7 Best VPNs to Watch Netflix US in South Africa (Tested 2023)
Accessing your home Netflix US library while traveling abroad can be frustrating. Since every country has a different library, you might not find your favorite movies or shows in other countries’ Netflix libraries. However, that doesn’t mean there’s no way around it.
Utilizing a reliable VPN can greatly assist you in accessing your home content while you’re on the move. Nonetheless, the sheer abundance of VPN options available can make the task of selecting the best one quite daunting. To save you valuable time and effort, I’ve curated a list of the top VPN services that are capable of unblocking Netflix US content in South Africa.
After extensive testing, I found that ExpressVPN is the #1 choice for watching global content on Netflix from anywhere. It hosts a vast server network and offers lightning-fast speeds for HD buffer-free streaming. You can test ExpressVPN out risk-free as it’s backed with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Stream Netflix with ExpressVPN
Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Streaming Netflix US From South Africa
- ExpressVPN — I highly recommend ExpressVPN because it provides fast speeds for lag-free streaming and easy access to Netflix US from anywhere in the world.
- CyberGhost — Hosts streaming-optimized servers for Netflix that provide fast speeds and an uninterrupted streaming experience.
- Private Internet Access — Has a huge server network, which lets you unblock your Netflix home library while traveling abroad.
- NordVPN — Secure servers and a large network, but it struggles to unblock every streaming service
- Surfshark — Fast speeds, but its server network is more limited than most options on this list
- PrivateVPN — Boasts a high-quality network of servers with superior infrastructure, providing fast speeds consistently.
- IPVanish — Lets you stream your favorite content on Netflix on unlimited devices.
The Best VPNs for Watch Netflix US From South Africa
1. ExpressVPN — Instantly Watch Netflix From South Africa Without Interruptions
Key Features:
- 3,000+ servers in more than 94 countries, optimized for HD streaming
- Blazing-fast speeds for streaming 4K content without buffering
- Allows you to stream Netflix US on 8 devices simultaneously
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and more
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is the best VPN to access your Netflix US home library from South Africa. It hosts an advanced global server network, comprising over 3,000 servers well-distributed across the world in over 94 countries. Therefore, it provides unparalleled unblocking capabilities, letting you access your home content from anywhere instantaneously.
I was delighted by ExpressVPN’s exceptional performance on my thorough speed tests. It gave me breakneck speeds on nearby and distant servers, with a maximum performance drop of no more than 5%. I could stream Netflix in HD without buffering, even while connected to distant servers.
You can use ExpressVPN on up to 8 devices simultaneously. It has dedicated apps on all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, some smart TVs, and routers. If ExpressVPN doesn’t support your device (like PS4 or Xbox), you can set it up on your router or use its MediaStreamer feature, a DNS spoofing service that works on non-compatible devices.
Apart from that, ExpressVPN provides airtight security with the following features:
- AES 256-bit encryption makes you untraceable and unhackable on the web.
- Split tunneling lets you route some traffic via a secure VPN tunnel while keeping other traffic connected to the internet. This way you can access sensitive information like your bank account without having to encrypt your entire connection.
- A kill switch disconnects your device from the internet if the connection to the virtual server drops for any reason, preventing your IP address from getting exposed at all costs.
- IP and DNS leak protection ensures that your real IP address and browsing history remains anonymous at all times. I tested over 30 servers and found none of them leaked data and were completely secure.
Subscribing to the most premium VPN on the market can be a bit expensive for budget-conscious users. For such users, I recommend getting its 49% discount plan for as low as $6.67 per month.
Test ExpressVPN out for yourself risk-free. If you don’t feel it’s right for you, you can get a full refund within the 30-day money-back guarantee period. I tested its refund policy first-hand and got my money back in just 4 days.
ExpressVPN also unblocks: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Discovery+, YouTube TV, Hulu, Paramount+, BBC iPlayer, Sling TV, HBO Max, Peacock, Showtime, Kodi, and more!
ExpressVPN works with: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, routers, Chrome, Kindle, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Smart TVs.
