How to Watch American Netflix in UK in 2024

If you want to enjoy the largest Netflix content library around, you’re going to want access to US Netflix, offering thousands more titles than you get in the UK.

While the US Netflix region is restricted to US residents you can easily watch American Netflix in the UK with a high-quality virtual private network (VPN)!

Key takeaways 

1. Netflix US has a larger content library and earlier releases than Netflix UK.
2. Netflix US blocks users from other countries from accessing its content library.
3. With a quality virtual private network (VPN) you can trick Netflix into thinking you are in the US so you don’t get blocked.

Difference between the US and UK Netflix libraries

Here are the main differences between US and UK Netflix:

• Exclusive content. US Netflix has exclusive shows like The West Wing, New Girl, and more blockbuster movies that may not be available in the UK library. UK Netflix offers more British and European content, such as Doctor Who and Hustle.
• Title selection. Netflix US has over 5,600 titles compared to around 5,000 in the UK.
• Movies. The US library includes more movies overall and tends to offer popular films sooner than the UK.
• Netflix Originals. The US library has a greater selection of Netflix Originals, with exclusive series, movies, and specials that can premiere there first.
• Releases of new content: New content is often released earlier on US Netflix, giving viewers access to the latest shows and movies before they’re available elsewhere.

Why watch US Netflix in the UK?

I’ve found that the US does have the best Netflix library. With over 3,600 movies and 1,800+ TV shows, it outshines other countries, beating the next best, Netflix UK, by hundreds of titles. Plus, the US consistently releases more original content than anywhere else, making it a top choice for Netflix fans who want the widest selection available.

Can you watch American Netflix in the UK?

Yes. You can watch US Netflix in the UK by changing your Netflix location with a quality VPN. Just connect to one of the VPN servers in the US, and you can access Netflix USA from your new virtual location.

What makes a great VPN for unblocking US Netflix

If you’re looking to access US Netflix from the UK, here are the key features I’d recommend checking in a VPN before signing up:

• Speed. Go for a VPN that offers high speeds to avoid annoying buffering, pixelation, and disconnects. This makes a big difference when streaming Netflix in HD or 4K.
• Server network. A VPN with a large server network, especially with many US servers, gives you more access to Netflix libraries worldwide.
• Netflix compatibility. Make sure the VPN has a track record of unblocking Netflix and other streaming sites, so you won’t have to worry about running into geo-blocks.
• Device compatibility.: Choose a VPN with user-friendly apps for your preferred streaming devices, and check how many simultaneous connections it supports to make sure it meets your household’s needs.
• 24/7 customer support: This is a lifesaver, especially if you’re new to VPNs. Providers with live chat support can help if you run into any setup or streaming issues.
• Trial period. Look for VPN services with a 30-day money-back guarantee. It’s the best way to make sure the VPN fits your needs before locking into a long-term contract.

How to watch American Netflix in the UK with a VPN

Here’s how to watch US Netflix from the UK. You’ll need to create a Netflix account first if you don’t already have one.

1. Subscribe to a high-quality VPN service. I recommend using ExpressVPN.
2. Install the VPN app on your device. You can find it on the Google Play Store, the Apple App Store, or the Netflix website.
3. Open the VPN app and connect to a server in the USA.
4. Go to Netflix and sign in to your account.
5. Enjoy watching American Netflix!

3 best VPNs to watch American Netflix in the UK

If you’re looking to access the full American library while in the UK, I’ve got you covered! Here are my top three picks for seamless, high-quality streaming that easily bypass Netflix’s geo-restrictions.

1. ExpressVPN

My top recommendation if you want to watch Netflix US from the UK is ExpressVPN, known for its fast speeds and reliable streaming performance.

Features: ExpressVPN has a network of 3,000+ servers across 105 countries, including many in the US. It also includes useful features like a password manager, malware protection, ad blocking, split tunneling, and 24/7 live chat support.

Speed: I maintained around 96% of my baseline ISP download speed on US servers, which is fast enough for streaming Netflix in HD and UHD with no buffering issues.

Privacy and Security: With military-grade encryption, a strict no-logging policy, leak protection, and an automatic Kill Switch, ExpressVPN ensures every VPN connection is private and secure.

Performance: Along with streaming, ExpressVPN performs well for gaming and torrenting, offering consistently high speeds.

Streaming: Besides Netflix, ExpressVPN gets past geo-restrictions on other popular streaming services including Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

Compatibility: With apps for macOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux, it’s easy to use on any device, and it supports up to eight devices simultaneously on a single account.

