Best VPNs for NBC so you can watch it abroad (outside US)

Recognized globally, NBC is a titan in broadcasting and has some of the best shows for viewers. However, the streaming service is shackled to the US, causing immense frustration to viewers stranded overseas. It’s a predicament we at Comparitech understand deeply. We’ve found the solution through rigorous research and testing: A Virtual Private Network (VPN).

A VPN doesn’t merely unchain NBC’s online content; it allows you to traverse the digital world, easily selecting your virtual location. Opt for an American server, and you’re cloaked with a US IP address, unlocking the gates to not only NBC but also US Netflix, NBC Sports, and HBO, regardless of your physical coordinates on the globe. Without such a solution, attempting to view NBC’s content will only greet you with resounding rejections: “Live stream unavailable in your area” or “This content is not available in your location.”

In this article, we’ll outline the best VPNs to help you access NBC from anywhere, plus how to use them. We give you more detailed reviews of each of them below, but if you only have time for a summary, below are our top picks.

Best VPNs for watching NBC abroad:

1. NordVPN: This is our top choice VPN for NBC. Has a multitude of high-speed servers for reliable connections and decent speeds. Accesses NBC and more, plus it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for NBC.
2. Surfshark: Our favorite budget choice VPN that’s great for NBC and similar platforms. Provides decent speeds, a no-logs policy, a wide range of security features, and unlimited device connections.
3. IPVanish: Look no further if you are a Kodi user. Reliable connections for streaming. Unlimited simultaneous connections.
4. ExpressVPN:Servers throughout the US that are great for streaming. Securely access NBC from anywhere, along with most other popular streaming shows.
5. CyberGhost: Great value provider with some of the fastest streaming servers we’ve tested. Easy-to-use apps are good for VPN novices.
6. PrivateVPN: Newest provider on this list, with a growing network of servers. Good streaming speeds.
7. Private Internet Access: Servers in over 80 locations, great security credentials, and WireGuard support for superfast streaming.
8. PureVPN: Fast servers, easy-to-use apps, and impressive security. Works with NBC and many other American streaming services.
9. ProtonVPN: A privacy-first VPN that’s perfect for streaming NBC abroad. Faster than most of its rivals, with a proven no-logs policy.

How to watch NBC online abroad (without cable)

Setting up a VPN so you can stream NBC online from anywhere is a simple process. Follow the proven steps below, and you’ll be streaming NBC from abroad in a matter of minutes.

From our experience, here’s how to watch NBC online from anywhere with a VPN:

1. Sign up for the VPN you’d like to use. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Download the VPN software, making sure to get the right version for your device’s operating system.
3. Connect to one of your VPN’s American servers, this will give you the US IP address you need to bypass NBC’s geographic restrictions.
4. Visit the NBC website to watch on-demand content, or log into one of your streaming services (outlined later in the article) to watch live programming.
5. Try playing a video. Any error messages should disappear, and the content should load almost immediately. If not, try clearing your cookies and reloading the page.
6. If you’re still having problems contact your VPN’s customer service team.

The best VPNs for NBC – A detailed comparison

We’ve tested and compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for NBC.

Criteria for the best NBC VPNs

Choosing an optimal VPN for streaming HD content, especially for NBC, can be daunting, considering the abundance of VPN services. However, we’ve sifted through the multitude to bring you the best VPNs for NBC based on a set of essential attributes:

• A broad server network in the US, including major cities like New York and Los Angeles
• Consistent, ultrafast download speeds to sustain the video’s quality
• The ability to bypass VPN blocks on NBC (and other sports streaming platforms)
• Compatible with multiple devices and operating systems for watching on the go
• Strong encryption and robust security features
• A strict no-logs policy for maximum privacy

This summary provides insight into our selection criteria for the best VPNs for NBC. Continue reading to delve into more details about our testing methods and the unique characteristics of each recommended VPN. For now, let’s focus on unveiling the VPNs that have proven to offer top-tier features, excellent server locations, and stellar quality for NBC streaming.

The best VPNs for watching NBC

Here is our list of the best VPNs for watching NBC from abroad:

1. NordVPN

Dec 2024

NordVPN is our top VPN for watching NBC from anywhere outside the US. It’s a popular choice for streaming thanks to its extensive server network and high speeds. It beat out all other VPNs in our most recent speed tests, all of its servers are optimized for HD streaming, and it can securely access many popular services, including NBC, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and HBO.

