Best VPN for Unblocking UK Netflix While in the US (2025)

If you're a US-based subscriber who's ever opened Netflix only to find The Office missing, or wondered why the UK gets a completely different selection of films and originals, you've already felt the pull of the other catalog. UK Netflix carries shows and movies that simply aren't licensed for American screens — and the only way to reach them is through a VPN that can slip past Netflix's notoriously aggressive geo-blocking.

The problem? Netflix has gotten very good at detecting and blocking VPN traffic. Most services can't keep up. After testing dozens of VPNs against the UK Netflix library, we found three that consistently pass the sniff test — and they're the things actually worth buying for this job.

What Makes a VPN Good for UK Netflix?

Netflix's VPN detection works by flagging IP addresses that belong to data centers rather than residential ISPs. A VPN that can reliably unblock UK Netflix needs three things:

1. Obfuscation technology that masks VPN traffic as regular HTTPS
2. A large UK server fleet with frequent IP rotation so addresses don't get blacklisted
3. High-speed connections capable of streaming 4K without buffering

All three of our picks deliver on these fronts. Here's how they stack up.

The Best VPNs for UK Netflix from the US

1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall for Reliability

ExpressVPN has long been the gold standard for unblocking Netflix, and our testing confirms it still holds the crown. In independent evaluations, ExpressVPN easily accessed 18 popular Netflix regions, including both the US and UK libraries1. That kind of consistency is rare — most VPNs can only manage a handful of regions before Netflix catches on.

Why it works: ExpressVPN uses its proprietary Lightway protocol with built-in obfuscation, making it nearly impossible for Netflix to distinguish from regular traffic. The service maintains hundreds of UK servers and rotates IPs frequently, so even if one address gets blocked, another is ready to go.

Real-world performance: We tested ExpressVPN streaming UK Netflix in 4K on a 100 Mbps connection and saw minimal speed loss — roughly 15–20 percent, well within the threshold for smooth playback. Setup takes under two minutes on any device, and the MediaStreamer Smart DNS feature lets you watch UK content on consoles, smart TVs, and other devices that don't natively support VPN apps.

2. NordVPN — Best Speed and Value

NordVPN is ExpressVPN's closest competitor, and in some ways it pulls ahead. Its NordLynx protocol (built on WireGuard) delivers some of the fastest connection speeds we've seen from any VPN — often faster than the user's base internet connection thanks to efficient routing1.

Why it works: NordVPN unblocks almost as many Netflix regions as ExpressVPN, with particularly strong performance on the UK library1. Its obfuscated servers are specifically designed to bypass deep packet inspection, and the service rotates IPs aggressively to stay ahead of Netflix's blocklists.

The Meshnet advantage: NordVPN includes a unique Meshnet feature that lets you route traffic through another device on your network. Practically, this means you can set up a UK-based friend or family member's device as a relay point — a clever workaround if you want an extra layer of certainty.

Real-world performance: In our 4K streaming tests, NordVPN actually outperformed ExpressVPN on raw throughput, maintaining 85–90 percent of base speeds. It supports up to six simultaneous connections, so the whole household can watch different libraries at once.

3. CyberGhost — Best for Smart TV and Budget

CyberGhost is the dark horse here — it doesn't have the brand recognition of the top two, but it's surprisingly effective for UK Netflix, especially if you're watching on a TV rather than a computer or phone.

Why it works: CyberGhost offers dedicated streaming profiles that are pre-configured for specific services. Select "UK Netflix" from the server list, and the app automatically connects you to an optimized server that's been tested for that library. It's a small convenience that makes a real difference when you're just trying to get to the show.

The Smart DNS edge: CyberGhost's Smart DNS proxy is one of the best in the business for UK content. It works on devices that can't run VPN apps — think Apple TV, PlayStation, and older smart TVs — by redirecting only the traffic Netflix needs to verify your location. The rest of your connection stays on your regular US IP, so there's no speed penalty for local browsing1.

Real-world performance: Speeds are good but not class-leading — expect around 70–75 percent of your base connection. That's still plenty for 4K streaming on a 50+ Mbps line. The seven-device connection limit and generous 45-day money-back guarantee make it the best value pick.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Why These Three Beat the Rest

The VPN market is crowded, and plenty of services claim to unblock Netflix. The difference comes down to three technical factors:

Obfuscation depth. Most VPNs use standard OpenVPN or WireGuard, which Netflix can fingerprint and block within hours. ExpressVPN's Lightway and NordVPN's NordLynx both include built-in traffic obfuscation that makes the connection look like ordinary HTTPS traffic. CyberGhost achieves the same result through dedicated streaming servers that are tested and rotated daily.

IP rotation frequency. A VPN that holds onto the same IP addresses for weeks will get blocked. Our top three all rotate UK IPs on a regular cadence — NordVPN is particularly aggressive here, cycling addresses every 24–48 hours.

Server density. A single UK server location is a single point of failure. ExpressVPN maintains servers in five UK locations; NordVPN has over 440 UK servers; CyberGhost has 300+. That redundancy means if one server gets blacklisted, there are dozens more ready to take its place.

The Bottom Line

If you want the most reliable way to watch UK Netflix from the US, get ExpressVPN. It's the most consistent unblocker we've tested, and the MediaStreamer feature means it works on every device you own.

If speed is your priority — or you want to save a few dollars — NordVPN is a near-perfect alternative with faster peak speeds and the clever Meshnet workaround.

And if you're primarily watching on a smart TV or want the best value for a multi-device household, CyberGhost delivers surprisingly strong UK Netflix performance at a fraction of the price.

Disclosure: Recomate earns a commission if you purchase through the links above. We test every product we recommend, and our picks are based on independent research, not affiliate relationships.

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