Stream Netflix with ExpressVPN
2023 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan (you can save up to 49%) + 3 months free! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Dedicated Netflix Servers for Reliably Unblocking Content From South Africa
Key Features:
- 9,600+ servers in over 91 countries, with specialized streaming servers for Netflix
- Excellent speeds that provide buffer-free HD Netflix streaming
- Stream Netflix on 7 devices simultaneously
- Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and more
- 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs to access your Netflix US library and stream your favorite content. It hosts several streaming-optimized servers that ensure uninterrupted streaming. Each server specializes in a particular platform, providing fast speeds for lag-free streaming.
Throughout my speed tests, CyberGhost gave me excellent speeds even on relatively distant servers. However, I got performance drops of up to 12% when I connected to the most distant server in Australia. Even so, I could stream my Netflix US library without any buffering.
You can stream Netflix on up to 7 simultaneously, which means it’s perfect for your friends and family to use as well. I simultaneously used it on my Windows PC, Macbook, iPhone, iPad, and Android phone to stream content, and it worked without any hiccups. You can even set it up on a compatible smart TV to watch movies with your family.
As far as security goes, CyberGhost includes top-of-the-line features to ensure maximum privacy.
- AES 256-bit encryption that makes your device virtually impenetrable.
- Strict no-logs policy so whatever you do on the internet is none of CyberGhost’s business.
- Choose between OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 protocols, all of which provide fast speeds without compromising on security.
The one drawback of using CyberGhost is that its monthly plan is expensive. I recommend its budget-friendly 2-year + 3 months plan if you want to get a VPN for the long-term for as low as $2.11 per month.
Signing up for a long-term plan isn’t easy, but you can try CyberGhost out risk-free before committing with its 45-day money-back guarantee. I used its 24/7 live chat to initiate my refund request and got my money back in 5 business days without hassle.
CyberGhost also unblocks: BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Discovery+, Crunchyroll, fuboTV, Kodi, and more!
CyberGhost works with: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, routers, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Smart TVs.
Stream Netflix with CyberGhost
2023 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.11 per month + get extra 3 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access — Extensive Server Network For Seamlessly Accessing Netflix US
Key Features:s
- More than 35,000 servers in 84 countries, with 50+ servers in the US alone
- Excellent speeds on nearby and mid-range servers for buffer-free Netflix streaming
- Allows unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, browsers, and more30-day money-back guarantee
Private Internet Access (PIA) is home to one of the most extensive server networks I’ve seen. With over 50 servers in the US alone, PIA possesses remarkable unblocking capabilities for accessing Netflix US while traveling.
It offers great speeds on nearby and mid-range servers, but you might experience some performance drops on distant servers. I initially experienced some buffering while loading an episode on Netflix but not much after that. You might experience more buffering if you have a slow internet connection.
You can use PIA on up to unlimited devices at a time, which is more than you’ll need even if your friends are family use it. Alternatively, you can set it up on a router for everyone to use without it being counted as being used on multiple devices.
Like ExpressVPN, PIA uses top-grade security features to keep your information safe every time you stream Netflix US.
- 256-bit encryption keeps your data safe from prying eyes.
- An automatic kill switch that cuts your internet if the VPN connection drops to keep your data safe.
- Ad blocking to prevent annoying and malicious pop-ups and trackers infecting your device.
PIA is a well-rounded option capable of unblocking Netflix US from South Africa and providing a buffer-free streaming experience. Although PIA is an excellent option for a monthly VPN, its monthly plans are a little on the pricy side. However, you can get a maximum discount of 82% when you sign up for its 2-year + 3 months plan.
Before committing, you can test PIA out with its 30-day money-back guarantee and get a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with its performance. I initiated my refund request by submitting a ticket on its website and got my money back in 6 working days.
PIA also unblocks: HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Canal+, CBC, Crunchyroll, Vudu, UKTV, Yle, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, 9Now, Showtime, and more!
PIA works with: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, routers, Kindle, Chrome, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Smart TVs.
2023 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as $2.11 per month + get extra 3 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 82%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here!
4. NordVPN — Premium VPN With Cheap Prices on Long-Term Plans
Key Features:
- Short and long-term subscriptions available
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 5,700+ global servers in 60 countries
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Protect up to 6 devices at once
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market — and you can get super cheap prices when you sign up for a long-term subscription. One thing to note, however, is that when it’s time to renew your subscription, prices do increase quite significantly.
