How to watch South African TV shows abroad

It’s easy to forget that some of the services we use every day aren’t available everywhere. For instance, many people only remember that they can’t keep watching South African TV shows abroad while on vacation. However, most geo-restricted platforms rely on the user’s IP address to find their location, and this kind of blocking is extremely simple to get around with a Virtual Private Network.

VPNs encrypt your data, hiding it from anyone who might be watching, before sending it through servers in a different country. In short, if you use a South African VPN server, you can stop websites from realizing you’re abroad. This lets you regain access to your favorite services while traveling. Here’s a brief overview of the best VPNs for South African channels:

Best VPNs for South African TV:

1. NordVPN Our #1 pick for South African TV. This no-logs service has some of the strongest security around, as well as high-speed servers and great unblocking ability. Also offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly.
2. Surfshark: Our top budget VPN service. No connection or bandwidth limits, impressive unblocking abilities, and a great set of security features built-in.
3. IPVanish: Impressive connection speeds and six servers available in South Africa’s largest city – Johannesburg. Great for streaming national and international content and allows unlimited simultaneous device connections.
4. ExpressVPN: Promising fast speeds, easy-to-use apps, and a solid set of security features, there’s very little this VPN can’t do.
5. CyberGhost: A speedy, secure VPN with dozens of African servers and a strict no-logs policy. Ideal for safely accessing geo-restricted content abroad. 
6. PrivateVPN: An excellent choice for almost any task, whether it’s streaming South African TV or torrenting.
7. Hotspot Shield: Boasts a good set of security features and steady speeds. Works with most geo-blocked SA content we’ve tested.
8. Private Internet Access: Servers available in 80+ countries. Fast enough for uninterrupted DStv streaming. Strong privacy protection and allows 10 devices.
9. PureVPN: This no-logs provider boasts first-class performance, strong security, and excellent streaming ability. Works with SuperSport, Showmax, and more. Protect 10 devices at a time.
10. ProtonVPN: Highly versatile service with over a dozen speedy South African servers. Includes plenty of advanced security features and a no-logs policy. 24/7 support via live chat.

How to watch South African TV abroad with a VPN

VPNs make it very easy to access geo-blocked content abroad. In fact, you can get started in a matter of minutes.

Here’s how to unblock South African TV channels anywhere:

1. First, create an account with one of the VPNs below (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Download and install the VPN app. Often, you’ll be allowed five or so connections at once, so you may as well install it on any device you want to stream on.
3. Log in and select a South African server to get a South African IP address.
4. Visit a previously inaccessible TV channel and see if you can watch now. In most cases, your video will begin immediately.
5. If you encounter any issues, clear your cookies and reload the page to fix the most common problems. Alternatively, ask your VPN’s support team for advice.

Best VPNs for South African TV – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for accessing South African TV from anywhere.

Criteria for testing VPNs for SA television

We know how difficult it can be to decide which VPN to use, which is why we only recommend services that meet a strict set of criteria. The guidelines below ensure that regardless of which you choose, you’re guaranteed to get a highly versatile VPN. In other words, the services we recommend are not just great at unblocking South African TV, they can handle just about anything else you throw at them too.

• Offers at least one server in South Africa for a local IP
• Provides speedy, reliable connections for streaming
• Unblocks popular South African TV channels from abroad
• Refuses to store any data that could identify you
• Keeps you safe with advanced security features and effectively uncrackable encryption
• Can be installed on a wide range of desktop and mobile devices

Best VPNs for watching South African TV shows abroad

Take a look below for a more detailed look at each of our recommended VPNs:

1. NordVPN

Nov 2024

NordVPN is our top choice for watching South African TV. It has more than 50 South African servers, so you’re all but guaranteed a high-speed connection, even at peak times. In fact, with over 5,400 servers in 60 countries and impressive unblocking abilities, you’ll be able to use services like SuperSport, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video from anywhere in the world. This VPN permits six simultaneous connections per account.

