NordVPN is one of the best VPNs we’ve reviewed, particularly for streaming Netflix.

NordVPN worked reliably with US Netflix.
We regularly review NordVPN and can confirm it’s still one of the most effective VPNs at bypassing Netflix geo-restrictions.
Here’s a summary of NordVPN’s streaming strengths and weaknesses:
PROS |
CONS |
- Unblocks an impressive 12 Netflix regions
- You can stream US Netflix using local servers
- Great for streaming on your TV
- Uses a fully-integrated Smart DNS feature
- Has extremely fast connection speeds
- Uses industry-leading security features
- The company is openly committed to unblocking Netflix
|
- Other VPNs can unblock more Netflix libraries
- Doesn’t work as often with US Netflix as other top VPNs
|
In the section below, we’ll take a closer look at the features that make NordVPN such a good VPN for Netflix.
NordVPN Works with 12 Netflix Regions
We tested NordVPN in every Netflix region around the world and found that it unblocks the following 12 international catalogs:
- Australia
- Brazil
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Japan
- Mexico
- Netherlands
- South Korea
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom (UK)
- United States (US)
This is much higher than average, and better than other top-tier VPNs. For example, NordVPN unblocks 2 more Netflix libraries than PIA.
While a few other paid VPNs can access more Netflix regions, NordVPN unblocks all the richest and in our opinion most important catalogs.
For instance, the VPN works with Netflix Japan, US, and UK – three of the most popular libraries among Netflix subscribers.
That said, if you enjoy watching more niche content, Windscribe VPN works in 32 regions.
Access to US Netflix on Local Servers
One excellent benefit of using NordVPN with Netflix is that it lets you unblock American Netflix from anywhere in the world.
Connect to a VPN server located outside of the countries listed above, and you’ll access the US library when you log into Netflix.
This is a huge bonus for users who don’t live near the US, because you can browse the largest content catalog without suffering slower speeds.
Generally, the closer you are to the VPN server, the faster your speeds will be. With this unique feature, NordVPN lets you enjoy local connection speeds while streaming US exclusive videos.
This sets NordVPN apart from many rival streaming VPNs, but the company is tight-lipped on how it works. All we know is NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature is responsible.
NordVPN’s SmartPlay Feature
SmartPlay is a hybrid of VPN and Smart DNS technologies that is automatically built into the NordVPN service.
Similar to a VPN, Smart DNS tricks websites into thinking your physical location is elsewhere to hide your true location and unblock region-restricted content.
To do this, a Smart DNS tool changes the DNS server your traffic is routed through.
Usually, the main drawbacks of Smart DNS tools are that they don’t encrypt web traffic, and can require some technical know-how to set up.
However, by combining Smart DNS with VPN software, and integrating it automatically, NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature appears to avoid these drawbacks.
Very Fast Connection Speeds
Beating Netflix’s blockers is impressive, but a VPN service also needs to have good enough connection speeds to stream effectively.
With poor connection speeds, you’ll be forced to watch low-quality video and endure a lot of buffering.
Netflix’s recommended minimum speeds are:
- >3Mbps for Standard Definition quality (480p)
- >5Mbps for High Definition quality (1080p)
- >25Mbps for Ultra High Definition quality (4K)
NordVPN is one of the fastest VPN services we’ve ever tested.
Every VPN slows down your internet speed to some degree, but the speed loss is barely noticeable when using NordVPN.
When connecting from the US to servers in the UK, we experienced an average speed loss of just 10% – where our normal download speed of 100Mbps dropped to 90Mbps after connecting to a server in London
These are impressive speeds for a long-distance VPN connection, and our tests show that NordVPN consistently performs well on other international connections:
Country |
City |
Speed |
Speed Loss |
Australia |
Sydney |
84Mbps |
16% |
Germany |
Berlin |
92Mbps |
8% |
Japan |
Tokyo |
89Mbps |
11% |
USA (West) |
Los Angeles |
91Mbps |
9% |
These speeds make NordVPN an excellent choice for Netflix. Even with a modest home connection, you should be able to stream buffer-free and in Ultra HD.
EXPERT ADVICE: For the fastest speeds, use the NordLynx protocol and connect to a VPN server as close to your physical location as possible.
Huge Server Network
NordVPN has one of the largest server networks on the market. It runs 5,754 VPN servers spread across 60 countries.
Larger server networks are much harder for Netflix to completely ban.
Netflix blockers work by identifying and blacklisting IP addresses that belong to VPN servers. Therefore, the more VPN servers, the more likely you’ll find one that works.
Some of NordVPN’s servers also use obfuscation technology. Often, services like Netflix can see that traffic has been encrypted, and deduce it’s VPN traffic.
Obfuscation masks VPN encryption and makes your traffic look like regular HTTPS traffic. This prevents censorship systems from detecting your VPN connection.
To use obfuscation, select Obfuscated under Specialty Servers and choose your desired location from there.

Which NordVPN Servers Currently Unblock Netflix?
Here is a list of NordVPN servers we recently tested that work with the specified Netflix region:
Country |
Server IDs |
Brazil |
#76, #79, #80 |
India |
#82, #91, #96 |
Japan |
#523, #534, #549 |
UK |
#2016, #2097, #2173 |
US |
#5059, #6950 #9357 |