Navigating through geographical content restrictions can be highly frustrating, especially for devoted fans of Zattoo residing or traveling outside Germany. The specific limitation of Zattoo to German territories barricades users elsewhere, denying them access to their favorite content. But we have found a solution, you just need to connect to one of the best VPNs for Zatto listed below.
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is your technology ally. It encrypts your data, rerouting it through an intermediary server, making it appear you’re connecting from Germany. This technology lets you surpass Zattoo’s geo-restrictions, granting access whether you’re in the US, UK, Australia, or anywhere else.
But not every VPN is up to the job. Through rigorous research and testing, we’ve identified the best VPNs to ensure you can access Zattoo unimpeded from any location worldwide. We provide in-depth insights into each recommended provider. However, for those pressed for time, we’ll start with a summary of the best VPNs for Zattoo:
- NordVPN: Our top choice for a Zattoo VPN. Has no issues unblocking Zattoo from almost anywhere with consistent HD streaming speeds. Apps are secure and private. 30-day money-back guarantee included.
TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Zattoo. - Surfshark: A budget-friendly option that supports unlimited device connections. Good speeds and connectivity and plenty of servers in Germany.
- IPVanish: Built its reputation on its unblocking and streaming capabilities. Excellent speeds, no connection or bandwidth limits.
- ExpressVPN: Impressive speeds for streaming on Zattoo. Unlimited bandwidth and premium security tools are all included.
- CyberGhost: A reliable, low-cost provider that is great for streaming. Easy-to-use apps are beginner-friendly. Vast server network.
- PrivateVPN: Small but ever-growing network with impressive unblocking abilities, fast speeds for streaming, and strong privacy.
- Hotspot Shield: Combines speeds with best-in-class security. Great server coverage in Germany.
Many VPNs claim to work with Zattoo but most (especially free VPNs) are often blocked.
We regularly test the top 70 VPNs with all major streaming sites and this list only includes VPNs which reliably unblock Zattoo and offer a full money-back guarantee, allowing you to try them risk-free.
WANT TO TRY THE TOP VPN RISK-FREE?
NordVPN is offering a risk-free 30-day trial if you sign up on this page. You can use the VPN rated #1 for Zattoo with no restrictions for a month—great if you're taking a trip and want to unblock your favorite content while abroad.
There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn't right for you, and you'll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.
How we found the top Zattoo VPNs
There are many VPN services to choose from, but they aren’t all the same. Some providers work far better than others when it comes to streaming HD video and bypassing geo-restrictions. To help you come to a decision, we’ve compiled a list of the best VPNs for Zattoo. They’ve been analyzed and evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Number of server locations in Germany
- Speed and stability of service, particularly when it comes to streaming HD video on Zattoo
- Ability to unblock geo-restricted content
- Strong encryption parameters so your location remains secure
- Easy-to-use apps for Android and iOS
- Provision for simultaneous connections
This is just an overview, but you can read more about our VPN testing methodology later on in this article. For now, let’s take a closer look at the providers that impressed us.
Best VPNs for Zattoo: at a glance
We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for Zattoo.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | IPVanish | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | PrivateVPN |
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | IPVanish.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for Zattoo | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Popular Sites Unblocked | 95% | 88% | 85% | 86% | 85% | 85% | Avg Speed (Europe) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 20 Mbps | Simultaneous Connections | 10 | Unlimited | Unlimited | 8 | 7 | 10 | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Best deal (per month) | $2.99 74% off 2 year plans + 3 EXTRA months | $1.99 87% OFF + 4 months free | $2.19 SAVE up to 83% | $4.99 SAVE: 82% + 6 months free on 2 year plans | $2.03 SAVE 84% on the 2 year plan + 4 months free! | $2.00 Save 85% on a one year plan + 24-months free |
The best VPNs for watching Zattoo anywhere
Here are our detailed reviews of the best VPNs for Zattoo:
1. NordVPN
Nov 2024 Unblocks ZattooTested Nov 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our top choice for unblocking Zattoo. It’s one of the fastest and most robust VPNs out there. NordVPN is a great option if you’re looking for fast, reliable servers in Europe that work with HD video seamlessly. This provider is extremely affordable and doesn’t compromise on things like speed, stability, and ease of use.
