There is nothing better than spending a lazy summer evening watching Netflix. However, all your binge-watching plans can be ruined when you find out Netflix is blocking you from watching your favorite series on their US site.
You were using TunnelBear to circumvent that issue – you thought your VPN software should work just fine for that!
That’s not Tunnelbear’s fault though. Netflix has been cracking down on VPN service providers like crazy this past couple of years. They really don’t want you to access media that is blocked or unavailable in your country.
TunnelBear is one of the most reliable VPNs around and it worked great for a time to unblock US Netflix. However, in recent times the provider has given up on making Netflix available for its users.
But you just want to watch that one show! What can you do now?
How Can Netflix Block VPNs?
VPNs also known as Virtual Private Networks basically route all your data from a server. Usually, when you want to access the site, your internet provider will connect you directly to the website thus giving away your actual IP address.
VPNs act as a middle man, so you connect to a server and that server requests connection to the website on your behalf.
What’s the benefit of that? Well, your personal IP address (and your true location) remains hidden – you seem to the world to be coming from the IP address of the server, wherever it is in the world!
This is exactly how users have been using VPNs to connect to Netflix, fooling it into believing they are in another country. That’s all there is to it when it comes to VPNs connecting to Netflix.
However, when multiple users of the same VPN have a connection to the same server and try to access Netflix that raises a warning flag. Netflix then knows people are using a VPN to access content that is region locked. Then they ban the server’s IP from accessing Netflix, and you are left with the “Streaming Error” screen.
How Can VPNs Win?
Usually, when an IP is blocked, people contact their VPN service provider and complain. The VPN then changes the IP address to something new and users gain access to Netflix. The downside is that Netflix will detect the server IP again and block it once more. This constant cat and mouse game is going to go on until Netflix gets better deals on their content.
TunnelBear, unfortunately, has already given up on this never ending game.
On the other hand, a VPN that is vigilant and fast on changing the server IP address is going to be the best choice for watching Netflix.
Best VPN to Replace TunnelBear
Before early 2016, pretty much any VPN could be used to access Netflix and all was well with the world. And then, Netflix decided to crack down hard on VPNs.
Following that, many VPNs simply bowed out of the IP changing race and stopped advertising their services as the best ones for Netflix. Sadly, TunnelBear was among those who just gave up.
Thankfully, there are some VPN services still fighting the good fight and work perfectly with Netflix.
ExpressVPN is one of those epic warriors who are still changing IPs whenever one gets blocked by Netflix.
Best Alternative to TunnelBear: ExpressVPN
Why use ExpressVPN to unblock Netflix? They’re just the fastest in changing server IP address when one is compromised. This means the Netflix downtime is very minimal and you get almost uninterrupted service.
Here are a few reasons why you should consider ExpressVPN as your workaround to Netflix blocks:
Great Speeds
ExpressVPN provides a great level of connection speed. This means you will be able to stream HD or even 4K videos on Netflix without any issues. Of course, the overall speed depends on your connection as well, so make sure it is good enough and ExpressVPN won’t let you down.
Huge Number of Servers
ExpressVPN has more than 1.500 VPN servers that are situated in 94 countries. This means not only you’ll be able to enjoy content from Netflix US but also from Netflix India, Japan, Canada, Australia and many other regions. You can also use it to access Hulu and Amazon Prime Videos as well.
Secure Connection
The VPN provider is located in the British Virgin Islands and is not even required by the government to store any user information. This means you will have a great level of privacy protection and connection security. The company also has a mandatory “no log storing” policy, making it one of the best choices for online payments.
Available for all your devices
You want a VPN that would work on whatever platform you’ve got.
As Netflix is available on multiple platforms, ExpressVPN is also matching it. You can access Netflix on your phone, tablet, PC or even TV these days. ExpressVPN can be used on almost all of those platforms as well. You can even use it with the latest Android-based Smart TVs.
The VPN service also has dedicated extensions for Chrome, Firefox and Safari internet browsers as well, making it easily accessible.
Console users and those who want to watch Netflix on their streaming boxes can use the MediaStreamer Service provided by ExpressVPN to enjoy the content.
You will be able to have 3 connections at the same time with the same login. ExpressVPN is also compatible with the vast majority of wireless routers.
Great Support
We had to contact ExpressVPN support just once and for a minor issue and were surprised how great their customer support is. They were available with short response times and answered our question in no time. There is a standard online chat you can use, and also a regular e-mail ticket-based support.
Prices
ExpressVPN is certainly not a cheap VPN, however, the stellar service it provides is more than worth it.
It will cost $12.95 each month. $9.99 per month if you opt for the 6-month package or $8.32 for the one year package. These offers net you a sweet discount if you are aiming to use the VPN service for a long time.
One of the best things is that ExpressVPN provides a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can actually test it out thoroughly, and get your money back if it is not for you.
The Does-It-All VPN
When Netflix isn’t working on TunnelBear, when you just want a secure connection or value your privacy above everything else; ExpressVPN is the way to go. Not only does it offer blazing fast connections but it also allows access to any website that is region blocked.
You may have to switch servers if one if currently blocked by Netflix, it is not that big of a deal because switching servers takes seconds. ExpressVPN is dedicated to keeping up with IP address changes and we hope they will continue to do so in the future as well.
Overall, ExpressVPN is an easy recommendation when TunnelBear is not working with Netflix. And now, if you’ll excuse us, we have the new season of Orange Is the New Black to catch.
