Can you watch American Netflix in South Africa? Unfortunately, no. Then, how to watch American Netflix in South Africa? If you want to view your favorite American shows on vacation, use a VPN like ExpressVPN. So, is Netflix in South Africa different? Yes, both are different.
Netflix, the king of streaming, boasts a vast library of movies, shows, and documentaries, but the content you see differs based on your location. While there is minimal difference between American Netflix and Netflix South Africa regarding the number of titles accessible for streaming, the actual TV series and movies offered may differ owing to licensing constraints.
For example, Netflix US offers 1157 TV shows and 4593 movies, and South African Netflix only offers 201 TV shows and 466 movies. Craving the extensive, ever-evolving collection of American Netflix? Don’t fret! A VPN can be your magic portal. Dive into the guide and learn about is US Netflix better than South Africa.
How to Access American Netflix in South Africa (5 Easy Steps)
Follow the steps below on how to watch American Netflix in South Africa:
- Sign up for a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN.
- Install the VPN app on your phone, PC, or streaming device.
- Open the ExpressVPN app, log in, and connect to a server in US.
- Visit Netflix.com, and enjoy streaming American Netflix immediately.
Note: Don’t miss out on ExpressVPN’s exclusive offer –3 extra months FREE on 12-month plan, a saving of 49%!
Why do we need a VPN to Watch American Netflix in South Africa?
Because of geographic limitations, a user cannot access content available in the Netflix US library until he changes location. You may mask your true IP address using a premium VPN on your streaming device.
If you try to access American Netflix in South Africa without a VPN, you will see the following error message:
Whoops, something went wrong
Accessing American Netflix catalog in South Africa will give you error.
So, does a VPN mean you can watch American Netflix? Yes, to change Netflix region to US in South Africa, you must have an IP address from the United States. Not only that, but you’ll need to utilize a top-notch VPN service to get it since this is THE ONLY method to stream Netflix US.
The best VPNs for US Netflix in South Africa: At a Glance
Here, I’ve reviewed the most crucial aspects like speed, reliability, and security features of the best VPNs for streaming US Netflix in South Africa. Do you want a quick overview of the VPN features? Well, begin with ExpressVPN.
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| Website | ExpressVPN.com | Surfshark.com | NordVPN.com |
| Ranking for American Netflix | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Avg Speed (US) | 89+ Mbps | 88+ Mbps | 85+ Mbps |
| US Servers | 15 cities | 25 cities / 600+ servers | 16 cities / 5800+ servers |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 | Unlimited | 6 |
| Other services | HBO, BBC iPlayer, ITV Hub, and others | Hulu, Amazon Prime, Disney+ and others | Hulu, HBO, Amazon Prime, Disney+, ITV Hub, BBC iPlayer, and more |
| Best deal (per month) | $6.67/mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free | $2.49/mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee | $3.99/mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend |
3 Best VPNs to Access American Netflix in South Africa in 2024 (In-depth Analysis)
I have tested 40+ VPNs based on their speeds, US servers, unblocking capabilities, and refund policies and came around to these 3 VPNs that lived up to set criteria. Following are the 3 best VPNs to get American Netflix in South Africa:
1. ExpressVPN – The Best VPN to get American Netflix in South Africa
- Ultra-fast servers in 105 Countries
- Excellent unblocking capability for Netflix, Hulu & more
- Best-in-class encryption trusted security, and advanced protection features that block ads, trackers, and harmful sites.
- Connect up to 8 devices simultaneously
- 24/7 customer support through live chat
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN is the best VPN to get American Netflix in South Africa, thanks to its multiple US servers, fast speeds, and fantastic unblocking capability.
This VPN easily changes your Netflix region using its 23+ US servers to help you enjoy American Netflix in South Africa. Along with bypassing geo-restrictions, ExpressVPN also offers American Netflix in HD quality to its users.
Can I use a VPN to watch American Netflix? Yes, you can access US Netflix content in South Africa with ExpressVPN.
This VPN offers a super-speedy connection that can easily unblock Netflix US and let users enjoy amazing content with no buffering at all.
