How to watch Portuguese TV online abroad (outside Portugal)

If you travel abroad (outside Portugal), you’ll quickly find that some Portuguese TV channels, such as SIC, TVI, and RTP1, are unavailable. This is a common problem and is due to copyright and licensing restrictions. However, we have some good news: by connecting to a VPN, you can gain a Portuguese IP address, which will allow you to watch Portuguese TV channels from the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, or anywhere in the world.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) re-routes your internet traffic to a server in the location of your choice, in this case, Portugal. In doing this, you’ll be assigned a Portuguese IP address, making it look as if you’re browsing from within the country, no matter where you really are. This will allow you access to all your favorite geo-restricted Portuguese TV shows and websites from anywhere. As an added bonus, VPNs also encrypt your internet traffic, shielding your data from prying eyes and protecting your privacy.

In this article, we’ll explain how you can use a VPN to watch Portuguese TV networks from abroad, and we’ll list the best VPNs for the job. We go into more detail about each provider further on, but in case you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for watching Portuguese TV from anywhere:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for Portuguese TV. 20+ servers in Portugal. Unlimited bandwidth and specialty P2P servers. No-logs service with 24/7 support. Use up to six devices at once. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Portuguese TV.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN for watching Portuguese TV anywhere. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Works with SIC, TVI, and Netflix. Strong security with a no-logs policy and Double VPN servers. Includes 24/7 support.
3. IPVanish: Very fast speeds for streaming. Use on all of your devices at once. Stream Portuguese TV, including SIC. Live chat support is available 24/7. Security includes encryption and a zero-logs policy.
4. ExpressVPN: Good speeds. Works with SIC, RTP1, and also Netflix. Highly secure with encryption and includes 24/7 live chat support.
5. CyberGhost: High-speed servers and unlimited bandwidth. Great for the likes of TVI and Netflix US. Up to seven simultaneous connections. Secure with a strict no-logs policy. 50+ servers in Portugal for watching Portuguese TV.
6. PrivateVPN: Fast speeds for lag-free streaming. Watch RTP1 and RTP2 abroad. User-friendly apps and live chat support. Protects your privacy with a zero-log privacy policy.
7. PureVPN: Another great value option for Portuguese TV. Impressive speeds thanks to WireGuard. Also supports torrenting on the network.
8. ProtonVPN: Can access Portuguese services and multiple Netflix regions. Incredibly secure with advanced security features.

How to watch Portuguese TV shows abroad with a VPN

Don’t worry if this is your first time using a VPN. While they might sound complicated, VPNs are actually very quick and easy to use. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be streaming your favorite Portuguese TV channels online from anywhere.

Here’s how you can use a VPN to watch Portuguese TV from abroad:

1. Sign up with a VPN service that offers servers in Portugal. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download one of the VPN’s apps, making sure you’re installing the correct version for your device.
3. Open the VPN app and connect to a server in Portugal. This will give you the Portuguese IP address that will spoof your location and allow you to watch Portuguese TV shows abroad.
4. Choose your preferred Portuguese TV channel or streaming service. All region-locked content should now be unblocked.
5. If you’re still finding geographic restrictions, try clearing your browser’s cookies before reloading the page. Alternatively, try connecting to a different Portuguese server, or contact your VPN’s customer support for further guidance.

How we selected the top VPNs for Portuguese TV

There are plenty of VPN service providers on the market, but they don’t all offer the same level of service. We compiled our list of the best VPNs for watching Portuguese TV abroad by looking for those that met the following key criteria:

• High-speed servers in Portugal for streaming Portuguese TV networks
• Reliable unblocking of Portuguese national channels and international content
• Strong security with encryption that keeps your data secure
• Privacy protection in the form of a strict no-logs policy
• Desktop and mobile apps that are easy to use for beginners
• Multiple simultaneous connections per account (at least 5)

You can find out more about our VPN testing methodology further on in this article. For now, let’s take a look at the ones that impressed us. 

The best VPNs for Portuguese 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 Portuguese TV.

