Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problems3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFive VPNs currently top the Netflix recommendations in TechRadar’s guide to the best Netflix VPNs: NordVPN, Surfshark, Proton VPN, ExpressVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA). In that guide’s regional tests, Surfshark, Proton VPN and PIA loaded Netflix in all five countries tested, NordVPN in four of five, and ExpressVPN in three of five. No VPN is guaranteed to work on Netflix indefinitely, so the practical question is which service works for the library you need, on the date you check.
Which VPN worked in which country
TechRadar’s guide, indexed with a September 25, 2026 date, tested Netflix access from the US, UK, Australia/New Zealand, Canada and Japan. The results below come from that single publication’s testing and should be read as its findings at that time, not as a permanent availability record.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
| Provider | US | UK | Australia/New Zealand | Canada | Japan |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed | Failed |
| Surfshark | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed |
| Proton VPN | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed |
| ExpressVPN | Passed | Passed | Failed | Passed | Failed |
| Private Internet Access (PIA) | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed | Passed |
The country column matters more than the overall ranking. A service that worked for a US test can fail for a Japanese or Australian/New Zealand library, so start by deciding which catalogue you are trying to reach.
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minuteWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallThe five picks and what each is good for
TechRadar assigns each provider a role. Those labels describe the publication’s positioning, not independent scoring.
#1 Best Overall
- HD streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Compact without compromises: The sleek design of Roku Streaming Stick won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, and it even powers from your TV alone, plugging into the back and staying out of sight. No wall outlet, no extra cords, no clutter.
- No more juggling remotes: Power up your TV, adjust the volume, and control your Roku device with one remote. Use your voice to quickly search, play entertainment, and more.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- TV, simplified: With setup that only takes minutes, a simple-to-navigate Home Screen, and an uncluttered remote control that does all you need—Roku makes it easier to watch the TV you love.
NordVPN: overall pick
The guide’s top choice, with its tested locations loading Netflix and speed highlighted in the review. The regional table records a failure in Japan. NordVPN’s own support article advises checking its DNS leak test, reconnecting if the VPN connection is not confirmed, and trying another server in the same country. It also warns that switching Netflix regions frequently on one profile can lock the visible region.
Surfshark: budget pick
The review cites straightforward apps, servers in about 100 countries, and successful playback in its tests. Surfshark’s support guide says a proxy error can mean Netflix suspects VPN or proxy use, or that DNS is leaking, and recommends trying other servers first.
Rank #2
- Ultra-speedy streaming: Roku Ultra is 30% faster than any other Roku player, delivering a lightning-fast interface and apps that launch in a snap.
- Cinematic streaming: This TV streaming device brings the movie theater to your living room with spectacular 4K, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision picture alongside immersive Dolby Atmos audio.
- The ultimate Roku remote: The rechargeable Roku Voice Remote Pro offers backlit buttons, hands-free voice controls, and a lost remote finder.
- No more fumbling in the dark: See what you’re pressing with backlit buttons.
- Say goodbye to batteries: Keep your remote powered for months on a single charge.
Proton VPN: privacy pick
The review reports Netflix access on the premium plan and a wide server network. One UK connection needed a second attempt before it loaded. Do not assume the free plan offers the same Netflix access; the review reports results for the premium plan only.
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
ExpressVPN: beginner-friendly pick
The review praises its easy-to-use apps and streaming ability. Its regional table, however, records failures in Australia/New Zealand and Japan, so it is a weaker choice for those libraries. ExpressVPN publishes a location-by-location troubleshooting sequence for US users, covered below.
Rank #3
- Stunning 4K and Dolby Vision streaming made simple: With America’s number 1 TV streaming platform,* exploring popular apps—plus tons of free movies, shows, and live TV—is as easy as it is fun. *Based on hours streamed—Hypothesis Group
- Breathtaking picture quality: Stunningly sharp 4K picture brings out rich detail in your entertainment with four times the resolution of HD. Watch as colors pop off your screen and enjoy lifelike clarity with Dolby Vision and HDR10+.
- Seamless streaming for any room: With Roku Streaming Stick 4K, watch your favorite entertainment on any TV in the house, even in rooms farther from your router thanks to the long-range Wi-Fi receiver.
