How to unblock and watch UK Netflix from anywhere in the world
Overview
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Table of Contents
Have you ever sat back and actually considered how many streaming platforms we have to choose from these days? There's a lot of them, which is a good and bad thing. Sure, it's great to have so many options to consider, but there's also such a thing as too much choice.
With so many streaming sites on offer, it can feel like you're drowning in a sea of online content. There's simply no way to subscribe to everything without taking out a small loan, and who actually has the time and energy to check out what's being shown on every platform anyway? No, this is definitely not the way to do things. Instead, you should try and maximise your content options with your favourite streaming site.
With popular streaming platforms like Netflix, you can actually unlock extra content from around the world. For this task, all you need is a VPN.
What is a VPN?
VPNs are powerful cybersecurity tools that provide protection for your personal information by creating a private network that hides your real IP address. Your online activity remains untraceable and secure with a VPN because all of your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.
It's the act of hiding your real IP address that means you can access extra content from around the world with a VPN.
What are the benefits of using a VPN?
The protection for your sensitive information is obviously super important, but this isn't really the reason that VPNs have surged in popularity is recent years. A lot of new users are interested in VPNs ability to access content that is normally blocked in your location.
By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another country, you can watch all your favourite content from that location. For example, you can watch all the films and shows on UK Netflix that are not usually accessible outside of the UK. Whether you live in another country or you're travelling outside of the UK temporarily, you can use a VPN to watch all your favourites from this massive library of content.
How do you unblock UK Netflix with a VPN?
This might be surprising, but the process of accessing UK Netflix with a VPN is actually really simple:
Sign up to a streaming-friendly VPN
Download the app to your device of choice
Open up the VPN app and connect to a server in the UK
Log in to your Netflix account to watch movies and shows from the UK content library
We should make it very clear that you still need to be subscribed to Netflix for this trick to work. A VPN is not going to grant access to the streaming site for free. A VPN provides access to more libraries from around the world, once you're subscribed. Understood?
What is the best free VPN?
We should start with the good news: There are plenty of free versions and free trials of VPNs. Unfortunately, there are always catches with these free VPNs.
The most common restriction you get with free VPNs is limited data usage. This is going to be fine if you're just an occasional user, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading anything, this simply isn't going to work. Free trials tend to come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.
The reality is that to gain access to advanced security features and the ability to unblock streaming sites, you are going to need to cough up some cash.
What is the best VPN for Netflix?
There are a lot of VPNs that can effectively unblock UK Netflix from global locations, but which is the best? It's a difficult question to answer, particularly as everyone will have different needs and preferences. To help you make an informed decision, we've handpicked some of your best options.
These are the best VPNs for UK Netflix in 2025.
ExpressVPN
Best For Streaming
The Good & The Bad
- Simple and attractive interface
- Strict no-logging policy
- Large and geographically diverse server network
- 24/7 live chat support
- Up to five simultaneous connections
- It's one of the priciest services
Why We Like It
Read our full review of Express VPN.
ExpressVPN is tough to beat when it comes to streaming. It offers a large and geographically diverse network of servers, powerful levels of encryption, unlimited bandwidth, and abides by a strict no-logging policy. You can also connect up to five devices simultaneously, which is useful if you rock a lot of tech.
ExpressVPN is quite easy to setup: You just boot up the app and choose a location — that's it. It also handles unblocking Netflix with ease. You can connect to your favourite library of content in just a few clicks. ExpressVPN can even be set up at the router level so you can stream your favourite shows and movies on all sorts of different devices without having to install separate apps.
Details
CyberGhost VPN
Best For Server Network
The Good & The Bad
- Dedicated streaming servers
- Strong privacy policy
- Up to seven simultaneous connections
- Large server network
- Live support could be improved
- Not as fast as ExpressVPN
Why We Like It
Read our full review of CyberGhost VPN.
CyberGhost VPN is a real contender to ExpressVPN's crown as the best service for streaming, and it is generally a lot cheaper. Users get access to over 9,000 servers located all around the glove, with unlimited bandwidth, AES 256-bit encryption, DNS and IP leak protection, and an automatic kill switch (among a long list of other stellar security tools).
CyberGhost VPN also maintains dedicated streaming servers that are specially optimised for speed, reliability, and location. That means you should have absolutely no issue unblocking extra content on Netflix.
