If you’re an Australian looking to stream the American version of Netflix, you’ve come to the right place! As someone who loves to binge-watch Netflix, I’ve tested various VPN services to see if they work within Australia for accessing American Netflix.
Based on my tests, I’ve ranked what I believe to be the best VPNs for Netflix, taking into consideration speed, reliable connections, price, number of servers, and compatibility with devices. With these VPNs, you’ll be able to access all 4,500+ titles on the American Netflix, while the Australian version only has 1,500. So, let’s dive in!
Winner: NordVPN for Netflix Streaming
After thorough testing, NordVPN came out on top. It provided some of the fastest speeds when connecting to the American version of Netflix, and it worked on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Along with fast speeds, NordVPN also offered the most reliable connections to US, UK, Asia, and Canada with their 5,200+ server locations.
For hassle-free and fast streaming of American Netflix in Australia, NordVPN is the king of Netflix streaming!
- Exceptional Speed
- Strong Security Features
- Multiple Device Support
- Versatility and Functionality
- Strong Encryption and Protocols
- Multi-Platform Support
- Fast Connection Speeds
- Reliable
- Unlimited Device Connections
- Strong Encryption and Protocols
- Access to Geo-Blocked Content
- No-Logs Policy
How I Found the Best VPNs for Netflix in Australia
Based in Melbourne, Australia, I tested several VPN services to see which ones worked best for Aussies. I tested speed and reliability of the VPN, along with other factors, to weed out the less desirable options.
For a full rundown on how I ranked the best VPNs for Netflix in Australia, keep reading below!
Reliable Connection to American Servers
The most important factor for me was to ensure that the VPN provided a reliable connection to Netflix 100% of the time. As Netflix has been cracking down on users accessing their geo-blocked American library, VPN services have had to work hard to stay one step ahead.
While it was possible to access American Netflix for free with a VPN just a couple of years ago, it has become almost impossible to do so now. To combat this, VPN services have built massive server infrastructures in the United States and around the world.
For example, NordVPN currently has 5,200+ servers, with 1,000 located in America. If Netflix blocks one, NordVPN automatically reroutes the connection to the next fastest server. With this vast network of servers, Australian Netflix users can now get consistent and reliable access to American Netflix.
I included VPN services that connected me to Netflix 100% of the time on both desktop and smartphones, so Australians can bypass Netflix blocks with a VPN.
Fast Speeds for Streaming US Netflix in Australia
In this guide, speed is a crucial factor, considering the modern era of short attention spans and instantaneous load times. Living in Australia, we face some unique challenges due to our geographic isolation from American-based servers, which often results in slow load times.
These sluggish load times can be attributed to high latency, as the data has to travel halfway around the globe, rather than from a local data center here in Australia. To overcome this, selecting a VPN service that has multiple servers within the US is critical, as it helps to prevent sluggish load times and buffering. VPN services with a limited number of servers in the US can get throttled due to data bottlenecking through to Australia.
In addition to speed, I have also tested VPN providers that are capable of delivering HD quality without any buffering or stuttering in the video. I tested this on both desktop and iPhone/Android versions of the app, using an ADSL2+ connection and on the Optus 4G network on my iPhone X.
Number of Servers Available
As previously mentioned, I have focused on VPN services that offer a wide range of servers globally, with a preference for US-based servers that allow access to the American version of Netflix. Ideally, I have chosen VPN providers that offer 1,000+ servers in total, with a majority of those in the US.
Having a large number of servers also means that Australians can access the Netflix libraries in other countries, such as the UK, Canada, Asia, New Zealand, India, and more. If a particular server is performing slowly or gets blocked from Netflix, the VPN will connect the user to the next best one in seconds.
Compatibility of Netflix on Desktop and Mobile
Smartphone internet usage has now surpassed desktop usage. Therefore, having the ability to download a VPN app on your iPhone, iPad, or Samsung device is essential. I have included VPN services that offer iOS, Android, and in some cases, Windows mobile app available to their users.
Moreover, I have picked companies that allow streaming of Netflix via the smartphone app as many do not have this capability. Once you install the VPN app on your smartphone or tablet, you will have easy access to the American version of Netflix. Additionally, you can download movies and TV shows for offline viewing while traveling or for data usage.
