How To Watch American Netflix In the United Kingdom In 2023 (Tested By Our Team)

How To Watch American Netflix In the United Kingdom

US residents have been enjoying a lot of engaging content that the American Netflix library has to offer for years. Then why are the UK residents deprived of it? Well, the answer to this question lies in the geo-restrictions and content distribution policies Netflix has to abide by according to the agreements with third-party content owners.

Can a streamer do anything about these geo-restrictions? Actually, yes, they can! The solution you were looking for all this time is none other than a reliable VPN that can change your IP address.

Did that go over your head like a bouncer? Don’t worry; we’ll help you understand it. Read this blog carefully to the end and enable yourself to watch American Netflix from the United Kingdom.

How to Watch American Netflix from the United Kingdom in 2023?

We know that a lot of Netflix enthusiasts from the UK have been desperately searching for a way to watch their favorite movies and TV shows on American Netflix because those titles are unavailable in Netflix UK. That is why we won’t keep you waiting any longer.

Let’s just get started with the easy 5-step approach to watching American Netflix from the UK or anywhere else:

1- Get ExpressVPN to access American Netflix. (12+3 months free with a 30day money-back guarantee)

2- Download and install the VPN application, then sign in.

3- Connect to an American server (we recommend New Jersey-3, Washington DC, and New York servers for the best performance of ExpressVPN.)

4- Visit the official Netflix website or use the Netflix app on your device.

5- Sign in and enjoy watching American Netflix in the United Kingdom.

express vpn
30-Day Money Back Guarantee

Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch American Netflix in the UK?

We believe alongside watching your desired content on American Netflix in the UK with a VPN, it is also important to understand why the situation where you have to use a VPN arose in the first place. Geographic restrictions are the real culprit you should blame for this.

On every third-party license-acquired content title Netflix has in its collection, there are geo-limitations implemented on these titles by their distributor companies. What do these geographic limitations do? Well, they keep Netflix from streaming a title in certain countries that are not authorized by the owners of these titles.

Let’s take an example to understand it better. Rick and Morty Season 7 is currently only streaming in certain countries like Australia and cannot be accessed in various other countries like Canada because Warner Bros. doesn’t allow Netflix to stream it in certain countries.

What does this situation require? Yes, you guessed it right, a reliable VPN. You can easily change your Netflix region with the help of a VPN. If you want to access your desired content that is only available on Netflix US, then you just need to connect to an American server, and you’ll be able to access American Netflix outside the US.

Best VPNs to Access American Netflix in the UK

As we mentioned above, a VPN is necessary to watch American Netflix in the UK. But which VPN? That’s the main question. We tested various VPN services available online to check which is best to unblock Netflix regions. Thankfully, after an exhausting trial phase of more than 20 VPNs, we have shortlisted the three best VPNs to unblock Netflix.

We were even able to watch Rick and Morty Season 7 on Netflix in Canada with the help of these amazing VPNs. So, we highly recommend exploring them.

1- ExpressVPN – Best VPN to watch American Netflix from the UK

Total Servers: 3500 | Countries: 94 | American servers: 24 servers 17 cities| Trustpilot Rating: 4.7 | Simultaneous Connections: 8

When it comes to accessing American Netflix from the UK using a VPN, ExpressVPN emerges as a top contender, showing off its vast array of over 3200 servers optimized for streaming in over 92 countries and brimming with advanced features.

With 24 servers in the US, ExpressVPN ensures uninterrupted access to American Netflix in the UK. Our experiments on a 100Mbps internet connection showed download speeds reaching 94Mbps and upload speeds going as high as 86Mbps, placing ExpressVPN at the top of the list as the most reliable and fastest VPN for streaming American Netflix in the UK. Our attempts to use it to watch American Netflix in Ireland were also successful.

From a security perspective, ExpressVPN sets the bar high. It employs robust AES 256-bit encryption for a secured connection. Advanced features like the Internet Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, and DNS leak protection further elevate ExpressVPN’s safety standards.

