5 Best VPNs to Watch Netflix South Africa (Tested in 2024)
Reading time: 15 min
Updated on August 01, 2024
While Netflix is available almost everywhere, the titles you see can vary by country due to licensing agreements. For example, to access South African Netflix, you need to sign in from South Africa with a local IP address.
A VPN can technically help you change your IP address to appear as though you’re in another country, allowing you to watch that country’s Netflix content. However, this practice violates Netflix’s terms of service and could be considered copyright infringement, so my team and I do not condone it.
If you need a VPN to stream Netflix in South Africa, many won’t work because Netflix actively blocks VPN IP addresses to protect its licensing agreements. However, my teammates in South Africa found a few VPNs that worked reliably. I recommend ExpressVPN, as it consistently works with Netflix SA and offers excellent speeds for smooth streaming. 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.
Stream Netflix with ExpressVPN
Quick Guide: Best VPNs for Streaming Netflix South Africa
- ExpressVPN — I highly recommend ExpressVPN because it provides fast speeds for lag-free Netflix streaming in South Africa.
- CyberGhost — Hosts streaming-optimized servers for Netflix that provide fast speeds and an uninterrupted streaming experience.
- Private Internet Access — Has a huge server network to watch Netflix without congestion.
- NordVPN — Secure servers and a large network, but it struggles to work with other streaming services.
- Surfshark — Fast speeds, but its server network is more limited than most options on this list.
Important! My team and I don’t condone copyright infringement or breaking Netflix’s terms of service. All the recommended VPNs have strict zero-logs policies, so they can’t keep track or see your online activities. It’s up to you to use your VPN responsibly and follow all rules and regulations.
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.
The Best VPNs for Watching Netflix From South Africa
1. ExpressVPN — Instantly Watch Netflix From South Africa Without Interruptions
Key Features:
- 3,000+ servers in more than 105 countries, optimized for HD streaming
- Blazing-fast speeds for streaming 4K content without buffering
- Allows you to stream Netflix on 8 devices simultaneously
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and more
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is the best VPN for watching Netflix South Africa. It has local servers that work consistently, as it regularly updates its IP addresses. This ensures you can always access your favorite shows, regardless of the IP address you’re assigned.
I was delighted by ExpressVPN’s exceptional performance on my thorough speed tests. It gave me breakneck speeds on nearby and distant servers, with a maximum performance drop of no more than 5%. I could stream Netflix in HD without buffering, even while connected to distant servers.
You can use ExpressVPN on up to 8 devices simultaneously. It has dedicated apps on all major platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, some smart TVs, and routers. If ExpressVPN doesn’t support your device (like PS4 or Xbox), you can set it up on your router or use its MediaStreamer feature, which lets you stream Netflix on devices not normally compatible with VPNs.
Apart from that, ExpressVPN provides airtight security with the following features:
- AES 256-bit encryption makes you untraceable and unhackable on the web.
- Split tunneling lets you route some traffic via a secure VPN tunnel while keeping other traffic connected to the internet. This way you can access sensitive information like your bank account without having to encrypt your entire connection.
- A kill switch disconnects your device from the internet if the connection to the virtual server drops for any reason, preventing your IP address from getting exposed at all costs.
- IP and DNS leak protection ensures that your real IP address and browsing history remains anonymous at all times. I tested over 30 servers and found none of them leaked data and were completely secure.
Subscribing to the most premium VPN on the market can be a bit expensive for budget-conscious users. For such users, I recommend getting its % discount plan for as low as per month.
Test ExpressVPN out for yourself risk-free. If you don’t feel it’s right for you, you can get a full refund within the 30-day money-back guarantee period. I tested its refund policy first-hand and got my money back in just 4 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.
ExpressVPN works with: Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Discovery+, YouTube TV, Hulu, Paramount+, BBC iPlayer, Sling TV, HBO Max, Peacock, Showtime, Kodi, and more!
ExpressVPN works on: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, routers, Chrome, Kindle, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Smart TVs.
