As Netflix gets more expensive by the year, one thing remains constant: The quality and volume of its catalog continue to differ across countries. Thankfully, with the best free VPN for Netflix, you can unblock Netflix libraries across the globe without inflating your bills.
That said, the virtual private network (VPN) market is awash with unreliable free services. You have to cut through the mess to find one that can bypass Netflix’s notorious VPN-blocking technology. Luckily, we tested a variety of free VPNs and narrowed down your options to the best free VPN services that can unblock Netflix.
Key Takeaways:
- Windscribe is the best free VPN for Netflix. It unblocks various libraries with ease and its speed suffices for lag- and buffer-free streaming. However, its 10GB data cap can be off-putting for binge-watchers.
- ProtonVPN attempts to get one over Windscribe by removing the data cap. It also shows excellent ability to unblock Netflix libraries around the globe. Sadly, its slow speeds are a detriment to its streaming performance.
- ExpressVPN and NordVPN — the best VPNs for Netflix — come with an unlimited seven-day free trial on mobile. This is perfect if you need a VPN to catch up on a Netflix show when traveling abroad.
In this guide, we’ll reveal the strengths and weaknesses (if any) of our five best free (and almost free) Netflix VPNs. We’ll disclose their speeds, security, server locations and data allocations to help you pick one that suits your needs. Windscribe is our top choice, but all five listed here will serve you well.
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No, Netflix doesn’t offer a free plan or trial. Even with a VPN, you’ll still need a paid Netflix account to access libraries around the world.
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Windscribe and ProtonVPN work great with the Netflix app. The Netflix geoblocks are no match for these free VPN services.
Top Free VPNs for Netflix
What Makes the Best Free VPN for Netflix?
As mentioned earlier, while there are numerous free VPN providers out there, not all cut it for Netflix. If you’re shopping around for a VPN that can stream Netflix, these are the VPNs you should be considering:
Best 100% Free Plans:
1. Windscribe — Free Netflix VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections
2. ProtonVPN — Free Netflix VPN with unlimited data
3. TunnelBear — Free Netflix VPN with solid security
Best Paid Plans With Money-Back Guarantees and Free Trials:
4. ExpressVPN — Unmatched ability to unblock Netflix
5. NordVPN — Lightning-fast connection speeds
The VPNs made it onto these lists because they are free or offer a free trial. In addition, they have VPN servers in the most popular Netflix locations like the U.S., Canada and U.K. This, coupled with robust security and privacy, lets you spoof your location to access Netflix libraries anywhere in the world.
Moreover, the services are fast enough to facilitate interruption-free streaming. The last two, ExpressVPN and NordVPN, are our best VPNs and the fastest services in the industry. Of course, the rest don’t match their fast speeds, but during our testing, they worked just fine with Netflix. They’re not free, but both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee to test them out.
Even better, their unlimited bandwidth allowance means you can watch Netflix movies unrestrained. However, not all these services offer unlimited data, as you’ll find out. We listed the data caps for each service to help you find a service to support your viewing habits, whether you’re a binge or casual watcher.
The 3 Best Free VPNs for Netflix
These free VPNs for Netflix don’t ask you to pay a subscription fee. You create an account and, without forking out a single penny, connect to a preferred server to access Netflix. However, their data limits, server locations and speeds differ. Keep reading for the nitty-gritty details.
1. Windscribe
Windscribe is the best free Netflix VPN, thanks to its speeds and its excellent ability to unblock Netflix.
More details about Windscribe:
- Pricing: Free, $69 per year per server
- Provider Website: windscribe.com
Pros:
- 10 free servers, in popular Netflix hubs
- Unlimited connections
- Good download speeds
Windscribe is the best free VPN, and when it comes to streaming Netflix, it doesn’t disappoint. While it doesn’t have the great unblocking ability of ExpressVPN — our best VPN for streaming — it gets the job done. During our testing, we had to switch servers multiple times, but the good thing is we found our way around the Netflix geoblocks.
