How to watch American TV channels outside US in 2024

Nothing beats American TV content, setting up trends for shows worldwide and hosting award-winning flicks. Watching US TV in Europe and other regions is a whole different ballgame, however. Enforced geofences are symptomatic of licensing agreements and distribution rights. So, what beats geographical restrictions surrounding the USA cable media? A VPN is the answer.

A reliable VPN service can grant you a US IP address to slip through geo-blocks. Hence, a few clicks will have you streaming American TV channels like ESPN Sports, Fox, or Max. And that’s despite your whereabouts, be it Europe, Asia, or Africa. It’s choosing the right VPN capable of outmaneuvering the restrictions surrounding American TV online that invites success.

Our experts tested the best American TV VPNs, focusing on streaming performance, US servers, device compatibility, ease of us, and the extra benefits. In this analysis and guide, you’ll find all the answers you need to watch US TV online hassle-free.

Best VPN to watch American TV channels: shortlist

1. NordVPN

   Best VPN to watch American TV online
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Fast US TV VPN with no device limit
   9.5
3. Bitdefender VPN

   Lightweight VPN for American TV streaming
   8.2

Why do you need a VPN to stream American TV online?

You need a VPN to watch American TV channels outside the US or from a different state. Whether traveling abroad or residing outside the land of the free, you’ll encounter error messages. That’s because streaming platforms read your IP address, resulting in restricted access. So, you end up facing this frustrating sight:

Not unless you have a reliable VPN in your arsenal. Traveling US folks love a good service since they can stay in tune with their favorite shows and movies thanks to it. In short, a VPN assigns you a matching IP address to the region you connect to. This location masking tricks the TV channel or an online hub into letting you pass.

However, there are more benefits to a VPN than just enjoying American TV streaming anywhere. You can change Netflix region, buy cheaper flights, pay less for YouTube Premium, and more. Besides, the software protects your connection in hotels and other public Wi-Fi hotspots if you're traveling.

Best VPN to watch American TV channels online: overview

1. NordVPN – the best US TV VPN for streaming with blazing speeds
2. Surfshark VPN – rock-solid and affordable VPN for American TV channels
3. Bitdefender VPN – reliable American TV VPN with great connectivity

We tested and picked five VPN services that can get a US IP address and unblock American TV streaming services. Naturally, their connection quality is top-notch, allowing you to watch shows and movies in glorious UHD quality.

Besides unblocking extra content, virtual private networks can protect your browsing activities and keep you anonymous. The most secure VPNs have extra features against malicious ads, online trackers, viruses, and even malware.

Best of all, these benefits aren’t even mutually exclusive. You can check below what other perks each VPN provides besides US TV unblocking abroad.

1. NordVPN – the best VPN for unblocking American TV channels

NordVPN is the best VPN for unblocking American TV channels anywhere on the globe. We experienced zero friction during our tests. Each attempt to unblock Max, Sling TV, Discovery, and other US TV channels was 100% fruitful. All thanks to the 2000+ US servers in 16 locations, you can dodge state-level blocks. Plus, the NordLynx protocol kept sessions buffer-free in UHD quality.

US folks are lucky to get SmartPlay for extended encryption and functionality on streaming peripherals that don’t support VPNs natively. Otherwise, you get intuitive apps on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux devices. Should you decide to stream American content on ad-supported platforms, Threat Protection will keep ads at bay. Read more in our NordVPN analysis.

Finally, the price tag won’t break your bank – NordVPN costs a meager $2.99/month. And it’s just one of the many good deals on the table. The 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee give you the flexibility to test it before committing fully.

For a deeper investigation of NordVPN, read our NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark VPN – best for USA TV channels unblocking in all countries

Surfshark VPN is an excellent US TV VPN with room for budgeting. However, pocket-friendly pricing isn’t the only strong forte. Our tests showcase impressive results as we unblocked each channel and hub without issues. Our team noted only tiny buffers on distant servers; otherwise, WireGuard kept all videos clean. And you get to choose from over 600 US servers.

CleanWeb is an impressive ad blocker and super beneficial should you want to watch US TV online free of charge. We also liked the SmartDNS feature, which allows you to stream American TV on smart TVs and even consoles. Overall, navigating Surfshark VPN apps is a breeze whether you’re a recent joiner or a seasoned cybernaut. Learn more about the features in our Surfshark VPN review.

The budget-conscious can take advantage of one of the Surfshark deals, the best one costing only $2.19/month. Naturally, testing the waters first is a promise with the 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For a deeper investigation of Surfshark VPN, read our Surfshark VPN review.

3. Bitdefender VPN – secure and speedy VPN for streaming US TV online

Bitdefender VPN is a good American TV VPN with stable connectivity and optimal streaming speeds. Starting strong, the service nets a handful of US servers in 15 major cities. We must note that the next-gen WireGuard ensured our tests were smooth, except for a few hiccups during unblocking attempts.

