To watch RTVE, you’ll need a VPN that offers servers in Spain, strong security, and a reliable reputation. We recommend ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. All of these providers offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is essential for accessing RTVE from outside of Spain. By connecting to a VPN server located in Spain, you can stream the service as if you were physically there.
- Sign up for a VPN. (We highly recommend ExpressVPN)
- Download the VPN app and connect to a server in Spain.
- Visit the RTVE website and start watching.
In this article, we will present our top-recommended VPN services for watching RTVE in detail. Additionally, we will show you how to watch RTVE outside Spain using a VPN.
What to Look for in a VPN for RTVE
When selecting a VPN for streaming RTVE, here are the key factors to consider:
- Servers in Spain: This is non-negotiable. To unblock RTVE from abroad, the VPN must have servers located in Spain. Always check the provider’s server list before you sign up.
- Security and Privacy: Strong security protects your online activity. Look for essential features like AES 256-bit encryption and a kill switch, which prevents data leaks if the VPN connection drops. For privacy, choose a VPN with a strict no-log policy to guarantee that your Browse history is never recorded or shared.
- Connection Speed: While VPN encryption can potentially slow your internet connection and cause buffering, premium services like ExpressVPN and NordVPN are engineered for speed, so you’ll rarely notice a difference when streaming video.
- Reliability: A provider’s reputation is a good measure of its quality. Established VPNs with a large user base are more likely to offer stable connections and reliably bypass streaming service restrictions.
- Customer Support: You may occasionally encounter issues, such as a server being temporarily blocked or a bug after an app update. In these situations, responsive and helpful customer support is essential for resolving problems quickly.
Best VPN Services for Watching RTVE from Anywhere (Outside Spain)
Here are some excellent VPN services we recommend.
| ExpressVPN | NordVPN | SurfShark | |
| Prices | 1-Month: $13.99 12-Months: $5.99/month 24-Months: $4.49/month | 1-Month: $11.99 12-Months: $4.99/month 24-Months: $3.99/month | 1-Month: $12.95 12-Months: $3.99/month 24-Months: $2.39/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days | 30 days | 30 days |
| Countries | 105 | 118 | 100 |
| Total Number of Servers | 3,000+ | 7,000+ | 3,200+ |
| Servers in the US | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Connection Speed | Ultra Fast | Fast | Fast |
| Security | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch | AES-256 Kill Switch |
| Privacy | No-logging | No-logging | No-logging |
| Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support | 24/7 Live Chat Support |
| Maximum devices supported | 12 | 10 | Unlimited |
ExpressVPN: Ultra-fast Internet Speeds
| Prices | 1-Month: $13.99 12-Months: $5.99/month 24-Months: $4.49/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| Countries | 105 |
| Total Number of Servers | 3,000+ |
| Security | AES-256 Kill Switch |
| Maximum devices supported | 12 |
ExpressVPN offers some of the fastest internet speeds among the VPNs we have used. All VPNs may slow down your internet connection, but ExpressVPN is one of the fastest, and you rarely notice the difference. Review sites consistently rank ExpressVPN as one of the fastest VPNs. Additionally, with over 3,000 servers in 105 countries, you have a wide choice of countries to change IP addresses to. Real humans are available 24-hour live chat support to help you with setup and troubleshooting. ExpressVPN also has a no-log policy.
After you’ve registered with ExpressVPN, you can use it to easily browse the internet just by downloading their app.
- Place a high importance on internet speed
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
NordVPN: The Ultimate Balance of Price and Internet Speed
| Prices (standard plan) | 1-Month: $11.99 12-Months: $4.99/month 24-Months: $3.99/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| Countries | 118 |
| Total Number of Servers | 7,000+ |
| Security | AES-256 Kill Switch |
| Maximum devices supported | 10 |
NordVPN’s excellent service, and balance of price, internet speed, servers, and countries, has allowed it to gain the greatest market share in the world. Overall, NordVPN consistently receives great reviews from leading experts. NordVPN has more than 7,000 servers in 118 countries, so you also have a lot of choices for which country to change your IP address to. You can et help and advice from our friendly customer support team through email or live chat for your 24/7. And NordVPN also has a no-log policy.
After you’ve registered, you can easily browse the internet using NordVPN just by downloading their app.
