Top VPNs for Streaming
Given article content:
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NordVPN: It is our top choice for streaming. It has superfast servers that are located around the world and deliver high-quality, buffer-free streaming. It also works with all major streaming services from any location. It includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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Surfshark: It is the best budget option. It is a solid all-around performer that can securely access streaming platforms with ease. It also has unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can watch your favorite content on every device.
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IPVanish: It is fast and has excellent access to a range of streaming platforms. It is popular with torrenters and Kodi users. It does not have any connection or bandwidth limits.
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ExpressVPN: It is one of the most reliable streaming VPNs. It has a network of RAM-only servers that manage to hit good streaming speeds without compromising on security or privacy.
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CyberGhost: It offers great value subscriptions with good streaming speeds and a vast network of servers for accessing geo-restricted content. The ease of setup and use makes it a favorite of beginners.
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Private Internet Access: It has strong security and works with US Netflix. Its network spans 91 countries. It also allows unlimited device connections.
We conduct thorough evaluations before endorsing any VPN, ensuring our recommendations are based on direct and meticulous assessments. Here's a closer look at the top performers for streaming:
These are the standout VPNs that excelled in our tests:
Mar 2025 Great for streaming Tested Mar 2025Given article content: works with:
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Netflix app
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Netflix browser
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Hulu app
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Hulu browser
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HBO Max
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BBC iPlayer
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Amazon Prime Video
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SlingTV
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Kodi
NordVPN is our top choice for a streaming VPN. This premium VPN is renowned for its smooth streaming experience.
We tested its speeds while connected to its US servers, and as you can see from the chart below, it was very fast.
Its average download speed across all three tests was 223.71 Mbps, the fastest of all the providers we tested, and more than 88 Mbps faster than the combined average speed of the other tested providers. If you want a VPN for streaming in 4K, then NordVPN is the best option.
NordVPN enables access to almost everything but requires knowing which servers to connect to. We recommend heading to the NordVPN knowledge base and simply searching for the streaming video service you want to use. You can toggle those servers as favorites in the app to make them easier to find later.
NordVPN is great for users who want to watch international Netflix catalogs. We've successfully tested it with Netflix US, UK, Australia, Brazil, Italy, India, Netherlands, Spain,
Great for streaming Tested Mar 2025Surfshark is a budget - friendly VPN that offers great value for streaming. It has around 3,200+ servers spread across 100 countries.
It is compatible with popular streaming platforms like the Netflix app, Netflix browser, Hulu app, Hulu browser, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Even the more difficult - to - access platforms such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video can be securely accessed through it.
We tested the speeds of its US servers to determine if it was fast enough for streaming. The average download speed was 198.38 Mbps. This speed is sufficient for streaming in the highest resolution without any lag or buffering issues.
One of its best features is that it has no connection limit. You can use it to protect all of your devices.
Although it doesn't have a list indicating which servers are suitable for which platforms, its 24/7 live chat customer support can help you find the right server in no time.
Apps are available for various operating systems including Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, and Linux.
If you want to share an account with friends and family, need smart DNS, are looking for a low - cost subscription, desire fast speeds, or would find static servers useful, then Surfshark could be a good choice for you.
However, if you are not comfortable using a provider based in a nine - eyes country, you might want to consider other options.
Surfshark is the best budget option as it doesn't limit the number of connected devices, allowing you to stream from anywhere. It also offers a 30 - day money - back guarantee. You can read our full review of Surfshark here.
Great for streaming Tested Mar 2025Ipvansih delivers a seamless streaming experience across platforms like HBO Max, ITV Hub, Sling TV, and Netflix US. It stands out for its ability to access Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video effortlessly.
This provider offers the flexibility to select individual servers, enhancing user control over their connection. Our tests revealed impressive speeds, averaging 179.26 Mbps, significantly faster than competitors.
Suitable for various activities, including gaming and torrenting, thanks to its swift performance. It's a favorite among Kodi users and doesn't limit device connections, making it an excellent choice for families.
Ipvansih's apps are compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV. The VPN offers cost-effective plans; the Essential plan is priced at $2.19 per month, while the Advanced plan, offering a secure browser and 1TB cloud storage, is just over a dollar more.
Consider this VPN if you value individual server selection, unlimited device connections, and easy access to streaming services, or if 1TB of cloud storage is beneficial.
However, it may not be ideal if you prefer a VPN outside the US or if you're connecting from China. Despite these limitations, Ipvansih is a strong contender with its high privacy standards and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Great for streaming Tested Mar 2025ExpressVPN stands out as a reliable choice for streaming VPNs, compatible with a wide array of platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, FuboTV, Amazon Prime Video, SlingTV, and Kodi. While not explicitly marketed as a streaming VPN, its excellence in this area is noteworthy.
