How to watch SRF online from anywhere (with a VPN)

Trying to watch SRF online from abroad? Unfortunately, if you try to access SRF content outside Switzerland (be it live or on-demand), you’ll encounter the following message: “Dieser Inhalt ist ausserhalb der Schweiz nicht verfügbar”. This translates as “This content is not available outside Switzerland”. Geo-blocking such as this is typically due to copyright and licensing agreements. However, you can bypass these regional restrictions and watch SRF online from anywhere using a VPN.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) takes your internet traffic and routes it through an encrypted tunnel to a server in a location of your choosing. This provides you with a different IP address. By connecting to a server in Switzerland, you are given a Swiss IP address even if you’re in another country entirely. This tricks websites into thinking you’re located in Switzerland, causing them to unblock their geo-restricted content. As an added bonus, this encryption also protects your online activities and keeps your data safe from snoopers and potential hackers.

In this article, we explain exactly how you can unblock and stream SRF outside of Switzerland with the help of a VPN; plus, we list the best VPNs for the job. We go into more detail about each of the providers we recommend later on, but in case you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for watching SRF abroad:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for SRF. Over 100 servers in Switzerland. Fast speeds and reliable unblocking. No-logs VPN with Double VPN servers and 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Fast and works with SRF, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. 24/7 support and Double VPN servers.
3. ExpressVPN: One of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested. Stream SRF and Netflix lag-free. Servers in 94 countries. Excellent apps and 24/7 support. Secure with high-end encryption.
4. CyberGhost: Almost 200 servers in Switzerland for unblocking SRF plus 9,000+ in 90 other countries. Unlimited bandwidth and a no-logs policy. Use on up to seven devices.
5. IPVanish: Connect all of your devices at once. Good speeds, unlimited bandwidth, unblocks SRF and Netflix US. Secure with encryption and a zero-logs policy.
6. PrivateVPN: Fast, unthrottled speeds for lag-free streaming of SRF, Netflix, Disney+, and more. Easy-to-use apps and strong privacy protection with a strict no-logs policy.
7. Hotspot Shield: Servers in 80 countries. Unblocks SRF from anywhere. Also works with Amazon Prime. Secures data with encryption and doesn’t keep identifying logs.

TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for SRF.

How to watch SRF online abroad (outside Switzerland) with a VPN

No matter which VPN you end up choosing, the signup and setup process will be very similar. Indeed, it shouldn’t take more than a few minutes.

Here’s how to stream SRF online from anywhere:

1. Sign up with a VPN that unblocks SRF. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Next, you’ll need to download and install the VPN app or browser extension for your streaming device.
3. Open the VPN app and connect to a server in Switzerland. You’ll then have a Swiss IP address for unblocking SRF abroad.
4. Go to the SRF website or SRF app. Remember, you don’t need an account to view its content (which should now be unblocked in your location).
5. Note that you may need to clear your browser’s cookies for changes to register. If it still doesn’t work, you should contact your VPN’s customer support.

Best VPNs for SRF: 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 watching SRF abroad.

Best VPNs for watching SRF from anywhere

When it comes to VPNs, there are a number of factors to take into consideration. Speed, server count, and security are all important. To make your decision easier, we only selected VPNs that offer all of the following:

• Servers in Switzerland for unblocking SRF
• Fast speeds so you can stream lag-free
• Encryption and a no-logs policy for safe, anonymous browsing
• Live chat and email support available 24 hours a day
• Allows at least five simultaneous connections per account
• Money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free

You can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in our methodology section below. For now, let’s take a look at the ones that made the cut. 

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for SRF:

1. NordVPN

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NordVPN is our top choice VPN for unblocking SRF. This is one of the larger, more established VPNs on the market, with a network of nearly 5,500 servers. Some 100 of these servers are located in Switzerland, allowing you to unblock and watch SRF online from anywhere with ease. However, it’s not just about server quantity. Fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth mean NordVPN is a high-quality option for streaming. In fact, it also works well with Netflix.

This VPN offers more choice than most when it comes to server types. That’s because it offers specialty servers, including some optimized for P2P traffic and Double VPN connections. It’s also a highly secure service to use thanks to 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. NordVPN is a no-logs service and completed its second no-logs audit by PWC Switzerland in July 2020. Should you need it, 24/7 live chat and email support are available.

Connect up to six devices simultaneously via the NordVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire Stick/Fire TV, and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, although routers require manual configuration.

BEST VPN FOR SRF:NordVPN is our top choice for watching SRF. It’s fast and has over 100 servers in Switzerland. Also works with Netflix and BBC iPlayer. P2P and Double VPN servers are available. Strict no-logs policy and 24/7 support. With the 30-day money-back guarantee, you’ll have the chance to try it out risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

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Surfshark allows you to get a Swiss IP address and stream SRF. In fact, with over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, this is a great choice for accessing geo-restricted content worldwide. It even works well with streaming services, including Netflix and Disney+. What’s more, Surfshark provides fast server speeds and doesn’t engage in bandwidth throttling. This VPN provider stands out for allowing unlimited simultaneous connections.