Best VPNs for watching Portuguese TV from anywhere

At Comparitech, we strive to bring you the most helpful and accurate VPN advice possible. In order to do that, we use each VPN ourselves and put them through a rigorous real-world testing process. The following reviews are based on those first-hand experiences.

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

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN tops our list of the best VPNs to watch Portuguese TV from anywhere. It has over 20 servers in Portugal and some 6,000 others worldwide. This means you shouldn’t have any trouble unblocking Portuguese services such as SIC and TVI, although you can also use it to securely stream popular platforms like Netflix abroad. Speeds are among the fastest we’ve seen, and unlimited bandwidth is available, which means you can stream without having to worry about lag. It’s worth knowing that some of NordVPN’s Portuguese servers are optimized for P2P traffic.

Live chat support is included as part of your NordVPN subscription. This is available 24/7. You’ll also be able to secure six devices simultaneously. There’s no shortage of security features either, with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, which doesn’t have mandatory data retention laws. Regardless, this VPN service operates a strict no-logs policy.

In order to access NordVPN’s Portuguese servers, you’ll need to access an app for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, or Android TV. You also have the option of Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. However, manual setup is required for compatible routers.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR PORTUGUESE TV:NordVPN is our first choice. It has incredible speeds and over 6,000 servers, some 20+ of which are in Portugal. Lets you stream SIC, RTP1 and RTP2 as well as other Portuguese TV channels from the USA or anywhere. Unlimited bandwidth and 24/7 support. Security includes a strict no-logs policy and Double VPN servers. A 30-day money-back guarantee makes it risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a low-cost VPN that offers a service on par or better than many more expensive service providers. It boasts a network of roughly 3,200 servers in 100+ countries. This network is growing rapidly and includes servers in Portugal. Unlimited bandwidth is available, and you’ll also find that this newer VPN service has strong unblocking ability. It works with plenty of Portuguese TV channels, including SIC and TVI. You can also use it to stream Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

With Surfshark, you can connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. You’ll also have access to live chat and email support 24/7. The sheer number of security features ensures your privacy is protected when connected to Surfshark. Aside from a strict no-logs policy, it includes 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Double VPN servers are available should you want an extra layer of encryption.

You can connect to a server in Portugal via Surfshark’s apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome and Firefox. Manual setup is required for use with routers.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark works with SIC and RTP1. Lets you secure unlimited devices simultaneously. Includes 24/7 support via live chat. Very strong security thanks to a strict no-logs policy and Double VPN servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish is perfect if you have lots of devices to secure. That’s because it has no connection limit whatsoever — a far cry from most of its rivals, which tend to allow just five or six. Several of its approximately 2,000 servers are located in Lisbon, Portugal. This allows you to stream TV from Portugal, including ARtv and RTP Memória. What’s more, with strong speeds and unlimited bandwidth, you won’t have to worry about lag or buffering.

Using IPVanish means you’re able to stay safe online, regardless of who might be watching. As such, you can maintain your online anonymity. Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. You’ll be pleased to learn that IPVanish has a zero-logs policy. What’s more, should you have any trouble when using this VPN, live chat support is at hand, 24/7.

If you’d like a Portuguese IP address, simply connect to an IPVanish app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or Amazon Fire TV. Manual installation is necessary in order to use IPVanish with compatible routers.

IPVanish speed test data

UNLIMITED BANDWIDTH:IPVanish is ideal for streaming thanks to great speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Works with SIC and TVI as well as Netflix US. Live chat support is available 24/7. Use on all of your devices simultaneously. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has a truly global network of servers that spans 100+ countries, including Portugal. As such, it’s an excellent choice for securely accessing region-locked websites and services around the world. You can use it to stream national channels like SIC and RTP1, as well as access international content such as Netflix and Disney+. Servers are fast, while there’s also unlimited bandwidth, allowing you to browse, stream, and torrent without restriction.

With ExpressVPN, you can connect five of your devices simultaneously. It offers very easy-to-use apps for a variety of platforms while there’s also 24/7 live chat and email support. Security-wise, ExpressVPN protects your privacy with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch feature, and protection from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. You’ll be able to browse the web anonymously because this VPN service doesn’t keep any identifying logs.

