If you travel outside the US much you’ve probably noticed you can’t access your favorite TV shows or movies online. This is because some internet services restrict access to only US-based users. The best way around this restriction, and to greatly increase your security, is to use a VPN. A VPN will hide your IP address and assign you a new one that will allow you access to US content. This review will present some of the best VPN contenders for unblocking US TV shows from abroad after we tested them.
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Why Is My Access Blocked from US TV Streaming Services Abroad?
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.
The solution is simple, get your hands on a solid VPN, so that you can block your IP address and access any TV show – it’s the best way to watch US TV overseas.
Why A VPN Can Help Access US TV Shows?
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.
Best VPNs for Streaming U.S. TV Shows
There are alot of VPN providers out there, waiting for you to grab ahold of. Like everything though, some are much better than others. With that, it’s on to our top VPN’s for watching TV shows and movies outside the US.
#1 ExpressVPN – The Best VPN to Watch TV and Movies Anywhere
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.
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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 you can watch TV shows online for free.
For fast, easy streaming of US TV shows abroad, sign up with ExpressVPN here.
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12 Months + 3 Months FREE
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#2 CyberGhost
While CyberGhost falls slightly short of ExpressVPN due to having fewer server locations worldwide and offering slightly slower speeds, it’s still an extremely secure and reliable VPN for watching your favorite shows while overseas.
CyberGhost brings military-standard 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch and watertight DNS and IP leak policies which repeatedly succeed in unblocking Netflix and other geo-restricted sites. CyberGhost has over 1,100 servers in 59 countries around the world, so you’re likely to be able to find a fast and nearby server wherever you are.
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CyberGhost makes sure that you don’t have to wait through delays and lags by offering unlimited bandwidth, and there’s torrenting and P2P filesharing available too.
Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost lets you try out the service with a 30-day money back guarantee. Prices are relatively low at only $11.99 per month too. CyberGhost also offers a commitment-free 7 day free trial with no restrictions. It is the perfect “try before you buy” option.
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#3 NordVPN
NordVPN is another highly reputable VPN service offering very secure and pretty fast online streaming. The streaming isn’t quite as fast as ExpressVPN’s, there is a mixed review when it comes to users opinions. You are just going to have to try it and see if it works in your location.
If you are having any issues with speed, there are numerous servers to choose from, 1387 to be precise, spread across the globe – pretty impressive!
There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee, so if you figure that this VPN just isn’t a match made in heaven then you can get your cash back. At $11.95 a month it’s not a bad a deal either…or, you could opt for the annual plan, at $69, which works out to about $5.75 per month – it’s easy to see why this is their most popular plan!
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With unlimited bandwidth and a very responsive customer support team, NordVPN is right up there when it comes to being one of the best services around.
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#4 HideMyAss
If you can’t unblock US TV shows using ExpressVPN in the country you’re in, HideMyAss is almost certain to have a nearby server.
HideMyAss has over 700 servers in almost 200 countries, making it one of the VPNs with the greatest number of server locations. It has apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac and can be used on up to 5 devices at once. It also uses strong OpenVPN encryption.
Safe 43% on a 12-month subscription.
HideMyAss has good speed levels, so it doesn’t make your TV shows pause a lot, and it lets you use legal torrenting, but won’t permit P2P file sharing. It can unblock Netflix most of the time through one of two optimized US servers.
HideMyAss has fast customer service through live chat and email. It costs $11.52 for one month and comes with a 30-day money back guarantee.
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#5 SaferVPN
If for some reason ExpressVPN isn’t available, SaferVPN is a really great alternative.
SaferVPN offers 700+ servers in over 36 locations around the globe, it’s compatible with all devices and it uses an ultra-secure 256-Bit Strong Encryption.
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The performance levels are generally pretty good and there doesn’t seem to be any user complaints, however, you may not get the same speeds that ExpressVPN offers. It can connect to streaming services such as Netflix, but torrenting isn’t supported.
SaferVPN has great customer service, which is available 24/7 through live chat, phone, and email. Priced at $4.99 for a one-month subscription, it makes it one of the cheapest VPNs on the market. And all subscriptions come with a 30 day money-back guarantee.
