Netflix has a different library of TV shows and movies for every country it operates in. When you connect to Netflix, it determines your location according to your IP address—a unique string of numbers and decimals that identifies your device on the internet—and gives you the appropriate library for your country. This can be frustrating when you’re traveling abroad, for example, for Americans who want to access their home libraries while in Germany. Don’t worry, though: by using a VPN, you can change your IP address to an American one and securely access US Netflix while in Germany.

A Virtual Private Network or VPN encrypts your device’s internet connection and routes it through an intermediary server in a location of your choosing. That means you’ll connect to Netflix from the VPN server instead of your real location, granting access to the full library of movies and TV shows on American Netflix from Germany.

In this article, we give detailed reviews of the best VPNs for accessing US Netflix from Germany, but if you don’t have time to read the whole article, here’s a summary of our recommendations.

Best VPN for watching US Netflix from Germany:

  • NordVPN: Our top pick for Netflix US. Works well with US Netflix as well as many other streaming services. Very fast and secure. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Great budget option for accessing US Netflix from Germany. Extremely fast and secure. Servers in 100 countries. No connection limit.
  • ExpressVPN: Super secure and super fast. Works reliably with Netflix and plenty of other streaming services.
  • CyberGhost: Novice-friendly option that can securely access Netflix USA from anywhere. Vast network of 9,000+ global servers.
  • IPVanish: Security-minded VPN that makes it easy to stream Netflix USA from Germany or anywhere. No connection limits.
  • PrivateVPN: A small but fast VPN that works with Netflix and boasts top-tier security and high speeds ideal for streaming.
  • AtlasVPN: 750+ lightning-fast servers in 40+ locations. Great at accessing streaming platforms and websites and has no connection limits.

How to use a VPN to securely access US Netflix from Germany

Once you’ve signed up for one of the recommended VPN providers above, getting set up to stream US Netflix is easy.

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

Here’s how to watch US Netflix in Germany:

  • Download and install the VPN app onto your preferred device. We recommend NordVPN.
  • Log in to the app and select a US server. This will give you the US IP address you need to bypass Netflix’s restrictions. You may need to consult with customer support to find out which servers work with Netflix.
  • Connect to the server and wait for the connection to be established.
  • If you experience problems, try clearing your browser’s cookies and cache and then reconnecting.
  • Open Netflix as usual and start streaming!

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

Best VPNs to stream US Netflix in Germany

There are hundreds of VPNs on the market, but they don’t all provide the same level of service and won’t all help you connect to US Netflix from Germany. We’ve curated our list of the best VPNs for the job based on the following criteria:

  • Works reliably with Netflix US
  • Fast speeds for high-quality, uninterrupted streaming
  • Strong security and a no-logs privacy policy
  • Quick, competent customer support (German language support is a plus!)
  • Money-back guarantee

You can read a more detailed account of what we look for in the VPNs we recommend in the methodology section below. But for now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made our list.

Here is our list of the best VPNs for watching Netflix US from Germany:

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 is our top VPN recommendation for accessing Netflix US from anywhere. Nord makes it easy to stream Netflix safely. In fact, most of this provider’s servers will automatically redirect you to the US version of Netflix. It’s one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, so the video streaming quality should never be an issue. Aside from having almost 2,000 US servers spread across 15 cities, this provider has a wide network of over 5,400 servers in over 60 countries, making it easy to access content wherever you like.

If you encounter any obstacles, 24/7 live chat support stands ready to help. The main website is available in German, but all support documents and staff are in English. Every connection is protected by strong encryption, leak protection, and a customizable kill switch. NordVPN doesn’t store identifiable logs of your activity while connected to the VPN.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire TV, all of which can securely access Netflix US in the app or in a web browser. You can connect up to six devices at once on a single plan.

BEST VPN FOR US NETFLIX:NordVPN is our #1 choice it works well with US Netflix and other popular streaming sites and is extremely strong on security. It comes with a 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Almost 2,000 servers in the US and 5,400+ worldwide
  • No problems accessing Netflix US
  • Very fast servers ideal for streaming
  • Strong security and privacy protocols
  • Up to six simultaneous connections
  • 24/7 knowledgable live support

Cons:

  • Desktop app takes some getting used to

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 our top budget pick. It excels at securely accessing services like Netflix and other popular streaming sites. It’s one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested as of the time of writing, so bring on the 4K streams! With a network of over 3,200 servers spread across 100+ countries, including the US, finding a server where you need one is easy.