The versatility of ExpressVPN is noteworthy as well because it supports devices like Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, PCs and Laptops, Android and iOS devices, and even PS4 and Xbox. However, for these gaming consoles, you’d need to configure ExpressVPN on your internet router.

We were particularly amazed by its MediaStream DNS feature, which enables users to enjoy American Netflix content on devices that might typically not be compatible with VPNs, all while ensuring security. Plus, let’s not forget that ExpressVPN allows its users to connect up to eight devices simultaneously.

What makes ExpressVPN truly irresistible is its 30-day money-back guarantee, offering a hassle-free trial. Currently, ExpressVPN comes at an affordable price of $6.67/month, paired with a generous 49% discount and the added bonus of three extra months for free when you sign up for a 12-month subscription plan. And to round it all up, they provide 24/7 customer support.

Top ExpressVPN servers to access American Netflix from the UK

ExpressVPN has 24 fully optimized servers that are situated in more than 10 cities within the United States. However, you don’t have to try each of them one by one. Consider using the servers we have recommended below to watch American Netflix from the UK:

  • USA – New Jersey-1
  • USA – New Jersey-3
  • USA – Washington DC
  • USA – New York
ExpressVPN Pros
  • 8 Simultaneous Connections
  • No-Logs Policy
  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • Split Tunneling, Internet Kill Switch, MediaStream DNS
  • 3000+ Servers in 90+ Countries
ExpressVPN Cons
  • No Free Trial Available

2- NordVPN – The Best Alternate to ExpressVPN

Total Servers: 5893 | Countries: 60 | Trustpilot Rating: 4.5 | American Servers: 1970+ in 16 cities | Simultaneous Connections: 6

NordVPN stands out as the top-tier alternative to ExpressVPN, renowned for its impressive connection speeds and extensive server count.

In our speed tests, NordVPN showcased impressive download speeds of 96Mbps and uploads nearing 84Mbps on a 100Mbps connection. With a vast selection of over 5500 servers in more than 60 countries, NordVPN has around 1920 servers in the US alone. This ensures multiple options for British Netflix subscribers who want to enjoy American Netflix in the UK.

NordVPN’s advanced features set it apart from other VPN options available online. With offerings like SmartPlay, Mashnet, Dark Web Monitor, Split Tunneling, and Double VPN, it even promises an ultra-secure VPN experience powered by AES 256-bit encryption.

Its flexibility shines through, allowing up to six simultaneous device connections and compatibility across various operating systems like Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux.

Users can even benefit from a 30-day money-back guarantee, ensuring a risk-free trial of ExpressVPN’s services. And for any issues or inquiries, their round-the-clock 24/7 customer support is ready to help you.

Priced competitively, a two-year plan to NordVPN comes with three months free at an affordable price of $5.79/month. We have already tested NordVPN to watch American Netflix in Iceland, and we suggest that you don’t miss out on this opportunity to seamlessly stream American Netflix from the UK.

Top NordVPN servers to access American Netflix from the UK

Do not get overwhelmed with the 1970+ American servers. We are here to guide you in picking the best-performing American servers that you can rely on for watching American Netflix in the UK. Check out the recommended options below:

  • #5391
  • #5521
  • #8082
  • #5387
  • #5404
NordVPN Pros
  • 6 Simultaneous Connections
  • Audited by PwC Switzerland
  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • 5000+ Servers in 60+ Countries
  • Specialty Servers, Dark Web Monitor
NordVPN Cons
  • Downtime issues on some servers

3- Surfshark – The Most Affordable Alternate

Total Servers: 3200+ | Countries: 100 | American Servers: 600 servers in 20+ Cities | Trustpilot Rating: 4.3 | Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited

Surfshark is a premium VPN service that’s both high in quality and low in pricing, making it another top pick for accessing American Netflix from the UK.

This budget-friendly VPN has a range of advanced features commonly seen in pricier premium VPNs. These include AES-256-bit encryption, OpenVPN, an Internet Kill Switch, Private DNS, CleanWeb, and a Camouflage mode. This amazing lineup of cutting-edge features definitely took us by surprise.

