Netflix offers a wide range of content, but certain titles are only available in specific regions. While Netflix Originals like Outer Banks and Wednesday are accessible worldwide, there are several shows that can only be found on Netflix UK. For example, Young Sheldon and Harry Potter are streaming exclusively on Netflix UK.
If you’re tired of scrolling through the same content selection, there’s good news. You can change your Netflix region and access the UK library from anywhere using a reliable VPN service. A VPN is a simple tool that masks your real IP address and replaces it with one corresponding to your chosen server location.
For example, when you connect to a UK VPN server from the US, Netflix recognizes you as being in the UK, granting you access to its entire UK library. This means you can watch Netflix UK no matter where you are, whether it’s in the US, Canada, or any other location.
Start Watching Netflix UK With a VPN
In a Rush? Here’s How to Watch UK Netflix in the US or Anywhere
1. Get a VPN. We recommend NordVPN because it reliably unblocks Netflix UK without getting detected. Plus, it also unblocks more than 15 other Netflix libraries with ease.
2. Connect to a server. Choose a UK server since you want to access Netflix UK.
3. Open Netflix. Open the Netflix app as usual, and you should now have full access to Netflix UK.
4. Enjoy watching. Stream shows that are streaming exclusively on the UK library.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch Netflix UK?
Netflix is available in over 190 countries. However, due to copyright laws and licensing restrictions, it shows different content in different regions.
Netflix uses your IP address to know where you are and only displays content licensed for your location. This means that certain shows and movies on Netflix UK may not be available in other countries.
A VPN solves this problem by hiding your real IP address and giving you a new one based on the server you choose. When you connect to a UK VPN server from abroad, you’re assigned a UK IP address. This makes Netflix think you’re actually in the UK. As a result, it gives you access to the full library of Netflix UK, meaning you can enjoy its exclusive shows and movies from anywhere in the world.
Other Benefits of Using a VPN
There are several benefits of using a VPN. Let’s have a look:
- Access to other Netflix libraries: In addition to Netflix UK, a reliable VPN also lets you access other libraries like the US, Canada, Japan, and more. This means you’ll have access to tons of Netflix titles.
- Access to other UK-based platforms: A VPN allows you to access other UK-based platforms like BBC iPlayer, Sky Go, and ITV Hub. You can also access other international platforms, like Hulu, Disney+, Stan, CBC, and more.
- Privacy protection: A VPN safeguards your online privacy by encrypting your internet connection. This encryption prevents hackers, governments, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) from accessing or monitoring your online activities. Whether you’re streaming, browsing, or conducting online transactions, a VPN adds an extra layer of security to keep your sensitive information safe from prying eyes.
Best VPNs to Watch Netflix UK
Not many VPNs can access Netflix UK. We tested 45 VPNs to bring you the best ones. Let’s take a look:
1. NordVPN — Consistently Unblocks Netflix UK
NordVPN remains our top choice for accessing Netflix UK, thanks to its reliable server network. During our latest tests, it unblocked the UK library without hassle. We didn’t experience any difficulties accessing region-locked titles, like Harry Potter, The Big Bang Theory, and Friends.
But what puts it ahead of the competition is the fact that it consistently unblocks many other Netflix libraries without any problems. In our testing, it successfully accessed Netflix US, Japan, Turkey, and 14 other libraries. It also gave us access to many other geo-restricted platforms that we tried, including Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
Its NordLynx protocol delivers excellent speeds, letting you stream in HD and 4K without buffering. We tested its UK and US servers and never saw a speed drop of more than 13%.
You also get strong security and privacy features to keep your online activity private. And it’s compatible with all modern devices, including smart TVs and routers.
Overall, it’s a great choice to unblock any Netflix library, and it’s budget-friendly too. Plus, you can use its 30-day money-back guarantee to test it risk-free.
Pros:
- Fast speeds
- Reliable access to Netflix UK
- Works even with Smart TVs
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- Increased prices upon renewal (it’s better to subscribe to its longest-term plan)
2. ExpressVPN — Fast and Easy-to-Use VPN
ExpressVPN is another great option for accessing Netflix UK. We easily gained access to the UK library and could access several other Netflix libraries worldwide. Just like NordVPN, it also unblocked many other international sites. This includes BBC iPlayer, Hotstar, CBC, Sky Go, Stan, and more.