The Panama-headquartered company currently offers more than 6,500 servers in 100+ countries and there are plenty of options when it comes to German servers. NordVPN is proven to work with not just Zattoo but trickier platforms like Netflix, it is also one of the few providers that work for users inside China. Inside the desktop client is a server record that shows the current latency and server load, so you can pick and choose the one that’s most suitable.
NordVPN is an example of a completely logless VPN service — the company doesn’t store any user data, and we haven’t come across any violations of this rule. Its servers have been confiscated on a couple of occasions but nothing was found on them. Hence, it’s fair to say that your location will remain hidden. All internet traffic is secured via 256-bit AES encryption and 2,048-bit DH keys. DNS leak protection is enabled, and an internet kill switch is included.
Apps for both Android and iOS are available as well as desktop clients for Windows and macOS. It’s possible to set up the VPN on Linux computers and routers; detailed guides are available on the NordVPN website. A single subscription grants access to 10 devices at the same time. However, if you set it up on your router then that will count as just one.
Pros:
- Vast server network operating over 255 servers in Germany
- Easily unblocks Zattoo and plenty of other streaming sites abroad
- Apps for all major mobile and desktop platforms
- Excellent option for torrenting and streaming
- Top-tier encryption standards with DNS leak protection
- Helpful chat service operates around the clock
Cons:
- Can only choose to connect to a location, not a server
Our score:
BEST FOR ZATTOO:NordVPN is our #1 choice VPN. A fantastic option that works well with Zattoo and has many servers in Germany. Allows up to 10 simultaneous connected devices. Great privacy and security credentials, including 256-bit AES encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of NordVPN.
2. Surfshark
Unblocks ZattooTested Nov 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark is a great VPN when it comes to value for money. Not only is it packed with all the premium features you would expect from a top-rated VPN, but it can also be shared with the whole family for the price of a single subscription. This is thanks to Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous connections feature, paired with unlimited speeds and no throttling. These are just some of the reasons why this is a great VPN for Zattoo.
There are over 3,200 servers available in 100+ countries, including 2 locations in Germany; Berlin and Frankfurt. These servers provide users with a dedicated German IP address to bypass geographical restrictions on streaming services like Zattoo.
There are apps available on Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and IOS, all of which are simple to use. Every connection includes 256-bit AES encryption and a strict no-logs policy, so you don’t have to worry about your browsing history or data being leaked.
Pros:
- Unlimited simultaneous device connections
- VPN servers in 2 German locations
- Excellent unblocking abilities
- Apps for all popular operating systems and devices
- Fast speeds with no data limits, great for streaming
Cons:
- Fewer server options than some of its competitors
Our score:
BEST VALUE FOR ZATTOO:Surfshark supports unlimited connections and so can be shared with friends and family. It is fast, safe, and works perfectly with Zattoo. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Here’s our full Surfshark review.
3. IPVanish
Unblocks ZattooTested Nov 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish offers over 2,000 servers in 75+ locations worldwide, including Germany. It will let you securely access not just Zattoo, but other German platforms and stations as well as sites like Netflix US, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu.
This provider adheres to an internal policy of zero data storage. It secures internet traffic via 256-bit encryption on the OpenVPN protocol by default, SHA512 authentication, and a DHE-RSA 2,048-bit key exchange with perfect forward secrecy. The latter feature means that even if your account is compromised, all past web sessions will remain encrypted and secure. An internet kill switch is included.
IPVanish allows an unlimited number of devices to connect at the same time, which is a solid reason to opt for the service. It also scored very highly in our speed tests. This provider is particularly popular with Kodi users because it enables them to download the Android APK directly to their device. The interface is remote control-friendly for Kodi devices that lack a keyboard and mouse.
Apps are available for both Android and iOS, and there’s desktop software for Windows and macOS. IPVanish can be configured manually with Linux and some routers, and detailed guides are available online.
Pros:
- Operates 50+ fast servers in Germany
- Works well with Kodi devices
- Good unblocking capabilities and streams in HD speeds
- Strong encryption makes apps secure
- Allows torrenting on all servers
Cons:
- Based in the US – a 5 Eyes member
- Lacks some advanced features found elsewhere
Our score:
UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish has a large network of servers. It’s a favorite among Kodi and Amazon Fire Stick users that also hits the marks with Zattoo. Uncongested networks achieve good speeds. Great for families. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of IPVanish.
