How to Watch US TV Shows Abroad
Summary: If you’re outside of the US, online streaming services may block you from streaming American TV shows. Using your IP address, these sites and services can determine where you’re streaming from, and limit your access.
With a VPN, you can get around these content blocks, and stream no matter where you are. By blocking your IP address and routing your traffic through a remote server, VPNs allow you to watch American TV from anywhere in the world.
For the fastest streaming of US TV shows abroad, get ExpressVPN now.
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Why Is My Access Limited?
If there’s one thing America is famous for, it’s their entertainment industry. Around the world, people try to stream hit American TV shows like The Walking Dead and Duck Dynasty, but in some countries that may not be as easy as you think.
Using your IP address, servers can determine where you’re streaming from, and limit your access accordingly. Broadcasting agreements keep a lot of services like Netflix and Hulu from making their content available overseas.
As a result, if you’re travelling or living outside the US, you’ll need to take special steps to watch American TV shows. One of the easiest ways is to use a VPN.
What is a VPN?
VPNs, or virtual private networks, get you around content blocks by hiding your IP address and connecting you to a remote server. That server can be located anywhere you want access, like say, the US.
As you’re connected, your data is secured with the VPN’s encryption, protecting your privacy and keeping you anonymous. With this setup, you can access any content you want, no matter where you are.
Top 3 VPNs for Streaming American TV
There are a lot of VPNs out there, and they all claim to be the fastest and most secure. Here’s an honest rundown of how they actually perform, and which ones are cut out for streaming.
#1 Choice: Express VPN – 9/10 – Fastest connection overseas
Even though I primarily use VPNs for streaming overseas, I want something that doesn’t compromise security for speed. ExpressVPN is perfect for both, with a connection that’s both fast and secure.
Their large network of servers means you always get a fast, reliable connection, and no buffering to bog down your Netflix. They have software and apps for every device too, so you can use ExpressVPN on just about anything.
With ExpressVPN, you get completely unlimited bandwidth, plus two simultaneous connections. This means you can use it to stream on a home connection, and secure a mobile device too – no extra fees.
What’s more is that ExpressVPN uses the toughest encryption you’re going to find – military grade 256 bit. You can even customize your connection to optimize it for speed versus security.
This is also one of the more user-friendly VPN options you’re going to find. Their software is so simple, even beginners won’t have any difficulty at all figuring it out.
If you do run into problems, ExpressVPN’s customer support is available 24/7, and they never hook you up with a robot. You get live support with their chat feature, and fast support with their e-mail system.
Throw in a 30 day money back guarantee, and there’s just no better way to go.
For fast, easy streaming of US TV shows abroad, get ExpressVPN today.
#2: IPVanish – 8/10 – Fast, but not compatible with iOS
I feel like I really hammer this one home a lot, but let’s just get it out of the way now – IPVanish is good, but it’s not compatible with iOS.
What this means is that they don’t have an app available for these devices, so you can’t use it to set up a VPN connection on iPhones or iPads. Not yet at least. For a VPN that works on almost any device, stick with ExpressVPN.
However, IPVanish does have a fast connection, and software for PCs, Macs, Linux devices, and an app for Android. You also get two simultaneous connections with this VPN, just like with ExpressVPN.
IPVanish uses the same tough encryption as ExpressVPN too, so your data is completely private and secure. Their software is really easy to navigate, and there are security options for you to play around with as well.
However, keep in mind that customer support with IPVanish isn’t going to be instantaneous. Like ExpressVPN, they’re 24/7, but they don’t have a live option, just e-mail. Expect to wait a few hours to hear back from them.
They’re not as flashy as ExpressVPN, and only offer a one week guarantee.
IPVanish can be found at this website.
#3: HideMyAss– 6/10 – Slow VPN, not ideal for streaming
HideMyAss is a VPN with a catchy marketing campaign, but the reality is this is just a VPN that doesn’t perform. Their connection is always slow and unreliable, and it’s maddening to try to stream with them.
Though HideMyAss uses the same 256 bit encryption as ExpressVPN, the difference here is that HideMyAss is so unreliable, your connection is likely to get dropped, and your data left exposed regardless.
On top of that, their software is way more complicated than it needs to be, and a lot of first time users may be a bit baffled as they try to navigate all of the sub menus.
If you run into problems, it only gets worse when you contact support. HideMyAss’s customer support is a joke compared to ExpressVPN’s – they’re slow, and it’s obvious you’re not a priority to them.
Despite them being 24/7 and available three different ways, you’re going to wait days for an e-mail response, and be on hold for a solid half hour to get in touch with a rep.
HideMyAss may have all of the features, but in the end, their network and staff just can’t handle their customer base.
HideMyAss is here.
Conclusion: Use ExpressVPN for Fast, Unlimited Access
American TV shows are some of the most sought after entertainment in the world, and services like Netflix and Hulu make it easy to stream without a cable box.
The problem you run into is that these services have geographical limitations, and when you try to use them, they’ll lock you out if they see you’re in an area where they can’t stream.
That little IP address of yours is a dead giveaway, and unless you do something to hide it, you’ll never be able to stream American TV overseas.
With ExpressVPN, you can:
- break through content restrictions
- watch American TV anywhere
- protect your privacy online
- secure your personal information
You’ll also get amazing customer support with a reliable and fast connection, backed by a 30 day money back guarantee and superb customer support.
To quickly and securely stream American TV shows abroad, get Express VPN today.