How to watch American TV shows abroad online with a VPN

To watch American TV series, shows, movies, and channels online while abroad, you can use a VPN to connect to a server in the US, change your IP address, and access geo-restricted content. The new IP address will make it seem as though you’re accessing the streaming platforms from within the US, unlocking a whole lot of new American TV content.

So, if you were wondering how to watch American TV abroad online, you’ll find all your answers in this detailed guide, together with tips on how to use VPNs for geo-unlocking in an optimal way. Additionally, I’ll share my findings on the best VPN to watch US shows easily, smoothly, and from anywhere in the world.

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Best VPN to watch US shows

1. NordVPN

   Best overall VPN to watch American shows
   9.8
2. Surfshark VPN

   Unlimited connections VPN to watch US shows
   9.5
3. Proton VPN

   Freemium VPN to watch American TV
   8.6

Why do I need a VPN to watch American TV online?

American streaming services and TV networks often restrict their content to viewers within the US due to various broadcasting rights agreements. Most of these restrictions are implemented through geographical blocking, which uses IP addresses to determine the user’s location. These measures ensure that licensing agreements between the streaming platform and the content creator are not breached, as networks often only hold the rights to broadcast their content within a certain geographical area.

Using a VPN is the easiest way to bypass these geo-restrictions, as a VPN can mask users’ actual IP addresses and allow them to appear as if they’re accessing American TV websites from the US. To achieve this seamlessly and securely, I recommend choosing a trustworthy VPN with a large number of US servers and connecting to one of them to obtain a US IP address and unblock American streaming services.

Best VPNs to watch American TV shows

1. NordVPN – overall best VPN to watch US shows
2. Surfshark VPN – fast and affordable VPN to watch American TV
3. Proton VPN – secure and capable VPN to watch American shows

Before compiling my list of best VPNs to stream US shows online from abroad, I tested over 20 available providers. I reviewed their server fleets and looked for ones with the most US servers, checked their connection speeds and geo-unblocking capabilities, and took a deeper look into their security features. Ultimately, I was able to find the top 3 VPNs to watch American TV from abroad – you’ll find my in-depth reviews below.

Top 1. NordVPN - best ultimate VPN to watch US TV shows

The best VPN to watch US TV shows online abroad is NordVPN. The service is simply unmatched at bypassing geo-blocks imposed on US streaming platforms and channels. Additionally, it offers 1970 high-speed US servers for a smooth streaming experience and protects your online activities with robust security measures.

Unmatched US Server Network & Speed:

NordVPN operates around 1970 servers in 16 different US locations for optimal geo-block bypassing performance. During my testing, NordVPN showed an average connection speed of 468Mbps with an incredible 94% initial speed retention rate. These numbers mean that you’ll be able to enjoy smooth HD streams of American shows from anywhere in the world. If you don’t like choosing a server from NordVPN’s extensive list, you can use the Quick Connect function, which will connect you to the speediest available server every time.

Security & Privacy for Streaming Enthusiasts:

Besides being excellent at streaming and geo-unblocking, NordVPN ensures your online activities are always kept safe using bank-grade AES-256 encryption, which completely masks your traffic. Additionally, your real IP address is protected by a kill switch and IP leak protection, which is also essential for streaming US shows abroad as it makes unblocking restricted platforms easier. And, if you ever run into particularly hard-to-bypass blocks, you can use obfuscated servers or NordWhisper tunneling protocol. Both these features mask the fact you’re using a VPN and make it even easier to unblock sites and bypass internet censorship.

User-Friendly and Widely Compatible:

NordVPN offers very user-friendly apps, which are suitable for beginner users due to initial simplicity and expert users alike because of its high level of customization. NordVPN works with all major OSs, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux, and offers apps for laptops, tablets, smartphones, smart TVs, gaming consoles, and more for your American TV streaming convenience. If you like, you can even set up NordVPN on a router to protect all your devices simultaneously.

Get Started with NordVPN for US TV Streaming:

Subscribe to NordVPN now for only $3.39/month, or use one of our exclusive NordVPN coupons for an even better deal. You can try out the service during a 7-day free trial available for Android devices or extend the period of free use with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, read our in-depth NordVPN review.

