Does Avira Phantom VPN Pro Work with Netflix? Tested 2024
Reading time: 15 min
Updated on February 29, 2024
Netflix offers different content in different countries due to copyright and broadcasting regulations. For example, 30 Rock is only available on Netflix US, as legal agreements prevent it from being shown elsewhere. Netflix checks your IP address to see if you’re in the right broadcast location and only shows you content you can legally watch.
A VPN is an app that can change the appearance of your IP address, which technically means you could use a VPN to watch Netflix content from different countries. However, this breaks the Netflix terms of service, and could constitute copyright infringement, which my team and I do not condone.
If you want to watch Netflix with a VPN, and Avira Phantom VPN Pro isn’t working, our global team has found several alternatives. Of these, ExpressVPN is the top choice for Netflix. 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.
Get ExpressVPN for Netflix today
Can Avira Phantom VPN Pro Work With Netflix?
Our US team members tested servers in several US cities including Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, and Chicago, and these servers didn’t work with Netflix. Even Avira Phantom VPN Pro’s specialized streaming server in the US wouldn’t work. During tests, Netflix displayed its global library, but you also may have seen a proxy error message like this:
Pardon the interruption
You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy. Please turn off any of these services and try again. For more help, visit netflix.com/proxy.
Error Code: M7111-5059
My global team and I tested numerous Avira Phantom VPN Pro servers with Netflix, but unfortunately, many, including those in London, Singapore, Mexico, Canada, and Germany, didn’t work as expected. Considering the persistent issues encountered, my conclusion is that Avira Phantom Pro VPN may not effectively work with Netflix. To resolve this matter, you’ll either have to troubleshoot the problem or consider opting for a different VPN service.
How to Troubleshoot Avira Phantom VPN Pro When it Isn’t Working With Netflix
1. Try Torrenting The Shows You Want To Watch
I don’t condone torrenting copyright-protected movies and shows, but there’s no harm in downloading legal content. First, find out if your favorite show is on a public domain list. If it is, it’s safe to download and you can then search which P2P network it’s available on. Otherwise, you risk prosecution.
When downloading shows, it’s best to use a top VPN like ExpressVPN to stay anonymous and avoid cyberattacks. Avira Phantom VPN Pro supports torrenting on all its servers, and I downloaded a 260MB public domain silent film called Tarzan of the Apes in just 3 minutes. My location stayed hidden from unknown seeders, giving me peace of mind while downloading.
2. Try Watching Your Shows On Another Platform
You can find a lot of your favorite Netflix shows on other platforms like Hulu, HBO Max, and Peacock TV. Do a quick Google search and you might also find free alternatives.
For example, at the time of testing Peaky Blinders was available on BBC iPlayer, BritBox, and Amazon Prime Video as well as Netflix. The Terminal starring Tom Hanks can be watched on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Vudu. Since the offerings change frequently, do your own research at the time you’d like to watch a show.
3. Get Another VPN
My favorite solution is to get a tried-and-tested VPN that works with Netflix while keeping your identity private when torrenting or watching shows. If you’ve just bought Avira Phantom Pro VPN, you can cancel your plan within 60 days and get a refund.
I recommend you subscribe to ExpressVPN as it has 3,000+ servers in 105 countries and works reliably with Netflix. It’s also fast enough to stream shows without annoying buffers
Alternative VPNs For Watching Netflix in 2024
1. ExpressVPN — #1 VPN With Lightning-Fast Servers and Top Privacy Features
Key Features:
- 3,000+ streaming optimized servers in at least 105 countries
- Works with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Chromebook, Chromecast, Firefox, Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, smart TVs, Amazon TV, Apple TV, and more
- Watch Netflix on up to 8 devices at the same time
- Fully tested 30-day money-back guarantee on all plans
ExpressVPN is the overall best for Netflix with lightning-fast servers to stream TV shows and movies in UHD. Our international team of testers found ExpressVPN works with more than 20 Netflix libraries around the world.
Most VPNs reduced my baseline speed by around 16% since the data has to travel and slows down slightly due to encryption. With ExpressVPN, my speed only dropped 8%. With such a performance, Netflix shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine played in UHD with zero buffering.
Another advantage is that ExpressVPN has servers in more countries than any other VPN on this list, including Avira Phantom VPN Pro. As a result, ExpressVPN doesn’t experience user congestion, reducing the chance of buffering or interruptions when streaming on Netflix.
