How to watch European TV in Australia [Bulletproof Solution]

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How to watch European TV in Australia

European TV features everything from Scandi noir crime dramas in Sweden and Norway to thrilling series from Belgium and the Netherlands.

However, if you’re in Australia, geo-location restrictions may limit your access to these shows.

Luckily, by using a reliable VPN, you can bypass these restrictions and enjoy a wide range of native-language TV shows from European countries.

Keep reading to learn how to watch European TV in Australia.

How to watch European TV in Australia?

To watch European TV in Australia or any other country, you should use a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

Free VPNs are an option for cost-saving, but they may have slower speeds, limited server choices, and may not reliably access all European TV channels. 

Alternatively, premium VPNs offer advantages like fast speeds, large server networks in Europe, and enhanced security, providing a higher quality and more satisfactory streaming experience.

So, to get the most out of your VPN, we recommend that you:

Use ExpressVPN

To watch your favorite European TV channels from Australia, follow these simple steps:

  1. Begin by subscribing to ExpressVPN.

Picking ExpressVPN Subscription

  1. Download and install the relevant app for your device.

ExpressVPN is available on various platforms such as Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV systems, and more.

  1. Launch the ExpressVPN app and log in with your username and password to access your account.

  1. Once logged in, choose a server in the European country you wish to stream from, then hit the power button to connect.

Watching France TV with ExpressVPN

Note: Keep in mind that for full access to some European TV channels, you may need to create an account or subscribe to their services.

Why do you need a VPN to watch European TV outside Europe?

You need a VPN to watch European TV outside Europe to bypass geo-restrictions

Governments and streaming services impose these blocks to protect copyright and honor licensing agreements.

However, using a VPN allows you to bypass these restrictions by connecting to a server in Europe, effectively hiding your real IP address and granting access to the desired European TV content.

Best VPNs to watch European TV in Australia

Below, you can find our top five VPN recommendations for streaming European TV online, selected for their exceptional performance, security, and speed.

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN US server

ExpressVPN is a leading VPN service tailored for accessing European TV content with ease. 

It offers an extensive network of 3000+ servers across 160 locations, including 40 countries in Europe, effectively bypassing geo-restrictions.

Additionally, ExpressVPN supports various devices like Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, game consoles, and Smart TVs.

Advanced features include VPN split tunneling, TrustedServer security, and a Network Lock kill switch, which provides data protection and leak prevention even if the VPN connection drops. 

ExpressVPN offers Private DNS and AES-256 encryption, and guarantees no activity or connection logs, ensuring your online activities remain anonymous and untraceable.

Moreover, it efficiently defeats ISP throttling, allowing unlimited bandwidth for streaming. 

With up to eight simultaneous connections, ExpressVPN is perfect for family use. And its unique VPN router service Aircove extends protection to the entire home network. 

With fast and reliable protocols like Lightway and OpenVPN, ExpressVPN offers unrestricted access to European TV content, delivering an exceptional streaming experience.

Pros:

  • Vast server network
  • TrustedServer security
  • Network Lock kill switch
  • Private DNS
  • Unlimited bandwidth

Cons: 

  • Limited Device Count
  • No Native Linux Support for IKEv2
  • Annual plans are required for some features
ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN

Easily access any European TV channel you want with this fast and reliable VPN.

2. CyberGhost VPN

cyberghost home page

CyberGhost is a top-tier VPN designed for streaming and tailored to enhance your viewing experience. 

With a vast network of 9,532 servers spread across 91 countries, you can access your favorite shows and movies from anywhere securely and with blazing-fast speeds.

Your online activity remains hidden with IP masking, making it impossible for anyone to trace your traffic back to you. And with a kill switch in place, your access to the internet is instantly blocked if the VPN connection drops, preventing any potential data leaks.

CyberGhost protects your data through robust 256-bit AES encryption and offers the choice of three leading VPN protocols: IKEv2 for stability, OpenVPN for flexibility, and WireGuard for superior performance.

Plus, the no-logs policy guarantees that your browsing history and connection logs are never stored or shared with anyone, providing peace of mind.

When it comes to TV, CyberGhost’s streaming-optimized servers are the top choice, as they provide a buffer-free experience, ensuring you can enjoy your favorite shows without any interruptions.

Pros:

  • Large server fleet
  • Streaming-optimized servers
  • RAM-only hardware
  • Blocks malware and dangerous ads
  • 45-day money-back guarantee

Cons:

  • Limited device count
  • Configuration complexity
CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN

Benefit from streaming-optimized servers for the smoothest viewing experience with CyberGhost.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA)

pia home page

Private Internet Access (PIA) is an excellent choice for accessing European TV content securely and conveniently. 

With a vast global VPN server network spanning 84 countries, PIA ensures ultra-fast connections for streaming, torrenting, and gaming.

Its strict no-logs policy guarantees complete privacy by never tracking, recording, or selling browsing data.

What’s more, it ensures top-notch security with protocols like WireGuard and OpenVPN.

For streaming European TV, PIA offers blazing speeds with a 10 Gbps server network and unlimited bandwidth for a smooth viewing experience on all your devices.

Advanced privacy and security features include PIA MACE, which blocks ads, trackers, and malware, and an advanced kill switch to prevent data leaks.

Overall, PIA is a comprehensive, user-friendly VPN tailored for accessing European TV content with utmost ease.

