5 Best VPNs for German TV Channels: ZDF, ARD & More (2024)

Most German TV is only available to viewers in Germany, so viewers outside of the country won’t be able to watch their favorite German TV shows. German TV channels and streaming platforms, like TVNow, ARD, ProSieben, and ZDF, can detect your location based on your IP address. If you’re outside of Germany, they won’t let you watch.

Technically, a VPN can give you a German IP address, hypothetically letting you access German TV from anywhere. However, using a VPN this way goes against the platforms’ T&Cs and could be considered copyright infringement. If you’re already in Germany, though, a VPN can help you avoid ISP throttling and get a better streaming experience.

However, many VPNs aren’t fast enough to let you stream without lag or buffering. I tested 40 VPNs, and ExpressVPN came out on top. It gave me unmatched speeds and zero buffering. You can try it risk-free since it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream in HD With ExpressVPN >>

Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for German TV in 2024

Best VPNs for German TV — Full Analysis (Updated 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Consistently Fast Speeds for Watching German TV in UHD Without Buffering

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested May 2024

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN on this list, with speeds much higher than the 25Mbps you need for watching German TV shows in UHD. While testing its German servers in Germany, its speeds averaged 98.56 Mbps — a mere 4% drop from the baseline connection. With this kind of performance, I had a completely buffer-free UHD TV marathon with ExpressVPN.

I tested 12+ of its German IPs from Germany, and all worked well with the streaming platforms I tried. Since its speeds are fast, no matter where you’re located in Germany, you’ll be able to connect to a fast server. I never encountered lagging on Netflix Germany, Zattoo, Joyn, DMAX, TV NOW, Joyn, ProSieben, or WDR.

I recommend using its speed-optimized, proprietary Lightway protocol for the best speeds

Its apps are sleek and user-friendly. I used its search bar to find its German connections quickly. All of its German servers connected within 3-5 seconds. The VPN also never cut off unexpectedly, which would ruin the moment during dramas like Babylon Berlin.

This level of reliability comes at a cost, though, so ExpressVPN is on the pricier side. Luckily, It often has money-saving discounts on its site. I saved 49% when I signed up for a long-term plan.

It’s risk-free to try ExpressVPN since it has a 30 money-back guarantee. If you decide that it isn’t for you, it’s easy to get refunded via 24/7 live chat. I tested the policy and got my money back within 2 days — no questions asked.

Useful Features

• Chrome and Firefox extensions. With ExpressVPN’s add-ons, you can quickly connect to a secure server in seconds in your web browser without opening a separate app.
• Streaming guides. In addition to 24/7 chat support, if you have questions, I found handy guides on ExpressVPN’s website to help you set it up for streaming TV.
• Threat Manager. This feature blocks pop-up ads, letting you stream with fewer distractions. Plus, it protects you against malware and trackers.
• App shortcuts. Add your favorite German streaming services to the ExpressVPN home screen to quickly connect and watch with just a click.

2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Servers Let you Stream ARD, ZDF, Zattoo, and Others Seamlessly

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost has servers specifically optimized for smooth streaming on some of the biggest German TV platforms. This includes Netflix DE, ZDF, TV Now DE, and more. CyberGhost’s staff regularly checks these to make sure they work and provide fast speeds. I had no issues with buffering during my tests from within Germany.

Each optimized CyberGhost server I tried could handle hours of uninterrupted German TV

CyberGhost performed well in my speed tests, too — its speeds dipped by an average of 5% on nearby German servers. It only took 2-4 seconds for episodes of Die Chefin to load in UHD, and it played with no interruptions.

I really like CyberGhost’s Block Content feature for ad prevention. I turned it on from the privacy settings with just a click. Similar to ExpressVPN’s Threat Manager, it successfully blocked pop-ups from German TV sites that were flooded with ads during my testing from Germany.

I was surprised to see that, unlike ExpressVPN, its 1-month plan only has a 14-day money-back guarantee. The longer plans do come with an extended refund period, meaning that you can test CyberGhost for 45 days before you commit. A 24/7 live chat agent processed my refund request in under 5 minutes when I was done testing it.

Useful Features

• Connect on launch. Set CyberGhost to connect to a nearby server in Germany automatically when you open the app.
• Customizable MTU size. If your baseline internet speed is slow, decreasing the MTU size moves your data in smaller pieces for a faster connection.
• Smart rules. Use this to automatically launch your German streaming app as soon as CyberGhost connects or to set other connection rules as per your needs.
• Servers in Berlin, Dusseldorf, and Frankfurt. It has servers in these 3 German cities. This way, you can choose one closest to your location in Germany, so you won’t suffer from slower speeds due to over-congestion.

3. Private Internet Access — MACE Blocks Annoying Pop-Up Ads on German TV Channels

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

Private Internet Access (PIA) offers a feature called MACE that blocks irritating banners and pop-ups when you watch German TV. I watched Gronkh slashing demons in Diablo IV on YouTube in Germany, and MACE made the banner ads invisible.