I was particularly impressed with the high performance of every server I tested. Just because a VPN has thousands of servers doesn’t mean they all work. Servers can still struggle to work — and some can even fail to connect completely. However, NordVPN’s servers work with Netflix for smooth, buffer-free streaming.
I did, however, have issues with using NordVPN’s native Fire TV app. Although it mostly worked with Netflix, it sometimes had issues and kept crashing. I also found that NordVPN’s user interface for desktop devices was less user-friendly than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost.
NordVPN has the following security and privacy features:
- AES 256-bit encryption
- kill switch that cuts your internet access if your connection to a VPN server drops suddenly
- built-in ad and malware blocker, so you don’t need a third-party ad blocker
- fully audited no-logs policy (audited by PwC) – NordVPN doesn’t store any personal or identifying data while you’re connected to the VPN
In addition, NordVPN includes Threat Protection that protects you from viruses, infected websites, and trackers – and it works whenever you have the NordVPN app open, even if you’re not connected to a VPN server.
With plans that cost as little as $2.99 per month, it’s easy to find a NordVPN subscription plan that suits your needs. You can also stream, torrent, and browse for free for up to 30 days with its money-back guarantee. I tested this to ensure that you’ll really get your money back. At first, the support team tried to give me an extended trial period — but they initiated my refund right away after I told them I wasn’t interested in the extension. I got my money back in 6 business days.
NordVPN works with: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, SkyTV, HBO Max, SHOWTIME, DAZN, ESPN, YouTube TV, and more
NordVPN works on: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Chromebook, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Fire Stick, and Android TV
5. Surfshark — Best Value for Money with Unlimited Device Connections and Fast Speeds
Key Features:
- Short and long-term plans available
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 3,200+ global servers in 100 countries
- No bandwidth restrictions
- Connect unlimited devices at once
Surfshark offers the best value for money out of every premium VPN on the market. You can connect an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription, which means you can use Surfshark on all your devices without getting logged out.
I tested Surfshark’s simultaneous connections on 2 PCs, 2 phones, a Fire Stick 4K, and an iPad. My connection remained reliable on all 6 devices. Even while I was actively streaming on all my devices, my average speed was 112 Mbps — fast enough for UHD quality.
When I saw the price of this service, I thought it couldn’t possibly have top-grade security features for such a low price, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Surfshark has the following security and privacy features:
- AES 256-bit encryption on all devices, with ChaCha encryption available for Android users
- Wireguard VPN protocol enabled by default
- diskless, RAM-only servers to protect your privacy (no data can be physically extracted from any servers)
- kill switch (although this isn’t enabled by default)
- IP and DNS leak protection
Surfshark offers two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account. This feature requires you to enter an extra code before you can log in to ensure that only you can access your account.
While Surfshark does have slightly fewer global servers than rivals such as CyberGhost and PIA, I didn’t experience any issues during my tests. I easily connected fast working servers every time, and I had excellent speeds for streaming, downloading torrents, and browsing the internet.
You can try Surfshark for yourself with the 30-day money-back guarantee. It has plans that cost as little as $2.21. Requesting a refund is easy with Surfshark’s live chat feature. Although the support team asked why I wanted to cancel my subscription, I had no problem getting my money back (and it only took 4 days!).
Surfshark works with: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Sling TV, Hotstar, HBO Max, DAZN, and more
Surfshark works on: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire Stick, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Android TV, Kodi, and selected routers
6. PrivateVPN — Boasts HQN (High Quality Network) Servers for Perfect Netflix Streaming
Key Features:
- 200+ servers in 63 countries, with more than 10 servers in the US
- Great speeds on nearby servers for streaming Netflix US without buffering
- Watch Netflix on 10 devices simultaneously
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and more
- 30-day money-back guarantee
PrivateVPN uses an HQN network that provides uninterrupted speeds on all servers. That’s because PrivateVPN directly purchases and manages each server’s internet capacity, trimming down on intermediary interference and maximizing performance.
