What do you love most about Netflix? For me, it’s the fact that I don’t have to go through the pain of waiting a whole week before I can catch the next episode of my favorite show.
Netflix original shows get full season releases allowing me to burn through the episodes in just one night. A decision I always end up regretting the next day when I can’t function properly due to sleep deprivation. But then what do I do the next time a show is released? Yap, you guessed that right?
Now to a different question. What is the one thing you hate about Netflix? If your answer is the geographical restrictions that prevent you from accessing certain titles because of your location, then you are not alone.
The number of movies and shows that you can view on Netflix varies from country to country and unsurprisingly, the US has the best library collection.
So, in this post, we will be showing you how to access American Netflix if you are in Canada.
The Easy Way to Watch Netflix US
The simple solution to viewing the American Netflix if you are in Canada is by using a VPN software.
But there is just one problem.
Almost every VPN vendor currently claims that its product can bypass the Netflix geographical restrictions. This makes choosing the right VPN harder than it should be, especially since these claims are not always true.
Fortunately, we have tested all the available solutions and we can tell you which works best. ExpressVPN. This VPN is operated from the British Virgin Islands and has been working exceptionally well with Netflix.
More on this later but in a nutshell, ExpressVPN offers excellent speed has multiple server locations in the US that you can use and also, they have an amazing customer service.
Netflix US vs Netflix Canada
Coming up with the exact number of shows available in each region is not easy because Netflix is always adding and removing titles every day. However, according to Unogs, an unofficial platform where you can search for Netflix titles, the US has 5,788 titles while Canada has 5,725 titles. That’s a difference of 63. Canada is actually not bad off.
But you have to consider that some of the Canadian titles are not available in the US. Which would consequently mean that the number of titles that are only exclusive to the US is more than 63.
Why Does Netflix Block Content
You have to understand that Netflix does not own most of the content that they show. And, if it was up to them all their titles would be available worldwide.
But that’s not the case. They have to buy streaming rights from movie studios and television networks and sometimes, it happens that these companies already have restrictions as to where their content can be viewed. Netflix has to oblige to avoid infringing copyright laws.
Another reason why Netflix can block content is if the content owners have already sold the rights to another streaming service in the target country.
For instance, if Prime Video has the exclusive rights to show a certain movie in Canada, then the Canadian Netflix cannot stream the same movie. However, the movie will be available on American Netflix as long as Netflix owns the streaming rights there.
Then the other reason that a show or movie may be unavailable in Canada is if there is a low demand for it and thus it does not make economic sense for Netflix to obtain the rights to stream it there. It’s possible for a movie to have massive success in the US but not enjoy the same level of popularity in Canada.
Finally, Netflix can block content if the laws and regulations of a country demand it. Early this year they had to block an episode of the comedy show, Patriot Act, from streaming in Saudi Arabia since it was deemed to be in violation of Saudi’s Cybercrime laws.
Is Unblocking Netflix legal
Well, it’s against the Netflix terms of service but the good news is that you won’t get arrested for doing it.
The bad news is that Netflix has come up with ways of detecting when you are using an unblocker and will consequently prevent you from accessing the site.
This is why we put a lot of emphasis on choosing the right VPN. Specifically one that has a track record of successfully unblocking Netflix without detection.
Hows does a VPN Software unblock Netflix
Every time you connect to the internet, an IP address is assigned to the device that you are using. The IP acts as a unique identification for the device and it’s how the internet knows where to send back the requested data.
Unfortunately, this IP address also contains your location details and that is how Netflix is able to determine where you are connecting from.
However, when you use a VPN, rather than your connection requests being sent directly to the web, they are first routed to the VPN servers where the VPN software will assign you a different IP address based on the country you choose. In our case, it’s the US.
Now when Netflix receives your connection request it will be as if you are in America and voila! That’s how you get in.
Why is ExpressVPN is the Best for Unblocking Netflix in Canada
On their official site, ExpressVPN claims to be the no.1 VPN in the industry. A very bold claim but one which I agree with. And so does the multiple other VPN experts that you may talk to. These are some of the reasons that make them such an excellent option.
Ease of Use
ExpressVPN is really easy to use. Once you install it on the device that you will be using to stream Netflix, all you have to do is click the Choose Location button, select the US server and hit the connect button. Now anyone trying to look you up will see that you are in the US. Including Netflix.
Multiple Device compatibility
ExpressVPN is not only compatible with computers and mobile phones but also, it can be configured on smart TVs, Amazon Firestick and similar devices. Better yet, it can be installed on the router so that any device that you use to connect to the internet is now VPN-protected.
Excellent Streaming speeds
It’s great when a VPN can unblock Netflix but you know what else matters? Your streaming quality. Which is why I find ExpressVPN so appealing. Not only can you stream in full HD but also the effects on your connection speed are so minimal that you will hardly experience any buffering.
This VPN even includes a speed test feature that allows you to check the performance of all the servers so that you can pick one with the best speeds.
Multiple Server Locations
ExpressVPN has 28 server locations in the US. This plays a critical role in evading detection by Netflix since they have many IP addresses to play with.
30-day Money-back Guarantee
What happens when you have been using a VPN for a week and realize it’s not working as you imagined? With ExpressVPN, you simply contact customer support and request a refund. You have a whole month to change your mind about the purchase.
Great Customer Support
There are so many products that I have deliberately refused to purchase due to poor customer service that I cannot keep track. ExpressVPN is not one of them.
They have a live chat option that is available 24/7. And, they take less than a minute to reply.
Therefore, in the event that you can’t unblock Netflix for some reason, you can just reach out to them and they will instantly direct you to the best working server.
Works with other streaming services too
Apart from Netflix you can also use ExpressVPN to access US content for other streaming services like Hulu and Prime video. It also allows you to access BBC iPlayer which is only viewable from the UK.
Added Security
The beauty of using a VPN, not just Express but others too, is that on top of unblocking Netflix, it secures your internet connection.
ExpressVPN comes with some excellent features such as compatibility with OpenVPN, AES 256-bit encryption and a kill switch that will protect your personal data against hackers and advertisers.
Conclusion
Netflix is one of the best streaming services and it’s not fair that you have to miss out on interesting movies and shows just because they have been blocked in Canada.
But until Netflix manages to get worldwide streaming rights for all their titles, which is highly unlikely, we are stuck using VPNs.
Fortunately, we have ExpressVPN which has been more than reliable in unlocking the restricted content.