- Want to balance price and internet speed
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
Surfshark: Impressive Performance with a Lower Price
| Prices (standard plan) | 1-Month: $12.95 12-Months: $3.99/month 24-Months: $2.39/month |
| Money-back Guarantee | 30 days |
| Countries | 100 |
| Total Number of Servers | 3,200+ |
| Security | AES-256 Kill Switch |
| Maximum devices supported | Unlimited |
Surfshark offers impressive performance with a lower price. You can get Surfshark much cheaper than other services if you apply for the 24-month plan. Furthermore, Surfshark has no connection limits. So, you and your family can connect and use all your devices simultaneously. Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries. Just like the other VPNs, you also have a lot of choices for which country to change your IP address to. Customer support experts are there for you 24/7, if you need a helping hand with them via live chat or email. And SurfsharkVPN also has a no-log policy.
After you’ve registered, you can easily browse the internet using Surfshark by downloading their app.
- Who are budget conscious and want to want to connect with lots of devices
\30 day Money-Back Guarantee/
How to Watch RTVE from Anywhere (Outside Spain)
Here are the steps to access RTVE using a VPN:
- Sign up for a VPN. (We highly recommend ExpressVPN)
- Download the VPN app and connect to a server in Spain.
- Visit the RTVE website and start watching.
Step 1: Sign up for ExpressVPN
To register with ExpressVPN, click the “Claim Exclusive Deal” button as shown below. After the price plan is shown, follow the instructions.
STEP2. Download the VPN app and connect to a server in Spain
After registering with ExpressVPN, download and launch the app. Next, click “…” in the app and type “Spain” in the search box.
Then, select a server and click the power icon in the middle. You can now connect to a server in Spain.
STEP3. Visit the RTVE website and start watching
With your VPN still connected to a server in Spain, navigate to the official RTVE website.
You can start Browse and playing much of the on-demand content immediately without an account. However, to watch live TV channels, you will need to complete the free registration process.
Why Isn’t RTVE Accessible Outside Spain?
Like most national broadcasters, RTVE is unavailable outside of Spain due to broadcasting rights and copyright agreements. The service uses geo-blocking technology to check the location of your IP address. If it detects that you are in another country, it will prevent you from watching its content.
RTVE explains this policy on its official FAQ page, noting that specific shows must be blocked in certain countries to fulfill their contractual agreements with content producers.
Vivo en Estados Unidos y no puedo ver Cuéntame Cómo Pasó en internet, ¿qué ocurre?
RTVE está obligada a geobloquear la emisión de algunos programas en determinados países para cumplir sus compromisos contractuales. Es el caso de la temporada en emisión de Cuéntame Cómo Pasó, que tiene restricciones en Estados Unidos y Canadá<Translation>
I live in the United States and I can’t watch “Cuéntame Cómo Pasó” online. What’s going on?
RTVE has to geoblock certain programs in specific countries to meet its contractual obligations. Unfortunately, this includes the current season of “Cuéntame Cómo Pasó,” which is restricted in the United States and Canada.
Source: https://www.rtve.es/faqs/index.php?categoria=61
When you try to access it from outside of Spain, the video player gets stuck and the content won’t play.
How a VPN Unblocks RTVE from Outside Spain
Streaming services like RTVE determine your location by checking your device’s IP address. An IP address is a unique identifier that reveals your geographical location. If the site detects an IP address from outside Spain, it will automatically block you from viewing its content.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) gets around this by masking your real IP address and assigning you a new one based on the server you connect to.
When you connect to a VPN server located in Spain, your internet traffic is routed through that server. This gives you a Spanish IP address. As a result, when you visit RTVE, the platform sees the Spanish IP address and grants you full access to its entire library, no matter where you are in the world.
FAQs
Can I watch RTVE for free?
Some of the content is free, but other parts are available for a fee.
What is a VPN?
VPN stands for Virtual Private Network. It acts as a secure tunnel between your device and the internet. By routing your connection through a VPN server, it masks your actual IP address and makes it appear as though you’re accessing the internet from a different location. This not only enhances your online anonymity, protecting your identity from potential eavesdroppers, but also allows you to access websites and services as if you were in a different country, bypassing geo-restrictions.
Is it legal to watch RTVE with VPNs?
Using VPNs to watch RTVE is legal. VPNs are widely used by individuals to protect their private information and other online activity.
Can I use a free VPN?
We recommend paid services in terms of privacy and security because we don’t know how free VPNs manage our log traffic data. It is also said that free VPNs are more likely to track our data. Many paid services have a money-back guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied with the service, you can receive a refund.
What else can a VPN be used for?
In addition to bypassing geographical content restrictions, VPNs can also enhance your online privacy and security. Furthermore, it can be used to save money on subscription services like YouTube Premium and Netflix by allowing you to subscribe from regions where prices are lower.
Conclusion
- Sign up for a VPN. (We highly recommend ExpressVPN)
- Download the VPN app and connect to a server in Spain.
- Visit the RTVE website and start watching.