You can use ExpressVPN by downloading an app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or Linux. Alternatively, you’ll find Chrome and Firefox browser extensions as well as custom firmware for routers.

ExpressVPN speed test data

STEADY UNBLOCKER:ExpressVPN unblocks Portuguese TV channels abroad including SIC and TVI. Also works with Netflix. Excellent apps, as well as 24/7 support via live chat. Keeps your data secure with encryption. You can try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has the largest server network in this list, with around 10,000 servers in 90 countries. Overall, there are 50+ servers in Portugal that are ideal for watching Portuguese TV overseas. Aside from Netflix US, you can expect CyberGhost to work with channels including ARtv and SIC. This is a VPN service that’s known for offering high-speed servers and unlimited bandwidth.

If you’re looking for a VPN that offers a high level of security, CyberGhost ticks every box. For starters, it has a strict no-logs policy and secures data with 256-bit AES encryption. Further security features include a kill switch and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. You’ll be able to secure seven devices with a single CyberGhost account. A subscription also includes access to 24/7 support via live chat and email.

CyberGhost offers apps for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. There are also apps for Amazon Fire TV and Android TV and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Use with routers requires manual configuration.

CyberGhost speed test data

STRONG PRIVACY PROTECTION:CyberGhost is very fast and offers unlimited bandwidth. Use it to watch SIC overseas. 24/7 support and allows up to seven simultaneous connections. No-logs service that protects your privacy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has very fast servers for streaming anything from Portuguese TV national channels to streaming services and international content, including Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. It has servers in 63 countries, including Portugal, and offers unlimited bandwidth. This means you can stream RTP3 without lag and buffering. When you have a PrivateVPN account, you can connect up to 10 of your devices at once, ensuring their security.

This is one of the easier VPNs you can use, thanks to the presence of apps that are very simple to navigate. Live chat support is offered should you need help though it’s worth mentioning that this is not available 24/7. However, you’ll speak directly to developers rather than third-party support reps. There’s also a strong selection of security features, including a no-logs policy as well as 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.

To watch Portuguese TV abroad, connect to a server via the apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. It’s also possible to use this VPN with routers though this does require manual installation.

PrivateVPN speed test data

RELIABLE UNBLOCKING:PrivateVPN works with Portuguese TV as well as US streaming services such as Netflix and HBO. Very fast speeds and easy-to-use apps. Can be used on 10 devices at once. Offers a no-logs policy and encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. PureVPN

PureVPN is a cheap option for people in need of a Portuguese IP address from abroad. It has plans starting from just US$1.96 per month which means you can watch RTP Play, SIC Online, TVI Player, NOS Play, Meo Go, and other services without breaking the bank. It also works to access international platforms like Netflix US, Hulu, and HBO Max.

Apps for all platforms make it PureVPN for Portuguese for families looking to circumvent local restrictions or traveling abroad and wishing to maintain access to Portuguese services, and search results while abroad.

The WireGuard protocol provides superb speeds that are ideal for HD streaming, gaming, torrenting, and secure video calls. It is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux, and the apps include a verified no-logging policy, a kill switch, AES encryption, and DNS leak prevention. If you want to torrent, port forwarding is available for a small additional cost.

Although the response time of PureVPN’s live chat support can be slow, the overall value and effectiveness of the service make it an attractive choice for those on a budget. You can test it to get a Portuguese IP address using its 31-day money-back guarantee.

OUTSTANDING VALUE:PureVPN offers one of the cheapest ways to get a Portuguese IP address. It is easy to use and comes with all the features needed to get watertight online privacy. Includes AES encryption and a kill switch. Torrenting is permitted throughout its network. 31-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our PureVPN review.

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8. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is one of the best options for tech-savvy internet users in Portugal. It is based in Switzerland, which is renowned for its strict privacy laws. The VPN has a no-logs policy, and it has undergone independent audits to ensure advertised security standards are met.

ProtonVPN has apps for all platforms with robust security features such as AES encryption, a kill switch, multiple protocols, obfuscation, multi-hop connections, and Tor over VPN, making it one of the most sophisticated VPN solutions for Portuguese users.

