Can I Use a VPN with Netflix?

Yes, it is definitely possible to stream Netflix while using a VPN.

If you’re having trouble, the problem could be your VPN—lower quality services often get blocked. Or, you may just need to log out of Netflix and then log back in. You can also try deleting your cookies or using a different web browser.

Netflix has many country-specific content agreements with different producers and networks. These agreements mean users can only access this content when they (or their IP address) are in a certain geographic area.

For example, you can watch Resident Evil: Retribution on Netflix in Canada, but not in the US. Meanwhile, the hit crime drama NCIS is available on Netflix in the United States, but nowhere else.

Netflix tries to block VPN access to its content to honor these country-specific agreements. However, many VPNs are good at getting through Netflix’s firewalls. But just because you can use a VPN to access content outside your country, doesn’t mean you should—this violates Netflix’s terms of service.

We’re not lawyers, but it seems like the general consensus is that it isn’t technically illegal to trick Netflix into thinking you’re in another country using a VPN. But that doesn’t mean Netflix likes it when you do this.

Netflix can ban you or any of its users for any reason, we assume (but again, we’re not lawyers). It could certainly ban you for breaking their terms of service. However, we haven’t found any accounts of users being banned for using a VPN to stream content from another country. But Netflix will block certain content if it thinks you’re using a VPN to access foreign movies and shows.

Of course, you’re not doing anything wrong if you use a VPN server in your own country to use the internet and stream privately.

Yes, VPNs will always slow down your internet connection to a certain extent. But better VPNs—like NordVPN or Hotspot Shield—will lose less speed than lower-quality and free-to-use services.

You can compensate for slower VPN speeds by upgrading to a faster internet service provider and making sure you’re using top-quality Wi-Fi equipment.

No, not in our experience. NordVPN is considered one of the very best VPNs for streaming on Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, and other services. It reliably allows you to connect to these services and stream their content seamlessly.

The best VPNs for streaming will give you optimal speeds and will have streaming-specific tools, like NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature. There are plenty of great services to choose from, like NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, but you’ll have to pick the one that’s right for you and your budget.

If you want to learn more about VPN protocols and logs policies,then you can learn more in our review of the best VPN services.