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Does Surfshark Still Provide Access to Netflix in 2024?

Does Surfshark still provide access to your favorite Netflix libraries? We’ll find out in this article.

At a Glance

Netflix is arguably the most popular video-streaming service on the planet and is available in most countries around the world. However, due to the content contracts that the streamer signs with television and film content producers, the films and shows available on the service in your country may not be available to viewers in other countries. This means if you visit another country, you won’t have access to your favorite American Netflix content.

Luckily, as regular visitors to this site are aware, there is a way to view this “hidden” content. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can break through these roadblocks, opening up a world of content for your enjoyment.

Can a VPN Help Watch Netflix?

It should be noted though that Netflix and many other streaming services long ago caught on to viewers using the trick of using a VPN to access their services. They now blacklist any VPN-provided IP addresses they detect from accessing their content libraries.

However, it should be equally noted that there are still a few select VPN providers that are willing to fight the good fight and continue to compete in this virtual game of whack-a-mole. They have the willingness and resources to restore access to Netflix when it is no longer available by creating fresh, working IP addresses.

One such VPN provider is Surfshark. While it may not be my top choice as the best VPN for Netflix (NordVPN continues to hold that honor), Surfshark offers reliable access to Netflix in many areas of the world and even offers one feature that NordVPN does not. (More about that later.)

Why Choose Surfshark to Access Netflix?

Surfshark is an excellent choice for any streaming fan thanks to its reliable access to Netflix and other streaming services. That access is powered by an impressive global server network made up of 3,200+ servers stationed in 100+ countries at the time of this writing.

Surfshark’s connection speeds are some of the best in the VPN industry, providing download speeds of 188.8 Mbps during my most recent download speed tests. It provides more than enough bandwidth for streaming HD and 4K video, online gaming, and sharing large files (depending on your usual ISP-provided connection speeds, of course). Plus, the provider never puts a damper on your online fun by imposing daily or monthly data caps on your usage.

Netflix is available on numerous connected devices, including desktop and mobile devices, game consoles, streaming boxes, smart TVs, and more. Surfshark offers apps for most popular device platforms, including Android, iOS, Linux, macOS (including native M1 and M2 Mac support), Amazon Fire TV, and Windows devices. Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browser extensions are also available.

For users with devices not on that list, you can take advantage of either the provider’s smart DNS feature or its compatibility with routers running Tomato or DD-WRT firmware.

Remember when I said Surfshark offered one feature NordVPN doesn’t? Well, while NordVPN limits its users to six simultaneous connections on a single login, Surfshark puts no limit at all on simultaneous connections. That means every device you own can be connected to Surfshark’s servers, and the provider will never blink an eye.

Surfshark also offers excellent protection for your internet activities thanks to its use of banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak and IPv6 leak prevention. The provider also offers advertising and tracker blocking, and a “MultiHop” server option can route your connection through two VPN servers for added anonymity and protection.

Your privacy is also well-protected thanks to the British Virgin Islands-based provider’s strict no-server-logs policy and its willingness to accept Bitcoin in return for its services.

Surfshark’s customer support is always available thanks to its 24/7 support chat, a searchable support library/FAQ section, and a support request form.

All of this is available for a budget-friendly price, especially if you subscribe for two years. For a buck and a half more per month, you can benefit from the provider’s data breach alerts, antivirus protection, and truly private search engine.

WATCH NETFLIX FROM ANYWHERE:Surfshark offers reliable access to Netflix and other streaming services. It delivers fast connections to over 60 countries, supports numerous device platforms, and does a top-notch job of protecting your online security and privacy.

For more information, check out my full Surfshark review.

How to Use Surfshark VPN to Access Netflix

Using Surfshark to bust through Netflix’s geo-blockades is simple enough that even newbie VPN users will be viewing their favorite shows and movies within a few minutes.

Here is how to use Surfshark VPN to view Netflix:

  1. Sign up for a Surfshark VPN
  2. Download and install the Surfshark app on your favorite Netflix-viewing devices. (And you can use as many as your Netflix subscription plan allows, as there is no connection limit when you use Surfshark.)
  3. Decide which country’s flavor of Netflix that you want to sample.
  4. Connect to a Surfshark server in the country you decide upon.
  5. Load Netflix in your browser or the app on your favorite device and give it a try. If it doesn’t work, you might try clearing the cookies in your browser or connecting to a different VPN server.

Pro tip: As I mentioned above, Netflix and other streaming services are constantly on the lookout for viewers using VPNs to connect to their content libraries. That means you may find that a server that formerly allowed you to access Netflix stops working. When this happens, Surfshark usually reacts quickly. Also, changing to a different server in the country you’re connecting to might also help get around Netflix VPN roadblocks.

However, if you continue to face issues with Surfshark, I recommend giving NordVPN a try.

Which Netflix Libraries Can Surfshark Access?

To test Surfshark’s ability to access Netflix content around the globe, I tested the provider in 10 regions around the world. They are listed below.

I first connected to a Surfshark server in each country, visited the “What Is My IP?” website to ensure that I had an IP address from that country, and then connected to Netflix to attempt to play a video stream.

Of the 10 countries I tested, only in one, Hong Kong, did Surfshark not provide access to the country’s Netflix library. Instead, it rerouted my connection to the U.S. library. I was successful with all of the other countries: the United States, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Sweden.

Why Can’t I Just Use a Free VPN to Watch Netflix?

