How to watch DStv online from outside South Africa with a VPN

Have you ever felt the sting of geo-blocking when trying to stream DStv from overseas? You’re not alone. DSTV offers content in 50+ African countries but is mostly focused on South Africa, Nigeria, and Zimbabwe. If you are connecting from outside these countries, you may miss out on content or be refused access altogether. This frustrating roadblock results from international licensing agreements restricting content based on location. This limits your content choices and can bring language barriers into play.

But here’s the good news: after thorough research and rigorous testing, we’ve unlocked the solution to this widespread problem. Enter the Virtual Private Network (VPN). This technology effortlessly bypasses these regional restrictions by rerouting your data to a server in a country where DStv is available. This masks your original IP address and presents it as though you’re browsing from, for example, South Africa.

Simply follow our easy-to-follow steps, and you’ll be immersed in a world of diverse DStv content, watching your preferred shows and movies from any corner of the globe. Your viewing experience deserves to be boundless. We’re here to ensure it is.

Short on time? Below, you’ll find a quick guide to the best VPNs for unblocking DStv (formerly DStv Now). If any catch your eye, just scroll down for a more detailed review of each.

Best VPNs for watching DStv online from outside South Africa:

1. NordVPN: Our top VPN for anyone looking to watch DStv channels outside of South Africa. Extremely high speeds, top-notch security features, and great unblocking ability. Has a strict no-logs policy and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for DStv.
2. Surfshark: The best low-cost VPN for live streaming DStv. Boasts solid speeds, an impressive security offering, and the ability to secure all of your devices at once.
3. IPVanish: This no-logs VPN lets you connect as many devices as you like. It’s fast enough for flawless live streaming and has half a dozen South African servers to choose from.
4. ExpressVPN: A veteran provider that unblocks DStv and other geo-restricted content. Consistent, reliable speeds and plenty of powerful privacy features built-in, like military-grade encryption.
5. CyberGhost: A novice-friendly service that provides fast speeds and unblocks the DStv content library with ease. All of its security features come pre-configured, including 256-bit AES encryption.
6. PrivateVPN: A speedy, security-first service that can unblock all but the most stubborn streaming services. Works with Netflix, DStv, Disney Channel, Kayo Sports, and more. Six-connection limit.
7. Private Internet Access: Good speeds and successfully unblocks DStv channels. Allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections. No-logs VPN with 24/7 support.
8. PureVPN: This VPN boasts very fast servers in South Africa and works flawlessly with DStv. Designed for beginners but includes a great set of security tools and a proven no-logs policy.
9. ProtonVPN: Quick South African servers and exceptional streaming capabilities. Perfect for anyone hoping to watch DStv abroad. Provides 24/7 live chat and a high connection limit.

How to watch DStv outside of Africa with a VPN

There’s no need to worry; VPNs are much simpler to use than you might think. You can unblock DStv in a matter of minutes. Below is a quick guide to streaming DStv abroad.

Here’s how to watch DStv online from anywhere:

1. First, sign up for one of the VPNs above (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Now, download and install the app onto whichever device you plan to use for streaming.
3. Log in and connect to a server in a country where DStv operates. Most Sub-Saharan countries should work, but if you’re in any doubt, use a South African server.
4. Visit your MyDStv account and log in. You should be able to start streaming without any errors or loading issues. If not, clear your cookies and try again. If problems persist, get in touch with your VPN’s support team for further advice.

Criteria for the best DStv VPNs

Deciding which VPN to use doesn’t have to be difficult. In fact, despite what the marketing material would have you believe, the best VPNs tend to be the ones that can handle everything reasonably well, not the services that are the best at one particular thing. That’s why we decided to only recommend VPNs that met all of the criteria below:

• Has a large network, including servers in South Africa for a South African IP address, servers in other Afrian countries is a bonus
• Provides stable connections and speeds that are high enough for live streaming
• Unblocks DStv and other popular South African channels and streaming services
• Keeps you safe using cutting-edge security protocols and advanced features
• Doesn’t log any data that could identify you
• Comes with apps for all of the most popular operating systems

Best VPNs for DStv – Our hands-on review

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 watching DStv.

