How to Watch US Netflix From Anywhere in 2022 (All Devices)
Netflix determines your content library by checking your IP address, so you won’t be able to watch your favorite US titles when you travel out of the country. Luckily, there’s an easy way to change your IP address and watch American Netflix from anywhere.
A reliable VPN with US servers will let you unblock US Netflix when you’re in other countries. It works by replacing your real IP address with an American one, making Netflix think you’re there. This change can be done with just one click.
I tested over 30 VPNs and found that ExpressVPN works the best with US Netflix. Its extensive server network and fast speeds make it well-suited for watching US Netflix from any location. You can even test all of ExpressVPN’s features risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Simply request a refund if you find you don’t like it.
Quick Guide: How to Watch US Netflix From Anywhere in 3 Easy Steps
- Download a VPN. My favorite is ExpressVPN because of its geoblocking abilities and ultra-fast speeds that allow you to watch US Netflix from anywhere.
- Connect to a server in the US. Your favorite US shows may not be available in other countries’ libraries, so you need to connect there.
- Start watching US Netflix. Access Netflix and enjoy watching US shows while traveling abroad
Why You Need a VPN to Watch US Netflix
Due to licensing agreements and broadcasting restrictions, certain shows from the American Netflix library are only available in the US. Netflix enforces these restrictions by checking the location of your IP address. If you’re not using a US IP address, you’ll be redirected to that country’s library.
A VPN bypasses Netflix’s geoblocks by letting you use a US IP address no matter where you’re located. It does this by redirecting your internet traffic through one of its US servers, which replaces your actual IP address with a US one. This way, Netflix will see you as though you’re in the US – instead of where you really are – so you’ll be able to watch its exclusive content from anywhere.
But Netflix has improved its ability to detect VPNs over the past few years, so it’s crucial to get a proven VPN that reliably unblocks the site. I’ve tested all the VPNs below to ensure they work with US Netflix.
Best VPNs to Watch US Netflix From Anywhere in 2022
1. ExpressVPN — Ultra-Fast Speeds for Watching US Netflix Without Any Lag
ExpressVPN’s lightning-fast speeds provide an uninterrupted streaming experience while watching US Netflix. During my speed tests, I connected to its US servers in Los Angeles, Houston, New York, and Miami, and recorded an average download speed of 49.6 Mbps. I managed to watch US exclusive shows like Kim’s Convenience and Rain Man for hours in Ultra HD without any lag.
Its network of servers includes several hundred locations in the US. Out of the 4 US servers I tested, all of them unblocked the Netflix library every time without fail. After connecting to a server with one click, I just had to log in to my Netflix account and search for a US show. Wherever you are, you can reliably access US Netflix with ExpressVPN.
You can even use the MediaStreamer feature to watch US Netflix on devices that don’t support VPN apps, such as gaming consoles. By following some simple instructions on ExpressVPN’s website, I installed MediaStreamer on my PlayStation in under 3 minutes. All I had to do was copy some code from ExpressVPN’s website to my PS5’s network settings and I could watch in no time.
The only downside to ExpressVPN is that its subscription plans are quite expensive, as the cheapest plan costs $6.67/month. However, ExpressVPN often has generous discounts on its website. When signing up, I managed to get $6.67/month off my subscription.
Every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. To see if this policy was trustworthy, I asked a live chat representative to cancel my subscription on day 28. After I gave my reason for canceling, I was fully refunded within 2 business days.
FAQs on Watching US Netflix
Why is the US Netflix library the best?
The US Netflix library is the best because it has the most content and is usually the first library to release new shows. Countries like Canada, Australia, and the UK also have large libraries but aren’t as extensive as the US. Additionally, plenty of shows are only available in the US and can’t be viewed in other nations.
If you’re a US Netflix subscriber and find you can’t access the library, then you can use a reliable VPN with US servers to unblock the site. This is especially useful when you’re traveling or if you’re encountering problems with your local server. Another benefit of a VPN is that it can prevent throttling with unlimited bandwidth, which reduces your chances of experiencing lag.
Will Netflix block me for using a VPN, and is it legal?
If Netflix detects your VPN use, it will only block you from watching shows and not your entire account. When this happens, you will see the Netflix Proxy Error appear. Luckily, there are some easy ways to fix the proxy error.
Even though Netflix’s terms and conditions outline a VPN ban, no one has had their account terminated for using one. VPNs are also legal in most countries, so using one with Netflix is usually perfectly fine. You just need to be careful in places that restrict or outlaw VPNs, like China, Russia, and Belarus.
Do I need a US Netflix account and billing address to watch US Netflix?
No, you don’t need a US Netflix account or billing address to watch American Netflix. The site determines what library you can watch by checking your IP address, so you need an IP from the US. If you find yourself in a situation where you can’t access your US Netflix library, such as during overseas travel, you can watch American Netflix shows by using a VPN and connecting to a US server. This method replaces your actual IP address with a US one, making it seem like you’re really there.
Can I watch Netflix in more than 1 country at once?
Yes, Netflix lets up to 2 people watch simultaneously on a standard account and up to 4 on a premium account. It doesn’t matter where the viewers are located. Netflix’s terms and conditions only state that the people you share your Netflix account with must live in the same household.
But this means that one user will have access to different shows if they go overseas. Since anyone should be able to watch Netflix as usual from anywhere, it’s best to use a top-tier VPN with a global server network when faced with geoblocks. It redirects your internet traffic through a server in your home country to let you watch content from home.
