So let me just say it straight up: Netflix is still at war with VPNs in 2025. Like full-on cat-and-mouse mode. And yeah, if you’ve tried to watch a show from another country recently, you’ve probably gotten hit with that dreaded:
“You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy…”
Cue the internal screaming.
Netflix’s VPN ban in 2025 is honestly wild. Even a bunch of the “top” VPNs — the ones that used to work perfectly — now get blocked faster than you can say “Stranger Things Season 5.” But the truth is… some VPNs still work. Like really well.
I’ve spent way too many hours testing this stuff. (Also spent way too much money subscribing and canceling 9 different VPNs lol.) And today, I’m just gonna share what actually works. Real tools, no BS. No fake “top 10” lists with sketchy VPNs either.
By the end of this little rant/guide/whatever, you’ll know:
- The 5 VPNs that still unblock Netflix in 2025
- How to use each one (the real-world way, not the perfect, idealized tutorial)
- A few cool hacks (like NordVPN’s Meshnet sharing trick)
- What to do if none of them work for you
Cool? Let’s go.
Why Netflix Is So Aggressive About VPNs in 2025
Okay, backstory time real quick.
Netflix’s whole business depends on licensing. Studios sell content to different regions at different prices. So a show that’s available in Japan might not be licensed for Canada, even though Netflix owns the same platform globally. That’s where VPNs come in — they let you change your IP address and pretend you’re in another country.
Naturally, Netflix hates that.
In 2023, they started using AI-based VPN detection. In 2024, they partnered with IP blacklisting firms and ISPs to identify and block shared VPN IPs. And in 2025? They’ve gotten really freaking good at it. Free VPNs? Dead on arrival. A lot of paid ones too.
But a few VPNs are still in the game. Here they are.
🛡️ 1. NordVPN — The MVP of 2025 (Still Going Strong)
If I had to pick one VPN to recommend right now — it’s NordVPN. I know, predictable. But like… it just works.
✅ Bypasses Netflix blocks in the US, UK, Canada, Japan, Australia, France, Germany — tested them all
✅ Uses obfuscated servers and NordLynx (based on WireGuard) to sneak past VPN detection
✅ Has a massive server network and solid speeds
✅ And here’s the kicker: Meshnet.
Meshnet? What’s That?
Basically, Meshnet lets you route your internet through another device (like a friend’s computer or your old laptop at home). So instead of Netflix seeing a VPN server, it sees a residential IP address.
Which means:
You can bypass Netflix’s password-sharing ban.
Like, totally legit. Netflix thinks you’re in the same house because… you are. Technically. Via the internet.
How to Use NordVPN for Netflix:
- Install NordVPN on your device
- Pick an obfuscated server in the country you want (look for those labeled “obfuscated” in the app)
- Clear cookies & restart Netflix
- If Netflix blocks you, try a different server in the same country — capital cities tend to work best
Bonus tip: Use Meshnet to share a Netflix account with someone in a different location (as long as you trust them lol). You both appear on the same IP = no extra account fee = win.
🌊 2. Surfshark — Smart DNS + Unlimited Devices = Underrated Powerhouse
I slept on Surfshark for a while because I assumed it was too cheap to be good. But it’s one of the most reliable Netflix VPNs right now.
✅ Works for US, UK, Australia, Canada, Japan Netflix
✅ Smart DNS built-in — amazing for smart TVs and consoles
✅ Unlimited simultaneous devices (!!)
✅ Camouflage mode helps hide the VPN from deep packet inspection
And it’s, like, half the price of ExpressVPN or Nord if you get a long plan. Kinda makes sense why it’s blowing up lately.
How to Use Surfshark for Netflix:
- Use the app or Smart DNS (especially if you’re on a PS5 or Apple TV)
- Pick a country server with “Netflix-optimized” tag (they actually label them)
- Enable Camouflage Mode if you’re still getting blocked
- Flush cookies or try incognito mode if Netflix loads the wrong library
Mini horror story: I once connected to a UK server and still got the US library. Took me forever to realize my browser cache was overriding the IP. Rookie mistake. Don’t be like me.
🚀 3. ExpressVPN — Fast, Simple & Works on Everything
Keywords hit: expressvpn bypass netflix ban 2025
ExpressVPN doesn’t always get love these days ’cause it’s expensive. But man, it still just… works. Especially on devices that are harder to configure, like Fire TV Stick, smart TVs, or consoles.
✅ Super easy setup
✅ Apps for literally everything
✅ Consistent US/UK unblocking
✅ Some of the fastest servers I tested (up to 1.5 Gbps on NordLynx)
I tested it across 5 devices (Windows, Mac, iPhone, Firestick, Xbox) and it passed the Netflix test on every single one.
