How to Watch 3sat Abroad (Outside Germany) with a VPN

If you’ve already tried to watch 3sat abroad, you’ve probably seen the following message:

Diese sendung ist nur in Deutschland, Österreich und der Shweiz ferfugbar”.

This translates as “This consignment is only available in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland”. Luckily, there is a solution. With a VPN for 3sat, you can easily stream your favorite shows while on vacation outside of Germany.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) routes your internet via a remote server in a location of your choosing. By connecting to a VPN server in Germany, you can get a German IP address, which instantly lets you watch 3sat outside of Germany. As an additional bonus, VPNs also encrypt your internet traffic and keep it safe from snoopers and prying eyes.

In this article, we’ll explain how to use a VPN to access 3sat from anywhere, plus we’ll list the best VPNs for the job. We’ll go into more detail about each of the providers we list later on, but in case you’re short on time, we’ll start with a short summary.

The best VPNs for 3sat

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for 3sat. Over 5,500 servers worldwide. Works with 3sat, Netflix, and more. Connect up to six devices. No-logs VPN with 24/7 live chat and email support. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Use it to watch 3sat and Netflix abroad. Easy-to-use apps and browser extensions. No logs with 24/7 support.
3. ExpressVPN: Fast and reliable VPN with servers in 94 countries, including Germany. Unblocks 3sat and Netflix. User-friendly apps, 24/7 support, and uses encryption.
4. CyberGhost: High-speed servers for streaming 3sat. Allows up to seven simultaneous connections. Has 24/7 support and is secure with encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
5. IPVanish: Connect all of your devices simultaneously. Dozens of servers in Germany for watching 3sat abroad and good speeds for streaming. Includes kill-switch feature.
6. PrivateVPN: Fast servers in Germany and dozens of other countries globally. Unblocks 3sat, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer. No-logs policy and user-friendly apps for beginners.
7. Hotspot Shield: Servers in 80 countries, Germany included. Stream 3sat and Amazon Prime Video lag-free. Includes 24/7 support and doesn’t keep identifying logs.

Best VPNs for 3sat: 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 3sat.

Best VPNs to watch 3sat abroad

Not all VPNs are suitable for streaming 3sat on vacation. Some are slow and don’t have servers that work with 3sat. Others fail to provide basic privacy and security features that customers expect from a reliable VPN. To recommend VPNs for 3sat, our experts used the following criteria:

• A fast global server network, including servers in Germany that work with 3sat.
• Apps for all platforms with a wide choice of security and privacy features.
• A trustworthy no-logs policy that ensures what you do with the VPN remains private.
• Plenty of guides and live chat support to help you when you need it.
• A money-back guarantee so you can test it out

This is just an overview but you can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in our methodology section below. For now, let’s take a look at the ones that made the cut. 

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for 3sat:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 unblocks 3satTested Nov 2024

NordVPN is our top recommended VPN for watching 3sat anywhere. This veteran provider stands out because of its extensive network of more than 5,500 servers in 60+ countries – over 240 of which are in Germany. These servers are optimized for P2P file-sharing and bypassing internet restrictions in countries with strict online censorship.

Speeds are fast enough for uninterrupted streaming thanks to its NordLynx protocol, and it works to securely access many popular international services, including 3sat, Netflix, and HBO. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and email to help you if you have issues.

NordVPN apps are available for all popular platforms, and they have many advanced features you don’t get elsewhere (such as Double VPN and Tor over VPN). Plus, it permits up to 6 simultaneous connections, so you can protect all of your devices with a single subscription.

In terms of privacy, NordVPN is a no-logs provider headquartered in Panama. Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a customizable kill switch, and obfuscation.

You can download apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Plus, NordVPN also offers Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. Routers require manual configuration.

BEST VPN FOR 3SAT:NordVPN is our #1 recommendation for watching 3sat outside Germany. Also works with Netflix. Very user-friendly VPN with excellent apps and browser extensions. 24/7 support and a strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

unblocks 3satTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested and can be used to unblock 3sat and, indeed, many of the streaming services you’re likely to encounter. It works with Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go, and more. Better still, this VPN lets you connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, so if you’re planning on sharing your VPN with family, Surfshark is well worth considering. Overall, Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 100 countries, allowing you to unblock content worldwide.

