How to watch German TV online with a VPN

If you’d like to watch German TV while abroad, a VPN will help the you to bypass a variety of geo-blocks. Here’s what you need to know to watch German TV online with a VPN. 

Germany has lots of homegrown content, and there are a variety of TV platforms and streaming services to choose from in the country. But if you try to access content from outside of Germany, you’re going to have problems due to geo-restrictions. In other words, you won’t be able to access German TV from abroad without a German IP address. 

This is where a high-quality VPN proves to be useful. VPNs work by encrypting all data sent to and from your device, routing it via a server in a location of your choice. Connecting to a VPN server in Germany will allow the user to access blocked sites and TV services while in foreign countries. 

We’ll take you through some of the best VPNs for watching German TV in detail below. For now, here’s a quick summary with information about each provider.

Best VPNs for German TV:

1. NordVPN: Our top pick for German TV. Lots of German IP addresses for streaming, works with ProSieben, Now TV, and DMAX, fast speeds, secure apps, unique features. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN for German TV. Unlimited devices, RAM-only servers in 100+ countries, access to streaming platforms, no logs policy, and 24/7 support. 
3. ExpressVPN: Popular provider offering easy access to various streaming services in Germany and elsewhere. Lightway protocol and fast connection speeds. 
4. Proton VPN: Free locations, superior security features, streaming access in Germany, and Secure Core servers. 
5. CyberGhost: Massive network with over 1,500 locations in Germany alone. Streaming optimized servers and simple apps for all devices. 
6. IPVanish: Multiple locations that are able to access geo-restricted platforms like DMAX and 7TV. Unlimited connections. 
7. Atlas VPN: High speed German servers that can be used with ARD, ProSieben, and Netflix. Limited free tier and you can connect as many devices as you like. 

Summary table

The majority of providers will have a German server or two that can be used for streaming, but that’s not enough to make it onto this list. 

We've been able to narrow the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for when picking out the best providers for watching German TV from abroad:

• Various German VPN servers to get an IP address from the region 
• Streaming support in Germany and elsewhere
• Connection speeds that are quick enough for watching 4K content 
• Additional features to improve privacy and security 
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have had its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party

For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs for German TV, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

How to watch German TV with a VPN

Here's how to watch German TV using a VPN:

1. Sign up with a provider that has servers in Germany. NordVPN is our top pick.
2. Download the relevant VPN app/s to your device.  
3. Open the app, and sign in. 
4. Select a server location in Germany to get a German IP address.
5. Once you’re connected, you’ll be free to access geo-restricted sites and services with your new IP address.

In terms of access to geo-restricted streaming services, desktop VPN apps tend to be better than their mobile equivalents. If you do run into any issues, make sure to clear the cache and any cookies from your device. This should help the streaming platform to forget your current location. 

Alternatively, you could switch to a different German server location, which will give you a new IP address matching the region. Lastly, you can get in contact with the VPN’s support team, to see if they can offer a solution.

Best VPNs for German TV in 2023

Here is a list with detailed information about each of the best VPNs for watching German TV from abroad. 

NordVPN is our top recommendation for users in Germany, with 200+ RAM-only servers found in the country that are split between Berlin and Frankfurt. You’ll find a total of 5,600+ servers in 60+ countries.

Anyone hoping to access streaming platforms like DMAX, ProSieben, and Now TV are in luck, while speeds are also fast enough (196 Mbps) to avoid lag and buffering. It comes with in-built Smart DNS support, working to access various US streaming services automatically.

Nord is packed with advanced features that aim to improve online privacy. It’s based in Panama, which is ideal in terms of jurisdiction. The proprietary NordLynx protocol is a custom WireGuard fork that provides added security. Infrastructure and apps have been independently audited for peace of mind. 

Meshnet is a private tunneling feature available even without a subscription for all major devices. There’s also a trio of browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge.

We found no leaks during testing. NordVPN is equipped with 256-bit AES encryption and a robust kill switch. If you’d prefer a static IP address, you’ll be able to connect to servers in Frankfurt for a small fee. 

NordVPN can lag on desktop devices while switching servers for up to a minute, and you’ll have to look elsewhere if you’re in need of port forwarding.   

THE BEST VPN FOR GERMAN TV: NordVPN is our top pick for accessing multiple German streaming services from abroad. NordLynx protocol, impressive speeds, unique features, audited apps, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Sufshark is a close second, offering access to German TV from anywhere in the world. There are servers in 100+ countries, with local options found in Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and Nuremberg. 

