Netflix provides content based on geographical location, but you can overcome these restrictions with a VPN and access any content you want. However, Netflix has become better at detecting and blocking VPN connections, making it difficult to find a reliable free VPN that can unblock it. Furthermore, even if you find an option that works, it will come with annoyances like slow speeds, data caps, a small network, and security issues.
Because of these reasons, we recommend premium services like ExpressVPN, which you can use for free with a money-back guarantee. In addition, it has a massive server network, allowing you to unblock Netflix libraries in many locations.
The best free Netflix VPN – Quick list
Are you short on time? Check out this summary of the best free VPN for Netflix streaming.
- Windscribe – A premium VPN service that offers a free version that allows you to unblock 6 Netflix libraries.
- TunnelBear – Reliable free VPN that unblocks Netflix and works in China.
- Proton VPN – Dependable free Netflix VPN that unblocks content in Japan, the Netherlands, and the US.
- Zenmate – Free VPN with unlimited data and super-fast connections.
- ExpressVPN – A premium VPN service you can use for free with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It offers many features that free VPNs lack.
How to unblock Netflix with a free VPN
- Subscribe to a reliable free VPN service.
- Download the VPN software on your device.
- Connect to a server in any location where Netflix is available.
- Open Netflix and enjoy your favorite content.
Best free VPNs to unblock Netflix from anywhere worldwide – Detailed list
Many free VPNs claim to offer impressive unblocking capabilities, but in reality, not many can. After thorough research and testing, here are the top free Netflix VPNs.
1. Windscribe
Top reliable free VPN that gives you access to Netflix.
Pros
- Reliable ad blocker
- Designated streaming server
- Bypasses Netflix restrictions
Cons
- 10GB data limit
Windscribe is a great free VPN for Netflix. It will enable you to successfully unblock Netflix libraries in six countries, including Canada, Turkey, the UK, Switzerland, and Germany. The paid version has servers in over 63 countries.
The problem is the 10GB data cap that will limit your streaming experience. Putting this into perspective, the data is only enough for five movies or an entire TV series season. As a result, the VPN is unreliable for daily use.
Besides unblocking Netflix, Windscribe will keep you safe and private. It uses advanced features that prevent snoopers from accessing your information. They include AES 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, kill switch, ROBERT ad blocker, and OpenVPN.
The VPN works well with various operating systems, such as Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Linux. Thankfully, all the apps are super easy to use, and it also offers Chrome and Firefox browser extensions.
2. TunnelBear
Another impressive free VPN that unblocks Netflix.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Supports multiple devices
- High-speed connections
Cons
- Restrictive data caps
TunnelBear is another excellent free VPN to unblock Netflix from anywhere. In addition, it will prevent your ISP from throttling your internet speed, ensuring a seamless streaming experience.
The VPN has a global server network, allowing you to overcome Netflix’s geo-restrictions in the US, Germany, the UK, Canada, France, etc. It also works in China, edging out most free VPNs and even some paid VPN options.
Most of the servers produce sufficient speeds for streaming. During testing, the drop in speed was minimal and virtually unnoticeable. This shows it will give you a smooth streaming experience.
TunnelBear is compatible with many devices, including Windows, macOS, iOS, Linux, Amazon Firestick, and Android. It also offers Chrome and Firefox browser extensions and works well with many router brands.
3. Proton VPN
Well-established freemium VPN service that does trick with Netflix and unblock it.
Pros
- User-friendly apps
- Unblocks multiple Netflix libraries
- Does not keep user logs
Cons
- Unreliable customer support
Proton VPN is a superb free VPN for beginner Netflix. It offers user-friendly apps for almost all devices like Windows, iOS, Android, Chromecast, Firestick, and Android TV. In addition, the provider does not monetize ads, so it doesn’t display annoying advertisements
With the free version, you can unblock the Netflix library in the US, Japan, and the Netherlands. Luckily, it shows the load capacity on each server, making it easy to choose a suitable server for streaming. However, upgrading to the paid plans allows you to access more server locations.
Unlike other free VPNs, most Proton VPN servers we tested produced impressive streaming speeds. This means you will enjoy your favorite Netflix content without buffering.
The VPN will protect you with state-of-the-art features like AES 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, SHA 256 authentication, and DNS/IP leak protection. These features also apply to the free version.
4. Zenmate VPN
Probably the best free VPN for Netflix offers no limits in bandwidth and super-fast speed.
Pros
- Unblocks major Netflix libraries
- Does not keep logs
- Offers a 7-day free trial
Cons
- Doubtful privacy policy
Zenmate is the best Netflix-free VPN today, with lightning-fast connections and unlimited bandwidth. While it doesn’t have a free app, you can enjoy the free version of Chrome, Firefox, or Edge browser extensions.
The VPN has many servers designed to overcome Netflix’s geo-blocks. It unblocked Netflix libraries in the US, Germany, Romania, and Singapore during our tests. In addition, most servers provide incredible speeds, so you will experience zero buffering and little loading time.
It will protect your connections with various security features like AES 256-bit encryption on mobile clients and AES 128-bit encryption on browser extensions. Also, it has a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and multiple VPN protocols.
5. ExpressVPN
Not a free VPN but a top-notch and best VPN provider for Netflix comes with a 30-days of refund policy.