4. ExpressVPN
Unblocks ZattooTested Nov 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN has a proven ability to unblock geo-restricted content; some of the compatible streaming services alongside Zattoo are Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, ESPN, Fox, and Sky, among others. This provider uses military-grade encryption to keep your location hidden and offers an easy-to-use app. It’s ideal for users who want minimal fuss.
ExpressVPN’s server network is scattered across the globe. At the moment it offers more than 3,000+ servers spread across 100+ countries, with Germany included in the list. The app’s intuitive features include a ‘smart location’ setting which will suggest a server that’s best suited for you. This helps unlock things like online gambling and streaming of the Bundesliga.
ExpressVPN has a policy of not storing any detailed user data. There’s a bit of non-identifying metadata retention, such as popular servers and time of connection, but individual IP addresses won’t be captured.
A single subscription will grant access to eight devices concurrently. Apps for both Android and iOS are available as well as desktop clients for Windows and macOS. ExpressVPN also offers an app for some wifi routers. Leveraging a VPN on your router will automatically encrypt traffic on all connected devices, so you don’t need to install the native app on each one.
Pros:
- Server speeds are great for HD streaming and fast downloads
- Operates superfast servers in Darmstadt, Frankfurt & Nuremberg
- Strong encryption makes for solid security and privacy
- Unblocks a large range of geo-locked sites
- Well-designed mobile and desktop apps
- 24/7 live chat support
Cons:
- Advanced configuration for power users is a little limited
- More expensive than others on this list
Our score:
FAST SPEEDS:ExpressVPN is great for streaming. A super fast and reliable choice that unblocks Zattoo and all major streaming services, including Netflix & Hulu. Top privacy and security features and they keep no logs. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Here’s our review of ExpressVPN.
5. CyberGhost
Unblocks ZattooTested Nov 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost was founded in 2011 and has gone on to become one of the most popular VPNs among streamers and gamers. Its powerful servers and features alongside an easy-to-use interface make it a great choice for both beginners and power users.
Currently, this provider offers access to over 10,000 servers in 100+ countries, including Germany. CyberGhost works with most streaming services, including Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. Speeds are quick, and HD video streaming is consistent without any noticeable lag. This service comes with a bunch of additional security features, including an ad blocker, anti-malware defense, and anti-tracking, at no additional charge.
By default, all traffic is secured by 256-bit AES encryption on the OpenVPN protocol. An internet kill switch and perfect forward secrecy are included. The company’s registration in Romania means it’s out of the purview of any mandatory data retention laws, which is reassuring from a privacy angle.
A paid subscription grants simultaneous access to seven devices on a single plan. The company supports both Android and iOS, and there’s native software for Windows and macOS too. Manual configuration is possible for Linux and a selection of routers.
Pros:
- Streams HD video seamlessly
- Vast network with over 900 servers in Germany
- Happily unblocks a host of geo-restricted content
- Apps are great for beginners
- Strong encryption and solid privacy policy
Cons:
- Doesn’t work in China
- Better suited to beginners than advanced users
Our score:
BEGINNERS' CHOICE:CyberGhost has an intuitive set up that is powerful nonetheless. Good on privacy and security. Streams Zattoo in HD video reliably. Generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of CyberGhost.
6. PrivateVPN
Unblocks ZattooTested Nov 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN was originally set up to cater to torrenters, so it’s primed for both speed and location-evading tech. It has a slightly smaller list of servers than the other recommended VPN providers on this list, but don’t let that deter you from opting for the service. In total, there are 200+ servers spread across 63 countries, including Germany, and though that’s not many, they offer excellent speeds and unblocking abilities.
PrivateVPN easily accesses video streams, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and ITV Hub, but there are lots more. Unblocking Zattoo won’t be a problem. It uses 256-bit AES encryption along with perfect forward secrecy on the OpenVPN protocol. It doesn’t store any user logs or engage in data mining.
Apps are available for Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS. Linux and router configuration is also possible. A single subscription allows for 10 devices to connect simultaneously.
