A VPN encrypts all of a device’s internet traffic and routes it through a middleman server in a location of your choosing. By connecting to a VPN server in the US, Netflix will think that’s where you are, allowing American travelers to regain access to their usual content during a visit to Australia.

Not all VPNs will work, though. Netflix has caught on to VPN users and now blocks most connections from VPN servers, resulting in the following error message:

We go into more detail on each of the best providers we feature below, but if you are short of time, here is our list of the best VPNs to watch US Netflix in Australia:

  • NordVPN Our #1 pick for US Netflix! It boasts blazing highfast speeds, a fantastic security offering, strong everyday usage potential, and even a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark A reliable and versatile budget option. Solid speeds, a strong privacy focus, and the ability to stream Netflix anywhere. No connection limit.
  • ExpressVPN Works well with US Netflix and most other streaming services. Fast speeds and a solid set of security and privacy features.
  • CyberGhost Beginners love their easy-to-use apps. We were impressed by streaming speeds during testing.
  • IPVanish Favoured by Kodi users for their remote-control friendly apps. Allows any number of devices to be connected.
  • PrivateVPN Newish network, one to watch, provides secure access to most streaming sites. Still growing its server list.
  • Hotspot Shield Affordable VPN with a wide network of fast servers. Secure and reliable for streaming Netflix and more.

How do I get American Netflix in Australia?

To watch US Netflix in Australia, all you need to do is:

  • Sign up for a suitable VPN. We recommend NordVPN.
  • Download and install the VPN app.
  • Choose a Netflix VPN server in the US.
  • Connect to the server.
  • Start watching US Netflix.

The best VPNs for American Netflix in Australia – At a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for American Netflix.

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 watching American Netflix in Australia

Note that not all the US servers from a particular provider will work with Netflix, so you may need to contact customer support to ask which American server or location to use. All of the VPN service providers we recommend come with live chat customer support.

Below, we’ve listed seven of the best VPNs for watching US Netflix in Australia or anywhere else in the world.

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

works with US NetflixTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

Subscribers avail of great security, a strict zero-logs policy, and unlimited bandwidth to stream Netflix in high quality. Security measures include a kill switch and leak prevention.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. You may connect up to six devices simultaneously.

BEST VPN FOR US NETFLIX:NordVPN is our first choice for streaming American Netflix. It offers strong privacy and security features and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • No issues with Netflix US
  • One of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested
  • Great low-cost alternative for streaming
  • Top-notch security and online privacy protection
  • Offers 24/7 live chat

Cons:

  • Desktop apps can take slightly longer to connect

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

works with US NetflixTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark makes it easy to securely access Netflix US from anywhere, even Australia. In fact, most of its non-US servers automatically redirect you to the American version of the site. This means that travelers in Australia can get a lower-latency fast internet connection than if they had to use a server in the US.

This VPN service clearly puts major emphasis on security. It keeps your data private at all times using a kill switch, protection against DNS, IPV6, and WebRTC leaks, and 256-bit strong encryption, but there’s also a built-in malware-scanner and ad-blocker. Surfshark has a strict no-logs policy so once connected, you’ll be almost entirely anonymous.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Surfshark allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections.

BEST BUDGET PICK:Use any Surfshark server to securely stream Netflix. This inexpensive yet security-conscious provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Almost every server works with Netflix US

  • Connect any number of devices

  • Pay anonymously with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Ripple

  • Fast enough for HD streaming

  • Takes your privacy and security seriously

  • Advanced privacy tools require Surfshark One, which costs extra

Read our full Surfshark review

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN operates several servers in the US that work with Netflix. Just ask the live chat support which server to use, and you’ll be up and running within minutes. ExpressVPN ensures you’ll have the necessary bandwidth to stream video in high quality with minimal buffering. In total, it operates more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries.

STREAM US NETFLIX:ExpressVPN is great for streaming. It prioritizes your privacy, offers fast, secure connections, and best of all, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Operates super-fast server networks in many US locations

  • Works with most major streaming services

  • Great encryption, security, and online privacy features are the default

  • 24/7 live chat customer support

  • Not the cheapest option here without a coupon

  • Less suitable for users who need control over advanced features

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost scored a perfect score in our annual privacy and security assessment, so you can feel safe knowing your data won’t be visible to anyone but you. Online speeds are great and there’s plenty of bandwidth to keep you binging high-quality video late into the night.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. You can connect up to seven devices at the same time.

GREAT FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost is easy to use. Great privacy with zero logs and DNS leak protection. Works with many popular US streaming platforms. 45-day money back guarantee.

  • Works with Netflix US from any country

  • Testing revealed impressive speeds for streaming services

  • Apps are beginner-friendly and easy to setup

  • Romanian based low-cost provider with strong privacy credentials

  • May not be customizable enough for experienced users

  • Doesn’t work in countries like the UAE

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, and it can help you securely access US Netflix from anywhere. Better still, it boasts solid speeds and lets users connect all of their devices at once. If you want the highest quality video possible, this is the VPN for you.

IPVanish boasts uncrackable encryption, a no-logs policy, a kill switch, and leak protection. All that adds up to strong security you can rely upon.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

SECURE EVERY DEVICE:IPVanish is great for families and multiple connections. Works with US Netflix but you may need to chat with support to direct you to the best server. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Very fast online speeds

  • Completely log-less service won’t compromise your privacy

  • Best performer for Android-based Kodi devices in our testing

  • Customer support is a little slow

  • Has difficulty with some larger streaming services

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN has a smaller network than some of its rivals but don’t let that dissuade you. It works with a huge range of services, including US Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. PrivateVPN also performed well in our speed tests, so you can stream high-quality video with no buffering (though your base speeds have a part to play here).