Surfshark doesn’t skimp on security. Your data is protected with military-grade encryption and zero logging of users’ activity or identifying personal info. Better still, users can connect an unlimited number of devices at once on a single account, making Surfshark a great option for a family or group of housemates.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Linux, and Fire TV.

BEST FOR BUDGET:Surfshark offers great value. It works with Netflix and offers unlimited connections, competitive speed, security, and privacy features at a low price. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Super fast VPN, Ideal for streaming

  • Securely access Netflix from anywhere

  • Strong security protocols

  • Unlimited connections

  • Budget-friendly

  • Customer support could be improved

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN offers top-of-the-line encryption standards, leak protection, and a “network lock” that halts all internet traffic in the event of a dropped connection. Download speeds are fast enough to stream in HD without buffering.

If you watch Netflix on a device that doesn’t support VPNs, ExpressVPN still has you covered. You can use the MediaStreamer smart DNS proxy service on game consoles and Apple TV. Alternatively, installing ExpressVPN’s custom firmware on a wifi router can tunnel any device in your home through the VPN, including smart TV, Roku, and Chromecast.

HIGH-END VPN:ExpressVPN is a speedy, reliable and secure VPN with servers in 94 countries and apps for a huge range of devices. Every plan includes a 30-day no-quibbles money-back guarantee.

  • Works with Netflix USA and many other streaming services

  • Keeps no identifying logs

  • Great security and privacy standards

  • Super fast

  • 24/7 knowledgeable customer support

  • More expensive than others on this list

  • Streaming servers aren’t labeled

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost makes it easier than ever to watch US Netflix from Germany. After you log into the app, you can select the appropriate streaming-optimized server to get started as quickly as possible. If you run into any trouble, take advantage of the 24/7 live chat support. CyberGhost is the only provider on this list to offer live chat support in German, though the German-language support desk is only available during European business hours.

CyberGhost is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested and should be more than capable of streaming high-definition video. With a vast network of over 9,000 servers in 90+ countries, finding a connection where you need one is easy. The company doesn’t keep any identifying logs and uses strong encryption standards. A kill switch, automatic wi-fi security, and leak protection come bundled in the apps.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. You can connect up to seven devices at once and they offer a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

EAST-TO-USE:CyberGhost’s intuitive apps make it easy to stream US Netflix from Germany. Strong security, vast server network, and great customer support. It offers a hefty 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Vast server network

  • Dedicated servers for getting secure access to Netflix US

  • Keeps no logs

  • Strong security

  • 45-day money-back guarantee

  • Doesn’t work in China or UAE

  • More suited for beginners than power users

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish lets users connect as many devices as they like and works well with Netflix US. A network of over 2,000 servers in 75+ locations, combined with some decent speeds, makes it perfect for streaming high-quality video. Live chat is available 24/7 and can help you with any issues you might have.

IPVanish protects every connection with military-grade encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch. It follows a true no-logs policy and recently introduced support for the WireGuard protocol.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV. IPVanish is especially popular among Kodi users and works with any Kodi add-on.

SECURE VPN:IPVanish can help you stream US Netflix from Germany while keeping your internet connection secure from third parties. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works with Netflix USA

  • Keeps no logs

  • Strong security

  • Allows unlimited connections

  • Based in USA

  • Doesn’t accept Bitcoin

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN can securely access pretty much everything we’ve thrown at it thus far, including Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+. Streaming servers are no longer labeled, but there aren’t many in each location, so finding out which ones work doesn’t take long at all. If you have any problems, live chat support is ready to help. The website is available in German, but support staff only speak English.

The relatively young provider has also posted some impressive download speeds in our tests, so it has the bandwidth necessary for HD streams. The VPN provides un-crackable encryption, perfect forward secrecy, leak protection, and a kill switch.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. A single plan allows you to connect up to 10 devices at the same time.

SECURE AND SPEEDY:PrivateVPN is great for streaming thanks to its top-tier speeds and strong security toolkit. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works with many streaming services, including US Netflix

  • Fast speeds

  • Solid security

  • Fewer server locations

  • Live customer service is not available 24/7

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. AtlasVPN

Works With US NetflixTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

AtlasVPN is a great pick for accessing US Netflix in Germany as it has over 750 servers in 40+ locations worldwide, including servers in Germany and the US. You can expect fast and reliable streams on Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and several other platforms thanks to the use of the WireGuard protocol.

AtlasVPN is based in Panama, which is outside of any surveillance operations, giving you peace of mind your activities will remain anonymous and aligns with its promise of zero log collection.