In addition, Windscribe’s near-distance speeds are serviceable, meaning Netflix videos load without buffering and the streaming experience is interruption-free. Its long-distance download speeds are a bit disappointing, but fret not: We didn’t experience the dreaded Netflix proxy error or video lags when accessing Netflix libraries on the other side of the world.
The free VPN service doesn’t throttle your connection, letting you use the full potential of your internet connection to enjoy a pleasant streaming experience. However, if you like to binge-watch movies on Netflix, the 10GB data cap will be a dealbreaker. Windscribe is great if you want to watch a couple of your favorite Netflix movies in full HD or 4K, but no more than that.
Free VPN Server Locations in Popular Netflix Hubs
The free version lets you unblock Netflix in 10 countries, including the U.S., U.K. and Canada, which have the most popular Netflix titles. You can also access Netflix Switzerland, which features many Oscar-winning films. Other notable Netflix locations include Germany and France.
Windscribe enables you to access Netflix libraries in 10 countries.
You can get 2GB of data per month for signing up without an email address. However, Windscribe offers two avenues to increase the data limit. When you confirm your email you get 10GB of data per month. If that’s not enough, simply mention Windscribe in your tweets to get an extra 5GB a month.
Windscribe offers a smooth transition from free to paid plans, thanks to the build-a-plan option. For example, if you’re only interested in the American Netflix library, you can buy the U.S. server location for $1 and unlimited data for another $1 (there’s a $3 monthly minimum for the build-a-plan). Read our full Windscribe review to learn more.
Free
- : Up to 15 GB free with email confirmation and Tweet
- : 15 GB
- : Unlimited
Pro Plan
- : Unlimited GB
- : Unlimited
- :
2. ProtonVPN
ProtonVPN is the only free VPN for Netflix with unlimited data.
More details about ProtonVPN:
Pros:
- Unlimited data & bandwidth
- Great at bypassing geoblocks
- Solid security & privacy
Cons:
- Middling speeds
- Servers in 3 countries
ProtonVPN gives Windscribe a run for its money when it comes to security and privacy. However, it lags behind our top pick on the streaming front because of its middling speeds. It relegates you to the busiest servers, which effectively soft-caps your download speeds. This might be a problem if your internet is slow, but if you’re using a gigabit internet connection, you’ll still enjoy excellent streaming.
Further, ProtonVPN lets you access servers in three countries for free. You can unblock Netflix in the U.S., Netherlands or Japan, which has a collection of captivating anime. As far as unblocking ability goes, the free VPN service outperforms Windscribe.
In our testing, it got us into Netflix on the first try, which is why it earns a spot on the best VPN for Netflix list.
Unlimited Data and Bandwidth
For binge-watchers, ProtonVPN is hard to ignore, thanks to its unlimited data. It lets you watch Netflix movies and TV shows without the fear of getting cut off in the middle of the month. It does offer unlimited bandwidth, but because free users can only connect to slower servers, ProtonVPN’s free plan might not be enough for streaming in HD or 4K.
If you’re watching Netflix with ProtonVPN, you might experience video lag due to its sluggish speeds.
To use ProtonVPN free, you only have to sign up and download the app on your smartphone, laptop, smart TV or PC. Plus, its paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you want to try out its full feature suite, including faster speeds. Read our full ProtonVPN review to learn more.
3. TunnelBear
TunnelBear is best for Netflix streaming if you’re connecting to servers that are geographically close.
More details about TunnelBear:
Pros:
- Free Netflix VPN
- Servers in popular Netflix regions
- Solid security & privacy
Cons:
- Slow speeds
- 500MB of free data
Like our first two picks, TunnelBear is a safe bet when it comes to security and privacy. However, when it comes to unblocking Netflix, it’s a hit-or-miss. During our testing, it got us into Netflix USA and Netflix Japan on the first attempt. Unfortunately, some libraries like Netflix U.K. kept their guard up, denying us access to the catalogs of movies.
