How to Watch Friends on Netflix From Anywhere: A Quick Guide
Struggling to find Friends on Netflix? The hit sitcom keeps moving between streaming platforms, but there’s an easy fix! With a reliable VPN, you can access Friends on Netflix Australia—or other streaming services like Max and Hulu—from anywhere in the world.
Here’s how to do it:
- Get a VPN – We recommend ExpressVPN for its ultra-fast speeds and secure streaming.
- Download & Install the VPN app on your device.
- Connect to a server in Australia (or another country where Friends is available).
- Log into Netflix and start streaming Friends in HD!
A VPN like ExpressVPN ensures smooth, high-quality streaming while keeping your connection private. Before using a VPN with Netflix, check the platform’s terms and conditions.
Want more ways to watch Friends? Read on for the best VPNs and streaming alternatives!
Finding Friends on Netflix is becoming increasingly frustrating as the show switches regions. Which countries have Friends on Netflix? While Australia still has it, many countries lost access when streaming rights were transferred. Other platforms, such as Max and Hulu, allow you to watch all ten seasons of the popular series.
With a reliable VPN that provides fast speeds, you can watch Friends in high definition from anywhere. A VPN encrypts your connection and routes it through private servers, allowing you to watch Friends while hiding your online streaming activity from third parties, including your ISP. This can help you avoid ISP throttling, reducing buffering and quality drops during binge-watching sessions.
I’ve tested over 40 VPNs with my team, and ExpressVPN is my top pick for watching Friends online. You can stream the show uninterrupted, thanks to its strong security features and fastest speeds among the VPNs we tested. Additionally, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test it out without risk.
Editor’s Note: At VPNSociety, we prioritize honest and unbiased reviews to help you choose the best VPN. Our recommendations are based on in-depth testing and research, ensuring you get reliable and secure options for streaming, privacy, and more.
How to Watch Friends on Netflix from Anywhere Right Now
- Download a VPN. ExpressVPN earns my recommendation for its fast streaming speeds and user-friendly interface. Additionally, you can test it risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Connect to a server. Your streaming quality will improve with the server’s proximity to your location.
- Start streaming. Watch all ten seasons of Friends in high definition without any buffering by logging into Netflix or another streaming service.
Be advised. The VPNs listed here have stringent no-logs policies, which means they don’t keep track of or log your internet activity. Using streaming services in accordance with their terms and applicable laws is your responsibility. My team and I at VPNSociety don’t condone copyright infringement
Short on Time? Best VPNs to Watch Friends on Netflix in 2025
- ExpressVPN: You can watch Friends in high definition from anywhere with quick speeds and easy-to-use apps.
- CyberGhost: You can safely access Friends on Netflix, thanks to dedicated streaming servers.
- Private Internet Access: An entire household of Friends fans can be covered by unlimited connections with a single subscription.
How to Watch Friends Anywhere Using a VPN
There are several platforms that allow you to stream Friends, including Netflix, Max, and Hulu. Hulu and Max are only accessible in the United States, but Netflix has Friends in its library for Australia. VPNs provide strong security features, such as encryption, to protect your connections so you can stream Friends safely from any location.
1. Choose a reliable VPN
Choose a reliable VPN with fast servers in nations where Friends is streamed, such as the US, Australia, or New Zealand. ExpressVPN is my top pick because of its amazing speeds and seamless UHD streaming.
2. Download the VPN app
The majority of VPNs provide native desktop and mobile apps that install in a matter of seconds. To stream on your smart TV or PlayStation, check the VPN website for router setup instructions (some VPNs offer custom router firmware) or a smart DNS feature for a simpler setup.
3. Configure the VPN App
Although it’s not required, I advise optimizing your VPN for optimal performance. Ad blockers and kill switches, for example, can improve your streaming experience and shield your personal information from websites you visit.
4. Connect to a Preferred Server
Navigate to the server settings and select the option that best fits your requirements. In most cases, you will get faster streaming speeds if the server is closer to your location.
5. Select Your Streaming Platform
Go to the website or streaming app of your choice and sign in with your credentials. Netflix is slightly less expensive than Max, but both services require subscriptions. At the moment, Netflix’s Basic plan, which includes advertisements, costs $7.99 per month, while its Max plan costs $9.99.
6. Start Watching Friends & Enjoy
You can now watch the 10 seasons of Friendsin high definition. Remember that your internet service and device’s capabilities determine whether you can stream in Full HD (1080p), Ultra HD (4K), or HDR. Not all streaming content is available in all resolutions.
Where Can I Watch Friends Online Right Now?
Friends availability varies greatly by region due to licensing agreements. Netflix still has streaming rights in Australia, whereas Max and Hulu are the main platforms in the United States. Additionally, you can buy individual episodes or whole seasons on Amazon Prime. Max and Amazon Prime also offer Friends: The Reunion.