I conducted an ExpressVPN speed test to confirm this, and experienced a download speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps, the best VPN for streaming, downloading, and gaming, not to mention it also supports torrenting.
You can easily bypass Netflix geo-restrictions in South Africa!
You can enjoy this VPN on multiple operating systems, including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, etc.
ExpressVPN supports best-in-class encryption and security protocols like OpenVPN, L2TP-IPsec, SSTP, and PPTP if we talk about features. You can also enjoy its top-notch security features. You can enjoy ExpressVPN’s kill switch that disconnects you from the internet in case your VPN connection drops.
One feature that no other VPN offers is ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer, which lets you enjoy geo-restricted services without altering your IP address and offering super-fast streaming speeds. DNS leak protection, split tunnelling, and AES 256-bit encryption is also some security features worth mentioning.
To learn more about this service, you can always read ExpressVPN review guide.
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VPNRanks readers can enjoy ExpressVPN with $6.67/mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free! All plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Unbeatable in terms of security and privacy includes a Kill Switch, Split Tunneling
- Enormous network with over 3,000 servers and 105 countries
- Unblocks streaming platforms such as Paramount Plus, American Netflix, Hulu
- Comes with super-fast speeds
- Compatible with Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and more
- Offers 24/7 live chat support
- Doesn’t come with a free version
2. Surfshark – Budget-friendly VPN to unblock American Netflix in South Africa
- 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
- RAM-only servers (no hard disks)
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- Unblocks Netflix and More
- 24/7 Customer Service
Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN to get American Netflix in South Africa. Even with its low-priced subscription, it easily unblocks American Netflix with its 500+ American servers.
Watch US Netflix in South Africa using Seattle server
I conducted a Surfshark speed test, which delivered an impressive download speed of 81.32 Mbps and an upload speed of 76.12 Mbps over a 100 Mbps connection. The speed is adequate for watching American Netflix without any lag or buffer.
This fast speed makes it the best VPN for Netflix USA in South Africa!
Surfshark can be used with multiple devices, including Smart TV, Android phones, Fire Stick, PS4, and more.
Using Surfshark’s US servers, you can easily enjoy NBC, OxygenTV, HBO Max, and PeacockTV in South Africa. You can also enjoy its 3200+ global servers to unblock Disney+ Hotstar, BT Sport, BBC iPlayer, CraveTV, and Voot in the country.
As for security, this VPN offers features like Multi-Hop, camouflage mode, CleanWeb, along AES-256-encryption. Similar to ExpressVPN, Surfshark also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To learn more about this service, you can always read Surfshark review guide.
Exclusive Deal:
VPNRanks readers can enjoy Surfshark for $2.49/mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee! A 30-day money-back guarantee covers all plans.
- Offers 3200+ servers with 500+ in the US
- Comes with unlimited simultaneous connections
- Unblocks streaming platforms such as Paramount Plus, American Netflix, Amazon Prime
- Have security features such as AES-256 encryption and no border mode
- Compatible with all popular devices
- Offers a 30-day refund policy
- Doesn’t offer a free version
3. NordVPN – The Fastest VPN to access American Netflix in South Africa
- 5100+ servers in 60+ countries
- Military-grade encryption (Double VPN encryption)
- CyberSec protects your device from intrusive ads
- Strict no-logs policy
- Automatic Kill Switch
- DNS leak protection
- 6 Multi-logins
- Live chat support
- Easy-to-use app
NordVPN is the fastest VPN to get American Netflix in South Africa. With a huge server network of 6000+ covering almost all parts of the world, including 1970+ in the US, you can enjoy Netflix US easily in South Africa.
Access US Netflix from South Africa using NordVPN!
I conducted a NordVPN speed test. It delivered an average download speed of 83.82 Mbps and an upload speed of 44.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps internet connection, proving the service’s potential to produce lightning-fast speed for uninterrupted streaming.
Start streaming American Netflix in South Africa at this speed!
You can connect this VPN on any device you like to enjoy American Netflix in South Africa. These include Fire Stick, Kodi, Android phones, Roku, Xbox, and more.