It works with a long list of streaming platforms, including TV NOW and ProSieben. Surfshark is also a viable option for other countries, and will access BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, and 20 Netflix catalogs, including in Germany itself. Average speeds work out to 188 Mbps. 

As Surfshark allows for unlimited device connections, you’ll be free to share an account with others, further lowering the cost of a subscription. There are apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. It comes with malware filtering and ad blocking, and live chat is available 24/7.  

It’s based in the Netherlands, which is a member of the murky Fourteen Eyes alliance, as is Germany. Both countries are prone to sharing data and information about users within their jurisdiction if asked to do so by other members. This is a major security risk, which makes Surfshark’s no-logs policy all the more important. 

Applications have been independently audited, and it uses RAM-only servers that can be wiped easily. 

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR GERMAN TV: Surfshark offers a capable service for a fraction of the price compared to much of the competition. Streaming access, German servers, unlimited devices, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

ExpressVPN is a premium provider that can access the likes of ARD, DMAX, TV NOW, and Zattoo while abroad. It’s a great option for German users who want to watch the Bundesliga, as it works with Sport1. 

In fact, the VPN is able to bypass geo-blocks in a range of locations. It boasts a solid reputation as an audited service that offers beginner-friendly apps for all popular platforms. You’ll also be able to control the ExpressVPN app via browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Brave, and Vivaldi, while its custom router firmware is unmatched.

The service is based in the British Virgin Islands, well away from any invasive jurisdictions in the EU or elsewhere. It maintains a strict no-logs policy, and the custom Lightway protocol allows for average speeds of 175 Mbps. Live chat is available 24/7. 

A slightly higher price tag than average is one clear downside, but it is offset by its reliability, as well as ExpressVPN’s ability to access a wide selection of streaming platforms with ease. Whether it’s Germany, Italy, or the US, it’s another strong option for bypassing geo-restrictions from abroad. 

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY APPS: ExpressVPN is perfect for accessing a wide variety of streaming sites, with speedy servers in Germany and apps for all devices. Lightway protocol, locations in 94+ countries, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Proton VPN is a high-end provider with a lot to offer for users that are focused on privacy as well as streaming. It was designed by the team behind the encrypted email service ProtonMail, and comes with advanced features like Tor over VPN and port forwarding. Secure Core servers will route your traffic via Iceland, Switzerland, or Sweden before reaching Germany for improved security.

As one of the fastest VPNs (320 Mbps) on the market, it’s able to handle streaming from a range of popular locations, including Germany. Quick speeds are most likely due to Proton’s VPN Accelerator, which is a feature that is designed to improve your connection using proprietary technology.

It offers a basic free plan with locations in the US, Netherlands, and Japan. However, these can’t be used for streaming, even if there’s no bandwidth cap to worry about. 

The provider isn’t subject to Fourteen-Eyes-style surveillance laws as it’s based in Switzerland. Apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Chromebook, Android, and iOS make it especially easy to get started. 

It’s hard to find many faults with Proton VPN, aside from a lack of live chat support, and pricey subscriptions. 

SECURE GERMAN SERVERS: Proton VPN offers everything from a decent free tier to streaming support, while ensuring that the user is well-protected thanks to a wealth of advanced features including Secure Core servers and Tor over VPN. 30-day money-back guarantee.

CyberGhost allows the user to access geo-restricted German platforms like ZDF and ARD from abroad. It goes a step beyond the average provider, with a selection of labeled servers in multiple locations that are specifically designed to work with various streaming services. The same goes for torrenting, while average speeds of 296 Mbps will be quick enough for most users. 

CyberGhost has a massive network, with 9,200+ servers in total. 1,500+ are in Germany, spread out between Berlin, Dusseldorf, and Frankfurt. The VPN itself is based in Romania, so you won’t have to worry about any issues relating to its jurisdiction. 

You’ll find a selection of user-friendly apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android.

While it is missing out on a few advanced features seen elsewhere, it’s undeniably one of the best options if you just want to stream content while abroad. 

OPTIMIZED STREAMING SERVERS: CyberGhost has thousands of servers in Germany and elsewhere. Ideal for streaming and torrenting in multiple countries, especially user-friendly, and comes with an extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

IPVanish is a speedy VPN provider with a lot to offer users in Germany. As with the others, it works with numerous streaming platforms, and there’s a selection of 50+ servers in Frankfurt. The provider makes good use of a self-owned network of 2,200+ VPN servers, recording average speeds of 251 Mbps. 

