If you’re taking a trip to Germany or moving there, it’s natural to want to enjoy familiar content from home, and that includes your favorite movies and shows. However, most streaming services have different libraries for each country, which can be limiting when you want to watch Netflix US in Germany.
Thankfully, there’s a way around the issue. To overcome this hurdle and get back to watching the content you know and love, you’ll need a VPN service. A quality provider bypasses the restrictions set by streaming providers like Netflix, allowing access to exclusive content.
This article provides a straightforward, step-by-step guide to circumventing the Netflix US geo-block while you’re in Germany. On top of that, we’ll also help you identify the best services to use.
Why You Need a VPN to Watch American Netflix in Germany
If you’re an expatriate living in Germany or a frequent traveler, a VPN ensures you can maintain your streaming habits and access your preferred Netflix content as if you were back in the United States.
The streaming platform is available in over 190 countries, but its content varies from country to country. It means that when you’re in Germany, Netflix automatically detects your location and offers you a library tailored to the audience there.
Now, the German catalog has outgrown the American version in recent years, which means you have access to more movies and shows. That said, you’ll still miss out on several films and shows due to licensing agreements. For instance, titles like The Machinist and American Horror Story are exclusive to users in America.
Geo-blocks implemented by streaming services like Netflix enforce these content restrictions. And a VPN is the only reliable way to bypass them.
When you connect to a VPN server located in the United States, the technology reroutes your internet traffic through a secure tunnel to that server. This effectively assigns you an American IP address, changing your Netflix region when you log in again, and fools the service into thinking you’re browsing from within the US.
Several other benefits come with using the best VPN for Germany. Most importantly, the service enhances online privacy and security by encrypting your internet traffic. This added layer of protection shields your personal information from potential cyber threats, ensuring your streaming experience is not only enjoyable but also safe.
How to Watch Netflix US in Germany (In-Depth Tutorial)
Unlocking American Netflix content when you’re in Germany is easier than you might imagine. Follow this straightforward 4-step guide to start streaming your favorite American content:
Step 1: Choose a Trustworthy VPN
Opt for a reputable VPN service with a solid server base in the United States. You’ll want a provider known for its speed, security, and compatibility with various devices. Many VPNs offer free trials or money-back guarantees to help you get started. We recommend ExpressVPN.
Step 2: Install the VPN
Visit the VPN provider’s website and select a subscription plan that suits your requirements. Create an account and complete the payment process for your chosen plan. Download and install the VPN application on your device by following the provided link and on-screen instructions.
Step 3: Connect to a US Server
Launch the VPN application and connect to a server located in the United States. This action will grant you an American IP address and establish a secure, encrypted connection. Ensure that the VPN is active and connected before you proceed.
Step 4: Access Netflix US
Visit the Netflix website or app. Log in to your Netflix account as you normally would, and you now have unrestricted access to the entire Netflix US library while in Germany.
The Best VPNs to Watch American Netflix in Germany
With loads of providers out there, settling on one can be overwhelming — especially considering Germany is a fairly popular VPN location. While your focus is streaming, you want a VPN that ticks several boxes, including server network, unblocking capabilities, and privacy.
After testing dozens of services, we’ve arrived at the best options for streaming Netflix US in Germany. Here they are:
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is widely regarded as the best provider in the industry, and for good reason. When it comes to streaming exclusive American Netflix content in Germany, or anywhere else for that matter, you would be hard-pressed to find a better solution.
The provider offers a network consisting of 3,000+ servers in 94 countries globally. While it doesn’t say how many servers are in the United States, their presence in 24 locations indicates that it’s a pretty sizeable collection.
ExpressVPN consistently bypasses geo-restrictions. Netflix employs sophisticated VPN detection technology, but the VPN’s advanced technology and regularly updated server IPs effectively evade them. Consequently, you can reliably access the complete Netflix US library from Germany, no matter how often the streamer updates its blocking measures.
It mirrors this capability with other streaming platforms, including BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and HBO Max. On top of that, the VPN guarantees blazing-fast speeds, thanks to 10 Gbps servers and its proprietary Lightway protocol.
ExpressVPN excels where it matters most: keeping your data safe and private. It implements military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection. The provider’s privacy-friendly jurisdiction, combined with RAM-only servers and a strict no-logs policy, ensures you’re not leaving data behind that could lead to you.
You can use ExpressVPN on up to 8 devices at the same time, depending on your subscription plan. ExpressVPN offers customer support through 24/7 live chat and email if you require assistance or have queries.
2. NordVPN
NordVPN is undeniably one of the most reliable VPNs on Netflix, and streaming services in general. It’s renowned for exceptional performance, security features, and more.
The VPN service comes with a massive network of 5,800+ servers in 60 countries. The United States gets the lion’s share, with close to 2,000 servers located in 16 cities there.
Such a presence guarantees high-speed connections and seamless streaming, even considering the distance. You can watch your favorite movies, shows, and documentaries on Netflix US in Ultra HD quality without the annoyance of buffering.
The provider doesn’t just breeze past Netflix’s geo-blocks — other streaming services don’t stand a chance. You can switch to the American catalogs on Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, or other platforms without hassles.
NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, a privacy haven. Building on that good start, it offers AES 256-bit encryption to keep hackers from intercepting or making sense of your private information. Other privacy and security features include system-wide and app-specific kill switch options, RAM-based servers, and IP/DNS leak protection. There’s also an ad blocker that doubles as malware protection.
The VPN has wide compatibility and permits up to six simultaneous device connections. There’s 24/7 access to its support team through live chat and email, so you can reach out anytime for help or information.
3. CyberGhost
As another compelling option for watching Netflix US in Germany, CyberGhost has a lot going for it. That includes a user-friendly interface and pocket-friendly pricing.
There’s also its monster server pool, which includes a whopping 9,600+ servers in 91 countries. As usual, America gets a sizeable chunk, and you can connect to any of the over 1,200 servers spread across 11 locations.
CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs for streaming, largely thanks to its dedicated streaming servers. They’re in an aptly named “For streaming” category and are optimized for different platforms, such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, and Disney+. The regular servers may be a somewhat hit-and-miss, but connecting to any of its Netflix US servers effortlessly unblocks exclusive content.
High-bandwidth infrastructure and protocols like WireGuard translate to fast connection speeds. You can enjoy entire marathons of your shows with little to no buffering, even with video quality set to Full HD or higher.
As for your online security and privacy, CyberGhost has that covered. The provider’s strict no-logs policy has undergone independent auditing to prove it’s airtight. On top of that, it keeps hackers from accessing your data with high-level encryption. It also comes with a kill switch and leak protection.
Watch Netflix US on your computer, smartphone, setup box, or smart TV, thanks to CyberGhost’s wide support. One account covers up to seven devices. Plus, it offers continuous support via live chat and email, allowing you to connect with their experts whenever you need assistance.
4. Surfshark
With its impressive features and performance, Surfshark offers a smooth streaming experience that consistently delivers. Not bad for a budget VPN service.
The Dutch-based provider has 3,200+ servers in 100 countries. In the US, there’s a respectable collection of 600+ servers spread across 25 cities.
Surfshark is able to bypass Netflix geo-blocks, which explains its presence in this article explaining how to access American Netflix from Germany.
As soon as you connect to a US server, it lets you through to the American library from Berlin, Hamburg, Munich, or any other German location. It’s just as impressive for several other popular platforms, breaking through the restrictions on Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and HBO Max, among others.
Your online traffic stays safe and under the radar while you stream. It offers the standard features you would expect for a top VPN provider. That includes AES 256-bit encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and a verified no-logs policy. If you’re particularly worried about your privacy, the VPN goes the extra mile with several advanced features.
What sets Surfshark apart on this list is its unlimited simultaneous device connections policy. We like that, with a single subscription, you can protect all your devices and stream Netflix US on multiple screens simultaneously. That makes it an excellent choice for households or users with many devices.
Can You Watch Netflix US in Germany With a Free VPN?
They are a cost-free alternative to premium providers, so the appeal for free VPNs makes sense. Well, at least when considered on the surface. In reality, free services come with significant limitations and vulnerabilities, making them a bad idea if you’re seeking reliable and secure access to Netflix US content in Germany.
For one, free VPNs typically have a limited number of servers. These are often overcrowded, resulting in slow speeds and buffering issues while streaming.
Another reason for sluggish performance is sub-par infrastructure, bandwidth limits, and a lack of speedy protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN.
What’s more, popular streaming platforms like Netflix employ advanced methods for detecting and blocking VPN traffic. Even many premium providers find it challenging to overcome these obstacles. When it comes to free VPNs, only a handful of them have any hope of bypassing Netflix’s geographical restrictions.
There’s an even more concerning factor to consider. Many of these services finance their operations by logging and selling user data to advertisers or other third parties. This compromises user privacy, negating one of the primary reasons for using a VPN in the first place.
If pricing is a significant consideration when deciding on a provider, you’re much better off opting for an affordable VPN service.
Conclusion
Netflix Germany offers one of the most extensive libraries available. However, much of that content is in German, which could be an issue if you cannot speak the language. Besides, if you’re like most people, you prefer to carry along your favorite movies and shows while traveling abroad.
Luckily, a quality VPN service beats the geographical blocks placed by Netflix so that you can watch Netflix US in Germany or anywhere else. We recommend ExpressVPN as the best provider to hop on. It offers an extensive collection of servers in the US, is incredibly fast, and delivers robust security and privacy features.
FAQs
Are VPNs legal in Germany?
Yes, VPN services are completely legal in Germany, and authorities have not made any moves to ban or restrict them. That said, we recommend staying within legal boundaries when using one. While VPNs themselves are legal, using them for illegal activities, such as cybercrime, remains prohibited.
Will a VPN allow me to watch US Netflix in Germany?
Yes. A VPN service reroutes your internet connection through a US server, granting you access to the full Netflix US library.
What if Netflix detects my VPN and blocks access to US content?
Top-tier VPN providers frequently update their server IPs and employ obfuscation technology to evade detection by Netflix. If you encounter issues, try connecting to a different server or contacting your VPN’s customer support for assistance.
If you’re wondering why your VPN isn’t working on Netflix, don’t hesitate to read our article on the subject.
Do all VPNs work with US Netflix?
No, not all VPNs can reliably bypass Netflix’s restrictions. It’s important to choose a reputable VPN service known for its ability to consistently provide access to US Netflix and other streaming platforms.