Another gripe is TunnelBear’s speed. Overall, its close-range speeds are slower than we’d like, though they’ll suffice for buffer-free streaming in lower resolutions. Sadly, if you’re accessing a Netflix library on the other side of the globe, chances are you won’t enjoy the streaming experience due to constant lags.
If you came here looking for a free VPN to binge-watch Netflix movies, TunnelBear doesn’t tick that box. The provider lets you use 500MB per month, which is dismal compared to the top two entries. However, if you adjust Netflix video quality to standard definition, the data is enough for about an hour of streaming. Plus, you get another 1GB of data when you tweet about TunnelBear through their app.
Servers in Popular Netflix Locations
If you want to access a Netflix library in a country not covered by Windscribe and ProtonVPN, TunnelBear is a worthwhile alternative. It has servers in more than 45 countries and that leaves you with a large pool of IP addresses to choose from. However, even though it has a better server network, keep in mind it’s still a mixed bag when it comes to unblocking content.
TunnelBear’s performance when it comes to watching Netflix is decent.
To use TunnelBear, just create an account, download the free VPN app and install it on your preferred device. Although the free plan has limited data, you can remove all limitations by subscribing to a paid plan. Each paid plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you need more time to tinker with TunnelBear risk-free. Read our full TunnelBear review to learn more.
Individual
- : Unlimited GB, five devices, priority customer service
- : Unlimited GB
- : 5
- :
Teams
- : Unlimited GB, five devices per user, centralized billing, account manager, price per user per month
- : Unlimited GB
- : 5
- :
Best Paid VPNs with Money-Back Guarantees
If you’re traveling abroad or want an unfettered way to watch Netflix movies, these paid VPNs are hard to ignore. They have none of the usage limits of free VPNs and have the best unblocking ability and speeds. Keep reading to learn how you can use these services for free:
4. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for Netflix and other streaming services.
More details about ExpressVPN:
Pros:
- Free Netflix VPN on mobile
- Unblocks Netflix geoblocks
- Excellent speeds
Cons:
- The paid version is pricey
ExpressVPN is our overall best VPN for Netflix because of its excellent ability to unblock content. We regularly test this VPN service and we can vouch for its unmatched ability to bypass geoblocks, not only on Netflix, but other streaming platforms as well. In our latest testing round, it got into every Netflix library on the first attempt.
Moreover, being one of the fastest VPNs (NordVPN beats it for speed), it guarantees lightning-fast connection speeds, in the U.S. and internationally. Whatever movie or TV show you fancy — in full HD or 4K — will load and stream without any lag or buffering. Even better, there’s unlimited bandwidth and data so you can watch as many flicks as you wish.
If you’re traveling to countries where VPNs are banned and still want to watch movies as you unwind, worry not. ExpressVPN servers use built-in obfuscation technology, which scrambles your VPN traffic, making it look like regular web traffic. This way, internet service providers (ISPs) and authorities in the country you’re visiting can’t detect your VPN use.
Use MediaStreamer on Apple TV
ExpressVPN lets you watch Netflix on all streaming devices, including those that don’t naturally support VPNs. For example, if you need to unblock Netflix on Apple TV, you can install MediaStreamer. It doesn’t encrypt your traffic, but it spoofs your location, allowing you to access Netflix libraries across the globe.
Alternatively, you can easily install ExpressVPN on your router to protect your entire household.
ExpressVPN removes the data caps and other usage limits to help you stream Netflix without limitations.
ExpressVPN has a seven-day free trial on mobile, making it an excellent option if you need to watch your favorite flick when traveling abroad. If you decide to go the paid route, the VPN is quite expensive. Thankfully, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can make use of the VPN for free for a short while. Read our ExpressVPN review to learn more.
ExpressVPN Plans
5. NordVPN
NordVPN is also an excellent choice, not only for Netflix but also for other streaming services like BBC iPlayer, HBO Max and Amazon Prime Video.