Stream Netflix with ExpressVPN
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 — Dedicated Netflix Servers to Stream Reliably
Key Features:
- 11,670+ servers in over 100 countries, with specialized streaming servers for Netflix
- Excellent speeds that provide buffer-free HD Netflix streaming
- Stream Netflix on 7 devices simultaneously
- Works on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and more
- 45-day money-back guarantee
CyberGhost is one of the best VPNs to watch Netflix and stream your favorite content. It has streaming-optimized servers for several platforms to ensure lag-free streaming. But these servers aren’t available in South Africa, but there are regular servers that work with Netflix.
Throughout my speed tests, CyberGhost gave me excellent speeds even on relatively distant servers. However, I got performance drops of up to 12% when I connected to a distant server in Australia. This didn’t concern me, however, as local CyberGhost servers were fast enough to stream Netflix without lag.
You can stream Netflix on up to 7 simultaneously, which means it’s perfect for your friends and family to use as well. I simultaneously used it on my Windows PC, Macbook, iPhone, iPad, and Android phone to stream content, and it worked without any hiccups. You can even set it up on a compatible smart TV to watch movies with your family.
As far as security goes, CyberGhost includes top-of-the-line features to ensure maximum privacy.
- AES 256-bit encryption that makes your device virtually impenetrable.
- Strict no-logs policy so whatever you do on the internet is none of CyberGhost’s business.
- Choose between OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2 protocols, all of which provide fast speeds without compromising on security.
The one drawback of using CyberGhost is that its monthly plan is expensive. I recommend its budget-friendly 2-year + 2 months plan if you want to get a VPN for the long-term for as low as per month.
Signing up for a long-term plan isn’t easy, but you can try CyberGhost out risk-free before committing with its 45-day money-back guarantee. I used its 24/7 live chat to initiate my refund request and got my money back in 5 business days without hassle.
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.
CyberGhost works with: BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount+, Discovery+, Crunchyroll, fuboTV, Kodi, and more!
CyberGhost works on: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, routers, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Smart TVs.
Stream Netflix with CyberGhost
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 — Extensive Network to Stream Netflix Without Server Congestion
Key Features:s
- More than 35,000 servers in 91 countries
- Excellent speeds on nearby and mid-range servers for buffer-free Netflix streaming
- Allows unlimited simultaneous device connections
- Compatible with Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, browsers, and more30-day money-back guarantee
Private Internet Access (PIA) is home to one of the most extensive server networks I’ve seen. With over 35,000 servers in 91 countries, you can expect hundreds of servers in South Africa. The customer support agent I spoke to couldn’t give me an exact number but there would likely be enough IP addresses available that haven’t been blocked by Netflix.
It offers great speeds on nearby and mid-range servers, but you might experience some performance drops on distant servers. I initially experienced some buffering while loading an episode on Netflix but not much after that. You might experience more buffering if you have a slow internet connection.
You can use PIA on up to unlimited devices at a time, which is more than you’ll need even if your friends are family use it. Alternatively, you can set it up on a router for everyone to use without it being counted as being used on multiple devices.
Like ExpressVPN, PIA uses top-grade security features to keep your information safe every time you stream Netflix US.
- 256-bit encryption keeps your data safe from prying eyes.
- An automatic kill switch that cuts your internet if the VPN connection drops to keep your data safe.
- Ad blocking to prevent annoying and malicious pop-ups and trackers infecting your device.
PIA is a well-rounded option to stream Netflix without lag in South Africa. Although PIA is an excellent option for a monthly VPN, its monthly plans are a little on the pricey side. However, you can get a maximum discount of when you sign up for its 2-year + 2 months plan.
Before committing, you can test PIA out with its 30-day money-back guarantee and get a full refund if you’re unsatisfied with its performance. I initiated my refund request by submitting a ticket on its website and got my money back in 6 working 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 Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
PIA works with: HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Canal+, CBC, Crunchyroll, Vudu, UKTV, Yle, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, 9Now, Showtime, and more!
PIA works on: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, routers, Kindle, Chrome, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Smart TVs.
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
How to Watch Netflix From South Africa in 3 Easy Steps
- Get a premium VPN. ExpressVPN is my #1 pick for its blazing-fast speeds and reliable servers that always work with Netflix.
- Connect to a server. Selecting a server closest to your physical location will give you the best streaming speeds.
- Start streaming! You can now watch all your favorite shows and movies on Netflix without being spied on.
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.
