How to watch Joyn abroad (outside of Germany) with a VPN

Like most major German streaming services, Joyn (previously known as 7TV) is region-locked. This means that most travelers trying to watch their favorite shows on vacation will be greeted by the dreaded “Did you go abroad?” error message.

The good news is that there is a workaround. If you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can get a German IP address and regain access to Joyn from anywhere in the world. What’s more, a VPN’s robust encryption ensures that you can use public wifi networks without worrying about anyone throttling or monitoring your traffic.

Here’s a quick summary of the top VPNs for watching Joyn abroad. If any stand out to you, scroll down for more information.

The best VPNs for Joyn in 2024 are:

1. NordVPN: Our first choice for Joyn. Offers a wide range of strong security features, unlimited bandwidth, and lightning-fast speeds. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Joyn.
2. Surfshark: Best low-cost VPN for streaming Joyn. Large network of servers and no simultaneous connection limit. Exceptional speed and unblocking ability.
3. IPVanish: Allows any number of simultaneous device connections. Unblocks all of your favorite content abroad and includes uncrackable 256-bit encryption.
4. ExpressVPN: Makes it easy to get a German IP address abroad. Works with most international streaming services and boasts powerful privacy features.
5. CyberGhost: A great option for torrenting, streaming German TV, or browsing securely. One of the most novice-friendly VPN services on the market.
6. PrivateVPN: Speedy, privacy-focused provider with a self-owned server network. Works with ARD Mediathek, ZDF, and most other German content.
   

How to stream Joyn (previously 7TV) abroad with a VPN

With the right VPN, you can access a wide range of popular streaming services as you travel. Below, we’ll explain how to stream Joyn wherever you go.

Here’s how to watch Joyn from anywhere:

1. Start by choosing a reputable VPN service. We recommend NordVPN because it is super-secure and has speedy German servers that work with Joyn.
2. Install the VPN onto any device you use for streaming
3. Log in and choose a server in Germany. This will get you a German IP address, preventing Joyn from realizing you’re actually in another country
4. Try watching something on Joyn. In most cases, the video should begin immediately. However, if you have any issues, we’ve often found that clearing your browser’s cookies and refreshing the page helps

How we found the best VPNs for Joyn

There are many VPNs on the market, which makes choosing one pretty difficult. You must consider many different factors, such as speeds, security, and multi-platform support. This isn’t easy if you don’t know what to look for.

To ensure we make trustworthy VPN recommendations, our experts use a carefully devised VPN testing methodology (more on this later). To find the highest-quality VPNs for Joyn, we decided to only recommend those that met all the criteria below:

• Provides secure access  to Joyn and other German streaming platforms
• Fast enough speeds for streaming live broadcasts
• Uses powerful encryption and includes various other security measures.
• Supports desktop and mobile devices
• Doesn’t keep any logs that could identify you
• Offers customer support over live chat
• Include a money-back guarantee

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

The best Joyn VPNs: 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 Joyn.

The best VPNs for Joyn (previously 7TV and Maxdome)

Here’s our top pick for Joyn, NordVPN:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 works with JoynTested Nov 2024

NordVPN is the best option for watching Joyn. It has a huge server network, with roughly 240 in Germany and another 6,000 across roughly 100 other countries. Not only that, but it delivers average connection speeds of over 200 Mbps, allowing you to stream Netflix Germany, ARD Mediathek, or Disney Plus without any noticeable lag or buffering. Live chat is available around the clock in case you need help but in our opinion, this is one of the most user-friendly VPNs out there.

This service is packed with strong security features including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and automatic tracker-blocking. Its new Meshnet tool even lets you transfer files safely across multiple networks! NordVPN doesn’t keep any logs, something we know for sure as a result of its multiple third-party audits.

NordVPN has its own Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire TV, and Linux apps. Manual configuration is required for supported wireless routers.

BEST VPN FOR JOYN:NordVPN is our top pick thanks to its high speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and excellent streaming abilities. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

works with JoynTested Nov 2024

Surfshark is the best way to get a German IP address on a budget. Despite this, it outperforms many of its rivals in several areas. For instance, this VPN delivers exceptionally high connection speeds, allows you to protect all of your devices at once, and works with a ton of German streaming platforms, including Joyn. It even includes 24/7 support over live chat in the unlikely event that you have any issues.

It’s no slouch where security is concerned, either. Surfshark’s robust encryption, kill switch, and leak protection keep you safe from most online threats, but there’s also automatic tracker-blocking, IP address rotation, and a NoBorders mode that lets you browse safely in places like China. Surfshark follows a strict no-logs policy and has proven it with several independent audits.

Surfshark has apps for almost any popular device including Windows, Mac, and Linux PCs, Android and iOS phones, and Amazon Fire TV. You’ll have to manually install it on routers, though.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is super affordable and ultrafast. Unlimited connections are allowed with a single subscription. No logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

works with JoynTested Nov 2024

IPVanish is a lightweight VPN with more than 2,000 servers in around 100 countries including Germany. It works well with streaming platforms like Joyn, ARD, and Disney Plus, and best of all, there’s no connection limit. This service is one of the quickest on the market too, averaging nearly 280 Mbps in our latest tests. Support staff are available 24/7 over live chat.

