6 Best Free VPNs for Netflix That Still Work — Tested in 2023

Netflix is notorious for its strong VPN-blocking technology, so it's hard to find free or even paid VPNs that can unblock Netflix reliably. Even if you find a free VPN that accesses Netflix, it always comes with limitations like data caps that only allow you to stream for a couple of hours, slow speeds, or a small server network.

I’ve consistently tested more than 30 free VPNs with over 50 Netflix libraries. Free VPNs are hit or miss with Netflix when it comes to unblocking region-restricted content like Friends, This Is Us, or Insecure. To be totally honest, the free VPNs I found have worked for me in the past, but I didn’t have as much luck this round of tests — I still found a couple good 100% free options, though.

The truth is you’re always better off using a premium VPN to access Netflix. Although it’s not 100% free, ExpressVPN is my top choice because it can consistently access more then 20 Netflix libraries and doesn’t limit you like free VPNs do. You can try ExpressVPN for Netflix totally risk-free, though. It offers a legit money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund easily within 30 days if you’re not totally satisfied.

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Best Free VPNs for Netflix — Full Analysis (Updated 2023)

1. ExpressVPN — Fast Servers that Reliably Unblock 20+ Netflix Libraries for HD Streaming

It’s true ExpressVPN isn’t 100% free, but it’s the most reliable VPN for Netflix access and 4K streaming. No free VPN comes even close to matching ExpressVPN’s capabilities for seamless unblocking and smooth streams of dozens of Netflix libraries.

ExpressVPN’s network of 3,000 servers in 94 countries reliably unblock 20+ Netflix libraries. During my tests, I accessed Netflix US, UK, Australia, South Korea, Japan, and lots of others. It’s also one of the few VPNs that work in restrictive countries like China, so you can access your Netflix account from almost anywhere.

ExpressVPN’s speeds meant I could stream with minimal buffering even on servers over 9,000 km away

It gives you fast speeds and unlimited data to stream Netflix without interruptions. No free VPN gave me speeds close to as fast. Long-distance servers usually slow your connection speeds a lot (by 80% sometimes), but ExpressVPN never slowed my speeds by more than 20%, which is really impressive. No matter which server I tried, I was able to stream in Ultra HD with no buffering.

It’s also easy to watch international Netflix libraries on your smart TV with ExpressVPN. It has a native app for Android TV and Amazon FireStick. Its MediaStreamer (smart DNS) service lets you easily access US Netflix on gaming consoles, Apple TV, or any streaming device that you can edit your network settings.

You can try ExpressVPN with no financial risk because it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tried this policy and contacted its 24/7 live chat support. The agent asked a few questions about why I wanted to cancel and quickly approved my refund, which arrived in my account in 2 days, so it’s legit.

Useful Features

• Rotating IP addresses. Each ExpressVPN server changes its IP address every 24 hours. So, even if Netflix blocks one of its servers and it stops working, it won’t stay blocked for long.
• 8 simultaneous device connections. During my tests, I set up my iPhone, MacBook, Windows laptop, and tablet to the VPN. Even while playing different Netflix shows on each device at the same time, I didn’t experience any lag or buffering.
• Compatible with a range of devices. You can use ExpressVPN with a number of devices and operating systems, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, smart TVs, Amazon FireStick, Roku, and more. It’s also one of the only VPNs with a native router app, so you can unblock Netflix on all the devices in your household.

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2. CyberGhost — Specialty Servers Optimized to Unblock Netflix With Ease

CyberGhost let me reliably unblock Netflix with its servers that are specifically optimized for the platform. When I tested it out, I was able to access 15+ Netflix libraries, including the US, the UK, Canada, Japan, France, Germany, and Sweden. Unlike with free VPNs, these servers are continuously maintained to make sure they always work with Netflix specifically.

CyberGhost’s streaming servers are regularly maintained to ensure it can unblock the specified platform

Its Smart DNS feature even lets you use CyberGhost to stream Netflix on devices that normally don’t support VPNs. All I had to do was copy a provided code into my smart TV’s network settings. This only took 5 minutes, and you don’t need any technical knowledge either – there’s a detailed guide on the website.

I live in a larger household, so I particularly like that I can use CyberGhost to watch Netflix on up to 7 devices. I roped my roommates into testing this, and we were able to stream Netflix on all 7 of our devices with no loss in quality or buffering.

While it’s not completely free, you can try CyberGhost for Netflix risk-free by using its generous 45-day money-back guarantee when you sign up for its long-term plan. If you’re not interested in putting a bigger chunk of money down, you can also sign up for a month, but you only get a 14-day money-back guarantee in that case.

