Best Free VPN for Netflix: 5 Free Plans and Money-Back Guarantees
If you’re traveling to countries where VPNs are banned and still want to watch movies as you unwind, worry not. ExpressVPN servers use built-in obfuscation technology, which scrambles your VPN traffic, making it look like regular web traffic. This way, internet service providers (ISPs) and authorities in the country you’re visiting can’t detect your VPN use.
5 Best REALLY FREE VPNs to Watch Netflix in 2023
Short on time? Here’s the best free VPN for Netflix in 2023:
- �� ExpressVPN: It’s not technically free, but it’s the best VPN for streaming Netflix in any country in 2023, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can use it risk-free for a whole month. It also has industry-leading security, maintains the fastest connection speeds I’ve seen in a VPN, and offers affordable plans.
- Try ExpressVPN for streaming Netflix (risk-free for 30 days)
Using a free VPN to stream Netflix can be risky — it might be unsafe, its speeds may be too slow, and it might not even be able to access Netflix. I always suggest using a premium VPN (like ExpressVPN) over a free VPN, as premium VPNs offer stronger security, better speeds, and full 24/7 support for Netflix and other streaming platforms.
Fortunately, some premium VPNs offer free versions of their service. I tested dozens of free VPNs and found the best 5 for streaming Netflix — while all of them have some limitations, they’re secure, fast, and work with Netflix most of the time.
Quick summary of the best free VPNs for Netflix in 2023:
- ��1. ExpressVPN — Best overall VPN for watching Netflix in 2023. Consistently works with Netflix, has some of the best security features around, and maintains the fastest speeds. It’s not totally free, but it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- ��2. CyberGhost VPN — Great for watching Netflix with dedicated servers. Has dedicated Netflix servers that are optimized to always work with Netflix and also provides fast speeds, easy-to-use apps, a free 24-hour trial, and a 45-money-back guarantee.
- ��3. Windscribe — Best free VPN for accessing Netflix. Consistently works with Netflix, provides up to 15 GB/month, and has pretty good speeds.
- 4. Proton VPN — Great free VPN with unlimited data. Great security and speeds, but only 3 server locations and sometimes unpredictable Netflix access.
- 5. Hide.me — Easy-to-use free Netflix VPN. Allows 10 GB/month of data and provides good speeds for streaming Netflix, but it can’t always access Netflix.
- Comparison of the Best Free VPNs for Netflix.
��1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Netflix in 2023
ExpressVPN is my favorite VPN to stream Netflix in 2023. It can access Netflix more reliably and provides better security and faster speeds than most of its competitors. While it’s technically not 100% free, it comes with a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can subscribe risk-free and enjoy your favorite content for a whole month.
I like ExpressVPN because it’s very easy to use — it only took me a couple of seconds to find and connect to a server. Once I installed it, I connected to one of its servers, and I could easily access Netflix on my browser with no issues. I also tested ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer feature, which let me stream Netflix from my game console and smart TV, and I experienced no problems whatsoever.
ExpressVPN has some of the best speeds I’ve seen in a VPN. On all the servers I tested, I was able to stream HD Netflix content without any lag, and I even got close to my normal connection speeds when I was connected to the closest server to my actual location.
In terms of security, ExpressVPN is a top choice. It has TrustedServer technology, which means its servers use temporary RAM rather than hard drives, and they are wiped clean each time they’re restarted. It also has an audited no-logs policy and full protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks. I ran 10+ tests, and I never saw my real IP address — I only saw ExpressVPN’s IP address.
I also like its split-tunneling feature, which lets you control which apps route through the VPN and which ones bypass it. This means you can watch your favorite movies and shows on Netflix over the VPN connection and route the rest of your traffic through your internet provider’s network and enjoy better speeds.
Premium subscriptions start at €6.26 / month, but I often see special deals on ExpressVPN’s website offering extra free months.
Best Free VPN for Netflix: 5 Free Plans and Money-Back Guarantees
Think adding a VPN fee to your Netflix subscription will drain your pockets? One of these free VPN services can save the day. Read on to find out how they differ in terms of connection speed, ability to unblock Netflix, data caps and more.
