Netflix content is subject to copyright restrictions. This means that some titles aren’t available everywhere. This is why, for instance, if you try to access Netflix USA from Portugal, you’ll find yourself redirected to Netflix Portugal. Alternatively, you may see the Netflix proxy error message while attempting to stream a specific TV show or movie. Luckily, it’s easy to watch your home Netflix from anywhere, provided you’re using a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

With a VPN, the data traveling to and from your streaming device is encrypted, protecting it from snoopers and other security threats. An added benefit of this is that connecting also changes your IP address. It then looks as if you’re browsing from another location, allowing American users to watch Netflix USA in Portugal (or anywhere while traveling abroad). Below, we’ll explain how to do this as well as cover which VPNs work best.

How to watch Netflix USA in Portugal with a VPN

Some people are wary of VPNs because they sound quite technical. However, these services couldn’t be easier to use! In fact, you need only follow the simple setup instructions detailed below.

Here’s how to watch Netflix USA from Portugal using a VPN:

  • Start by signing up with a VPN provider that provides servers in the US (and works with Netflix US!). We recommend NordVPN.
  • Next, you’ll need to download one of the VPN’s apps. Make sure you’re installing the correct version for your streaming device.
  • Log in to the VPN app and connect to a server back home in a US city. You’ll then be assigned a US IP address so you can watch Netflix USA from abroad.
  • Now you can go to Netflix US which should load without redirecting you to Portugal’s library. All content should play without restriction.
  • Didn’t work? Try clearing your browser’s cookies. Alternatively, try another server as your current IP address may be blacklisted. Otherwise, get in touch with your VPN’s customer support for further assistance.

While there are hundreds of VPNs to choose from, many simply aren’t worth your time and money. By selecting VPNs that meet a specific set of criteria, we were able to narrow the options down to just seven. We go into more detail on our testing process below.

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.

  • Servers in the US that successfully work with Netflix US
  • High-speed connections and unlimited bandwidth
  • Security features including encryption and a kill switch
  • Customer support via live chat and email (preferably 24/7)
  • No-logs policy so you can browse and stream anonymously
  • Minimum of five simultaneous connections per account

In this post, we’ll review the seven best VPNs for watching Netflix USA from Portugal. However, we understand that not everyone has time to read the full reviews. For this reason, here’s a quick rundown of each VPN.

Best VPNs for Netflix USA in Portugal:

Best VPNs to watch Netflix USA in Portugal

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for Netflix USA:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

works with US netflixTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

This VPN has an increasing array of security features, making it one of the most secure options on the market. First, there’s 256-bit AES encryption, kill switch, and protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks. Further, this no-logs service even offers Double VPN servers as well as NordPass (a newly-introduced password manager). With all of NordVPN’s apps, you can secure up to six devices at once. Have any questions? 24/7 live chat and email support are available.

BEST VPN FOR NETFLIX USA:NordVPN is our top choice for watching Netflix USA in Portugal. Very fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Nearly 2,000 US servers. P2P and Double VPN servers available. Includes 24/7 support and a no-logs policy. You can try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

Cons:

  • Data breach occurred in 2018

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

works with US netflixTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark has fast become one of the larger VPNs on the market, offering over 3,000 servers in 65 countries. If you’re looking to watch Netflix US in Portugal, you can choose from more than 500 servers spread across 20 US cities. As such, it’s easy to find a server closer to your physical location for the fastest possible speeds. There’s no bandwidth throttling, either, so streaming is typically free of interruptions. In fact, our testers around the world have been able to watch over 30 Netflix libraries so far!

With a Surfshark account, you can connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. You’ll also have access to 24/7 support as well as Double VPN servers. This no-logs VPN is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands so it isn’t subject to any mandatory data retention laws. Internet traffic is routed through a 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel while further security is provided via DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and automatic malware-scanning.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark has servers in over 20 US cities for watching Netflix USA and is the fastest VPN we’ve tested. Connect all of your devices at the same time. No-logs service with 24/7 support and Double VPN servers for extra security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Servers across 20 US cities for watching Netflix USA

  • Lets you connect an unlimited number of devices at once

  • Fastest speeds we’ve tested and also offers unlimited bandwidth

  • Double VPN servers encrypt data twice for even greater security

  • Customer support available 24/7 via live chat and email

  • Switching servers is occasionally slow

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is one of your best bets for accessing geo-restricted websites and services from around the world. The reason for this is that it has an impressive 3,000+ servers in 94 countries. With servers in a dozen US cities including Los Angeles and New York, you can stream Netflix USA in Portugal or anywhere else. ExpressVPN is also known to provide very fast server speeds and, particularly important for streaming, doesn’t throttle your bandwidth.