NordVPN is a popular choice amongst Netflix users because of its ability to escape detection with its obfuscated technology and security features like Double VPN, CyberSec, AES 256-bit encryption, split tunnelling, Nordlynx, and more to keep users completely secure while accessing Netflix US.
If you don’t bond with the service at any point or need to switch to another service, then you can always cancel your NordVPN subscription anytime.
To learn more about this service, you can always read NordVPN review guide.
Exclusive Deal:
VPNRanks readers can enjoy $3.99/mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend! A 30-day money-back guarantee covers all plans.
- Offers 5100+ servers with 1970+ in the US
- Comes with a 30-day refund policy
- Unblocks streaming platforms such as Paramount Plus, American Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime
- Outstanding privacy and security features like a Kill Switch, and AES 256-bit encryption
- Offers six multi-logins
- Its Windows app is a bit slow
Other VPNs we tested for American Netflix
After evaluating other VPNs that guarantee 100% success in streaming. Nevertheless, my assessment positions ExpressVPN as the top choice, given its outstanding performance.
- PrivateVPN: Delivering high speeds and effortless Netflix access, this VPN emphasizes video quality and privacy through military-grade encryption. However, the 200-server network may affect speed. With 63 global locations, it provides unrestricted access and premium support. ExpressVPN is a superior choice for users valuing extensive server coverage and slightly faster speeds.
- CyberGhost: Beyond the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, this service prioritizes privacy with a strict No-Logs Policy. While proficient in securing seven devices, occasional streaming speed issues may influence viewing smoothness in comparison to ExpressVPN.
- IPVanish: IPVanish stands out for its top-notch security and speed, excelling in unblocking services with unlimited data transfer and 24/7 support. However, when contrasted with ExpressVPN, it may have drawbacks like server speed limitations and limited global coverage, impacting connection speeds and regional access for certain users.
How to Subscribe to American Netflix in South Africa
If you don’t have a Netflix account and looking to sign up for a new account, here’s how to subscribe to Netflix:
- Subscribe to a premium VPN app that works perfectly with Netflix (preferably ExpressVPN).
- Download the VPN app and log in with your credentials.
- Select a fast US server from the list.
- Go to the Netflix Sign Up page from a web browser or Netflix’s mobile app.
- Select the subscription plan that caters to your streaming needs.
- Follow the account registration process and provide the necessary details like your name, email, age, etc.
- Choose your preferred payment method.
- Voila! You have successfully subscribed to Netflix.
- Sign in to your account and start streaming in South Africa!
Things to consider while choosing a VPN for American Netflix in South Africa
I have set up criteria to test and figure out the best VPNs for American Netflix in South Africa. These are the following aspects considered while selecting these VPNs:
- Speed: Fast connection speeds are required for any online activity, but notably for video streaming. Long buffering times and poor resolution are inconvenient. In my most recent connection speed testing, ExpressVPN was one of the fastest VPNs.
- Server Network: Of course, servers in the United States are required when selecting a VPN to access American Netflix in South Africa. A huge server network, on the other hand, can enable access to other video streaming providers in other countries. Furthermore, a big server count guarantees better speeds because no single server would be overburdened with users all attempting to connect simultaneously.
- Value: It would be regrettable to invest your hard-earned money in a VPN just to discover that it does not provide what you require to access American Netflix and engage in other online activities. That’s why I made certain to propose a VPN with a high return on investment.
- Ease of Use: It would also be terrible to choose a VPN just to discover that you can’t figure out how to use its app. All of the VPNs I recommend are easy enough for even inexperienced users to use. Furthermore, having applications for a wide range of devices means that you can watch American Netflix on whatever platform works best for you. NordVPN provides simple applications for a variety of devices.
- Security and privacy: Remember that you want to stay safe while watching American Netflix in South Africa. Banking-level encryption, an automated kill switch, and DNS/IP leak prevention are essential, and a VPN should generally provide more. Furthermore, a stringent no-logs policy ensures that no one can discover what you’ve been up to while using your VPN.