Customers seeking optimal server connectivity for specific streaming services might need to reach out to ExpressVPN's customer service, as the ideal servers are subject to change. Fortunately, the provider offers a responsive live chat feature, with representatives well-versed in guiding users through the server selection process.
In terms of speed, ExpressVPN delivers impressive results, consistently achieving over 110 Mbps on US servers, making it well-suited for 4K streaming provided the user's base connection is capable. It supports up to eight simultaneous device connections and offers apps across various platforms including Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, Linux, and certain Wi-Fi routers.
This VPN is an excellent pick for those wanting a smart DNS for VPN-incompatible devices, a router app, always-on obfuscation, and consistent access to streaming services. However, it may not be the best fit for those on a tight budget or seeking extensive customization options.
With great privacy features, a no-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee, ExpressVPN ensures a seamless streaming experience. For a comprehensive evaluation, consider reading the full ExpressVPN review.
Great for streaming Tested Mar 2025CyberGhost has been actively expanding its support for a wide array of streaming services, including Netflix (both app and browser), Hulu (app and browser), HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Prime, SlingTV, and Kodi. The app features a specialized list of servers dedicated to specific streaming services, making it easy for users to find the right server for their needs.
With over 10,000 servers spread across more than 100 countries, CyberGhost offers robust global coverage. During our testing, we connected to U.S. servers and found them to be impressively fast, with an average download speed of 160.16 Mbps. This performance is superior to many other providers, ensuring a smooth and buffer-free streaming experience.
For any issues, users can rely on 24/7 live chat support. Additionally, most of CyberGhost's security features are pre-configured, simplifying the setup process for new users.
The VPN is available on a variety of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and Amazon Fire TV, and allows up to seven simultaneous device connections.
Consider buying this VPN if:
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You need servers tailored for specific streaming platforms
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You are a beginner looking for an easy-to-use solution
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You want a cost-effective subscription
However, you may want to look elsewhere if:
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You require more than seven simultaneous device connections
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You are based in China, as the service may not be as reliable there
In terms of value and performance, CyberGhost excels for beginners and reliably streams HD video. It works seamlessly with Netflix but may have some limitations with other popular streaming sites. The 45-day money-back guarantee also adds to its appeal.
Private Internet Access (PIA) is among the top choices when it comes to streaming VPNs in 2025. It has an extensive server network which spans 91 countries. These servers are not only widespread but also include some locations that are specifically optimized for streaming. This makes it possible to bypass content restrictions effortlessly.
It works smoothly with a variety of streaming platforms. Be it the Netflix app or browser, Hulu in both app and browser forms, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime network, or Kodi. It also enables access to other popular streaming services like SlingTV, NowTV, and of course, Amazon Prime Video without any hitches.
We tested PIA's US server speeds for streaming. The results showed that the speeds were somewhat variable. In case you're after the fastest speeds, you might need to switch between servers. Another option to boost speed is to lower the encryption level if necessary.
Security is a major aspect of PIA. It offers military - grade 256 - bit AES encryption. It supports multiple VPN protocols such as WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2. There's a strict no - logs policy, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection, all of which safeguard user privacy.
The split tunneling feature of PIA is quite remarkable. It gives users the power to decide which apps and websites will use the VPN connection and which ones won't. This is very beneficial for streaming as it helps in optimizing bandwidth usage. It also allows for accessing local content while still being connected to the VPN.
PIA is highly compatible. It can be used on Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Moreover, it supports unlimited device connections. So, it's great for those who have multiple devices or want to share their VPN access with others.
If you're looking for a low - cost subscription, streaming - optimized servers, or want to share an account with friends and family, PIA is a good option. However, if you're not comfortable with a US - based service or need to connect from China, it might not be the best choice for you.
PIA also has features like WireGuard support for super - fast streaming and a built - in ad blocker. And it offers a 30 - day money - back guarantee. You can also read our full review on Private Internet Access.