- Shows on the go: Take your TV to-go when traveling—without needing to log into someone else’s device.
- Compact without compromises: Our sleek design won’t block neighboring HDMI ports, so you can switch from streaming to gaming with ease. Plus, it’s designed to stay hidden behind your TV, keeping wires neatly out of sight
Private Internet Access (PIA): budget and security pick
The review reports successful Netflix playback in all five tested countries and a 30-day money-back guarantee at the time of publication. Its detailed text, however, reports slower measured speeds than the leading rivals. Refund and plan terms change, so confirm them on the provider’s site before subscribing.
Netflix’s own limits apply to any VPN
Netflix’s Help Center states that “VPNs aren’t supported for watching Live events on Netflix or if you’re on an ad-supported experience.” The same page says that “VPN apps or services can make your device or network look like it’s connecting from somewhere other than your physical location and can cause this error or other issues.” A working VPN therefore does not guarantee playback for Live events or on the ad-supported plan.
Rank #4
- Advanced 4K streaming - Elevate your entertainment with the next generation of our best-selling 4K stick, with improved streaming performance optimized for 4K TVs.
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Cloud gaming, no console required – Stream Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Hogwarts Legacy, Outer Worlds 2, Ninja Gaiden 4, and hundreds of games on your Fire TV Stick 4K Select with Xbox Game Pass and Luna via cloud gaming. Xbox Game Pass subscription and compatible controller required. Each sold separately.
- Smarter picks with Alexa+ – Getting to what you love has never been easier. Press the voice remote button and talk naturally to find what to watch across your apps, manage your smart home, or dive into virtually any topic.
- Wi-Fi 6 support - Enjoy smooth 4K streaming, even when other devices are connected to your router.
Fixing the “You seem to be using a VPN or proxy” error
Netflix’s guidance comes first. The provider steps that follow are supplementary and may not resolve every case.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
- Confirm the VPN is actually connected and that the app shows an active connection.
- Check the location Netflix reports against your physical location. Netflix suggests running Fast.com on a device on the same network for this comparison.
- If the mismatch persists, turn the VPN off, reset your network settings, and contact your internet provider.
- If you are using a VPN, move to another server in the same country, as NordVPN and Surfshark both advise.
- Clear the browser cache or reinstall the app, as Surfshark’s guide suggests.
- For ExpressVPN on US servers, try its listed server locations in order, then force-close and reopen the app or sign out and back in. Its guide also suggests trying browser playback.
- If the error continues, contact your VPN provider’s support with the server you used and the device you were testing on.
Optional hardware: VPN routers
ExpressVPN lists router support among its features, which lets a router send traffic from a television or other device through the VPN when a native app is not available. A router does not guarantee Netflix access and does not remove the restrictions above.
Best Value
- Essential 4K streaming – Get everything you need to stream in brilliant 4K Ultra HD with High Dynamic Range 10+ (HDR10+).
- The newest Fire TV experience (2026) – Our biggest update to Fire TV has a new, modern design that gets you to your entertainment fast. Browse dedicated content categories, pin more of your favorite apps, and get personalized recommendations from Alexa+. Spend less time scrolling, and more time watching.
- Make your TV even smarter – Fire TV gives you instant access to a world of content, tailor-made recommendations, and Alexa, all backed by fast performance.
- All your favorite apps in one place – Experience endless entertainment with access to Prime Video, Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, Peacock, Paramount+, and thousands more. Easily discover what to watch from hundreds of thousands of movies and TV episodes (subscription fees may apply), including free, ad-supported content.
- Getting set up is easy – Plug in and connect to Wi-Fi for smooth streaming.
What to check before you subscribe
The sources were published or last updated on different dates, so check each claim against the live page. TechRadar’s guide is indexed with a September 25, 2026 date. Surfshark’s support article was updated April 22, 2026, and ExpressVPN’s Netflix support article was last updated July 21, 2026, according to its search listing. The comparison does not provide a like-for-like price table, and plan prices change often enough that you should check them directly on each provider’s site.
Also note that VPN IP addresses can be detected by Netflix, so a service that works today may fail later without any change on your side.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
