British Netflix might not have as many titles as its American counterpart, but Netflix UK has several movies and TV shows not available to Netflix subscribers in other parts of the world. This means that British travelers could find themselves unable to continue streaming their favorite shows while on vacation. In this article, we’ll show you how to get British Netflix in any country and recommend some of the best VPNs for Netflix UK.
A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through an intermediary server in a location of your choosing. By connecting to a VPN server in the UK, you get a British IP and can securely access the Netflix UK library from anywhere. Netflix knows about his tactic and is actively blocking connections from known VPN servers. That means not all VPN providers work to watch Netflix UK. If you try to stream Netflix using a blocked VPN or some other proxy service, you’ll receive an error warning.
The good news is that some VPNs still work, and we have found them!. Below, you can take a quick look at the best VPNs for UK Netflix. Later in this guide, we will provide full summaries to help you pick between them.
The best VPNs to watch UK Netflix abroad:
- NordVPN: The best VPN for UK Netflix. Fast, reliable, strong on privacy, and has severs that work with over a dozen Netflix regions including the UK. 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best budget VPN for UK Netflix. Super-fast WireGuard protocol. Servers in 100+ countries, including Netflix-optimized servers in Britain. Super secure encryption and a no-logs policy.
- ExpressVPN: An incredible all-rounder with a proprietary protocol called Lightway designed for speed. Works with Netflix UK, iPlayer, and more. No logs policy and many security features.
- CyberGhost: The perfect service for beginners. Clearly labels its servers to let you watch Netflix UK. Over 9,000 servers in 90+ countries. WireGuard protocol. Apps for all platforms. Fast and secure.
- Private Internet Access: PIA is a US-based provider that has a no logs policy and highly customizable security. It supports Netflix UK, US, Germany, Japan, Italy, and France.
- PrivateVPN: A Swedish VPN that is ideal for streaming and torrenting. Extremely secure AES 256 encryption. Apps for all platforms. Lots of advanced features, including obfuscation.
- AtlasVPN: A US-based provider that is particularly well-suited to streaming. No logs policy. WireGuard protocol. Apps for all platforms. Unlimited simultaneous connections.
Best VPNs for UK 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 accessing UK Netflix from any country.
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
The best VPNs for UK Netflix
We’ve researched several providers to figure out which are the best VPNs for Netflix UK. We curated our list based on the following criteria:
- Reliably works with UK Netflix
- Fast download speeds for uninterrupted streaming
- Strong security and privacy policy
- Works on multiple types of devices
- Quick and competent customer service
For more information about how we test and recommend VPNs check out our methodology article. For now, here are the best VPNs for the job.
Here’s our list of the best VPNs to watch Netflix UK:
1. NordVPN
Jan 2023
works with uk netflixTested Jan 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- Background
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Speeds are super-fast, ideal for streaming high-quality video without buffering. NordVPN protects your data with 256-bit AES encryption and perfect forward secrecy. The company keeps no logs whatsoever of users’ activity. Leak protection and a process-specific kill switch ensure your data never escapes the VPN tunnel. NordVPN operates over 5,000 servers in more than 60 countries.
You may connect six simultaneous devices on any plan. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
BEST VPN FOR UK NETFLIX:NordVPN is our #1 choice. Lots of advanced features. Highly secure. Works with Netflix and other popular streaming services. Apps for all platforms. Super-fast NordLynx protocol. Live chat support. Allows torrenting. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Fast protocols and servers
- Servers in 60+ countries
- Lots of advanced features
- No logs policy
- Free Smart DNS service
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Some servers take longer to connect
Our score:
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
works with uk netflixTested Jan 2023
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Surfshark is a provider based in the British Virgin Islands that is one of the best when it comes to streaming Netflix. It has more than 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, and it works to watch Netflix UK, Netflix US, and around 20 other regions. It also works with popular streaming services like iPlayer, All 4, Disney+, and BT Sport.
Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Those apps have many super-advanced features, including a kill-switch, obfuscation, DNS leak protection, split tunneling, malware protection, ad-blocking, and a free Smart DNS service to let you watch Netflix on consoles and other devices that won’t let you install a VPN directly.
Surfshark has a no-logs policy, which means it never tracks what you do online, and it never has any records that could identify your habits at a later date. This, alongside its robust AES-256 encryption, makes it perfect for gaining privacy at home and on public wifi. You can test it using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
FAST AND SECURE:Surfshark is a solid provider that provides the perfect blend of reliability, stability, freedom, and security. Servers in 100+ countries, including the UK, to access Netflix. No logs policy. Lots of advanced features. Lets you connect unlimited devices.
Servers in 100+ countries
Lets you connect unlimited devices
Advanced apps for all platforms
30-day money-back guarantee
No logs policy
Some servers take a bit longer to connect
Read our full Surfshark review to find out more.