Pros:
- Operates 2 speedy servers in Frankfurt and 1 in Nuremberg, no issues unblocking Zattoo and more
- Very good at getting around geo-blocks and censorship
- Fast servers, also great for unblocking streaming sites securely and privately
Cons:
- Small but growing network of servers
- Live chat is not around the clock
Our score:
GREAT FOR SPEED:PrivateVPN is consistently reliable. Solid performer for torrenting, P2P, and general purpose use. Speeds were surprisingly good at this end of the market. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full review of PrivateVPN.
7. Hotspot Shield
Unblocks ZattooTested Nov 2024
Apps Available:
Hotspot Shield has over 1,800 servers in 80+ countries, including Germany. It’s not only got a wide choice of servers but impressive speeds that can handle HD streaming on Zattoo and other platforms. Hotspot Shield actually earned a spot on our list of the fastest VPNs on the market.
Military-grade encryption blocks over 57 million threats per day, keeping users safe at all times. This is backed up by a network kill switch that will cut your internet connection if the VPN drops, so you’re never left exposed. Hotspot Shield also operates a strict no-logs policy.
There is a user-friendly app available on most popular devices and operating systems, including; IOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux. Not only can Hotspot Shield unblock Zattoo with minimal effort, but it also works great with Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and others.
Plus a 45-day money-back guarantee is included with all subscriptions, meaning you can give it a try without any financial risk.
Pros:
- Great speeds for streaming Zattoo
- Connect up to 5 devices
- Works in China
Cons:
- Customer support is slow at times
- The kill switch only works on IOS and Android
Our score:
GREAT COVERAGE:Hotspot Shield is one of the few VPNs that work in China. There are plenty of German servers to choose from and the speeds are perfect for HD streaming on Zattoo.
Read our full Hotspot Shield review.
Our Methodology: How We Evaluate VPNs for Zattoo
Hundreds of Virtual Private Networks are on the market, and their quality can vary substantially. Some features are more important than others, particularly when streaming Zattoo. Below, we outline our methodology for finding the top VPNs for Zattoo:
- Speed: Arguably, fast server speeds are the most critical factor in using Zattoo. This should allow you to watch in high definition. Furthermore, any VPN worth its salt will also offer unlimited bandwidth. As a result, you won’t have to contend with annoying performance issues, be it lag or buffering.
- Server locations: Zattoo is region-locked to protect the copyright holder. To bypass geographic restrictions, you’ll need to connect to a server in the US. All VPNs listed in this post have servers in dozens of countries for easy unblocking.
- Unblocking: Speaking of unblocking, just because a VPN has a server in a particular country doesn’t guarantee it will work with a specific service. Some VPNs struggle to bypass restrictions. Fortunately, the top VPNs for Zattoo have thousands of IP addresses for consistently unblocking content.
- Security: There are all kinds of security threats to be found online, be it from DDoS attacks, phishing attempts, or viruses. A VPN provides a layer of security by encrypting your data. The top VPNs for Zattoo take this a step further by providing DNS leak protection. Indeed, some even include Double VPN servers.
- Privacy: If you don’t want your ISP and possibly even the government knowing everything you do online, you’ll need to use a no-logs VPN. We’ve analyzed 140 VPN logging policies to find those that allow you to stay anonymous online. Sometimes, you can even pay for a VPN subscription in cryptocurrency (Bitcoin).
- Ease of use: Sometimes, the difference between a good VPN and an excellent VPN is its apps. We’ve been able to compare dozens of VPNs and have selected those that have beginner-friendly apps. Aside from being quick and easy to navigate, the top VPNs for Zattoo also provide 24-hour support via live chat and email.
- Value for money: Any VPN offering all of the above may be too expensive. However, in the case of the VPNs listed, you’ll find value-for-money subscription options and a risk-free money-back guarantee of at least 30 days. You can also save even more when you use our VPN discount coupons!
While a VPN may claim to offer the above, we test it for ourselves to find out the truth. Our VPN testing methodology involves examining areas such as server speed and strength of security. This is all designed to provide you with accurate and current information.
How to Unblock Zattoo With a VPN
If you’re outside of Germany and want to watch Zattoo, you will need a VPN. Don’t worry, it’s easier than it sounds. Here’s how to unblock Zattoo with a VPN:
- Choose a VPN that is compatible with Zattoo, we highly recommend NordVPN.
