How to watch Finnish TV abroad (outside Finland)

Unfortunately, due to copyright issues, services like YLE TV and MTV3 aren’t normally available outside of Finland. The good news is that you can stream all of your favorite Finnish content while traveling with the help of a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Below, we’ll reveal the best VPNs for streaming Finnish channels abroad.

Of course, VPNs are useful for much more than just watching TV. For instance, they can prevent service providers from throttling your connection and keep you safe on public wifi, which is even more important when you’re in a foreign country.

In this article, we’ll explain exactly how to watch Finnish TV with a VPN and list the best providers for the job. We’ll give detailed reviews of each of the providers we recommend later on, but in case you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary.

Best VPNs for watching Finnish TV abroad:

1. NordVPN: Our top choice for watching Finnish TV from abroad. Has a high level of security, an extensive server network, and fantastic streaming ability. There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Finnish TV.
2. Surfshark: Best budget option for unblocking Finnish TV. Boasts first-class connection speeds and works with just about any online streaming service.
3. IPVanish: A fast and reliable VPN that keeps no logs and works with many Finnish streaming services. No simultaneous connection limit.
4. ExpressVPN: Good all-rounder that makes it easy to stream Finnish content from anywhere. Offers 24/7 support and a large network of servers.
5. CyberGhost: Dozens of speedy Finnish servers and a wide array of privacy tools. User-friendly apps for all platforms.
6. PrivateVPN: Zero-logs provider with steady speeds and outstanding unblocking capabilities. Permits up to 10 concurrent connections.

How to watch Finnish TV from anywhere with a VPN

Not sure how to use a VPN? Below, we’ll take you through each and every step. It’s quick and easy, which means you can be watching Finnish TV overseas in just a few minutes.

Here’s how you can stream Finnish TV shows online from abroad:

1. The first step is to sign up with a reputable VPN provider (we particularly recommend NordVPN).
   
2. Next, you can download and install your preferred VPN app, making sure it’s the correct version for your device.
3. Open the VPN app and connect to a server in Finland to get a Finnish IP address. This lets you unblock and watch Finnish TV overseas.
4. Go to the website or app you want to use to watch Finnish TV from abroad. All of its content should now be unblocked and available to watch.
5. Is content still geo-blocked? Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies before refreshing your browser. Alternatively, try another server.

How we found the top VPNs for Finnish TV

When it comes to choosing a VPN, there are lots of different factors to consider. For example, you may find that some services place more emphasis on speed rather than security. Our team of experts identified the best VPNs for watching Finnish TV abroad by looking for those that meet the following criteria:

• Fast servers in Finland for uninterrupted streaming
• Strong unblocking ability
• Variety of security features, including uncrackable encryption
• Protects your privacy by not keeping identifying logs
• Beginner-friendly apps for desktop and mobile
• Multiple simultaneous connections per account

You can find out more about how we test and recommend VPNs in the methodology section below, but for now, let’s take a closer look at the VPNs that made the list.

Best VPNs for Finnish TV: 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 accessing Finnish TV from anywhere.

The best VPNs for watching Finnish TV abroad

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for watching Finnish TV online from abroad:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN is our first choice. It has one of the largest server networks around, with over 6,000 worldwide and more than 60 in Finland alone. Some of these are even optimized for torrenting and bypassing country-wide censorship so it’s suitable for any day-to-day task. This VPN excels at streaming, flawlessly unblocking stubborn platforms like Yle, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. Up to 10 simultaneous connections are allowed at once and support staff are on-hand 24/7 just in case you run into any issues.

There’s no need to worry about your privacy either. NordVPN secures your connection using AES 256-bit encryption, automatic ad and tracker-blocking, a customizable kill switch, and leak protection. There’s even a new MeshNet feature that lets you securely transfer files across multiple networks. NordVPN doesn’t keep any logs and has been audited to prove it.

NordVPN has apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android devices. Alternatively, you can manually install it on routers, allowing you to stream Finnish TV on your Smart TV and games consoles.

BEST OVERALL VPN:NordVPN is the top VPN for Finnish TV thanks to its huge network, powerful security tools, and exceptional speeds. All subscription plans include a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best low-cost VPN for streaming Finnish TV. It has servers in 100 countries, including Finland, and delivers some of the highest speeds we’ve seen (averaging nearly 200 Mbps in our latest testing). Better still, this VPN works with most major streaming platforms, from Netflix to Amazon Prime Video. Unlike most of its competitors, Surfshark has no connection limit, so you’re free to secure every device you own from a single account.

By default, this VPN keeps you safe using 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch but there’s a wide array of features for more advanced users too. For example, Surfshark can rotate your IP address periodically, block trackers, and get around digital censorship in places like China. Most importantly, it keeps no logs, a fact that has been independently verified by multiple audits.

Get a Finnish IP address via Surfshark’s apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Manual installation is required for routers.

