6 Best Free VPNs for Netflix in 2024
Netflix is the streaming platform of choice for around 250 million subscribers, but if you’d like to make the most of its diverse content offerings, you’ll need a VPN. The platform uses geo-based blocks to restrict access to specific titles based on your IP address, so each country where Netflix is available has its own library, with big differences in the number of available titles.
You can choose a free VPN for Netflix, but remember that most of them have slow speeds and limited bandwidth. Free VPNs are also known for their weak security and data logging practices, and they usually support a limited number of devices. It’s also important to know that most free VPNs can’t unblock Netflix, and even those that can are usually extremely limited.
That’s why the best option is to get a free trial from a premium VPN, as they have no limitations and come without any risks. In other words, a free VPN trial will allow you to unblock Netflix and stream without limitations, giving you a taste of how the best VPNs for Netflix work.
In this article, you'll find our recommendations for free VPN trials as well as the best free Netflix VPNs. We will also show you how to get a free VPN trial for Netflix, help you compare the best options, explain the limitations of a typical free VPN for streaming Netflix, guide you on choosing the best option, assist in troubleshooting, and we'll provide some useful FAQs as well.
Best Free VPNs for Netflix - Our Shortlist
- NordVPN - Our #1-Rated Best Free VPN Trial for Netflix
- Surfshark - User-Friendly and Speedy VPN Free Trial for Watching Netflix
- ExpressVPN - Powerful VPN Free Trial to Unblock Netflix Libraries
- Proton VPN - Best Free VPN for Netflix with Unlimited Bandwidth
- Windscribe - Free VPN with Liberal Bandwidth Allowance
- Hide.Me - Free VPN for Easy Streaming on Any Device
How to Unblock Netflix with a Free VPN?
To unblock Netflix with a free VPN, you first need to get your VPN subscription. Then, install the VPN, connect to a server, and you can then access Netflix. Just follow these steps:
- Sign up for a Netflix VPN trial (we recommend NordVPN’s 30-day free trial).
- Download and install the VPN on your streaming device(s).
- Launch the VPN and log in to your account.
- Choose any VPN server to connect to (based on your desired Netflix library).
- Open Netflix - that’s all you need to unlock a secure streaming experience!
We highly recommend choosing NordVPN over any free VPN provider. That's because NordVPN, unlike any free VPN, will let you stream in HD and 4K, unblock dozens of Netflix libraries, and help you bypass any proxy error messages that Netflix usually shows. In short, you'll get the best possible experience.
Best Free VPNs That Work with Netflix in 2024
Your search for the best free VPNs for Netflix must be based on specific criteria. That said, your chosen VPN must be able to unblock Netflix every single time. Also, it needs to bring a liberal data allowance (in the case of free VPNs) or unlimited bandwidth (in the case of VPN trials). Furthermore, you'll want support for any devices/platforms you use to stream Netflix.
The number of servers and locations is also important, as you'll want as many of those as possible. There should also be strong protocols (OpenVPN/WireGuard) and encryption (AES-256/ChaCha20) next to an audited no-logs policy. We're talking about streaming here, so performance and speed are imperative, as you should aim for HD/4K streaming.
A kill switch will help you bypass Netflix's proxy error messages and ensure you have a sufficient number of simultaneous connections. Free trials should be backed by generous money-back guarantees. Lastly, you'll be happy to have access to 24/7 live chat support if something goes wrong at any moment.
Based on the above criteria, these are the 6 best free VPNs that work with Netflix:
1. NordVPN - Our #1-Rated Best Free VPN Trial for Netflix
NordVPN is the best free VPN trial for Netflix that brings everything you need to unblock Netflix every single time. You can activate NordVPN's trial on Android, and it lasts 7 days. During that time, you can use your credentials on any supported device. Speaking of which, NordVPN works on any device - computers, phones, tablets, streaming devices, and even routers.
Most importantly, it offers unlimited bandwidth, which means you can keep it enabled 24/7. Also, it has 6,000+ servers across 60+ countries globally, so you’ve got tons of options. You’ll always be able to find a VPN server close to you or in a remote region.Â
It has advanced security features like obfuscated servers, which hide the fact you’re using a VPN from websites (and your network’s admins). NordVPN features protocols like OpenVPN and NordLynx, paired with high-end encryption. There's also a kill switch, as well as an audited no-logs policy.
Aside from that, this is one of the fastest VPN providers right now, enabling you to watch shows and movies on Netflix without any buffering in up to 4K. You'll get to stream Netflix on up to 6 devices at once with a single NordVPN plan.