Pricing of the VPN
Another aspect to consider is the pricing of the VPN. Since we are already paying for a Netflix subscription, we want to keep the price as low as possible as it adds to the overall expense. However, investing in a reliable VPN service, which costs approximately $2-$5/mo AUD, can open up an additional 3,000+ titles that cannot be found in Australia.
By doing so, Netflix users can potentially cancel their existing Stan or Amazon Prime subscriptions, potentially saving them money, as there is a lot of overlap in content on these streaming services. For more pricing comparisons, see my full guide here on the best VPN Australia services.
Number of Connections Available
Finally, I considered the number of devices that could be connected to one account when selecting the top VPN picks for Netflix Australia. VPN services allow customers to connect multiple devices under one account, similar to Netflix subscriptions.
This is a significant advantage, as it allows customers to connect their laptops, desktop computers, smartphones, smart TVs, and even routers! If you have any spare connections and are feeling generous, you could share one with a friend or family member. As a general rule, I have chosen VPN services that offer a minimum of five connections for one account.
Top 7+ VPNs for Streaming Netflix in Australia 2023
Netflix has revolutionized the way we watch movies and TV shows. However, not all content is available in all countries, which is where VPNs come in handy. In this article, we’ll take a look at the top VPNs for streaming Netflix in Australia.
1. NordVPN: Best VPN for Netflix Streaming
NordVPN is an excellent VPN for streaming Netflix in Australia. With 5,200+ servers, including 1,000+ in America, NordVPN provides a reliable and fast connection to the US and UK Netflix libraries. In our testing, we achieved a 100% success rate when connecting to these libraries.
NordVPN is incredibly fast in Australia, allowing you to stream TV shows and movies in HD without buffering or stuttering. One of the best features of NordVPN is that you can connect up to 6 devices on one account, making it an excellent choice for families or friends.
Overall, NordVPN is a hassle-free VPN that works incredibly well for streaming US/UK Netflix in Australia. And with a 70% discount, it’s an affordable option.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another top VPN for streaming Netflix in Australia. With 700+ servers, ExpressVPN provides a reliable and fast connection to US and UK Netflix libraries. In our testing, ExpressVPN was slightly faster than NordVPN when it came to initial stream loading times.
ExpressVPN is more expensive than NordVPN, and you can only connect up to 3 devices on one account. However, if you’re looking for almost instant load times, ExpressVPN is an excellent choice.
3. Surfshark VPN
Surfshark VPN is a great choice if you want to connect multiple devices to a VPN. With the ability to connect an unlimited number of devices, Surfshark is perfect for families or groups of friends. In addition, Surfshark provides fast Netflix speeds in Australia and has a great selection of servers.
While Surfshark is a relatively new VPN, it has proven to be reliable and efficient in our testing. And with an 83% discount, it’s an affordable option for streaming Netflix in Australia.
In conclusion, these are the top VPNs for streaming Netflix in Australia. Choose the one that best suits your needs and start enjoying your favorite shows and movies without restrictions.
4. CyberGhost
If you’re looking for a veteran VPN service, CyberGhost is a great option as it has been in business since 2004. The service has built out a network of 3,700+ servers around the globe, which is impressive.
With CyberGhost, users can also benefit from AES-256 encryption, which helps keep data private. However, when it comes to streaming Netflix in Australia, CyberGhost does have some drawbacks.
Although the VPN has 400+ American based servers, which makes it easy to connect to Netflix, the service’s speed is not up to par with the above-mentioned VPNs. Nevertheless, CyberGhost’s strict no-log policy and commitment to privacy make it worth considering.
5. VyPrVPN
VyPrVPN is a great VPN for those who want an iron-clad service that is also great for streaming. The VPN has been around since the early 2000s and has established itself as one of the most trusted providers on the market.
While VyPrVPN does have some drawbacks, such as falling flat in terms of speed and connection, it is still a solid VPN provider.
Best VPN Australia Netflix Picks of 2019
If you’re looking for the best VPNs for streaming Netflix in Australia, here are the top picks for 2019:
- NordVPN
- ExpressVPN
- SurfShark
- CyberGhost
- VyPrVPN
Netflix Streaming Australia F.A.Q.
Does NordVPN Work With Netflix In Australia?