- Streaming: If you enjoy American Netflix, you’re probably interested in streaming from other sites and services. ExpressVPN provides dependable access to major streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, and others.
How to get US Netflix in South Africa on devices
Here’s how you can unblock American Netflix on multiple devices:
How to get American Netflix in South Africa on iOS
Here’s how to watch American Netflix in South Africa on iOS:
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN service like ExpressVPN (It offers 23+ US servers).
- Install the VPN app on your iPhone/iPad and sign in.
- Connect to a US server.
- Once connected, visit Netflix’s app and enjoy Netflix US in South Africa!
How to get American Netflix in South Africa on Mac
Follow the steps on how to watch American Netflix in South Africa on Mac:
- Subscribe to a premium VPN (ExpressVPN is our top recommendation).
- Download the ExpressVPN app on your Mac and log in.
- Connect to a US server from the list of US servers.
- Now, visit Netflix’s website and enjoy its exclusive US library in South Africa!
How to get American Netflix in South Africa on Fire Stick
You can follow the steps on how to watch American Netflix in South Africa on FireStick below:
- Get a trusted VPN provider like ExpressVPN. Use your laptop or Windows PC for this.
- Turn on your Fire Stick and look for ExpressVPN in the search bar.
- Install its app and sign in using your VPN credentials.
- Once you’re done, connect to a US server.
- Visit Netflix’s app once you’re connected and enjoy!
How to access American Netflix in South Africa on Xbox
The steps on how to watch American Netflix in South Africa are as follows:
You can stream American Netflix in South Africa on Xbox using SmartDNS. ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer is a good choice to access American Netflix on Xbox as it does not support VPN installation directly on the device.
- Subscribe to a reliable VPN (ExpressVPN is the top choice).
- Install the VPN app on your computer.
- Go to ExpressVPN’s SmartDNS Settings page and log in.
- Click on ‘Register my IP address’ under the IP address registration option.
- Enable the option that says ‘Automatically register my IP address.’
- After this, you will get your MediaStreamer IP address on the Settings page of ExpressVPN’s website.
- Register your hostname on ExpressVPN. After this, set up MediaStreamer on your Xbox.
- Visit your Xbox One’s settings after launching it.
- In Xbox One’s settings, visit Language & Location. Change your language to English and location to the US.
- Go to Advanced Settings. Click on DNS Settings > Manual.
- Insert the MediaStreamer IP Address there and press ‘B’ on your remote to save those settings.
- Once you’re done, visit Netflix and enjoy its American library on Xbox.
How to get American Netflix in South Africa on PS4
Here are the quick steps to get American Netflix in South Africa on Ps4:
- To start, you need to set up a VPN on your router and connect it to an American server.
- Download the Netflix app on your PS4.
- Visit the ‘TV & Video’ option after this and click on Netflix.
- Click on ‘Yes’ when a download prompt appears.
- Once downloaded, go back to the ‘TV & Video‘ option and select Netflix.
- Sign in to Netflix and enjoy its US library in South Africa.
How to get Netflix US in South Africa on Smart TV
On Smart, you can get Netflix US by following the steps here:
To get American Netflix in South Africa on your Smart TV, you need to install a VPN on your router. After this, follow these steps below:
- Once a VPN is configured on your router, turn on your Smart TV.
- Connect your device to the VPN-enabled Wi-Fi network that’s been configured with its location set to America.
- Open Netflix’s app and log in.
- When you’re done, you will be able to see American Netflix’s library on your screen.
Comparison of Netflix Pricing in South Africa
There are four distinct plans, and they change depending on the country. The Basic with ads, Basic plan, Standard plan, and Premium plan are all available.
Each plan offers a unique set of features and device support. So, pick the one that is right for you and available in your country. With that stated, I have included the numerous Netflix price South Africa options below, along with their individual plans.
| Plan | Price for American Netflix in US dollars | Price for South Africa Netflix in US dollars |
| Basic (with ads) | $6.99/month | $127.48 South African Rand/month |
| Basic | $9.99/month | $182.19 South African Rand/month |
| Standard | $15.49/month | $282.50 South African Rand/month |
| Premium | $19.99/month | 364.57 South African Rand/month |
Netflix US vs. Netflix South Africa
American Netflix has over 5916 titles, while Netflix South Africa only has to offer 667 titles. This means that with Netflix South Africa, you are missing out on so many movies and TV shows.
