Netflix has recently suspended its operations in Russia following the Ukraine invasion. However, the biggest streaming platform is still available worldwide, although it has geo-blocked its content because it doesn’t have exclusive rights to broadcast similar content worldwide. This means that some titles are accessible in specific regions and not in others.
Thankfully, you can evade Netflix’s geographic restrictions with a virtual private network (VPN). When you connect to a server, you will be assigned an IP address of any country you want. So, for example, you can use a US server to access American Netflix in Russia.
Read on to find out how to watch American Netflix in Russia, compatible devices, and much more.
A quick guide to getting American Netflix in Russia
Changing your location to access Netflix libraries is very easy. Use the tips below to watch USA Netflix in Russia.
- Sign up for a reliable VPN service such as ExpressVPN. It will give you sufficient speed to stream on Netflix in HD without buffering, dependable security, and all-around customer support.
- Download the VPN app.
- Clear your device’s cache and cookies.
- Connect to a US server to change your IP address.
- Launch Netflix and enjoy the vast American Netflix library.
Best VPNs to watch American Netflix abroad in Russia
As you have seen, a VPN is necessary to access American Netflix in Russia, so you should get the best service. Since there are hundreds of VPN providers, we have made it easier for you by compiling the top 3 VPNs that can unblock American Netflix in Russia.
1. ExpressVPN
Unquestionably the top VPN provider for its amazing services regarding everything online. It can easily bypasses Netflix in Russia.
Pros
- Multiple US servers
- Reliable customer support
- Fast-speed connections
Cons
- Slightly expensive
ExpressVPN is perhaps the best VPN to stream US Netflix in Russia. It supports eight simultaneous connections and offers dedicated apps for almost all operating systems like Windows, Android, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Firestick.
Fortunately, it has an impressive unblocking capability, and with the multiple US servers, unblocking American Netflix in Russia will be straightforward. Also, it has a massive network of over 3000 servers spread globally in over 94 countries. This will enable you to access content in other parts of the world, expanding your entertainment options.
Most servers we tested produced super fast, so watching the American Netflix library in Russia will be a smooth experience. On top of that, it offers unlimited bandwidth, ensuring you don’t run out of data when streaming Netflix.
Russia is known to have lethal hackers who can steal your data. Thankfully, ExpressVPN has military-grade AES 256-bit encryption to protect your traffic. Also, it uses a kill switch and DNS/IP leak protection to prevent your data from leaving the encrypted tunnel. As a result, Netflix will not know that you are using a VPN to bypass its restrictions.
ExpressVPN is slightly costlier than its rivals. However, the 30-day money-back guarantee allows you to use the service for free for a month. Furthermore, if you face any issue or have a question, you can contact customer support, which is available around the clock.
2. NordVPN
One of the best VPNs to surpass Netflix geo-blocking redtrictions in Russia.
Pros
- Many US servers
- Specialty streaming servers
- Email and live chat support
Cons
- Suffered a data breach in 2018
NordVPN is another reliable VPN to unblock American Netflix in Russia. It offers user-friendly apps for all platforms and supports ten simultaneous connections.
The VPN operates around 1970 servers in more than 15 US locations, allowing you to get an American IP address to unblock Netflix in Russia. Also, it has a massive worldwide network of over 6,300 servers in 100 countries.
Its servers have sufficient speed to stream American Netflix in Russia without buffering. Also, the provider does not impose data caps but offers unlimited data. Hence, you watch your favorite content very smoothly.
NordVPN employs state-of-the-art features to keep you safe. For example, it has impenetrable AES 256-bit encryption to prevent third parties from accessing your data. Also, there is a kill switch, DNS/IP leak protection, double VPN, and perfect forward secrecy.
This is an affordable VPN service, especially if you select long-term plans. Thankfully, it also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee where you can use the service for 30 days and ask for a refund.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA)
An affordable VPN with large number of servers even in Russia. It has decent speed to stream Netflix.
Pros
- Netflix Connection stability
- Excellent unblocking ability
- Fast speed on media streaming
- Huge server network
- Economical
- 24-hour support on live chat
Cons
- Do not work well with Fire TV and has an unreliable connection with Apple TV.
Private Internet Access (PIA) closes our list of the top-notch VPNs to watch American Netflix in Russia. It works well with almost operating systems and allows you to use ten devices simultaneously.
The VPN offers multiple servers in each state in the US, enabling you to unblock the American Netflix library in Russia seamlessly. In addition, it arguably has the most extensive server network in the VPN industry, with more than 28,000 servers worldwide.
Most servers have fast-speed connections, allowing you to stream the American Netflix version in Russia in high definition. Also, like its predecessors above, it offers unlimited bandwidth, regardless of the server you use.
Besides unblocking Netflix, PIA will keep you secure with advanced features like a kill switch, perfect forward secrecy, DNS leak protection, and split tunneling. Moreover, depending on your connection, it lets you choose between AES 128 or 256-bit encryption. In addition, it has an ad blocker that also prevents malware.
Why is it not possible to watch American Netflix in Russia?
Due to licensing and copyright limitations, Netflix uses geo-blocks to restrict content to specific locations. For example, if you have a Russian IP address, it will redirect you to Russian content (Although Netflix is currently unavailable in Russia). So, the streaming service will block your connection if you try to access American Netflix. However, a VPN will help you to evade these restrictions and watch American Netflix without a hassle.