Surfshark has a vast server network with around 3300 servers in over 100 countries. Notably, it has 600+ servers in the US, isn’t that impressive? Surfshark is versatile as well, with compatibility across various devices and operating systems like Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux. Plus, it offers the advantage of unlimited device connections under a single subscription.

While Surfshark might not outpace giants like ExpressVPN or NordVPN in speed, it’s no slouch either. Our tests on their Miami server, while accessing Hulu from the UK, showcased commendable download speeds of 86Mbps and upload speeds of 74Mbps.

Remarkably, Surfshark offers an 84% discount, and users only have to pay $2.39/month on a 24-month deal. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s clear that Surfshark is confident in its offerings.

Top Surfshark servers to access American Netflix from the UK

We used Surfshark and got a seamless streaming experience of American Netflix in India. Below are some server recommendations that will work wonders for you when you are accessing American Netflix from the UK:

  • United States – Los Angeles
  • United States – Miami
  • United States – Boston
  • United States – Detroit
Surfshark Pros
  • Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
  • No-Logs Policy Audited by Cure53
  • 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
  • 3200+ Servers in 100 Countries
  • CleanWeb 2.0
Surfshark Cons
  • No Split Tunneling on iOS

Can I use a Free VPN to watch American Netflix from the UK?

We do not recommend using a free VPN. Why? Similarly to many streaming platforms, Netflix implements advanced security measures that can prevent you from accessing its services with a VPN, and if the security firewall detects your VPN usage, you will be shown a Netflix proxy error, and your access will be blocked.

If you try using a free VPN to unblock American Netflix from the UK, you are bound to face disappointments. Your streaming experience is most likely going to be compromised because of the poor streaming speeds. And do you know what’s worse? Your security is at risk as well.

Free VPNs are known to keep a record of your activity data and sell that information to third parties. This directly violates your online privacy and leaves you vulnerable to online threats.

If you are seeking a seamless and secure streaming experience of American Netflix in the UK, we recommend going for premium VPN services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark, which are known for employing advanced security features and providing ultra-fast and stable connections.

Netflix US vs. Netflix UK

If you have been a Netflix subscriber in the UK for a while now, you must’ve realized that the British Netflix library is exceptionally vast. Netflix UK is one of the most expansive regional libraries of the platform and consists of around 6853 total titles, including captivating movies, TV shows, documentaries, and whatnot.

Then why do British Netflix users seek access to American Netflix? Well, the main reason behind that is the availability of certain titles. The number of movies and TV shows a content library has doesn’t factor into the availability of a particular title that one might be looking for.

We have given you a brief comparison between both Netflix libraries below:

Region Movies Shows 
Netflix US 3857 2536
Netflix UK 4208 2645

Netflix Price Comparison 

We believe it is better to know the pricing difference between your local Netflix library and the Netflix region you are planning on accessing with a VPN. As we have been considering watching American Netflix in the UK, it only makes sense if we compare Netflix’s US price plans to the Netflix UK ones. Check it out below:

  • Netflix UK

Standard with adverts: £4.99/month

Standard: £10.99/month (extra member slots can be added for £4.99 each/month)

Premium: £17.99/month (extra member slots can be added for £4.99 each/month)

Note: The Standard with adverts plan might not be accessible via all external billing partners and bundles. Verify with your service provider to ensure its availability.

  • Netflix US

Standard with ads: $6.99/month

Standard: $15.49/month (extra member slots can be added for $7.99 each/month)

Premium: $19.99/month (extra member slots can be added for $7.99 each/month)

Note: In the United States, the Basic plan is not accessible to new subscribers or the ones returning after canceling or changing their plans. If you’re already using the Basic plan of Netflix, then you can continue with it unless you switch plans or cancel your subscription.