Great for streaming Tested Mar 2025
PrivateVPN Streaming Access
PrivateVPN is a relatively small VPN provider, but it has an advantage in accessing various well - known streaming platforms.\n\nIt can work with Netflix whether through the app or the browser. Additionally, it is compatible with Hulu in both the app and browser versions. It also functions with HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, SlingTV, and Kodi.\n\nWhen it comes to accessing Netflix, we've successfully accessed it securely in multiple countries such as the US, UK, Italy, Japan, and France during our tests. However, with Hulu, the number of servers available for use is somewhat limited, and we had to consult customer service to figure out which server to connect to.\n\nWe tested its US servers to determine the speeds users can expect while connected. Although PrivateVPN isn't the fastest among the tested VPN providers, it's still fast enough for uninterrupted 4K video streaming, provided you have a decent base connection speed (ours was 250Mbps). If your base speed is slow, it's better to choose one of the faster providers.\n\nIt offers a live chat service, but unfortunately, it's not available 24/7. During off - hours, you can submit a ticket instead.\n\nOne great aspect of PrivateVPN is that a single account can support up to 10 simultaneous internet connections, which is a great deal. It also has apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Fire TV.\n\nIf you want a low - cost subscription, customizable apps, and powerful obfuscation, then PrivateVPN might be a good choice for you. But if you have a slow internet connection or desire access to a large server network, it might not be the best option.\n\nIt offers good speeds, is a good family choice, is suitable for Netflix and perfect for HD streaming. However, it could use more servers and lacks 24/7 support. It does come with a 30 - day money - back guarantee. You can read our full PrivateVPN review for more details.\n\nVPN providers are always striving to update their features and enhance performance. Here are some of their recent significant updates:\n\nIn September 2024, they made it clearer which servers are virtual versus physical. Also in September 2024, they incorporated an automatic detection system for unsecured wireless networks.\n\nIn October 2024, they unveiled an updated threat protection pro™ control center. In December 2024, they launched a restructured browser extension with enhanced security measures.\n\nIn January 2025, they released a new obfuscation protocol, Nordwhisper, for users in areas with strict restrictions and VPN blocks. In September 2024, they completed a server system upgrade to a 10Gbps architecture for better performance.\n\nIn September 2024, they began allowing users to get a static IP address in six countries. In October 2024, they introduced a free personal information compromise scanner.\n\nIn December 2024, they extended network coverage to 108 nations and over 135 urban centers. In December 2024, they secured their position as a leading VPN provider for South American server coverage.\n\nIn September 2024, they deployed arm - compatible software for Windows Copilot+ platforms. In November 2024, they introduced an identity defender suite for US users with features like identity monitoring, insurance coverage, data purge, and credit tracking.\n\nIn January 2025, they upgraded Lightway to use hybrid ml - kem instead of hybrid Kyber for post - quantum cryptography.\n\nFinding a VPN suitable for streaming is more difficult than it seems. To ensure comprehensive coverage, we tested each provider in several areas:\n\nFor live streaming, a fast and stable connection is essential, and many VPNs can't provide this. We speed - tested providers to identify those best able to support streaming without lag or buffering.\n\nWe used the desktop version of the Ookla speed - testing app for measurements. This app was installed on a virtual machine with a rate - limited 250Mbps, which represents the median average of fixed broadband speeds in the US and helps us understand the average user's experience with each provider.\n\nAs shown in the above chart, NordVPN was the fastest overall. Surfshark and IPVanish also had impressive speeds. All three are great options for streaming in the highest resolution.\n\nOnly a few providers are compatible with big - name streaming platforms. So, we first scored VPNs based on their compatibility with popular services. We also scored them on the number of countries they support and which Netflix libraries they work with. We checked if they work with routers (for location spoofing on VPN - incompatible devices) and if they offer split tunneling.\n\nThese scores were combined for easy comparison. As shown in the chart below, Surfshark was the best option, closely followed by ExpressVPN and IPVanish. This is mainly due to their large server networks covering over 100 countries, as well as their support for routers and split tunneling. IPVanish, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN also scored highly.\n\nGetting good value isn't just about finding the cheapest subscription. Factors like free trials, money - back guarantees, and discounts for longer commitments all matter. You can see how each provider performed against the metrics we used to evaluate value for money in the table below.
Surfshark emerged as the top value VPN provider by combining affordable subscription plans with unlimited device connections, a strategy that also earned high scores for IPVanish.
NordVPN and CyberGhost are also recognized for their cost-effectiveness.
Our leading VPNs ensure your safety through 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch to prevent data exposure, and protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks.
Moreover, these VPNs adhere to strict no-logging policies to maintain your privacy post-activity.
Refer to the table below for a detailed comparison of each provider's performance across 16 different security and privacy criteria.
NordVPN and Surfshark stood out for their top-notch security and privacy features, utilizing robust encryption to bypass VPN blocks effectively. Private Internet Access (PIA) also proved to be a strong contender in these aspects.
In terms of user-friendliness, we assessed VPNs that offer multi-platform support and live chat capabilities. Below is a table outlining how each provider fared against our ease-of-use criteria.
