Traveling to Ireland and want to keep access to your favorite Netflix shows from back home in the US? Unfortunately, Netflix only allows you to watch its content library for your specific country. However, you can securely stream Netflix from anywhere with a VPN. So in this guide, we’ll talk you through how to watch Netflix USA in Ireland.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) encrypts your internet connection and routes it through an intermediary server in another location. By connecting to a VPN server in the US, you can regain access to your usual Netflix catalog as you travel.
This post goes into a lot of detail on each of the VPNs that made this list, but if you haven’t the time to read through the whole thing, here are our top selections:
How to watch Netflix USA from Ireland with a VPN
We’ll provide some basic instructions on how to stream Netflix USA from Ireland with a VPN, as well as some troubleshooting steps in case you have any issues.
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
Here’s how to watch American Netflix in Ireland:
- Sign up for a VPN subscription that works with streaming platforms like Netflix. We recommend NordVPN.
- Download and install the VPN app onto your preferred device.
- Run the VPN app and select a server in the US to get a US IP address. Not all servers are guaranteed to work, so be sure to ask your provider which to use.
- Open Netflix and start watching.
- If you encounter any issues, try clearing your cookies. If the problem persists, you may need to reach out to your VPN support team for technical support.
Best VPNs for US Netflix in Ireland – at a glance
We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for watching American Netflix from Ireland.
Best VPNs for American Netflix in Ireland
We’ve curated our list of the best VPNs for watching Netflix in Ireland based on the following criteria:
- Works with Netflix as well as other streaming services
- Offers fast and reliable speeds for high-quality, uninterrupted streaming
- Uses strong security and keeps no logs
- Provides prompt, competent customer support
- Offers a money-back guarantee
You can read more about how we test and rank our VPNs below in this article, but for now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made our list.
Here is our list of the best Netflix VPNs for Ireland:
1. NordVPN
Jan 2023
works with American NetflixTested Jan 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- Background
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
This service is the fastest we’ve tested, and with more than 5,400 servers worldwide, you shouldn’t have any issues finding a high-speed connection. Servers are secured with military-grade encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch. NordVPN stores zero logs, so you can be sure your privacy is safe.
You can connect up to six devices at one time, with apps available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
OUR #1 VPN:NordVPN is our top choice VPN for watching American Netflix from Ireland. A good all-rounder with strong security features and allows up to 6 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Pros:
- Operates over 5,400 servers
- Keeps no logs
- Great for streaming Netflix
- Fast enough speeds to stream HD content without interruptions
- Veteran provider that doesn’t compromise on security
- Has 24/7 support available
Cons:
- Some servers take longer to connect to
Our score:
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
works with American NetflixTested Jan 2023
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Surfshark operates over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries. With decent speeds and unlimited bandwidth, this service is ideal for people who stream regularly. In fact, as well as letting you watch Netflix US again, it also works with Hulu, Sling TV, and more. This VPN has no connection limit, and as such, you can simultaneously protect every device you own.
There are plenty of security features built-in. These include 256-bit AES encryption, automatic ad and malware-blocking, a kill switch (in all versions of the app), and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks. Surfshark follows a strict no-logging policy which means your activities can’t be traced back to you, although you can pay in cryptocurrency if you’d like. Need help? Customer support offers assistance 24/7 over live chat.
Surfshark provides iOS, Android, macOS, Linux, and Windows apps. It can also be manually configured for use with routers.
BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is a low-cost VPN with solid speeds and no connection limit, so you can stream Netflix anywhere. Keeps no logs and provides a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Works great with Netflix US
Allows an unlimited number of connections
Strong security and privacy credentials
Fast speeds for streaming, gaming, and more
Unlimited bandwidth provided
Customer support could be improved
Read our full Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
ExpressVPN utilizes the most advanced security in the game with 256-bit encryption, perfect forward secrecy, leak protection, and a kill switch. It keeps no identifying logs and is among the fastest VPNs we’ve tested.
Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire TV Alternatively, ExpressVPN makes its own router firmware that you can install yourself or buy pre-installed on a wifi router. This enables you to connect all the devices in your home to one VPN-protected wifi network.
Securely stream Netflix anywhere
Server speeds are great for HD streaming and fast downloads
Top-notch encryption, security, and privacy features are the default
Easy-to-use apps for most platforms
24/7 customer support is available
Slightly more pricey than other services
Streaming servers aren’t labeled
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
This is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested and is more than capable of streaming HD or 4K content without any noticeable buffering or lag. It secures your traffic with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. CyberGhost doesn’t log any data that could identify you.
This provider lets you connect up to seven devices at once, and with apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and macOS, you’re free to stream whatever you want, wherever you want.
BEGINNER-FRIENDLY:CyberGhost is one of the fastest VPNs around but it’s also one of the most security-conscious. With a highly affordable price tag, a no-logs policy, and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, it’s ideal for anyone looking to watch American Netflix abroad.
Netflix-optimized servers
Reliable, high-speed connections
Doesn’t keep logs
Strong security credentials
24/7 technical support
May not be customizable enough for advanced users
Doesn’t work in China
For more information, take a look at our in-depth CyberGhost review.
5. IPVanish
works with American netflixTested Jan 2023
Website: www.IPVanish.com
IPVanish offers a growing network of more than 2,000 servers and 40,000 IP addresses. With servers in well over a dozen US cities, it’s easy to find one that works well with Netflix USA. This is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, and this is in part thanks to its implementation of the WireGuard protocol. However, it also doesn’t throttle your bandwidth, so streaming should be free of lag and buffering.
With just one IPVanish account, it’s possible to connect all of your devices at the same time. 256-bit AES encryption ensures the security of your internet traffic while there’s also DNS leak protection and a kill switch feature. IPVanish operates a zero-logs policy, allowing you to stay anonymous online. Unlike many VPNs, it even owns and operates its servers (as opposed to renting them from third parties).
LAG-FREE STREAMING:IPVanish stands out for fast speeds and compatibility with Netflix USA. No limit to the number of devices you can connect at once. Security includes encryption and a zero-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
One of the fastest VPNs on the market
Servers in plenty of US cities for accessing Netflix
Can be used on as many devices as you like
High level of security thanks to military-grade encryption
Headquartered in the US, which is a Five Eyes member
No browser extensions available
Read our full IPVanish review.
6. PrivateVPN
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
PrivateVPN can help you watch the US version of Netflix, as well as Netflix Spain, Japan, Brazil, France, and Italy. Not only that, this is one of the fastest providers on the market, so you shouldn’t notice any lag, buffering, or other interruptions.
Speeds rank among the top of the VPNs we’ve tested, so you should have no problem streaming in HD without buffering. Security consists of uncrackable encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Not store any logs.
Within each plan, you can connect up to ten devices at a time. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android.
GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Helps US subscribers stream American Netflix during their travels. Good for browsing and torrenting. Could do with having more servers and lacks 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Works with Netflix US
Keeps no logs whatsoever
Streaming speeds are good enough for HD
Fewer servers to choose from than other providers higher on this list
No 24/7 support
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
7. Atlas VPN
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Background
- FireTV
Website: www.atlasvpn.com
Like the other VPNs listed in this post, Atlas VPN offers all of the essential security features, which include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. However, it also offers a number of extras such as an ad, malware, and tracker blocker. MultiHop servers route internet traffic through two locations for an extra layer of security. Last but not least, Atlas VPN doesn’t keep identifying logs of users.
MULTIHOP SERVERS:Atlas VPN provides fast US servers for streaming Netflix US. Also works well with Disney+ and HBO Max. Unlimited simultaneous connections as well as MultiHop servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.
More than fast enough for streaming Netflix USA
Connect all of your devices at the same time
Extra security features, including MultiHop servers
Relatively small network of 750+ servers
Still doesn’t provide support for routers
Read our full Atlas VPN review.