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#6 PrivateVPN
Although PrivateVPN follows through as dependable VPN we have slightly lowered its score for security and speed reasons.
If you were wondering how to watch American TV in the UK, you’ll be able to access US Netflix, Hulu, popcorn time and even BBC iPlayer (for all you who like a bit of English TV). However, the speed isn’t quite top notch and you may need to bite your tongue a bit. If you’re a techie, you’ll also notice that their security could be better.
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For $10.95 for their 1 month plan, this VPN is on the cheaper side of things, but you get what you pay for. We may be scrutinizing PrivateVPN a little too harshly, after all, it works! It is a reliable VPN, but when it comes down to some of the nitty-grittys, it just doesn’t have much meat on its bones. If you are interested, however, their most popular plan is their 1 year, $4.15 a month, with an extra month free.
Try it out and let us know what you think, they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee; you’ve got nothing to lose.
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12 Months + 5 Months FREE
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#7 IPVanish
If you’re just desperate to start the newest season of Orange is the New Black, IPVanish is another reliable and secure VPN that we would highly recommend.
Its connection speed is excellent, and will definitely support streaming with very little lagging time – making watching shows far less frustrating (no more pausing and waiting for them to load).
In addition, IPVanish’s service plans come with unlimited bandwidth and two simultaneous connections, so, like ExpressVPN, you can connect both a home and mobile device under one account.
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One major downside to IPVanish though is that their software has slightly limited compatibility. While IPVanish will work on Windows, Android, Mac, and Linux systems, it’s not compatible with iOS. If you need a VPN to stream American shows on your iPad or iPhone, you’ll need to use a different VPN.
Unfortunately there is no live chat option, but if you have any issues along the way, you can be sure their responsive email ticketing system will be at your service and fully available 24/7.
Their pricing is fair, with a monthly fee of $6.49 for a 1 year membership. You can try the service for 7 days and get your money back if you are not satisfied.
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How to Watch TV Shows and Movies Anywhere
If you travel outside of the US, having a VPN is highly recommended if you want to keep up to date with your beloved TV shows, especially to access US Netflix or unblock Popcorn Time.
Trying to access your favorite TV hubs in another country usually doesn’t work, error pages will be popping up left right and center due to the fact that they are restricted by your IP address. You’d definitely have to use a VPN for Hulu or it simply would not work abroad.
An Amazon Fire TV VPN is also crucial if you want to catch up on your favorite shows there.
It’s crazy to think that many people have never even heard of a VPN service let alone used one.
They provide an extra layer of security when it comes to using the internet abroad and they will also let you watch US-based streaming services anywhere else in the world.
The great thing about ExpressVPN is that it is very easy to use – technophobes, fear not!
With ExpressVPN, you’ll get:
- Fast speeds for streaming videos and live events
- Unlimited bandwidth on up to 2 devices at once
- Stellar customer support
- 30-day money-back guarantee and a referral program
- Military-grade encryption to protect your information
- All your online activity is kept anonymous
To quickly and securely stream American TV shows abroad, get ExpressVPN today.
Exclusive Limited Time Deal: 12 Months + 3 Months FREE for a yearly subscription.
I am planning on traveling to Israel, will I be able to use ExpressVPN?
Hi, and thank you for your question! One of the best things of any VPN, including ExpressVPN, is that they’re designed to help you remove geographic barriers. VPNs are legal to use in Israel, and there have been no reports of ExpressVPN not working. If you’re planning on keeping up with your favorite US TV shows, then you should definitely keep your subscription and always use your VPN! We hope this helps!
I am a frequent traveller and each time I wish to stream a TV show irrespective of my location, ExpressVPN never disappoints me.
Speed and latency are a deal breaker for many users. So, a top VPN service should never compromise on that part. The overall web browsing experience when connected to ExpressVPN has always been great. I didn’t notice any degradation in browsing speed in comparison to my regular connection.
Also, the availability of 24×7 support through live chat always helps users in need. Netflix and other streaming services too work, which is a must-have for many users travelling overseas like me.
ExpressVPN is the second VPN I’m using. Compared to my previous mediocre VPN, Express, is heaven on earth. It’s really fast and actually quite unbelievable.
