Best REALLY FREE VPNs to Watch Netflix in: Finding a reliable free VPN that works with Netflix can be challenging. Netflix has advanced VPN detection systems, and most free VPNs struggle to bypass them. While a few free options can occasionally access Netflix, they often come with major drawbacks—limited server networks, slow speeds, strict data caps, and potential security risks.
Because of these issues, I usually recommend using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN. Premium services are much more reliable for streaming Netflix and other platforms, offering faster speeds, a wider range of servers, and stronger security.
That said, some reputable premium VPN providers do offer free versions of their services. After testing dozens of options, I’ve found five free VPNs that are surprisingly decent for Netflix. While they do have limitations, they’re generally secure, reasonably fast, and can access Netflix more often than most other free VPNs.
The Amazon FireStick is an incredibly powerful streaming device that has revolutionized the way we watch TV. Even if you don’t own a Smart TV, simply plug the FireStick into any HDMI port, and it instantly transforms your regular TV into a smart one with access to a wide range of streaming services. To take your FireStick experience to the next level, using a VPN is highly recommended. A FireStick VPN helps you bypass geo-restrictions and ISP throttling, ensuring uninterrupted and buffer-free streaming. Using a VPN with FireStick brings significant benefits, and one of the top options is ExpressVPN. This VPN offers excellent performance, strong encryption, and access to global content libraries. No matter where you are, ExpressVPN ensures a seamless, high-speed streaming experience with top-notch privacy protection. Plus, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free. If for any reason you're not satisfied (though it’s highly unlikely), you can get a full refund. With ExpressVPN on FireStick, you can enjoy your favorite shows and movies without any interruptions or concerns. Experts Recommended:
1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Netflix in 2025
ExpressVPN is my top pick for streaming Netflix in 2025. It consistently works with Netflix and unlocks over 10 international libraries, including the US, UK, Japan, Canada, Australia, Germany, France, and India.
One of the reasons it performs so well is because it frequently refreshes its server IPs, making it difficult for Netflix to detect and block them — something most free VPNs struggle to keep up with due to limited infrastructure. Even though it’s a paid service, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you stream risk-free for a full month.
Disclaimer
The following list is for educational purposes only. Firesticktricksapps does not create, own, host, run, manage, sell, or distribute any streaming apps, add-ons, websites, IPTV, or services. We also don’t earn commissions from featuring these services on our site. Our goal is to review and give an honest opinion from the end-user’s point of view to help people decide if these services are useful.
We cannot verify whether the services mentioned have legal licenses to distribute content everywhere. It’s up to our readers to make sure they are using these media services in line with the copyright laws of their countries. Firesticktricksapps assumes that all users are following the copyright rules in their region.
Why It Stands Out:
- Delivers fast, stable speeds with no throttling, perfect for streaming in HD or 4K.
- Full access to all 105 countries in its server network, so you can always find a fast nearby server.
- MediaStreamer (Smart DNS) lets you watch Netflix on devices that don’t support VPN apps — like smart TVs and game consoles.
- Easy-to-use router app to connect every device in your home.
- Split tunneling gives you control over which apps use the VPN and which go through your regular internet — ideal for multitasking while streaming.
2. Proton VPN — Best Free VPN for Netflix With Unlimited Data
If you’re looking for a solid free VPN option to stream Netflix, Proton VPN’s free plan is your best bet — mainly because it doesn’t limit your data usage, which is rare for a free VPN.
The free version offers access to servers in five countries: the US, Japan, the Netherlands, Romania, and Poland. While it doesn’t guarantee consistent access to Netflix (success rate is about 50%), it’s still a decent option for occasional streaming.
One unique advantage is that Proton VPN’s free plan supports router setup, so you can protect all your devices — even if only one connection is allowed at a time.
Things to Keep in Mind:
- You can’t manually select your server location on the free plan — it auto-connects you to the best available server based on your location.
- Limited streaming access compared to the paid version, which supports 25+ Netflix libraries.
That said, speeds on the free plan are impressive. Streaming Netflix in HD was mostly smooth with minimal buffering, though I did notice slower load times during peak hours.
3. Windscribe — Best Free VPN for Accessing 10+ Netflix Libraries
Windscribe’s free plan is one of the few that reliably unlocks Netflix. It can access libraries in over 10 countries, including the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Romania, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Norway, and even Hong Kong.
You also get access to multiple city-level servers in some countries like the US, Canada, and France — helpful if one server doesn’t work with Netflix. For example, if the free server in Dallas isn’t working, you can try switching to Atlanta.
By default, free users get 2 GB/month, but verifying your email boosts it to 10 GB, and completing a short tweet promotion raises it to 15 GB. That gives you roughly 10 hours of Netflix in SD or 5 hours in HD. Windscribe also supports split tunneling, allowing you to route just Netflix through the VPN and conserve your data.