It also provides a 30-day money-back policy. You can securely stream all you want and get a full refund if you don’t like it for any reason within the trial period. And in case of any questions, know that NordVPN features 24/7 live chat support.
PROS
- Unblocks many Netflix libraries.
- Easy streaming in HD and 4K.
- Servers in 60+ countries.
- Supports plenty of devices.
- 30-day money-back policy.
- 24/7 customer support.
CONS
- 6 simultaneous connections.
2. Surfshark - User-Friendly and Speedy VPN Free Trial for Watching Netflix
Surfshark is one of the free trial VPNs to watch Netflix and allows you to unblock countless Netflix libraries from anywhere. You can activate it on iOS/iPadOS, macOS, or Android, and you'll get a 7-day trial. Of course, you'll get to use your credentials on any device during your trial. That said, know that Surfshark supports an extensive range of devices - computers, phones, tablets, streamers, routers, and more.
Being a premium VPN, this trial comes with no bandwidth restrictions. In addition to that, Surfshark offers 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. That said, it's no wonder that it can unblock so many different Netflix libraries from all over the world.
You can also count on secure protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, paired with encryption ciphers such as AES-256 and ChaCha20. Obfuscated servers are also there, as well as a kill switch that shuts down your traffic if something unexpected happens. This is also a no-logs VPN.
You'll be happy to know that Surfshark is among the fastest VPNs, even without any fine-tuning. Just install the VPN, connect to a server, and you'll get to stream Netflix in up to 4K. In addition to that, this VPN comes with unmetered connections, meaning that you get unlimited simultaneous connections.
Like any reputable VPN, Surfshark has a 30-day money-back policy, giving you more than plenty of time to test-drive its features. In case you ever need help, you'll get to turn to its 24/7 live chat support, but you'll also find installation guides, tutorials, and more.
PROS
- Gives you access to any Netflix library.
- Among the fastest VPN providers.
- Servers in 100 countries.
- Native software across the board.
- 30-day money-back policy.
- 24/7 customer support.
CONS
- Can take a while to connect.
3. ExpressVPN - Powerful VPN Free Trial to Unblock Netflix Libraries
If you’re looking for easy Netflix unblocking, ExpressVPN should be your free VPN trial of choice. You can activate your trial account on Android and iOS, which gives you 7 days of unlimited use. Make sure to test ExpressVPN properly by using your credentials on many of its supported platforms, such as Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, Apple TV, Fire TV, routers, and more.
During your 7-day trial, you'll get unlimited bandwidth and access to ExpressVPN's entire server network, which includes 3,000+ servers in 105 countries. That's great news for streaming enthusiasts, as ExpressVPN gives you access to dozens of options to watch Netflix in other countries.
This VPN is powered by OpenVPN and its own protocol called Lightway. They're paired with AES-256 encryption, so you can rest assured that your data will be safe and sound. All ExpressVPN servers come with obfuscation, and your privacy is also protected with ExpressVPN's Network Lock (kill switch). Of course, this is also a no-logs VPN, with multiple audits to prove those claims.
While most VPNs are notorious for slowing your connection down, ExpressVPN has clever tactics up its sleeve to provide lightning-fast connections and lag-free streaming. On top of that, it offers 8 simultaneous connections, which seems quite generous.
Thanks to ExpressVPN's 30-day money-back policy, you can download and use It risk-free. Try streaming content from across the world on Netflix, and if you’re not satisfied for any reason, you can get a full refund. Did you run into a problem? Try ExpressVPN’s 24/7 live customer support.
PROS
- Highly suitable for Netflix.
- Servers in 105 countries.
- Unlimited bandwidth.
- Can stream in up to 4K.
- 30-day money-back policy.
- 24/7 customer support.
CONS
- Limited customization.
4. Proton VPN - Best Free VPN for Netflix with Unlimited Bandwidth
Proton VPN is the best free VPN for Netflix, especially if you wish to stream American Netflix. There are no data caps to worry about, regardless of how many movies you want to watch. Unfortunately, there are other hurdles you need to overcome, although some are less important than others.
This VPN also works on many platforms and devices, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, Fire TV, and more. However, you'll be limited by its server network. There are only a handful of servers in 5 countries: the US, the Netherlands, Japan, Romania, and Poland.
When it comes to the basics, Proton VPN covers them in the best way possible. It's powered by OpenVPN and WireGuard, pairing those with secure encryption ciphers. It's also one of the rare free VPNs to feature an audited no-logs policy. It even offers obfuscation and a kill switch, which is something that not many free VPNs offer.
