To watch ZDF from abroad, you need a VPN with servers in Germany, strong security features, and a proven reputation.
We recommend ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. All of these services include a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.
- Sign up for a VPN. (We highly recommend ExpressVPN)
- Download and open the app, then connect to a server in Germany.
- Visit the ZDF website and start streaming.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the best VPNs for watching ZDF and walk you through the process of using one to access the service from outside Germany.
How to Choose the Best VPN for ZDF
Here are five key factors to consider when selecting a VPN for streaming ZDF.
- German Servers: To watch ZDF, your VPN must have servers located in Germany. Always check the provider’s server list before signing up.
- Security and Privacy: Strong security is essential for protecting your online activity. Look for features like AES-256 encryption and a kill switch, which are industry standards. For maximum privacy, choose a VPN with a strict no-logs policy. This ensures that your Browse data is never recorded, keeping your activity private.
- Connection Speed: While a VPN can sometimes slow your internet connection due to encryption, top-tier services are designed to minimize this impact. With leading providers like ExpressVPN and NordVPN, you’re unlikely to notice any speed difference when streaming video.
- Reliability: A VPN’s popularity is often a good indicator of its reliability. Well-established services with a large user base are more likely to offer stable connections and effectively bypass geo-restrictions.
- Customer Support: You may occasionally encounter issues, such as a server being temporarily blocked or an app bug after an update. In these situations, responsive and helpful customer support is crucial for resolving problems quickly.
Best VPN Services for Watching ZDF from Anywhere (Outside Germany)
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 ZDF from Anywhere (Outside Germany)
Here are the steps to access ZDF using a VPN:
- Sign up for a VPN. (We highly recommend ExpressVPN)
- Download and open the app, then connect to a server in Germany.
- Visit the ZDF website and start streaming.
ExpressVPN has some of the fastest internet speeds of 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. So, using ExpressVPN, you can enjoy TV programs normally available only in other countries without a noticeable difference in speed. After you’ve registered with ExpressVPN, you can easily browse the internet using ExpressVPN just by downloading their app.
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 and Launch the App and Connect to a Server in Germany
After registering with ExpressVPN, download and launch the app. Next, click “…” in the app and type “Germany” in the search box.
Select a server and click the power icon in the middle. Now, you can connect to a server in Germany.
STEP3. Visit the ZDF website and start streaming
Access ZDF . You can watch ZDF without needing to register.
You need to access ZDF while connected to a server in Germany, so that ZDF will treat you as if you are accessing it from Germany.
Why Can’t I Watch ZDF Outside Germany?
The main reason ZDF is unavailable in other countries is due to broadcasting rights and copyright agreements. These legal arrangements often restrict content to be shown only within Germany.
If you attempt to stream ZDF from abroad, you will likely see an error message like this:
“Aus rechtlichen Gründen kann dieser Beitrag nur in Deutschland gezeigt werden.”
This translates to: “For legal reasons, this content can only be shown in Germany.“
How Does a VPN Enables You to Access ZDF from Outside Germany?
Using a VPN enables you to mask your location. A website like ZDF determines screen content based on IP address. For example, if you access the website from outside of Germany, the screen content will not be displayed. However, if you access the website via an internet provider in Germany, screen content for Germany will be shown.
If you access the website via VPN servers in Germany, your IP address will actually appear like this. By using a VPN, the website will treat you as if you are browsing from Germany, regardless of where you are.
FAQs
Is it legal to watch ZDF with VPNs?
Using VPNs to watch ZDF is legal. VPNs are widely used by individuals to protect their private information and other online activity.
Can I watch ZDF for free?
Yes, you can.
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 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.
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 and open the app, then connect to a server in Germany.
- Visit the ZDF website and start streaming.