It’s a mid-range solution available on primary devices: Windows, Android, Mac, and iOS. While there is no router support, the apps on PCs and mobiles have minimal impact on the system. Meanwhile, the built-in ad blocker eliminates a good chunk of ads in case you wish to stream American TV on hubs where advertising is prominent. Our Bitdefender VPN investigation discusses the full potential of the service.

The Bitdefender VPN won’t cost an arm and a leg, only $2.92/month. Besides, you can pick from several deals available. Also, feel free to take advantage of the 7-day free trial and the 30-day money-back guarantee to see what all the fuss is about.

For a deeper investigation of Bitdefender VPN, read our Bitdefender VPN review.

How we tested VPNs to watch American TV channels

Our recommended VPNs resolve the question ‘how to watch American TV abroad online’ in a blink of an eye. But we didn’t pick them willy-nilly, mind you. After all, fierce VPN detection systems and geofences surround American TV streaming. Not every VPN is up for dealing with them.

Hence, our team tested 31 providers to compare and see which performs best. We pinned each VPN against popular US TV channels like ESPN Sports, Sling TV, Fubo, to name a few. And that’s what criteria guided our assessment:

• Geo-block circumvention. An American TV VPN must be able to slip through geofences first and foremost. We checked out how each provider deals against restrictions surrounding different channels. This includes whether the software doesn’t get detected after multiple uses since it’s a commonplace problem, too.
• US servers. A huge server network is great, but the priority in this case is US servers. The more, the better chances at remaining undetected while streaming American TV channels. Locations matter too because some channels are restricted to states. For this reason, we considered how many and where each VPN houses US servers.
• Streaming capabilities. Changing your IP address to trick hubs is one thing, but keeping up with streams is a whole different nuance. The fastest VPNs must employ modern tunneling protocols like WireGuard or NordLynx to propel high speeds. We checked for speeds above 100 Mbps for no less than HD stream quality and how the connection fares on both far and distant servers.
• Device compatibility. Ability to stream on different peripherals is a must-have for any reputable VPN service. We prioritized VPNs that have router support and SmartDNS feature or its variations like NordVPN’s SmartPlay.
• Subscription cost. We firmly believe that a VPN shouldn’t be a luxury. Our top picks offer pocket-friendly plans.

NordVPN won the title of the best American TV VPN. It passed each test with flying colors, from swiftly unblocking platforms to securing a smooth viewing experience. And your whereabouts have no influence on the connection quality. The only thing that matters is finding the best snacks for enjoying the US shows and movies and not whether this VPN works.

Watch American TV with #1 VPN

What are American TV channels?

Once you’ve picked a VPN, you’ll need to sign up for an online streaming service with exclusive American TV shows. Those include the highly popular Sling TV, Hulu, ESPN+, and more. Each US TV channel is abundant with diverse shows and movies, from global sports events to Hollywood gems and experimental pieces. But no single hub has it all.

Here’s a list of popular streaming platforms with American content:

Of course, this is only the tip of the iceberg in terms of what’s available on each platform. Plus, it’s impossible to predict where the next hit TV show will appear. Luckily, many of them offer free trials if you’d like first to test the service with your VPN provider.

How to watch American TV with a VPN on different devices

Widely-used devices like computers and mobile phones have easy to set up VPN applications. However, unblocking American content on other types of devices can be trickier. It might involve using Smart DNS or installing the VPN on a router. We’ll provide a few handy guides to get you on the right track.

How to watch American TV on PC or smartphone

Mobile and computer streamers can enjoy the most streamlined apps of all available, no matter the VPN. And setting it up on your device is a breeze too. Here’s a breakdown:

1. Obtain a streaming-dedicated VPN. Our top pick is NordVPN, with seamless PC and mobile support
2. Download the VPN client or the extension to your device
3. Proceed to install the app or the extension
4. Connect to a server in United States via VPN
5. Open a US-exclusive streaming service’s website and start watching!

Watch US TV anywhere

How to watch American TV channels on streaming devices

If you get a multi-device VPN, you can stream US TV channels on peripherals like Roku, Kodi, Amazon FireStick TV, Apple TV, Android TV, and more. However, you need to set the connection up on a router. Here’s a lowdown of how to step-by-step:

1. Get a VPN with router support. The #1 pick is NordVPN with vast router compatibility
2. Set up your home router with a VPN connection using provider's configuration files
3. Connect your smart TV or another gadget to the reconfigured router network
4. Boot up your device and tune into any US-exclusive channel

Stream US TV with VPN on any device

How to watch American TV in US

Tuning into your favorite shows is a breeze with a VPN. All you need is a streaming device and a VPN with US servers in its arsenal. Here's a lowdown of setting it up:

1. Subscribe to a fast VPN with servers in America. We recommend NordVPN, the best provider overall
2. Download the VPN software on your preferred TV-viewing device
3. Install the VPN client on the chosen device
4. Connect to a server in the USA
5. Launch your desired American TV streaming service and watch from anywhere!