I need to know which of these VPN’s DEFINITELY work in Russia. I hear they are getting as strict with blocking VPNs as China and I am getting ready to go there for business soon. I don’t want to get there, find out my VPN doesn’t work and then not be able to download another because the sites are blocked.
Also, are special configurations I need to do to make sure the VPN service works in Russia or is that automatic?
Hi Britney,
I completely understand your concern, especially with all the bans inflicted lately by Russia and China.
The best thing for you to do is contact the VPN provider of your choice – ExpressVPN, NordVPN, SaferVPN – answer their questions regarding your device (OS, version, IP, etc.) and future location plans and they will be able to answer all your questions very effectively.
VPN is a very good technology by which we can easily watch our favorite shows when we travel from one country to other country.I love to watch few TV Shows and by using vpn i don’t miss these shows.
What is the best option if I’m just going to be abroad for a few months? I want to make sure I won’t miss my Netflix shows but also don’t want to have to make a long term commitment because I won’t need a VPN when I go back to school. Leaving soon so need a quick response, thanks
Hi Janet,
ExpressVPN have a 6-month plan if you don’t want to commit to a year. Just FYI, we get a lot of students subscribing to the VPN services once they get to school because of blocked access once in school campus. I would consider taking the 1-year subscription so you won’t have to subscribe again in case you need to access social media or streaming sites in school, plus, you save up significantly.
I am in Pakistan and Express VPN is slow over here, is it normal or I figured it wrong? Please help me out. It was working fine when I was in Russia. Do I need to buy a different service of what?
Hi Faik,
I would just contact them via their live chat for them to troubleshoot with your OS and IP and find the solution for you. ExpressVPN is very quick and effective at assisting.
Thanks for sharing. I actually use VPNs whenever I travel to access Amazon Tv stream and Netflix. I just happen to be a television freak
Why do I need a VPN to stream US televison shows while on travel abroad?
Hi Lizzy,
You need a VPN since depending on your location when overseas, you won’t have online access to the US TV shows you want to stream. The VPN provider will enable you to spoof your location and connect to a remote server, therefore allowing to connect to your show of choice. The service providers listed above, like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, are very reliable in terms of connection speed and support if ever you need help troubleshooting.
I really need this but I need to know the best VPN for US video streaming. A friend reported series of disconnection. Please Tell me the best to use so as not to make the same mistake as my friend. Besides, Can I use it in Spain?
Hi Costa, I would go with ExpressVPN as #1 and NordVPN as second choice, although opinions are mixed with these 2 as to which is the best. They’re both highly reliable and a fast services.
It’s really nice to know that there a lot of options I can use to watch US tv shows when I travel out on trips. Which is the fastest and most secure VPN?
It’s great to see that there are so many options for watching my favourite shows when I’m abroad. Thank you for this information.
I live in the UK and I can already access Netflix. Is there any point in getting a VPN? Can I get different shows?
Yes, exactly. Although UK subscribers enjoy an extensive catalog, it does not match the reams and reams of extra shows in the US. You can also access other Netflix catalogs if you’re interested in foreign film – as well as alternative streaming services that experience content blocks.
Unfortunately, Hulu and HBO apparently have enhanced their ability to detect where you are in the world blocking you even when you have VPN. I use ExpressVPN and on my iPad, the only way I have found to watch Hulu and HBO is to completely disable Location Services in addition to connecting through an ExpressVPN server. If anyone has found a better way, would love to hear from you!
Will I be able to access us tv channels and series?
Yes, as long as they have an online service that you have access to like DIRECTV NOW.
I bought it, it was nice.
Nov 22, 2016 Tuesday
Hello. I have express vpn on my android galaxy note 4. However your company states I can use this product on 3 devices, including my Samsung Smart TV.
However after several attemtd I am unable to get Express VPN into my TV although it is installed on my Galaxy Note 4. Help plz.
Hey Edie,
Did you try contacting ExpressVPN’s customer service department? They’re incredibly helpful and should be able to help you with your problem.
Best,
Lyndon
Thanks for sharing! I love Hulu plus especially because I can watch the latest episodes 1 day after they air.