Although it lacks native router support, it includes a Proxy Gateway feature. This lets you turn your PC into a proxy server, so you can stream Netflix on devices like smart TVs. Just be aware — this setup may burn through your free data quickly.
Performance-wise, Windscribe is impressive for a free VPN. In testing, HD videos loaded in about 1–2 seconds, with minimal buffering (mostly only during skipping).
4. Avira Phantom VPN — Great Free VPN for Netflix on Mobile
Avira Phantom VPN is a solid free option for Netflix, especially on mobile. It gives access to 10+ Netflix libraries, including the US, UK, Canada, France, Australia, Romania, and Sweden. On mobile, you can manually select any of its 37 global server locations, including multiple US, UK, and Australian cities — which helps you get the best streaming speeds.
Streaming performance is excellent. In tests, Netflix videos loaded within 1–2 seconds with no buffering, both on mobile and desktop. However, on desktop, server selection is automatic — Avira connects you to the nearest location for optimal speed, but you can’t choose a specific country.
The app is very beginner-friendly, with a clean and minimal interface. To stream on mobile, just pick a server and hit connect. There’s even router support, so you can stream on your smart TV if you want a big-screen experience.
The main drawback is the data limit — just 500 MB/month, or 1 GB if you register. That’s about one hour of SD streaming. Compared to Proton VPN’s unlimited free data, this is quite limited.
5. hide.me — Beginner-Friendly Free VPN for Netflix
If you’re new to VPNs and want something easy for Netflix, hide.me is a great choice. Its free plan offers unlimited data, which is rare — although it doesn’t always guarantee access to Netflix, it can still connect to libraries in the US, UK, Canada, Germany, Spain, Singapore, and the Netherlands.
Unlike Windscribe, you can’t choose different cities within the same country. And sometimes, Netflix may block your connection — in which case, reconnecting to get a new IP usually fixes the issue.
One standout security feature is Stealth Guard, a customizable kill switch that prevents apps like Netflix from going online unless the VPN is active — helping avoid leaks.
In terms of speed, hide.me is decent. Streaming HD content generally worked well, though I noticed a little buffering during peak times. Unlike ExpressVPN, the free plan has speed limitations.
Testing Methodology: How I Chose & Ranked the Best Free VPNs for Netflix
To find the best free VPNs for streaming Netflix, I used a detailed and hands-on testing process. Every VPN included on this list was evaluated in real-world scenarios, ensuring it met high standards for performance, security, and usability. Here’s what I focused on when selecting and ranking them:
- Netflix Compatibility: Most free VPNs can’t access Netflix due to its strong VPN-blocking technology. I only included VPNs that consistently work with Netflix and can unblock at least 5 Netflix libraries using their free servers.
- Generous Data Limits: Watching Netflix consumes a lot of data — about 1 GB per hour in SD and 3 GB per hour in HD. I prioritized free VPNs with high or unlimited data caps, so you can enjoy at least a few hours of streaming. Proton VPN and hide.me, for example, offer unlimited data on their free plans.
- Reliable Speeds: Many free VPNs suffer from overcrowded servers, which leads to slow connections and buffering. Every VPN on this list delivered speeds fast enough for streaming HD content smoothly. ExpressVPN topped the speed tests.
- Strong Security Features: Free VPNs are often less secure, so I made sure each VPN recommended here includes essential protections like AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, DNS/IP leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy.
- Value of Paid Plans: While the focus was on free versions, I also reviewed the value of each VPN’s premium offerings. All the VPNs listed offer affordable paid plans with access to more Netflix libraries, stronger features, and risk-free money-back guarantees.
Risks & Limitations of Using Free VPNs for Netflix
While free VPNs can offer a decent experience, they do come with some drawbacks:
- Weaker Security: Many free VPNs don’t include key safety features like encryption or a kill switch. Worse, some may log your activity or sell your data to third parties. Without a trustworthy provider, your data privacy isn’t guaranteed.
- Activity Tracking: Free services need to make money — and some do so by monitoring your online behavior and sharing it with advertisers or data brokers. Reputable premium VPNs like ExpressVPN follow strict no-logs policies and don’t collect or sell your data.
- Feature Restrictions: Many advanced features (like ad-blockers, malware protection, or full access to streaming servers) are locked behind a paywall. Free users usually get the most basic version of the service.
Best VPN For Streaming
1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN With the Fastest Speeds for Smooth Streaming
| Best Feature | The fastest speeds we tested, ensuring you can stream, browse, game, and torrent without interruptions |
| Server Network | 3,000 servers in 105 countries give you fast worldwide connections |
| Simultaneous Device Connections | Up to 8, so you can protect your compatible devices under one subscription |
| Works With | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, DAZN, and more |
2. NordVPN — Best VPN With the Fastest Speeds for Smooth Streaming
| Best Feature | High security features and fast speeds for a reliable connection |
| Server Network | 5,400 servers in 60 countries for improved accessibility and connection speeds |
| Simultaneous Device Connections | Up to 6 devices, suitable for protecting multiple devices simultaneously |
| Works With | Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, DAZN, and more |
Free vs. Paid VPNs for Netflix: What’s the Difference?
