How to Watch American Netflix in Canada in 2024

Netflix is one of the most popular streaming sites in the world, with libraries in numerous countries, including Canada. Netflix Canada might have lots of great content to stream, but users in Canada may also find that they are lacking in many of the movies and shows they want to watch. The truth is that US Netflix has many more movies and shows that are just not available on Canadian Netflix. But if you’re in Canada, you won’t be able to access American Netflix.

If you want to watch Netflix content from the US but live in Canada, there is a solution: a virtual private network, also known as a VPN. A quality VPN service can help you change your IP address to one in the US, allowing you to access the US Netflix library and watch all the content you’d like.

I’ll explain how you can access Netflix US from Canada and the top VPNs I recommend.

Key takeaways

1. Netflix is a popular streaming platform with content libraries available in numerous countries, including Canada.
2. Canadian Netflix does not have the same content as American Netflix due to various geographical restrictions.
3. To access the Netflix libraries in the US, you will need to use a premium VPN service.
4. The best VPN services for Netflix users are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.

Why you need a VPN to get American Netflix in Canada

Due to various licensing agreements and geographical restrictions, some content is only available on the US Netflix catalog, and you can only access it if you are physically located in the US. So, if you want to watch American Netflix from Canada, you need to use a reliable VPN to spoof your IP address. This way, instead of a Canadian IP address, you will now have a US IP address.

What makes a great VPN for streaming US Netflix in Canada

When considering which VPN you should get for streaming Netflix, there are some things you should keep in mind:

• Server network. Make sure to choose a VPN that has a broad server network and multiple US servers so that you’ll have lots of options to choose from.
• Speed. Look for a VPN that has fast speeds so you won’t have to deal with buffering or lag, and can have a smooth streaming experience.
• Unblocking abilities. Not every VPN is capable of unblocking streaming services like Netflix, so make sure you choose one with proven capabilities.
• Privacy and security. Online privacy and keeping your data safe and secure is always important, so make sure to choose a VPN with robust security features.
• Customer support. If things go wrong, it’s important to know your VPN service has a strong customer support team that is available 24/7.

3 best VPNs to watch American Netflix in Canada 

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is my number one pick for a VPN for Netflix USA. It has over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including many optimized servers in the US in at least 17 cities, so you’ll have plenty of server locations to choose from.

Features: ExpressVPN offers unlimited bandwidth and up to 8 simultaneous device connections. It also has split tunneling, and their version of Smart DNS, called MediaStreamer.

Speed: With its Lightway tunneling protocol, ExpressVPN is one of the fastest on the market with lightning-fast speeds, so you won’t have to worry about buffering or lag.

Security: ExpressVPN has all the top privacy and security features on the market, which include AES 256 encryption, obfusication, DNS leak protection, malware protection, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy.

Streaming: ExpressVPN works great at unblocking streaming services and can easily unblock Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, YouTube TV, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, Vudu, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Compatibility: ExpressVPN is compatible with numerous devices, including Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Smart TVs, Apple TV, gaming consoles, and internet routers.

Pricing: This VPN is a bit more expensive than others, with prices starting at $6.67 per month, and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN is a great, reliable VPN to use for watching American Netflix. It has a huge server network of 6,400 servers in 111 countries, including many US-based servers for you to choose from.

Features: NordVPN offers unlimited bandwidth and up to 10 simultaneous device connections. As part of its SmartPlay feature, it also has its own version of a SmartDNS.

Speed: With its proprietary NordLynx protocol, this VPN has incredibly fast speeds that are great for streaming Netflix content.

Security: NordVPN offers excellent security and privacy features that include AES-256 bit encryption, DNS leak protection, an ad blocker, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy.

Streaming: NordVPN is great at unblocking numerous streaming services to access region-restricted content, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, YouTube TV, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Vudu, and more.

Compatibility: This VPN is compatible with most devices, including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Linux, Smart TVs, game consoles, and routers.

Pricing: Prices for NordVPN start at $3.39 per month and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Surfshark

If you’re on a budget and don’t want to break the bank but still want access to premium features, then Surfshark is a great option for you. This premium VPN provider has over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including many servers in the US.