Pros
- Fast speeds servers
- Advanced security and privacy
- Unblocks almost all Netflix libraries
Cons
- Slightly costlier
ExpressVPN is not a free VPN service, but worth paying for as it offers features you wouldn’t get in a free VPN. Making it better, it has a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to use the service free for a whole month.
First, it has an extensive server network of over 3,000 servers in 94 countries across 160 locations. Almost all the servers unblock Netflix and other popular streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, etc.
Second, it is one of the fastest VPN services in the industry. During our test, it offered consistently fast speed on nearby and distant servers. So, you won’t encounter any lags or buffering even when streaming HD content.
ExpressVPN is the best bet if you want to remain completely safe and anonymous online. Besides the standard AES 256-bit encryption, the VPN provides various other security features. For example, it has perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, DNS/IP leak protection, TrustedServer technology, double VPN, split tunneling, and Tor compatibility.
The provider abides by a strict no-logs policy, which means it won’t collect your information. These claims have been audited by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), a renowned auditing firm; Cure53, a famous cybers security firm; and F-Secure, a cybersecurity and privacy company. Moreover, it is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, which isn’t a member of the privacy-invasive 5/9/14 Eye Alliance.
How does a free Netflix VPN work
A free VPN works by rerouting your internet traffic through an intermediary server, assigning you a new IP address. Since the Netflix library is unique in each region, changing your location will enable you to enjoy unlimited content. For example, you can connect to a server in the US to access the American Netflix library, which has the most extensive catalog.
While some free VPNs work well with Netflix, we don’t guarantee reliability or consistency. Also, remember that most free VPN servers are usually congested, causing slow speed and awful services. So, you should opt for premium VPNs like ExpressVPN for a better experience.
Risks of using free VPNs
Besides performance issues like slow speed and data caps, free VPNs have a lot of serious risks.
- Embedded with harmful malware. Installing most free VPN apps can infect your device with different malware types. For example, some will track your online activities, while others may hijack your browser.
- Store and sell your data. One common way free VPNs make money is by collecting and selling user data. So, always check the privacy policy to ensure the VPN’s provider doesn’t store data to maintain your privacy.
- Weak security measures. Many free VPNs don’t have the resources to employ sufficient security measures to keep you safe. So, your DNS/IP can leak, and third parties can intercept your connections.
Free VPNs to avoid Netflix streaming
Below are free VPNs you should avoid because they don’t unblock Netflix and engage in fraudulent activities.
- Hola VPN: In fact, Hola is not even a VPN but a P2P network, meaning that other users utilize your bandwidth, and you use theirs. This can be problematic because their activities can be traced back to you.
- TouchVPN: Has a reputation for collecting and selling user data to third parties.
- Betternet VPN: Known for installing malware on user devices.
- OperaVPN: Its privacy policy indicates that the provider keeps some personal information like your location. Also, it displays targeted ads and sells user data.
- UFO VPN: Leaked users’ personally identifiable information like geo-tags, passwords, IP addresses, session information, device info, and connection stamps.
- PureVPN: It claims not to keep logs but is known for selling user data to advertisers.
Troubleshooting tips if your VPN stops working with Netflix
Technical hitches can occur when unblocking Netflix, even with the best VPN. Try the following tips to remove the error message.
- Switch to another server. Netflix may have blacklisted the IP address of the server you are using. So, switching to another server can help access Netflix without issues.
- Update the VPN. Many VPNs are continually updating their technologies to evade Netflix’s restrictions. So, use the latest version of your VPN app.
- Clear your cookies and cache. Netflix can use other websites’ data to know your actual location. However, you can clear your cookies and browsing history to blind Netflix.
- Use the web browser. If the VPN stops working when using a Netflix app, you can try the browser version with either Chrome or Firefox.
- Reboot the VPN app. Uninstall and reinstall the VPN app to see if the problem will disappear.
- Contact customer support. Try contacting customer support to ask for the best server that unblocks the Netflix library you want to watch.
Conclusion
Finding a free VPN that can unblock and stream Netflix is almost impossible. You will be disappointed with slow speed and poor performance even if you find one that can. We recommend VPN services like ExpressVPN because they offer premium features. For example, it has a massive server network, unblocks all Netflix libraries, offers unlimited bandwidth, and uses advanced security features.
FAQs
Unblocking Netflix with a free VPN is perfectly legal, although it is against the company’s T&Cs, and your account can be terminated. However, you shouldn’t use the VPN to do illegal activities like downloading copyrighted content to avoid getting into trouble.
Yes. Netflix offers a free streaming Android app in Kenya and Vietnam. Connecting to a server in these countries allows you to watch selected Netflix titles for free.
No, most free VPNs are not safe. The biggest complaint with free VPNs is the selling of user data to third parties. Also, they use weak encryption, allowing hackers to intercept your traffic. In addition, others will infect your devices with malware.
Proton VPN is perhaps the best free VPN to unblock Netflix in the US. It offers more than 22 American servers on the free plan.
Yes, a free VPN will reduce your internet speed significantly. However, some factors that can worsen the situation are the encryption standard, server location, and VPN protocols.
Windscribe’s free version does not require credit card information when signing up. It offers a 10GB monthly data limit and free servers in 10 locations. Also, the VPN provides sufficient speed to stream Netflix.
Yes, you can change your Netflix region for free with a free virtual private network (VPN) like Proton VPN, Windscribe VPN, or TunnelBear VPN. Sign up and connect to a server in any location where Netflix is available.