Does Betternet Work With Netflix?

Continuing our in-depth series in which we review and analyze VPNs and their ability to unblock region-based Netflix content, we will highlight Betternet’s performance in providing streaming access. 

If you’re considering using Betternet for watching Netflix abroad or exploring a different content library you’re interested in, read on to learn the latest and most accurate information.

I have found that NordVPN works best with Netflix.

Check other VPNs for Netflix here.

Does Netflix Block Betternet?

Yes, unfortunately, Netflix successfully blocks Betternet. Betternet is among the VPNs that Netflix detects and actively blocks due to its efforts to enforce regional content restrictions and licensing agreements. 

This means that if you attempt to use Betternet to access Netflix content from different regions, you may encounter the well-known Netflix proxy error, preventing you from streaming content. 

During these tests, I’ve tried accessing Netflix US, UK, Germany, and several other platforms, and Betternet didn’t offer any positive results. After a more comprehensive review, I’ve also found that Betternet can’t establish a reliable connection to any major streaming service.

Why Does Netflix Block Betternet?

Netflix blocks Betternet and other VPNs because it has to enforce these regional restrictions to adhere to the licensing rights it obtains for the content it features on its platform. When the service obtains streaming licensing agreements, it usually gets these rights for specific regions, not the entire world.

The platform could suffer legal and financial consequences if it breaches licensing agreements. This is why it employs such strict measures to ensure that users are only accessing content from outside their designated regions. 

With this in mind, Netflix is actively trying to ban all VPNs. The only difference is that it is successfully doing so with Betternet and many other services, while a handful of premium VPNs are still effectively avoiding bans.

What To Do if Betternet is Not Working with Netflix?

While it is unfortunate, the simple fact is that you can’t really do anything to fix the issue when Betternet isn’t working with Netflix. The only solution in this case is to switch to a service that works with the streaming platform.

The usual tips for fixing a VPN that can’t unlock Netflix don’t apply in this case. That said, as I’ll also share some of the best alternatives for unblocking Netflix, it’s useful to know a few quick remedies you can try when your VPN fails to access Netflix.

The easiest fixes to try is to connect to a different VPN server or clear the cache and cookies in your browser if you’re not using the Netflix native app. Additionally, you can try restarting or updating the app, using a different protocol, or contacting customer service for updates and more in-depth help.

How To Watch Netflix With a VPN?

If you want to stream TV shows and movies but aren’t sure how to use a Virtual Private Network to bypass Netflix’s geo-restrictions, I’ve prepared a simple how-to that will help you with this.

Here’s how you can use a VPN provider to access regional Netflix libraries:

1. Subscribe to a VPN and download the app for the device you want to stream on.

2. Install the client and log in.

3. Connect to a server of your choice (the closer it is, the faster and more reliable your network will be).

4. Go to Netflix and start streaming!

Betternet Alternatives That Work With Netflix

While, unfortunately, Betternet isn’t a working VPN for streaming content on Netflix, there are plenty of other alternative choices that can still reliably unblock Netflix in 2024. Here are my top five VPNs for accessing Netflix content:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is the best VPN for unblocking Netflix and other streaming sites and streaming libraries from various regions. It easily unblocks Netflix US and all other major Netflix libraries abroad. Moreover, it works without fault on accessing region-specific libraries and services like Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.

With an in-house protocol called NordLynx and optimized servers, this VPN delivers fast network speeds even when streaming video content on a remote server location.

Performance aside, it is arguably the most secure VPN in the business. Some of its many standout features include Threat Protection, private DNS, and split tunneling. You can also get dedicated IP address options in 15 countries.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is one of the best streaming VPNs and a service that can easily avoid Netflix’s VPN detection in the most popular country libraries. Its support of the WireGuard protocol and advanced features like Camouflage Mode mean that Surfshark works like a charm whenever you need a streaming unblock service.

In terms of its additional advantages, Surfshark comes with noticeably more affordable long-term prices than my top pick. Moreover, it supports unlimited simultaneous connections to match these cheap payment plans. That said, while its VPN server speeds are fast, they aren’t quite on my previous pick’s level.

3. Atlas VPN

Atlas VPN is another excellent pick for Netflix. It offers 13 streaming-optimized premium server locations. This enables smooth and problem-free access to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and other services. It comes with above-average speeds, so you don’t have to worry about any lags when streaming your favorite content.

Additionally, while I generally don’t recommend using free VPNs, Atlas VPN’s free plan offers streaming-optimized servers, albeit with limited data. Still, you can use it to access Netflix in the United States and see how the service performs before purchasing a subscription. Plus, if you decide to sign up, every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN doesn’t have as many advanced features as the other alternatives listed, but it has no issues unblocking Netflix and other platforms. Its fast speeds especially stand out on remote servers, and the simple and well-designed apps make it easy to jump in and intuitively use its clients, even if you’re a complete VPN beginner.

What’s more, this VPN bests all of my other recommendations in terms of network stability. PrivateVPN’s secure connection network has an uptime of 99.98%. 

This puts it in serious consideration as perhaps the best pick for Netflix users who watch a lot of content daily and want to minimize the chance of any server disconnections.

5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a well-rounded streaming VPN without any faults that could negatively impact your experience. 

It’s fast, stable, and offers top-quality apps. It even has a proprietary Lightway protocol that’s efficient and easy on the battery. This makes ExpressVPN a superb pick for streaming Netflix on your phone or tablet.

Although ExpressVPN is known as a fairly expensive company, its pricing plans are more affordable than Betternet’s. Subscription cost aside, ExpressVPN comes out as a superior VPN service in every regard when compared to Betternet. This applies to gaming, torrenting, and many other activities apart from unblocking Netflix and streaming.

Betternet Netflix FAQs

Does Netflix block Betternet?

Yes, Netflix consistently blocks Betternet, as it detects and restricts access from known VPN IP addresses. Betternet, while user-friendly, has limitations that make it an inferior choice for Netflix streaming.  

Is it illegal to use a VPN to watch Netflix?

Using a VPN to access Netflix is not inherently illegal, as it is a legitimate privacy tool used for various purposes, such as security and anonymity. However, Netflix’s ToS states that users should only access content available in their geographic location.

Is Betternet good for streaming?

No, Betternet VPN is not a very good pick for unblocking any streaming site. It can’t unblock any major streaming service. If you want to gain access to shows in a particular region, it’s better to pick any of the providers featured on this page.

Can I use a free VPN to watch Netflix from other countries?

No, I advise you not to use free VPNs to watch Netflix. While free VPNs might seem like a cost-effective solution, they often come with significant limitations. Free VPN services typically have overcrowded servers, subpar performance, and are often unsafe.

How to pick the right server for unblocking Netflix?

Choosing the right VPN Netflix server involves picking a server location that matches the content you want to access but is still fairly close to your real location. Preferably, this should be a dedicated streaming server if your VPN provider offers such.

How does Netflix detect VPN usage?

Netflix detects VPN usage by monitoring various telltale signs. These include IP address analysis, DNS leaks, and deep packet inspection. Most commonly, Netflix cross-references IPs with known VPN servers, flagging those that match.