This VPN works with a wide range of devices and offers apps that are easy for beginners to navigate. It also helps that the service comes with 24/7 live chat support in case you run into any problems. Surfshark includes plenty of security features to protect your online privacy. These include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy. There’s even an ad-blocker and the option to use Double VPN servers for extra security.

Surfshark apps are offered for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV/Fire Stick. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Manual setup is needed for Linux and routers.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark lets you connect an unlimited number of devices—great for families. Works with 3sat, Netflix, and more. Very easy-to-use apps and 24/7 live chat support. Highly secure with encryption and a strict no-logs policy. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

unblocks 3satTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN has servers in Frankfurt and Nuremberg, making it easy for you to access 3sat from abroad. This is one of the best VPNs for watching 3sat outside Germany, thanks to its high-speed servers, lightway protocol, and reliable connections.

It offers unlimited bandwidth, which means you can stream without any buffering or lag. What’s more, it works alongside many streaming services, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer. It also has 24/7 live chat and email support to help you with using or setting up the VPN.

ExpressVPN safeguards your privacy using 256-bit AES encryption, DNS, IPv6, WebRTC leak protection, and a kill switch. It also has obfuscation by default when you use the trusted OpenVPN protocol. This VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands and doesn’t store any identifying logs. You also have the option to sign up for the service semi-anonymously with a throwaway email address.

Apps are available for desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux), mobile (Android and iOS), Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. You’ll also find browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox, as well as custom firmware for routers.

SPEED AND SECURITY:ExpressVPN offers fast and reliable connections and has servers in 90 countries. Works with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Includes 24/7 support and strong security with encryption. The 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try it risk-free.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

unblocks 3satTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost has more German servers than most of its rivals. In total, around 1600 of its 9,000+ servers are in Germany (spread throughout Berlin, Dusseldorf, and Frankfurt). It also has servers in 90 countries to help you unblock tons of international services.

This VPN is known for its high-speed connections, which are ideal for streaming and torrenting. Aside from unblocking 3sat overseas, CyberGhost also works with Netflix US, Hulu, Prime Video, and more. Plus, you can use this VPN to connect up to 7 devices simultaneously.

This service offers several interesting features. There’s the option to compress data to save on mobile data or force the use of HTTPS websites, for instance. It also includes a 24/7 live chat customer support service. A high level of security is offered in the form of a strict no-logs policy, 256-bit AES encryption, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. There’s also an automatic kill switch to protect you should the VPN connection drop. This makes it a good option for torrenting.

CyberGhost apps are available to download for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire Stick/Fire TV, and Android TV. It’s also compatible with some routers with manual configuration.

HIGH SPEED SERVERS:CyberGhost is fast for streaming 3sat. Also works with Netflix US. 1600+ servers in Germany and 9,000+ worldwide. Connect up to 7 devices at once. 24/7 live chat support and a strict no-logs policy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

unblocks 3satTested Nov 2024

IPVanish is a US-based VPN with servers in dozens of countries worldwide, including Germany. It has over 50 servers in Frankfurt, Germany, at the time of writing and over 2,000 in dozens of other countries. One of the best things about IPVanish is that you can connect all of your devices simultaneously, allowing you to share with family. What’s more, it’s able to access Netflix US—something that many VPNs struggle to do.

This VPN offers live chat support should you encounter any problems. However, the apps are simple enough to use, and you can connect to a server with a single click. IPVanish puts your privacy first; it includes 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch feature, and a no-logs policy, all of which serve to keep your activities private.

You can use IPVanish via its apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV/Fire Stick. Manual installation is required for Linux and routers.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish has dozens of fast servers in Germany for watching 3sat overseas. Also works with Netflix US. Includes live chat support and allows unlimited connections. Includes a zero-logs policy. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

unblocks 3satTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN has fast servers in Frankfurt and Nuremberg and 200 elsewhere in the world. As such, you can watch 3sat outside Germany without having to deal with any buffering or lag. This VPN offers unlimited bandwidth and lets you have up to ten simultaneous connections. We’ve found that PrivateVPN is able to access most geo-restricted content we’ve come across. This includes the likes of Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

What’s particularly noticeable is that this VPN offers a more personalized service. The live chat support involves talking with the developers directly. There’s also the option of free remote help and installation should you need it, although the desktop and mobile apps are extremely user-friendly. Your data is secured through PrivateVPN’s use of 256-bit AES encryption. There’s also DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy.