- Choose a plan and create an account
- Download the correct VPN app for your chosen device
- Connect to a server in Germany to gain a German IP address.
- Try to load a video on Zattoo (you may need to clear your browser’s cookies and cache then reload the page). You are now free to use Zattoo as you normally would!
Streaming Zattoo on Amazon Fire Stick, Chromecast, Android Box, and Apple TV
In addition to PCs, Macs, iOS devices, and Android devices, Zattoo is also compatible with devices such as Apple TV, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, Amazon Fire Stick, Xbox One, and some smart TV apps.
These devices don’t offer native support for VPN apps, so you cannot simply download the software and start streaming. Nevertheless, there are ways around this problem.
A nifty method to get VPN support is to configure one to a virtual router. This is possible because any PC with a Wi-Fi card can also transmit its own Wi-Fi signals, similar to how smartphones can set up Wi-Fi hotspots.
You may want to read our tutorials on setting up a VPN on a virtual router for Windows and Mac devices. If you’re looking to install a VPN on Chromecast, read our guide on how to do so.
You can also set up a VPN on a physical router if the firmware supports it. One such firmware is DD-WRT, a free and open-source option that works on a wide range of router models. Learn more about DD-WRT and the best VPNs for it here. Premium VPN providers also offer tutorials on how to set up their individual apps on routers; more details are provided on their individual sites.
Watching Zattoo with a VPN: FAQ
I’m getting an error message for Zattoo. What should I do next?
The only way to stream Zattoo is by logging in with a German IP address.
Any attempts to access Zattoo from an unsupported location will be greeted with the following error message:
“Zattoo ist in deinem Land leider nicht verfügbar”
Zattoo subscribers will always see this message if they try to log on from abroad. It doesn’t matter if you registered for the service in a supported country, the policy is the same. If you wish to continue streaming, you’ll have to purchase a VPN.
Just sign up for one of the recommended providers on this list, pretend to be in Germany, and sit back to watch your favorite TV shows!
Should I use a free VPN to unblock Zattoo?
Zattoo is geo-restricted for users in all but a few countries (Austria, Switzerland, and germany). The company takes this commitment very seriously and will try its best to block all connections that it suspects are not in its list of allowed countries. Free VPNs are much more likely to be blocked than paid services, in fact we have yet to find a free service that works.
We understand that a free VPN is attractive because they don’t require a long-term commitment and may only ask you for an email address prior to access. However, the harsh reality is that they are a risk to your online privacy, and will harvest and sell your data to third parties. Free VPNs have a nefarious reputation for data theft, slow speeds, weak encryption, small server networks, and data caps.
To stream Zattoo reliably, you need a service with German servers that work and data policies that doesn’t constantly put you at risk. Unfortunately, Free VPNs don’t make the cut.
At the end of the day, a VPN is a business that costs a lot to upkeep, and it must monetize somehow. When you use one for free, you and your data is the product. As a result, you must be prepared for a lot of pesky advertisements and other invasive features. You’re also running a very real risk of a malware infection or having your browsing data sold to a third party.
Our recommendation is to avoid free VPNs. It’s best to invest a few dollars and get a paid VPN service for peace of mind.
How do I register for Zattoo from anywhere in the world?
Zattoo’s filters will automatically freeze you out if they detect a non-German IP address. However, if you sign up for a VPN first and spoof your location to Germany then it’s possible to register for an account.
The freemium version of Zattoo restricts its programming to mainly German television and a handful of on-demand video content. You will still need a VPN to log in every time you wish to watch these channels.
Related: Best VPNs for Germany
However, if you would like to upgrade to Zattoo Premium, the company does offer an initial 30-day free trial. According to its customer support page, you can sign up with a major credit card, such as Visa or Mastercard, issued anywhere in the world and not necessarily from Germany. Other available payment mechanisms are PayPal and direct bank transfer.
What content can I stream on Zattoo?
Zattoo offers a bunch of live content, including television channels, as well as on-demand video. Some popular channels and titles are:
- Prosieben
- SAT1
- Spiegel TV
- Clay Pigeons
- Best of Blues Brothers
- Kid Thing
- Arctic Mission
- Scrooge Blumarine