How can I watch Friends for free without using Netflix? TVNZ and CTV offer the 10 seasons of Friends for free, while Channel 5 has a few episodes. Check the details below:
| Country | Platform | Price 💰 | Free Trial 🆓 | Ads 📢 | Content Highlights 🎬 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🇺🇸 United States | HBO Max | From $9.99/month (with ads) | ❌ None | ✅ Yes (on ad-supported plan) | HBO Originals, Warner Bros. movies |
| Amazon Prime Video | $8.99/month (or per episode/season) | ✅ 7 days | ❌ No (unless ad-supported) | Prime Originals, movie rentals | |
| TBS | Free (with TV provider login) | ⚠️ Varies by provider | ✅ Yes | Comedy shows, live sports | |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Amazon Prime Video | £5.99/month (or per episode) | ✅ 7 days | ❌ No | British TV, global movies |
| Channel 5 | Free (ad-supported) | ❌ N/A | ✅ Yes | UK dramas, reality TV | |
| 🇦🇺 Australia | Stan | From AU$10/month | ✅ 30 days | ❌ No | Showtime, Hollywood movies |
| TVNZ | Free (ad-supported) | ❌ N/A | ✅ Yes | Local & international shows | |
| 🇨🇦 Canada | CTV | Free (with ads) | ❌ N/A | ✅ Yes | Canadian & US network shows |
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand | TVNZ | Free (ad-supported) | ❌ N/A | ✅ Yes | Local news, sports, dramas |
| 🌍 Multi-Country (US, FR, BE, NL, LATAM) | HBO Max | From $9.99/month | ❌ None | ✅ Yes (on ad plan) | Max Originals, DC films |
Best VPNs to Watch Friends in 2025
A reliable VPN with fast servers lets you stream Friends in HD from anywhere while keeping your connection secure and private. These VPNs ensure smooth, uninterrupted streaming and work seamlessly with top platforms that offer Friends, such as Netflix and Max.
| Rank | VPN Provider | Price (Monthly) | Server Network 🌍 | Device Connections 📱 | Speeds ⚡ | Refund Period 🔄 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 1st | ExpressVPN | $4.99 | 3,000+ (105 countries) | 8 | Very Fast | 30 days ✅ |
| 🥈 2nd | CyberGhost | $2.19 | 11,690+ (100 countries) | 7 | Fast | 45 days (long-term) / 14 days (short-term) |
| 🥉 3rd | Private Internet Access (PIA) | $2.19 | 29,650+ (91 countries) | Unlimited | Fast | 30 days ✅ |
1. ExpressVPN: Blazing-Fast Speeds for Streaming Friends in HD Without Buffering
VPNSociety Rating: 9.5/10
Price:
- 1 Month: $12.95/month
- 6 Months: $9.99/month
- 12 Months: $6.67/month (with 3 extra months free)
Why Choose ExpressVPN?
- Fastest speeds for streaming Friends in HD
- Servers in 105+ countries (including Australia)
- Works with Netflix, Disney+, and more
- No logs, high security & 24/7 support
Visit ExpressVPN—ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol offers fast HD streaming from anywhere. On local servers, we saw only an 8% speed loss. This allowed us to watch multiple episodes of Friends without losing quality. Even distant servers maintained UHD streaming speeds, with an average loss of 22%.
The MediaStreamer feature allows you to watch Friends on devices that don’t support VPN apps, such as smart TVs and gaming consoles. I set it up on my Samsung TV using the straightforward instructions on ExpressVPN’s site. Its native apps for Apple TV, Android TV, and Fire Stick make it simple to enjoy Friends on your big screen.
While ExpressVPN is slightly more expensive than the other VPNs on my list, its long-term plans allow you to save up to 61%. Each subscription allows for up to eight simultaneous connections and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested the refund process using the 24/7 live chat and received my money back within a few days.
Pros:
✅ One of the fastest VPNs available
✅ Reliable access to top streaming platforms
✅ Quick and easy setup on multiple devices
Cons:
❌ Limited customization options
❌ Smart Location feature isn’t always the fastest or well-optimized
2. CyberGhost: Optimized Servers for Seamless Streaming on Popular Platforms
VPNSociety Rating: 9/10
Price:
- 1 Month: $12.99/month
- 6 Months: $6.99/month
- 2 Years: $2.19/month (with 2 extra months free)
Why Choose CyberGhost?
- Optimized servers for streaming Friends in HD
- 11,000+ servers in 100+ countries
- Unblocks Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, BBC iPlayer & more
- Strict no-logs policy & AES-256 encryption
- Easy-to-use apps & 24/7 customer support
Visit CyberGhost—CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers offer secure access to platforms that show Friends. These connections are regularly updated to ensure compatibility with Netflix, Max, and other services. During testing, we had no problems with CyberGhost’s specialty streaming servers. You can easily find them by searching for your preferred platform after selecting the “For streaming” menu.
