Best VPN for Netflix UK 2026
We test every week. Netflix actively blocks VPNs -- but these ones reliably unlock US Netflix, Netflix Japan, Netflix Australia and more from the UK.
March 2026 Test Results
Tested from UK -- accessing US Netflix and other libraries
⚠️ Getting error M7111-5059? Your VPN is detected
Netflix error M7111-5059 means Netflix has detected your VPN connection. This happens when your VPN's IP address appears on Netflix's blocklist -- usually because too many accounts are streaming from the same IP. Only VPNs with regularly-rotated, premium IP pools can avoid this. Switch to NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark.
Our Top VPNs for Netflix UK
These three consistently unblock Netflix libraries and maintain fast enough speeds for 4K. We've used them ourselves -- they work.
NordVPN is our top pick for Netflix in 2026. It unlocks more Netflix libraries than any other VPN we've tested -- US, Japan, Australia, Canada, South Korea, and more -- with consistent 4K playback and no buffering. NordVPN dedicates entire server clusters to streaming, with IP addresses that rotate out of Netflix's blocklist before they can be flagged.
What makes it different: NordVPN has a dedicated SmartDNS feature (NordVPN SmartPlay) that routes only your streaming traffic through their servers. This means your full broadband speed is used for video -- no throttling, no speed loss. On a 100 Mbps connection, you'll stream 4K Netflix without dropping a frame.
- ✓ Unlocks: US, Japan, Australia, Canada, South Korea, France, Germany, Italy
- ✓ SmartPlay DNS automatically optimises for streaming services
- ✓ Works on Smart TVs, Apple TV, Fire Stick, PS5, Xbox via SmartDNS (no app needed)
- ✓ Obfuscated servers in case Netflix tightens detection further
- ✓ 6 simultaneous connections -- covers all your household devices
- ✓ 24/7 live chat support specifically trained on Netflix troubleshooting
ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol delivers the fastest streaming speeds of any VPN we've tested. If you're streaming 4K HDR Netflix content, raw speed matters -- and ExpressVPN consistently delivers 600-750 Mbps on US servers, more than enough for multiple simultaneous 4K streams.
- ✓ Unlocks: US, Japan, Australia, Canada -- consistently reliable
- ✓ Lightway protocol: fastest streaming protocol available in 2026
- ✓ MediaStreamer SmartDNS for devices without VPN app support
- ✓ Servers optimised by usage -- Netflix servers flagged and maintained separately
- ✓ Chrome, Firefox, Edge browser extensions for quick country switching
Surfshark is the best-value option if you have a large household or multiple devices. Unlimited simultaneous connections means every phone, tablet, laptop, and TV in your home is covered under one subscription -- at a price that undercuts every competitor. Netflix US, Japan, and Australia all work reliably.
- ✓ Unlimited simultaneous connections -- best for families or multiple devices
- ✓ Unlocks US Netflix, Netflix Japan, Netflix Australia consistently
- ✓ Nexus technology routes through multiple servers for more reliable IPs
- ✓ CleanWeb feature blocks Netflix pre-roll ads on supported browsers
- ✓ 82% off current deal -- lowest price per month of any reliable Netflix VPN
Which Netflix Libraries Does Each VPN Unlock?
Netflix has different content libraries in each country. US Netflix has the largest selection -- around 5,800 titles vs the UK's 5,400. Japan has exclusive anime and K-drama. Here's what each VPN unlocks:
| VPN | 🇺🇸 US Netflix | 🇯🇵 Japan | 🇦🇺 Australia | 🇨🇦 Canada | 🇰🇷 Korea | Avg Speed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | ✅ Reliable | ✅ Reliable | ✅ Reliable | ✅ Reliable | ✅ Reliable | 820 Mbps |
| ExpressVPN | ✅ Reliable | ✅ Reliable | ✅ Reliable | ✅ Reliable | ⚠️ Variable | 750 Mbps |
| Surfshark | ✅ Reliable | ✅ Reliable | ✅ Reliable | ⚠️ Variable | ❌ Blocked | 500 Mbps |
| Proton VPN | ⚠️ Variable | ❌ Blocked | ⚠️ Variable | ❌ Blocked | ❌ Blocked | 320 Mbps |
| CyberGhost | ❌ Blocked | ❌ Blocked | ❌ Blocked | ❌ Blocked | ❌ Blocked | - |
| Free VPNs | ❌ Blocked | ❌ Blocked | ❌ Blocked | ❌ Blocked | ❌ Blocked | - |
Note: Library availability changes. Netflix actively updates its blocklists, and VPNs adapt to stay ahead. We update this table weekly based on live testing. If a VPN you're using has stopped working, it's likely been added to Netflix's blocklist -- try a different server or switch to one of our top picks.
