Over the course of the last few years there’s been an ongoing ‘war’ between Netflix and VPN providers. It started when Netflix began to block VPN and proxy services back in 2016, and has continued to this very day.
Despite the crackdown however, many Netflix users still use VPNs. Needless to say there is a reason why that is the case, and why you should use them too.
“What Can a VPN Do?”
Using a VPN will essentially allow you to route your internet connection via a different server. In other words to outside observers it will look like you’re connecting from that server, and not from your own computer or mobile device.
At first glance that may not seem all that important, but it is actually a lot more useful than you think – especially when it comes to security. When you connect via a VPN the data that you send is encrypted and more secure, which can keep it away from prying eyes.
Seeing as Netflix requires you to divulge sensitive information such as your credit card details, home address, and phone number – it makes sense to be safe rather than sorry. After all the last thing that you want is for that kind of information to fall into the wrong hands.
It should be noted however that security is only one of the reasons why you should use a VPN for Netflix. As a matter of fact the true reason why they are so popular is something else entirely.
Access a Larger Library of Netflix Content
The main benefit of using a VPN for Netflix is that it could help you to access a larger library of content. That is because many of the TV shows and movies on Netflix are subject to territorial licensing and are only available in certain locations.
To put it simply the content that you can access on Netflix will depend heavily on the location that you’re connecting from. A particular show may be available in some locations, but not in others.
By using a VPN, you can effectively ‘switch’ the location that you’re connecting from – at least from Netflix’s perspective. In that way you can avoid the location-based restriction and access a much larger library of content.
More often than not Netflix users choose to use VPNs that display US locations due to the fact that the United States library of Netflix content is much larger than other countries. It can also be helpful for US Netflix users that are traveling abroad and want to access their normal content.
Although VPNs are effective at bypassing location-based restrictions, you should keep in mind that Netflix is still cracking down on them. It is unlikely that you will be penalized or banned from Netflix for using a VPN, but from time to time you may be unable to stream your content using it.
That being said, at the end of the day using a VPN to circumvent Netflix’s restrictions is at your own risk. Their current policy regarding VPNs may be changed in the future.
Final Words
Now that you’re aware why you should use a VPN for Netflix, the next step is to find the right one. It is important that you go over all your options and find one that is reliable and won’t be blocked, such as NordVPN for Netflix.
Reliable VPNs may be more expensive, but their performance more than justifies the cost. Some may even have free trials that you can use – just to see how they can help you when it comes to Netflix.
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