Key Takeaways: Free VPNs for Netflix
- ProtonVPN is the best free VPN for Netflix. It offers unlimited data, and it also shows excellent ability to unblock Netflix libraries around the globe for free in the U.S., Japan and the Netherlands.
- Windscribe unblocks various libraries with ease and its speed suffices for lag- and buffer-free streaming. However, its 10GB data cap can be off-putting for binge-watchers.
- ExpressVPN and NordVPN — the best VPNs for Netflix — come with an unlimited seven-day free trial on mobile. This is perfect if you need a VPN to catch up on a Netflix show when traveling abroad.
As Netflix gets more expensive by the year, one thing remains constant: The quality and volume of its catalog continue to differ across countries. Thankfully, with the best free VPN for Netflix, you can unblock Netflix libraries across the globe without inflating your bills.
That said, the virtual private network (VPN) market is awash with unreliable free services. You have to cut through the mess to find one that can bypass Netflix’s notorious VPN-blocking technology. Luckily, we tested a variety of free VPNs and narrowed down your options to the best free VPN services that can unblock Netflix.
In this guide, we’ll reveal the strengths and weaknesses (if any) of our five best free (and almost free) Netflix VPNs. We’ll disclose their speeds, security, server locations and data allocations to help you pick one that suits your needs. Proton VPN and Windscribe are our top choices, but all five listed here will serve you well.
08/08/2023 Facts checked
- Can I Get Netflix Free With a VPN?
No, Netflix doesn’t offer a free plan or trial. Even with a VPN, you’ll still need a paid Netflix account to access libraries around the world.
ProtonVPN works excellently with Netflix. It unblocks Netflix libraries around the world on the first attempt.
Windscribe and ProtonVPN work great with the Netflix app. The Netflix geoblocks are no match for these free VPN services.
Top Free VPNs for Netflix
- : PayPal, Credit card, Bitcoin, cash
- : 10
- :
- :
- :
- :
$4.99 / month (save 50%) (All Plans)
- : PayPal, Credit card
- : Unlimited
- :
- :
- :
- :
Average speed
Download Speed 94 Mbps
Upload Speed 9 Mbps
Latency 3 ms
$5.75 / month (save 36%) (All Plans)
Windscribe
$3.33 / month (save 66%) (All Plans)
TunnelBear- : PayPal, Credit card, Bitcoin, PaymentWall
- : 5
- :
- :
- :
- :
Average speed
Download Speed 91 Mbps
Upload Speed 9 Mbps
Latency 5 ms
$6.66 / month (save 48%) (All Plans)
ExpressVPN- : PayPal, Credit card, Google Pay, AmazonPay, ACH Transfer, Cash
- : 6
- :
- :
- :
- :
Average speed
Download Speed 94 Mbps
Upload Speed 9 Mbps
Latency 4 ms
$3.59 / month (save 72%) (All Plans)What Makes the Best Free VPN for Netflix?
As mentioned earlier, while there are numerous free VPN providers out there, not all cut it for Netflix. If you’re shopping around for a VPN that can stream Netflix, these are the VPNs you should be considering:
Best 100% Free Plans:
1. ProtonVPN — Free Netflix VPN with unlimited data
2. Windscribe — Free Netflix VPN with unlimited simultaneous connections
3. TunnelBear — Free Netflix VPN with access to all serversBest Paid Plans With Money-Back Guarantees and Free Trials:
4. ExpressVPN — Unmatched ability to unblock Netflix
5. NordVPN — Lightning-fast connection speedsThe VPNs made it onto these lists because they are free or offer a free trial. In addition, they have VPN servers in the most popular Netflix locations like the U.S., Canada and U.K. This, coupled with robust security and privacy, lets you spoof your location to access Netflix libraries anywhere in the world.
Moreover, the services are fast enough to facilitate interruption-free streaming. The last two, ExpressVPN and NordVPN, are our best VPNs and the fastest services in the industry. Of course, the rest don’t match their fast speeds, but during our testing, they worked just fine with Netflix. They’re not free, but both offer a 30-day money-back guarantee to test them out.
Even better, their unlimited bandwidth allowance means you can watch Netflix movies, such as Ragnarok, unrestrained. However, not all these services offer unlimited data, as you’ll find out. We listed the data caps for each service to help you find a service to support your viewing habits, whether you’re a binge or casual watcher.
