Hola Not Working with Netflix? Here’s What You Should Do
Unfortunately, Hola no longer works to unblock International versions of Netflix. The good news, however, is that Netflix’s VPN ban isn’t absolute, and there are a few viable alternative methods that will allow you to consistently and securely unblock Netflix, no matter where you are in the world. We help you get started below.
These days, it’s a rare gem of a VPN that provides consistent access to Netflix’s various geo-restricted content catalogues. Unfortunately, Hola is not one of them. Whether you’re traveling or living abroad, odds are you haven’t lost your appetite for a good old fashioned binge-streaming of your favorite TV shows and movies from back home. If this sounds like you, we’re happy to present this Hola “Netflix blocked” workaround–guaranteed to work. With our advice, you’ll never have to see the dreaded proxy error again.
Short on time? Here’s the quick list of VPNs confirmed working to unblock Netflix:
- NordVPN – Best Hola Alternative – It’s almost unfair to compare Hola to NordVPN, but here we are. NordVPN is the world’s most complete VPN solution, with military-grade encryption, tens of thousands of virtual IPs, and the gold standard of logging policies–perfect for unblocking Netflix.
- Surfshark – Any server you connect to will work to unblock Netflix, no trial and error required. Dirt cheap, but ever-so effective.
- ExpressVPN – If you plan to watch UHD streams, we recommend you consider the fastest VPN on the market.
- CyberGhost – An ideal provider for anyone who just wants plain-language options (like “unblock streaming sites”) rather than technical jargon.
- PrivateVPN – A highly capable VPN with advanced tunneling and a self-owned network for true privacy.
- PureVPN – A VPN, an adblocker, a web filter, and so much more.
To be sure, Hola is not so much a VPN as it is a basic proxy service. In recent years, Netflix has caught wise to both types of service, and has taken steps to blacklist the IP addresses associated with them in order to enforce geoblocks. Unfortunately, there is no silver bullet to help you bypass this block–you’ve got to switch to a dedicated, high-quality VPN. But as we said before, reliable services that bypass the Netflix VPN ban are themselves few and far between, so how do you choose?
Today, we’ll present 5 of the most reliable providers for unblocking streaming, describe the black magic they use to accomplish this feat, then delve into the issue of VPN blocks a bit deeper.
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Hola Not Working with Netflix? Here’s What You Should Do
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- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
- Netflix,
- Disney+,
- Amazon Prime,
- iPlayer,
- YouTube,
- Hulu
Best VPN alternatives to Hola confirmed working with Netflix
There are hundreds of VPNs out there, but how many of them can actually unblock Netflix? With any one of our five recommended providers, you’ll have ready access to not only your favorite streaming sites, but the free and open Internet as a whole.
When Hola has failed you, choose one of the top VPNs for unblocking Netflix:
1. NordVPN
- Optimized servers for unblocking Netflix
- Most VPN servers with different IP addresses
- Strong encryption is used on all connections
- Strict zero logs policy on both traffic and metadata
- Great customer service via chat.
- Some servers can be slow and unreliable
- They can take 30 days to process refunds.
NordVPN is one of our top recommendations for Netflix due to its focus on security and advanced features. First, NordVPN uses 256-bit encryption, where each key generates more possible combinations than there are atoms in the known universe–making your connection virtually impossible to crack. Additionally, there’s a great no-logging policy onboard, ensuring that no records on traffic, IP addresses, timestamps, and browsing history are ever stored for interested third parties to uncover.
With a server network numbering well over 5,800 servers in 59 countries, you’ll have your pick of the litter when it comes to customizing your VPN connection. If standard servers aren’t doing the trick, try one of the specialty servers geared towards specific use-cases: onion over VPN, anti-DDoS, multi-hop encryption, P2P, getting dedicated IP addresses, and obfuscation are all represented. Combine this with zero caps on bandwidth and speed, and you’ve got a seamless streaming solution with enough muscle to bust past Netflix VPN bans.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
- Reliably unblocks Netflix US, UK, Japan, and more
- Get a static IP from US, UK, Germany, Japan, or Singapore
- 30-day satisfaction guarantee
- VPN home jurisdiction in British Virgin Islands is ideal for privacy
- Refund requests are simple and fast–no waiting or hassle.
- Growing network doesn’t have same coverage as more mature VPNs
- New-kid-on-the-block status may not instill same trust as larger providers.
Surfshark is way better than a VPN launched in 2019 has any right to be; in such a short time, they’ve already grown their network to encompass 3200+ servers in 65 countries. 17 of these countries have Netflix catalogues, and any server you connect to will “just work” to unblock that content library. That’s right, no fooling around in arcane VPN setters, nor fishing around for that one server that still works.
