For a long time, many considered Netflix US to have the best streaming library. But is that still the case? Netflix UK now boasts about 400 more shows than its US counterpart, including many American shows not currently available on Netflix US. We took a deep dive to help you determine if one library has the edge in exclusive content and quality.
If you normally live in the US or the UK and are planning a trip abroad, you could lose access to your favorite Netflix shows. CyberGhost VPN gives you an easy way around this with our streaming-optimized servers for Netflix US and Netflix UK.
Quick Guide: How to Stream Netflix with CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN is easy to set up on your streaming device, with no tech knowledge needed.
- Get CyberGhost VPN
- Connect to one of our streaming-optimized servers for Netflix and launch the app
- Watch old and new favorites on Netflix
Netflix USA vs Netflix UK at a Glance
| Netflix US | Netflix UK | |
| Total no. of titles | 6,609 | 7,033 |
| Movies | 3,943 | 4,298 |
| Shows | 2,666 | 2,735 |
Netflix US vs Netflix UK: Content Libraries
Netflix’s libraries for the US and the UK are two of its biggest. Currently Netflix UK has around 400 more titles, but the exact numbers constantly change as Netflix adds and removes content daily. Each library contains more than 6,500 shows and movies, varying widely in terms of quality. You’ll find everything from blockbuster hits, cult classics, popular shows, older shows and movies looking for a new audience, and many flops.
You won’t always see the shows you might expect, though. For example, Friends is available on Netflix UK, but not in the US, because it’s owned by WarnerMedia and streaming on Max. Similarly, you can stream The Blacklist on Netflix US, but it’s not available in the UK because the show is licensed by Sky.
Each library also has a large selection of critically acclaimed shows and movies that have won awards in both the US and UK, including The Crown, The Queen’s Gambit, The Irishman, and Marriage Story.
Exclusive Content on Netflix US
Netflix US has just over 6,600 shows and movies. While you can find most of these titles in the UK and other Netflix libraries, some content is only available in the US. Here are some shows and movies that are popular on Netflix US, but not available on Netflix UK.
- The Tourist
- Resident Alien
- Tacoma FD
- The Blacklist
- Grey’s Anatomy
- Dumb Money
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie
- American Assassin
- Bullet Train
- Seraphim Falls
Exclusive Content on Netflix UK
Netflix UK has more than 7,000 available titles. Due to regional licensing agreements, it includes a large selection of American shows and movies that aren’t available in the US. Additionally, there are titles created by British studios that don’t appear in the US. Here is a small sampling of Netflix UK’s top movies and shows you won’t find on Netflix US:
- The Office (US)
- Friends
- Friday Night Dinner
- Deadwater Fell
- It’s always Sunny in Philadelphia
- Death Comes to Pemberley: Series 1
- The Sidemen Story
- The Outfit
- All the Harry Potter movies
- Welcome to the Punch
Netflix US vs. Netflix UK: Plans and Pricing
Netflix has 3 plans for UK and US subscribers:
- Standard with Ads: Watch on up to 2 screens simultaneously and stream in HD.
- Standard with no Ads: Watch on up to 2 screens simultaneously and stream in HD.
- Premium: Watch on up to 4 devices at once, and stream in UHD.
There isn’t a significant difference in the pricing. It’s basically the same once you apply the conversion rate*.
| US | UK | |
| Standard With Ads | $6.99 | £4.99 |
| Standard Without Ads | $15.49 | £10.99 |
| Premium | $22.99 | £17.99 |
* $1.00 = £0.79
Why Does Netflix Have Different Content Libraries in the US and the UK?
Netflix has different content libraries for each country largely due to licensing agreements and distribution rights. When it acquires the rights to stream a movie or TV show, it’s often for a specific region only. Netflix must negotiate separate agreements for each region it operates in. Sometimes this isn’t an option and other times it’s just not worth it due to a lack of interest.
Several other factors contribute to these regional differences in content libraries:
- Cultural and regulatory differences: Content availability is influenced by cultural sensitivities, local regulations, and censorship laws in different countries. Some content may be considered inappropriate or unsuitable for specific regions.
- Market demand: Netflix prioritizes adding content based on the preferences and viewing habits of subscribers in each region. This can lead to differences in the types of content available, with some regions receiving more localized or region-specific programming.