The 3 Best Free VPNs for Netflix
These free VPNs for Netflix don’t ask you to pay a subscription fee. You create an account and, without forking out a single penny, connect to a preferred server to access Netflix. However, their data limits, server locations and speeds differ. Keep reading for the nitty-gritty details.
1. ProtonVPN
More details about Proton VPN:
- Pricing: Free or $4.99 per month
- Provider Website: protonvpn.com
- Unlimited data & bandwidth
- Great at bypassing geoblocks
- Solid security & privacy
- Middling speeds
- Servers in 3 countries
Proton VPN is the best free VPN, and when it comes to streaming Netflix with unlimited data, it doesn’t disappoint. However, the free plan relegates you to the busiest servers. This might be a problem if your internet is slow, but if you’re using a gigabit internet connection, you’ll still enjoy excellent streaming.
Further, ProtonVPN lets you access servers in three countries for free. You can unblock Netflix in Japan, the U.S. or the Netherlands, which has a collection of captivating anime. As far as unblocking ability goes, the free VPN service outperforms Windscribe.
In our testing, it got us into Netflix on the first try, which is why it earns a top spot on the best VPN for Netflix list.
Unlimited Data and Bandwidth
For binge-watchers, ProtonVPN is hard to ignore, thanks to its unlimited data. It lets you watch Netflix movies and TV shows without the fear of getting cut off in the middle of the month. It does offer unlimited bandwidth, but because free users can only connect to slower servers, ProtonVPN’s free plan might not be enough for streaming in HD or 4K.
To use ProtonVPN free, you only have to sign up and download the app on your smartphone, laptop, smart TV or PC computer. Plus, its paid plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a seven-day free trial in case you want to try out its full feature suite, including faster speeds. Read our full ProtonVPN review to learn more.
Free
FREE
Plus
1-month plan
1-year plan
$71.88 billed every year
2-year plan
$119.75 billed every 2 years2. Windscribe
More details about Windscribe:
- Pricing: Free, $5.75 per month (one-year plan)
- Provider Website: windscribe.com
- 11 free servers, in popular Netflix hubs
- Unlimited connections
- Good download speeds
Windscribe gives Proton VPN a run for its money when it comes to security and privacy (read our Proton VPN vs Windscribe guide). While it doesn’t have the great unblocking ability of ExpressVPN — our best VPN for streaming — it gets the job done. During our testing, we had to switch servers multiple times, but the good thing is we found our way around the Netflix geoblocks.
In addition, Windscribe’s near-distance speeds are serviceable, meaning Netflix videos load without buffering and the streaming experience is interruption-free. Its long-distance download speeds are a bit disappointing, but fret not: We didn’t experience the dreaded Netflix proxy error or video lags when accessing Netflix libraries on the other side of the world.
The free VPN service doesn’t throttle your connection, letting you use the full potential of your internet connection to enjoy a pleasant streaming experience. However, if you like to binge-watch movies on Netflix, the 10GB data cap will be a dealbreaker. Windscribe is great if you want to watch a couple of your favorite Netflix movies in full HD or 4K, but no more than that.
Free VPN Server Locations in Popular Netflix Hubs
The free version lets you unblock Netflix in 11 countries, including the U.S., U.K. and Canada, which have the most popular Netflix titles. You can also access Netflix Switzerland, which features many Oscar-winning films. Other notable Netflix locations include Germany and France.
You can get 2GB of data per month for signing up without an email address. However, Windscribe offers two avenues to increase the data limit. When you confirm your email you get 10GB of data per month. If that’s not enough, simply mention Windscribe in your tweets to get an extra 5GB a month.
Windscribe offers a smooth transition from free to paid plans, thanks to the build-a-plan option. For example, if you’re only interested in the American Netflix library, you can buy the U.S. server location for $1 and unlimited data for another $1 (there’s a $3 monthly minimum for the build-a-plan). Read our full Windscribe review to learn more.
