How to watch SBS on Demand: Stream Your favorite Australian shows abroad

You’re miles away from Australia, and your plan to unwind with your favorite shows on SBS On Demand is crushed when a message flashes across your screen: “SBS On Demand content is only available to stream within Australia due to publishing rights.” The frustration sets in. We’ve been there and understand that nothing ruins your downtime quite like geographic restrictions from streaming services. But here’s the good news: We’ve conducted exhaustive research and rigorous testing to deliver a rock-solid solution to this aggravating problem: a VPN, your passport to unfiltered, unrestricted streaming bliss.

Simply, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) reroutes your device’s internet traffic through its secure servers, effectively disguising your location by masking your IP address. But not all VPNs are created equal, especially when you’re trying to unblock geo-specific content like SBS On Demand while overseas. You’ll need a robust service with servers in Australia to give you that golden Australian IP address, unlocking your favorite shows from anywhere in the world.

In a time crunch? Don’t worry. Scroll down for our carefully curated list of the best VPNs for SBS On Demand outside of Australia:

1. NordVPN The best VPN for watching SBS On Demand. Almost 200 servers in Australia for unblocking SBS On Demand. Excellent 24/7 live chat support. Security includes a strict no-logs policy and double VPN servers. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for SBS On Demand.
2. Surfshark: Servers in 5 Australian cities capable of unblocking SBS On Demand. Unlimited simultaneous connections. No-logs VPN with user-friendly apps and 24/7 support.
3. IPVanish: Great speeds for streaming SBS On Demand. Allows any number of simultaneous connections and offers 24/7 support. US-based VPN service with a no-logs policy.
4. ExpressVPN: Fast, reliable, and works with Netflix, Disney+, and SBS. Offers beginner-friendly apps, strong security, and knowledgeable 24/7 customer support.
5. CyberGhost: Vast network of more than 10,000 servers. Fast speeds for streaming SBS On Demand. Highly secure with encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
6. PrivateVPN: High-speed VPN. Works with many streaming services, including SBS On Demand and Netflix. Easy-to-use desktop and mobile apps. Live chat support.

How to watch SBS On Demand (outside Australia) with a VPN

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry! We’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of using a VPN to unblock SBS On Demand.

Here’s how to watch SBS On Demand online from anywhere:

1. Sign up with a VPN that unblocks SBS On Demand. We recommend NordVPN. However, Surfshark and IPVanish are two reliable and secure alternatives.
2. Download and install the VPN app or browser extension for your device (the device from which you want to watch SBS On Demand).
3. Open the VPN app or browser extension and connect to a server in Australia. This will provide you with an Australian IP address for watching SBS On Demand abroad.
4. Go to SBS On Demand and sign up for a free account if you don’t already have one. You’ll be asked to provide your name, email address, birth year, and gender.
5. You should now be able to play videos on SBS. If you’re still encountering restrictions, try clearing your browser’s cookies and then reloading the page.

How we selected the best VPNs for SBS On Demand

There are many different factors to consider when choosing a VPN. These include the speed of servers, the size of the network, and the level of security on offer. We researched the best VPNs for watching SBS On Demand based on the following criteria:

• Servers in Australia that unblock SBS On Demand
• Fast and reliable connections for uninterrupted streaming
• Security features that serve to protect your online privacy
• Customer support available via live chat and email
• Beginner-friendly apps for desktop and mobile platforms
• Option to connect multiple devices simultaneously

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

The best VPNs for SBS On Demand: 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 SBS On Demand.

The best VPNs for watching SBS On Demand from abroad

The following reviews are based on our extensive real-world testing and first-hand experiences.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs to watch SBS On Demand abroad, outside Australia:

1. NordVPN

Dec 2024

NordVPN is our top recommendation for SBS On Demand. It offers over 190 Australian servers, which are located across five cities. This means you’ll easily find a fast server for streaming SBS On Demand, lag, and buffer-free. You can also securely access Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and more, thanks to the many US servers offered. Overall, NordVPN has over 6,000 high-speed servers in around 100+ countries. It lets you connect up to 10 devices simultaneously.

This VPN offers particularly helpful customer support, which you can contact 24/7 via live chat. Its apps are beginner-friendly and make it easy to connect to a server or adjust your various preferences. NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, where there are no mandatory data retention laws. Aside from a strict no-logs policy, it offers 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. You can even use servers optimized for extra privacy, such as Double VPN and Onion Over VPN.

If you choose NordVPN, you’ll have access to the apps for Linux, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Android TV. You’ll also find Chrome and Firefox browser extensions through routers require manual installation.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR SBS ON DEMAND:NordVPN is our top choice to unblock SBS On Demand with almost 200 Australian servers. It also works with Netflix and Hulu. Lots of security features, including a no-logs policy and Double VPN servers for even greater privacy. Plans include a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark stands out from many of its rivals by letting you have an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. What’s more, it has servers in five Australian cities: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. This VPN’s growing network consists of just over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. Server speeds are good for streaming, while Surfshark is also excellent for streaming. Aside from SBS On Demand, it also works with popular platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.

This VPN is very easy for beginners to use. The apps have a simple layout with servers divided by region and country, as well as whether they are physical, virtual, optimized for P2P, or “MultiHop” (Double VPN). 24/7 live chat support is included, and your security is taken seriously. This is evidenced by Surfshark’s strict no-logs policy and use of 256-bit AES encryption. There’s also protection from DNS leaks, a kill switch, and a “CleanWeb” feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malware.

Surfshark offers apps for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. There’s also an app for Amazon Fire TV and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Manual configuration is required for use with routers.