Yes, NordVPN is a reliable VPN service that can bypass the Netflix block and allow users to access American and British versions of Netflix. NordVPN is compatible with a range of browsers including Safari, Google Chrome, Firefox, Edge and more. Android devices are also compatible with NordVPN. To learn more about NordVPN, how to install it and the Netflix libraries that are available outside Australia, check out the informative video below.
Netflix VPN Australia Reddit & Whirlpool Recommendations
According to recommendations on Reddit and Whirlpool forums, NordVPN seems to be the best VPN service for bypassing the Netflix block due to its reliable connections and fast speeds. ExpressVPN is another great choice for speed, reliability and price. In addition to bypassing the American Netflix block, users can also access other geo-blocked content like ESPN, Hulu, Crackle, Popcorn Time, iTV, BBC iPlayer and more.
Does American Netflix Work In Australia?
Yes, but only when users connect a VPN to their computer or smartphone. By doing so, Australians can change their IP address and replace it with one in America, thus bypassing the geo-restrictions. In addition to connecting to the American Netflix servers, users can also connect to UK and Asia locations that have their unique content. Therefore, a VPN is a great way to experience a full-fledged Netflix service that bypasses all the geo-blocked locations. To learn how to set up a VPN in Australia, you can see the full step-by-step guide on how to get American Netflix in Australia.
Can You Watch American/ UK Netflix On iPhone & iPad?
Yes, VPN services usually have mobile apps that can be downloaded on both iOS and Android devices. Users can connect their laptops, smartphones and even share some connections with friends and family members. Once the app is downloaded on the smartphone, it generally takes only one click to connect the VPN across the entire device. Once connected, users can watch the American version of Netflix on their iPhone and iPad. Users can also download movies for offline viewing while travelling or to save 4G data.
Are VPNs illegal in Australia 2019?
No, currently, there are no laws within Australia that prohibit the use of VPNs, nor are there any laws that restrict accessing geo-blocked content using VPN services. However, as Australian laws on anti-piracy and ISP privacy tighten, this may change in the future. To learn more about this topic, this guide on privacy and piracy within Australia is recommended.
Can You Get a Free VPN For Netflix In Australia?
Technically, yes. But, there are major limitations to using a free VPN for Netflix streaming. Firstly, free VPN services offer limited bandwidth usage, usually around 500Mb to 2GB, which is enough for one Netflix movie. Secondly, the servers of free VPN services always get blocked, and the success rate of connecting is only around 5-10%. Thirdly, personal information can be sold, which is the biggest negative to using a free VPN for Netflix. As the VPN service is offering a free service, they still need to make money, which can happen by selling user’s internet usage to ad agencies and even government bodies. Therefore, free VPNs are not recommended for streaming Netflix.
Why Netflix Has Different Libraries in Different Countries?
Netflix is a popular streaming service that provides access to a vast library of TV shows, movies and other content. However, you may notice that the content available on Netflix varies depending on your location. This is because licensing agreements with studios and streaming providers differ from one country to another.
For instance, Foxtel in Australia has exclusive rights to stream HBO shows such as “Game of Thrones” and “The Wire” on its platform. On the other hand, HBO GO is still not available in Australia, which can be frustrating for fans of the shows. However, using a VPN service may enable you to access the content from other locations.
Similarly, Stan holds the rights to stream all Marvel and Disney/Pixar movies in Australia, which are not available on any other provider. In contrast, Netflix in the US has access to many Marvel movies, TV shows, and even Star Wars films. Thus, it all boils down to a complex strategy wherein film studios offer exclusive rights to their content in a particular country.
How to Fix Netflix “Whoops, Something Went Wrong. Streaming Error”?
If you have previously tried to use a VPN to bypass the Netflix block, you may have encountered the following message: “Whoops, something went wrong. Streaming error. You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again.”
This message usually appears when Netflix has banned the server you were using to mask your IP address to a specific location. To overcome this, it is recommended to use a reputable VPN service with a large network of servers, such as NordVPN or ExpressVPN. These services have numerous servers on their network, and if one server is blacklisted, you can connect to another to continue streaming your favourite content.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, accessing Netflix content from different locations is possible using VPN services. However, it is essential to choose a reputable VPN provider with a broad network of servers to avoid streaming errors. We hope this article has been helpful in guiding you towards the best VPNs for Netflix in Australia. If you have any questions or additional information, please let us know in the comments below.