Should you use VPN for Netflix?
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Can you enhance your Netflix streaming experience with a VPN? Find out!
A VPN or virtual private network is an indispensable tool that secures your Internet data and traffic, disguises your IP address, and encrypts the to and fro conversation between you and the browser.
But what does this have to do with Netflix?
The use of VPNs has increased significantly with streaming services like Netflix. This is because VPNs offer the required workaround to common restrictions like bandwidth throttling and allows users to watch Netflix from other countries.
This article discusses the different reasons to use Netflix VPN for your benefit. Let’s go.
Reasons to use Netflix VPN
- Stream on Public Wi-Fi Networks while keeping your Data Safe
Whether traveling by train, waiting in line at the bank or in an airport, or blowing off steam in a cafe, it is a good idea to catch up on your favorite Netflix series or movies. However, you have run out of mobile data and need to connect to the free public Wi-Fi network.
Since public Wi-Fi networks are unsecured, they attract snoopers and hackers. Cybercriminals using the same Wi-Fi network as you might be able to steal your private information and use it against you.
That’s why you should use a reliable VPN service to encrypt your Internet data and traffic to safeguard sensitive information.
Even though Netflix’s high-end security infrastructure is said to be foolproof, it is best to add an extra layer of security using a VPN. This will ensure you keep your Netflix login/payment and user account details hidden from hackers.
- Unblock Geo-blocked Content
Unblocking geo-blocked content is the primary reason why Netflix users use VPNs.
Due to unavoidable circumstances, Netflix’s content is not distributed equally worldwide. For example, not all European shows are available in the USA, and vice versa. So if you are traveling to Russia or India from the US, you won’t be able to watch your favorite US series and movies without using a VPN.
Moreover, you may want to access overseas content at home, which won’t be possible without a VPN.
Top-quality VPNs like PrivateVPN, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Atlas allow users to work around these restrictions reliably. Geo-blocked content is accessed by diverting Internet traffic to one of the VPN’s remote servers in an authorized location by means of a secure tunnel. So your IP address will be disguised to convince Netflix you are watching the movies or series from an approved region.
- Overcome Bandwidth Throttling
Bandwidth throttling is a known issue; unfortunately, your ISP is putting you through this nuisance.
While streaming Emily in Paris, Wednesday, or Shadow and Bone, you would not want to encounter buffering issues. This can significantly ruin your streaming experience. Luckily, this is nothing a good VPN cannot solve.
Streaming being an online activity takes up a lot of bandwidth. So your ISP might be inclined to decrease the connection speed if they think your online activities are taking up too much network space. This is called bandwidth throttling, and it can produce buffering problems.
If this frequently happens, use a good VPN while streaming Netflix. Then, your online activity will be hidden from your ISP, and you will not experience bandwidth throttling. So you can enjoy hours of Netflix without interruptions.
Is Using Netflix VPN legal?
Using VPN to watch Netflix is not illegal because there are no laws regarding the same. So although people equate using VPN to privacy, it is not the case.
Privacy refers to downloading copyright material illegally. By using Netflix VPN, you can access geo-restricted content that you would otherwise be unable to access.
Also, Netflix does not ban users who use a VPN, but you will be unable to watch anything on the streaming platform if Netflix detects that you are using a VPN.
You must note that even though the use of a VPN is not illegal, you must check with the laws of your country. So if you are outside of the USA and want to use Netflix with a VPN, you must check with the country or region’s laws.
What will Happen if Netflix Detects the Use of a VPN?
According to Netflix’s terms and conditions, the consequence of using a VPN is account restriction or termination. However, the streaming platform is not known to enforce these rules. Netflix would much instead retain a paying customer than lose out on a subscription because of any other reason but piracy.
Should you Use VPN?
It depends on you. You can use a good VPN if you want to access geo-blocked content and watch movies or series from other regions. Also, a VPN can solve buffering issues and ensure a quality streaming experience.
When choosing a VPN, steer clear from the free ones. They do more harm than good.