In terms of its performance, you can expect its speeds to fluctuate. Most of the time, Proton VPN's servers are overcrowded, so you can't expect high-speed performance. Another limitation is that you'll get a single connection only, which means you can use Proton VPN on one device at a time.
If you decide to become a paying subscriber and unlock all Proton VPN features, know that you'll get 30-day money-back guarantees as well. Sadly, there's no 24/7 live chat support (no matter if you pay for the VPN or not), but you do get plenty of written support resources.
PROS
- Can unblock Netflix US.
- No bandwidth limitations.
- Strong privacy policy.
- Strong privacy/security features.
- Works on most devices.
CONS
- Can be slow at times.
- Restrictive server fleet.
5. Windscribe - Free VPN with Liberal Bandwidth Allowance
Windscribe is more generous than Proton VPN in terms of servers and speed, but this free VPN makes sure to balance this generosity with a hard data cap. As such, you are limited to 10GB per month in terms of traffic, which is not ideal for Netflix users.
On the plus side, Windscribe works on practically any device. You'll find applications for computers, phones, tablets, streaming devices, and more. You'll also get access to hundreds of servers in 11 countries: the UK, Canada, Hong Kong, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, Romania, and Turkey.
Windscribe is also known for its privacy measures. It doesn't skimp on the essentials, as it offers a range of protocols led by OpenVPN and WireGuard. It also uses the strongest possible encryption, there's obfuscation, as well as a special type of firewall that acts as a kill switch. All of that is supported by Windscribe's no-logs policy.
We'll also add that Windscribe can be quite fast. However, you'll want to watch Netflix in the lowest possible resolution, as you're still restricted by the 10GB/month limit. The good news here is that Windscribe comes with unlimited simultaneous connections.
If you decide to pay at some point, know that you'll get a 3-day money-back guarantee. On top of that, you should not spend more than 10GB of data. So, getting a refund will be a bit hard. Also, there's 24/7 live chat support, but it's powered by a bot.
PROS
- Servers in 100 countries.
- Works great with Netflix overall.
- Good performance overall.Â
- Simple and intuitive interface
- No account needed.
CONS
- 10GB/month traffic limit.
- Speed can fluctuate.Â
5. Hide.me - Free VPN for Easy Streaming on Any Device
Hide.Me is another free VPN that serves as a viable option to unblock Netflix with ease. Just recently, this VPN lifted its bandwidth limitations and now comes with unlimited bandwidth. However, you'll find limitations when it comes to its performance and server network, so let's explain further.
Hide.me VPN offers apps for a vast array of devices. You'll find native software for computers, phones, tablets, and streaming devices. Through those apps, you'll connect to hundreds of servers in 7 countries: the US, the UK, Finland, France, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.
In terms of its privacy measures, this VPN won't disappoint. It's powered by a group of protocols, the best of which are OpenVPN and WireGuard. Of course, you can expect high-end encryption with the ability to create a leak-free tunnel, as there's a kill switch as well. On top of that, obfuscation is also present across all Hide.Me servers.
This VPN promises not to limit your speed. However, keep in mind that you'll be using overcrowded servers, which means your speed will fluctuate. You'll also be limited by a single connection, as Hide.Me doesn't offer multiple simultaneous connections for free.
Becoming a paying user will grant you 30-day money-back guarantees, so there's no risk in trying out Hide.Me's premium features. Either way, you also get 24/7 live chat support.
PROS
- Unblocks Netflix with ease.
- No speed throttling.
- Unlimited bandwidth.
- 30-day money-back policy.
- 24/7 live chat support.
CONS
- Performance can fluctuate.
- Small server fleet.
Free Netflix VPNs - Compared
Why Is It a Bad Idea to Use a Free Netflix VPN?
Using a free VPN for Netflix is a bad idea because you won't get the experience you desire. Free VPNs come with all kinds of limitations and potential dangers, making them hard to recommend for practically any use. Here's more information on why you should avoid free VPNs:
- Free VPNs Can't Bypass Geo-Blocks (Mostly): Most free VPNs aren't powerful enough to unblock Netflix. Also, many free VPNs let you change location on Netflix only periodically.
- Free VPNs Provide Weak Data Privacy: In most cases, a free VPN is similar to a free proxy, as you'll get minimal encryption. In that sense, a proxy that works with Netflix is a better option.
- Free VPNs Can Leak Your Sensitive Information: Since they can't create ultra-strong tunnels for your data, most free VPNs leak your sensitive information.
- Free VPNs Can Track What You Do Online: A no-logs policy is a rare thing in the world of free VPN providers. Most of them track your online whereabouts for various purposes.
- Free VPNs Can Get Hacked: To cut costs, free VPNs often use questionable data centers that don't employ proper measures to protect themselves from cyber-attacks.