In terms of speeds, ExpressVPN is on par with NordVPN, and it even slightly outperforms NordVPN on long-distance servers, thanks to its Lightway protocol. This protocol is developed by ExpressVPN to provide consistently fast speeds and stable connections.
For your online privacy and security, ExpressVPN offers a strict no-logs policy, leak protection, strong encryption, and a kill switch.
But when it comes to accessing the number of Netflix libraries, ExpressVPN falls short compared to NordVPN. While it accessed popular libraries, we couldn’t access Netflix Netherlands and Mexico in our tests.
Plus, it’s slightly pricier compared to many other VPNs on the market. But you can use its 30-day money-back guarantee and decide if it’s right for you.
Pros:
- Lightway protocol for fast speeds
- Reliable access to Netflix UK and other libraries
- Works with popular streaming platforms
- Strong privacy and security features
- User-friendly and compatible with various devices
Cons:
- Cannot access some Netflix libraries
- Relatively higher pricing compared to other VPNs
3. Surfshark — Budget-Friendly VPN With Unlimited Connections
Surfshark is a VPN that we absolutely love, and there are several reasons why. Firstly, it stands out as one of the most budget-friendly options for accessing Netflix. But despite its affordable price, it delivers reliable access to the streaming platform.
During our tests, we tried it with 17 different Netflix libraries, and it successfully unblocked 12 of them. This includes popular regions like the UK, US, Japan, and Canada. Notably, Surfshark even managed to access Netflix Netherlands, a library that ExpressVPN couldn’t unblock.
While the speeds aren’t as impressive as ExpressVPN or Nord, it still gets the job done. You can easily stream in HD or even 4K, provided you have a fast baseline connection (35 Mbps or more). And it gives you unlimited connections, meaning you can share your VPN subscription with your family.
Beyond Netflix, it also accessed international services like Hulu, Funimation, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. Plus, it’s safe and secure.
That said, it can occasionally encounter minor hiccups. In some instances, we noticed that server connections took a bit longer than expected, and on distant servers, we experienced slightly slower speeds. But these occurrences were rare, and we had a nice experience overall.
Pros:
- Affordable pricing
- Strong security measures
- Access to multiple Netflix libraries, including the UK
Cons
- Occasional delays in server connections
- Slower speeds on some distant servers
FAQs on Watching UK Netflix from Anywhere
Yes, you can watch UK Netflix from anywhere in the world. This includes countries like the US, Australia, France, Spain, Canada, and more. All you need is a reliable VPN that can successfully change your Netflix region to the UK.
Technically, yes. You can watch UK Netflix without a VPN using smart DNS or a proxy server. Even then you’ll have to subscribe to premium services in order to successfully change your Netflix region. And note that these methods don’t encrypt your data, so your connection is not secure.
Tor browser might also seem like an option, but we don’t recommend it. First off, it slows down your internet significantly, making streaming virtually impossible.
But more importantly, the exit node in Tor is totally random, which means you could end up with an IP address from anywhere in the world. If you don’t get lucky with a UK exit node, you won’t be able to access Netflix UK. And finally, it won’t work outside the Tor browser, so you won’t be able to use your Netflix app.
You’re better off using a reliable Netflix VPN that comes with a money-back guarantee. This ensures you can try the service completely risk-free.
No, Netflix doesn’t ban accounts for using a VPN. It only blocks VPN IP addresses, which is why many VPNs fail to get past Netflix’s geoblocks. So, if you want reliable access to Netflix UK, you need a VPN that’s been tried and tested with Netflix.
Conclusion
Netflix is available in nearly every country, but the content libraries differ across regions. Some movies and shows are only available on Netflix UK. But it’s easy to access those titles using a VPN, even if you’re not physically located in the UK.
But the benefits of a VPN go beyond accessing Netflix UK. It also safeguards your privacy by encrypting your online activity and allows access to several other region-locked platforms such as Hotstar, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Stan, and more.