This is a VPN service that’s particularly suitable for beginners thanks to the user-friendly apps and 24/7 support. Its new interactive router setup guide makes it easier than ever to use ExpressVPN with your router and all connected devices. Security-wise, you can expect 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. Unlike some VPNs, ExpressVPN helps you stay anonymous because it doesn’t keep any identifying logs, runs RAM-only servers, and accepts Bitcoin payments.

CONSISTENT ACCESS:ExpressVPN has high-speed servers in 94 countries, the US included. Reliable access to Netflix USA. Beginner-friendly apps as well as 24/7 support. Highly secure with encryption and a kill switch. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Network of servers in 94 countries including the USA and Portugal

  • Fast, reliable servers for streaming without lag or buffering

  • Beginner-friendly apps as well as browser extensions

  • Keeps data secure with the highest level of encryption

  • Live chat and email support 24 hours a day

  • More expensive than most rival VPNs

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost stands out for offering a network of approximately 7,000 servers across 90 countries. Overall, there are nearly 1,500 US servers available, all of which are optimized for P2P traffic. High-speed connections and unlimited bandwidth means you’ll be able to stream Netflix USA without any lag or buffering, even in 4K. Once you have a CyberGhost account, you’ll be able to use it to secure up to seven of your devices at the same time.

A strict no-logs policy ensures your privacy while using CyberGhost. Security is further backed up with 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. More recently, this VPN has introduced its CyberGhost Security Suite for Windows. This includes an antivirus for even greater protection. Should you require any assistance, live chat and email support can be contacted 24 hours a day via live chat.

1,500+ US SERVERS:CyberGhost has a huge network of 1,500 servers in the US. No bandwidth throttling and allows up to seven simultaneous connections. Strong security thanks to encryption and a strict no-logs policy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Roughly 7,000 servers in 90 countries and 1,500 in the US

  • Unthrottled bandwidth so you can stream as much as you like

  • Secure up to seven of your devices at the same time

  • Now includes a password manager (in beta)

  • Live chat and email support available 24/7

  • Doesn’t work well in China

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is headquartered in the US, where a significant proportion (nearly 1,200) of its servers are located. You have the choice of some 20 US cities and, as such, can find a server closer to your physical location for faster speeds (WireGuard support is also arriving sometime in 2021, which should boost these even further). IPVanish doesn’t throttle your bandwidth so you can stream Netflix US from Portugal as much as you like. This VPN is P2P-friendly and allows torrenting on all of its servers.

While most VPNs only allow a few simultaneous connections per account, IPVanish lets you secure as many devices as you want. The service also includes live chat and email support, available 24/7. Data is secured with 256-bit AES encryption, protecting you from hackers and snoopers alike while there’s also a kill switch and DNS leak protection. The zero-logs policy of IPVanish means that none of your data is collected or shared with anyone.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections — great for sharing with family. Servers in 20 US cities for watching Netflix USA from Portugal. No-logs service with 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Some 1,200 servers in the US in approximately 20 cities

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections per account

  • Provides 24/7 live chat and email support

  • Security includes a no-logs policy and encryption

  • Headquartered in the US which is part of Five Eyes

  • No anonymous payment options such as cryptocurrency

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN is one of the most reliable options for accessing region-locked websites and services including Netflix USA. On top of this, it offers fast speeds, making it a strong choice for streaming as well as torrenting. With absolutely no bandwidth throttling, you won’t have to contend with frustrating issues like lag or buffering. This VPN is only likely to get faster moving forward as it looks to introduce support for the WireGuard protocol in the near future.