Our methodology for testing VPNs for Netflix USA in Ireland
At Comparitech, we know better than anyone how hard it is to find a reliable VPN. To be sure that we only recommended reliable and secure VPNs that work, we use a scientific VPN testing methodology.
Below, we have included a list of features that we looked for:
- Fast US servers: We only recommended VPNs that work to watch Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and other popular services.
- Apps for all platforms: To let you watch Netflix on a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
- Strong security features: To protect your data whether you’re at home or on public wifi.
- Excellent customer care: We recommended VPNs with live chat support so you can get help watching Netflix US in Ireland no matter what time of day it is.
- Value for money: Our recommendations are fast enough to stream, play games, and watch Netflix without buffering. They also allow torrenting and provide their service at a reasonable price point. Our recommended VPNs also offer free trials or money-back guarantees.
Still can’t get American Netflix in Ireland?
Depending on your device and VPN, Netflix might still prevent you from streaming. If you’re using one of our recommended VPNs but are still getting blocked, try these troubleshooting steps:
- Ask your VPN provider which servers work with Netflix US.
- Log out of any Google accounts, including the one on the Chrome browser. Google caches IP addresses and can reveal your real location to Netflix.
- Disable your device’s GPS and all other location-based services. If you’ve allowed Netflix to see your location in the past, disable this permission in your browser settings.
- Clear browser cookies, cache, and temporary files.
- Disable IPv6. This is mainly for Windows 10 users, but it might cause issues on other operating systems.
- Flush your DNS cache. In Windows, open Command Prompt in administrator mode and enter the command:
- ipconfig /flushdns
- Change your device’s time zone to the country where you’re trying to watch Netflix.
- Disconnect and reconnect to the same VPN server location to get a different IP address that isn’t blacklisted by Netflix.
See also: How to get American Netflix in the UK
ipconfig /flushdns
Why can’t I watch American Netflix from Ireland?
Netflix is required to restrict viewing by country in order to comply with licensing restrictions, and the company doesn’t own the rights to stream as much content in Ireland.
When you open Netflix in a web browser or app, it immediately learns your device’s IP address. An IP address is a unique string of numbers and decimals that can be used to approximate the device’s location. A VPN masks your real IP address with that of the VPN server. If Netflix sees a US IP address, it will assume you are in the US and show the American catalog of shows.
Netflix doesn’t discriminate based on where you originally signed up or where your payment comes from. It only runs location checks against your IP address (and possibly your DNS server).
See also: How to change Netflix to any country
Can I use a free VPN to watch American Netflix?
Free VPNs will not work with Netflix in the vast majority of cases. VPN providers must invest a significant amount of resources into their workarounds, and even most paid providers can’t securely access Netflix.
Free VPNs don’t have those resources, and in any case, most of them won’t provide a quality experience. They tend to be congested with too many users per server, impose data caps and bandwidth restrictions, and have a limited selection of servers to choose from. Many free VPNs monetize by injecting tracking cookies and advertisements into your web browser, which runs counter to the privacy a VPN ought to provide. In some cases, free VPN apps even carry malware payloads or don’t actually offer the security they claim to. In short, it’s best to skip over the free VPNs.
By comparison, in the US, Netflix streaming plans range from US$8.99 to $17.99.
Check out our article on which countries pay the most and least for Netflix to learn more.
For more info, check out how to install a VPN on Firestick/FireTV.
- Winter’s Bone
- Straight Outta Compton
- The Great Escape
- Ex Machina
- Midnight Cowboy
- The Terminator
- Me and Earl and the Dying Girl
- Misery
- The Peanut Butter Falcon
Ireland
- 1,084 TV shows
- 3,419 movies
USA
- 1,155 TV shows
- 3,740 movies
Exclusives include Parks and Recreation, The Office (US), Bob’s Burgers, Supernatural, and The 100.
UK
- 1,098 TV shows
- 3,427 movies
Exclusives include Orphan Black, Star Trek: Discovery, The Expanse, Scandal, and Rome.