Despite not having the biggest server network, PrivateVPN has superior unblocking capabilities. With more than 10 servers in the US alone, you can easily access your Netflix US library from anywhere in the world.
I was impressed by PrivateVPN’s performance on my speed tests. It gave me fast speeds on nearby and mid-range servers with a few performance drops of up to 10%. I could stream Netflix without problems while connected to a nearby US server.
I also liked that it displays servers by latency so you can choose the fastest server depending on your location.
PrivateVPN does have a drawback in that it doesn’t accommodate payments via GooglePay, which is my usual approach for subscription payments. However, you still retain the choice to buy a subscription through your credit card, PayPal, and even cryptocurrency.
There are 3 plans you can buy from PrivateVPN — 1-month, 3-month, and 3-year plans. The long-term plans come at a lower price, so I suggest getting its 3-year plan to get the highest discount of 85%.
You can test PrivateVPN to your satisfaction before committing because it provides a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re unsatisfied, you can launch a refund request within the money-back period to get a full refund. I requested my refund request via email support and got my money back in 5 business days.
PrivateVPN also unblocks: Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, Showtime, Amazon Prime Video, Hotstar, Vudu, DAZN, 9Now, UKTV, ESPN, and more!
PrivateVPN works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Blackberry, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Xiaomi Mi Box, Kodi, Google Chromecast, Android TVs, routers, and more.
Stream Netflix with PrivateVPN
2023 Update! PrivateVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $2.00 per month with the 3-year plan (you can save up to 85%)! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here.
7. IPVanish — Stream Netflix in HD on unlimited Devices at a Timex
Key Features:
- 2,200+ servers in over 75 countries, with more than 15 servers in the US
- Good speeds on nearby servers for buffer-free Netflix streaming in HD
- Stream Netflix on unlimited devices at a time
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, routers, Amazon Fire Stick, and more.
- 30-day money-back guarantee
IPVanish is one of the few VPNs that offer unlimited simultaneous device connections. I’m a big fan of this feature because it makes traveling easy for me. You can use IPVanish on your laptop, tablet, and phone and stream on multiple platforms.
With a large server network across 75 countries and 75+ locations, IPVanish has excellent unblocking capabilities. It hosts more than 15 servers in the US alone, so you can easily access your Netflix US library while traveling and stream your favorite shows in HD without buffering.
Throughout my speed tests, IPVanish gave me fast speeds and an uninterrupted Netflix streaming experience. However, I did experience a couple of performance drops of up to 25% when I connected to a distant server in Australia.
The problem is that it doesn’t work with some popular devices like PS4. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a DNS spoofing feature like ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer that lets you use the VPN on an incompatible device. Even so, you can use it on:
- Windows, macOS
- Linux, Chromebook
- Android, iOS
- Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick
- Kodi, Roku
- Android TV
You can subscribe to IPVanish’s monthly, quarterly, or annual plan. I recommend its 2-year plan because it offers a maximum discount of 76% so that you can get it for as low as $2.99 per month.
If you’re still doubtful about making a purchase commitment, you can test IPVanish without risk with its 30-day money-back guarantee. You can choose to cancel your subscription for any reason within that period and get a full refund. I canceled my subscription on IPVanish’s website and got a refund in 7 working days.
IPVanish also unblocks: Hotstar, ITV Hub, Discovery+, Paramount+, Showtime, ESPN, Vudu, and more!
IPVanish works with: Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, iOS, Raspberry Pi, Chrome, Xbox, Firefox, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Kodi, Roku, Google Chromecast, Android TVs, routers, and more.
How to Watch Netflix US From South Africa in 3 Easy Steps
- Get a premium VPN. ExpressVPN is my #1 pick for its blazing-fast speeds and reliably unblocking multiple Netflix catalogs from anywhere.
- Connect to a US server. This will give you a US IP address to unblock Netflix US.
- Start watching your favorite shows and movies on Netflix.
Why You Need a VPN to Watch American Netflix From South Africa
You need a VPN to access Netflix from South Africa while you’re traveling. The streaming service has agreements with copyright holders, who can restrict licensed content to certain locations. Netflix blocks anyone outside of these countries to enforce its copyright licenses.