It has lots of settings, so I could optimize it for streaming during my tests. This way, you can tweak it if you have slow internet. I got the best streaming quality using WireGuard and a small MTU size, which sends your data in smaller chunks to reduce buffering. If you’re using OpenVPN, I recommend UDP and 128-bit encryption for watching German TV.

It only took a few clicks for me to change PIA’s settings and optimize it for the fastest possible speed

It produced speed drops of about 5% on nearby servers in Germany, so PIA was more than fast enough for UHD TV without changing settings. German servers that were far away from my location in the country only caused 8–12 seconds of extra loading when I opened a show, meaning long-distance speeds can be a bit slower.

You can try PIA for free. All its plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you change your mind, getting a refund is hassle-free.

Useful Features

• Latency filter. Sort servers in Germany according to their latency. Low latency servers take less time for your device to communicate with, so there’s less chance of buffering.
• Quick Connect. You can add one of the servers in Germany to PIA’s home screen for a 1-click connection.
• Split tunnel. You can route some traffic through your regular connection and some through the VPN, freeing up bandwidth for improved streaming performance.

4. NordVPN — Meshnet Links Your Devices, Letting You Stream German TV Safely When You’re Out

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN's Meshnet feature creates a secure network for direct device connections, letting you connect to any device in your network remotely. It offers a secure platform to stream local German content when you’re out and about in the country, guaranteeing a safe and high-quality streaming experience.

Its German servers let me stream the German libraries on sites like Netflix DE, DAZN, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and more in HD from Germany. My tests showed it’s also a reliable option for smaller regional platforms — every server I tried worked perfectly with DMAX, Zattoo, and ProSieben.

NordVPN’s SmartPlay feature is integrated to automatically give you a reliable streaming experience

Its servers in Germany averaged a minimal drop of 7%. Though not as fast as ExpressVPN, I was impressed at NordVPN’s ability to maintain fast speeds at any time of day. That said, I did notice some extra speed dips during peak streaming hours, but it was never enough to cause any issues in my streams.

There were also a couple of times during my tests that I had trouble connecting to a server, but it always worked when I tried a second time. Plus, NordVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try the VPN first and make sure you like it.

Useful Features

• Large server selection. It has plenty of German servers to help prevent overcrowding, which can cause buffering during streams.
• Map-based interface. Tap a location near you in Germany on NordVPN’s easy-to-use map interface, and you’re ready to stream TV.
• Auto-connect. When you find a nearby server that delivers the fastest speeds for watching your favorite German channels in HD, set it to connect automatically when you open NordVPN.

5. Surfshark — Unlimited Simultaneous Connections to Watch German TV Safely on All Your Devices

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

Surfshark is one of few VPNs that lets you connect on any number of devices simultaneously. Most VPNs limit your devices, making you disconnect one if you’re using it on too many. I tested this in Germany by having my roommates stream the German libraries of Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+ while I streamed ZDF. I didn’t notice a drop in the streaming quality.

I watched content on ZDF with no buffering at all

Sometimes Surfshark’s nearby server speeds are comparable to ExpressVPN. However, its distant servers are quite a bit slower (with drops of up to 48%). Thankfully, Germany is a small country, so no matter which server I used within the country, it gave me fast enough speeds for UHD streaming.

When I tested Surfshark’s live 24/7 chat support, they weren’t great at answering more technical questions. The ticket system was a better option for complex issues. However, I didn’t have any trouble using Surfshark to watch German TV. Plus, a 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try Surfshark without risking your money.

Useful Features

• Static IP addresses in Germany. These are IP addresses that are unique to you, so you won’t experience issues with overcrowding when you use them.
• Integrated speed test. A built-in tool to measure speeds helps you find the fastest server in Germany without separate apps or sites.
• Bypasser. This lets some traffic go through your normal connection instead of Surfshark, freeing up bandwidth for smoother streaming.

Quick Comparison Table: German TV VPN Features

When I was looking for the best VPNs for German TV, I first made sure the VPNs had multiple servers in Germany. This means there’s a higher chance you’ll be able to connect to a server close to your German location to ensure you have the best streaming speeds.

I also looked for solid pricing and money-back guarantee policies. Additionally, I checked which VPNs work with smart TVs and streaming boxes. Many German streaming channels allow multiple simultaneous logins, so I also picked VPNs that offer multiple connections. You can use my table to quickly compare the VPNs on my list.