While you may be able to find a free VPN that will access Netflix (at least temporarily), you’re not going to be happy with the user experience.

First of all, most free VPNs have a limited network of servers. The fewer the servers, the fewer opportunities to access multiple Netflix regions. Plus, fewer servers means more users on a single server. More users on a single server mean more users using the same bandwidth. More connections on the same server mean lesser performance for everyone.

Even if there are not a large number of users on your server, the free VPN provider may still throttle your internet access speeds. It will also place a daily or monthly data cap on your VPN usage. Free VPN providers do that to preserve their available bandwidth for paying customers to use.

Plus, you may be required to sit in a queue with other free users until you’re allowed to connect to a server. Or you may be automatically connected to a server of the provider’s choice. There go your Netflix access options.

You’ll also find that your privacy isn’t well protected when using a free VPN. Even free VPNs need to make a buck. Many freebie providers will track their users’ online activities and sell that information to advertisers and other nosy types. Other free VPNs will insert unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their users’ browser sessions.

Protect yourself and preserve your Netflix flexibility by paying for a reputable VPN provider, like Surfshark.

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Using a VPN to Access Netflix FAQs

Why Isn’t Netflix Working With My VPN?

If Netflix recognizes your IP address as belonging to a VPN service, it may still allow you to browse its library, but it won’t allow you to view any of it. (They’re such a tease!) When this happens, you’ll likely see this error message: “You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again.”

When this happens, you may be able to disconnect from the VPN server you’re using and then connect to a different server. This doesn’t always work, but it’s worth a shot. You may also want to clear your browser's cookies and cache.

If further viewing attempts continue to prove fruitless, you may need to wait a while until hopefully, your VPN provider sets up new IP addresses. Or, it may be time to switch VPN providers.

Will a VPN Slow Down My Internet Connection?

My answer is a qualified “yes.” But, if you use a quality VPN, your internet connection won’t slow down horribly.

That said, the actual answer depends on a number of factors, including the distance from you to the VPN server, the distance from the VPN server to the Netflix servers, the time of day, how your connection is routed, and your usual connection speeds. Most reliable VPNs will only slow your connection slightly, not usually enough to make a difference in your viewing experience.

Will a VPN Help Me Watch Netflix If Netflix Isn’t Available in My Area?

You can use a VPN to access Netflix if you’re unlucky enough to reside in a Netflix-free area. However, you may have to jump through a couple of extra hoops to subscribe if you don’t already have a subscription.

You’ll need to first connect to a VPN server in a country where Netflix is available. Then, you’ll need to purchase a Netflix gift card holding the proper currency. (Euros if the Netflix server is in Europe, in U.S. dollars if it's in the U.S., etc.) These are available from numerous sources online. You can also use a credit card or debit card if it has a billing address in the country in question.

Surfshark Has a Split Tunneling Feature Called Whitelister, But What Does It Do?

Surfshark’s Whitelister split tunneling feature allows users to pick and choose which apps on their computer or other connected devices will use the Surfshark encrypted tunnel of protection and which apps will connect to the internet using your normal unprotected connection.

For instance, this would allow you to share files via BitTorrent using an encrypted connection that hides your activities from your ISP, while your other online activities all connect in the usual fashion.

Is It Illegal to Use Surfshark for Netflix?

It is not illegal to use Surfshark or any other VPN to stream content from Netflix or any other streaming service. However, the streaming service may block your VPN-provided IP if it detects you are using a VPN to access its streaming library.

Does Surfshark Have a Free Trial?

If you’re signing up for Surfshark using your iOS or Android device, you can take advantage of the VPN provider’s seven-day free trial. (If you don’t cancel the service before the seven days are up, your Apple App Store or Google Play will be charged for the full subscription price.)

However, desktop users can try the service risk-free thanks to Surfshark’s 30-day money-back guarantee. If you decide Surfshark isn’t the right VPN for you, then contact customer service anytime during the first 30 days of your subscription to ask for a refund.

Does Surfshark Have an Ad Blocker?

Yes, Surfshark’s ad blocker is called “CleanWeb.” The feature blocks ads, online trackers, malware, and phishing attempts. I’ve tested the feature with normally ad-laden websites and I’ve found that the feature works quite well, blocking the majority of ads from most websites. (No ad blocker can catch ‘em all.)

Do VPNs Offer Other Services?

Many VPNs do offer additional services. For example, Surfshark offers additional services for a small fee. Surfshark’s extra features include truly private search, data breach alerts, and antivirus protection.


Roundup - best VPNs for speed

Position Our Score Verdict
1.
4.5/5
Verdict: Our top rated VPN
Get NordVPN »
2.
4.5/5
Verdict: Best budget option
Get Surfshark »
3.
4.0/5
Verdict: Great privacy options
Get ExpressVPN »
4.
4.0/5
Verdict: Highly versatile
Get CyberGhost »
5.
3.0/5
Verdict: Up to 10 devices
Get PrivateVPN »

PRIVACY ALERT: Websites you visit can see these details about you:

The following information is available to any site you visit:

Your IP Address:

Your Location:

Your Internet Provider:

This information can be used to target ads and monitor your internet usage.

By using a VPN you can hide these details and protect your privacy.

I recommend NordVPN - the top provider in my testing. It offers outstanding privacy features and there is currently a discounted rate available through this link.

Visit NordVPN

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