Also, with a VPN, you can get American content at a low price because you only need to change your region from South Africa to the US instead of getting an American Netflix subscription. Here is the Netflix USA vs South Africa comparison:
| Netflix | Movies | TV Shows | Price |
| Netflix US | 3927 movies | 2619 TV shows | $8.99/mo |
| Netflix SA | 466 movies | 201 TV shows | ZAR 99/mo |
What’s New on American Netflix in South Africa in January 2024
Wondering what is only available on US Netflix? American Netflix usually offers the latest releases, cult classics, and other exclusive titles that you can watch. See the American Netflix shows and movies titles below that you can stream in South Africa and enjoy:
| The Brothers Sun | Boy Swallows Universe |
| Annabelle | Fool Me Once |
| Annie (1982) | Gravity |
| Antz | How to Train Your Dragon |
| Aquaman | It’s Complicated |
| Beethoven | John Wick, chapter 2-3 |
| Bitconned | Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again |
| The Croods | Peppa Pig, Seasons 3–6 |
| Sonic Prime Chapter 3 | You Are What You Eat: A Twin Experiment |
| Queer Eye, Season 8 | Love Is Blind: Sweden (new episodes) |
| Griselda | The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse: Part 1 |
Other Countries Where You Can Stream American Netflix
Here are some more countries where you can stream American Netflix with an ExpressVPN if it is region-blocked
- American Netflix in Bahrain: Bypass Netflix Boundaries Watch USA Exclusives in Bahrain Now!
- American Netflix in Columbia : Enjoy top-tier Netflix content in Columbia with a VPN.
- American Netflix in Czech Republic: Connect to a US server to gain access to ultimate fun.
- American Netflix in Thailand: Elevate Your Streaming Experience as American Netflix Touches Down in Thailand!
- American Netflix in Ukraine: With a VPN Unlock Seamless Entertainment Access.
- American Netflix in Israel: Watch best Netflix content in Israel with a VPN.
FAQs – Get American Netflix in South Africa
How can I watch US Netflix for free in South Africa?
Fortunately, Americans vacationing in South Africa can watch the same stuff they would see at home by using a VPN. When you connect to an American VPN server, you will be assigned a temporary US IP address, allowing you to access your home Netflix collection.
How to watch American Netflix in South Africa without a VPN?
If you don’t want to utilize a VPN, there are a few more options for changing your Netflix location. Smart DNS services are by far the best solution, but you may also utilize a proxy server, remote desktop software, the Tor browser, or try setting up a home VPN server.
How to watch American Netflix in South Africa with a free VPN?
You can watch American Netflix in South Africa with a free VPN the same way as a paid one, but I don’t recommend doing this at all. Free VPNs offer a slow connection speed as their servers are overloaded with users. In addition, they further leak user data to third parties to make money. Therefore, you shouldn’t risk using these VPNs to access American Netflix in South Africa.
Can I use a VPN to watch Netflix for free?
There are two ways to access Netflix freely through a VPN, choose a fully free VPN, such as PrivadoVPN or Windscribe, both known to reliably work with Netflix. Keep in mind that these free VPNs come with limitations like data caps, slow streaming speeds, and a limited number of free servers.
Wrapping up!
So there you have it; this was the guide on how to watch American Netflix in South Africa. Since American Netflix offers the best content library worldwide, it is a must-have for South Africans who can’t even access 50% of these titles in their country.
Accessing Netflix US in South Africa has never been this easy before. You need a reliable, efficient, fast, and privacy-oriented VPN provider for this purpose. All these qualities are available in ExpressVPN. Therefore, it is a recommended choice.
You can get this VPN for just $6.67/mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free to access American Netflix in South Africa.