Devices Netflix supports

Netflix supports a plethora of devices. The channel has apps for all major platforms. And for the ones it doesn’t, there’s always the browser option. Here’s a comprehensive list of devices that will run Netflix for you:

  1. Android smartphone
  2. Android tablets
  3. Android Smart TVs
  4. iPhone
  5. iPad
  6. macOS (browser)
  7. Windows PC (browser)
  8. Linux devices (browser)
  9. Set-top and TV boxes like NVIDIA Shield
  10. Roku
  11. Apple TV
  12. Chromecast
  13. Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV
  14. Xbox One / Xbox One S / Xbox One X
  15. Xbox Series S / Xbox Series X
  16. PlayStation 4 / PS4 Slim / PS4 Pro
  17. PlayStation 5
  18. Kodi Addon

How to get American Netflix in UK on pc

Getting Netflix on PC is very easy, regardless of your operating system (Windows, Mac or Linux). Just:

  1. Get ExpressVPN or NordVPN subscription and app/extension (We recommend ExpressVPN)
  2. Connect to VPN using an American server
  3. Open Netflix.com in your browser
  4. Login to Netflix
  5. Enjoy. You are now accessing the American library from the UK

How to get Netflix US in UK on iPhone

Watching American Netflix on your iPhone or iPad is even easier than the PC/browser method. Simply:

  1. Get ExpressVPN (30day free trial)
  2. Download the VPN app on your iPhone if you haven’t already (App Store)
  3. Run the VPN app and connect to a US server
  4. Get the Netflix app and sign up if you haven’t already
  5. Run the Netflix app and log in
  6. Enjoy Netflix US from the UK

How to get the American version of Netflix in UK on Android

Android method to stream Netflix US in the UK is just like iPhone. The only difference is getting the app from the Play Store instead of the App Store. All you have to do is:

  1. Get ExpressVPN (via in-app purchase or website)
  2. Download the VPN app on your Android device if you haven’t already (Play Store)
  3. Run the VPN app and connect to a US server
  4. Get the Netflix app and sign up if you haven’t already
  5. Run the Netflix app and log in
  6. Enjoy Netflix US from the UK

How to get the US Netflix in UK on Smart TVs

Most smart TVs are televisions running on Android and as such, the method for streaming Netflix on them is identical to that of Android. Simply:

  1. Get ExpressVPN ($6.67/month)
  2. Download the VPN app on your Android device if you haven’t already (Play Store)
  3. Run the VPN app and connect to a US server
  4. Get the Netflix app and sign up if you haven’t already
  5. Run the Netflix app and log in
  6. Enjoy Netflix US from the UK

How to get American Netflix in UK on Kodi

Kodi is a completely different universe so of course, the method of downloading Netflix on Kodi differs too. To run Netflix US in the UK on Kodi:

  1. Get ExpressVPN with a number of American servers to unblock US Netflix in UK
  2. Download and install Kodi’s app for your respective device (Android, Mac, iOS, Windows, Linux supported)
  3. Run the VPN app and connect to a US server
  4. Get Kodi’s Netflix Plugin from GitHub
  5. Run Kodi
  6. Click on the cog icon to go to Settings
  7. Click on Add-ons
  8. Click on Install from Zip File
  9. If you see an auto-update prompt, click yes
  10. Browse to the location where you downloaded the repository 
  11. Select the zip file
  12. Now head back to Add-ons
  13. This time, click on “install from repository”
  14. Click on CastagnaIT Repository from the list
  15. Click on Video add-ons
  16. Click on Netflix
  17. If you are prompted to install dependencies, install all of them
  18. Wait for the process to finish
  19. Go back to Home
  20. Hover on the Add-ons tab and click on Netflix to the right of the screen
  21. Search for your favorite movies/shows on Netflix addon and enjoy

Note: While Kodi runs perfectly on some Linux distros, you might have to install additional libraries to make the Netflix add-on work.