Features: In addition to unlimited bandwidth, Surfshark stands out by offering unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use it on as many devices as you want under one subscription.

Speed: While not as fast as Express or Nord, Surfshark still has very fast speeds using the WireGaurd protocol, which will still be more than enough to for Netflix access.

Security: Surfshark offers great features for privacy and security, including AES-256 encryption, an ad blocker, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and a strong no-logs policy.

Streaming: Surfshark is able to unblock Netflix and many other streaming sites, including Hulu, Prime Video, Max, Disney+, YouTube TV, and more.

Compatibility: Surfshark is compatible with numerous devices, including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, game consoles, and routers.

Pricing: Prices start at just $1.99 per month, making it the least expensive on my list, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Netflix supported devices

Netflix is available on multiple devices, including computers, mobile devices, and Smart TVs, but the process for watching US Netflix may differ.

How to watch US Netflix on PC

To watch US Netflix on your PC, whether it is Windows or Mac, follow these steps:

1. Select a premium VPN service and download it to your computer. I recommend ExpressVPN.
2. Change your computer’s location to the US.
3. Launch the VPN and connect to a US server.
4. If you have an Apple ID or a Google account, you will need to make a new one and choose the US as your country.
5. Go to the Netflix website and log in to your Netflix account.
6. Enjoy watching American Netflix!

How to watch US Netflix on Android

To watch American Netflix on your Android phone, follow these steps:

1. Choose a quality VPN service and download the VPN Android app to your phone. I recommend ExpressVPN.
2. Change your location on your Android and in the Google Play Store to the US.
3. Launch the VPN and connect to a US server.
4. Make a new Google account and set your location to the US.
5. Download and open the Netflix app.
6. Log in or get a Netflix subscription. Then you’re all set!

How to watch US Netflix on iOS

To watch US Netflix on your Apple device, such as an iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:

1. Choose and download a premium VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN.
2. Change your device location and Apple App Store location to the US.
3. Launch the VPN and connect to a US server.
4. Register for a new Apple ID and choose the US as your country.
5. Open the Netflix app and log in with your details.
6. Start watching all the US Netflix content.

How to watch US Netflix on Smart TV

To access American Netflix on your Smart TV will depend on which kind of TV you have. Some Smart TVs, like Google or Android TV, support VPNs and have apps for them available in the App Store. If this is the case, you can get the app on your TV and proceed as if it’s a normal device. But if you have an Apple TV, LG TV, or Samsung TV, you will need to go about it a different way, following these steps:

1. Select a quality VPN service. I recommend ExpressVPN.
2. Configure the VPN to your wi-fi router.
3. Launch the VPN and connect to a US server.
4. Make sure your Smart TV is connected to the router that is now using the VPN connection.
5. Open the Netflix app on your Smart TV, and start watching all your favorite TV shows and movies.

Methodology: How I chose the VPNs on the list

When testing and analyzing which were the best VPNs for this list, there were several factors that I took into account:

• Unblocking abilities. I made sure to choose VPNs that have a tried and true ability to unblock streaming services like Netflix, since not all VPN providers are capable of this.
• Server options. Not only is it important to have a VPN with a broad server network so that there won’t be overcrowded servers and Internet traffic, but I also looked for VPNs that had numerous US servers to choose from for accessing American Netflix.
• Speed. I’ve tested the speeds on many VPNs and chose some of the fastest in the market that won’t slow down your streaming experience.
• Security. Online security and privacy is something I take very seriously, so I made sure to choose VPNs that would protect my data and online activity with features like strong encryption and good no-logs policies.
• User-friendliness. I looked for VPNs with interfaces that weren’t overly complicated and were user-friendly.
• Overall value. Besides looking at the cost of each VPN, I also took into account the overall value of the provider and what you’re getting for what you pay for.

Difference between US Netflix and Canadian Netflix

Some things about American Netflix and Canadian Netflix are very similar, and some of the Netflix catalogs may even be the same. However, one of the big differences is that American Netflix has a much larger Netflix library and more content than any other Netflix in the world. So, you’ll have more to watch.

