5 Best VPNs for RTE Player: Fast & Reliable in 2024

RTE Player’s full library is only available in Ireland. Because of its licensing agreements, you can’t watch all of its content from abroad. Instead, you can only watch some shows, documentaries, and news. The service checks your IP address to determine whether to show you selected programming or the full content library.

You could use a VPN to obtain an Irish IP address to hypothetically watch all of the platform’s content from elsewhere. However, this would breach RTE Player’s terms of service and could lead to copyright infringement. vpnMentor does not condone it.

If you’re in Ireland or just planning on watching the RTE programming that’s legally available outside of Ireland, ExpressVPN is the best choice for HD streaming. It has top security features and offers consistently fast speeds for uninterrupted streaming. You can try it with confidence to see if it suits your needs as it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for RTE Player in 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Best VPNs for RTE — Full Analysis (Updated in 2024)

1. ExpressVPN — Fast and Reliable for Watching RTE in HD

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

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN let me watch RTE in HD with no interruptions every time I connected. I didn’t need to try multiple servers — the first one I connected to worked perfectly. While visiting friends in Ireland, I was able to watch Seriously, Sinead? in HD using its Ireland server location. Each episode loaded almost instantly, and I never experienced any buffering.

ExpressVPN automatically chose the fastest nearby Irish server for me to connect to

I opted to use Lightway since, in my experience, it’s faster than other more traditional protocols. During my tests from Ireland, I got great speeds. I only experienced a very small speed reduction of 4%, so ExpressVPN was more than fast enough to watch RTE Player without buffering. It’s normal for VPNs to reduce your speed by 10–20%, so I was impressed with this.

I found the ExpressVPN app really easy to use, but I especially appreciated the Shortcuts feature. Essentially, it lets you add a shortcut to RTE Player on the homepage of the app. It was easy to configure, and once it was set up, it meant that I could watch RTE without the extra steps of closing the VPN app and opening my browser.

Although it’s a few cents per month more than CyberGhost on the monthly plan, it didn’t put me off because ExpressVPN’s regular discounts bring the price down. I signed up for a 12-month plan and got 61% off, along with an additional 3 months of service for free. Plus, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means you can test ExpressVPN without any risk.

Useful Features

• Works on most restricted networks. ExpressVPN’s servers are obfuscated, which disguises your encrypted traffic as a regular connection. This lets you watch RTE Player on networks that block VPNs or streaming services, like those at school or work.
• Split tunneling. You can choose which apps use the VPN and which don’t. This lets you free up some bandwidth so you have even faster speeds for RTE.
• Browser extensions. This lets you connect to the VPN from the browser you use to watch RTE. It acts as a remote control for the full app, so when you hit the connect button, your whole device is protected, not just your browser.
• Online streaming guides. The ExpressVPN site has step-by-step instructions on how to watch RTE from within Ireland for beginners.

2. CyberGhost — Streaming-Optimized Server for Smooth RTE Streaming

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost is the only VPN I tested with a streaming-optimized server specifically for RTE. This server is constantly tested to ensure that it can provide the best streaming experience. So, I didn’t have to go through the whole server list to find an Irish server that worked reliably to watch Normal People in HD.

It took me only 30 seconds to connect to the RTE server from Ireland using CyberGhost’s “For streaming” tab

Also, CyberGhost offers fast speeds, as my testing showed. I experienced only a 6% speed drop on the RTE-optimized server, so I could stream Frasier in Ireland with no interruptions. The speed drop was only slightly higher in comparison to ExpressVPN, so I was satisfied with the results.

I really liked its beginner-friendly app — in fact, I think that’s CyberGhost’s best feature after its optimized servers. It has a simple, intuitive design that lets you connect to a local Irish server in 2 clicks. There's no need to navigate complex settings, making it perfect if you're new to using VPNs.

I was surprised to see that its monthly plan has a much shorter refund period than most other VPNs (14 days). It redeems itself with the generous money-back guarantee on the longer plans, though. You have 45 days to try CyberGhost out for free. If you want to try out another VPN instead, it’s easy to get a refund.