Full VPN Comparison -- Netflix Features
| VPN | Price/mo | Netflix US | 4K Support | SmartDNS | Devices | Guarantee |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏆 NordVPN | £2.99 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 6 | 30 days |
| ExpressVPN | £5.52 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | 8 | 30 days |
| Surfshark | £1.69 | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes | Unlimited | 30 days |
| Proton VPN | £3.99 | ⚠️ Variable | ⚠️ Variable | ❌ No | 10 | 30 days |
| CyberGhost | £1.99 | ❌ Blocked | ❌ No | ❌ No | 7 | 45 days |
| IPVanish | £3.00 | ❌ Blocked | ❌ No | ❌ No | Unlimited | 30 days |
How to Watch US Netflix from the UK -- Step by Step
Once you've signed up for NordVPN (or your chosen VPN), unblocking US Netflix takes less than 2 minutes:
Download the NordVPN app
Available on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Fire TV Stick, Android TV. Log in with your account details.
Connect to a US server
In the app, click "United States" or use the search bar to find US servers. Any US server will give you access to US Netflix -- try "United States #1" for best speed from the UK.
Open Netflix in your browser or app
Go to netflix.com or open the Netflix app. You should see the US Netflix homepage with American titles. If you still see UK Netflix, clear your browser cookies and try again.
Search for what you want to watch
Browse the US library or search for the specific show or film you want. US Netflix has around 5,800 titles -- considerably more than the UK library.
Switching libraries
To switch to another library (Japan, Australia, etc.), simply disconnect from the US server and connect to a server in the target country. Netflix will show that country's library automatically.
💡 Pro tip: Use SmartPlay for Smart TVs
If you want US Netflix on a Smart TV, Apple TV, or gaming console that doesn't support VPN apps, use NordVPN's SmartPlay SmartDNS feature. Configure it in your router or TV DNS settings -- no VPN app required, and it doesn't slow down your connection at all.
Getting error M7111-5059 even with a VPN?
This error means Netflix has flagged your VPN's IP. Try these fixes:
- Switch to a different US server (NordVPN has hundreds -- try US #2, #3, etc.)
- Clear your browser cookies and cache, then reload Netflix
- Disable any browser extensions that could be leaking your real IP
- Make sure WebRTC leak protection is enabled in your VPN app settings
- If none of the above work, contact NordVPN support -- they'll give you a working server
Why UK Viewers Use a VPN for Netflix
The UK Netflix library is good -- but it's not the same as what's available elsewhere. There are a few common reasons people in the UK use a VPN with Netflix:
Access US Netflix's larger library
US Netflix has around 5,800 titles. UK Netflix has around 5,400. The gap isn't huge, but it's enough to matter -- particularly for American originals, older films, and certain TV series that have regional rights restrictions. Shows like The Office (US) are still only on US Netflix in some regions.
Watch anime on Netflix Japan
Netflix Japan has the best anime catalogue of any Netflix region. Titles that haven't been licensed for international release -- or have limited availability elsewhere -- appear first (and sometimes only) on Netflix Japan. If you're an anime fan, this alone is worth the VPN.
Access earlier release dates
Netflix sometimes staggers releases across regions. US Netflix often gets new seasons or films 24-48 hours before the UK version. With a VPN, you don't have to wait.
Use Netflix while travelling abroad
The most common use case -- if you're on holiday and want to access UK Netflix, you need a VPN to connect to a UK server. Without it, you'll get the local country's Netflix library, which may have different (and fewer) titles.
📋 Is using a VPN with Netflix against the rules?
Netflix's terms of service say you should only access content available in your region. Using a VPN technically violates this. In practice, Netflix has never banned or sued an individual user for using a VPN -- the worst that happens is the error M7111-5059 message. That said, it's worth being aware of the terms you've agreed to.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Unlock Every Netflix Library?
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