ProtonVPN lets you get a Portuguese IP address and access to IPs in 85 other countries. This makes it a reliable option for safely bypassing censorship and navigating network restrictions, particularly at work or on campus in Portugal.

ProtonVPN works to watch Portuguese streaming services like RTP Play, SIC Online, TVI Player, NOS Play, Meo Go, Opto SIC, and Globo Play Portugal. It also works to watch international platforms like Netflix US and Hulu from Portugal. It also has split tunneling and port forwarding, which make it ideal for torrenting.

Although ProtonVPN may come at a higher price point, its comprehensive features and amazing performance make it great value. Live chat support is available on its website and you can try it risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

FULLY FEATURED:ProtonVPN is perfect for techy users who want to be able to get an IP address in Portugal. Servers are available in over 85+ countries. Great for watching Portuguese TV from abroad. 24/7 live chat support is available on its website. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our ProtonVPN review.

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Finding the best VPNs for watching Portuguese TV: Our methodology

Having tested dozens of VPN service providers with an even greater number of streaming platforms, we know what makes a good streaming VPN. Below, we outline our methodology, which helped us identify the best VPNs for watching Portuguese TV.

• Servers in Portugal: Any VPN included in this post must provide servers in Portugal. After all, this is how you get a Portuguese IP address for watching Portuguese TV networks abroad. Of course, it doesn’t hurt if servers are available in countries worldwide so you can access a wide range of geo-restricted international content.
• Speed: The trouble with some VPN services is that their speeds are far too slow for streaming. Fortunately, that isn’t the case here because we’ve tested and found the fastest VPNs for watching Portuguese TV. Indeed, all of them include unlimited bandwidth, so you won’t have to contend with throttling.
• Unblocking: We test each VPN against a variety of Portuguese TV platforms, including RTP, SIC, and TVI. We also try unblocking popular streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer. Not all VPNs pass the tests, but those listed in this post were the strongest overall performers.
• Security: At a minimum, a VPN must offer high-end encryption, a kill switch, and protection from DNS leaks. However, we also look for additional security features so you can browse and stream with even greater security. Some include Double VPN servers, while others offer a password manager.
• Privacy: It’s important to know that some VPNs log your data and sell it to third parties. Others may be obliged to provide logs to authorities upon request. We’ve analyzed over 140 VPN logging policies to find those that best protect your privacy. Some of the VPNs even let you pay anonymously in Bitcoin.
• Devices: For the most flexibility, you want a VPN that works with a variety of devices. We look for providers that support major operating systems like Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS at a minimum.
• Ease of use: It may be that this is your first time using a VPN. Whether this is the case or not, you’ll still want access to user-friendly apps through which you can quickly connect to a server. As an added bonus, all of the VPNs we’ve covered provide live chat and email support as well.
• Value for money: Some VPNs don’t offer the above and still cost more than the VPNs listed above. We’ve found those that combine high-quality features with value for money. Better still, you can save even more off the price of a subscription by using our included VPN discount coupons or making the most of their free trials and money-back guarantees.

Want to know more? Our VPN testing methodology post further explains our process of analyzing VPNs. This involves tests in areas such as speed, security, and unblocking.

Watching Portuguese TV abroad with a free VPN

You may find it more of a challenge to watch Portuguese TV abroad with a free VPN. Generally speaking, free VPNs have high numbers of users but offer far fewer servers and IP addresses than paid service providers. This means that you’ll likely encounter very slow speeds that result in lag and buffering while streaming. Also, you may discover that many of these IP addresses are already blacklisted by major streaming services. As such, you may not be able to use a free VPN to unblock SIC or tricky platforms such as Netflix.

It’s also worth considering that most free VPNs lack basic security standards. Indeed, some free VPNs insert malware into your device, fail to use basic encryption, and in some cases, your data is even logged and sold to third parties. It’s for these reasons that we recommend avoiding free VPNs and opting for one of the reputable paid VPNs listed above.

Streaming Portuguese TV abroad: FAQs