The free VPNs listed here come with essential security protections — such as AES-256 encryption, no-logs policies, and kill switches — and can offer a decent Netflix experience. Some even include extras like leak protection or support for router configurations.
However, free VPNs still fall short in several areas compared to premium services:
- Speed Limitations: Many free VPNs throttle speeds or get congested due to limited server capacity — leading to buffering and lag during Netflix playback.
- Data Caps: Most free plans limit how much you can stream each month. For instance, Windscribe caps free users at 10 GB/month (about 8 hours of HD streaming), while Proton VPN is unlimited but doesn’t consistently unblock Netflix.
- Limited Server Access: Free users typically get access to just a handful of locations. Paid plans unlock hundreds of servers worldwide and allow manual server selection for better streaming performance.
Free VPNs to Avoid for Netflix Streaming
Not all free VPNs are safe or reliable for watching Netflix. Some pose serious privacy risks, while others are too limited to offer a good streaming experience. Here are a few free VPNs you should steer clear of:
- Hola VPN: Hola doesn’t operate a traditional server network — instead, it uses a peer-to-peer system where your IP address can be shared with other users. This creates a major security risk, as someone else could engage in illegal activity using your IP. Additionally, Hola has a history of logging user data and sharing it with third parties.
- SuperVPN: SuperVPN is known for collecting personal user data and suffered a major security breach that exposed IP addresses and user locations. With such a track record, it’s hard to trust this VPN for anything, let alone streaming.
- TouchVPN: While TouchVPN delivers decent speeds on nearby servers and can sometimes access Netflix, its free plan is limited to just 500 MB/day. That’s only enough for about one 45-minute episode in SD — not ideal for regular streaming.
- AceVPN: AceVPN’s free version is restricted to journalists and bloggers and doesn’t support Netflix streaming at all. Unless you meet specific criteria, it’s not even an option — and even then, it’s not suitable for entertainment use.
- Opera VPN Pro: Opera’s built-in VPN works fairly well with Netflix and offers good consistency. However, its free plan only protects traffic within the Opera browser and lacks essential security features like a kill switch, which puts your data at risk outside the browser.
Best VPN For Firestick Free Trial
Best overall VPN with a free trial
ExpressVPN
Privacy protection and transparency
Show our expert takeFrequently Asked Questions
What’s the best free VPN for watching Netflix?
My top recommendation for a free VPN that works with Netflix is Proton VPN. It offers unlimited data without ads, delivers good speeds, and occasionally works with Netflix. It even supports router setup, so you can watch on your TV or secure all your home devices.
However, the free version does have some downsides — it only allows one device connection (unless used via router), you can’t manually select server locations, and many features are locked behind the premium plan.
For consistent access and the best overall experience, a premium VPN like ExpressVPN is the better option. It works with Netflix 100% of the time, provides excellent speed, and includes advanced security tools for safe streaming.
Can I watch Netflix US with a free VPN
Yes — but it’s hit or miss. Most free VPNs struggle to maintain access to Netflix due to limited server IPs. Once those IPs are blocked by Netflix, you’re likely out of luck until the VPN refreshes them (which rarely happens with free services).
For reliable access to Netflix US and other libraries, a premium VPN like ExpressVPN is your best bet. Still, some free options on this list occasionally work with Netflix US.
How do I use a free VPN with Netflix?
Here’s a simple 3-step process:
- Download and install a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN for its security, speed, and ease of use.
- Connect to a server. Choose a server location close to you for better streaming speeds.
- Open Netflix and start watching. Launch the app or go to Netflix in your browser, log in, and enjoy your content.
Is it safe to use a free VPN to watch Netflix?
It depends on the provider. Many free VPNs come with serious privacy concerns — they may log your data, show intrusive ads, or even sell your browsing activity to third parties. They also often lack key security features like encryption and a kill switch.
However, the free VPNs listed in this guide are trustworthy. They follow strict no-logs policies, offer basic security, and are backed by reputable companies — but they still can’t match the protection and performance of paid options.
Do all VPNs work with Netflix?
No, not all VPNs can bypass Netflix’s VPN detection systems. Only a handful of services — usually premium VPNs like ExpressVPN — consistently work with Netflix across multiple regions and devices.
How do I stream Netflix on devices that don’t support VPNs?
You’ll need a VPN that includes either Smart DNS or router support:
- Smart DNS allows you to unblock Netflix on devices like smart TVs and gaming consoles, though it doesn’t encrypt your traffic.
- Router support lets you install the VPN directly on your home router. This way, every device on your network, including those that don’t support VPN apps, is protected and able to stream Netflix.
ExpressVPN offers both — a user-friendly router app and an effective Smart DNS feature (MediaStreamer), making it the best choice for streaming Netflix on any device.
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