If your privacy is important when streaming Netflix with a VPN, ExpressVPN backs its no-log policy with its audited TrustedServer technology. These RAM-based servers collect zero data, so your streams of classics like The Blue Lagoon stay completely private. Plus, its military-grade 256-bit encryption hides your connection to protect you from hackers.
If you decide to download a public domain show that’s not on Netflix, you don’t have to switch to a dedicated torrenting server. All ExpressVPN servers work with popular P2P clients like uTorrent and qBittorrent. I connected to a local server and ExpressVPN kept my IP address, location, and other data hidden from the global network of peers and other third parties.
I also recommend this VPN to beginners because ExpressVPN is super easy to use. It took me just 3 minutes each to download the apps for Android, Windows, and iOS. Once you log in, just tap the huge button to connect automatically or choose a different server. I often log into Netflix on multiple devices, and ExpressVPN’s limit of 8 simultaneous connections lets me watch on different platforms without drop-offs or slowdowns.
The only thing that isn’t as ideal about ExpressVPN is its slightly higher price. The 2-year + 4 months free plan is per month and it’s the VPN’s most affordable option. But after testing all the other VPNs, ExpressVPN is worth the time alone it saves you. It works consistently with Netflix and streams in UHD without making you wait for buffering.
ExpressVPN is also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. So if you buy ExpressVPN for Netflix and you change your mind, you can easily ask for your money back. I sent a request via live chat, got a response within a minute, and was refunded in 5 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.
Get ExpressVPN's Black Friday Deal! You can subscribe to ExpressVPN for as low as per month + get extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to %)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers Work Reliably with Netflix
Key Features:
- 11,670+ servers in 100 countries, including Netflix-optimized servers
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Chromecast, Firefox, Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, some smart TVs, Amazon TV, Apple TV, and more
- Stream Netflix on 7 devices simultaneously
- 45-day money-back guarantee on the 2-year + 2 months plan
CyberGhost has optimized servers that work with Netflix to stream TV shows like The Gentlemen and Berlin Station. The CyberGhost team tests and updates these servers constantly to ensure they can keep up with anti-VPN blocks on streaming sites. Every Netflix option in CyberGhost’s streaming menu worked perfectly during tests.
It’s helpful that CyberGhost includes specialized high-speed torrenting networks optimized for P2P downloading, since many old public domain classics aren’t available on Netflix. Just expand CyberGhost’s view and click ‘For torrenting’ on the left tab, then select a local server. Within 7 minutes, I was able to download One-Eyed Jacks from 1961 and watched Rio being captured by the rurales in the old west.
Though it’s not as fast as ExpressVPN, CyberGhost’s regular servers came a close second with speeds averaging 75Mbps. That’s fast enough to watch Money Heist in UHD on 3 devices at once with no lag.
If you’re like me and use your VPN on multiple devices, CyberGhost allows up to 7. I didn’t notice a difference whether I connected 1 or all my devices at once. Plus, all its apps for common devices are easy to use. The streaming-optimized servers are arranged by country, but you can just type ‘Netflix’ on the search bar to avoid scrolling.
My only concern with CyberGhost is that its monthly plan costs more than other top Netflix VPNs, and has a shorter refund period. But if you want to get CyberGhost for Netflix, the 2-year + 2 months plan costs just per month. It also includes a generous 45-day money-back guarantee that I can vouch for personally. I submitted my request via 24/7 live chat and got a reply in 2 minutes. I had the money in my bank account just 5 days later.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
2024 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as per month + get an extra 2 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to %)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Large Server Network Allows Congestion-Free Streaming
Key Features:
- 35,000+ servers in over 91 countries
- Supports Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Chrome, Firefox, Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, some smart TVs, Amazon TV, Apple TV, and more
- Connect up to unlimited devices simultaneously
- Trustworthy 30-day money-back guarantee
PIA has one of the largest networks to avoid server congestion causing lag on Netflix. Overloaded servers tend to hamper speed and cause shows to lag. But with over 35,000 servers in 91 countries, I had my pick when the server near me had too many users. The switch to another server instantly boosted my speed by 14% to continue watching Stranger Things without interruptions.
I don’t like to keep logging in and out of my VPN when using multiple devices to watch Netflix content. Fortunately, PIA lets you use a maximum of unlimited platforms at the same time. I still had steady connections even while streaming Glass Onion on the maximum number.
There are streaming-optimized servers in 9 locations. These unblocked Netflix in the US, UK, Italy, Japan, and Germany. But unlike CyberGhost’s optimized servers, PIA’s aren’t for specific streaming services. So you can watch Peaky Blinders on several different platforms like Netflix and BBC iPlayer without switching servers if you’re from the UK.
