How to Access Region Locked Content on a Mac

The Netflix and Hulu Revolution

It's 2021, and streaming content has taken over physical media. However, there's a problem: not all web users can access the same content. Different countries have restrictions on content, and in some cases, these restrictions are severe.

Imagine visiting your local library, then finding out that you only have access to 25% of the books, you'd understandably be a little upset. That is the case for streaming services such as Netflix and Hulu. Netflix though is available in 190 countries globally; it has different watch options for every region. Hulu, despite being dominant in the United States, is still unavailable outside the states. This means though you pay the same amount, you get significantly less content as to someone living in a better streaming region.

Let's find out how you can get around these annoying restrictions, quickly and easily.

Accessing More Online Content, Wherever You Are

The internet is one of the greatest inventions humanity has ever developed. At its best, it's a global network that has the potential to share information and content around the world. It would be great if this were the reality, but sadly, access to many websites is restricted, depending on what country you're in.

If you want to bypass country restrictions on content streaming sites, you'll need a VPN. The applications of this kind of software include viewing region-blocked content on streaming video sites like Netflix and Hulu, all the way to research websites, and other significant online resources for casual browsers and academics alike.

The Problem With “Free” And Browser-Based VPNs

In reality, there's no such thing as a "free" VPN. Worse, the ones that claim to be free are collecting data about your browsing history (and are most likely putting your computer at risk of cyber attacks and malware from pernicious advertisements).

The reality is that when you download a "VPN Browser," you're only really getting a pale imitation of a VPN because you're not getting a personal network. You're using the same VPN as countless others, making it easy for sites to block said users. Forget about accessing content is blocked by region; you may get in trouble for violating Acceptable Use policies!

VPNs: A Matter of Safety

As great as it is to be able to access region-blocked content, there are a few other essential things that only the best VPNs can provide, namely safety and privacy. It's a sad reality of using the web these days that your online actions will never be truly safe without a VPN.

If you're still wondering, "why do I need to use a VPN? I've got nothing to hide" Chances are, you've probably never sat down and read some of the online agreements you've made when accessing WiFi networks. One of the main agreements you're making is that it's not the network's fault if your personal information or accounts are compromised.

There's also a high probability that you've performed one of the following potentially high-risk activities on your WiFi network, or even a public WiFi network at a coffee shop:

• Purchasing products online
• Accessing your bank account
• Logging into your email or cloud account

If your information wasn't compromised, you should consider yourself lucky. In the future, you should secure your computer and personal information alike with a high-quality VPN service.

What To Look For In A VPN

NGE (Next Generation Encryption)

If you regularly submit sensitive information about yourself online, you need a more advanced encryption system. This means utilizing the tightest security available: NGE (next-generation encryption).

Privacy and Logs

If you're going through the trouble of using a VPN, how much sense does it make to use one that logs the sites you visit when you're online?

Fast Servers Worldwide

The purpose of VPNs is to make it look like you're searching from within a given territory. Naturally then, it follows that your VPN provider needs to have high-quality, fast servers in lots of locations around the globe.

Affordability

Even though "free VPNs" are never what they claim to be, we're guessing that you're not made of money. Although a VPN that allows you to access region-locked content is going to cost you something, that "something" should not be an arm and a leg. There are budget-friendly VPNs available. You just need to find the right one for you.

Our Recommendation: NordVPN

Is there a VPN that provides you with total anonymity, and also allows you to access region-locked content, without charging an excessive amount of money? That, as we mentioned at the beginning of this piece, was our goal to find, and we're happy to tell you that we've succeeded.

There is an incredible array of VPN providers, and frankly, most of them claim to offer the same thing. The price range varies from the "bargain basement" level (and usually "bargain basement" quality) up to expensive "tricked-out" VPNs that offer lots of services you'll most likely never need or use.

During our research for this piece, though, we came across a VPN that was easy-to-use, and easy on the wallet as well. That VPN? NordVPN. The right VPN is crucial for anyone whose life might take them anywhere.

Whether you want to stream videos, download music, or visit any sort of geographically blocked website, you deserve the speed and security that only NordVPN can provide. Try NordVPN today by clicking here and see why it's become one of the most popular VPN services in the world.