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for Watching German TV Online

To pick the right VPN for German TV streaming, you should focus on a few key criteria. As I searched for the top VPNs to watch German shows, I prioritized providers with these features:

• Servers in Germany. A VPN should have multiple servers in the country so that no matter where you are in Germany, you’ll be able to connect to a server nearby for faster speeds.
• Fast speeds. I found VPNs with high speeds even on distant servers. Look for providers that offer fast protocols like WireGuard, OpenVPN (UDP), or their own proprietary option.
• Flexible plans. All the VPNs on this list have good prices whether you just want a 1-month subscription or need a long-term solution.
• Broad device compatibility. You can configure all the top VPNs for German channels on smart TVs and streaming boxes. They also work on popular desktop and mobile platforms.
• Money-back guarantee. I made sure every VPN I included above has a reputable money-back guarantee window of at least 30 days. I tested each one myself to make sure the process was easy.

FAQs on the Best VPNs for German TV

Is it legal to watch German TV online with a VPN?

It depends on what content you’re watching and from where. Most German TV platforms are licensed to show German content only within the country. So if you’re using the VPN just to protect your local connection and avoid ISP throttling while streaming German TV from within Germany, that’s legal.

VPNs are legitimate tools used for keeping your sensitive data private and secure. The VPNs on this list also ensure the fastest speeds, so you can reliably use them when you’re streaming German TV from Germany.

VPNs can also change your IP address to one in a different country, hypothetically letting you access different streaming platforms and content that aren’t licensed in your country. However, it’s important to be aware that using a VPN this way goes against most streaming platforms’ terms and conditions and could be considered copyright infringement. The team and I don’t condone using a VPN for any illicit activity.

Additionally, there are a few countries that restrict or prohibit VPNs entirely, such as China, the UAE, and Russia. So be sure to also check your local laws just to be safe.

Will a VPN let me watch German TV shows in the US, the UK, and abroad?

Technically, yes, but be aware that it goes against most streaming platforms’ T&Cs and may be considered copyright infringement. Hypothetically, VPNs can replace your IP address with one in another country, making it technically possible to access unlicensed content.

Make sure you’re fully aware of the risks before using a VPN, as this tool shouldn't be used for anything illegal. The team and I don’t condone using a VPN to break any laws. Illegal activities like copyright infringement are illegal whether you're using a VPN or not.

If you are already in Germany and want to stream securely in HD without your IPS throttling your connection, the VPNs on this list ensure the fastest speeds to let you watch German TV without slowdowns.

Which German TV channels can I watch with a VPN?

I tested all of the VPNs in this list from Germany, and they work perfectly with the most popular German TV channels, including:

How do I watch German TV with a VPN on different types of devices?

If your device supports VPNs, simply install a reliable VPN and connect to a German server. Then, log into your streaming service. Each of the VPNs in this list offers native apps for macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and more.

Some devices don’t natively support VPNs, such as Roku and some smart TVs. In this case, you can use connection sharing between your devices, or configure the VPN onto your router. While more technical, a router installation lets you watch German TV within the country safely on all devices connected to your home network.

What if my VPN isn’t working with my German TV service?

There are a few easy solutions to common issues:

1. Make sure you’re using a VPN that is fast enough for streaming German TV channels: Some VPNs don’t deliver fast enough speeds for streaming, causing excessive loading time and buffering. The services on my list have been tested and delivered consistently fast speeds for streaming.
2. Switch servers: Sometimes, the server you're currently connected to may be under maintenance. Try a different nearby server in Germany.
3. Update your VPN: Make sure you have the latest version of your VPN installed to avoid any issues with the app.
4. Contact support: If the above solutions don't work, reach out to your VPN's technical support. I chose VPNs with 24/7 customer service, so you're able to get answers at any time.

Can I watch German TV online for free?

Yes, there are free live streams of some German channels. These include RTL, Zattoo, 7TV, TV Now, ARD, ProSieben, ZDF, and others that you can watch on their respective websites from within Germany.

While there are free VPNs out there, there are not many that offer German servers. Plus, many of them are extremely limited in terms of speeds and data, making it almost impossible to do much streaming at all. It’s best to go with a premium VPN that offers a money-back guarantee.

Get the Best VPN for German TV Online

Most German TV channels, like ZDF and ZRD, are only available in Germany. While VPNs can hypothetically let you watch German TV from abroad, that goes against most platforms’ T&Cs and may even amount to copyright infringement. The team and I don’t condone using a VPN to break any laws or guidelines.

If you are already in Germany, though, and want to avoid ISP throttling for better German TV streams with a VPN, ExpressVPN is my top recommendation. After all my tests, it had the speediest servers that let me watch German TV in UHD from within the country. The service is also backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN with no financial risk.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for watching German TV in 2024

Rank

Provider

Our Score

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1

9.9 /10

9.9 Our Score

Save 49%!

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2

9.7 /10

9.7 Our Score

Save 84%!

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3

9.5 /10

9.5 Our Score

Save 83%!

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4

9.4 /10

9.4 Our Score

Save 69%!

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5

9.3 /10

9.3 Our Score

Save 85%!

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