3. ExpressVPN
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
ExpressVPN can securely access Netflix UK, as well as Netflix US and Netflix Canada. Not all servers work with Netflix, but a quick chat with ExpressVPN’s live customer support will point you in the right direction. Better still, this is an exceptionally speedy provider and permits up to five connections at a time.
256-bit AES encryption is paired with perfect forward secrecy to keep your browsing private. A kill switch—called a “network lock” in ExpressVPN parlance—and leak protection ensure no internet traffic escapes the VPN tunnel.
ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and certain wifi routers. A router VPN is a good option for those who like to watch on media streaming devices, smart TVs, and game consoles that don’t natively support VPNs. Every ExpressVPN subscription comes with MediaStreamer, a smart DNS proxy service that can be used independently of the VPN to stream Netflix.
GREAT ALL-ROUNDER:ExpressVPN is fast and secure. Servers in 94 countries. Lots of advanced features. Works with around two dozen Netflix regions. Proprietary Lightway protocol. No logs policy. 24/7 live chat support. 30-day money-back guarantee.
3,000+ servers in 94 countries
Works with over a dozen Netflix regions
Fast speeds
Apps for all platforms
24/7 live chat support
More expensive than others on this list
Streaming servers aren’t labeled
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is a provider based in Romania. We often recommend it to beginners because it has uncomplicated apps that make it easy to navigate through its various features. It also clearly labels its server by use-case, with servers for Netflix UK and Netflix US easily identifiable within the apps.
In terms of security, the VPN provides robust AES-256 encryption (OpenVPN protocol), a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. It also has a no-logs policy which means you never have to worry about what it might be doing with the data that passes through its servers.
Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. This frees you up to watch Netflix however you see fit. It also has 9,000+ servers in 90+ countries, which means you will never be short of locations to spoof to, giving you access to tons of international services. Best of all, you can use this VPN on up to 7 devices, and you can try it risk-free with its 45-day money-back guarantee.
PERFECT FOR BEGINNERS:Cyberghost has easy to use apps for all platforms. Can keep your habits private at home and on public wifi. No logs policy. AES-encryption. Kill-switch and DNS leak protection. Works with Netflix UK. 45-day money-back guarantee.
9,000+ servers in 90+ countries
Works with Netflix UK, US, and iPlayer
Very easy to use on all devices
No logs and robust encryption
45-day money-back guarantee
Fewer advanced features than some competitors
Doesn’t work in China
Find out more in our CyberGhost review.
5. Private Internet Access
Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com
Private Internet Access is based in the USA, a location that may put the most privacy-focused off the service because of the presence of the NSA, warrants, and gag orders. However, the reality is that this is a highly secure VPN with a no logs policy, it has been proven in court multiple times. This means you can trust it to provide you with online privacy whether you connect at home, on a mobile device, or on a public wifi hotspot.
The VPN has over 10,000 servers in 80+ countries. this allows it to avoid congestion and makes it great for gaming, torrenting, and HD streaming. Admittedly, this service doesn’t work with as many streaming platforms as some other VPNs on this list. For this reason, we do generally recommend taking it for a test run with its money-back guarantee. On the other hand, it definitely works to access Netflix UK, the US, Germany, Japan, Italy, and France.
In terms of security, this VPN has OpenVPN that, is highly customizable, and the WireGuard protocol gives you a secure tunnel and faster connections. Live chat is available 24/7, and you can try the VPN for 30 days to compare it to our other recommendations. A kill switch is available, and the VPN permits torrenting.
RELIABLE AND SECURE:PIA is highly popular on Reddit and Trustpilot. Lots of advanced features. Highly customizable security. Fast WireGuard protocol for streaming. Lets you connect 10 devices at once, perfect for sharing with friends and family. 30-day money-back guarantee. Works to watch Netflix UK on holiday.
Highly customizable encryption settings
Servers in 80+ countries
Works with various Netflix regions, including the UK
No logs policy has been proven in court
Based in the US
App design is somewhat lacking
Read more in our PIA review.
6. PrivateVPN
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Fewer servers don’t mean slower speeds in this case, as PrivateVPN excels at streaming HD video without buffering. You’ll also get all of the privacy and security features you would expect of a veteran VPN provider, including a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and a zero logs policy. Choose between 128-bit or 256-bit AES encryption, both of which are more than sufficient to protect your data.
You can connect up to 10 devices at once. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
HIGHLY CUSTOMIZABLE:PrivateVPN works with UK Netflix and has servers in 60+ countries. Lets you connect on up to 10 devices. Easy to use. Lots of advanced features and customizable security options. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Works with most streaming services
Robust encryption and a no-logs policy
Apps for all platforms
Fewer servers in each location
Live chat is not 24/7
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
7. AtlasVPN
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Background
- FireTV
Website: www.atlasvpn.com
AtlasVPN is a provider from the USA. The service was acquired last year by Nord Technologies – the parent company of our number one recommendation NordVPN. This puts it well out of reach of the US government because it is now technically headquartered in Panama. Plus, it has a solid no-logs policy.