Their network isn’t just big, it’s also powerful. Built on RAM-only infrastructure, Surfshark is snappy and responsive, with the major side benefit of being physically incapable of storing your sensitive usage data. This dovetails perfectly with Surfshark’s no-logging policy and BVI jurisdiction.
For security, there’s 256-AES-GCM encryption–the same cipher used by the NSA. Add to that a kill switch, IP/DNS/WebRTC leak protection, blanket obfuscation on every server, plus built-in adblocking, and you’ve got yourself a real winner for unblocking Netflix, and a no-brainer alternative to Hola.
3. ExpressVPN
- Unblocking Netflix USA, iPlayer, Amazon Prime
- Super fast, reliable connection
- Secure encryption & VPN protocols
- No logging policy well enforced
- 24/7 Customer Service.
- Power-users configuration options.
ExpressVPN offers users a range of features that make it an ideal choice for bypassing Netflix blockers. For starters, as suggested by the name, ExpressVPN is one of the fastest in the industry, making it a top choice for streaming, downloading, and gaming. With a server network of 3,000+ nodes in 94 countries, you can get virtually any IP address without experiencing delays or slowdowns. The size of the server network will also allow you to enjoy Netflix catalogues from all around the world, including the U.S., U.K., Japan, and more.
ExpressVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption to lock our prying eyes from the precious contents of your data stream. This cryptography is so powerful, not your ISP, government, or neighborhood friendly hacker could ever hope to break through. What’s more, a solid no-logging policy guarantees ExpressVPN will never keep records on your traffic, IP addresses, DNS requests, or browsing history.
Dedicated software is available across all major platforms (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux), plus a few niche devices as well (game consoles, routers, and Fire TV). None of them impose limits on bandwidth, speed, or sever switching, allowing and even encouraging you to keep your VPN active all day long.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
- Unblocks US Netflix in web browser
- Affordable plans
- Jurisdiction in Romania
- Strict no-logs policy
- 45-days ‘No-hassle’ money back guarante.
- Some streaming sites cannot be unblocked.
CyberGhost is a great choice for users who want to get started with Netflix content without any hassle. Unlike many other services, CyberGhost requires no complicated setup or previous knowledge. Upon launch, you have the option to choose from six different pre-configured profiles. These include “unblock streaming” and “browse anonymously”, both of which employ settings useful for bypassing Netflix blocks. Furthermore, these profiles can be further customized with simple toggles if you want to exchange some features for others. For example, you can choose to add “extra speed” to your connection, or “block online tracking”, depending on your online needs. In the end, you get a reliable, powerful connection that is perfectly tailored to your specifications.
CyberGhost also has you covered with top-of-the-line privacy features. Firstly, the provider uses military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, which would take the world’s strongest supercomputer millions of years to crack. In addition, you have one of the industry’s best zero-logging policies shielding your activity from identity. Extra security features include an in-built DNS leak protection and an automatic kill switch. The latter will act as your online safeguard – should you ever get disconnected, your internet will be immediately shut down. Last but not least, CyberGhost offers users its massive network consisting of 3,173+ nodes in 60 countries. This allows you to gain access to almost any Netflix library in the world, whether you are looking to stream Bollywood films or French drama. CyberGhost is available on all major operating systems, including Mac OS, Windows, and Linux.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
5. PrivateVPN
PrivateVPN, true to its name, is one of the most secure services on the market. Boasting AES-256 encryption over OpenVPN, you’ll have no trouble bypassing firewalls and staying anonymous even in the face of dedicated cracking attempts. PrivateVPN has refined this encryption process to reduce bandwidth overhead, thereby speeding up your connection. And speaking of performance, this provider offers a lean-but-mean server network of 150 servers in 60+ countries. Among these servers are those specially suited to unblocking Netflix–PrivateVPN even had the decency to clearly label these so you can get back to your binge-watching ASAP. Even if you are located in a country with harsh internet laws, such as China or UAE, you have the option to create a censorship-busting SOCKS5 proxy within your app settings.
Software is available on all major platforms, including Mac, Windows, Linux, Android, iOS and even routers; regardless of operating system, you can protect up to 6 devices with a single PrivateVPN subscription. This wide utility is further bolstered by a complete lack of restrictions on bandwidth, speed, file type, and sever switching. PrivateVPN is a great all-rounder that just begs for daily use.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
6. PureVPN
PureVPN is a top quality VPN service that offers strong features ideally suited for Netflix users. First, PureVPN has one of the most impressive server networks in the industry, with 2,000+ distributed across 140 countries. This gives you a massive range of IP addresses to choose from, granting you access to virtually every Netflix catalogue out there. Furthermore, every single PureVPN subscription comes with unlimited bandwidth, speed, and server switching. Whether you want to watch one episode of your favourite TV show or have a film stream in the background for hours, PureVPN has you covered with a reliable, secure connection. In addition to the basic nodes, the provider also has dedicated servers available for streaming, specifically. This makes PureVPN one of the best choices for Netflix – no buffering, no delays or slowdowns; just quality streaming with no interruptions.
