Does Netflix Work with Hotspot Shield? (Tested 2024)

Reading time: 6 min

Updated on November 11, 2024

Written by Joel Timothy Online Privacy Advocate

Different countries host different Netflix content, so some shows and movies are only available in specific locations. This is due to broadcasting regulations and copyright laws.

A VPN like Hotspot Shield can technically change the appearance of your device’s location, which could let you view Netflix content from other countries. However, this goes against the Netflix subscriber agreement, and could be breaking copyright law. My team and I don’t condone this behavior.

To protect its content, Netflix actively blocks VPNs. If you want to watch Netflix with a VPN to keep your activity private and your data secure, only a few work. Our global team ran tests and found ExpressVPN is the best choice for Netflix, with high-level security and fast connection speeds. You can try ExpressVPN with Netflix risk-free for 30 days. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Watch Netflix with ExpressVPN

Does Hotspot Shield VPN work with Netflix US?

To stream Netflix US, Hotspot Shield states you need a premium subscription. Though the free version of the VPN still connects you to a US server, you will get an IP range that isn’t compatible with Netflix.

You can currently get a premium subscription using a discount of 76% off the original price. From there, you can go ahead and try out the service.

Connected using premium subscription servers, Hotspot Shield works seamlessly with Netflix US.

If you do encounter any problems, customer services recommend you disconnect and connect again to get a working IP range. However, during use, we didn’t experience any issues even after many disconnections.

Does Hotspot Shield work with other Netflix Libraries?

Netflix UK?

Streaming on Netflix UK with Hotspot Shield requires trial and error. You may have to disconnect and reconnect to change your IP range. Sometimes the VPN will work, and other times it won’t.

Some UK servers we tested couldn’t avoid the Netflix Proxy Error

After some trial and error, we were able to watch Netflix UK with Hotspot Shield

Netflix Canada, France, Germany?

Unfortunately, our international team of testers found Hotspot Shield usually doesn’t work with Netflix. Only testers in the US and the UK had consistently working servers.

Alternatives for Watching Netflix

If streaming on Netflix has become a little too complicated, you can still enjoy the shows you want using a different platform.

1. Try torrenting the shows you want

Torrenting has remained popular because users can always get any Movie or TV Show free and in HD. Many sites let you download torrents with a torrent client.

However, many torrent sites are blocked by ISPs in various countries, and you need a VPN to reach them. Additionally, much of the content available is usually pirated. Illegally streaming and hosting copyrighted material can land you in trouble, and so check out our best VPNs for torrenting.

2. Check another streaming site

Netflix is the most popular streaming service, but it’s not the only one. There are many excellent alternatives. The shows you like could be available on Hulu, Prime Video, HBO, etc.

If you don’t have a subscription or aren’t interested in getting one, there are still free options like BBC iPlayer, Popcornflix, Tubi.tv, Crackle, etc.

3. Get a VPN that works with Netflix

If Hotspot Shield doesn’t sound or seem like your match, you can always go for a different VPN. Remember that the VPN provides a 45-day money-back guarantee, and so you can get your money back if you are still within that period. Here’s our guide on how to close Hotspot Shield and get a refund.

After that, you can try one of the best alternatives below.

Two alternative VPNs that work with Netflix

1ExpressVPN

Unlimited bandwidth
24/7 customer service
Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more
Split tunneling

ExpressVPN is the leader in the VPN industry, and the VPN is a favorite among streaming fans because of its exemplary speeds, and the fact that it consistently works with Netflix. Apart from that, it has an impressive server network of 3,000+ servers in 105 countries worldwide. All these servers offer unlimited bandwidth for streaming.

When it comes to Netflix, ExpressVPN should be your first choice. During tests, our international team found ExpressVPN works with Netflix in more than 20 countries, including Canada, France, Germany, India, Japan, the Netherlands, the UK, and the US.

In each of these countries, there are specific servers dedicated to streaming on Netflix, and you can always contact their live chat support to know which one.

We have a special ExpressVPN coupon that includes a 82% discount for you, and it consists of an extra three months. You will also be covered with a 30-day money-back guarantee in case you wish to cancel your account.

2CyberGhost VPN

Unlimited bandwidth
Ad and malware blocking
24/7 customer service
Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more

CyberGhost VPN is another excellent VPN. The service has dramatically improved in the past year, and it’s now one of the top VPNs. Its server network of 3,700+ servers in 60 countries has more than tripled, and new and excellent clients have complemented this.

CyberGhost has a dedicated streaming mode that works with different streaming services. Each server is optimized for a different streaming service, so you can find the right server in your location that works with your streaming platform. Netflix servers are located in the US, UK, Germany, and France.

Apart from Netflix, CyberGhost works with iPlayer, ESPN, YouTube Red, ZDF, Pandora, Spotify, NBC, Fox, Amazon Prime, etc.

Unfortunately, CyberGhost’s monthly plan is quite expensive. However, you can get a nice discount with the CyberGhost coupon.

What other streaming sites does it work with

Apart from Netflix, Hotspot Shield doesn’t offer much when it comes to streaming. Though there’s always space for trial and error, the VPN doesn’t promise much at the moment.

However, the service is expanding, and compatibility with more popular online services is on the horizon.

Does the Free Hotspot Shield Work With Netflix?

The free version of Hotspot Shield does not work with Netflix. Hotspot Shield actively blocks streaming services from free users to encourage you to upgrade your subscription.

You will need a subscription to stream Netflix. However, Hotspot Shield still offers a 7-day free trial which you can use to test the VPN’s functionality with Netflix. During tests, my team and I found the free trial works with Netflix.

Hotspot Shield General Netflix performance

In terms of the VPN clients, Hotspot Shield VPN is excellent. The VPN only takes a few seconds to get you connected, and we didn’t experience any disconnections during our tests.

When it comes to Netflix, our US colleagues didn’t experience any problems with Netflix US. However, the same can’t be said for other international testers — UK team members needed trial and error, while other testers couldn’t stream Netflix at all. Nevertheless, when connected, you will always get superb speeds to let you stream in HD.