This VPN doesn’t log any of your information and comes with an application-specific kill switch to keep you safe should your connection drop. It has DNS leak protection, anti-malware, and ad-blocking features built in. Plus, its 256-bit military-grade encryption is considered effectively uncrackable. Up to six connections are permitted per account so you can protect all of your devices at once, and a knowledgeable customer service team is available 24/7, should you require them.

This VPN offers Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows apps. Selected routers and Linux-based systems like the Raspberry Pi are also supported with manual installation required.

BEST VPN FOR NBC:NordVPN is our top choice. It boasts blazing speeds and is a great all-rounder that performs well with NBC while abroad. Strong security features and allows up to 6 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free deal.

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a budget VPN that doesn’t compromise on service. It has a network of more than 3,200 servers in almost 100 countries. It’s fast enough for lag and buffering-free live streaming and works with some of the most popular streaming platforms around, including Netflix US, Amazon Prime Video, and of course, NBC. While many rival VPNs allow five connections at most, Surfshark has no connection limit. This means that you can protect every device you and your family own with just one account.

This service protects your privacy with cutting-edge security features. For instance, there’s IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection, 256-bit AES encryption, and a kill switch (in all versions of the app). Users can also let certain apps bypass the VPN entirely or beat country-wide internet restrictions using the NoBorders feature. While you can pay in three different cryptocurrencies, this is optional as Surfshark doesn’t log any data that could identify you. This service is very user-friendly, but 24/7 support is available via live chat, just in case.

Surfshark apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. This service can also be manually configured for use with your network router.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark allows you to protect all of your devices at once, plus it boasts strong security features and excellent streaming potential. As such, you’re free to stream NBC wherever you are without worrying about your privacy. A 30-day money-back guarantee is also included.

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

3. IPVanish

IPVanish stands out as a top VPN provider with a massive, proprietary network of more than 2000 servers globally. With over 1300 servers strategically located in North America, IPVanish offers excellent server location options for those who want to unblock and enjoy NBC content. The robust number of servers helps ensure that there are always plenty of options to maintain quality streaming, even during peak times.

Speed is a fundamental component when it comes to streaming, and IPVanish doesn’t disappoint. It delivers fast download speeds that allow users to watch NBC content without lag or noticeable buffering. This exceptional performance also extends to numerous other streaming platforms, such as CW TV, Peacock TV, HBO, and PBS, providing users with a comprehensive streaming solution.

Beyond streaming capabilities, IPVanish ensures user security and privacy are paramount. It upholds a strict no-logs policy, assuring users that their online activities remain confidential. For enhanced protection, IPVanish offers several additional security features, including LAN traffic blocking, a kill switch, OpenVPN obfuscation, and periodic IP address switching.

One of the most commendable features of IPVanish is its provision for unlimited VPN connections. This capability makes it an ideal service for securing all the most commonly used devices in your family, ensuring everyone can enjoy their favorite shows on NBC and platforms like Peacock TV safely and privately.

IPVanish offers native applications for a wide range of platforms, including Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, Amazon Firestick, and Fire TV. Manual installation is necessary for Linux platforms and select routers, but detailed guides are provided to ease the process. By encapsulating quality, server location variety, and robust VPN connections, IPVanish proves to be a strong contender among the best VPNs for NBC.

NO DEVICE LIMIT:IPVanish has a large network of servers and handles multiple internet connections well. Easy to use and preferred by users who need high standards of privacy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a secure and reliable VPN provider. Allows you to watch HD content without any lag, stuttering, or buffering. Better yet, it’s capable of securely accessing a vast range of popular streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and of course, NBC.

This service uses 256-bit encryption with perfect forward secrecy and provides DNS leak protection to ensure your browsing history remains secure. If your connection to the VPN is lost, ExpressVPN’s kill switch will activate, preventing you from browsing without protection. As this service keeps no logs, accepts bitcoin payments, and has a second, Tor-accessible site, it’s ideal for those who put privacy first.

ExpressVPN has apps for macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. Some wireless routers are also supported for manual configuration.

