Using a good VPN can help you access your home content while traveling. However, finding the best one with so many VPNs can be challenging. I shortlisted the top VPNs that can unblock Netflix US in South Africa to save you time and effort. 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
The Best VPNs for Watch Netflix US From South Africa
1. ExpressVPN — Instantly Watch Netflix From South Africa Without Interruptions
ExpressVPN is the best VPN to access your Netflix US home library from South Africa. It hosts an advanced global server network, comprising over 3000 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 5 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. Stream Netflix with ExpressVPN
2. CyberGhost — Dedicated Netflix Servers for Reliably Unblocking Content From South Africa
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 + 4 months plan if you want to get a VPN for the long-term for as low as $2.03 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. Stream Netflix with CyberGhost
3. Private Internet Access — Extensive Server Network For Seamlessly Accessing Netflix US
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 10 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 83% when you sign up for its 2-year + 4 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. Stream Netflix with PIA
4. PrivateVPN — Boasts HQN (High Quality Network) Servers for Perfect Netflix Streaming
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. One drawback of PrivateVPN is that it doesn’t accept payments via GooglePay, which is how I usually pay for my subscriptions. However, you can still use your credit card, PayPal, and even cryptocurrency to buy a subscription. 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. Stream Netflix with PrivateVPN
5. IPVanish — Stream Netflix in HD on unlimited Devices at a Timex
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: You can subscribe to IPVanish’s monthly, quarterly, or annual plan. I recommend its 1 year plan because it offers a maximum discount of 66% so that you can get it for as low as $3.99 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. Stream Netflix with IPVanish
How to Watch Netflix US From South Africa in 3 Easy Steps
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
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.
Is it legal to use a VPN to watch Netflix US in South Africa?
While it’s not illegal to unblock Netflix US from South Africa using a VPN, it does violate Netflix’s terms of use. US international travelers often have to use a top-tier VPN to access their home Netflix libraries. Keep in mind that Netflix uses anti-VPN technology that detects if you’re using a VPN. If caught, it can suspend your account without providing a refund.
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?
Yes, you can. However, you’ll need a premium VPN to get past Netflix’s anti-VPN detectors and one with servers in South Africa. My team and I don’t condone violating any local regulations and Netflix’s terms and conditions, so be sure to check the local laws in your country.
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.
