It is no secret that Netflix has a serious problem when it comes to the availability of its content libraries. The content library at Netflix is seriously changed as one moves from one location to another. This is because of geo-restrictions on content.
Adding fuel to the fire, if you’re not in the US, the amount of content you can access on Netflix is severely limited. The US library is amongst the biggest available on Netflix. Compared to this, the US version of Netflix had 4400 movies while the UK version only had 2400, as found by statistista in 2019.
However, we have great tidings for the binge-watchers here. There is a workaround that unlocks Netflix’s geo-blocked content. You just need to sign up for a VPN that is known to work with Netflix. Since there are quite a few VPNs available today, read on to discover how to choose a VPN!
What is a VPN and how can it help you?
The acronym VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It is a ‘network’ of servers placed around the globe by the VPN service provider. When you sign up for a VPN service, your internet traffic is routed through an encryption tunnel before you actually connect to the internet.
The encryption tunnel changes your IP address before you get to the internet. The IP address is your online identity that’s not associated with a name but rather with a location. So, signing up for a VPN basically changes your IP address, and thereby, your location.
You can now access any content that’s allowed for streaming in your ‘new’ location. If you sign up for a VPN that’s identified and blocked by Netflix, you’ll have to fix the proxy error by Netflix continuing streaming.
In short, a VPN changes your location, to any server you choose from the list of available servers. But just streaming isn’t all a VPN allows you to do. Once your identity on the internet is hidden, you’ll be much safer from targeted ads, identity theft, and malware attacks.
How to Choose the Right VPN for You?
With the huge number of VPNs available right now, it might be confusing when deciding on one. They all offer almost similar functionality and money-back guarantees. So, the best way to decide upon a VPN is to look at 3 defining factors.
#1 Speed
First and foremost, you need to consider the speed, more specifically, the download speed a VPN offers. Speed is crucial because while using a VPN, we are connecting first to the servers and then to the internet. This means a lot of bandwidth gets spent during the rerouting. To overcome this loss of speed, you’ll need a VPN that offers the most speed. Always.
Amongst the best VPN providers, the speed offered is done keeping in mind the buffering and download requirements of the users. If you’re looking for a VPN, it’s best to remember how much bandwidth is required. As a rule of thumb, remember that streaming requires a minimum of 3MBps download speed for video resolution up to 720p. If you’re trying to stream HDR or 4k, the required speed is at least 25MBps.
Also, it’s always advised to sign up for unlimited bandwidth. Limited bandwidth means your account will be suspended if you’ve reached your bandwidth limit. And we don’t want that.
#2 Servers
If you’re looking to opt for a VPN, looking at the number of servers they offer is also a great idea. Since a VPN will usually have many users trying to connect at the same time, a limited number of servers can get clogged very quickly. This would mean you can’t connect unless there is enough space available on the server.
More servers, especially if they’re placed at different locations around the globe mean you can connect to more locations, which ultimately translates to more available content. Simply put, if a VPN just has servers in Europe, you can only change your IP to that of a location in Europe and so, you won’t be able to view the US version of Netflix on them.
More servers also provide social proof since a large user base would require a larger network of servers, so more servers mean more people are using the service.
The last reason why servers are important is that Netflix is constantly trying to block VPN servers. This means any server recognized by Netflix will be blocked and you won’t be able to use it for streaming. A larger number of servers provide more options to the users to try and bypass Netflix’s restrictions.
Wrapping it Up
If you’re looking for a reliable VPN, it’s best you choose one that provides great speed and a larger number of servers.
However, another important factor to consider would be the privacy policy. Usually, all VPNs have the same privacy policy, but understanding what data a service provider can access will make sure your personal data is kept safe.