CyberGhost’s speed drops on local servers remained under 20%, allowing us to watch Friends without any buffering, even though it wasn’t quite as quick as ExpressVPN. The 1-month plan has a shorter refund window and is more costly. However, CyberGhost offers a 45-day risk-free trial with its money-back guarantee, and long-term subscriptions start at just $2.19/month.
Pros:
✅ Streaming-optimized servers for seamless access
✅ User-friendly design for effortless navigation
✅ Fast speeds on nearby connections
Cons:
❌ Slower performance on long-distance servers
❌ Higher cost for short-term plans
3. Private Internet Access: Unlimited Device Connections for Seamless Friends Streaming
VPNSociety Rating: 8.8/10
Price:
- 1 Month: $11.95/month
- 6 Months: $7.50/month
- 2 Years: $2.03/month (with 4 extra months free)
Why Choose Private Internet Access (PIA)?
- Large server network (35,000+ servers in 91 countries)
- Unblocks Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more
- Advanced security with AES-256 encryption & no-logs policy
- Customizable settings for privacy-focused users
- Supports unlimited device connections
Visit Private Internet Access—Unlike the other VPNs on my list, Private Internet Access (PIA) allows for an unlimited number of simultaneous devices. That way, if others are using the VPN at the same time, you can stream Friends uninterrupted — making it an excellent choice for large households. We experienced no compromises in streaming quality while testing PIA, even with 5 devices connected at the same time.
You have numerous customization options to improve your Friends streaming experience. While this flexibility is ideal for tech-savvy users, beginners may find it daunting at first. Plans start at just $2.19 per month and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. When I tested the policy, I had no trouble getting a refund using PIA’s 24/7 live chat support. The process was quick and easy.
Pros:
✅ Supports unlimited device connections
✅ Extensive server network for better access
✅ Advanced security settings with customization options
Cons:
❌ Interface can be difficult to navigate
❌ Inconsistent customer support quality
VPNSociety Methodology for Testing VPNs for Watching Friends
We gave top priority to testing VPNs with servers located in the US, New Zealand, and Australia—all of which are countries where Friends is currently streamed. Speed was essential, so we thoroughly tested each VPN to make sure it could support HD streaming without experiencing any buffering or quality degradation. Both connection stability and server dependability were crucial for avoiding disruptions while streaming.
To guarantee accuracy, our global team tests and updates VPN performance data on a regular basis. To find out more about our thorough VPN testing procedure, visit our methodology page.
Which Countries Still Have Friends on Netflix? (Latest Update 2025)
As of now, Netflix Australia is the only country streaming Friends. The show’s availability frequently changes as streaming rights shift across platforms and regions.
When Did Friends Leave Netflix in Other Countries?
- January 2020: Friends was removed from Netflix UK and Netflix US.
- 2024: The show lost streaming rights in Germany, Italy, Israel, France, and several Asian countries, including India, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines.
Can You Still Watch Friends on Netflix?
Although the show has disappeared from most regions, some versions may still have subtitles or dubbing in various languages. To find out how to change subtitles for your favorite shows, check out our guide on Netflix subtitle settings.
Conclusion
Although Friends is no longer widely available on Netflix, you can still stream all ten seasons using a VPN to access regions where it’s available, like Australia. ExpressVPN is the top choice for fast, secure, and uninterrupted HD streaming. Alternatively, platforms like Max, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video offer Friends in various regions. By using a reliable VPN, you can bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy your favorite episodes from anywhere in 2025.
FAQs: How to Watch Friends on Netflix
How to Watch Friends on Netflix in France?
Friends is available to stream in France via HBO Max. The series was also recently taken down from Netflix in France. Therefore, Friends is currently not very accessible on French streaming services.
Why do Friends keep disappearing from Netflix?
Friends switches between streaming services because of regional broadcasting rights and licensing agreements. Warner Bros., the show’s owner, shifts it between platforms based on contract negotiations and revenue potential. When Warner Bros. launched Max, they pulled Friends from Netflix in multiple regions, making it exclusive to their platform.
How can I watch Friends online for free?
Yes, you can watch Friends for free on networks such as TVNZ in New Zealand and CTV in Canada. Several streaming services provide free trials, allowing you to watch Friends for free for a limited time.
Keep in mind that using unofficial streaming websites can expose you to malware and low-quality video. Using the free trials offered by reputable platforms and signing up for services that offer Friends is the safest course of action.
Is Friends available on Amazon Prime, Disney+, or Max?
Friends is streaming on Max in the US and select European countries. While it’s not available on Disney+, you can buy full seasons or individual episodes on Amazon Prime Video. With multiple platforms offering HD streaming, watching Friends from anywhere is quick and easy.