A VPN makes you appear as if you’re in a different country by changing your IP address. When you connect to a US server, the provider will believe you’re in an unblocked country and give you access to Netflix.
Comparison Table: 2023’s Best VPNs for American Netflix in South Africa
| Unblocks Netflix US | Servers in the US | Speed drops on distant servers | MediaStreamer Feature | |
| ExpressVPN | ✔ | 23 | 5% | ✔ |
| CyberGhost | ✔ | 1353 | 12% | ✘ |
| PIA | ✔ | 53 | 18% | ✘ |
| NordVPN | ✔ | 1970 | 20% | ✘ |
| Surfshark | ✔ | 600 | 20% | ✘ |
| PrivateVPN | ✔ | 12 | 22% | ✘ |
| IPVanish | ✔ | 17 | 25% | ✘ |
How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Unblocking Netflix USA From South Africa
I looked for the following features when picking out the best VPNs for streaming Netflix US from South Africa.
- Fast servers for high-resolution streaming with minimal loading times.
- Extensive server network with support for the major Netflix libraries in the US, Canada, the UK, and Japan.
- Reliable security, including state-of-the-art 256-bit encryption standards and protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN that provide airtight security without compromising performance.
- A money-back guarantee to try the service with zero risk.
- 24/7 support to help you find relevant servers for accessing content.
FAQs: Unblock Netflix From South Africa With a VPN
Is it legal to use a VPN to watch Netflix US in South Africa?
What can I watch on Netflix US?
Netflix US is home to one of the largest Netflix libraries. Using a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN is the easiest way to access shows like Black Mirror, Resident Evil, The 100, The Umbrella Academy, and movies like The Irishman, Uncharted, The King, and more.
I compared the Netflix US library with its counterpart in South Africa and was surprised at the limited content available in the latter.
Can I watch Netflix South Africa from abroad?
What else can a VPN do besides helping me access American Netflix from South Africa?
A VPN makes unblocking geo-restricted platforms easy. I’ve compiled a list of the 10 best VPNs that have phenomenal unblocking capabilities and provide the best consistent speeds for buffer-free streaming.
You can also use a VPN for torrenting files safely via P2P-optimized servers. This is possible because a VPN makes your internet traffic invisible to your ISP (internet service provider). Remember that torrenting is unlawful in many countries — we don’t condone violating any laws. Therefore, make sure you’re not breaching any local laws while torrenting.
Connecting your device to a VPN adds a layer of security, which is particularly beneficial if you’re using public WiFi. It encrypts your internet traffic, making it virtually impossible for hackers to get their hands on your confidential data, such as credit card details.
Can I use a free VPN to watch Netflix US from South Africa?
It’s possible, but even the best free VPNs have poor unblocking capabilities, so you may have issues accessing your Netflix US home library while traveling to South Africa. After testing several of the best free VPNs, I learned that most free providers:
- Can’t reliably unblock Netflix and other popular streaming services.
- Limit your download speeds and bandwidth, which causes lag or interruptions in your connection.
- Take advantage of your personal data to share with third parties.
- Sell your bandwidth to premium users without permission.
- Force targeted ads on websites you visit.
Avoid all these issues and try CyberGhost risk-free for 45 days. This gives you almost a month to binge-watch shows and movies on any of your favorite content libraries. Follow this 3-step guide to install it on your device so you can stream Netflix. If you’re unsatisfied with its performance, you can quickly request a refund via its 24/7 live chat and get a full refund within a week.
Stream Netflix with CyberGhost
Watch US Netflix From South Africa With a Premium VPN
If you live in the US but are traveling to South Africa for work or leisure, you can’t access your Netflix US home library from there due to geo-restrictions. But that doesn’t mean you should miss out on your favorite movies and shows while away from home. You’ll need a reliable VPN to access your home library from South Africa.
After repeated testing, I picked the most reliable VPNs to unblock Netflix US from South Africa. ExpressVPN came out on top because it offers unparalleled unblocking capabilities with blazing-fast speeds even on distant servers. You can test ExpressVPN completely risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can easily claim a full refund if you aren’t satisfied with its performance.