NordVPN values its users’ privacy. For a start, it doesn’t keep any logs. Additionally, it accepts three different cryptocurrencies and has certain servers specifically optimized for maximum protection against snoopers. 256-bit AES encryption is included, as are a kill switch, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and a built-in ad-blocker/malware scanner. If you need assistance, you can reach NordVPN’s support team over live chat, day or night.

NordVPN apps are available for Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. Further, select wireless routers are supported via manual configuration.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR SOUTH AFRICA:NordVPN is our #1 pick. It’s an inexpensive service that doesn’t compromise on security. Further, it offers high speeds, impressive unblocking ability, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. With a true no-logs policy, your privacy is all but guaranteed.

Check out our comprehensive NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a fantastic budget VPN. It has has more than 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, not just South Africa. It’s fast too, and offers unlimited bandwidth, meaning users won’t have to worry about lag or buffering keeping them from streaming their favorite shows. In fact, in addition to channels like SuperSport, Surfshark works with well-known services like Netflix USA and Hulu. Best of all, there’s no connection limit.

This VPN features a wide range of security features, such as 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, automatic ad-blocking and malware scanning, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. It can also swap your South African IP address periodically, plus its NoBorders is capable of getting around country-wide internet censorship. Crucially, Surfshark doesn’t keep any logs. Should you run into any problems, you can reach customer support 24/7 over live chat.

Surfshark offers iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux apps. You can also use it with supported routers but you’ll have to follow manual configuration instructions.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is the best budget provider. It’s fast, works with major streaming platforms, and comes packed with advanced security features. If that still doesn’t convince you, perhaps its lack of a connection limit or its 30-day money-back guarantee will.

Read our comprehensive Surfshark review.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish is a veteran provider that owns most of its network hardware. This is great for both privacy and connection quality. Its six servers in South Africa are reliable and fast, with ping times and relative load listed next to each server.

The provider works with numerous international streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer. For national content, you can use IPVanish to watch the SABC live channels SABC1 and SABC2. 

If you have VPN-incompatible devices such as smart TVs and games consoles, you can configure an IPVanish connection on any home router that supports OpenVPN. This allows you to spoof the location of any connected device. Instructions for router configuration are available on the IPVanish website. 

IPVanish apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and FireTV. Features include automatic wi-fi protection, a kill switch, split tunneling, and leak protection. We tested for IP, DNS, and WebRTC leaks ourselves and found none while connected to a South African server.

The provider uses strong encryption to protect user-generated internet traffic and keeps no records of subscribers’ online activity – a claim that’s been independently verified by auditors. IPVanish has fairly priced subscriptions and allows unlimited simultaneous device connections.  

IPVanish speed test data

WORKS WITH ROUTERS:IPVanish has several speedy South African servers and works with a host of streaming services. It has easy-to-use apps and is compatible with many home routers. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for streaming South African channels or, really, TV from just about anywhere. This is because it offers unlimited bandwidth and access to high-speed servers in 94 countries. As such, you should be able to watch eTV and SuperSport without any noticeable lag or buffering. It now boasts a higher connection limit than ever before too, supporting up to 10 devices at a time.

Once connected, your online activities are hidden thanks to ExpressVPN’s 256-bit encryption and kill switch, as well as its DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. It even blocks malicious sites and turns obfucation on automatically whenever it’s needed. Further, this service doesn’t log any data that could be traced back to you. If you’d like, you can sign up with a disposable email address and Bitcoin. There’s a 24/7 live chat-based help desk in case you have any issues.

ExpressVPN provides apps for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Linux. Additionally, it has custom firmware for routers that can help you more easily protect your home network.

ExpressVPN speed test data

GREAT FOR STREAMING:ExpressVPN is a great streaming VPN with speedy connections, powerful security and privacy features, and support for a wide range of South African TV channels. It also includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Why not take a look at the full ExpressVPN review?

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has a truly huge network, with 9,000+ servers in 90+ countries including around 30 in South Africa. This alone would make it a strong choice for anyone looking to stream geo-restricted content on vacaction, but when you factor in its consistently high speeds and fantastic unblocking capabilities, its real value becomes clear. Further, with up to seven simultaneous connections permitted, you’ll be able to securely stream eTV, DStv, or SuperSport wherever you go.

