Americans visiting Canada might find they can’t access the full range of American Netflix content they can back home. Thankfully there is a simple solution to watching American Netflix.

We’ll walk you through how to securely access US Netflix in Canada using a VPN and show you which VPNs to use (as not all will work).

How to securely access Netflix US in Canada

The process is quite simple, here is how to get American Netflix in Canada:

  • First, you’ll need a VPN that isn’t blocked by US Netflix. We found NordVPN is the most reliable option but Surfshark and ExpressVPN are two alternatives.
  • Install the VPN software on the devices you want to watch Netflix on. All of the VPNs in this article are compatible with popular devices and operating systems.
  • Connect to one of your VPN’s US servers. Not all servers will work with Netflix so you may need to try a few or ask customer support.
  • Connect to US Netflix and enjoy a broader range of shows available on American Netflix.

We’ll cover individual VPNs in detail later in this article, but if you only have time for a quick glance, below is our list of the best VPNs for securely accessing American Netflix in Canada.

There are no hidden terms—just let customer support staff know within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Best VPNs to securely access American Netflix in Canada:

  • NordVPN Our #1 choice for Netflix! Stands high above the rest of the pack in terms of security. Works with various Netflix catalogs. Servers are fast and reliable. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark A reliable streaming VPN that respects user privacy and doesn’t break the bank. Allows unlimited connections and works great with Netflix.
  • ExpressVPN This speedy VPN can help you securely access plenty of Netflix libraries and comes packed with strong security tools.
  • CyberGhost Apps are easy to install and get started with. We were impressed with its streaming speeds.
  • IPVanish Allows any number of devices to be connected simultaneously – great for families. Fast servers are good for streaming video.
  • PrivateVPN A strong contender with an exceptional security toolkit. Works well with Netflix and similar services.

A VPN, short for Virtual Private Network, encrypts all of the data sent to and from your device over the internet and re-routes it through an intermediary server in a location of your choosing. To securely access US Netflix while vacationing in Canada, you just need to connect to a VPN server in the US, then open the Netflix app or website.

Best VPNs for watching US Netflix in Canada – 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 US Netflix in Canada.

Best VPNs to watch US Netflix in Canada

Only a few VPN providers work reliably with Netflix. We’ve selected our favorites based on the following criteria (more on these later):

  • Lets you securely access US Netflix from abroad
  • Pegs fast speeds for high-quality, uninterrupted video
  • Uses strong security and keeps no logs
  • Provides quick, competent customer support
  • Offers a money-back guarantee

Based on these criteria, below are the best VPNs to get American Netflix in Canada.

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

NordVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy and uses strong encryption, so your privacy is all but guaranteed. The apps include leak protection and a kill switch.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. You may connect up to six devices at one time on a normal plan.

NordVPN speed test data

The Best VPN FOR US NETFLIX:NordVPN is our first choice for US Netflix. It’s exceptionally fast, prioritizes your security, and even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

Pros:

  • Faster than any other major VPN
  • Securely access Netflix from anywhere
  • Large network – over 5,000 servers across 60+ countries
  • Easy-to-use apps for all major platforms
  • Well priced veteran provider

Cons:

  • Desktop app can be awkward to use, needs updating

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 is a fast, versatile VPN that makes it easy to watch Netflix as you travel. You can use whichever of the 3,200+ available servers is closest to your location too, since they all work with Netflix. Surfshark has high enough speeds for HD streaming, and perhaps even for 4K if your internet connection is fast enough.

This VPN doesn’t log any information that could see you personally identified. IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection are included, as is 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch (in every version of the app). Users can connect any number of devices at once.

Surfshark has apps for Android, iOS, MacOS, Windows, and Linux.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is a low-cost VPN that makes it simple to use Netflix as any server works with the service. Plus there’s no limit to the number of devices you can connect. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works well with Netflix

  • No connection limit

  • Generally fast enough for HD streaming

  • Strong commitment to your privacy and security

  • Good multi-platform support

  • Settings menu feels a little unorganized

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN reliably works with Netflix both on desktop browsers and the Netflix mobile apps for iOS and Android. Not all servers will work, though, so shoot a quick message to ExpressVPN’s live customer support on the website to ask which servers to use.

This service ranks very highly on speed, so you should be able to stream Netflixat high resolutions without any noticeable buffering. This provider boasts top-of-the-line encryption, a no-logs policy, and robust data leak prevention, including a kill switch. You may connect up to five devices at the same time on a single plan.