Useful Features

• Simultaneous connections. If you want to share your account so your family can safely watch RTE in Ireland, you can. CyberGhost allows 7 devices to connect at once with one subscription.
• App rules. This is a handy customization option that lets you set CyberGhost to automatically connect to the RTE-optimized server when you open the player.
• WiFi protection. As part of its Smart rules, CyberGhost also lets you set it to automatically connect to the RTE server when you’re using unsecured public WiFi.

3. NordVPN — Lots of Local Servers in Ireland for Lag-Free RTE Streaming

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try NordVPN >

www.nordvpn.com

NordVPN offers a huge network of local servers in Ireland. Some of the VPNs that didn’t make my list only had a handful of servers, which meant I came across overcrowded and laggy servers. But with NordVPN, I was easily able to watch Blue Lights in HD on RTE from Galway.

I also used the “Quick Connect” option, as this always found the fastest local server in Ireland

NordVPN is very fast, too. My connection was slightly slower than it was with ExpressVPN and CyberGhost, but I only had a 7% speed drop on local servers in Ireland. During my tests from within the country, I used the proprietary NordLynx protocol, and I was able to watch RTE in HD with only a few seconds of loading time.

My biggest disappointment was that the Presets feature is only available on macOS. I could set a preset to connect me to the fastest nearby Irish server when I was watching RTE on my Mac, but I couldn’t do the same on my Android smartphone.

You can test NordVPN out for free using its 30-day money-back guarantee. To test this, I contacted support to cancel my account after 15 days, and they only asked a couple of basic questions. The money was back in my account within 3 days.

Useful Features

• Auto-connect. Once enabled, NordVPN will automatically connect to your chosen server when the app launches. You don’t have to worry about remembering to choose a server every time you want to watch RTE.
• Meshnet. This lets you create a secure connection with another device. For example, you could use this to stream RTE in Ireland from your home desktop while you’re visiting another city in the country.
• Browser extensions. You can choose to use a secure IP address provided by the VPN in your browser without affecting the rest of your apps. Plus, this is a little more lightweight, so it’s less likely to slow down older devices.

4. Surfshark — Unlimited Connections to Watch RTE on All Your Devices

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer More

Try Surfshark >

www.surfshark.com

Surfshark is a great option for larger households because its subscription covers an unlimited number of devices. So, everyone can watch their favorite RTE shows securely without forcing anyone else to log out. I was worried that using it on too many devices would slow my connection down, but when I tested it on 4 of my devices, I was still able to watch in HD.

The speeds on nearby servers in Ireland only dropped by a tiny 6%, the same as CyberGhost. I was able to watch RTE Player with no buffering from within Ireland.

From Ireland, you can connect to an Irish server with 3 easy steps

Unfortunately, while Surfshark offers a built-in speed test, this didn’t work so well in my tests. You can’t use it while you’re connected to a server, so it was tedious having to constantly hop around servers. Fortunately, connection times are really quick, so it didn’t take me long to find a faster connection.

Like the other VPNs on my list, Surfshark comes with a money-back guarantee. You have 30 days to try it out for free. If it’s not for you, you can easily get a refund by talking to the live chat support team.

Useful Features

• Bypasser. This is Surfshark’s split tunneling feature. You can use this to divide your traffic the way you like, which might help you speed up your connection for streaming.
• Camouflage mode. Surfshark employs this feature automatically in the background without having to enable it manually. It obfuscates your VPN connection, making it easier to stream RTE safely on restricted networks.

5. PrivateVPN — Quick Setup to Start Watching RTE Player in HD Right Away

Works With:

Netflix Disney+ APV HBO Max

Hulu BBC iPlayer Sky More

Try PrivateVPN >

www.privatevpn.com

PrivateVPN stands out to me because it’s so easy to use. You don’t have to change any settings to get started — just log in, pick a server, and start streaming RTE. When I tested it, I noticed that all the advanced settings are in a hidden menu, so there’s nothing confusing to deal with. I was ready to watch RTE from Ireland in less than 4 minutes.