- Competition: Other streaming services in the same country can affect Netflix’s ability to secure rights to certain content.
Netflix US vs Netflix UK: Which Is Better?
There is no clear answer which country has the better Netflix library. In terms of overall numbers it’s the UK, but in terms of quality and titles, it comes down to personal preference. Netflix puts a lot of research and money into keeping people happy.
If you’re a US expat living in the UK, you might prefer Netflix UK because American TV shows can be added to the UK library the day after they air in the US. The same is true for British expats living in the US. Shows from the BBC or ITV are added the following day in the US. In both cases, the local Netflix has to wait until the season is over before it adds the entire season at once.
Why CyberGhost Is the Best VPN for Netflix
While most VPNs don’t work with Netflix, CyberGhost VPN is different. We have streaming-optimized servers for Netflix US,Netflix UK, and several other Netflix locations. Our engineers regularly test the servers to make sure they can access the platform.
Our global network of fast servers is great for streaming in UHD with no loss of picture quality. We deploy 10-Gbps servers in popular locations so you’ll never be slowed down by congestion during peak hours. You also get unlimited bandwidth, so you can binge Netflix as much as you want without your VPN cutting you off.
CyberGhost VPN has apps for major streaming devices, and gives you 7 simultaneous device connections per account, so you can use our apps for PC, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Fire TV, without having to log in and out every time you switch devices.
If you have any questions, our customer service team is available 24/7 via live chat. We also have a 45-day money-back guarantee so you can try CyberGhost VPN risk free.
Can I Use a VPN to Access a Different Country’s Netflix Library?
Some VPN users connect to a server in a different country to watch content from a Netflix library in that country, but this is against our terms of service and is not acceptable.
CyberGhost is a privacy-forward no-logs VPN, meaning we can’t view your online activity and we never share your browsing data. While we don’t know what you’re doing online, you should always comply with Netflix’s terms of use, our terms of service, and any applicable law, including copyright.
FAQ
Yes, if you live in the US and travel to the UK, you can still log in to your Netflix account. The only difference is some of the content you can access in the US isn’t available in the UK. Get CyberGhost VPN and connect to our optimized-streaming server for Netflix US to continue watching shows that are only available in the US.
The Czech Republic currently has the largest content library, and is the only country with more than 8,000 shows and movies. Switzerland has the most TV shows from the IMDb top 250 TV list, while Australia leads the way in terms of movies on the IMDb top 250 movies list.
Netflix determines your location based on your IP address. It’s not something that you can change in the Netflix settings. If you’re traveling abroad, you can change your Netflix location back to your home country with CyberGhost VPN. Just connect to a streaming-optimized server for Netflix in your home country and you’re all set.
Netflix in other countries may have shows and movies that aren’t included in your country’s Netflix library because of licensing agreements. If you’ve already seen all the content that interests you in your own country, the Netflix library in another country can seem better.
If you’re traveling abroad and want the “better” content from your home country, you can use CyberGhost VPN to access your usual Netflix library.
India has the cheapest subscription prices for Netflix. The standard plan with ads costs 149 Rupees, which converts to approximately $1.80. This is significantly cheaper than the $6.99 price tag in the US and UK.
Yes, as long as it’s not a long term arrangement. Netflix has been cracking down on password sharing, and having one profile in the US and another in the UK might raise a red flag. However, if you’re traveling to another country and your spouse, partner, or children are at home, you’ll all be able to watch Netflix, even though you’re in different countries.
Most VPNs don’t work with Netflix, but CyberGhost VPN does. We have streaming-optimized servers for Netflix in more than 15 countries which we test regularly to ensure they can access the platform.
If you connected your VPN while logged into Netflix, the change of IP address can flag an alert. Just refresh your browser or restart the app, and Netflix should work. If you’re still having trouble watching Netflix, try reconnecting your VPN. If it still isn’t working, get CyberGhost VPN. We have streaming-optimized servers for Netflix US and Netflix UK which we check regularly to make sure you can always access Netflix.
Streaming services are usually only available in certain countries, posing a problem when you travel abroad. You can connect to a VPN server from your home country to regain access to your streaming account.
If streaming is blocked on your local network at the office, a VPN gives you a handy workaround. VPN encryption prevents network monitoring, allowing you to bypass blocks.
Leave a comment