Top 2. Surfshark - best cheap VPN for streaming US TV

Another best VPN for streaming US TV is Surfshark, especially if you’re looking for something affordable and user-friendly. Although with fewer US servers than NordVPN, Surfshark is just as capable of unblocking restricted US streaming platforms and providing a seamless streaming experience due to the WireGuard tunneling protocol.

Unmatched US Server Network & Speed:

Surfshark offers around 600 US servers in around 25 US cities. This wide locations net ensures you can always find the most suitable US server and unblock any particular American TV channels you have in mind. During my speed tests, Surfshark showed an excellent average connection speed of 428Mbps with a 93% initial speed retention rate. So, if you like your streams to be smooth and in great quality, then Surfshark will match your expectations.

Security & Privacy for Streaming Enthusiasts:

Surfshark keeps its users' privacy and security in the utmost regard by ensuring a true no-logs policy verified by third-party audits. While connected to the service, all your traffic is encrypted with AES-256, and your real IP address is protected by a reliable kill switch. Besides these standard cybersecurity measures, Surfshark offers obfuscated servers and a NoBorders mode to bypass severe geo-restrictions, a Split Tunneling feature to route your network connection in the most convenient way, and an IP Rotator that’ll change your IP address every 15 minutes for enhanced privacy.

User-Friendly and Widely Compatible:

All Surfshark apps across platforms and devices share the same clean, minimalistic design, which is very simple to understand and use. Of course, you can customize it to your standard or just use a preexisting setup. Surfshark can be used on all major OSs, including Linux, and offers apps for smartphones, tablets, laptops, gaming consoles, and smart TVs. It is also compatible with routers. Lastly, one subscription covers unlimited connections, which is perfect for families.

Get Started with Surfshark for US TV Streaming:

This mighty VPN comes at a very affordable price of $2.19/month; however, you can get an even better deal if you browse our limited Surfshark deals page. If you’d like to try it out first, you can do so during a 7-day free trial, and if you decide to subscribe, all your Surfshark purchases are always protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, read our in-depth Surfshark review.

Top 3. Proton VPN - freemium US TV VPN with geo-unblocking capabilities

Proton VPN is a great VPN to watch US TV, especially if you’re looking for a security-oriented service that also offers a completely free version. Because the free version offers a connection point in the US, you can also unblock some American streaming services with it.

Unmatched US Server Network & Speed:

Proton VPN operates around 400 servers in the US. Interestingly, the provider chose to use bare-metal servers, claiming they’re more reliable than RAM-only. Be as it may, when I conducted my speed test, I found the average connection speed to be around 428Mbps with around 88% initial speed retention rate. These WireGuard-powered speeds are great for streaming, but not as fast as with NordVPN and Surfshark. This means that if you’re on the other end of the world from the US and it’s a particularly faraway connection to the US server, you might experience some lag while streaming. If that’s the case, you can enhance the connection speed using Proton’s VPN Accelerator feature, available with the paid version, that can boost the speed up to 400%.

Security & Privacy for Streaming Enthusiasts:

This Swiss-based provider undergoes yearly no-logs policy audits, unlike any other VPN provider. So, with Proton VPN, you can be truly sure none of your data is logged or collected. As for the VPN itself, it uses military-grade encryption, modern tunneling protocols, and has a well-working kill switch. I also liked the inclusion of NetShield ad blocker and the option to use Tor over VPN servers if I ever needed the highest level of anonymity online.

User-Friendly and Widely Compatible:

Although Proton VPN offers quite a few advanced security features, it can still be easily used by beginners. I liked the sleek designed of the apps and the fact they look the same across platforms and devices. Speaking of which, Proton VPN is compatible with all major OSs, including Linux, and works on various different devices, including laptops, smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and more.

Get Started with Proton VPN for US TV Streaming:

Although Proton VPN is not the cheapest with subscriptions starting at $3.59/month, you can always look for a better deal on our Proton VPN coupons page. Proton VPN does not offer a free trial, but you can test out the service using its free version with unlimited bandwidth, but limited connection points (US, Netherlands, Poland, Japan, and Romania). If you do decide to commit, all your purchases will be protected by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more information, read our Proton VPN review.