This service keeps you safe using 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch (in both desktop and mobile versions), and IPv6 and DNS leak protection. If you’d like additional protection, you can also choose to obfuscate OpenVPN traffic or block local traffic entirely. IPVanish doesn’t log any personally identifiable information.

IPVanish apps are available for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Amazon Fire devices. After manual configuration, it also works on Linux-based systems and network routers.

PROPRIETARY NETWORK:IPVanish is fast and secure. Allows unlimited connections with a single subscription. Works perfectly with Joyn, ZDF, and other German streaming platforms. 30-day money-back guarantee on annual plans.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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4. ExpressVPN

works with JoynTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN is beginner-friendly service with a network of servers spanning 100+ countries including Germany. It provides unlimited bandwidth, fantastic streaming ability, and very high speeds, meaning it’s ideal for accessing your favorite content during a trip abroad. In fact, as well as Joyn, it works with Disney Plus, ARD, and Netflix Germany. Need help? Live chat is available around the clock.

256-bit encryption is enabled by default, but this service also includes a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and perfect forward secrecy. Plus, ExpressVPN blocks malicious websites and activates obfuscation automatically when it’s needed. This VPN doesn’t logs any personally identifiable data and accepts Bitcoin, so there’s no risk of your activities being traced back to you.

This VPN has apps for Linux, Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. While it has to be manually installed on network routers, ExpressVPN provides custom firmware to make this as straightforward as possible.

SOLID ALL ROUNDER:ExpressVPN is a highly versatile VPN. Securely access Joyn outside of Germany, torrent as much as you like, and browse safely anywhere. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

works with JoynTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost has more than 10,000 servers worldwide, with over 1,600 located in Germany alone. Part of this VPN’s appeal is how easy it is to use: you just choose a task (like streaming, file-sharing, or browsing anonymously) and will be assigned a suitable server automatically. With up to seven simultaneous connections allowed and one-click access for platforms like ARD, and Netflix Germany, this service is ideal for those looking to stream their favorite content on vacation.

CyberGhost apps have several advanced features built-in. There’s 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch to ensure you’re protected at all times. There’s also a smart rules tab that lets you decide when the VPN should activate automatically. This VPN doesn’t keep any logs and regularly publishes transparency reports for added peace of mind. Support is available 24/7 over live chat in case of any problems.

Apps are available for most popular devices including MacOS, iOS, Windows, Linux and Android systems. It works on Linux systems and select internet routers, but must be installed manually.

OUTSTANDING VALUE:CyberGhost is the right choice for beginners. Strong on privacy, fast speeds, and reliably works with Joyn and other German channels. Extremely easy to set up and use. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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6. PrivateVPN

works with JoynTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN has a smaller network, with roughly 200 servers in 63 countries but it’s still well worth your time. That’s because it provides consistently high speeds, works with a ton of popular streaming platforms, and allows up to 10 connections on a single account. Support staff are on-hand for around 20 hours per day via live chat, so you’ll never have to wait very long for assistance.

This VPN has a strict no-logging policy. Additionally, you can choose to pay in Bitcoin for added anonymity. Once connected, your activities are kept private with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leak protection, plus a Stealth mode that lets you beat country-wide censorship.

PrivateVPN has Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS apps. It works with Linux devices and select routers, although manual installation is required.

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a superb all-rounder. Unblocks Joyn and many other services. Dedicated to privacy. Allows torrenting. Solid no-logs policy. Easy to use. Fully featured apps. Allows up to 10 connections with one account.  30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for Joyn

Not every VPN has the high speeds, robust security, and cloaking ability to help you stream Joyn abroad. We’ve been testing these services for years and if we’ve learned anything, it’s that the highest-quality providers are usually able to do all of this and more. That’s why the best VPNs for Joyn had to meet all of these criteria:

• German servers: Joyn only offers its full content library in Germany, so these are non-negotiable. Ideally, there’d be lots to choose from, spread across multiple cities so that you can use whichever is closest
• Performance: There’s no excuse for slow speeds anymore. Our team performs hands-on VPN speed testing so we know that our recommendations are all suitable for live streaming.
• Security and privacy: At a bare minimum, we require VPNs to offer uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a no-logs policy. More advanced features like stealth modes or tracker-blocking are always great to see, though.
• Versatility: In a perfect world, you’d never have to browse without a VPN active. That’s why we check to see if candidates are able to securely access platforms like Netflix Germany, help you torrent and game anonymously, and beat strict online censorship.
• Ease of use: We strongly prefer services that are easy enough for complete beginners to use. They might provide clearly-labeled settings, 24/7 support, or simply unlimited connections, but they have to have apps available for all major platforms.

Want to learn more about how we put providers through their paces? Check out our detailed VPN testing methodology post.

Watching Joyn with a VPN: FAQs