The first server I connected to from Ireland let me watch RTE immediately

Compared to other VPNs, PrivateVPN has a smaller server network. This didn’t seem to affect its performance, though, as I had no issues watching RTE Player from Ireland. It automatically assigned me to the best server in Dublin, and I didn’t have to disconnect or try a different server.

You can watch RTE Player with PrivateVPN free for 30 days thanks to its money-back guarantee. If, at the end of that time, you want to try a different service, you can contact support to get your money back.

Useful Features

• High-Quality Network (HQN). Most VPNs pay a third-party company to help them transmit data, but PrivateVPN purchases this capability straight from transit providers. This is a complicated way of saying that it cuts out the middleman to lower costs and improve network performance.
• In-app latency test. PrivateVPN shows you how fast a server will be before you connect.

Quick Comparison Table: RTE VPN Features

If you’re still not sure which VPN is right for you, here’s a quick side-by-side comparison table to help you find the best VPN for watching RTE.

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for RTE Player

In order to provide you with the most accurate recommendations, I tested some of the most popular VPNs on the market, considering several critical factors. If you’re in Ireland and you wish to run your own tests, you can use my checklist:

• Works with RTE. You can usually check with the VPN’s customer support to see if it can help you securely watch RTE. I tested every VPN on this list from Ireland to make sure its local servers all work with the platform.
• Servers in Ireland. Choose a VPN that has servers in Ireland, as this is the only country where RTE is licensed to broadcast its full content library. Usually, the server list is available on the VPN’s website.
• Fast speeds. Look for a VPN with fast protocols like Lightway (ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol) and WireGuard to give you the best speeds to stream in HD.
• Device compatibility. Ensure the VPN supports all your devices. It should be compatible with a wide range of platforms, such as Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even routers.
• Simultaneous connections. The VPN should support multiple simultaneous connections so that you can watch RTE Player on more than one device without having to worry about logging in and out all of the time.
• Additional features. Certain VPNs offer unique features like split tunneling, kill switch, or automatic connection to the fastest server. These can enhance your overall streaming experience with RTE Player.

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

FAQs on the Best VPNs for RTE Player

Is RTE Player free to watch?

Yes, you can watch RTE Player for free. Just note that you need to be within Ireland if you want to see its whole library because the content available outside the country is limited. For most shows, you don’t even need to register for an account.

Will a VPN affect my RTE streaming session?

A good VPN won’t have a noticeable impact on the quality of your RTE streams. Some poor-quality services will slow your connection down to the point that you can’t load the next episode, though. I tested dozens of services for RTE, and the VPNs that made my list are fast enough to watch in HD from Ireland without buffering.

Can I use a free VPN to watch RTE?

I wasn’t able to find any free VPNs that worked well with RTE Player. Even if there are some that work that I couldn’t find, I don’t recommend using them. Instead, try using a premium service that has a money-back guarantee. That way, you can try it out for free.

Free VPNs are usually slow and very limited, which leads to long loading times and lots of buffering. They have data limits, too, which means you can only watch 1–2 episodes before you reach the cap.

What if RTE Player is not working with my VPN?

If you’re in Ireland and RTE Player isn't working with your VPN, here's what you can do:

1. Make sure you’re using a VPN that works with RTE. Many services don’t.
2. Change servers. RTE might have blocked your server’s IP. If you’re in Ireland, try switching to a different local server, as this will give you a new IP.
3. Clear your cache and cookies. These small chunks of data can sometimes present conflicting information that confuses streaming services.
4. Contact support. If you're still having trouble, reach out to your VPN's customer service. They may provide specific advice for watching RTE Player in Ireland.

Get the Best VPN for RTE Player

RTE offers a great variety of Irish and international shows and movies. The full content library is only available in Ireland, which means you can’t stream it from abroad. In theory, you could use a VPN to get an Irish IP and watch it from another country, but this could constitute copyright infringement. vpnMentor doesn’t encourage breaking any rules.

For those in Ireland who are looking for a safe way to watch RTE in HD, I recommend ExpressVPN. In addition to robust security features, it offers excellent speeds and the most reliable connections. It’s easy to use, and you can try it without any worries as it has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for RTE Player...

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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