Watch American TV abroad

How to watch American TV in UK and other European countries

You can watch US TV in Europe and the UK with a VPN. Foreign American TV connoisseurs don’t have convenient access to overseas content. The situation differs from country to country and depends on what local television channels have licensed. Unsurprisingly, this usually includes older shows with completed seasons rather than fresh and ongoing content.

Luckily, you can stay on the cutting edge of US television and watch American TV shows in Europe with the help of a VPN. Best of all, virtual private networks have servers in loads of other countries, allowing you to unblock a diverse selection of foreign content.

American TV VPN is not working: quick fixes

Streaming services are extremely protective of the licensed content. This means they actively hunt VPNs that try to go around the geofences. So, even the best US TV VPNs could falter against advanced defenses. Or it could be simple hiccups in the performance like with any piece of technology. In either way, these could be the causes:

• Hogged server or already blacklisted IP addresses on the streaming hub
• Your actual location is showing through IP or DNS request leaks
• Browser cookies are betraying your real IP address and whereabouts
• The VPN app is not up to date
• The platform keeps detecting your VPN with advanced algorithms

Here are the counter solutions for each problem:

• Switch to different US servers, also try out connection points in the states near you
• Run diagnostics on websites like ipleak.net to confirm, then reset your internet connection
• Clear browser cache before using a VPN and opening a streaming platform
• Update your VPN client or reinstall it altogether
• Use stealth features like obfuscated servers designed to avoid VPN detection

Remember that only the best US TV VPNs are capable of dealing with geo-blocks. We advise starting with the tried-and-true service like NordVPN right off the bat for maximum result with minimal effort. Plus, we faced no issues with this VPN during our test runs with the American TV channels.

Watch US TV online with NordVPN

How to watch US TV online free of charge

You can watch US TV online free of charge using free trials on streaming hubs and a VPN. Free trials are a temporary solution, as all cable-cutting options require monthly subscriptions to enjoy their content. You can switch from one platform to another once the trial or money-back time is up, of course. But you’re bound to run out of free slots eventually.

For now, you can take advantage of these hubs for that cost-free trial fun:

• Hulu – 30-day free trial
• Amazon Video Prime – 30-day free trial
• YouTube TV – 7-day free trial
• Fubo – 7-day free trial

But as you can note, these platforms are mainly restricted to the United States. So, if you’re traveling or living abroad, you’ll need a VPN to tune into these websites and use the free trial. However, we warn you that opting for a free VPN won’t do. Sure, there are good free services like Proton VPN for casual browsing, but not streaming or unblocking platforms of such caliber.

Small data caps, a dozen servers in too few locations, user information harvesting, and limited security – all result in abysmal attempts at online streams. Instead, opt for a premium VPN with a free trial. This way, you get fully capable software for HD streams of American TV channels. Once the time is up, you can switch to another reliable VPN.

NordVPN is the #1 VPN to watch US TV online free of charge given the 7-day trial and 30-day money-back guarantee periods.

Get the best VPN for US TV

Conclusion

American TV allures media enthusiasts worldwide with top shows and flicks for all tastes. But curiosity and excitement quickly turns to dust once you face a geo-block wall surrounding US TV channels. Especially if you’re a US resident relaxing on a vacation in another country. So, how to watch American TV abroad online? With a good VPN.

NordVPN is the best VPN for American TV streaming online because of the fastest industry speeds and thousands of US servers. These aspects propel UHD stream quality no matter where you connect from. The icing on the cake is the ability to stream on almost all peripherals with just a few clicks. Speaking of little effort, this VPN won’t break your bank either.

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FAQ

What is the best VPN to watch American TV abroad?

NordVPN is the best VPN for American TV streaming. The service facilitates highest speeds on US servers within the industry, securing a stable UHD video quality. Plus, you can choose from 2000+ serves in North America, which increases your chances of unblocking streaming hubs tenfold.

How can I watch USA channels?

You can watch American TV with a VPN. A reliable service, like NordVPN, unblocks US-only hubs whether you're in the UK, Canada, or Australia. Thus you don't need to worry about missing out on your favorite shows. The US VPN works on a variety of devices and protects your connection on top of that.

What is the most popular TV channel in USA?

NBC is the most popular American TV channel. You can easily watch it and other US TV channels abroad with a good VPN. Services like NordVPN propel industry-leading speeds and let you choose from over 2000 servers in many different major cities. It's a good weapon against geofences, US or not.

Is American TV free to watch in US and abroad?

American TV isn't free to watch. You can take advantage of the platforms' free trials, but that's the limited and only extent of the free aspect to televised US content. Still, these hubs are available in America only for the most part, so you'll need a service like NordVPN to unblock them.

How to watch American TV in Italy?

You can watch American TV in Italy with the help of VPN. The service unblocks online media platforms without sacrificing the stream quality. The catch is to pick a robust solution. NordVPN is the #1 VPN for watching US TV in Italy and anywhere else. High speeds and 100% reliability for a small cost.