STREAM NBC ANYWHERE:ExpressVPN is fast and reliable. It works with NBC and many major streaming services while abroad, including Hulu, Netflix, and Amazon Prime. Great security and privacy features and keeps no logs. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly provider that makes staying safe online as simple as possible. While you can choose a specific server, you can also choose one suited to a specific task like torrenting safely, unblocking specific sites, or staying anonymous online. With a whopping 9000+ servers, including more than 1450 in the US, and a dedicated option for accessing NBC, CyberGhost is an obvious choice.

While this service is easy for novices to use, it also comes with several options for advanced users. These include a kill switch, forced HTTPS, an ad-blocker, and anti-malware features. With 256-bit encryption, no logs of your activities, and protection against port forwarding, IPv6, and DNS leaks, CyberGhost keeps your browsing habits private at all times.

This provider has dedicated apps for macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. Manual configuration is needed for Linux-based systems and supported network routers.

VAST SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost has over 1450 US servers. It’s beginner friendly, easy to use, and performs well. Good for streaming NBC as well as other popular streaming sites. huge but can struggle with other services. Comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has a smaller network of servers with only ten US servers, however, it provides internet connections that are fast enough to stream HD video without any issues. It can securely access popular services like Netflix, NBC, Hulu, and of course, NBC. With up to ten connections allowed at once, you can watch from whichever device you prefer.

This service keeps no logs and protects your traffic with 256-bit encryption. There’s protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, as well as an optional kill switch. PrivateVPN offers 24/7 live customer support, and its staff can remotely connect to your device to help fix any issues.

PrivateVPN offers dedicated Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS apps. It can be manually installed on Linux systems and a selection of wireless routers.

GREAT FOR SPEED:PrivateVPN is consistently reliable. Good for unblocking NBC and using as a general streaming VPN. Speeds were surprisingly good at this end of the market. Could do with having more servers and 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access and NBC are an ideal match for each other. PIA’s vast server network includes servers in over 80 locations. Its 50 servers in 50 states initiative, which covers the entires US region, provides users with plenty of options to find a fast and reliable connection. In addition, it is one of the few providers that can access the geo-restricted content on Netflix US as well as NBC.

This provider doesn’t keep logs and offers high levels of security and privacy, with features like DNS leak protection and an automatic kill switch. You can use PIA on up to ten devices simultaneously, and each plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Private Internet Access offers apps for all popular platforms, such as Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS, as well as detailed manual setup instructions for Linux, routers, and more.

WIREGUARD SUPPORT:Private Internet Access offers robust security, customizable encryption, and supports up to ten devices simultaneously. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free trial.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

8. PureVPN

PureVPN has a network spanning 65 countries and offers plenty of reliable US servers. With average speeds of almost 400 Mbps, it’s one of the quickest providers available and will be able to handle live 4K video without any problems. We’ve had good results accessing NBC, Netflix US, and Hulu, to name but a few popular services. The VPN’s apps are very user-friendly but it operates a live chat support service just in case. Each subscription allows you to connect up to 10 devices at the same time – almost twice the industry standard.

How do you know that PureVPN can really keep your online activities hidden? For starters, it has been audited multiple times to prove that it doesn’t keep any logs. Further, it only supports secure protocols and encryption methods, and includes plenty of safeguards such as leak protection and a kill switch. If you choose the Plus or Max plans, you’ll also be able to block trackers automatically (though we’d rather this feature was included on all plans). Finally, this is one of the only VPNs that still works reliably in China, and if it can sidestep this level of digital surveillance, your ISP has virtually no chance of tracking what you get up to online.

PureVPN has its own Android, Windows, MacOS, iOS, and Linux apps. If you need to secure lots of devices, you can manually install it on your router instead.

GREAT FOR NOVICES:PureVPN is simple enough for complete beginners to use and works flawlessly with NBC. Delivers impressive speeds, apps for all major platforms, and the ability to browse securely anywhere.

Read our full PureVPN review.

9. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN has more than 1,000 servers spread across 14 US cities but its network actually covers a whopping 85 countries. It’s extremely fast too, delivering average speeds in excess of 300 Mbps. Users can securely stream NPC, Peacock, and Paramount+ among many other services, plus the automatic ad-blocker ensures that you waste as little time as possible while doing so. This VPN offers 24/7 customer support over live chat and allows you to protect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

There aren’t many providers that can compete with ProtonVPN on security. Its encryption is unbreakable, its no-logs policy has been independently-verified, and its Secure Core servers offer a level of security that’s virtually unheard of (though they are slightly slower than general purpose servers). This VPN supports split tunneling and port forwarding, plus it includes all of the necessary safeguards such as a kill switch, leak protection, and tracker-blocking. There’s even the option to pay in Bitcoin or cash for another layer of anonymity.