Best VPN for watching DStv online

From our real-world experience, here’s our list of the best VPNs for unblocking DStv abroad:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024 Unblocks DStvTested Nov 2024

NordVPN is an excellent choice for anyone looking to stream DStv abroad. It has more than 8,200 servers in 111 countries, including South Africa, which means you’ll also be able to access popular platforms like Netflix US and Amazon Prime Video. Further, this is by far the fastest service we’ve tested, which means you won’t have to worry about lag or buffering. Users can connect up to six devices at any one time.

NordVPN is one of the best when it comes to security. It keeps you safe from snoopers with a combination of DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch. Ads and malware are blocked automatically, and for even greater privacy, you can connect to special obfuscated servers. These even work in places like China, so you’re all but guaranteed safe browsing. NordVPN doesn’t keep any logs and offers 24/7 support via live chat.

NordVPN provides easy-to-use apps for iOS, MacOS, Android, Windows, and Linux systems. Further, it can be manually configured for use with supported routers.

BEST VPN FOR DSTV:NordVPN is our first choice for DStv.It’s the fastest VPN on the market right now and comes packed with powerful security features. There’s also a no-logs policy and a 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can try it completely risk-free.

Interested? For more information, check out our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Unblocks DStvTested Nov 2024

Surfshark offers access to around 3,200 servers in 65 countries (South Africa and Nigeria included). Needless to say, this makes it a solid choice for streaming. It gets better: this VPN provides generally high speeds and doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect at once. Like DSTV, Surfshark is able to access services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.

This service’s security features are top-notch and include 256-bit AES encryption, a customizable kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. Further, it offers a toggleable NoBorders mode capable of bypassing especially strict online blocking. Surfshark is a zero-logs provider, so it can’t reveal details of your activities under any circumstances. Users can pay with Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Ripple for another layer of anonymity. Live chat is available around the clock in case of any problems.

Surfshark offers clean, uncluttered Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and MacOS apps. Alternatively, you can manually install it on select wireless routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is an inexpensive provider but it’s a great choice for anyone who wants to stream DStv abroad. Steady speeds, strong security and privacy protections, plus the ability to secure every device you own. A 30-day money-back guarantee is also included.

Read our complete Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

Unblocks DStvTested Nov 2024

IPVanish has around 2,000 servers in 60+ countries worldwide, including about a dozen in South Africa and Nigeria. Thanks to this service’s high speeds, users can watch their favorite shows in the highest possible quality, free from lag and buffering. It’s not just DStv, either: this service works with platforms like Netflix US and Hulu too. Best of all, IPVanish has no connection limit, making it ideal for those looking to protect lots of devices at once.

This is one service that doesn’t compromise on security. User traffic is hidden with 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch, but you can also choose to block LAN traffic entirely or scramble your data (which helps hide the fact that you’re using a VPN at all). IPVanish is a zero-logs provider and as such, can’t divulge details of your activities to anyone, ever. 24/7 support is available over live chat and email.

IPVanish comes with apps for Windows, Android, MacOS, and iOS devices. You can also manually configure it for use with Linux systems and supported routers if you’d prefer.

STREAM WITHOUT LIMITS:IPVanish has no issues unblocking DStv, plus its high speeds mean you can watch in the highest possible quality. It keeps no logs, offers plenty of security features, and has no connection limits. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out the full review of IPVanish.

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4. ExpressVPN

Unblocks DStvTested Nov 2024

ExpressVPN is a strong performer with more than 3,000 servers in South Africa and 93 other countries. This VPN is more than fast enough for live streaming DStv. You shouldn’t run into any issues when watching Netflix or Amazon Prime Video, even in 4K. With a five-connection limit and no bandwidth throttling, this service allows you to stream as much as you like, wherever you are.

There are all kinds of security features built-in, like 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks. You can also choose to block local connections or let certain apps bypass the VPN through split tunneling (for instance, so you can use local streaming services as well as DStv without having to disconnect). Importantly, ExpressVPN doesn’t log any data that could be used to identify you. If you run into any issues, you can reach support staff over live chat at any time of day.

ExpressVPN apps are available for MacOS, Linux, Windows, iOS, and Android. This service also offers custom router firmware that makes it easier to secure your whole network.