This VPN makes staying safe online as simple as possible. There’s no configuration required as connections are secured with IPv6 and DNS leak protection, 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch by default. There’s also a malware-scanner and ad-blocker, giving you even greater protection. Additionally, CyberGhost doesn’t log any personally identifiable data, so you can rest assured that your privacy is in good hands. Support staff are on-hand 24/7 over email and live chat.

CyberGhost offers easy-to-use apps for macOS, iOS, Linux, Windows, and Android, This service also works with Linux systems and select routers via manual installation.

CyberGhost speed test data

USER-FRIENDLY:CyberGhost is a high-speed, VPN that’s great for streaming. What’s more, with solid unblocking capabilities, pre-configured security features, and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, it’s ideal for anyone looking for their first VPN.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

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6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN doesn’t have as large a network as some of its competitors, but its 230 servers cover 60+ countries and offer exceptionally high speeds. What’s more, they’re capable of securely accessing South African streaming services like eTV, SuperSport, and more. It permits up to 10 simultaneous connections and offers near-24/7 support over live chat.

This service comes packed with powerful security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, a customizable kill switch, and a stealth mode that helps you hide the fact that you’re even using a VPN in the first place. There’s also built-in protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. PrivateVPN follows a strict zero-logs policy and provides live chat-based support almost (but not quite) around the clock.

PrivateVPN has apps for a wide range of platforms (iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS). Further, it can be manually configured for use with Linux systems and most routers.

PrivateVPN speed test data

NO LAG WHATSOEVER:PrivateVPN provides very fast, consistent connections and unblocks plenty of South African streaming services. What’s more, it has plenty of advanced security features, a zero-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Take a look at our in-depth PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

Editor’s note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

Hotspot Shield has more than 1,800 servers in over 80 countries including South Africa. As such, it allows users to easily stream TV from all over the world. Further, with high speeds, no bandwidth limits, and fantastic unblocking ability, you’ll be able to watch almost anything, almost anywhere, without any noticeable lag or buffering. Hotspot Shield recently increased its simultaneous connection limit and can now protect up to 10 devices at a time.

This VPN comes with an impressive array of security features. For instance, there’s 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch that stops sending data the moment your connection drops. Also included are split tunneling functionality and automatic wifi protection. Hotspot Shield deletes all identifiable data once your session ends, which means it can’t reveal what you get up to online under any circumstances. This service operates a 24/7 live chat help desk.

Hotspot Shield has apps for desktop (Windows, Linux, and MacOS) and mobile devices (Android and iOS). If you’d like to use it on a router, you can follow a manual setup guide.

HIGHLY VERSATILE:Hotspot Shield isn’t just great for streaming South African TV abroad; its steady speeds, powerful security, and large network make it a strong choice for almost any task. Still not convinced? This service also comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Find out more in our Hotspot Shield review.

8. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access stands out for offering servers in more than 80 countries. In our latest tests, it delivered average speeds of more than 110 Mbps and worked with plenty of South African streaming services. In fact, you’ll also be able to use platforms like Netflix USA and BBC iPlayer without any trouble. This VPN recently scrapped its connection limit and can now secure every device you own.

The service includes live chat and email support, which is available 24 hours a day. Security-wise, you’re very much protected thanks to the use of 256-bit AES encryption. There’s also DNS leak protection and a kill switch, while PIA operates a true no-logs policy. Indeed, it doesn’t even keep the connection logs that many other VPNs retain.

Private Internet Access apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome and Firefox. You can even use PIA with select compatible routers, but manual setup is required.