You’ll be able to connect with an unlimited number of devices, and it has apps for Fire TV, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. IPVanish doesn’t have the most features, but you will find 256-bit AES encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch, as well as obfuscation and a SOCKS5 proxy. 

As IPVanish is based in the United States, it’s not the best option if you’re worried about the Fourteen Eyes alliance. Along with Germany, countries that are part of the shadowy intelligence agreement are able to share data freely, and can force providers to hand over information to the government.  

For peace of mind, you’ll be happy to hear that Leviathan Security Group has audited the VPN’s infrastructure, apps, and policies. IPVanish has a strict no-logs policy that ensures there is no data to hand over in the first place. 

EXCELLENT CONNECTION SPEEDS: IPVanish won’t let you down if you’re looking for a speedy VPN for streaming. German servers, unlimited device connections, strict no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Atlas VPN is the final provider to make the list. Another viable solution for anyone aiming to stream via German platforms, it works with ARD, ZDF, Netflix Germany, and a collection of international services. It uses WireGuard to boost average speeds up to roughly 260 Mbps, which is impressive considering it’s a low-cost alternative to many of the VPNs seen above. 

Its German servers are suitable for P2P, and it will allow you to connect with as many devices as you like. The VPN comes with ​​an ad and malware blocker, and keeps no logs that can identify a user. 

Atlas has a limited free version, which does offer streaming support in the United States. A 5 GB monthly data cap is going to be reached sooner rather than later, and should only be seen as a stopgap solution at best. The free VPN server locations are only found in the US and the Netherlands, so they probably won’t be helpful for German travelers or expats who want to access services from home. 

We’ve noted above that being based in the US can cause jurisdictional headaches. Atlas does come with a watertight no-logging policy, but it might not be the best option if you have an elevated threat model. 

RELIABLE APPS AND STREAMING: Atlas VPN has quick speeds, German servers, and a limited free plan. Use as many devices as you like, WireGuard connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for German TV

Due to the huge amount of VPN providers on the market, we ensure that we narrow down the field using our strict testing methodology process. This way, you only receive recommendations that tick all of the right boxes.

• German servers: German servers are necessary for watching TV from the country while abroad. Connecting to servers in Germany will assign the user with an IP address from the region. 
• Speeds and performance: Is the VPN equipped with speeds that are fast enough to stream 4K content from German servers? We’ve listed the average speeds for each of the providers above. 
• Privacy and security: Even if you only want to use your VPN to stream German TV from abroad, it makes sense to stick with a VPN that takes care of your personal data. 
• Streaming support: Streaming support is a given, whether it’s the ability to access German platforms, or international options like US Netflix. 
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

German TV VPN FAQs

Can I use a free VPN for German TV?

The majority of free VPNs aren’t going to be able to access German TV from abroad. It can be tough to find a trustworthy free provider that offers coverage in the region, and those that do will most likely block streaming access behind a paywall. Free VPNs are often troublesome in terms of privacy and security. Studies have found that some free providers contain malware or are siphoning off user data to sell to third parties. 

It might seem like a hassle to pay for a subscription, but it’s a smart idea if you value your online privacy. 

Are VPNs legal in Germany?

It’s not illegal to use a VPN in Germany, and the same goes for the majority of countries throughout the world. However, rules will vary depending on where you’re currently located. VPNs are banned or blocked in regions like China and Russia. Make sure to make a note of local laws before traveling abroad. 

What German TV can be watched online for free?

There’s a wide variety of German streaming services and channels that can be accessed from abroad while connected to a VPN. Here are some of the German TV channels you can expect to watch online:

• 7TV 
• Zattoo 
• ProSieben 
• DMAX 
• ARD 
• ZDF 
• TV Now

Can I stream live German TV with a Smart DNS proxy?

Proxies are a viable alternative method for users who would like to stream German TV from overseas. However, many proxies don’t offer the same level of encryption you’ll find with a VPN. If a proxy does offer encryption, it’ll only work with your browser traffic. 

A VPN’s encryption process can lead to some slowdown, but that’s unlikely to be a factor with any of the premium options we’ve listed above. 

Can I change my IP address to Germany with a VPN?

Yes. A VPN will allow the user to mask their IP address, assigning a new IP that will match the server location you’ve selected. A German server location will give the user a German IP address, which can be used to access German TV services from abroad. 

Your new IP will roughly match the location you’ve selected. If you need an IP address in a specific German city, look out for a provider with coverage nearby.