HIGHLY VERSATILE:ExpressVPN blends speed, security, and unblocking ability to create an extremely well-balanced service that can handle almost any task. With impressive unblocking capabilities and a 30-day money-back guarantee, it’s well worth your consideration.

Take a look at our in-depth ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

Unblocks DStvTested Nov 2024

CyberGhost has dozens of servers spread across Kenya, Nigeria, and South Africa, and more than 8,000 overall in 90 countries. This novice-friendly service provides consistently high speeds, unlimited bandwidth, and clearly labeled servers that tell you which streaming services they unblock. This makes it as easy as possible to access not just DStv, but other major platforms like Netflix US, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer from abroad.

This VPN uses 256-bit encryption, an always-on kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks to keep your activities hidden at all times. It also blocks ads, malware, and trackers automatically and refuses to log any personally identifiable data. Better still, all of these features come enabled by default, meaning there’s no need to configure anything; you’re protected from the moment you connect. In the unlikely event of any problems, you can reach support 24/7 via email or live chat.

CyberGhost offers user-friendly iOS, MacOS, Windows, Android, and Linux apps. What’s more, some network routers are supported via manual configuration.

SPEEDY AND SECURE:CyberGhost is easy to use and doesn’t skimp on server choice, speed, or security. This makes it ideal for streaming DStv abroad, torrenting, or even just browsing privately as you travel. What’s more, it comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

For more details, read our full review of CyberGhost.

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6. PrivateVPN

Unblocks DStvTested Nov 2024

PrivateVPN doesn’t have as large a network as its rivals (around 150 servers in 60 countries), but it does offer some of the fastest South African servers on the market. Further, it has a fantastic unblocking ability and works with plenty of major streaming services like DStv, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video to name a few. These features make it ideal for torrenting and live streaming, plus with a six-connection limit, you can protect all of your favorite devices at once.

This VPN boasts effectively uncrackable 256-bit encryption, as well as a customizable kill switch and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Looking for a little more privacy? There’s also a no-logs policy and a stealth mode capable of bypassing especially strict online censorship. Customer support isn’t quite available 24/7, but it does operate most hours of the day and boasts some of the fastest email response times we’ve seen.

PrivateVPN apps are available for Linux, MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android devices. Select internet routers are supported via manual configuration.

ZERO LOGS KEPT:PrivateVPN is an extremely fast service that unblocks DStv, Netflix, and similar platforms without breaking a sweat. Has a strong security focus and keeps no logs at all. Best of all, this provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our comprehensive PrivateVPN review.

7. Private Internet Access

Unblocks DSTVTested Nov 2024

Private Internet Access covers more countries than most VPNs. Indeed, its network of servers covers over 80 countries including South Africa. As such, you can use it to access DStv while traveling abroad. Notably, it works with other popular streaming platforms such as Netflix and BBC iPlayer. Our speed tests found it to be among the fastest VPNs with average speeds of 94 Mbps.

Your PIA account comes with 24/7 live chat and email support. You can also use it to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously (most VPNs only allow up to five or six simultaneous connections). A strict no-logs service, PIA routes your data through a 256-bit AES encrypted tunnel. You can also expect protection from DNS leaks as well as a kill switch feature. For an extra monthly fee, you can get a dedicated IP address.

Private Internet Access apps are offered for desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux), mobile (Android and iOS), and Amazon Fire TV. Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions are also offered. A router connection can be manually configured.

SERVERS WORLDWIDE:Private Internet Access has fast servers in South Africa. Stream DStv and Netflix without lag while traveling abroad. Use it on up to 10 devices at the same time. Strict no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Private Internet Access review.

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8. PureVPN

unblocks DStvTested Nov 2024

PureVPN has one of the largest networks around, with 6,800 servers in 65 countries including South Africa. You’ll be able to stream DStv effortlessly from anywhere, even China, and don’t worry if you get bored: it also works with Netflix, Disney+, and many similar platforms. Still not impressed? What if we told you PureVPN has average speeds of almost 400 Mbps, allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, and operates a 24/7 live chat help desk?