CyberGhost VPN is really easy to install and use, with an attractive and intuitive interface that should suit everyone. It lags behind ExpressVPN when it comes to speed, but there really isn't much to complain about with this comprehensive service.
Details
ProtonVPN
Best For Privacy
The Good & The Bad
- Intuitive apps
- Swiss privacy laws
- No-logging policy
- Kill switch
- Probably the best free version
- The free version struggles to unblock streaming sites
- Connection speeds are better elsewhere
Why We Like It
ProtonVPN is Switzerland-based. Why is that important? Well it means that your data is shielded by Swiss privacy laws, which are some of the strongest in the world. ProtonVPN also has a strict no logging policy that means none of your data can be revealed to third parties. If privacy is a major concern to you, ProtonVPN should be something to seriously consider.
You might have considered ProtonVPN because its free version is so well regarded. It's true that ProtonVPN's free version is pretty great, but if you want to unblock streaming sites, you are going to need to upgrade. The paid version offers better connection speeds, a larger server network, and more simultanous connections.
Details
Private Internet Access
Best For Server Network
The Good & The Bad
- Massive network of servers
- 10 simultaneous connections
- Premium security features
- Strict no-logging policy
- Connection speeds are fine but not amazing
Why We Like It
Private Internet Access is a standout VPN that perfectly combines powerful encryption, decent connection speeds, and an absolutely massive network of servers. Sure, the connections speeds can't compete with the likes of ExpressVPN, but it's really difficult to find something to complain about with this comprehensive service.
The large network of geographically diverse servers really helps when you're looking for a stable connection for streaming. Private Internet Access provides access to servers in 84 countries worldwide, meaning you should always be able to find something for unblocking Netflix.
Private Internet Access is also a great option for large households, as you can connect 10 devices simultaneously with the same plan. This means you can all stream at the same time, without compromising your security.
Details
NordVPN
Best For Security
The Good & The Bad
- Strict no-logging policy
- Extremely secure
- Ad blocking
- Up to six simultaneous connections
- Large and diverse server network
- Interface can feel congested
Why We Like It
Read our full review of NordVPN.
NordVPN is a reliable option for anyone who wants to prioritise security when unblocking streaming sites. NordVPN offers access to thousands of servers located all around the world, and can unblock Netflix without a hitch. The process is as simple as firing up the NordVPN app, clicking on a dot on its server map, and all of UK Netflix's shows and movies instantly became available upon login.
Other NordVPN highlights include top-notch encryption, protection from dangerous websites and malware, and a guarantee to not log or retain your data. With NordVPN, you get the best of both worlds.
Details
Surfshark
Best For Multiple Devices
The Good & The Bad
- Unlimited number of connections
- Slick interface
- Advanced security features
- Large global server network
- Pricey if you can't commit
Why We Like It
Surfshark is possibly the best service for streaming if you have a lot of devices in your home (or a lot of people who are likely to be streaming at the same time). You can connect an unlimited number of devices under the same plan with Surfshark, which is really useful if you rock a lot of tech.
Surfshark also offers access to a large network of servers, with decent connection speeds and plenty of advanced security features.
Surfshark does not have the cheapest monthly rate, but if you're willing to commit to a two-year deal, you can get access to everything for a good price. If you can't commit, you might need to look elsewhere.
Details
PureVPN
Best For App
The Good & The Bad
- Server coverage
- Specialised unique servers across the globe
- User friendly app
- Privacy policy is unclear
- Few additional privacy tools
Why We Like It
PureVPN is not the very best service for connecting to UK Netflix, but it is one of the cheapest, with an excellect app and impressive network of servers located all around the world. PureVPN also offers around the clock assistance via live chat, support ticket, and email, which is great news for unsure beginners.
PureVPN doesn't offer a lot of additional privacy tools, but users still get split tunneling, 256-bit encryption, built-in ad blockers, and kill switches. PureVPN should make its privacy policy clearer, but that lack of clarity might be worth the cheap price you pay for a subscription.
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Topics Cybersecurity Netflix Streaming
Joseph Green is the Global Shopping Editor for Mashable. He covers VPNs, headphones, fitness gear, dating sites, streaming, and shopping events like Black Friday and Prime Day.
Joseph is also Executive Editor of Mashable's sister site, AskMen.