There are streaming-optimized servers in 9 locations, but unlike CyberGhost’s optimized servers, PIA’s aren’t for specific streaming services. During testing, both optimized and regular PIA servers worked with Netflix.
To try PIA with Netflix, I recommend the 2-year + 2 months plan. It’s per month and comes with a legitimate 30-day money-back guarantee. I got a reply 1 day after I sent an email with my PIA order number asking for a refund. 2 weeks later, I got my money back.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
2024 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as per month + get an extra 2 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to %)! This is a limited offer, so grab it now before it's gone! See more information on this offer here!
4. NordVPN — Premium VPN With Cheap Prices on Long-Term Plans
Key Features:
- Short and long-term subscriptions available
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 6,300+ global servers in 111 countries
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Protect up to 10 devices at once
NordVPN is one of the best VPNs on the market — and you can get super cheap prices when you sign up for a long-term subscription. One thing to note, however, is that when it’s time to renew your subscription, prices do increase quite significantly.
I was particularly impressed with the high performance of every server I tested. Just because a VPN has thousands of servers doesn’t mean they all work. Servers can still struggle to work — and some can even fail to connect completely. However, NordVPN’s servers work with Netflix for smooth, buffer-free streaming.
I did, however, have issues with using NordVPN’s native Fire TV app. Although it mostly worked with Netflix, it sometimes had issues and kept crashing. I also found that NordVPN’s user interface for desktop devices was less user-friendly than ExpressVPN and CyberGhost.
NordVPN has the following security and privacy features:
- AES 256-bit encryption
- kill switch that cuts your internet access if your connection to a VPN server drops suddenly
- built-in ad and malware blocker, so you don’t need a third-party ad blocker
- fully audited no-logs policy (audited by PwC) – NordVPN doesn’t store any personal or identifying data while you’re connected to the VPN
In addition, NordVPN includes Threat Protection that protects you from viruses, infected websites, and trackers – and it works whenever you have the NordVPN app open, even if you’re not connected to a VPN server.
With plans that cost as little as $2.99 per month, it's easy to find a NordVPN subscription plan that suits your needs. You can also stream, torrent, and browse for free for up to 30 days with its money-back guarantee. I tested this to ensure that you’ll really get your money back. At first, the support team tried to give me an extended trial period — but they initiated my refund right away after I told them I wasn’t interested in the extension. I got my money back in 6 business days.
NordVPN works with: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, SkyTV, HBO Max, SHOWTIME, DAZN, ESPN, YouTube TV, and more
NordVPN works on: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Windows Phone, Chromebook, Linux, Chrome, Firefox, Fire Stick, and Android TV
5. Surfshark — Best Value for Money with Unlimited Device Connections and Fast Speeds
Key Features:
- Short and long-term plans available
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- 3,200+ global servers in 100 countries
- No bandwidth restrictions
- Connect unlimited devices at once
Surfshark offers the best value for money out of every premium VPN on the market. You can connect an unlimited number of devices with a single subscription, which means you can use Surfshark on all your devices without getting logged out.
I tested Surfshark’s simultaneous connections on 2 PCs, 2 phones, a Fire Stick 4K, and an iPad. My connection remained reliable on all 6 devices. Even while I was actively streaming on all my devices, my average speed was 112 Mbps — fast enough for UHD quality.
When I saw the price of this service, I thought it couldn’t possibly have top-grade security features for such a low price, but I was pleasantly surprised.
Surfshark has the following security and privacy features:
- AES 256-bit encryption on all devices, with ChaCha encryption available for Android users
- Wireguard VPN protocol enabled by default
- diskless, RAM-only servers to protect your privacy (no data can be physically extracted from any servers)
- kill switch (although this isn’t enabled by default)
- IP and DNS leak protection
Surfshark offers two-factor authentication (2FA) on your account. This feature requires you to enter an extra code before you can log in to ensure that only you can access your account.
While Surfshark does have slightly fewer global servers than rivals such as CyberGhost and PIA, I didn’t experience any issues during my tests. I easily connected fast working servers every time, and I had excellent speeds for streaming, downloading torrents, and browsing the internet.
You can try Surfshark for yourself with the 30-day money-back guarantee. It has plans that cost as little as $1.99. Requesting a refund is easy with Surfshark’s live chat feature. Although the support team asked why I wanted to cancel my subscription, I had no problem getting my money back (and it only took 4 days!).