Pricing: The one-year plan costs $6.67/month, including three free months and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN combines speed, performance, and affordability for anyone who wants to watch content from a different Netflix country.

Features: NordVPN boasts over 6,400 servers in 111 countries, including many in the US. It also offers advanced features like Threat Protection Pro, a Dark Web Monitor, split tunneling, and more.

Speed: During my tests, NordVPN maintained an impressive 97% of my original ISP download speed on its US servers.

Privacy and Security: NordVPN uses military-grade encryption, a strict no-logs policy, leak protection, and a Kill Switch, ensuring robust security against cyber attacks while you watch Netflix US from the UK.

Performance: NordVPN offers fast reliable connections for streaming, gaming, and torrenting, though connections can sometimes take a moment to establish.

Streaming: In addition to American Netflix, NordVPN reliably unblocks many other streaming platforms like HBO Max, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Compatibility: Nord offers user-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, and allows up to 10 devices simultaneously.

Pricing: The pricing starts at $3.39/month, and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and four bonus months for free.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark is the cheapest VPN of all of my recommended VPN services, offering solid streaming support and unlimited simultaneous device connections, it’s a great choice for larger households on a budget.

Features: Surfshark has 3,200+ servers across 100 countries in its network, including in the US, It also includes high-end features like split tunneling, ad blocking, malware protection, data breach monitoring, and 24/7 customer support.

Speed: Surfshark retained about 82% of my baseline ISP download speed on a US server, which is a bit slower than the competing premium VPN services.

Privacy and Security: Surfshark doesn’t skimp when it comes to online security and privacy, providing military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, and a Kill Switch.

Performance: Surfshark performs well overall, though occasional slowdowns may occur on crowded servers, especially when combined with HD streaming. Switching servers usually resolves the issue.

Streaming: Surfshark effectively bypasses geo-restrictions worldwide on the Netflix streaming service as well as on Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, and many others.

Compatibility: One of Surfshark’s standout features is its unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can cover all your devices at once. It has easy-to-use VPN apps for macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux.

Pricing: Plans start as low as $1.99/month, including four extra months and a 30-day money-back guarantee, making it a great value.

How we picked and analyzed the best VPNs for accessing Netflix US

I looked at dozens of the most popular VPN services to find the best VPN to stream American Netflix. I connected to various servers and tested each VPN on multiple devices to make sure it consistently delivered a smooth Netflix experience. Here’s what I looked for:

• Speed. I prioritized VPNs that provide high-speed, stable connections to minimize buffering and lag. Nothing ruins a good show like constant interruptions, so speed is key.
• Server network. A wide server network gives access to Netflix content worldwide. I especially looked for plenty of U.S. servers to ensure quick and easy access to the Netflix US library.
• Unblocking capability. Not all VPNs can bypass Netflix’s geo-blocks, so I made sure each one has a reliable record of unblocking Netflix. Consistency matters here.
• Privacy and Security. I only chose VPNs with robust privacy measures, including AES-256 bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and no-logs policies, to keep data secure while streaming.
• Compatibility. I checked for compatibility with a range of devices and platforms, like smart TVs, Amazon Fire TV Stick, mobile devices, and PCs. A simple, intuitive interface was a big plus, too.
• Customer service. Only VPNs with responsive live chat support and a solid money-back guarantee made the cut. I wanted to know that I can get help if I have questions or want to switch providers.

Where else can I unblock American Netflix with a VPN?

You can watch Netflix US from anywhere with a high-quality VPN service, including the following countries:

New Zealand

The New Zealand Netflix library just can’t compete with the number of movies and TV shows you get on the American plan, which is why New Zealanders often choose to use a VPN to access Netflix in the US.

Canada

The American and Canadian Netflix libraries have a lot of overlap. Still, the Netflix US library is larger, so if you’re looking for more options, or searching for one specific title that you can’t find on Canadian Netflix, you might find just what you’re looking for on American Netflix.

China

Not only does Netflix US use geo-blocks to keep viewers from China off their site, but the government of China has banned Netflix altogether, and uses what is known as The Great Firewall of China to keep its citizens off the site.

If you want to stream Netflix from China, you’ll need a premium VPN service that offers obfuscated servers or you won’t be able to breach China’s firewall.

Other ways to unblock US Netflix

I find I get the most reliable and highest quality access to US Netflix with a VPN, but there are other options available like using DNS proxies or browser extensions which I detail in the sections below.