AtlasVPN doesn’t set a device limit for VPN usage, and with apps on popular platforms like Windows and iOS, your family and friends can stream uninterrupted using the same account. AtlasVPN includes AES encryption, split tunneling, and malware blocking. Users will have 30 days to try the service and opt for a refund if they aren’t happy.

ROBUST ENCRYPTION:AtlasVPN is great at accessing Netflix in Germany and includes security features like split tunneling, a breach tracker, and malware blocking. Try the plan for 30 days, and cancel for a refund if you’re unhappy.

  • Good set of security tools

  • Zero connection limit

  • Great at accessing streaming providers

  • Lacks the number of servers versus competitors

  • No Linux or router support

Read our full AtlasVPN review.

Still getting the proxy error? Try this.

If Netflix detects that you are using a VPN, it will usually just show you content that’s available everywhere in the world. Alternatively, it could prevent access to the video and return the following error message:

If you’re using one of the VPNs we recommend above and still get this message, try the troubleshooting steps below.

Here’s how to bypass the Netflix proxy error:

  • Ask your VPN provider which servers work with US Netflix.
  • Disable IPv6, especially if you’re on Windows 10 or newer.
  • Log out of Google accounts, including Chrome browser. Google caches IP addresses and can reveal your real location to Netflix.
  • Disable GPS and other location-based services. If you’ve allowed Netflix to see your location in the past, disable this permission in your device and/or browser settings. This will hide your location and force the service to rely on your IP address.
  • Clear browser cache, cookies, and temporary files.
  • Flush your DNS cache. In Windows, open Command Prompt in administrator mode and enter the command:
  • ipconfig /flushdns
  • Change your device’s time zone to the country where you’re trying to watch Netflix. The continental US spans UTC -4 to UTC -8.
  • Disconnect and reconnect to the same VPN server location to get a different IP address that isn’t blacklisted by Netflix.

If you are still struggling after trying all that, contact your VPN provider’s customer support team for additional advice.

ipconfig /flushdns

Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs for streaming Netflix abroad

It’s harder than you might expect to access regional Netflix catalogs outside of their intended countries. Luckily, despite the company’s best efforts, there are still a few major VPNs that can do so reliably. We used the criteria below to separate the best from the rest and identify the top VPNs for watching Netflix US as you travel:

  • Suitable servers: We looked for US servers first since these provide the American IP address needed to change the Netflix region from Germany to the US. That said, some of our top VPNs redirect to the US catalog if you use a server from a country whose library it can’t access. This approach is preferable since it means you won’t have to rely on servers that are potentially very far away.
  • High speeds: Netflix is one of the few major services that supports 4K streaming. The only issue is that this requires sustained speeds of 25 Mbps or higher. We’ve run hundreds of speed tests and can conclusively say that all of our top VPNs are fast enough for Netflix.
  • Powerful security tools: Your security is extremely important, which is why we prioritize VPNs with no-logging policies. We also require them to have 256-bit encryption, protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks, and a kill switch that stops sending data if your connection drops. This is just a baseline, though; additional tools are always welcome.
  • Versatility: Our team checked to see whether these VPNs were able to access other content libraries as well as the US one, whether they permitted torrenting, and how well they performed for general web browsing. We also put them up against popular platforms like HBO Max, Sling TV, and YouTube TV to see if they could evade detection consistently.
  • Price: We see a lot of VPNs, so it’s extremely obvious if a provider doesn’t have the features to back up its price tag. We’ll only recommend fairly-priced VPNs and will always let you know about deals, discounts, free trials, or money-back guarantees. This way, you’ll pay as little as possible every single time.

Looking to learn more about how we push potential recommendations to their limits? We actually have a post that explains exactly how our team tests VPNs.

In short, we’d recommend avoiding free VPNs and opting for a reputable paid VPN, like the ones listed above, that offers a free trial or money-back guarantee. 

An IP address is a unique identifier made up of numbers and decimals. It can be used to approximate a device’s location and allow or disallow access to a video accordingly.

Using a VPN in Germany masks your real IP address with that of the VPN server, making it appear to Netflix as though you’re in another country, such as the USA. When you connect to a US VPN server, you regain access to the American Netflix library of shows and movies.

Unfortunately, Netflix has caught onto this tactic. While there’s no precedent of Netflix penalizing VPN users, it does blacklist many known VPN server IP addresses. That’s why most VPNs can’t get you into Netflix.