Surfshark speed test data

BUDGET-FRIENDLY VPN:Surfshark offers easy-to-use apps and browser extensions. Servers in five Australian cities for SBS On Demand. Lets you connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. Strict no-logs VPN with live chat support, 24/7. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. IPVanish

IPVanish lets you have as many simultaneous connections as you like and offers servers in dozens of countries worldwide, Australia included. This VPN provides unlimited bandwidth and states that it will never throttle your connection. This is particularly welcome news for anyone looking to stream SBS On Demand, although you’ll also be able to use platforms like Netflix US.

Another reason to consider IPVanish is that it offers 24/7 live chat support, allowing you to solve issues quickly and easily. The security offering is also impressive; this is one of the few VPNs that owns its servers rather than renting them, reducing the risk of third-party interference and data becoming compromised. Furthermore, IPVanish offers 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and protection against DNS leaks.

IPVanish apps can be downloaded for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. While there are no apps for Linux or routers, these can be configured manually.

IPVanish speed test data

NO CONNECTION LIMIT:IPVanish works with SBS On Demand and Netflix US. Unlimited bandwidth for stress-free streaming and torrenting. 24/7 support and strong security features, including a no-logs policy and encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is another great option for uninterrupted streaming of SBS online. This VPN has a network of over 3,000 servers which are spread across 100+ countries. Additionally, ExpressVPN has long been one of the fastest VPNs on the market, offering unlimited bandwidth and allowing you to stream without lag or buffering. In fact, Aside from SBS On Demand, you’ll be able to securely access Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

You’re unlikely to have too many issues using ExpressVPN, thanks to the user-friendly design of its apps and browser extensions. However, 24/7 live chat support is on-hand should you need it. Security-wise, this VPN offers all of the essentials, including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, and a kill switch. Furthermore, ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users, which means you can browse the web with complete peace of mind.

ExpressVPN offers apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. There’s also firmware for routers as well as browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

ExpressVPN speed test data

GREAT FOR STREAMING:ExpressVPN has servers in 100+ countries, including Australia. Very fast speeds for streaming SBS On Demand, Netflix, and Disney+. Offers 24/7 support and well-designed apps. Secure with encryption. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost offers 150+ servers in Australia, which are located in the cities of Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. This is one of the largest VPNs around, with a network consisting of more than 10,000 servers globally. As such, you can use it to unblock content around the world, including streaming services such as SBS On Demand and Stan. CyberGhost is very fast and doesn’t impose any limits on your bandwidth, making it ideal for streaming and torrenting.

With a single CyberGhost account, you can secure up to seven devices simultaneously. What’s more, there are several useful features, such as an ad-blocker and the option to force websites to use HTTPS. This is a no-logs VPN service that safeguards your privacy using 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. CyberGhost also offers its own independently operated NoSpy servers for even greater online anonymity.

You can use CyberGhost via the apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire Stick. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Manual setup is required for use with routers.

CyberGhost speed test data

BEST BUDGET VPN:CyberGhost offers over 10,000 servers worldwide, 150+ of which are in Australia. Very fast servers for streaming SBS On Demand. Lets you connect up to seven devices simultaneously. Highly secure VPN with a strict no-logs policy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has high-speed servers which are perfect for streaming as well as torrenting. Its Australian servers are located in Melbourne and Sydney. A network of servers across 60+ countries means you can unblock websites and services from all around the world. When it comes to streaming services, PrivateVPN works well with SBS On Demand as well as platforms like HBO Max, and Disney+, all without the frustrations of buffering and lag.

This is a smaller VPN service that offers live chat support through which you can speak with the developers directly. The desktop and mobile apps keep things simple. As such, you can connect to a server or adjust your settings in seconds. It’s possible to secure all of your devices thanks to the fact that PrivateVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections per account. In terms of protecting your privacy, PrivateVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch. You’re also protected from DNS leaks, while a no-logs policy ensures your data stays private.

Unblock SBS On Demand outside Australia via PrivateVPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Manual installation is required for use with Linux and routers.

PrivateVPN speed test data

EXCELLENT AT UNBLOCKING:PrivateVPN unblocks many streaming services including SBS On Demand, Disney+, and HBO. Very fast speeds mean no buffering or lag. Beginner-friendly apps and encryption that protects your privacy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

Our Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for streaming SBS On Demand

Every VPN is different, which means that there are some that aren’t up to the task of streaming SBS abroad. In fact, there are plenty out there that can barely access any geo-blocked services. To make sure we only recommend the best VPNs for SBS, we looked for providers meeting all of the following criteria:

• Australian servers: You’ll need an Australian IP address to unblock SBS, and the easiest way to get one is to use an Australian VPN. We’d like there to be quite a few to choose from since this improves reliability and lets you keep streaming even when some go down for maintenance.
• High speeds: Connection speed has a huge impact on your streaming experience. We’ve performed hundreds of speed tests, allowing us to highlight only the fastest VPNs on the market right now.
• Great streaming potential: Eventually, you might want to watch something different. That’s why we’ve prioritized VPNs that work with a variety of Australian services like Netflix, Stan, Kayo Sports, Disney+ and Foxtel Go.
• Strong security: It’s important that you’re able to stream and browse without wondering if someone is monitoring your activities. That’s why all of our top VPNs include 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and a no-logs policy.
• Easy to use: We looked for providers that make their services as user-friendly as possible. Valuable features include 24/7 live chat, apps for all major operating systems, and servers that are specially optimized for streaming.

Interested in learning more? We have a detailed post that explains every step of our VPN testing process.

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Watch SBS On Demand outside Australia: FAQs