Free
- Up to 15 GB free with email confirmation and Tweet
- 15GB
- Unlimited
FREE
Pro Plan- Unlimited GB
- Unlimited
- Yes
1-month plan
1-year plan
$69 billed every year3. TunnelBear
More details about TunnelBear:
- Pricing: Free or $3.33 per month
- Provider website: tunnelbear.com
- Free Netflix VPN
- Servers in popular Netflix regions
- Solid security & privacy
- Slow speeds
- 2GB of free data
Like our first two picks, TunnelBear is a safe bet when it comes to security and privacy. However, when it comes to unblocking Netflix, it’s a hit-or-miss. During our testing, it got us into Netflix USA and Netflix Japan on the first attempt. Unfortunately, some libraries like Netflix U.K. kept their guard up, denying us access to the catalogs of movies.
Another gripe is TunnelBear’s speed. Overall, its close-range speeds are slower than we’d like, though they’ll suffice for buffer-free streaming in lower resolutions. Sadly, if you’re accessing a Netflix library on the other side of the globe, chances are you won’t enjoy the streaming experience due to constant lags.
If you came here looking for a free VPN to binge-watch Netflix movies, TunnelBear doesn’t tick that box. The provider lets you use 2GB per month, which is dismal compared to the top two entries. However, if you adjust Netflix video quality to standard definition, the data is enough for about an hour of streaming.
Servers in Popular Netflix Locations
If you want to access a Netflix library in a country not covered by Windscribe and ProtonVPN, TunnelBear is a worthwhile alternative. It has servers in more than 45 countries and that leaves you with a large pool of IP addresses to choose from. However, even though it has a better server network, keep in mind it’s still a mixed bag when it comes to unblocking content.
To use TunnelBear, just create an account, download the free VPN app and install it on your preferred device. Although the free plan has limited data, you can remove all limitations by subscribing to a paid plan. Each paid plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you need more time to tinker with TunnelBear risk-free. Read our full TunnelBear review to learn more.
Free
FREE
Individual- Unlimited GB, five devices, priority customer service
- Unlimited GB
- 5
- Yes
1-month plan
1-year plan
$59.88 billed every year
3-year plan
$120 billed every 3 years
Teams- Unlimited GB, five devices per user, centralized billing, account manager, price per user per month
- Unlimited GB
- 5
- Yes
1-year plan
$69 billed every yearBest Paid VPNs with Money-Back Guarantees
If you’re traveling abroad or want an unfettered way to watch Netflix movies, these paid VPNs are hard to ignore — learn more in our free VPN vs paid VPN guide. They have none of the usage limits of free VPNs and have the best unblocking ability and speeds. Keep reading to learn how you can use these services for free:
4. ExpressVPN
More details about ExpressVPN:
- Free Netflix VPN on mobile
- Unblocks Netflix geoblocks
- Excellent speeds
- The paid version is pricey
ExpressVPN is our overall best VPN for Netflix because of its excellent ability to unblock content. We regularly test this VPN service and we can vouch for its unmatched ability to bypass geoblocks, not only on Netflix, but other streaming platforms as well. In our latest testing round, it got into every Netflix library on the first attempt.
Moreover, being one of the fastest VPNs (NordVPN beats it for speed), it guarantees lightning-fast connection speeds, in the U.S. and internationally. Whatever movie or TV show you fancy — in full HD or 4K — will load and stream without any lag or buffering. Even better, there’s unlimited bandwidth and data so you can watch as many flicks as you wish.
If you’re traveling to countries where VPNs are banned and still want to watch movies as you unwind, worry not. ExpressVPN servers use built-in obfuscation technology, which scrambles your VPN traffic, making it look like regular web traffic. This way, internet service providers (ISPs) and authorities in the country you’re visiting can’t detect your VPN use.
Use MediaStreamer on Apple TV
ExpressVPN lets you watch Netflix on all streaming devices, including those that don’t naturally support VPNs. For example, if you need to unblock Netflix on Apple TV, you can install MediaStreamer. It doesn’t encrypt your traffic, but it spoofs your location, allowing you to access Netflix libraries across the globe.
Alternatively, you can easily install ExpressVPN on your router to protect your entire household. Learn more in our guide on how to watch Netflix with ExpressVPN.
ExpressVPN has a seven-day free trial on mobile, making it an excellent option if you need to watch your favorite flick when traveling abroad. If you decide to go the paid route, the VPN is quite expensive. Thankfully, there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can make use of the VPN for free for a short while. Read our ExpressVPN review to learn more.