American TV top streaming services

American television has produced numerous extremely popular shows and series across all genres over the years. Some of them, like Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, Friends, and The Office, were produced by well-known US TV networks, such as HBO, ABC, NBC, and CBS, and left a long-lasting impact on series creation and standards worldwide.

The shift from traditional cable TV broadcasting to digital streaming has made US shows easily accessible no matter where you are, allowing viewers to watch content anywhere, anytime. Now, streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, Max, and others rule the entertainment world, offering huge libraries of on-demand content, live sports, and exclusive originals.

Below, you can find a shortlist of some of the most popular US streaming platforms, their most notable shows, and the cost of subscriptions:

Stream US shows from anywhere with NordVPN

How to watch American TV abroad online: a detailed guide

Most American TV channels and streaming platforms are geo-locked to viewers inside the US. However, if you’re traveling abroad, you can still access the US shows by using a VPN to bypass the geo-restrictions. Here’s how to watch American TV abroad online by using a VPN:

1. Get a reliable streaming VPN with servers in the US

Since most of the US channels and streaming platforms are restricted to the region, you must have a US IP address to access the content. The easiest way to change your IP address is by using a reliable streaming VPN. My top choice for this is NordVPN, as it offers over 1970 high-speed US servers and is excellent for unblocking restricted streaming platforms.

2. Download and install the VPN app

Download the VPN from its official website or get the app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. To install the VPN, simply follow the provider’s instructions. If you need assistance, do not hesitate to contact customer support.

3. Connect to a VPN server in the US

To watch American TV online abroad, you need to connect to a server in the US to get a new IP address. Connecting to a VPN server is easy, and you can usually find the full server list on the main app window. Once connected, check for IP and DNS leaks to ensure your real IP address is not leaking.

4. Head to your preferred streaming platform, sign in, and stream

Once you’re connected to a VPN server in the US, head to your preferred US streaming platform. Log in to your account or create a new one, purchase a subscription, and start streaming American TV anywhere.

Watch American TV with NordVPN

Conclusion

American TV channels and streaming services offer a wide range of globally popular content, including series, shows, movies, and sports. However, almost all US networks and platforms are exclusively available to US citizens due to broadcasting rights-related geo-restrictions. Simply put, you won’t be able to access American shows unless you’re located within the US.

Luckily, you can bypass geo-restrictions and watch American shows online abroad by using a reliable streaming VPN. A VPN can change your IP address to the US by connecting you to a regional server. With your new IP address, you can access popular US streaming platforms and watch famous series from anywhere. For the most seamless experience, I recommend using NordVPN, as it offers close to 2000 high-speed US servers, works excellently at bypassing geo-restrictions, and has a comprehensive security features package.

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FAQ

How to watch American TV internationally?

To watch American TV internationally, you’ll need a streaming VPN. With a VPN, you can connect to a server in the US and bypass geo-restrictions imposed on popular US streaming services and channels. For the most seamless experience, I recommend choosing NordVPN, as it offers thousands of speedy US servers, works great at unblocking restricted platforms, and offers a comprehensive security features package.

How can I watch USA TV online?

To watch USA TV online, you’ll need to use a VPN service. Most US streaming platforms are available exclusively in the region, but a VPN can help you bypass geo-restrictions by relocating your IP address to the US. My top streaming VPN choice remains NordVPN, as it has never failed me in unblocking restricted US streaming services.

Can you stream American TV outside the US?

No, you can not stream American TV outside the US, as the networks are geo-locked to the region. However, you can bypass these restrictions by using a reliable VPN, such as NordVPN, connecting to a server in the US, and accessing the platforms with your new IP address, as if you were located in the US.

What is the best VPN to access US TV from abroad?

The best VPN to access US TV from abroad is NordVPN. The provider offers around 2000 high-speed US servers, perfect for a smooth streaming experience. Additionally, the service is great at bypassing geo-restrictions and securing your networking connections while you watch American TV online abroad.