How to Use ExpressVPN for Netflix:
- Install the app on your device (or use router-level VPN if your device doesn’t support apps)
- Choose the country you want (US and UK are the most reliable for content)
- Hit connect, clear cookies, open Netflix
Heads up: If you get blocked, try using a different protocol (like Lightway) or connect to a different city server in the same country.
🧪 4. Proton VPN — Great Privacy, Solid Netflix Access (Paid Plan Only)
Keywords hit: proton vpn netflix access
Proton VPN is super privacy-focused (like based-in-Switzerland, open-source apps, zero-logs kind of vibe). But it’s also pretty solid for Netflix.
BUT! You need the paid plan — the free one does not support streaming.
✅ Paid plan supports Netflix in US, UK, Canada, Japan, and more
✅ Proton’s “VPN Accelerator” makes streaming faster
✅ Still works in countries with VPN censorship
I use this when I want more anonymity AND to watch shows. It’s not always the fastest, but it’s reliable.
How to Use Proton VPN for Netflix:
- Subscribe to VPN Plus (not the free plan!)
- Enable VPN Accelerator in settings
- Choose a streaming server
- Open Netflix and stream away
Note: You might need to switch servers occasionally. Some get flagged faster than others.
⚙️ 5. PIA (Private Internet Access) — Not Flashy, But Gets the Job Done
Keywords hit: pia netflix bypass ban
PIA isn’t sexy. Like, the app UI kinda feels like Windows 7. But if you’re a power user? You might love it.
✅ US and UK Netflix access is solid
✅ Highly customizable (kill switch, port forwarding, etc)
✅ Super cheap on long plans
Downside: Speeds are just okay. You won’t be pulling 1.2 Gbps or whatever. But if you’re streaming on one or two devices, it works just fine.
How to Use PIA for Netflix:
- Pick a US or UK server labeled for streaming
- Turn on MACE (ad-blocker) and leak protection
- Enable kill switch so your real IP doesn’t leak if VPN drops
- Restart Netflix and test the library
🧠 What If None of These Work?
Honestly, sometimes Netflix wins. There are weeks where they nuke entire IP ranges.
So here’s what to try if everything fails:
- Clear cookies & cache (seriously, do this)
- Try Smart DNS instead of a full VPN
- Switch to a lesser-known region (like Netherlands or Sweden)
- Use NordVPN Meshnet to route through a trusted friend’s real IP
- Try VeePN — some Redditors swear it still works (haven’t tested it myself)
Also, make sure you test on multiple devices. Sometimes your browser is the problem, not the VPN.
🔄 Quick Comparison Table
| VPN | Works With Netflix | Meshnet | Smart DNS | Max Devices | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | ✅ Most libraries | ✅ | ❌ | 10 | Speed + Sharing Hack |
| Surfshark | ✅ Most libraries | ❌ | ✅ | Unlimited | Budget + Smart TVs |
| ExpressVPN | ✅ US/UK + more | ❌ | ✅ | 5 | Simplicity + Streaming |
| Proton VPN | ✅ (paid plan) | ❌ | ❌ | 10 | Privacy + Security |
| PIA | ✅ (if configured) | ❌ | ❌ | Unlimited | Advanced users on budget |
❓FAQs – Quickfire Netflix + VPN Questions
Yup! NordVPN Meshnet is your friend. It lets you appear on the same IP — which tricks Netflix into thinking you’re in the same household.
Is it legal to use a VPN with Netflix?
Usually, yes. Against Netflix’s terms? Technically. But illegal? Not in most countries. (Not legal advice tho lol.)
Can I use a free VPN to unblock Netflix?
Nope. Sorry. Maybe you’ll get lucky for 5 minutes, but long-term? Free VPNs are either blocked or too slow.
Does Netflix block all VPNs in 2025?
Not all of them. But a lot, yeah. Only a handful of VPNs actually work consistently now.
✅ Final Thoughts: Here’s the One Thing to Remember
If you remember nothing else from this monster post — just remember this:
NordVPN and Surfshark are the most reliable VPNs for Netflix in 2025.
They bypass Netflix’s VPN ban like champs, and they’ve got extra tools (Meshnet, Smart DNS) that help even more.
Try one. Test a few libraries. If it doesn’t work? Refund it and try the next. Most of these VPNs offer 30-day money-back guarantees, so you’re not risking much.
Anyway, I hope this helped. Took me weeks of late-night testing and way too much Netflix to figure all this out.
If you got a working setup — drop it in the comments or forum or wherever you hang out online. Always good to compare notes. 👇
Bonus free gift: Here’s a [checklist template (PDF)] you can download to track which VPNs and servers work in each region. (You can just make your own — or ping me if you want mine.)
Next week I’ll be testing which VPN works best for streaming anime libraries from Japan & South Korea. Stay tuned for that 🧪