ExpressVPN speed test data

  • Securely access all kinds of popular services including Netflix

  • Optimized for high-speed connections

  • Solid privacy protection and security

  • 24/7 customer support via live chat

  • Slightly more expensive than some other options

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost makes it very easy to access US Netflix on both mobile devices and desktop. Instead of looking up which servers work on a website or asking customer service, you just select the appropriate option from the VPN’s list of streaming servers.

CyberGhost is one of the faster VPNs we’ve tested, so you should be able to stream Netflix in high quality without too much trouble. CyberGhost recently earned the top score in our security and privacy assessment. Best of all, its security tools all come enabled by default. You can connect up to seven devices at a time.

Apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

CyberGhost speed test data

Easy-to-use apps:CyberGhost has a simple set up. Another affordable choice. Good on privacy. Streams HD video reliably. Good for Netflix. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Apps are easy to install and use – a good option for beginners

  • Great value low-cost provider

  • Fast, reliable VPN service

  • Works with Netflix US

  • Not suitable for those that need control of advanced features

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is a speedy VPN with more than 1,900 servers worldwide. It’s able to securely access Netflix both via the mobile app and desktop browser. Not all servers work with this service but the 24/7 live chat support makes it quick and painless to find out which to use. Subscribers should be able to stream in HD without buffering, and maybe even Ultra HD.

You can connect any number of devices on a single account, making it one of just two VPNs in this list that can say this. You’ll also get top-notch encryption, a no-logs policy, leak protection, and a kill switch to keep your connection secure.

Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

IPVanish speed test data

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish has a large network of servers. Generally solid for torrenters, P2P & Kodi users. Adhere to the highest standard of privacy, may need to try server switching to securely access Netflix. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Impressive 4K streaming speeds achieved during testing

  • Operates a network of more than 1,900 servers from 75 locations around the globe

  • Connect any number of devices at the same time

  • Sometimes struggles to access larger services

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN is a well-established presence in the VPN industry, and a top choice for cord-cutters. Despite its relatively small server network, PrivateVPN works with just about everything we’ve tested it against. Plus it’s fast, so you can stream in HD without buffering.

This provider boasts a no-logs policy and strong encryption. Connections are leak-proof and can optionally be protected with a kill switch that cuts off all internet access should the VPN connection drop. Not only that, but this service is its own ISP, preventing any other organization from having access to your data.

You can connect up to six devices at a time with the basic plan. Apps are available for Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

PrivateVPN speed test data

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Works with US Netflix and allows up to 6 devices on the same account. Small network of servers but fast connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works well with Netflix

  • Very high speeds

  • Exceptional security offering

  • Fewer servers to choose from than other service providers higher on this list

  • Live chat goes offline for two hours per day

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for Netflix US

Netflix has devoted incredible amounts of time and energy to preventing VPN users from accessing its service. As such, not just any VPN will work. We carefully considered the aspects of a VPN most important for streaming Netflix abroad, and recommended only those that excelled in every area. These include:

Would you like to find out more? We explain our complete VPN testing methodology to give you a better understanding of exactly how we put each service through its paces.

Can I use a free VPN to securely access American Netflix in Canada?

Probably not. We know of no free VPN that can reliably access Netflix without triggering the proxy error. Even if you found one that works, chances are it will be blocked soon.

In any case, free VPNs tend to be congested with too many users, resulting in slow speeds. That means low-quality video streaming and a lot of buffering. Many free VPNs implement data caps and bandwidth limits, further inhibiting your ability to stream video.

Finally, many free VPNs don’t offer the same privacy and security as their paid counterparts. To make money, free VPN providers frequently collect and sell data about your usage history and what you do while connected to their service. They may even hijack your web browser or install malware on your device.

In short, avoid free VPNs.

Netflix Canada vs Netflix US

Netflix Canada’s catalog has made significant headway in catching up to its American counterpart in recent years, but some movies and TV series haven’t made their way up north quite yet. By some counts, US Netflix has about 200 more titles in total. They include:

  • American Horror Story
  • Sons of Anarchy
  • Parenthood
  • Parks and Recreation
  • Frasier
  • Dexter
  • It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia
  • … and many more.

Generally speaking, Netflix US seems to have more Hollywood content, while the Canadian version has more international stuff.

  • Windows 10: Control Panel > Network and Internet > Network and Sharing Center > Change adapter settings
  • MacOS: System Preferences > Network > Advanced > DNS

The reason for this is that Netflix doesn’t hold the necessary streaming rights for a particular title in that country. Instead, there’s likely to be another licensing agreement in place with a different streaming service. To ensure it doesn’t violate copyright, Netflix geo-blocks its content.