Pros:

  • Unlimited device connections
  • Streaming, gaming, and torrenting support
  • Automation and advanced kill switch
  • Antivirus and malware protection

Cons: 

  • Could be more consistent speed-wise
  • Limited support for certain platforms
Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access

Easily bypass geo-restrictions and stream on all your devices with PIA.

4. NordVPN

nordvpn user interface

NordVPN is a leading VPN service offering a vast network of 5,500 servers in 59 countries, ensuring exceptional global coverage and reliable performance.

Its standout features include double encryption, a strict no-logs policy, CyberSec (ad-blocking), and Onion Over VPN (enhanced privacy), guaranteeing top-notch online security and privacy.

NordVPN’s servers deliver remarkable speed, facilitating uninterrupted streaming of your favorite European content without any buffering. 

Through double VPN, your internet traffic gains an added layer of protection, passing through two VPN servers for enhanced security.

Valuing user privacy, NordVPN strictly adheres to a no-logs policy, safeguarding your online activities from being tracked or recorded. 

Additionally, the VPN provides automatic Wi-Fi protection, ensuring secure connections even on unsecured networks during travel.

NordVPN offers user-friendly apps compatible with Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

Pros:

  • Eliminates ISP bandwidth throttling
  • SmartPlay technology 
  • Strong and advanced security features
  • Extensive server network
  • User-friendly interface

Cons:

  • Linux client lacks a graphical interface.
NordVPN

NordVPN

Enjoy an amazing combination of speed and security with this leading VPN provider.

5. Surfshark

surfshark connected to bulgaria

Surfshark VPN provides a suite of features suitable for accessing European TV content. Its CleanWeb 2.0 blocks ads, trackers, and malware, ensuring smooth streaming and improved browsing.

What’s more, you get unlimited simultaneous connections, which allows you to stream on all your devices. Additionally, the split tunneling feature lets specific apps of your choosing bypass the VPN for tasks that don’t require encryption.

Surfshark’s independently-audited no-logs policy and Private DNS & Leak Protection guarantee online privacy while the kill switch prevents data exposure in case of a VPN connection drop. 

Camouflage Mode conceals VPN usage from internet providers, adding an extra layer of privacy when accessing European TV content. 

Encryption is a top priority for Surfshark, employing industry-leading AES-256-GCM encryption for robust data protection.

This VPN also supports secure protocols, such as WireGuard, IKEv2, and OpenVPN, ensuring fast and reliable connections for seamless streaming of European TV content.

Pros:

  • CleanWeb
  • Unlimited device connections
  • Camouflage mode
  • NoBorders mode

Cons:

  • Could be a bit complex for inexperienced users
Surfshark

Surfshark

Make quick work of any and all geo-restrictions and enjoy high-quality streaming with Surfshark.

Which European TV channels can I stream online?

With a VPN, you can watch multiple European TV channels online for free, broadening your entertainment options beyond regional limitations.

Here are just a few examples:

  • BBC iPlayer (United Kingdom): “Doctor Who,” “Sherlock,” and “Peaky Blinders.”
  • ZDF (Germany): “Terra X,” “Bares für Rares,” and “Heute Show.”
  • France 2 (France): “Les Petits Meurtres d’Agatha Christie,” “Fort Boyard,” and “On n’est pas couché.”
  • RaiPlay (Italy): “Che Dio ci aiuti,” “Suburra: Blood on Rome,” and “Inspector Montalbano.”
  • RTÉ Player (Ireland): “Fair City,” “Love/Hate,” and “The Late Late Show.”
  • SVT Play (Sweden): “The Bridge,” “The Restaurant,” and “The Legacy” have gained international acclaim.
  • ERT (Greece): “To Nisi,” “Polyteleias,” and “Ta Nea Tou ANT1.”
  • TVE (Spain): “La Casa de Papel” (Money Heist), “Isabel,” and “Cuéntame cómo pasó.”
  • TVP (Poland): “Poland’s Got Talent,” “The Witcher,” and “Plebania.”
  • NRK TV (Norway): “Skam,” “Nobel,” and “Lilyhammer.”
  • RAI 1 (Italy): “Che Dio ci aiuti,” “Don Matteo,” and “Un Posto al Sole.”
  • RTP Play (Portugal): “Bem-Vindos a Beirais,” “O Preço Certo,” and “Linha da Frente.”
  • ORF TVthek (Austria): “Die Sendung mit der Maus,” “Bundesland heute,” and “Am Schauplatz.”
  • RTS (Serbia): “Ubice mog oca” (The Father’s Murderers), “Senke nad Balkanom” (Shadows over the Balkans), and “Vojna akademija” (Military Academy).
  • HRTi (Croatia): “Crno-bijeli svijet” (Black and White World), “Pogrešan čovjek” (The Wrong Man), and “Sve će biti dobro” (Everything Will Be Fine).

Yes, it’s legal to watch European TV shows in Australia with a VPN.

Keep in mind though, that it’s a good practice to respect the terms of service of the European TV websites to avoid potential account termination or other consequences.

However, even this is a non-issue, since the providers we’ve recommended above do a great job at hiding your traffic from any website or ISP.

Summary

To enjoy European TV shows in Australia or any other country, you’ll need a European IP address.

Luckily, you can easily get one through a reliable VPN. 

ExpressVPN, CyberGhost, PIA, NordVPN, and Surfshark are top-notch options that bypass geo-blocks effectively. 

They boast multiple servers in Europe and use advanced technology to avoid detection by streaming platforms, ensuring you can watch European TV in Australia seamlessly.


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