Private Internet Access speed test data

SERVERS WORLDWIDE:Private Internet Access works with South African TV from anywhere. It also works with Netflix US. Good, consistent connections and no simultaneous connection limit, plus a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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9. PureVPN

PureVPN is another strong choice for staying up-to-date with your favorite South African TV shows during a vacation abroad. It has reliable servers in Johannesburg and is one of the fastest providers we’ve tested, with average speeds of almost 400 Mbps. Better still, this VPN excels at unblocking stubborn streaming platforms like DStv and Showmax, so you’ll never be short of something to watch. Subscribers can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously and contact staff directly using the 24/7 support service.

This VPN is designed for beginners so there’s minimal setup required unless you want to change protocol or take advantage of the split tunneling option. By default, PureVPN protects you from IPv6 and DNS leaks, uses top-tier encryption, and offers a kill switch that keeps you safe after sudden disconnections. There’s also a no-logs policy that’s been audited four times to date. Our only complaints are that there’s no kill switch on Apple platforms and that port forwarding and tracker-blocking both cost a little extra each month.

PureVPN provides apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. Additionally, it supports most types of router, though you will have to follow manual configuration instructions.

PureVPN speed test data

QUICK AND RELIABLE:PureVPN has the speed needed to stream TV from South Africa in the best possible quality. It’s very easy to use, highly secure, and great at evading detection. Best of all, every plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Interested? Read our full review of PureVPN.

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10. ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN is known for its expansive network, with servers in 90+ countries and roughly two dozen in South Africa alone. It’s a fantastic choice for streaming since it provides some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen and works with stubborn region-locked platforms including Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. There’s even a built-in ad-blocker, meaning users can remove one of the web’s biggest annoyances. Need help? Just use the 24/7 help desk to speak directly to support staff.

It’s rare to find a service with as much advanced functionality as this one. ProtonVPN stops trackers from keeping tabs on your activities, prevents data leaks, and supports port forwarding as standard. That’s not all: there’s also split tunneling functionality, top-tier encryption, a kill switch, and multi-hop servers. Most importantly, ProtonVPN doesn’t keep any logs and has been audited to prove it. Anyone looking to sign up anonymously can simply use a throwaway email address and pay with cryptocurrency or a prepaid card.

ProtonVPN has its own iOS, Android, Windows, Linux, and MacOS apps. It also provides manual setup instructions in case you’d prefer to run it on your home router.

ProtonVPN speed test data

SECURITY FIRST:ProtonVPN gives you as much control over your connection as possible. Not only that, it boasts top-tier performance, a zero-logs policy, and the ability to access all of your favorite channels abroad. Paid plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Check out our in-depth ProtonVPN review.

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Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for South African TV

Nobody wants to spend their vacation struggling to access their usual streaming services. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and identified the best VPNs for streaming South African TV. Our experts eliminated contenders using the strict list of criteria below:

• Servers in South Africa: You’ll need at least one of these to get a South African IP address and watch TV from back home. Ideally, your VPN will have several to choose from, spread out across several cities, since this provides the most reliable performance.
• Speed: Live streaming is fairly data-intensive, so you’ll need a quick and reliable VPN if you’re going to watch TV regularly. We regularly speed-test various providers to see which are the fastest and ensure all of our recommendations are suitable for streaming.
• Streaming ability: We want to make sure you can access all of your usual services, which is why our team tests VPNs with major platforms like SuperSport, M-Net, eTV, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
• Security and privacy: VPNs are privacy tools, which is why we require 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch, plus a no-logs policy. Obviously, we prefer providers that go even further.
• Ease of use: All of the VPNs we recommend are simple enough for newcomers to grasp. Additionally, we like to elevate services that put user-friendliness first, whether it’s by offering 24/7 support, removing connection limits, or providing apps for all major platforms.
• Cost-effectiveness: We’ll never recommend a service that charges more than is fair. What’s more, we’ll always let you know about deals, discounts, free trials, and money-back guarantees so that you always pay as little as possible.
• Apps and devices: You should be able to watch South African TV channels online on any device. This means, when abroad, you will need a VPN that can go with you. We test each VPN with a number of devices, including Android, IOS, Mac, PC, and others.

This is actually only the first stage of our testing. To find out more, check out our full VPN testing methodology post.

Streaming South African TV abroad: FAQs