch American Netflix in the UK

Setting up a VPN to work with US Netflix is pretty simple. International travelers can follow the easy steps below to watch Netflix US from the UK or anywhere else.

Here’s how to get American Netflix in the UK with a VPN:

1. Sign up for a Netflix account if you haven’t already done so.
2. Subscribe to a top-rated Netflix VPN. We’ve found the most reliable to be NordVPN.
3. Download the appropriate VPN client or app for your device and log in.
4. Connect to a VPN server in the US. This will give you the US IP address you need to access Netflix US.
5. Log in to your Netflix account, and you should automatically see the US Netflix library of content, even if you’re currently visiting the UK.
6. You can now watch American Netflix from anywhere!
7. If you don’t see it, try clearing your browser’s cookies and cache before reloading the page.
8. If this still doesn’t work, try a different US server or contact your VPN provider’s customer service team. They should be able to point you to a server that works with Netflix US.

How we selected the top Netflix US VPNs

It’s important to note that many VPNs won’t work with Netflix as it has sophisticated VPN detection methods. In this case, you’ll see a proxy error: “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 compiled this list of VPNs that still work reliably with Netflix. Our selections are based on the following criteria:

• Helps you securely access Netflix from anywhere
• Plenty of US servers to allow you access to US Netflix
• Offers fast, reliable connections for streaming in HD
• Employs strong encryption (Preferably 256-bit)
• Doesn’t log user information
• Provides reliable customer support (preferably with live chat)
• Is good value for money with a money-back guarantee

This is just an overview, but if you want more information on how we choose the VPNs we recommend, check out our methodology section below. Let’s take a closer look at the ones that made the grade.

The best VPNs for US Netflix: 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.

Best VPNs to watch American Netflix in the UK

At Comparitech, we aim to bring you the most helpful and accurate VPN recommendations possible. To do that, we personally use every VPN, putting them through rigorous real-world testing. The following reviews are based on those first-hand experiences.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs to watch American Netflix in the UK:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 works with American NetflixTested Nov 2024

NordVPN is our first choice VPN for accessing US Netflix. Boasting very high speeds and over 6,000 servers globally, it’s a great option for any international traveler. With almost 2,000 servers in the US, this VPN makes it easy to access US Netflix from anywhere and also works with similar services like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.

This is a true no-logs provider that always ensures a secure connection. 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).

Desktop clients are available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux, and there are mobile apps for iOS and Android. The VPN works with select home routers via manual configuration. You can connect up to 10 devices under each plan.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR US NETFLIX:NordVPN is our first choice for Netflix. It’s extremely fast and comes packed with security extras. Great for securely accessing your usual services abroad. Users can take advantage of a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Learn more in our in-depth NordVPN review.

NordVPN Coupon

74% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months

Get Deal >

Discount applied automatically

2. Surfshark

works with American NetflixTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is a top performer when it comes to securely accessing your favorite services like Netflix. Notably, most of these VPN servers automatically redirect to the US catalog, so you can choose whichever server is closest to you rather than having to use one based in the US. And with over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, there’s plenty to choose from.

Surfshark is constantly improving its service and continues to boost its security profile. Features include military-grade encryption, perfect forward secrecy, split tunneling, automatic wifi protection, a kill switch in all apps, and leak protection.

There’s no limit to the number of devices you can connect at a given time. Desktop clients are available for Windows, MacOS, and Linux, as well as mobile apps for iOS and Android. Surfshark can be manually configured with some home routers too.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a low-cost VPN that won’t disappoint and is a reliable choice for secure accessing Netflix US from abroad. It allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our full review of Surfshark.

Surfshark Coupon

87% OFF + 4 months free

Get Deal >

Discount applied automatically

3. IPVanish

works with American NetflixTested Nov 2024

IPVanish is a strong choice for accessing US Netflix in the UK. It has a network of over 2,000 global servers with plenty of options in the UK. Plus, unlike other providers, IPVanish owns rather than renting those servers, giving them greater control over access. IPVanish consistently works to access Netflix and several other streaming sites and, thanks to its implementation of the WireGuard protocol, is more than fast enough for uninterrupted streaming.

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.

IPVanish is a particularly popular option among torrenters and Kodi users. It permits any number of simultaneous connections, and there are apps for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Manual configuration for routers and Linux systems is also possible.

IPVanish speed test data

SPEEDY AND PRIVATE:IPVanish is fast, secure, and private. It works with American Netflix and has great speeds for streaming at home and on the go. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

4. ExpressVPN

works with American NetflixTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN is fast and reliable and comes with excellent customer support. Aside from American Netflix, ExpressVPN works with other popular streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. If your chosen platform doesn’t work right away, you can contact a live chat support representative at any time of the day to be directed to a working server.

In addition to strong performance, 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.

ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, and the VPN can be configured with some home routers. You can connect up to eight devices at a time.

ExpressVPN speed test data

HIGHLY VERSATILE:ExpressVPN is more than capable of helping you securely access Netflix US in the UK. It’s fast, reliable, provides 24/7 support. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

ExpressVPN Coupon

SAVE: 82% + 6 months free on 2 year plans

Get Deal >

Coupon applied automatically

5. CyberGhost

works with American NetflixTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost is a solid, beginner-friendly provider. This VPN has amassed a huge network of servers in the US and around the globe, with over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries. It clearly labels which servers work with various services, including Netflix US, making setup a breeze. Other platforms you can securely access include Amazon Prime Video and Hulu.

This VPN builds lots of security features into its apps, including strong encryption with perfect forward secrecy, leak protection, and a kill switch in all apps. CyberGhost never logs any personally identifiable user data.

This VPN imposes a seven-device limit, and you can download apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. You can configure it manually with certain home routers.

