Mullvad is one of the most privacy-focused VPNs available, loved by security enthusiasts for its anonymous payment options and strict no-logs policy. But when it comes to streaming, many users ask the same question: does Mullvad VPN work with Netflix?
The honest answer is: sometimes, and it depends on the server. This guide explains what to expect, which servers have the best luck, and what to do if Netflix blocks you.
Why Netflix Blocks VPNs
Netflix has content licensing agreements that differ by country. A show available in the US might not be licensed for the UK, and vice versa. To enforce these agreements, Netflix actively detects and blocks IP addresses associated with VPN servers.
Netflix maintains a constantly updated list of datacenter IP ranges and blocks traffic from them. This is why even good VPNs are not 100% reliable with Netflix. It is an ongoing cat-and-mouse game between VPN providers and Netflix’s detection systems.
Does Mullvad Work with Netflix?
Mullvad does work with Netflix on certain servers, but it is not as consistent as VPNs that are specifically optimised for streaming like NordVPN or ExpressVPN.
Here is what users generally experience:
- Some US servers work reliably for Netflix US
- Results vary week to week as Netflix updates its block lists
- Mullvad does not maintain a dedicated list of streaming-optimised servers
- Mullvad does not officially advertise Netflix unblocking as a feature
- UK Netflix access is hit or miss depending on the specific server
Which Mullvad Servers Work Best for Netflix
Since Mullvad does not publish a streaming server list, you will need to test a few. Based on community reports, these locations tend to have better Netflix success rates:
- United States: New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Dallas
- United Kingdom: London servers (varies)
- Netherlands: Amsterdam (for European Netflix libraries)
The key is to try different individual servers within the same city if one does not work. Mullvad allows you to select specific servers rather than just a country, which helps with this kind of testing.
How to Try Mullvad with Netflix
- Open the Mullvad app and go to Server selection
- Choose a country, for example United States
- Select a specific city and server rather than using the automatic option
- Connect and open Netflix in your browser or app
- If you see the proxy error, disconnect, switch to a different server in the same city, and try again
- Repeat with a couple of servers before moving to a different city
Using a browser rather than the Netflix app can sometimes help, as the browser version may be slightly less aggressive in detecting VPN traffic.
Mullvad vs Other VPNs for Netflix
| VPN | Netflix Reliability | Streaming Servers | Privacy Focus | Price/month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mullvad | Moderate | No dedicated servers | Excellent | ~£4.50 |
| NordVPN | Very High | SmartPlay on all servers | Good | ~£3–5 |
| ExpressVPN | Very High | Optimised servers | Good | ~£7–9 |
| ProtonVPN | High | Stealth servers | Very Good | ~£4–8 |
| Surfshark | High | All servers | Good | ~£2–4 |
If Netflix access is your primary reason for getting a VPN, NordVPN or ExpressVPN will serve you better. If privacy is your main concern and streaming is a secondary benefit, Mullvad is still worth trying.
What to Do When Mullvad Gets Blocked by Netflix
If you see the message “You seem to be using an unblocker or proxy,” try these steps:
- Switch to a different server in the same city and try again
- Try a server in a different US city entirely
- Clear your browser cache and cookies before reconnecting
- Switch from the Netflix app to the browser version or vice versa
- Try enabling Mullvad’s obfuscation feature, which helps disguise VPN traffic
- Contact Mullvad support and ask which servers currently work with Netflix
Is Mullvad Good for Streaming in General?
Beyond Netflix, Mullvad works well for general streaming. Users report good results with:
- YouTube (no geo-restrictions blocked)
- BBC iPlayer with UK servers
- Amazon Prime Video on some servers
- Disney+ on some servers
- Sports streams and IPTV
Mullvad’s speeds are fast enough for 4K streaming when connected to a nearby server. The bigger limitation is geo-unblocking reliability rather than raw speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mullvad have a streaming mode or obfuscation?
Yes. Mullvad offers DAITA (Defence Against AI-guided Traffic Analysis) and obfuscation settings in the app. These are primarily privacy features but can sometimes help bypass platform detection.
Can I use Mullvad to access Netflix from another country?
Sometimes. US Netflix is the most commonly reported success. Other libraries like UK, Japan, or Canada are less consistent with Mullvad compared to streaming-focused VPNs.
Why does Mullvad not optimise for Netflix specifically?
Mullvad’s core focus is on privacy and security, not streaming. They do not maintain dedicated streaming servers or update infrastructure specifically to unblock Netflix. For users who prioritise privacy over streaming, this trade-off is worth it.
Will Mullvad slow down my Netflix streaming?
Mullvad uses WireGuard by default, which is one of the fastest VPN protocols available. Speed is rarely an issue. The main challenge is finding a server that Netflix has not yet blocked, not the connection speed itself.
Is there a free trial for Mullvad?
Mullvad does not offer a traditional free trial, but it does offer a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can sign up, test Netflix access on various servers, and request a refund if it does not work for your needs.