This VPN has a true no-logs policy which means your privacy is protected at all times. Indeed, very little information is required to create an account while you can even pay anonymously in Bitcoin. Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection from DNS leaks, not to mention an anti-censorship stealth mode. Live chat and email support is included although PrivateVPN is easy to use thanks to its user-friendly apps which allow up to six simultaneous connections.

USER-FRIENDLY:PrivateVPN works with many popular streaming services including Netflix. Servers in dozens of countries including the US and Portugal. Good, consistent speeds and strong privacy protection thanks to its strict no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Smaller network of servers
  • No browser extensions

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

                    Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

There’s no shortage of security features with Hotspot Shield. Aside from the essentials of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and kill switch, it offers automatic wifi protection and its own Hydra protocol. Indeed, you can even access a password manager, spam call blocker, and antivirus with its premium plan. Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep any logs by which users can be identified. It also provides subscribers with around the clock live chat and email support.

WIFI PROTECTION:Hotspot Shield offers servers in 80 countries including the US. No bandwidth throttling and includes 24/7 support. Doesn’t keep identifying logs and offers automatic wifi protection and a password manager. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Some past privacy concerns
  • Doesn’t accept Bitcoin as yet

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for watching Netflix USA in Portugal

It can be frustrating to discover that while your favorite TV shows and movies are on Netflix, they’re not available when you travel abroad. Netflix Portugal has fewer titles than that of Netflix USA. Furthermore, Netflix US is region-locked abroad. Below, we’ll explain a little more about the things we looked for in the best VPNs for watching Netflix USA in Portugal, starting with offering servers in the US!

  • Servers in the USA: In order for a VPN to be able to access Netflix USA from abroad, it must have servers in the US. Ideally, it will offer servers in multiple US cities so you can find one as close to your location as possible. You’ll then have a US IP address which will allow you to securely access Netflix US while in Portugal or when traveling abroad.
  • Speed: Without fast server speeds, you’ll struggle to stream Netflix in high-resolution without lag and buffering. All of the VPN’s listed have not only high-speed servers in the US for streaming in 1080p HD (and even 4K), they also provide unlimited bandwidth. This means you can stream on their servers as much as you like.
  • Network size: Aside from providing plenty of servers in the US, it also helps if a VPN has servers in other countries such as Portugal! After all, there may be times when you need to access a different website or service, particularly if traveling abroad. Most of the VPNs recommended have thousands of servers in dozens of countries.
  • Security: Browsing the web can come with some security risks, particularly if you are using unsecured public wifi networks. In doing so, you may be vulnerable to the theft of your data. However, a VPN encrypts your internet traffic, securing it from hackers. In fact, some VPNs even offer Double VPN servers for an extra layer of security.
  • Privacy: Some VPNs log your data and sell it to third parties. Any quality VPN won’t keep any identifying logs of its users. You should be able to browse and stream anonymously without anyone (such as your VPN or ISP) knowing what you’re doing. To find out if your VPN keeps logs, take a look at our study of VPN logging policies.
  • Ease of use: The fact that a VPN encrypts your data makes it sound fairly technical. However, it should be easy to use, providing beginner-friendly apps for a variety of operating systems. Furthermore, it’s important that there’s live chat and email support (preferably 24 hours a day) so you can get help as and when you need it.
  • Value for money: One of the advantages of having so many VPNs to choose from is that there are options to suit all budgets. Here, we’ve tried to find VPNs that are affordable without compromising on key aspects such as server speed or level of security. Better still, you can save further by taking advantage of our VPN coupons.

In order to find out if a VPN offers the above, we have to test it extensively ourselves. All of this is just a small part of a comprehensive VPN testing methodology which covers everything from servers to speeds to security.

See also: How to change Netflix location

Keep in mind that there are also some security concerns surrounding free VPNs. Some may not properly encrypt your data while others may lack key features such as a kill switch. In fact, it’s not unusual for free VPNs to make money by bombarding you with ads or even logging your browsing data and selling the information to the highest bidder! In other words, not only will you struggle to stream Netflix USA with a free VPN, your security and privacy may be compromised.

  • Downton Abbey
  • Girlfriends
  • Manifest
  • Penny Dreadful
  • The Great British Baking Show
  • Rain Man
  • Casino Royale
  • A Clockwork Orange
  • Dances with Wolves
  • Chinatown