Can I watch Netflix in Russia with a free VPN?
A free VPN can be enticing because it doesn’t require you to pay anything. However, we advise you to avoid them like the plague. First, most free VPNs cannot overcome Netflix’s geo-restrictions since the few IP addresses they offer are blacklisted. Second, they impose data caps resulting in low resolution and performance issues like buffering and lags.
Furthermore, security is a major issue with free VPNs. They don’t implement necessary measures like encryption, exposing your data to hackers. Making it worse, others even collect and sell users’ data to the highest bidder. Undeniably, this is a huge concern in Russia, a restrictive country that curtails internet freedom, and people are arrested for sharing dissenting political views.
Devices compatible with Netflix in Russia
Some devices you can use to stream Netflix in Russia include Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Roku, PlayStation, Xbox, and Kodi.
How to watch American Netflix on Android devices in Russia
The Netflix Android app is user-friendly, with a sleek interface
- Subscribe to a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN
- Locate the Android app and download it
- Connect to a US server
- Open Netflix and enjoy watching your favorite content
How to watch American Netflix on Smart TV in Russia
There are two ways you can watch US Netflix in Russia on a Smart TV
- Router
- Subscribe to a premium VPN like ExpressVPN
- Configure the VPN app with your router
- Connect to a US server
- Launch the Netflix app on your smart TV and access the American Netflix content.
- Smart DNS
- Register your IP address on ExpressVPN’s website
- Get your MediaStreamer IP address
- Access network status
- Access IP settings
- Configure your DNS servers on your smart TV
- Check if the connection is successful
How to access American Netflix on Apple devices in Russia
- Subscribe to a premium VPN like Netflix
- Download the appropriate app on your Apple device, i.e., iOS or macOS
- Connect to a US server
- Launch Netflix and enjoy the American content
Accessing US American Netflix on Firestick in Russia
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN service
- Download the app on your Fire Stick device
- Connect to a US server
- Open the Netflix app on your Firestick and stream the American Netflix
Watching American Netflix on Xbox and PS4 in Russia
- Sign up for a trustworthy VPN service
- Download and install the app on your router
- Connect to a US server
- Download the Netflix app on your Xbox or PS4
- Configure your Xbox or PS4 with the router
- Open the Netflix app and enjoy American Netflix
How to stream Netflix on Roku
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN
- Install the VPN app on your Roku device
- Connect to a US server
- Open Netflix and enjoy
American vs. Russian Netflix
There is a considerable difference between the Netflix library in the US and other countries. For example, the number of titles and pricing vary. While Netflix is no longer available in Russia, you can check the differences in the table below.
| Country | Number of movies | Number of TV shows | Pricing |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 4000 | 1600 | Basic ($9.99), Standard ($15.49), Premium ($19.99) |
| Russia | 1200 | 492 | NA |
Best shows on American Netflix
These are some of the most popular TV series on American Netflix
- Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
- Ozark
- The Sandman
- Midnight Mass
- The Queen’s Gambit
- House of Cards
- You
- Bridgerton
- Stranger Things
Best movies on US Netflix
These are some of the famous American Netflix movies
- Lou
- The Irishman
- Luckiest Girl Alive
- Blonde
- 8 Mile
- Hustle
- Old Guard
- Day Shift
- The Gray Man
- Red Notice
Russian Netflix equivalents
Since Netflix stopped working in Russia, there are other alternatives you can use in the country without a VPN. They include;
- Moska TV – Hosts several channels, including Kino, Russia 1, Sports 1, NTV Football, and Nash Football
- Russian TV Company – This is a paid service with more than 200 channels from Russia and other countries as well.
- Streema – It has over 90 channels with its own content and from other networks. The highlight is the news channel Russia 24 and the kid’s channel Barbariki.
Bottom line
Netflix is unavailable in Russia, but you can use a VPN to access the American library, which is the biggest anyway. However, you can watch your favorite content smoothly with a reliable VPN service like ExpressVPN. The VPN offers high-speed connections, multiple US servers, and robust security.
FAQs
Using a VPN is illegal in Russia, but no one has been arrested for using it to unblock Netflix. Thankfully, the VPNs we have recommended above have an obfuscation feature. It will mask your VPN traffic, so no one will see you using a VPN.
No, you won’t need to pay anything extra if you already have a subscription. You just need to connect to an American server and watch any content you want.
Yes, with the help of a VPN. When you connect to a VPN server, you’ll be given a new IP address of the country where the server is located. This way, you can access any geo-blocked content, including Netflix.
The sanctions imposed on Russia due to its invasion made it almost impossible for Netflix to operate in the country. Also, there was an issue with the payment options available in Russia.
Yes. However, you must wait for your current period to lapse and cancel your account. Then, create another account in your new location.
The error message will appear if Netflix notices that you bypass their geo-restrictions with a VPN or proxy. This usually happens with mediocre VPN services; you will never see it with premium options like ExpressVPN.
Netflix has subtitles and alternate audio for various languages but not every title has been translated or dubbed. The company says it provides 5-7 most relevant languages based on location. Tap ‘Audio & Subtitles Languages’ and select your preferred audio or subtitle.
