Reviews

Best VPN for Germany



Summary: Germany has pretty strict laws on media and music distribution, so a lot of content on YouTube and through services like Pandora is blocked.

Using your IP address, servers can see you’re accessing from Germany, and restrict your access to content accordingly.

The easiest way around this is to use a VPN to trick them into thinking you’re somewhere else.

By blocking your IP address and routing your traffic through an alternate server location, a VPN will give you access to any blocked content you want in Germany.

For the fastest music streaming in Germany, get Express VPN now.

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Why Is My Access Limited?

In Germany, there is a strict set of rules known as the GEMA that protects copyrighted materials and artists from infringement and unauthorized distribution.

As good intentioned as this legislation may be, it runs the gamut in content restrictions, even going so far as to deny access to YouTube videos of games with copyrighted music.

If you want to listen to Pandora or check any content on YouTube in Germany, you’re going to need to use a VPN.

 

What is a VPN?

If you’ve never heard of a VPN before, don’t sweat it, it’s not complicated. VPN stands for virtual private network, and it’s a service provided to users for a monthly fee.

Basically, you just find a company you like, sign up for a service plan, and get rolling.

When you download their software, you choose a server location, and connect. From there, all of your data is encrypted, and your traffic is routed through the server location you’ve selected.

Not only is your information private and secure, but you have access to any content that’s available in the location you’ve selected.

The VPN blocks your IP address, and gives you the one associated with the server.

You can completely circumvent those annoying content blocks, and even keep yourself anonymous and untraceable while you surf.

 

Top 3 VPNs for Germany

There are a lot of choices as far as VPNs go, and not all of them are fast enough to handle streaming. Here are a few of the biggest names in the biz, and how they compare for access in Germany.

 

#1 Choice:  Express VPN – 9/10 – The fastest streaming on any device

Everyone claims to have the fastest connection around, but with Express VPN, they actually live up to the hype.

Their connections are always so fast and reliable – they’re perfect for streaming music and TV shows online.

Express VPN’s easy to use software is simple and intuitive, and available on all major operating systems – they even have apps for your mobile devices.

Their plans include two simultaneous connections, too, so you can stream them on both a home and mobile device at the same time for no extra charge.

If you’re worried about getting stumped by the tech behind these services though, Express VPN has you covered.

Their customer service is awesome – they’re not only available through live chat and e-mail round the clock, but they have the fastest response times ever – I’m talking less than 20 minutes.

Plus, you don’t even have to worry about buyer’s remorse. Express VPN actually has a crazy no-questions-asked 30 day money back guarantee.

With military grade encryption, and a referral program that actually pays you back, Express VPN is accessibility that just can’t be topped.

For the best connection and access to blocked content in Germany, get Express VPN.

 

#2:  IPVanish – 8/10 – Not compatible with iOS

IPVanish is a good option if you can’t access Express VPN. Their connection is almost as fast as Express VPN’s, so you can stream Pandora in Germany no problem.

The only issue you might run into is with IPVanish’s compatibility limitations.

Express VPN works with everything, but with IPVanish, you can only use their software on Windows, Mac, Android, and Linux systems.

If you want to stream or surf on your mobile Apple device with a VPN, you’ll want to stick with Express VPN.

Another thing to keep in mind with IPVanish is that they may not be the best option for beginners.

Their software is easy enough to figure out, no doubt, but their customer support options are severely limited.

They are 24/7, but there is no live way to get in touch with them, and you’re likely to wait at least a few hours to get an e-mail response.

Unlike Express VPN, which has live chat and responds to emails within minutes.

Overall though, with their encryption settings and tough security, IPVanish is another good option for accessing blocked content in Germany.

IPVanish can be found at this website.

 

#3: HideMyAss– 6/10 – Extremely slow connection, terrible for streaming

HideMyAss‘s encryption is to the same standards as Express VPN, and their software gives you options for customizing your connection for security versus speed.

However, there are some major drawbacks to be aware of with this service.

For one thing, HideMyAss is slow­ – way too slow to stream or download anything without pulling your hair out. This was not my experience with Express VPN, that one was always super-fast.

No matter which server you connect to, it always seems your connection with HideMyAss is going to be unreliable, and a lot slower than average.

On top of the connection issues you’re likely to face with HideMyAss, their customer support is equally frustrating.

Their software is far from simple, and their support always seems to be bogged down with a massive influx of requests.

You can expect to be on hold at least ten minutes with their live support options, and wait 24-72 hours for an e-mail inquiry response.

Basically, HideMyAss is good for security, but that’s about it. Their connection speed just isn’t up to par for streaming blocked content, and you can get way better customer support with Express VPN.

HideMyAss is here.

 

Conclusion: Use Express VPN for Fast, Unlimited Access

Germany doesn’t go crazy with censorship by any means, but when it comes to music and entertainment content, their restrictions can go a bit overboard.

This can really cut into available content online. Getting around it is simple enough, you just need Express VPN.

Express VPN works to open up your access to blocked content, in addition to:

There’s no need to do without – by using Express VPN, you can access any content you want in Germany, and keep your personal information secure and private.

For the best of both worlds in Germany, get Express VPN today.

Jen Martinson

Jen Martinson
News maker and gatherer.
Editor-in-Chief of Secure Thoughts.