If this weren’t enough, PureVPN also offers a complete suite of cybersecurity features, including app filtering, DDoS protection, getting a dedicated IP address, NAT firewalls, anti-spam filtering, and even antivirus software. There’s also the proprietary Ozone server, which automatically enables URL and content filters, anti-malware protection, IDS/IPS, and app blocker. Of course, all of this protection would be worth nothing without PureVPN’s no-logging policy. You’ll come to consider PureVPN the Swiss army knife of VPN’s–the perfect tool for just about any task, and one you’ll wonder how you ever lived without.
Read our full PureVPN review.
Why can’t Hola unblock Netflix?
Hola is a free, peer-to-peer “VPN” that allows users to bypass geo-restrictions. Say you’re trying to access a website that is known to restrict or block content based on your location. What Hola does is redirect the traffic through devices of users located in non-restricted places. In most cases, this should allow you to overcome the blocks and access wider ranges of content regardless of where you are in the world. Unfortunately, this method is not always foolproof, and hardly even qualifies the service as an actual VPN.
The fact that Hola is based on peer-to-peer connections rather than encrypted proxy servers is a major disadvantage for would-be Netflix users. The lack of cryptography leaves your true IP address bare, allowing Netflix to redirect you to the geographically appropriate version of its site, or else block you altogether. What’s more, Netflix can also easily identify Hola traffic as coming from a proxy, which its blacklist algorithms eat for breakfast.
Hola is also prone to slowdowns, connection drops, and other performance issues that make normal streaming a chore, let alone glorious HD Netflix streams hiding behind geoblocks. Even if you do manage to get a stream going, it won’t last long–Hola makes no attempt to remove bandwidth limits or artificial speed caps, it enforces them instead. Even worse, because strangers from around the world would be using your IP address to bypass blocks, you could be held responsible if they choose to do something illegal online.
Oh yeah, there’s the slightly tangential both hugely relevant fact that Hola got caught selling off its free users’ bandwidth to another VPN, Luminati. Essentially, Hola is a botnet, complete with dirt-poor security and limited functionality, even as advertised. Seriously, just stay away.
Why do VPNs succeed where Hola fails?
Our recommended VPNs do exactly what they say they will–which is a great deal more than Hola–and nothing more. That means no hidden agenda to harvest your personal data or bandwidth for ill-gotten gain. Instead, a good VPN is 100% valuetown. Here’s why:
Continually updated server networks
Good VPNs generally offer a multitude of servers, but the best providers are dedicated to expanding their network. This has the benefit of creating whole new batches of shared IP addresses which can be employed to sneak past Netflix blacklists. Additionally, they’re periodically rotating out IPs attached to their existing infrastructure, making sure each server always offers relevant utility. The few VPNs that don’t play the sheer-numbers game usually have other novel tactics to unblock Netflix, like static IP addresses.
Readily available customer support
Having trouble unblocking Netflix with your VPN? No problem, just reach out to the live support line to start troubleshooting fast. Having the same issue on Hola? Good luck, you’re on your own. A team who stands by their product won’t be afraid to charge a monthly fee–it pays the wages for dedicated agents to help customers get the most out of their VPN.
Preservation of natural connection speed
As a free service, Hola has no obligation to deliver amazing connection speeds. In light of the botnet scandal referred to above, you can actually expect your bandwidth to get siphoned away from you, thereby slowing downloads to a crawl, and yielding the dreaded Netflix buffer screen. A reputable VPN, on the other hand, continually refines its encryption and tunneling processes to reduce bandwidth overhead and latency throughout its network. This leads to seamless streaming experiences in Netflix, or any other similar site.
Conclusion
Now that you know how to bypass Netflix blockers and geo-restrictions, you are ready to start binge-watching your favourite TV series and films. By choosing one of our top recommended VPN providers for Netflix, not only will you gain access to a massive range of international content, but hide your tracks online the entire time you are browsing, streaming, or downloading.
If you need a VPN for a short while when traveling for example, you can get our top ranked VPN free of charge. NordVPN includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. You will need to pay for the subscription, that’s a fact, but it allows full access for 30 days and then you cancel for a full refund. Their no-questions-asked cancellation policy lives up to its name.