More details about NordVPN:
Pros:
- Free Netflix VPN mobile app
- Lightning-fast speeds
- Ability to unblock Netflix
Cons:
- High latency on distant servers
NordVPN nearly matches ExpressVPN on most fronts, and is even faster, especially over long distances. The introduction of the proprietary NordLynx protocol has made NordVPN even faster and more consistent. It now lets you stream Netflix flicks in full HD or 4K as if the server were right next door.
In addition, there are no bandwidth limits to slow you down. Plus, with unlimited data, you can binge-watch Netflix movies without fear of getting cut off right in the middle. Its unblocking ability has improved considerably, and it lets you get into Netflix libraries around the world on the first attempt.
NordVPN uses obfuscation technology, which makes it a great option when traveling to restrictive countries. However, unlike ExpressVPN, the technology isn’t built into every server; rather, NordVPN offers a fleet of obfuscated servers in 16 countries. If you’ll need to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN, be sure to check whether NordVPN has an obfuscated server for your preferred Netflix region.
Block Disruptive Ads With Threat Protection
Threat protection is another helpful tool in NordVPN’s arsenal. It blocks pop-up and intrusive ads, some of which may be malware-laden. Doing so improves connection speeds and lets you enjoy interruption- and risk-free Netflix streaming. In addition, blocking digital ads saves you valuable data, and is great if you rely on mobile data to stream Netflix.
NordVPN’s obfuscated servers come in handy when accessing Netflix in countries where VPNs are banned.
If you’re on a business trip abroad and don’t want to miss out on the sizzling new Netflix movies, the seven-day free trial is adequate. To get the free trial, you have to download NordVPN on the Google Play Store or Apple app store. If you want a VPN for the long haul, NordVPN is a cheaper ExpressVPN alternative with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Read our NordVPN review to learn more.
Are Free VPNs Safe?
Yes, some (but not all) free VPNs are safe. Besides the ability to stream Netflix, the best free VPNs we mentioned above offer robust security and privacy. They use solid encryption and VPN protocols to encrypt your traffic and hide your data from prying eyes: ISPs, surveillance agencies and hackers.
However, dodgy free VPNs aren’t safe. You can read more about the VPNs you should avoid in our worst free VPN guide. Some of these VPNs have no-logs policies, secure protocols and encryption, but they are not designed with your security and privacy in mind.
Some are leaky, as you can read in this ProPrivacy report. Many don’t leak personal data, but collect and sell it to third parties instead. Even if you find one that doesn’t use these unscrupulous tactics, it will most likely serve ads in the app, which defies the purpose of using a VPN in the first place.
Final Thoughts
As you have seen, there are a handful of reliable yet free VPNs for Netflix. The services are quite capable when it comes to unblocking Netflix libraries. However, they differ widely in terms of service limitations and speed. What works best for you will depend solely on your streaming needs and habits.
Before you download and install the free service, make sure it has a VPN server in countries where your favorite Netflix flick is available. We recommend getting started with Windscribe because it has servers in the most popular Netflix hubs. In addition, it has the speeds and unlimited bandwidth to support full HD and 4K streaming.
If Windscribe’s 10GB of free data isn’t enough, go for ExpressVPN’s money-back guarantee or NordVPN’s free trial. The trial is a safe bet if you need to binge-watch Netflix movies while on the move. You’ll enjoy lightning-fast speeds, unlimited data and bandwidth and an expansive global network of servers. They also work great with other streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video.
As a bonus, be sure to read our guides on how to get around the Netflix VPN ban and Netflix proxy errors.
Have you used a free VPN for Netflix? Which free VPN provider do you use to stream Netflix content? What do you like about that free VPN service? Do the VPN usage limits get in your way when streaming Netflix? As always, thanks for reading.
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Source: https://www.cloudwards.net/best-free-vpn-for-netflix/