To access geo-restricted content, a reliable and user-friendly VPN is essential. NordVPN and Private Internet Access (PIA) stand out for their intuitive interfaces and straightforward setup processes. IPVanish also provides a robust alternative.
Here’s how to start:
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Subscribe to a streaming-optimized VPN. We highly recommend NordVPN.
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Install the VPN app on your preferred device and log in.
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Connect to a server in the desired country. For US content, choose a US server.
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Visit your preferred streaming platform and try to load a show or movie.
If you encounter issues, follow these troubleshooting steps:
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Disable IPv6:
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Windows:
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Press
Windows key + R
, typencpa.cpl
, and hit Enter.
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Right-click your active network connection, select Properties.
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Uncheck "Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6)".
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Click OK and restart the VPN.
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Press
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Mac:
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Go to System Preferences > Network > Airport > Advanced.
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Select TCP/IP, set Configure IPv6 to Off, and click Apply.
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Go to System Preferences > Network > Airport > Advanced.
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Clear Browser Cache and Cookies:
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Chrome:
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Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data.
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Select "Cookies and other site data" and "Cached images and files".
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Click Clear Data.
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Go to Settings > Privacy and Security > Clear Browsing Data.
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Firefox:
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Open History > Clear Recent History.
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Set Time range to clear to Everything.
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Check all items and click Clear Now.
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Open History > Clear Recent History.
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Ensure DNS Leak Protection:
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Use your VPN's DNS servers.
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Log out of any Google accounts.
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Disable GPS and location services.
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Change your device’s time zone to the target country.
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Flush your DNS cache:
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Windows:
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Run Command Prompt as Administrator.
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Type
ipconfig /flushdns
and hit Enter.
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Mac:
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Open Terminal and type
sudo killall -HUP mDNSResponder
.
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Windows:
Top streaming VPNs like NordVPN, Surfshark, IPVanish, ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, PrivateVPN, and PIA consistently bypass restrictions on platforms like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and HBO. However, not every server works with these services, so it’s advisable to contact customer support for the best server recommendations.
These recommended VPNS meet high standards for performance, security, and privacy, ensuring fast, buffer-free HD streaming, a no-logs policy, and strong encryption. Avoid free VPNs, as they often fail to unblock content, are slower, and may compromise your privacy through ads, tracking, and malware.
For Kodi users, a VPN can mask your IP address, allowing access to geo-blocked addons. Even if an addon isn’t restricted, using a VPN adds an extra layer of security against potential threats.
To minimize buffering, ensure your internet speed is adequate (10 Mbps for 1080p, 25 Mbps for 4K). Reduce video resolution if necessary, and check for bandwidth-hogging programs. If you have an underpowered device, consider upgrading or reducing the video quality to prevent buffering.
What is a Netflix VPN and How to Get One
A Netflix VPN is a service that enables viewers to overcome geographic restrictions by masking their real location and connecting to servers abroad, granting access to region-specific shows and movies. It is commonly used by subscribers to unlock diverse content libraries unavailable in their home country, enhancing their streaming experience. By rerouting internet traffic through a different country, a Netflix VPN allows users to enjoy exclusive titles and bypass regional limitations on the platform.
Why Choose SafeShell as Your Netflix VPN?
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If you’re looking to access region-restricted Netflix content seamlessly,
SafeShell VPN
is a top choice for unblocking global libraries.
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SafeShell VPN ensures
Netflix unblocked
with a vast network of high-speed servers optimized for streaming, eliminating buffering and delivering ultra-HD quality.
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Its multi-device compatibility allows simultaneous connections on up to five devices, including smart TVs and mobile platforms, so everyone in your household can enjoy geo-unlocked content.
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The platform’s dedicated App Mode lets you route specific apps like Netflix through different regional servers, unlocking multiple libraries at once without switching configurations.
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With military-grade encryption and the proprietary ShellGuard protocol, SafeShell VPN safeguards your streaming sessions from ISP throttling and data breaches.
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Users benefit from unlimited bandwidth and 24/7 customer support, paired with a risk-free trial to test its Netflix unblocking capabilities before committing.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Watch Netflix with SafeShell VPN
Thank you for providing the background information.
To summarize, here are the steps to using NetFlix VPN on SafeShell VPN:
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Subscribe to SafeShell VPN by visiting their website and choosing your desired plan.
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Download and install the SafeShell VPN app or software for your device.
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Launch the SafeShell VPN app and log in to your account.
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Choose the "APP" mode for the best Netflix experience.
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Select a server located in the region whose Netflix content you wish to access.
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Connect to the chosen server.
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Launch the Netflix app or website and enjoy streaming content available in the selected region.