ProtonVPN supports Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux devices. Its website provides detailed set instructions for anyone hoping to install this service on their router.

POWERFUL SECURITY:ProtonVPN is a great choice for anyone who needs more control over their security setup. It is exceedingly versatile, fast, and privacy-conscious, plus every paid plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ProtonVPN review.

---

Our NBC VPN testing methodology

A quick search online reveals that there are a multitude of VPN services to pick from. Unfortunately, many VPNs provide inferior services with slow servers and poor privacy and security protections, so it can be tricky to choose a service that performs to standard.

At Comparitech, we make it our mission to test as many market-leading VPN services as possible using a scientific VPN testing methodology. Our process allows us to distinguish between VPNs to recommend providers suitable for specific purposes and take the guess work out of the choice for you.

Below, we have included some of the features we looked for when recommending VPNs for NBC:

• Robust security: We test VPNs for DNS leaks to ensure that the VPN is providing the privacy levels it claims. We also check under the hood to ensure the encryption is secure enough to provide robust data security.
• Fast speeds: We check the VPN’s speeds to ensure each recommendation is suitable for data-intensive tasks like streaming and torrenting. Plus, we check that the VPN works to access the services you need, whether that be NBC, ABC, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or anything else.
• Reliable apps: Our recommendations have apps for all popular platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. This ensures that you can use the VPN to unblock NBC or gain privacy on every device you own. In addition, the VPNs in our list allow you to use their apps on multiple devices and platforms simultaneously.
• Global server network: To let you get the most out of your VPN, we recommend services with a large server network. This allows you to get an IP address in a wide variety of locations to bypass restrictions and gain access to internationally geo-restricted services.
• Advanced features: Many VPNs provide only minimal features, which makes them limited in functionality. By contrast, our recommended VPNs for NBC come with a wide range of features, including obfuscation, a kill switch, split tunneling, malware protection, ad blocking, and other useful features such as Smart DNS.
• Outstanding customer service: Our recommended VPNs for NBC have both email and live chat support around the clock. This allows you to ask questions and get help with setting up and using the VPN. They also have excellent resources, such as FAQs and guides, on their website.

Can I use a free VPN to watch NBC?

Free VPNs can be an appealing prospect, but we recommend avoiding them for several reasons. First and foremost, free VPNs often lack the network infrastructure required to deal with high numbers of users. This means you’re more likely to experience random disconnections or stuttering, low-resolution video, especially around peak times.

You might ask yourself how free VPNs can afford to stay in business. Because they can’t charge you directly, they’ve had to find other ways to generate income. These methods range from injecting ads into the sites you visit, tracking your activities after disconnection, and selling the details to third parties without your knowledge.

In some cases, free VPNs actually make your system less secure. Some install malware, some don’t encrypt your data at all, and we’ve even seen free VPNs sell their users’ bandwidth to be used with botnets. To keep your data safe, we recommend using a reputable VPN service with a track record of protecting users’ privacy.

How to watch NBC live without cable

You might have noticed that while your VPN allows you to watch on-demand content, the NBC live stream is still unavailable in your area. This is because NBC requires users to sign in with their US cable provider’s details before granting access to live-streamed content. Is there a way to bypass this?

The answer is yes and no. A cable subscription is mandatory on the NBC website for live streams, so you can’t watch the stream there. However, there are several streaming services that include NBC and cost less than a regular cable subscription. Many of these services offer free trial periods too, so if you only want to watch NBC live occasionally, you don’t have to pay a cent.

1. Sling TV – $25 per month; offers a seven-day trial.
2. Hulu – $39.99 per month; offers a seven-day trial.
3. YouTube TV – $40 per month; offers a seven-day trial. On-demand only in certain areas.
4. Fubo TV – $19.99 for the first month, $44.99 thereafter; offers a seven-day trial.

It should be noted that while DIRECTV is commonly recommended, its channel list says that “To get a local or regional sports network, your billing address must match a local market, and your device must be in that location.” This effectively rules it out as an option for viewers overseas.

Using a VPN to watch NBC: FAQs