How to watch Netflix with NordVPN in or outside the US

How to watch Netflix with NordVPN
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Many consider the best VPN primarily be privacy software, but as they've become more mainstream, it's no longer a closely guarded secret that some services can work great as a Netflix VPN, seriously enhancing your streaming subscriptions.

If you're in the know and have been checking out your options, you've no doubt come across NordVPN. It's one of the biggest names in VPN for a reason, delivering excellent security, rapid connections, and excellent streaming power. It's one of our top choices, so if you want to know how to watch Netflix with NordVPN, just keep on reading.

How does watching Netflix with NordVPN work?

Quick guide to watching Netflix with NordVPN

(Image credit: NordVPN)

1. Sign up and install NordVPN

2. Open NordVPN app and select your server

3. Open Netflix and watch geo-blocked content

Put simply, Netflix delivers different content to people in different countries. So, for example, there are some US only Netflix shows – and, perhaps more frustratingly, some content can be viewed everywhere but the US.

By using NordVPN with Netflix, you can make yourself appear to be in different locations, meaning you can access different regional libraries wherever you are.

This is really useful if you’re on holiday or on a business trip. If you’re out of your home country it’s likely that you won’t be able to access your favorite shows, but by using NordVPN you can virtually head back home, enabling you to watch everything that you’re used to.

However, if you’re the adventurous type, you can also do the opposite. If you’re in the US, for example, you’ll be able to watch exclusive shows on UK Netflix – or all the anime that’s only available in Japan. All you need to do is pick a server in whatever country you want to explore and open up Netflix. It really is that simple.

How to watch Netflix with NordVPN

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How can I watch Netflix with NordVPN?

Firstly, sign up with NordVPN for as long or as short as you like (you’ll be covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee no matter what you pick). Make sure you check our NordVPN coupons page for the latest discounts and promotions. 

Download and install the NordVPN app, then allow any permissions it requires. Once you launch Nord you’ll see a map interface with a selection of servers. Pick a server in the country you want to appear to be in, and connect. You can also choose to pick from a list if you don't like the map interface.

Then open up Netflix, browse, and watch. It’ll take less than five minutes from start to finish, and afterwards you’ll be able to stream exactly what you want, when you want, where you want. 

Why is NordVPN so good for Netflix?

While many VPNs boast about their prowess at unblocking geo-restricted content, NordVPN beats most of the competition thanks to its excellent speeds the world over – and its 5,000+ server count means you’ll have a huge range of locations to pick from.

Nord’s also great at unblocking other streaming services like Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, NBC’s Peacock and the UK-only BBC iPlayer – so good, in fact, that it also makes it onto our best streaming VPN guide. That variation means you’re not just stuck with Netflix, and you’ll have the world’s content at your fingertips.

How to watch Netflix with NordVPN

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A word of warning – Netflix’s terms and conditions state that VPN use is prohibited and may result in your account being terminated (although we've never heard of that actually happening). Netflix and other streaming services work tirelessly to block these kinds of VPN uses, and that’s why many otherwise good services fail to reliably access streaming content.

However, NordVPN has a track record of evading the detection of Netflix, and is a reliable choice for those who choose to do so. While there is an element of risk – and that’s entirely up to you to take it – NordVPN is one of the very safest options.

What's good, however, is that this isn't against the law – only Netflix's guidelines. There's no risk of you breaking copyright laws because you already pay for the service.

Do other VPNs work with Netflix?

A lot of other VPNs don’t work as well as NordVPN does with Netflix. However, you have got some other options. Our top-rated VPN for accessing Netflix is ExpressVPN, and this is thanks to its well-designed apps, excellent support and all-round great functionality. If you want to check Express out, Tom’s Guide readers can claim three months free on a 12-month plan.

A cheaper option is Surfshark. While it doesn’t offer the in-depth functionality of either Nord or Express, for around $2.50 a month that’s a sacrifice many people are willing to take.

Many people will be looking for a free Netflix VPN, and while some services sort of work, they simply can't compete with paid options. And anyway, if you only want short-term access, you can pay for a VPN and just claim your money back within 30 days.

How to watch Netflix with NordVPN

NordVPN is one of the best services for exploring Netflix’s geo-restricted content, and can increase what you watch with your single Netflix subscription by a massive amount. All you need to do is sign up, connect to a server and open Netflix. After that, the choice of what you want watch is all yours.

Sign up for NordVPN and access Netflix wherever you are

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NordVPN is one of the best services on the market right now, not only for accessing Netflix but for keeping your data safe, torrenting, safeguarding your mobile device while on public Wi-Fi and so much more.

Its 5,400+ servers all over the world provide excellent speeds, and if anything does go wrong, you'll have 24/7 live-chat support backing you up. Sign up to NordVPN now – if you're not sure, you can test-drive the service for 30 days and get a full refund in case this VPN's not for you.

Mo Harber-Lamond
VPN Editor

Mo is VPN Editor at Tom's Guide. Day-to-day he oversees VPN, privacy, and cybersecurity content, and also undertakes independent testing of VPN services to ensure his recommendations are accurate and up to date. When he's not getting stuck into the nitty-gritty settings of a VPN you've never heard of, you'll find him working on his Peugeot 205 GTi or watching Peep Show instead of finally putting up those shelves.