The VPN might not have as many advanced features as its sister, NordVPN, but it is still an excellent option for those who predominantly want a VPN for streaming. It has 750 servers in 40+ countries, and those are fast enough for streaming and work with all of the leading streaming providers we have tested it with. This includes Netflix UK, BBC iPlayer, Sky TV, Now TV, BT Sport, All4, and also US services like Hulu.
Apps are available for all platforms, and they have a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling. This makes the VPN a solid all-rounder that you can use for torrenting securely. Admittedly, it doesn’t have OpenVPN, but it does provide IKEv2 with AES encryption and WireGuard for even faster speeds. You can use it on an unlimited number of devices with a single account, which means you can share your account with all your family.
GOOD FOR STREAMING:AtlasVPN works with various Netflix regions, including the UK and the US. Fast speeds thanks to its WireGuard protocol. No logs policy. Apps for all platforms. Split tunneling. Allows torrenting. Easy to use. Lets you connect an unlimited number of times. Great for families. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Super fat WireGuard connections
Works with Netflix and other popular streaming services
Keeps no logs
Fewer advanced features
No OpenVPN
Find out more in our AtlasVPN review.
Still getting the Netflix proxy error? Try this:
If you connected to one of the VPNs, we recommended above but still get the Netflix proxy error when you attempt to stream a video, try these steps:
- Check with your provider to ask which servers work with Netflix UK.
- Log out of any Google accounts, including the Chrome browser. Google caches IP addresses and can reveal your real location to Netflix.
- Disable your GPS and all other location-based services in your device and browser. If you’ve allowed Netflix to see your location in the past, disable this permission in your browser settings.
- Clear browser cookies, cache, and temporary files. See our tutorials on how to clear your cookies and clear the browser cache on each of the major operating systems.
- Disable IPv6. This is mainly for Windows 10 users, but it might cause issues on other operating systems. In Windows 10, you can disable IPv6 in your wifi properties.
- Flush your DNS cache. In Windows, open Command Prompt in administrator mode and enter the command: ipconfig /flushdns
- Adjust the device’s timezone to the country where you’re trying to watch Netflix. The UK’s time zone is UTC+0 in the summer and UTC+1 in the winter.
- If you’re connected to a wifi network and can access the wifi router, rename the wifi network or SSID. Append “_nomap” to the end of the network name (minus quotation marks). This will opt out of Google’s geolocation services, which use wifi networks to help pinpoint people’s whereabouts. You must reconnect your device to the renamed network.
- Disconnect and reconnect to the same server location to see if you can get a different UK IP address that isn’t blacklisted by Netflix.
Note: that even if a VPN provider works with Netflix, it’s possible that only a small subset of servers can do so. For this reason, we recommend you contact your VPN provider’s customer support to ask which is the best VPN server for watching British Netflix from abroad. Furthermore, we cannot vouch for whether or not they work with the Netflix apps for Android, iOS, and media consoles.
See also: Best VPNs for Netflix US
Many free VPN services impose data caps or bandwidth limits that hinder bandwidth-intensive activities like video streaming. Server selections are severely limited, and you might have to wait in a queue before connecting.
Even if a VPN service advertises itself as free, it has to make money somehow; these are not charitable operations. A provider of a free service may resort to placing tracking libraries on your device, monitoring your behavior, and selling the data to advertisers. Some free VPNs inject advertisements straight into your browser, and a few even carry malware payloads.
In short, pay a few extra bucks and get the peace of mind that comes with a good VPN.
Technically, proxies are prohibited according to Netflix’s terms of use. That being said, the company has set no precedent of penalizing users who watch or attempt to watch through VPNs. While most VPN servers are blocked, Netflix seems to turn the other cheek when users try to watch while connected.
Netflix imposed the VPN ban in 2016, shortly after its global rollout. Due to content licensing restrictions on TV shows and movies, Netflix is obligated to limit viewership to specific countries, even if doing so is not in the best interests of its customers or Netflix itself. It’s worth noting that VPNs are 100 percent legal in almost all countries.
- Orphan Black
- Star Trek: Discovery
- The Expanse
- Archer
- Rome
Besides TV shows, Netflix UK has a ton of movies not available stateside. Netflix’s American catalog of movies has actually shrunk in the past few years as the company diverts its resources to acquiring more TV shows and original content. The licenses to stream those movies are presumably much cheaper in the UK, which means older movies and classics are still in the UK archive.
Bollywood fans will also find a lot to love in the UK version of Netflix. The foreign films section of Netflix UK has swelled with Bollywood titles, both old and new.