Useful Features

• Great speeds. It has impressive speeds, although it's not quite as fast as ExpressVPN. I recorded an average 9% speed drop on local servers. I didn’t experience any lag while watching 3 episodes of Insecure.
• Beginner-friendly app. CyberGhost’s app is easy to use – it took me less than a minute to download and install each version on my devices. I was able to find the streaming server I wanted within seconds. I could then add them to my favorites list for an even quicker connection next time.

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3. Proton VPN — 100% Free VPN With Unlimited Data to Stream Netflix for Hours

Proton VPN is one of the only free VPNs that offer unlimited data for endless Netflix streaming. Most free VPNs limit you to less than 10GB per month, which covers a little over one feature-length movie in HD. During my tests, I spent the whole day watching Ozark without slowdowns.

I binged all of season 4 of Ozark on Netflix with zero interruptions

Proton VPN has good speeds on all 65 free servers (located in the US, the Netherlands, and Japan), For a free VPN, it’s speeds are fast enough to allow Ultra HD streaming without buffering. When I tested its (local) Netherlands server, my speeds never dropped more than 25%. However, it did drop up to 50% on its long-distance US servers.

It’s just a shame that Proton VPN’s free servers only unblock Netflix Originals. However, there are very few free VPNs that work with Netflix, and most will leave you with the dreaded error code instead. So, I was happy that I could watch some shows at least.

Useful Features

• Great compatibility. Proton VPN Free has impressive compatibility compared to most free VPNs. You can use it on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and even routers. So even though you're only allowed a single device connection, you can bypass this limitation by connecting to a router.
• No ads in the app. Unlike many other free VPNs I’ve tried, the Proton VPN app doesn’t contain any ads.

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4. Avira Phantom VPN — Easy-To-Use Mobile App Gives You Access to US Netflix 100% Free

Avira Phantom’s free mobile VPN comes with a US streaming server that unblocks regional content on Netflix US. It offers servers in 34 countries total, but none of the other locations gave me access to anything but Netflix Originals.

I had access to other region-locked titles like Insecure and Suits as well

It also offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use it on multiple devices. This is the best way to get around the restrictive 500MB/month data cap. You can up this slightly to 1GB monthly if you create an account with your email. Either way, I downloaded it on both my iPad and iPhone, and I had the entire monthly allowance to use on each.

You can use Avira Phantom on Windows and Mac as well, but you only have access to 1 server location that’s randomly selected based on your actual location, so it’s not a good option for accessing Netflix.

Useful Features

• Good speeds. Its speeds were not as fast as ExpressVPN or CyberGhost, but they’re decent enough for streaming. I tested its free servers in New York, Los Angeles, and Miami and was able to stream Originals with no buffering — but episodes did take a minute or so to load on long-distance connections.
• 7-day free trial. Avira Phantom also offers a 7-day free trial of its premium plan, which gives you unlimited data, access to live support, and extra security features like a kill switch.

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5. hide.me — Totally Free VPN With Consistent Speeds to Watch Netflix Without Buffering

Hide.me is one of the only free VPNs that doesn’t restrict your speed, so I was able to stream The Watcher on its US server with no lag. In addition, it offers free servers in 8 countries, so offers a bit more flexibility when trying to access different Netflix libraries. The servers are located in Canada, the US, UK, Spain, Germany, France, Singapore, and Japan.

hide.me is one of the fastest free VPNs I’ve ever tested, which is crucial for high-quality streaming

Its website states that its free plan doesn’t support streaming, and I was only able to access Netflix Originals. Although, I have been able to unblock regional Netflix shows with its Netherlands, UK, and Canada servers in the past, so you can still give it a try.

Unfortunately, hide.me only allows you to connect 1 device at a time. You can’t set it up on your router with the free plan (you used to be able to). And since you have to sign up to use it, you won’t be able to get around this limit without creating multiple accounts.

Useful Features

• 10GB data/month. Although it doesn’t offer unlimited data like ExpressVPN or CyberGhost, it’s very generous for a free VPN. During my tests, I was able to stream in HD for around 5 hours, but you could likely get up to 6 hours if you opt for standard-quality streaming.
• 24/7 live chat support. You can use its 24/7 customer support if you need any assistance, which is rare with free VPNs. When I wanted to ask a question about the server locations, I was connected to a live chat agent in less than 10 seconds.

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6. TunnelBear — Free Access to Its Entire Server Network to Watch Netflix Worldwide

TunnelBear gives you access to its entire server network for free to access content from different regions. As with the other free VPNs on this list, I was only able to access Netflix Originals during my tests. But I have had success with TunnelBear’s free plan accessing US, UK, and Canadian content on Netflix in the past, so it might work for you.

