Geo-restrictions limiting Netflix libraries by region are the bane of subscribers worldwide. According to Netflix, these licensing restrictions exist because "content rights are country specific". However, using the right proxy service allows you to bypass geographic blocking and unlock a world of Netflix content.
In this detailed guide, we will explore everything you need to know about accessing restricted Netflix titles worldwide using fast and reliable proxy servers in 2023. You‘ll also learn how proxies differ from VPNs for streaming, along with tips on choosing the top proxy providers for accessing global Netflix libraries without buffering or lag.
The Frustrating World of Netflix Geo-restrictions
It‘s no secret that Netflix restricts their vast libraries by country. Subscribers in the US can access over 5,800 titles while neighboring Canada only gets around 3,600 shows and movies. The available Netflix catalog varies hugely across regions based on what content licenses they‘ve obtained in each country.
Netflix has over 230 million paid memberships worldwide as of Q3 2022 [Source: Statista]
The reason for these geo-blocks? Licensing agreements. Netflix claims "content rights are country specific" meaning the shows and movies they can offer depends on the deals they‘ve struck with producers and distributors in each region.
Of course, this fragmentation frustrates users who find themselves blocked from titles available in other Netflix libraries. That‘s where using proxies come in.
How Proxies Unblock Geo-Restricted Netflix Content
Proxy servers act as an intermediary that masks your real location between your device and the internet. When you connect to Netflix through a proxy, the streaming site sees the proxy server‘s IP address instead of your own.
This fools Netflix into thinking you are accessing it from the proxy‘s location. As a result, you can view the Netflix library of whatever region your proxy is based in.
For example, connecting to a UK proxy server will make Netflix believe you are accessing it from London. Thus, you‘ll be able to stream shows in the British Netflix catalog which has over 4,500 unique titles.
Connecting through a UK proxy provides access to Netflix UK and its geo-restricted British TV shows
Properly executed, this technique allows you to circumvent the frustrating restrictions imposed by Netflix based on your geographic location.
Why Use a Proxy Over VPN for Netflix?
Both proxies and VPNs can be used to access geo-restricted content on Netflix. However, proxies have some key advantages:
- Faster speeds – There is no VPN encryption involved. Proxies provide a more direct connection to Netflix which reduces lag and buffering issues.
- Cheaper – Proxy subscriptions start from as low as $2 per month compared to $10+ for most VPNs.
- Avoid IP blocks – Netflix aggressively blocks IP ranges of known VPNs. Rotating proxy IPs are harder to identify.
- No traffic limits – Most VPNs have data caps. Proxies offer unlimited bandwidth for binge watching.
- No impact on other traffic – With split-tunneling, proxies only apply to sites you configure them for.
The Top 4 Proxy Services for Unblocking Netflix
| Proxy Service | Speed | Locations | Pricing | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bright Data | 1 Gbps | 195 countries | From $10/GB | Fastest speeds. Widest location coverage. Unlimited bandwidth. | No free trial. |
| GeoSurf | Average | 130 countries | From $2.97/month | Cheapest residential proxies. 7-day money-back guarantee. | Fewer location options. |
| Oxylabs | Above average | 180+ countries | Pay as you go | Granular targeting by city/ISP. 7-day free trial. | No unlimited plans. |
| Smartproxy | Average | 100+ countries | From $75/month | Backconnect technology. Unlimited data usage. | Limited country selection. |
Based on speed, reliability and location diversity, Bright Data stands out as the best proxy service for unblocking and streaming Netflix content worldwide.
Next, we‘ll take a closer look at Bright Data proxies and how they provide an elite solution for accessing any Netflix library.
Bright Data – Blazing Fast Proxies for Maxing Netflix
Boasting over 72 million residential IPs worldwide, Bright Data is in a league of its own when it comes to Netflix proxy services.
Here‘s why it beats the competition:
- Sheer speed – Bright Data proxies are hosted on up to 1 Gbps connections, providing the fastest Netflix streams. No more buffering or grainy video quality.
- Broadest Netflix access – With servers in 195 countries across North America, Europe, Australia, Asia and South America, you can access every major Netflix library.
- Frequently rotated IPs – IPs are changed every ~5 minutes making it almost impossible for Netflix to block them.
- Unmetered bandwidth – No caps on data usage each month. You can binge Netflix endlessly.
- Optimized for streaming – Bright Data uses intelligent routing and caching to deliver perfect Netflix streaming.
- Easy to set up – Browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome make using Bright Data proxies a breeze.
The residential proxy plans are affordably priced starting at $10 per GB. Bright Data also offers a free account with limited locations that lets you test it out before upgrading.
For Proxy Netflix like a pro, Bright Data is hands-down the top service in 2023.
Get Started with Bright Data‘s Blazing Fast Proxies Now
How to Set Up Bright Data Proxies for Netflix
Using Bright Data to unlock Netflix worldwide is a straightforward 3-step process:
Step 1: Sign up for a Bright Data account. Download the browser extension for Chrome or Firefox.
Step 2: Choose a residential proxy location that matches the Netflix library you want, like United States, United Kingdom, France etc.
Step 3: Connect to the proxy and head to Netflix. Enjoy streaming shows and movies exclusive to that country!
And that‘s all there is to it! Bright Data‘s browser extensions make proxy setup seamless. Just pick the desired country and start watching Netflix as if you were in that region.
The Bottom Line
Geo-restrictions don‘t have to limit the Netflix content you can access. Using a fast and reliable proxy service like Bright Data lets you unlock Netflix worldwide.
Proxes beat VPNs when it comes to streaming due to faster speeds, unlimited bandwidth and affordability. For the best Netflix proxy experience, we highly recommend Bright Data and its global residential proxies.
Unblocking geo-blocked Netflix content is perfectly legal across most regions. Some streaming platforms like Hulu do explicitly prohibit the use of VPNs and proxies however.
So unlock your Netflix experience in 2023 using Bright Data‘s blazing fast proxies. Bid goodbye to geographic limitations and gain access to the full Netflix catalog from anywhere!