ExpressVPN Plans
1-month plan
6-months plan
$59.94 billed every 6 month
15-months plan
$99.95 billed first 15 months and 12 months thereafter5. NordVPN
More details about NordVPN:
- Free Netflix VPN mobile app
- Lightning-fast speeds
- Ability to unblock Netflix
- High latency on distant servers
NordVPN nearly matches ExpressVPN on most fronts, and is even faster, especially over long distances. The introduction of the proprietary NordLynx protocol has made NordVPN even faster and more consistent. It now lets you stream Netflix flicks in full HD or 4K as if the server were right next door.
In addition, there are no bandwidth limits to slow you down. Plus, with unlimited data, you can binge-watch Netflix with NordVPN without fear of getting cut off right in the middle. Its unblocking ability has improved considerably, and it lets you get into Netflix libraries around the world on the first attempt.
NordVPN uses obfuscation technology, which makes it a great option when traveling to restrictive countries. However, unlike ExpressVPN, the technology isn’t built into every server; rather, NordVPN offers a fleet of obfuscated servers in 16 countries. If you’ll need to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN, be sure to check whether NordVPN has an obfuscated server for your preferred Netflix region.
Block Disruptive Ads With Threat Protection
Threat protection is another helpful tool in NordVPN’s arsenal. It blocks pop-up and intrusive ads, some of which may be malware-laden. Doing so improves connection speeds and lets you enjoy interruption- and risk-free Netflix streaming. In addition, blocking Netflix ads saves you valuable data, and is great if you rely on mobile data to stream Netflix.
If you’re on a business trip abroad and don’t want to miss out on the sizzling new Netflix movies, the seven-day free trial is adequate. To get the free trial, you have to download NordVPN on the Google Play Store or Apple app store. If you want a VPN for the long haul, NordVPN is a cheaper ExpressVPN alternative with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Read our NordVPN review to learn more.
Standard
1-month plan
1-year plan
$59.88 billed every year
2-year plan
$86.13 billed every 2 years
Plus
1-month plan
1-year plan
$69.48 billed every year
2-year plan
$107.73 billed every 2 years
Complete
1-month plan
1-year plan
$83.88 billed every year
2-year plan
$140.13 billed every 2 yearsAre Free VPNs Safe?
Yes, some (but not all) free VPNs are safe. Besides the ability to stream Netflix, the best free VPNs we mentioned above offer robust security and privacy. They use solid encryption and VPN protocols to encrypt your traffic and hide your data from prying eyes: ISPs, surveillance agencies and hackers.
However, dodgy free VPNs aren’t safe. You can read more about the VPNs you should avoid in our worst free VPN guide. Some of these VPNs have no-logs policies, secure protocols and encryption, but they are not designed with your security and privacy in mind.
Some are leaky, as you can read in this ProPrivacy report. Many don’t leak personal data, but collect and sell it to third parties instead. Even if you find one that doesn’t use these unscrupulous tactics, it will most likely serve ads in the app, which defies the purpose of using a VPN in the first place.
Final Thoughts
As you have seen, there are a handful of reliable yet free VPNs for Netflix. The services are quite capable when it comes to unblocking Netflix libraries. However, they differ widely in terms of service limitations and speed. What works best for you will depend solely on your streaming needs and habits.
Before you download and install the free service, make sure it has a VPN server in countries where your favorite Netflix flick is available. We recommend using Netflix with Windscribe because it has servers in the most popular Netflix hubs. In addition, it has the speeds and unlimited bandwidth to support full HD and 4K streaming.
If Windscribe’s 10GB of free data isn’t enough, go for ExpressVPN’s money-back guarantee or NordVPN’s free trial. The trial is a safe bet if you need to binge-watch Netflix movies while on the move. You’ll enjoy lightning-fast speeds, unlimited data and bandwidth and an expansive global network of servers. They also work great with other streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video.
As a bonus, be sure to read our guides on how to get around the Netflix VPN ban and Netflix proxy errors. The Netflix password sharing crackdown is in full swing, and it’s going to change how your share your account, as you can read in our Netflix password sharing in Canada guide.
Have you used a free VPN for Netflix? Which free VPN provider do you use to stream Netflix content? What do you like about that free VPN service? Do the VPN usage limits get in your way when streaming Netflix? As always, thanks for reading.