I waited around a minute for episodes to load on the US server, but the show played perfectly after that

Unfortunately, you only get 2GB of data per month included in the free plan, which covers around 90 minutes of standard definition streaming. This wasn’t even enough to let me watch the whole Bird Box Barcelona movie. You’ll need to upgrade to a premium plan to get rid of the data cap.

Useful Features

• Decent speeds. It comes with fair speeds for buffer-free streaming on Netflix, at least with nearby servers. However, I often had inconsistent speeds. I couldn’t stream in HD on long-distance servers as they weren’t fast enough.
• Simple app. TunnelBear stands out with its unique and user-friendly interface. The app is filled with bear puns (which I definitely appreciate), and the cartoon bear burrows its way between the different servers. It’s a good option if you’re new to VPNs and want a less intimidating app to use.

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Quick Comparison Table: Best Free VPNs for Netflix

When choosing a free Netflix VPN, you’ll need to consider the amount of data you get so you can watch everything you want without interruption. It should also be able to unblock geo-restricted content (no free VPNs I tested actually managed to do this).

Decent speeds (at least 5 Mbps for HD) are crucial for smooth streaming. Compatibility with your preferred streaming devices is also essential for hassle-free installation and streaming.

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Tips on How to Choose the Best VPN for Netflix

When looking for a reliable free VPN for Netflix, there are a few criteria you need to pay attention to. I tested the following features to rank the best free VPNs for Netflix. You can use the list below when shopping for the right VPN:

• Really free or trustworthy money-back guarantee. I ensured that all the VPNs on my list are completely free or come with a tried and tested money-back guarantee so you can use them with no financial risk.
• Can access geo-blocked Netflix content. Unfortunately, it’s extremely difficult to find a fully free VPN that can consistently access regional Netflix content. I listed 100% free VPNs that have worked for me on-and-off in the past, as well as 1 that pretty consistently accesses US Netflix. You’re always better off using a low-cost premium VPN’s money-back guarantee.
• Large number of server locations. I’ve only recommended VPNs with a variety of server locations that give you access to different Netflix libraries. Plus, it ensures you’ll have a backup server to try if the one you’re using doesn’t work.
• Fast speeds and enough data. This is so you can stream Netflix without long loading times or being cut off from the VPN. I conducted speed tests for all the VPNs on my list to ensure you can watch your favorite shows with minimal buffering.
• Compatibility with multiple devices. Every VPN on this list is compatible with multiple devices you can use with Netflix. If you want to watch Netflix on devices that usually don’t support VPNs, make sure to choose a VPN that has router support and/or Smart DNS.
• Excellent customer support. VPN support can usually tell you which server to use to access the Netflix library you want if you ever have any issues. Most free VPNs don’t offer 24/7 live chat, but I found a couple that do. You can get in touch with any of the VPNs by email or contact form, and they all have extensive knowledge bases.

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Expert Tip: The Risks of Free VPNs

Free VPNs often come with restrictions such as data caps, slow speeds, small server networks, and limited device connections. In addition, there are a lot of free VPNs that come with serious risks.

• Free VPNs can store and sell your data to third parties: Because free VPNs need other ways to make money, they often sell your user data to third parties. You should always read the privacy policies to make sure the free VPN really keeps you safe.
• Free VPNs can have weak security features and leak your info: Many free VPNs don’t have the resources to keep their features up to date. This often results in IP/DNS leaks, meaning that your privacy isn’t protected at all.
• Free VPNs can be infected with harmful malware: Free VPNs are sometimes created with the intention of infecting your device with viruses and malware. Moreover, free VPNs rely on advertising for money, so they usually don’t provide built-in ad blockers. This increases the risk of your VPN app hosting malware-infected ads.

The VPNs we’ve included in this list are ‘freemium’ VPNs, so they provide free versions that are funded by paying users. This means they don’t come with the same risks that totally free VPNs do.

Free VPNs You Should Avoid

The following free VPNs are proven to be dangerous to use. They can share your data with third parties or include malware and viruses.