Comparison Table: 2024’s Best VPNs for American Netflix in South Africa
| Server Network | Best Plan | Speed drops on distant servers | MediaStreamer Feature | |
| ExpressVPN | 3,000+ server in 105 countries | a month with the 2-year + 4 months free plan | 5% | ✔ |
| CyberGhost | 11,670+ server in 100 countries | a month with the 2-year + 2 months plan | 12% | ✘ |
| PIA | 35,000+ server in 91 countries | a month with the 2-year + 2 months plan | 18% | ✘ |
| NordVPN | 6,300+ server in 111 countries | $2.99 a month with the 2-year + 3 months plan | 20% | ✘ |
| Surfshark | 3,200+ server in 100 countries | $1.99 a month with the 2-year + 4 months plan | 20% | ✘ |
How I Tested and Ranked the Best VPNs for Netflix in South Africa
I looked for the following features when picking out the best VPNs for streaming Netflix in South Africa.
- Fast servers for high-resolution streaming with minimal loading times.
- Extensive server network with plenty of local IP addresses to watch Netflix reliably.
- Reliable security, including state-of-the-art 256-bit encryption standards and protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN that provide airtight security without compromising performance.
- A money-back guarantee to try the service with zero risk.
- 24/7 support to help you find relevant servers for streaming 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.
FAQs: Watching Netflix From South Africa With a VPN
Is it legal to use a VPN to watch Netflix US in South Africa?
This is a gray area. While it’s not illegal, it’s against Netflix’s Terms of Service to use a VPN to watch Netflix US in South Africa. In some cases, it might go against copyright agreements if you’re watching content that’s not licensed in South Africa. Keep in mind that Netflix uses anti-VPN technology that detects if you’re using a VPN. There are no recorded cases of someone being banned from Netflix for doing this, though.
Can I watch Netflix South Africa from abroad?
Yes, it’s technically possible but it’s against Netflix’s Terms of Service to use a VPN to watch Netflix South Africa from another country. All the VPNs we recommend for watching Netflix South Africa have strict no-logs policies and won’t track or store your online activities, so it’s 100% your responsibility to use a VPN with netflix responsibly. My team and I don’t condone violating any local regulations or Netflix’s terms and conditions.
What else can a VPN do?
A top VPN like ExpressVPN is great for streaming privately and without buffering. But that’s not all. You can also use a VPN for torrenting files safely via P2P-optimized servers. This is possible because a VPN makes your internet traffic invisible to your ISP (internet service provider).
Remember that torrenting pirated material is illegal — we don’t condone violating any laws. Therefore, make sure you’re not breaching any copyright laws while torrenting.
Connecting your device to a VPN adds a layer of security, which is particularly beneficial if you’re using public WiFi. It encrypts your internet traffic, making it virtually impossible for hackers to get their hands on your confidential data, such as credit card details.
Can I use a free VPN to watch Netflix in South Africa?
It’s possible, but even the best free VPNs have limitations. After testing several free VPNs, I found that some:
- Don’t work reliably with Netflix and other streaming services.
- Limit your download speeds and bandwidth, which causes lag or interruptions in your connection.
- Take advantage of your personal data to share with third parties.
- Sell your bandwidth to premium users without permission.
- Force targeted ads on websites you visit.
Avoid all these issues and try CyberGhost risk-free for 45 days. This gives you almost a month to binge-watch shows and movies. Follow this 3-step guide to install it on your device so you can stream Netflix. If you’re unsatisfied with its performance, you can quickly request a refund via its 24/7 live chat and get a full refund within a week.
Stream Netflix with CyberGhost
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.
Watch Netflix in South Africa With a Premium VPN
Many VPNs claim to work with Netflix in South Africa, but most actually don’t. Some don’t even have any servers in the country while others have tons with IP addresses that have been blocked by Netflix. This is why my teammates and I tested dozens of VPNs to find a few that work with the platform in South Africa.
After intense testing, we found a few. ExpressVPN came out on top as all its South African servers tested by my colleagues had working IP addresses with blazing-fast speeds. You can test ExpressVPN completely risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can easily claim a full refund if you aren’t satisfied with its performance.
Summary — Best VPNs for Watching Netflix in South Africa
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.
Leave a Comment
Cancel