Links to get Kodi’s Netflix plugin:

  1. https://github.com/asciidisco/plugin.video.netflix – Kodi 18 Leia
  2. https://github.com/castagnait/repository.castagnait/raw/master/repository.castagnait-1.0.1.zip – Kodi 18 Leia
  3. https://github.com/castagnait/repository.castagnait/raw/matrix/repository.castagnait-1.0.0.zip – Kodi 19 Matrix

How to get Netflix US in UK on PS4/PS5

For gaming consoles, the process of getting Netflix is very simple. The only issue here is to configure the VPN on your router because VPNs do not have apps for the console. 

You can stream Netflix by just signing up for Netflix, getting the app on your PS4, and logging in. But if you wish to stream American Netflix in the UK on PS4, then configuring a VPN on your router is a must. Follow the steps listed below to get US Netflix in the UK on PS4.

  1. Get ExpressVPN for Netflix (Best to watch US Netflix in UK)
  2. Configure the acquired VPN on your router using this linked guide
  3. Turn on your PS4/PS5
  4. Connect your console to the internet
  5. Download Netflix’s app from Play Station Store
  6. Run Netflix’s app
  7. Log in with your Netflix credentials
  8. Stream Netflix US in the UK from your PS4

Best TV shows on American Netflix to watch in UK

The American Library of Netflix is known across the globe as the best iteration. It has the biggest number of TV shows across all the available Netflix libraries. Some of the best Netflix shows exclusive to the US library for the month of April include:

  • House of Cards
  • Breaking Bad
  • Narcos
  • Downton Abbey
  • Shameless
  • Supernatural
  • The Walking Dead
  • Community
  • The Haunting of Hill House
  • 30 Rock
  • Wentworth

Best Movies on Netflix USA to watch in the United Kingdom

Likewise, for movies, Netflix US has a collection no other Netflix region offers at the moment. Some of those US-exclusive movies are:

  • Shutter Island
  • Star Trek
  • Ferris Bueller’s Day Off
  • Blade Runner: The Final Cut
  • The Hateful Eight
  • Once Upon a Time in America
  • There will be blood
  • Kung Fu Panda
  • Rush
  • Dances with Wolves
  • Rain Man
  • Million Dollar Baby
  • The Artist
  • Boogie Nights

FAQs

1- Why Is American Netflix better than Netflix UK?

American Netflix has a more extensive collection of in-demand movies and TV shows compared to Netflix UK and other regional libraries. This disparity arises from differing licensing deals and geographic limitations. However, by using tools like ExpressVPN, one can seamlessly watch American Netflix from the UK or any location around the world.

Netflix is a top-rated streaming platform that has taken steps to block VPN usage to abide by contractual obligations with content owners. These creators often establish region-specific streaming licenses, limiting where their content can be accessible.

Accessing these titles beyond the regions that are allowed by distributors through VPNs violates these agreements, potentially leading to legal complications for Netflix. As a result, Netflix has put advanced systems in place to identify VPN-assigned IPs and block access to geo-limited content.

3- How do I change Netflix UK to Netflix US?

To change your Netflix region from the UK to the US, consider using a trustable premium VPN such as ExpressVPN. By connecting to an American server, you can then sign in to Netflix and enjoy the limitless array of content available on the American Netflix library.

However, don’t forget to clear your browser’s cache and cookies beforehand to avoid facing any IP-related complications while watching American Netflix in the UK.

What can you watch on Netflix with a VPN?

You can now enjoy everything Netflix has to offer from anywhere in the world with a VPN. Take a look at the list of recommended titles that you can watch on Netflix with the help of a VPN:

Wrap Up

What was the problem you had at the beginning of this blog? “How to watch American Netflix from the UK?” right? Well, now you have the ultimate fix for this issue: VPN.

Just follow our easy guide, and allow yourself to enjoy American Netflix from the UK by connecting to an American server. ExpressVPN is our most recommended VPN because we have used it to watch American Netflix in Indonesia, and it worked like magic.

Written by Mickel Clark

Mickel is a streaming aficionado who loves nothing more than to pen down his thoughts about the movies, anime and TV shows he has watched and likes sharing hacks on how to stream them online.