This VPN is extremely easy to use but still manages to provide a high level of security. Its encryption is considered uncrackable, it prevents DNS and IPv6 leaks by default, and there’s a kill switch (on most platforms) that ensures you’ll never browse unprotected. PureVPN has been audited four times, proving that it doesn’t keep any logs of your activities. We’d prefer if there were some anonymous payment options and if tracker-blocking was included as standard rather than only on the more expensive plans

PureVPN offers apps for Android, iOS, Windows, Linux, and MacOS. Further, users can manually install it on a wide range of routers.

GREAT FOR NOVICES:PureVPN keeps things simple, allowing anyone to protect themselves whilst watching DStv abroad. It boasts better-than-average speeds and works with plenty of streaming apps, plus it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PureVPN review for more information.

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9. ProtonVPN

unblocks DStvTested Nov 2024

ProtonVPN has more than 3,800 servers and offers 85 locations (including many places its rivals don’t, such as Nigeria, Senegal, and Algeria). As such, it’s a fantastic way to access DStv and various other African streaming platforms while traveling abroad. This provider’s average speeds exceed 300 Mbps, so you’re unlikely to notice any performance drop, and with a 10 connection limit, users are free to watch on whichever device they please. Need help? No problem: support staff are on hand 24 hours per day over live chat.

Few other providers are as versatile as ProtonVPN. For instance, it supports port forwarding and split tunneling, plus it can block ads and trackers automatically. There are even specially optimized Secure Core servers designed to provide the highest level of privacy possible. It goes without saying that unbeatable encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection are included as well. ProtonVPN doesn’t keep any logs of your online activities and has proven this with an independent audit. It accepts Bitcoin and cash payments, too, giving you multiple ways to sign up anonymously.

ProtonVPN apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, Android, and iOS. Alternatively, it can be manually installed on most routers (check the website for setup instructions).

SAFE STREAMING:ProtonVPN is fast, reliable, and great for watching DStv securely. Experienced users will appreciate its advanced functionality and expansive knowledge base. Paid subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Our comprehensive ProtonVPN review will answer any lingering questions you might have.

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Our DStv VPN testing methodology

There are many consumer-facing VPNs on the market and they are not all of an equal caliber. To ensure we recommend the very best VPNs, we test market-leading services using a scientific VPN testing methodology.

We check VPN apps for important security and privacy features, and we test that those apps behave as they should to protect your data and web browsing habits against snoops. This includes performing important IP and DNS leak tests, for example.

For added transparency, we have included a list of important features we searched for when recommending the best VPNs for DStv:

• Fast servers: We check that the VPN has a wide choice of fast servers capable of streaming TV and movies in HD, torrenting, video conferencing, and doing other data-intensive tasks. We also check that the VPN has servers in South Africa that work to stream DStv. Finally, we test the VPN to see if it works with other popular international services such as Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Max.
• Apps for all platforms: A useful VPN has apps for all popular platforms to let you stream DStv on any device you own. We have recommended services that have VPN apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Firesticks, and routers. Some services even have browser extensions for added ease of use. We are also looking for those that work with Apple TV and Smart TVs.
• Strong security features: A reliable VPN must provide secure VPN protocols such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. These implement high levels of security, including robust AES encryption, and perfect forward secrecy. Our recommendations also provide a kill-switch to ensure you never leak data outside of the encrypted tunnel and DNS leak protection to ensure your ISP is never privy to the URLs you visit.
• A no-logs policy: What a VPN provider does with your data is highly important. This is why we closely inspect each VPN’s privacy policy to ensure it never tracks what you do while connected. This means the VPN never has records that could be analyzed at a later date.
• Outstanding customer care: All of our recommended providers have both live chat and email support to allow you to ask questions and get help with using the VPN. These market-leading VPNs also provide guides, FAQs, and other resources on their website to help you with installing or using the VPN to gain freedom of access.
• Advanced features: Many VPNs provide only a basic feature set. We search for services that offer as many advanced features as possible at the best possible cost. Our recommendations include features like obfuscation, split tunneling, P2P optimized servers, malware protection, ad blocking, Smart DNS, and a SOCKS5 proxy.
• Value for money: Our value-for-money assessment starts at the cost of a subscription but doesn’t end there. We expect to see competitive pricing and generous discounts for long-term subscriptions. We also factor in device connection limits, money-back guarantees, and what features you’re getting for your money.

Streaming DStv abroad: your frequently asked questions