PrivateVPN apps are available for the following platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. However, Linux and routers require manual setup.

EXCELS AT UNBLOCKING:PrivateVPN works with everything from 3sat to Netflix. Fast servers in dozens of countries worldwide. Apps are user-friendly, and the service includes live chat support. Connect up to ten devices. No-logs policy. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

unblocks 3satTested Nov 2024

Hotspot Shield servers are available in 80 countries worldwide, Germany included. You’ll, therefore, be able to access 3sat while traveling abroad. Note that this VPN also works well with the likes of Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu. Streaming in high definition shouldn’t be a problem, thanks to the unthrottled servers. Once signed up, you’ll be able to secure five of your devices at the same time.

With a Hotspot Shield subscription, you’ll have access to a whole host of extra features, many of which are security-related. These include a password manager and spam call blocker. Of course, there’s also 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Further, you’ll be able to stream anonymously because Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified as a user. 24/7 support is also included.

SERVERS IN 80 COUNTRIES:Hotspot Shield's servers cover 80 countries including Germany for accessing 3sat. Also works with Amazon Prime Video. Includes 24-hour support and doesn’t keep identifying logs of users. Has a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

Finding the best VPNs for 3sat: our methodology

It’s frustrating to travel abroad and then encounter geographic restrictions on your favorite websites and services, such as 3sat. You may also find that your connection is throttled, resulting in issues such as lag and buffering. Fortunately, you won’t have such issues with the best VPNs for 3sat. Here’s our methodology for finding them:

• Servers in Germany: First off, it’s essential for a VPN to have servers in Germany. Otherwise, you won’t be able to stream its content in your location due to the fact that the content is geo-blocked. By connecting to a server in Germany, you’ll have a German IP address, which should fix the problem.
• Speed: It’s not uncommon to experience bandwidth throttling from your ISP. Indeed, public wifi is often too slow for streaming. The best VPNs for 3sat offer high-speed connections as well as unlimited bandwidth. In more extreme cases, you may even experience faster speeds as a result.
• Unblocking: While a VPN may be able to access 3sat, that doesn’t mean it works well with another streaming platform such as Netflix or BBC iPlayer. Indeed, some are more stubborn to unblock than others, which is why you need a VPN with strong unblocking ability and plenty of IP addresses for you to try.
• Security: If you often browse and stream, you probably know all about some of the security risks, such as adware or phishing attempts. It’s, therefore, important that a VPN encrypts your data and protects it from leaks. As an added bonus, some VPNs even offer Double VPN servers for an extra layer of encryption.
• Privacy: Some VPNs (particularly free VPNs) cannot be trusted, particularly those that log your data and sell it to third parties. If you don’t want strangers to know what you’re doing online, a strict no-logs policy can help. To find the best, we’ve analyzed more than 140 VPN logging policies.
• Ease of use: Whether this is your first time using a VPN or you’re already an expert, there’s no need for the service you’re using to overcomplicate things. You should expect apps that are responsive as well as easy to navigate. If you need help, 24-hour live chat and email support should be available.
• Value for money: Not sure how much you should be paying for a VPN? Well, some VPNs are definitely overpriced! We’ve attempted to find VPNs that offer great value for money without compromising on quality. Better still, you can make use of their free trials and money-back guarantees and save off the price of a subscription with our VPN discount coupons.

Of course, looking for VPNs that offer the above features is just the start. We don’t just take these services at their word. Instead, we test them out for ourselves, which is all part of our scientific VPN testing methodology.

How to watch 3sat abroad with a VPN

Using a VPN to watch 3sat outside Germany isn’t difficult. Simply follow the steps below to get your 3sat VPN up and running.

Here’s how to use a VPN to watch 3sat abroad:

1. Choose one of the best VPNs for 3sat – we particularly recommend NordVPN for watching 3sat outside Germany, Austria, or Switzerland.
2. Sign up with the VPN and download the relevant app for your operating system. All the best VPNs for 3sat offer desktop and mobile apps at least.
3. Install and launch the VPN app. Login using your credentials and choose a server in Germany. As soon as it connects, you’ll have a German IP address for unblocking 3sat.
4. Go to the 3sat website and open your preferred content. It should now be unblocked!
5. Having issues? Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies to prevent 3sat from still detecting your real location. Alternatively, try another server or contact customer support to ask which German server is optimized for streaming.

Watching 3sat with a VPN: FAQs