Smart DNS

Similar to a VPN, DNS proxies provide Netflix servers with a virtual location in America.

When using a DNS proxy, your data is not routed through an encrypted tunnel, which has the advantage of creating a faster Internet connection but doesn’t offer the same secure access you get with a VPN.

Smart DNS also has the benefit of being compatible with devices that aren’t inherently VPN compatible, like a smart TV or gaming console.

Here’s how to unblock US Netflix using Smart DNS.

1. Sign up for a reliable Smart DNS service. I recommend ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer.
2. Configure the DNS settings on your device according to the provider’s instructions.
3. Restart your Internet connection.
4. Launch Netflix and enjoy.

Residential proxies

Residential proxies are an effective way to unblock Netflix, but keep in mind it’s a more expensive option and the speeds are inconsistent.

Follow these instructions to gain access to US Netflix using residential proxies.

1. Select a reputable proxy provider with US-based residential IPs.
2. Purchase access to a US residential IP.
3. Configure Your Device:
   • On Windows, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Proxy and enter the provided IP and port.
   • On macOS, go to System Preferences > Network > Advanced > Proxies.
   • On browser extension, manually set the proxy in the browser’s settings.
4. Launch Netflix in your browser and log in.
5. Select a title, press play, and enjoy!

Browser extensions

Browser extensions tend to be less dependable when it comes to bypassing geo-blocks since they are more easily detected by streaming services. While they do provide encryption, you’re also more likely to experience slower speeds and buffering with browser extensions.

Follow these steps for unblocking Netflix using browser extensions.

1. Open your web browser, delete cookies, and then exit the browser.
2. Reopen the browser and install the DotVPN Google Chrome Extension.
3. Log in to the Netflix app or website.
4. Watch US Netflix.

Netflix not working with a VPN: Possible fixes

If you’re getting a proxy error indicating that your VPN isn’t letting you access Netflix in the US, it could be due to a few common issues like your IP address leaking, Netflix detecting VPN use, or cached data giving away your UK location.

Here’s how to troubleshoot and get back to streaming:

• Switch to another VPN server. Some VPN servers are blocked by Netflix, so try connecting to a different one.
• Clear cache and cookies. Your browser’s cached data may reveal you’re in the UK. Just go to your browser settings, clear the cache and cookies, and then reload Netflix.
• Enable leak protection. Check your VPN settings for DNS or IP Leak Protection and enable these options. It’s also a good idea to disable IPv6 if your provider recommends it, as it can sometimes cause location data to leak.
• Disable location services. Turn off location services on your device, as this can also reveal your real location.
• Contact customer support. Reach out to customer support for server recommendations that work best with Netflix. Support can often give additional troubleshooting tips.
• Try another VPN provider. Not all VPNs can bypass Netflix’s geo-blocks equally well. If you’re still having issues, consider switching to a provider known for reliably accessing Netflix.

Can I use a free VPN to get American Netflix in the UK?

I still haven’t found any free VPNs that I can recommend for watching US Netflix. The free VPN services tend to be ID’d by Netflix quickly so they aren’t reliable at unblocking the site over time.

Free VPNs rarely offer the unlimited bandwidth and data needed to support bufferless streaming. They also need to make a profit somehow, which means you’ll need to be prepared for pop-up ads interrupting your show, or worse, they may sell your data to a third party for profit.

Latest shows and movies to watch on US Netflix 

Here are some of the most popular movies and TV shows released on US Netflix in 2024.

• Atlas
• Bridgerton (Season 3)
• Damsel
• Lift
• The Menendez Brothers
• Nobody Wants This

FAQ

Is it legal to use a VPN to watch US Netflix in the UK?

Yes. It is legal to use a VPN to watch American Netflix in the UK.

What are the best shows only available on US Netflix?

The most popular shows available exclusively on US Netflix include Stranger Things, Ozark, The Crown, Bridgerton, Squid Game, Money Heist, and The Umbrella Academy.

What are the best streaming devices to access US Netflix from the UK?

You can watch Netflix US on just about any streaming device, including your smart TV, PC, laptop, Amazon Fire TV stick, or smartphone.

How do I avoid buffering when watching US Netflix with a VPN?

Avoid buffering by using a premium VPN with fast internet speeds and a large server network so you don’t get slowed down by heavy internet traffic, like ExpressVPN.

Conclusion

Looking for the best VPN to watch American Netflix in UK?

I recommend using ExpressVPN for accessing all Netflix regions. It’s got a large network of servers that provide fast and reliable access to Netflix countries around the world, including the US!