• Hola Free: Hola is not a VPN but a P2P network. This means that others use your computer’s IP address. It could get you in trouble since their activities will be traced back to you.
• Betternet: Found to installs malware onto users’ devices in the past.
• TouchVPN: Logs your browsing activity and shares it with third parties to create targeted ads.
• OperaVPN: Has an invasive logging policy. Its privacy policy states that it stores some of your personal data, like your location. It also gives you targeted ads and sells customer data to third parties.
• UFO VPN: Leaked 20 million paid and free users' data, including IP addresses, passwords, geo-tags, session information, connection timestamps, and device and OS details.
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VPN Not Working With Netflix? Try These Troubleshooting Tips

Sometimes, Netflix detects that you’re using a VPN and either only shows you Originals or the following error message:

I get this error message often while connected to free VPN services

Try the following steps if you see this message:

• Choose another VPN server. It’s possible that the server you’ve chosen is blocked by Netflix or is leaking your IP information. Try switching to another server to access Netflix.
• Make sure your VPN is up-to-date. VPNs are continually changing their technology to overcome more advanced geoblocks. Ensure you're running the most recent VPN version to get the most out of these features.
• Clear your browser history and cookies. This data can allow Netflix to see your actual location. Using an Incognito window can also help.
• Try another web browser. Try switching to Firefox or Chrome, as they’re usually the best options to watch Netflix on.
• Disable IPv6 addresses on your device. If your VPN is running an IPv4 address, it might reroute your traffic through an IPv6 server and reveal your real IP to Netflix. Try disabling this in your device’s settings.
• Contact customer support. Try contacting the VPN’s customer support to ask which server works best to access your desired Netflix library.

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FAQs on The Best Free VPNs for Netflix

Can I watch Netflix US, Japan, and other countries with a free VPN?

Yes, but it’s usually hit-or-miss. Free VPN services don’t have many IP addresses, and the ones they do offer are usually not updated very frequently. So, once Netflix detects and blocks a free VPN IP, it probably won’t work until the VPN refreshes its IPs again. For consistent and reliable access to Netflix, you’re always better off with a premium VPN.

Which free VPN doesn't require a credit card to sign up?

There are a few VPNs that don’t ask for payment details when you sign up. This way, you don’t have to worry about getting surprised by any hidden charges.

On the other hand, the paid VPNs in this list do need a valid form of payment. However, you don’t have to use a credit card. Both accept alternative payment methods, such as PayPal — or even cryptocurrency, for extra privacy. In addition, they are both backed by legitimate money-back guarantees, so you know you can get a full refund without hassle.

Will a free VPN give me fast speeds for Netflix?

No, free VPNs generally don't provide fast speeds for Netflix. Free VPNs often have limited server options and a large number of users, resulting in slower speeds and buffering issues. Some free VPNs also impose bandwidth restrictions or throttle your connection speed. For a smoother Netflix streaming experience, I recommend you use a premiumVPN service instead.

Is using a free VPN for Netflix safe?

No, using a free VPN for Netflix may not be entirely safe. Free VPN services often have questionable privacy practices, such as logging your data or displaying intrusive ads. Some even sell your browsing habits to third parties. To ensure a secure Netflix experience, it's best to choose a reputable paid VPN service that prioritizes user privacy.

Moreover, free VPNs may lack robust security features, leaving your online activities vulnerable to hackers or surveillance.

Can I use a free proxy to access Netflix?

No, it’s very unlikely that a free proxy will work to access Netflix. Proxies lack the necessary encryption and IP masking capabilities required to bypass Netflix's blocks effectively. Plus, Netflix blocks most proxy servers. To reliably access Netflix from different regions, I recommend using a reputable VPN service that can reliably access bypass Netflix’s geo-blocks.

On which devices can I use a free VPN to access Netflix?

Most free VPNs can be downloaded on laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones. In addition, our top premium VPN offers apps for some smart TVs and streaming devices.

Even VPNs that are compatible with several devices usually have a limit to how many connections you use at once. So a VPN with router compatibility is helpful, so you can cover all the devices on your home network.

Here’s a breakdown of the best free VPNs for Netflix and which devices you can use them on to access Netflix:

Is using a free VPN for Netflix illegal?

No, but it’s a bit complicated. The content blocks are not carried out by the government but by Netflix due to license agreements. So, if you intend to use a VPN to primarily access content not available in your actual location, you could be breaking Netflix’s Terms and Conditions.

In addition, if you use a VPN for any purpose in a country that bans or regulates their use, you could be breaking a law (China bans many VPNs, while they are regulated in Russia, for ex.). We encourage you to always check the local rules and regulations to make sure you don’t accidentally break any laws.

Get the Best VPN For Netflix Today

Most free VPNs don’t work with Netflix. The ones that do are very inconsistent. At best, a free VPN will let you watch Netflix Originals, but you’ll then be limited by data caps or speed restrictions. I’ve been testing free VPNs with Netflix for years, so I’ve listed the free VPNs that work on and off.

Even though it’s not free, I recommend ExpressVPN since it consistently unblocks different Netflix libraries and doesn’t limit you like the free options. It’s your best bet for consistent Netflix access and unlimited UHD streaming. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test ExpressVPN out completely risk-free.

Top Netflix VPNs You Can Try Risk-Free With Money-Back Guarantees…