Netflix, like other streaming services, does not offer the same content in all countries. A Netflix Spain account does not have the same series and movies as a Netflix USA, or others. Therefore, many have been looking for a way to eliminate that geographical barrier by using a VPN to obtain an IP from the country where the desired content is available. Of all the services, Smartflix was one of the fastest growing.
In contrast, smartflix has stopped working with Netflix, so alternatives will have to be found that are still working and allow access to any content from the Californian on-demand content platform or from other services (Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max,...). Here you can see some of the best services to continue enjoying without geographical limitations.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a of the best VPNs that you can find, as well as safe and fast. It is certainly fantastic even for professional use. It can be one of the best alternatives to Smartflix, being able to access any streaming content like Netflix, choosing the IP of the country you want. It has more than 3000 servers spread over 94 different countries, and it has a monthly price that is not too high.
In exchange for that fee, you get a reliable service, with an exclusive protocol designed by themselves called Lightway to improve the confidentiality, security and speed. And of course you have clients for Smart TV, web browsers, router, Android, iOS, Linux, macOS and Windows.
CyberGhost VPN
It is another of the most acclaimed services, and highlights because of its ease of use and how cheap it is your subscription. It can also be a good alternative to Smartflix, with more than 7100 servers spread over more than 91 countries, allowing you to choose the origin of the IP, secure algorithm, fast access, without interruptions, and with a multitude of interesting functions in its multiplatform clients.
CyberGohst VPN has another noteworthy detail, and that is that it has a Netflix unblock feature to make this streaming platform work like a charm and unlock content in Spain, Germany, Japan, Canada, UK, France and USA.
Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access, or PIA, is another quality service. This alternative to Smartflix stands out for its speed and safety. It has almost 3600 servers in a total of 75 countries. On the other hand, its app, which is also available for the Android operating system, among others, is very easy to use and intuitive. The connection is stable, to avoid annoying cuts, and you can choose the country for the assigned IP.
It has a feature to unlock Netflix regions in the United States, Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. On the other hand, it is also compatible with other streaming services such as YouTube, HBO, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, Crunchroll, CBS and Showtime.
VyprVPN
Another alternative to Smartflix is ​​VyprVPN. This service uses its own security protocol, and has great encryption. The protocol in question is called Chameleon, and it encrypts the metadata of the different ISPs, governments, and streaming platforms. so they don't know you're using VPN. This is important, as some streaming services block access when using these networks is detected.
It has few servers, about 700, spread over 70 different countries. Despite that, it is one of the best performers for Netflix for Germany, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. On the other hand, it has a dynamic server switching, causing that if a server is saturated, it is transferred to another to improve speed.
IPVanish
It is another one of the great VPN providers. IPVanish can also work as an alternative to Smartflix, since works on any streaming service, including Netflix in the US and other regions. This service is fast, stable and secure. It is usually one of the preferred by some security experts, due to the use of several protocols to improve it.
In addition, it has been optimized to be able to transmit video in UHD (4K) at about 12 or 13 Mbps without slowing down. To this we must add that it is easy to use, offers a fairly good 24/7 customer service, and allows you to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously with the same subscription account. The least attractive thing about IPVanish is its number of servers, which is quite low, around 70.
PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN can also be presented as an alternative to Smartflix. With clients for Android, iOS, macOS, WIndows, with function for Netflix, easy to use, stable, with good speed, and without cuts, since it is a fairly stable service. Of course, it protects your anonymity well and is safe.
It has servers hosted in various countries, although they do not stand out for the variety and number. The biggest problem is that, without the subscription, it can only be used on one device at a time and it does not have some extras, or has certain limitations.
How to choose the best VPN for Android?
To choosing a good VPN for Netflix and that it is adequate for the other needs, you should attend to the following points:
- free IP: It is important that the VPN service allows you to choose the country of origin of the IP that it assigns to you, since this way you will be able to choose an IP from the country where you know that the content removed from the catalog is offered in your geographical area. Some VPN services offer a random IP, without giving the possibility to choose the origin, and that is not positive.
- streaming service: Some VPNs work well with streaming services like Netflix, but there are some that implement specific improvements to use for these types of applications. For example, technologies to avoid blocking, specific servers for optimization, etc. If the chosen service has it, much better.
- Android client: Of course, to install the VPN client app on your Android mobile device, you must choose a service that has support for this platform. Not all of them have it, some are limited to Windows, others just Windows and macOS, although the most important ones are cross-platform.
- Encryption algorithm: Of course, privacy and security is important in a VPN. Therefore, you should choose a VPN with strong encryption. In this way, data from incoming and outgoing transmissions is encrypted in such a way that third parties cannot capture this data, not even your IPS or Internet service provider. Fortunately, most VPNs have strong encryption, but some also have some extra security features, which is a plus. For example, the Kill switch, which disconnects you from the Internet if the VPN fails, so as not to leave you exposed while browsing and you did not realize that the VPN is no longer operating.
- Speed: If you have a fast connection, such as fiber or 5G, it will not be too much of a problem. But for other cases, it is important that the VPN speed is good, since having to encrypt the traffic slows down the connection, and that can cause streaming to jerk or suffer cuts. If you have a larger number of VPN servers, they tend to have better speeds than those with fewer servers.
- Privacy : Refers to the amount of data the VPN provider logs about you. Some simply record the registration email and name, others can store data about your IP, payments (credit card, PayPal, or the Google Play method in this case), activity, etc. It is best that you opt for a VPN with a No-log policy.
- care service: another important point. Although they generally do not cause problems, it is likely that you have a question or problem to solve. Many services have support by email or chat, some only in English, others also in Spanish, and there are also 24/7 services.
- VPN for router: Some VPN services have client apps for web browsers, smart TVs, game consoles, and even the router as well. If the contracted service allows you to easily configure the router, much better, since in this way all the connections of all the devices that you have connected to said router will go through the VPN, that is, they will have a secure connection.
Lastly, forget about free VPNs. They tend to be vulnerable, not work well at all, have performance problems, and even collect personal information. It is better to pay a small fee and be calm.