- Free VPNs Can Sell Your Browsing History: Wondering how free VPNs generate revenue? Well, many of them sell your sensitive data to advertising agencies and other third parties.
- Free VPNs Can Bombard You with Ads: By injecting code into the websites you visit, free VPNs can show their own ads, which can be not only annoying but malicious as well.
- Free VPNs Can Inject Malware: We've seen many free VPNs in the past bundling malware or even imitating premium VPN services for the purpose of propagating viruses.
- Free VPNs Tend to Use Outdated Code: While premium VPNs publish new updates often, free VPNs tend to our outdated code and vulnerable software.
How to Choose the Best Free VPN for Netflix?
To choose the best free VPN for streaming Netflix, you need to find one with a sizable server network, generous data allowance, and featuring the ability to unblock Netflix each and every time. These are all the things you need to keep in mind:
- Ability to Unblock Netflix Libraries: Before anything else, your chosen VPN must be able to unblock Netflix every time you wish to stream it and help you change your Netflix region with ease.
- Data Allowance: Since most free VPNs come with data allowances, you need to be aware of how much data you'll get per day or month, letting you plan your Netflix-related activities.
- Server Network Size & Distribution: Aim for a VPN with as many servers in as many locations as possible, as that's how you'll get to unblock various different Netflix libraries.
- Security and Privacy: Our strong recommendation is to pick a VPN that brings OpenVPN and/or WireGuard, paired with AES-256 and/or ChaCha20, to get around the Netflix VPN ban.
- Performance: Your free VPN to watch Netflix shouldn't throttle your Web connection. Pick one that can promise relatively fast speeds so that you can stream in HD at least.
- Supported Devices: Love to watch Netflix on your computer, phone, tablet, or a media streaming device? Well, make sure your chosen VPN provides apps for all your devices.
- Kill Switch: A kill switch will help your VPN prevent data leaks, which is important to take care of if something unexpected happens to your VPN session.
- Simultaneous Connections: Free VPNs with unlimited simultaneous connections are rare. So, ensure you find a VPN that with a generous limit on the number of parallel connections.
- Money-Back Guarantees: Perhaps you'll decide to become a paying subscriber down the line. In that, you'll be happy to have a 30-day money-back guarantee to ease your mind.
- Customer Support: The best VPN should offer 24/7 live chat support, as you'll want to resolve any technical issues as quickly as possible and return to your Netflix-streaming session.
Is It Worth Using a Free VPN to Unblock Netflix?
No, it's not worth using a free VPN to unblock Netflix, as you'll encounter numerous roadblocks just to be able to stream Netflix for a couple of hours in the lowest possible resolution. Some free VPNs can indeed unblock Netflix, but they often impose limitations and a frustrating experience overall.
With a free VPN, you'll get a daily or monthly data allowance ranging from 200MB/day to 10GB/month. You can also count on a pretty limited server network targeting up to around 5 countries, which limits the number of Netflix libraries you can access. Also, since free VPNs are often used by many, their servers are overcrowded, which translates to slow speeds and plenty of buffering.
What's more worrying is that free VPNs can endanger your privacy. They inject ads as you browse the Web or collect your Web browsing history, which is then sold to the highest bidder. And let's not forget to mention that free VPNs can also propagate malware, as seen many times in the past.
Instead of using a free VPN to watch Netflix, stick to a proven option - a premium VPN. Nothing can replace what the best VPN providers offer, especially when it comes to unblocking Netflix. With a premium VPN, you'll get unlimited bandwidth, a vast server network, fast enough speeds, and everything else you need for a pleasurable streaming experience.
Final Thoughts
The idea of using a free VPN to unblock Netflix is an enticing one, but the truth is that most free VPNs are unreliable, overly limited, and some are downright dangerous to use. So, your goal of watching foreign Netflix libraries and reaching more movies and TV shows will be unattainable. In the best of cases, you'll get to use a free Netflix VPN only for a limited time.
That's why we highly recommend a free VPN trial over any free VPN. More precisely, we recommend NordVPN as the best free trial for unblocking Netflix, as it offers unlimited bandwidth, thousands of servers, dozens of Netflix libraries, streaming-friendly speeds, and high-end privacy.
If you're set on using a free Netflix VPN, at least pick a trustworthy option with a proven track record of unblocking Netflix. You can try ProtonVPN, which comes with unlimited bandwidth, servers in a handful of countries, and somewhat limited speeds.
That’s all for our guide on the best free VPN for Netflix. If you have any questions for us, let us know via the comments section below. Thanks for reading!