HIGHLY SECURE AND CHEAP:Surfshark is a budget-friendly service that’s great for watching Finnish TV abroad. Privacy-conscious with no connection limit and no-logging policy. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish allows for stress-free streaming thanks to its fast, reliable connections and unlimited bandwidth. In total, this VPN has a network of 2,000 servers, including some in Helsinki. Aside from Netflix US, IPVanish is able to access Finnish TV channels, including Yle TV2, Sub, and Jim. Better still, you’ll be able to use it to connect an unlimited number of devices at once via a single account.

If you’re a VPN novice, you’ll appreciate how IPVanish makes it quick and easy to stay safe online. That’s because 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection are all activated by default, and there’s an option to automatically connect to the fastest available server to save you some time. IPVanish has a no-logs policy which means it can’t reveal what you do online under any circumstances.

Watch Finnish TV abroad by connecting to the IPVanish apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Manual configuration is necessary in order to use IPVanish with Linux and compatible routers.

UNLIMITED BANDWIDTH:IPVanish lets you stream uninterrupted with unlimited bandwidth. Multiple servers in Helsinki for watching Finnish TV. Connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. Protects privacy with its zero-logs policy. Annual plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is another fantastic choice for Finnish expats. It combines fast servers and unlimited bandwidth with strong unblocking ability. As well as Yle TV1 and MTV3, it works with major platforms like BBC iPlayer and Disney. In fact, with servers in 100+ countries, you’ll never be short of something to watch.

This is one of the easiest VPNs to use, thanks to its beginner-friendly apps and browser extensions. Another advantage of ExpressVPN is that it offers 24/7 support via live chat and email. A variety of security features ensures your privacy is protected at all times. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. Furthermore, ExpressVPN doesn’t keep identifying logs of its users.

ExpressVPN has apps for Windows, Mac, and Linux, iOS, and Android devices. There’s also custom firmware for routers that makes it as simple as possible to secure a games console, Smart TV, or other system without full VPN support.

GOOD ALL ROUNDER:ExpressVPN is perfect for streaming. It’s fast and works with Yle TV1 as well as Disney+. Beginner-friendly apps and 24/7 support are included. Secure with encryption and doesn’t keep identifying logs. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has a truly impressive network, with more than 10,000 servers in 100+ countries, and around 40 in Finland. Indeed, CyberGhost is known for offering high-speed connections as well as unlimited bandwidth. As such, you’ll be able to enjoy lag-free streaming of Yle TV1, MTV3, and Nelonen. If you run into any issues, just get in touch with support staff using the 24/7 live chat help desk.

This VPN clearly prioritizes user security. It boasts uncrackable 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a smart rules tab that gives you full control over when the VPN connects automatically. CyberGhost follows a no-logs policy, publishes annual transparency reports, and has been audited several times for your peace of mind.

If you sign up with CyberGhost, you’ll have access to its apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Manual setup is required for use with compatible routers.

MANY SERVERS IN FINLAND:CyberGhost has roughly 40 Finnish serversand its high-speed connections are perfect for streaming TV from Finland securely. Includes a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN may only have around 200 servers covering 63 countries, including Finland, but these are all self-owned and hosted for greater privacy. Additionally, they’re quick, reliable, and able to access a wide range of streaming services. For instance, you’ll be able to watch Netflix, Yle Fem, and more on up to 10 devices simultaneously. Live chat is available at most (but not all) hours of the day.

This VPN boasts a strong security toolkit, with adjustable encryption, an app-specific kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. There’s also a Stealth mode designed to help you beat particularly strict online restrictions. PrivateVPN has a true no-logs policy, though we’d like to see this verified by third-party auditors.

PrivateVPN’s beginner-friendly apps are available for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. It’s also possible to set up this VPN with Linux systems and routers by following manual configuration instructions.

LAG-FREE STREAMING:PrivateVPN has fast servers and works reliably with Yle TV1, MTV3, and Netflix. Easy-to-use apps for desktop and mobile. Offers encryption and a no-logs policy. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

Methodology: How we find the best VPNs to watch Finnish TV abroad

Choosing the ideal VPN to watch Finnish TV abroad is more complex than you might think. We have a range of criteria to determine which VPNs are best for this purpose. Here are some of the key factors that we consider:

• Server locations: For a start, you’ll need a VPN with servers in Finland. This will ensure you can connect to Finnish TV channels and streaming services. We also look for a presence in other locations since a larger network means it’s more likely you’ll be able to find a server nearby
  
• Speed: Sluggish connections cause a variety of playback issues from lag to complete inability to load videos. That’s why we perform regular VPN speed testing to make sure we only recommend the best of the best.
  
• Security and privacy: We ensure that the VPNs we choose are secure and private and don’t keep any user logs. This is important as you don’t want your data to be at risk.
• Ease of use: We look for VPNs that are easy to set up and use, especially for new users. This might mean they have apps for all major platforms, 24/7 support, or no connection limits, but any quality-of-life features are a huge plus
  
• Pricing: We also consider pricing when choosing a VPN. Most providers include a free trial, money-back guarantee, or seasonal discounts that let you try them out with as little risk as possible.

If you consider these factors, you should be able to find the perfect VPN for watching Finnish TV abroad. Read our VPN testing methodology to learn more.

Using a VPN to watch Finnish TV abroad: FAQs

See also: Best VPNs for Finland.