How to unblock Netflix

Streaming platforms have transformed the way we consume content. In fact, if you take a look at the TV landscape, you’ll observe many streaming websites in direct competition with each other. The fact there’s room for more than one suggests we really are in a new age.

And how did this revolution begin? It was Netflix that truly catapulted the streaming experience to new heights. 

The history of Netflix 

Netflix is the original mainstream streaming option. The company started around 20 years ago as a subscription-based DVD service that mailed DVDs directly to consumers. Though it continues to offer this service to this day, in 2007 Netflix debuted its streaming service. This marked the beginning of a new era in which viewers could stream thousands of movies and television shows for a monthly fee.

Over a decade later, Netflix has established itself as a powerhouse of the entertainment world. It’s even gone on to produce critically acclaimed shows like Stranger Things, Daredevil, House of Cards, and Luke Cage. Netflix has expanded its arsenal to include original comedy specials and movies, alongside a range of content in many genres.

Netflix’s interface is simple to navigate through. You search for titles of your choice or simply browse through recommended collections and select what to watch.

Netflix restrictions

Though Netflix has a diverse catalog to be enjoyed from most locations, unfortunately there are some geographic limitations. There are a handful of countries which are heavily restricted, and your ability to view content is largely dependent on the region you’re in.

Experiencing a limited Netflix library can be disheartening and frustrating, which poses the all-important question: is there a way to overcome this?

How can you unblock Netflix?

Fortunately, you can trick Netflix into thinking you’re in a different location by using a VPN. Subscribing to a VPN provider allows you to enter a portal which tunnels your internet through a server in a different country. This creates an anonymous experience, but will most importantly help you access content you’d otherwise miss out on.

Netflix uses your IP address to determine your physical location, so you’ll be onto a winner if you can replace it with one from a country where there’s greater access. Using a VPN creates a level of anonymity which means your activity can’t be tracked as easily.

Is it really that easy?

Netflix has one of the most sophisticated VPN detection systems in the marketplace, which aims to prevent users from circumventing geographic restrictions. Fortunately, some of the best VPN providers on the market have been able to stay one step ahead of the game, meaning you’ll have a golden ticket to access Netflix from anywhere you want!

But which VPNs are best for bypassing these restrictions? Let’s take a look at our Top 3.

Which VPNs are best for unblocking Netflix?

NordVPN

One of the most recognizable VPNs on the market, NordVPN really can do it all. Generally speaking, you can count on the elite providers to help you overcome most obstacles faced in online environments. Though ExpressVPN is arguably marginally superior, NordVPN is certainly no slouch, and the main reason it’s been mentioned first is for its affordability.

As the best budget VPN, there is an option to pay as little as $2.99 per month (providing you commit to a long-term deal), making it a worthwhile investment. NordVPN has fantastic speeds, great security, and it incorporates thousands of servers which are hard for Netflix to detect.

Overcoming the Netflix block helps you access a plethora of entertainment, and with NordVPN you’re unlikely to face any difficulties along the way. If you’re a Netflix aficionado you’d be silly to miss out on its great multi-year deals! If you’re curious to try NordVPN but aren’t willing to commit without sampling the service, fortunately, it offers a 7-day trial for you to sink your teeth into.

ExpressVPN

NordVPN and ExpressVPN are arguably 1a and 1b, both offering a premium service that requires little effort to understand. What’s great about ExpressVPN is its Fort Knox-like security and impeccable speeds. Using ExpressVPN will enable so much more than Netflix, but we won’t stray too much from the purpose of this article.

Users have reported few issues with geo-blocking when they use ExpressVPN, and this is unlikely to change any time soon. Unfortunately, though, the minimum you can pay on a multi-year deal is $8.32 per month, alongside no option for a free trial. But the provider easily makes up for this with its exceptional service, alongside the presence of a router app that easily covers your TV traffic.

You’ll be capable of streaming on any device, whether it’s your PS4 or Amazon Firestick!

PrivateVPN

This is the cheapest option on the market if you don’t want to commit for multiple years. It’s different from the rest, but lo and behold, it will achieve the same outcome. Though the PrivateVPN network comprises a fraction of the servers of its counterparts, it is still formidable at what it does.

Robust security, functional speeds, and a collection of brilliant features lure consumers to this fantastic service. Since PrivateVPN is capable of overcoming Netflix restrictions, perhaps it’s gone under the radar? Maybe not, and let’s not take any credit away from their technologically talented team!

The payment options are $7.67 per month, $4.88 per month on a three-month commitment, or an impressive $3.82 if you’re willing to sign up for 13 months. That really is a value that’s difficult to refuse, especially when you consider you can use PrivateVPN on up to six devices.