Another difference is in the price. A Netflix subscription in the US is more expensive than one in Canada.

What to watch on American Netflix that’s not on Canadian

There are lots of great shows and movies on American Netflix that you won’t find on Netflix Canada, including:

• American Horror Story
• It’s Always Sunny in Philidelphia
• Dexter
• Fraiser
• Parenthood
• Parks and Recreation
• Sons of Anarchy
• Cheers

How much does US Netflix cost in Canada?

A US Netflix subscription is more expensive than Netflix Canada and breaks down as follows:

How to pay for American Netflix in Canada

I recommend subscribing to Netflix in Canada before you turn on your VPN and start watching US Netflix. The subscription is less expensive when you’re outside the US, but once you have it, it will work in any country and adjust the Netflix catalog according to your IP address. So, use your regular payment methods for a subscription, and then, using a VPN, change to an American server. It will be as if you have an American Netflix account.

US Netflix not working with a VPN: Issues and solutions

If your VPN is not working with Netflix, there may be a few reasons and some possible solutions:

• Leaks. Make sure you have a secure VPN with DNS and IP leak protection. If you’re experiencing leaks, it could be revealing your actual location.
• Clear cookie cache. If you’re having issues unblocking Netflix, make sure to clear your browser cache and cookies. These can contain tracers that might reveal your real IP address.
• Switch servers. A streaming service like Netflix always tries to detect VPN servers and block them. So, try switching to a different US-based server if the one you’re currently using won’t work.
• Up-to-date. Make sure your VPN software is up-to-date, as this could cause problems if it’s not.
• Customer support. When in doubt, reach out to your VPN’s customer support team and see if they can help resolve any issues that you may be having.

Other methods to watch US Netflix in Canada

There are other methods for accessing US Netflix in Canada without a VPN, but be aware it does mean sacrificing security and privacy that a VPN offers.

Smart DNS

One option to access Netflix in the US is to use Smart DNS, which reroutes specific DNS queries involved in server location checks, as opposed to a VPN that simply changes your IP address. To access Netflix using SmartDNS, follow these steps:

1. Sign up for a Smart DNS service with American servers. I recommend ExpressVPN with its version of SmartDNS, called MediaStreamer.
2. Configure the DNS settings on your device according to your service’s instructions.
3. Restart your Internet connection.
4. Start watching Netflix and enjoy.

Browser extension

Another option is to use a browser extension such as Chrome Extention.

1. Open your web browser, delete cookies, and then exit the browser.
2. Reopen the browser and install the DotVPN Google Chrome Extension.
3. After that, you should be able to watch US Netflix.

Can I use a free VPN to watch US Netflix in Canada?

While it might be tempting to use a free VPN, it is not something I recommend.

Free VPNs often are unable to unblock streaming services and have super slow speeds and overcrowded servers. Furthermore, they can be risky to use because they lack the security and privacy features a paid VPN has. It’s because of this I recommend sticking to premium VPNs like ExpressVPN.

Where else can I watch US Netflix with a VPN?

You can stream US Netflix with a VPN in many other countries, including:

• The UK
• Australia
• Germany
• France
• New Zealand
• Italy

FAQ

Can I watch American Netflix in Canada?

American Netflix is generally blocked in Canada unless you use a VPN.

Can I get US Netflix in Canada with a VPN?

Yes, you can get American Netflix in Canada with a quality VPN service.

Is it legal to use a VPN in Canada?

Yes, VPNs are legal in Canada.

Is it illegal to use a VPN for Netflix?

VPNs are perfectly legal in most countries. However, it does violate Netflix’s terms of service.

Can I use my Netflix account in another country?

Yes, your Netflix account will work in many countries. But it will have different content libraries.

Conclusion

Netflix is a popular streaming service, but if you’re in Canada, you won’t be able to access Netflix’s library in the US and will only have access to the Canadian catalog. To watch USA Netflix in Canada, you will need to use a premium VPN service to change your IP address and unblock the site.