CyberGhost speed test data

STRONG FIRST VPN:CyberGhost is very user-friendly and makes it easy to find a server that works with American Netflix. Provides you with a secure, reliable connection. CyberGhost offers a 45-day refund policy.

Dive into our full review of CyberGhost.

CyberGhost Coupon

SAVE 84% on the 2 year plan + 4 months free!

Get Deal >

Discount applied automatically

6. PrivateVPN

works with American NetflixTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN has been around for a number of years, maintaining a fairly quiet but solid presence in the industry. It seems content with a small network of servers but makes the most of them. Fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth make it a breeze to stream Netflix and other sites (Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and All 4, to name a few).

PrivateVPN doesn’t keep any logs and protects your connection with 256-bit encryption and perfect forward secrecy. You also get leak protection, and the Windows client has a kill switch.

You can have apps running on up to 10 devices at once. They’re available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. PrivateVPN supports Linux systems and some home routers as well, but you’ll have to install it manually.

PrivateVPN speed test data

GREAT FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN enables secure access to multiple Netflix libraries as well as other streaming platforms. Subscriptions include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our in-depth PrivateVPN review.

7. PureVPN

works with American NetflixTested Nov 2024

PureVPN makes unlocking US Netflix in the UK simple and cheap. The VPN starts at just $1.96 per month and lets you access multiple Netflix regions, including the US, Canada, UK, Japan, and Germany. This makes it perfect for people wanting to access a wide range of content options not typically available in the UK. Its Tier-1 servers and WireGuard protocol ensure exceptional performance, ideal for HD streaming that is buffer-free.

PureVPN’s extensive network spans over 65 countries, allowing UK users to enjoy region-locked content and services from around the globe. This includes accessing British TV channels like BBC iPlayer and ITVX while on vacation. In our tests, it worked to access Canadian, Brazilian, German, Japanese, and French services – proof that it is international in scope.

Apps for all popular platforms provide robust security features like AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logging policy. Whether you’re streaming Netflix at work, school, or from the comfort of your home, PureVPN ensures a completely private browsing experience. It also reliably shields against ISP snooping and government surveillance.

Despite a slightly sluggish live chat response, PureVPN remains impressive. We found it easy to use, so chances are you will never need to contact the support agents anyway. Plus, with a 31-day money-back guarantee, you can feel free to test it to watch US Netflix and gain online privacy anywhere in the UK.

PureVPN speed test data

LOW COST VPN:PureVPN is perfect if you want to watch Netflix US in Britain. The VPN is fast and highly secure despite custom very little. It is ideally suited to home internet users looking for online freedom and privacy but is also secure enough to stream Netflix at work without being tracked. You can test it using its 31-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our PureVPN review.

PureVPN Coupon

85% off the 5-yr standard plan

Get Deal >

Discount applied automatically

8. ProtonVPN

works with American NetflixTested Nov 2024

ProtonVPN allows UK netizens to gain access to US-based platforms. It offers a reliable solution with Tier 1 US servers strategically located on both the West and East coasts. These servers enable seamless streaming of Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Peacock, as well as access to US game servers and other American services (gambling sites, etc).

Operating from Switzerland, ProtonVPN benefits from excellent privacy laws, and it has a strict no-logging policy that has been fully audited. Its feature-packed apps come with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection, providing users with both entertainment and online safety.

With servers in over 85 countries, ProtonVPN is a dependable option for bypassing region locks and censorship. While it offers a basic free plan, it’s important to note that this won’t work to watch US Netflix in Britain. You will need to pay for access to streaming servers.

Torrenting enthusiasts will appreciate ProtonVPN’s split tunneling and port forwarding capabilities, along with additional features like obfuscation, Tor over VPN, and ad and tracker blocking, enhancing protection and functionality, particularly when visiting countries with high levels of censorship.

Although ProtonVPN is pricier than some competitors, its wealth of features makes it worthwhile for techy users in need of extra options. If you aren’t sure whether you need everything it offers, you can take it for a test spin for 30 days risk-free.

ProtonVPN speed test data

GREAT FOR TORRENTING:ProtonVPN is a feature-packed VPN that is great for a wide variety of tasks. It is highly secure and packed with advanced features. It is fast for streaming, and it works with multiple Netflix regions including the US, Canada, and Britain. The VPN has a solid no-logs policy, strong AES encryption, and a system-level kill switch. 30-day refund guarantee.

Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.

ProtonVPN Coupon

SAVE 70% on a 2-year plan

Get Deal >

Coupon applied automatically

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 most important for streaming Netflix abroad and recommended only those that excelled in every area. These include:

• Unblocking ability: All the VPNs on our list have been proven to reliably access Netflix US. But, we prioritize providers that work with multiple Netflix libraries, not just the US one. Bonus points if they work with other popular streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Disney Plus too.
• Server choice: The larger the network, the easier it should be to find a low-load server. Additionally, some providers in our list allow you to access Netflix US, even when using a non-US server.
• Speed: 4K streaming is pretty data-intensive, so high speeds are vital. We perform regular speed tests to ensure we’re only recommending those VPNs that can give you the highest streaming quality and consistent speeds.
• Security/privacy: VPNs are designed to keep you safe online. That’s why we look for features like uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a no-logs policy at an absolute minimum.
• Value for money: We’ll never recommend a VPN that charges more than it’s worth. We’re also partial to services that offer a money-back guarantee and allow for a large number of device connections.
• User-friendliness: You shouldn’t have to be an expert to protect yourself when streaming. The services above can all be set up in under five minutes and offer live chat-based support.

Would you like to find out more? We explain our complete VPN testing methodology to give you a better understanding of exactly how we put each service through its paces.

Watching US Netflix in the UK: FAQs