If you are looking for a free VPN (Virtual Private Network) that allows you to access streaming services such as Netflix, then you might want to think again.
Accessing a geographically restricted streaming platform using a VPN can work, but free VPN's tend not to. At least, not without a whole bunch of heartache as you jump hurdles trying to get it to run properly.
Here's why you should avoid using a free VPN for Netflix.
What Is a VPN?
Before we dive into why you should dodge using a free VPN for accessing Netflix, we need to clarify what a VPN is and what it allows you to do.
Essentially, a VPN is a secure, encrypted channel that connects one part of the internet to another part. We refer to this connection process as a tunnel, essentially as it bypasses geographical internet restrictions while maintaining your privacy and security (because your VPN ensures your connection is secure and encrypted, as mentioned).
So, it will allow you free movement around the internet realm, while cloaking your identity and encrypting any data your device transmits. Both free and paid VPNs allow you to do this, but there are certain restrictions to free VPNs that mean you shouldn't use them to access services such as Netflix.
Why Avoid a Free VPN for Netflix?
OK, so we know the bare bones of what a VPN is and what it does. So can you use free VPNs for streaming? Well, while there are a few free VPNs that work with Netflix, you'll struggle to find one and, even if you do, they're an absolute pain to set up with geolocked platforms and services.
1. Free VPNs Have Data Transfer Limits
Most of the free VPNs out there have a data cap on how much data you can transfer within a certain timeframe (for example, you might find a free VPN with a 2 GB a month data cap).
If you want to find a free VPN that works with Netflix, this means your job is twofold. First, you need to find a reputable free VPN, then you need to find one that has enough data for your streaming needs. Nobody wants to start watching a series on a geolocked streaming service, only to find it has eaten all the VPNs data within one-and-a-half episodes.
Sadly, there is no such thing as a truly free VPN with unlimited data. If a VPN provider is offering such a feature, it is either too good to be true or comes with hidden costs in terms of the service you receive. Or both.
2. Free VPNs Have Limited Servers
OK, so you've found what you think is the best VPN that works with Netflix in a geolocked location. But have you? One of the hidden costs mentioned above can be a restriction of server locations. So, if you wanted to watch US Netflix outside of the territory, you need to ensure the VPN has servers in the US, or you won't be able to bypass the geographical restrictions.
Paid VPNs have a massive range of servers available to you, so geography won't restrict your internet use. However, most free VPNs only allow access to a tiny handful of server locations; the location you require might not even be available.
3. Free VPNs Can Be Slow
Once you've selected a free VPN, with unlimited data transfer and a server in the territory you require, you need to check it is fast enough. Having Netflix buffering every thirty seconds is going to hamper the viewing experience a smidgin, so you need to ensure the VPN you choose to watch Netflix can handle the data transfer speeds it needs to stream smoothly.
While Netflix only requires a minimum 3 Mbps connection, this is for standard definition. If your favorite show is only available in HD you'll need 5 Mbps. Ultra HD and 4K viewing comes with a recommendation of 25 Mbps. A lot of free VPNs top out at around the 25 Mbps mark, so you'll be lucky if you get a completely uninterrupted stream using a free VPN for Netflix.
4. You're Breaking the Rules
To be a total party pooper, using any VPN—free or paid—to circumvent Netflix's geographical restrictions is breaking the rules. Sure, you're not torrenting series or movies, or doing anything classed as illegal, but what you're doing still isn't right, at least not in Netflix's eyes.
Putting it bluntly, geographical restrictions are there for a reason; to stop you watching movies or series' that Netflix doesn't have the permission to air in your country. Bypassing these rules means you're breaking them, even if you pay for Netflix in your own territory.
5. Netlfix Doesn't Like VPNs. Period.
Because of the above rule-breaking aspect, you will really struggle to find a free VPN that works with Netflix. This is because the streaming giant has gone to great lengths to prevent any sort of VPN from accessing geo restricted content. It has limited what people using a VPN can watch, and certainly won't backpedal on this decision.
Netflix finds it easy to block VPN access to its geographically restricted servers. As soon as it spots numerous accounts accessing it's service via one IP address (i.e. the free VPN server), then it will block the IP, meaning it can no longer access the platform.
Without a doubt, given that Netflix is waving its anti-VPN gavel so fervently, the remaining free VPNs that work with the streaming service are likely to fizzle out pretty soon. This means you're likely to have zero chance of finding a truly free VPN you can use to access Netflix.
You're Better Off With a Paid VPN (But Not Much)
As you can see, finding a free VPN that works with Netflix is a tough ask. Paid versions of some VPNs offer more features but, at the end of the day, you're going to find it difficult to access Netflix's geolocked content whether you pay for a VPN or use a free one.
Sure, there are some paid VPNs that you can still use to gain access to Netflix in other countries, but even they are slowly dwindling. Unfortunately, there is nothing anyone apart from Netflix can do about it.