Surfshark works with: Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, Sling TV, Hotstar, HBO Max, DAZN, and more
Surfshark works on: Windows, Mac OS, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire Stick, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, Android TV, Kodi, and selected routers
Why Some VPNs Don’t Work With Netflix
When you log into your Netflix account, you see TV shows and movies based on your IP address — this is a number that identifies your device on the internet and shows your global location. For instance, certain UK shows may not be available if you’re in the US, Mexico, or other countries.
Like all streaming services, Netflix does this to protect its licensing agreements. VPNs can change the appearance of an IP address to allow those from unauthorized regions to access its content. This violates Netflix’s contracts with content distributors and can be considered copyright infringement, which is why the site blocks VPN connections.
Why Netflix Is Better With A VPN
A VPN lets you watch safely on free WiFi networks. It also encrypts your data and keeps you anonymous anytime you’re connected to the internet, preventing hackers from seeing your connection.
Additionally, some public networks in offices and schools block Netflix to keep everyone productive. Using a VPN lets you stream Netflix by connecting to the web through a server outside of the local firewall.
Does Avira Phantom VPN Pro Work With Other Streaming Sites?
Avira Phantom VPN Pro works with some streaming sites like Peacock TV and Sling TV. But it doesn’t work with Netflix or other sites like Hulu, Max, DAZN, BBC iPlayer, or Amazon Prime Video.
As streaming sites become more efficient at blacklisting VPNs and proxy servers, Avira Phantom VPN Pro needs to upgrade its network to work with other services. That’s why ExpressVPN is a much better option — its servers are regularly updated and reliable.
How to use a VPN for Netflix?
- Download a top VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN as it’s one of the best VPNs for Netflix.
- Connect to a server. Your VPN will automatically select the best option for fast speeds and a reliable connection.
- Log into your Netflix account. You can start streaming without interruption.
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.
FAQs on Avira Phantom VPN Pro and Netflix
Can I use a proxy service with Netflix instead of Avira Phantom Pro VPN?
No, most proxy services don’t work with Netflix as they are easily identified and blocked by Netflix’s proxy detection technology. Only the top VPNs for Netflix work reliably with the streaming service.
Proxy servers are also known to keep logs, so the proxy operator and other third parties can see information like your IP address, location, and browsing activities. Dishonest proxy owners have been caught selling data in the past and it can leave you vulnerable to even bigger security problems.
Finally, proxy servers only protect traffic from your browser or other specific apps. On the other hand, a VPN encrypts everything that’s sent from your device to keep you anonymous and safe from hackers regardless of what you’re doing online.
The only proxy service I recommend is ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer. This is one of the best tools for setting up a connection on your smart TV, game console, or other device that doesn’t support a VPN, so you can stream Netflix. It’s reliable and comes free with your ExpressVPN subscription but doesn’t encrypt your online traffic.
Can I watch Netflix with Avira Phantom VPN free?
No, it doesn’t work reliably. Even if you can stream Netflix for a little while, the free version limits data to 500MB per month, and you’ll find similar restrictions on even the best free VPNs out there. This isn’t enough to watch even a single episode of an hour-long series in standard definition, let alone stream an entire movie in UHD.
While Avira’s free VPN lets you connect to an impressive 1400 servers in over 30 countries, every single server our global team tested was slow. This makes it impossible to use Avira Phantom VPN free to watch TV shows or movies on Netflix without buffering.
I also found that, unlike all the other VPNs on this list, Avira Phantom VPN free doesn’t give you any customer support. This is quite annoying if you just want to clarify some details before upgrading to pro.
This is why I recommend using a premium VPN like CyberGhost for free by taking advantage of its money-back guarantee. You’ll be able to watch Netflix with fast speeds for streaming, and use all the essential privacy and support features. When you no longer need the VPN, cancel your subscription within 45 days, and you’ll get your money back
Final Word on Watching Netflix With Avira Phantom VPN Pro
Avira Phantom VPN Pro doesn’t work with Netflix anymore, and after testing it extensively I’ve concluded that there are no special settings or configurations to make it work. The only solution is to torrent, watch your favorite show on another platform, or use a different VPN.
ExpressVPN constantly updates its servers so you can watch Netflix without issues. But besides that, it’s so fast that you won’t even notice that a VPN is turned on with perfect lag-free TV shows and movies even in UHD. Plus, when you get ExpressVPN for Netflix it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee so your purchase is risk-free.
Summary: Best VPNs for Netflix in 2024
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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