PrivateVPN meets all of our privacy and security standards. Servers that work with Netflix US are clearly labeled in the app, so you won’t need to ask customer service which one to use. Live support is available should you encounter any issues, though.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android. You may connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

GREAT SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. No problems with US Netflix and allows up to 10 devices on the same account. 30-day money back guarantee.

  • Servers in several US cities achieve good streaming speeds

  • Owns all of its servers outright

  • Keeps no logs

  • Fewer servers to choose from than other providers higher on this list

  • Live chat goes offline for two hours per day

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

                    Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

Hotspot Shield has 1,800+ servers in more than 80 countries, including servers in two dozen US cities. With unlimited bandwidth, stable speeds, and the ability to securely access Netflix US from anywhere, it’s clear that this VPN has plenty to offer.

This provider comes with strong security and an improved logging privacy policy. Features include 256-bit encryption, leak prevention and automatic wifi protection. Support can be reached 24/7 via email or live chat.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android. Up to five simultaneous connections are allowed.

LOW-COST NETFLIX VPN:Hotspot Shield is a great low cost option. Its fast speeds and strong security features make it a stellar choice for streaming content. Use on up to 5 devices. Includes a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works great with Netflix US

  • Excellent low-cost option for streaming services

  • Strong security and privacy features

  • Lacks advanced features for power users

  • No anonymous payment options

Read our full Hotspot Shield review

VPN to watch US Netflix – testing methodology

Very few VPNs have servers in the US that actually work to stream the larger library while abroad. In addition, the vast majority of VPNs have slow server networks that would leave you constantly struggling with buffering issues. With so many VPNs to pick from, this makes finding one suitable for watching Netflix US in Australia extremely tricky.

To fix this problem for consumers, we test the world’s leading VPN brands. We use a scientific VPN testing methodology to check that each service offers watertight privacy and data security. And we check that it provides the accessibility you require to gain unrestricted internet access, including access to Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and other popular US services while on vacation abroad.

You can read more about our carefully produced testing methodology by following the link above. Below, we have included a list of the important features we looked for when recommending VPNs for Netflix.

  • Fast US servers: To stream Netflix in glorious HD, you are going to require a VPN that has plenty of throughput and unlimited bandwidth. However, in addition to being fast, it must have servers in America that have not been blocked by Netflix. Our recommendations have been thoroughly tested and all offer what you need to enjoy Netflix US in Australia.
  • Apps for all platforms: The best VPNs offer apps for a multitude of platforms that let you stream Netflix on any device you own. Our recommendations have custom apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even Linux. Plus, some have browser extensions, router compatibility, and apps for firestick devices.
  • Robust security features: All our recommendations were checked to ensure they don’t have any IP or DNS leaks. This guarantees they provide the privacy you expect from them. We also checked the encryption to be sure that your data is always tunneled in a completely secure manner.
  • Advanced features: We looked for VPNs that offer not just the basics, but also plenty of advanced privacy and security features. We looked for things like a kill-switch, obfuscation, DNS leak protection, malware filtering, ad blocking, split tunneling, auto-connect, and Smart DNS to let you stream on non-VPN compatible devices such as consoles.
  • Excellent customer care: We tested each VPN’s support department in search of VPNs that respond quickly and effectively. All our recommendations have email and live chat support that is available around the clock.
  • Unrestrained accessibility: In addition to working with Netflix US, our recommendations have servers in Australia and elsewhere around the globe. This means you can also use the VPN to access Australian TV services abroad – or torrent sites that have been blocked within Australia. With servers located globally the sky really is the limit.

How Does Netflix Block Content?

Netflix geo-blocks content by looking at the IP address of the device you are using to watch it. If your IP address indicates that you are accessing Netflix from a country other than the one you signed up for, then you will be shown a message telling you that the show or movie is not available in your location.

The content is blocked in order to comply with licensing agreements that stipulate which countries particular films and television shows can be aired in. For example, a movie that is licensed to be shown on Netflix in the United States might not be licensed for airing in Australia.

Netflix AU vs Netflix US

Australian Netflix has a total of 6,395 titles, according to our latest data:

  • 4,170 movies
  • 2,225 TV series

US Netflix has a total of 5,995 titles:

  • 3,833 movies
  • 2,162 TV series

Titles you can get on US Netflix that are not available on Australian Netflix include:

  • The Kings of the World
  • The Invitation
  • Emily the Criminal
  • Big Brother
  • The Amazing Race
  • Key and Peele
  • I Survived a Crime
  • Sing 2
  • Umma
  • Pedal to Metal
  • The Rental

Netflix is slightly cheaper in Australia, where the base tier starts out at AU$6.99 (US$4.42). In the US, the same tier costs US$6.99.

See also:

  • How to get a US IP address
  • How to change Netflix region
  • Best VPNs for Netflix

Free VPNs are heavily limited. Due to server congestion or bandwidth restrictions, they’re too slow to stream high-quality video. You may encounter data caps or waiting queues, which can seriously disrupt your streams.

Finally, free VPNs can end up harming, rather than helping, your privacy. To make money, many of them track your online activity and sell your personal data to third party advertisers. Some VPN apps even carry malware payloads or be used for botnet scams, so steer clear.

Netflix does not explicitly mention VPNs or proxies in its terms and conditions. Even though Netflix blocks most VPN connections, the company has no precedent of penalizing users who do use VPNs.

  • The US
  • The UK
  • Canada
  • Australia
  • Mexico
  • Brazil
  • France
  • Germany
  • Italy
  • Spain
  • Japan
  • South Korea

In other words, if you’re traveling abroad, there’s a solid chance you’ll still be able to watch Netflix, even if you chose the most affordable plan.