You’ll find 24/7 support via live chat and email. If you’d like an extra layer of security, you can always connect to one of Surfshark’s MultiHop (Double VPN) servers. There’s no shortage of security features with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection, all serving to keep you safe online. Impressively, Surfshark was named Best Cybersecurity Company in South America at the 2021 Cybersecurity Excellence Awards.

Secure all of your devices by connecting to Surfshark apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Another option includes browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Manual setup is required to use this VPN with compatible routers.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark offers fast speeds and unthrottled bandwidth for lag-free streaming of SRF, Netflix, and more. Unlimited simultaneous connections and Double VPN servers. Includes 24/7 support and operates a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

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ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs you can use for browsing and streaming region-locked content. That’s because it has a very large server network (over 3,000 servers) in 94 countries. Its servers in Switzerland are very fast, and there are no bandwidth limits, two characteristics that make lag and buffering unlikely. ExpressVPN is one of the more consistent VPNs when it comes to unblocking. In fact, it works well with many different Netflix libraries.

While ExpressVPN’s apps are very easy to navigate, it offers excellent customer support, which is available 24/7. Once connected, your privacy is protected through its use of 256-bit AES encryption, kill switch and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. You can use its apps to connect up to five of your devices at the same time or eight with a longer-term subscription. ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified and accepts Bitcoin, allowing for online anonymity.

ExpressVPN apps are available for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is custom firmware for routers (complete with new router dashboard interface).

FASTEST VPN:ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN we’ve tested. Ideal for streaming SRF and Netflix. Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries. Strong security with encryption. Includes 24/7 support and offers user-friendly apps for most platforms. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

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CyberGhost stands out if you’re looking for a VPN with a large server network. With more than 9,000 servers in 90 countries, you can use it to access a wide range of geo-restricted content around the world. This includes SRF, thanks to its nearly 200 servers in Switzerland, all of which offer unlimited bandwidth and are optimized for P2P traffic. With CyberGhost, you have the option of connecting up to seven devices at once — this is more than most VPNs allow.

With its strict no-logs policy, CyberGhost ensures your privacy is protected. Indeed, you can browse safely from hackers and snoopers because it uses 256-bit AES encryption to secure your internet traffic. There’s also DNS and IPv6 leak protection and an automatic kill switch. CyberGhost continues to add to its impressive array of security features, as evidenced by its password manage. It also includes 24/7 support via live chat.

To get a Swiss IP address, download a CyberGhost app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, or Android TV. If you prefer, you can even use a browser extension for Chrome or Firefox. This VPN can also be configured manually to work with select routers.

ALMOST 200 SERVERS IN SWITZERLAND:CyberGhost has 9,000+ servers in 90 countries and nearly 200 in Switzerland. Unlimited bandwidth and allows up to seven simultaneous connections. 24/7 support and a strict no-logs policy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

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IPVanish sets itself apart by allowing users to connect as many devices as they want simultaneously. It also has a dozen servers in Zurich, Switzerland, for unblocking and watching SRF while traveling abroad. In total, this VPN’s network consists of over 2,000 servers and upwards of 40,000 IP addresses after recent infrastructure updates. This allows you to access a variety of content, including streaming services like Netflix US.

A subscription to this VPN service includes 24/7 support via live chat as well as email. Once connected to a server, all of your data is secured with 256-bit AES encryption. There’s also protection from DNS leaks and a kill switch that cuts your internet traffic should the VPN connection drop, preventing exposure of your data. IPVanish is headquartered in the US, which is a member of Five Eyes, but this shouldn’t matter because it has a zero-logs policy.

Watch SRF online from anywhere thanks to IPVanish apps for desktop (Windows and Mac), mobile (Android and iOS), and Amazon Fire TV. IPVanish provides manual setup instructions for use with Linux and compatible wireless routers.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish has a dozen servers in Zurich. Works with SRF and Netflix US. Connect as many devices as you like simultaneously. Strong security with encryption and a zero-logs policy. 24/7 live chat and email support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

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PrivateVPN has a smaller network of servers, but these are spread across over 60 countries, Switzerland included. Perhaps its greatest advantage is its high-speed connections and unlimited bandwidth. This means you can stream in 1080p HD (and even 4K) without lag or buffering. It’s also a solid choice for unblocking streaming platforms. Aside from SRF, it’s able to access the likes of Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+ from anywhere.

The apps of PrivateVPN are easy to navigate and let you connect to a server in seconds. There’s live chat support, while the email support is particularly quick to reply compared to other VPNs’ tested. With its strict no-logs policy, PrivateVPN ensures that only you know what you’re doing online. This is further reinforced by its use of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. It also owns its own servers (as opposed to renting them) and recently became its own ISP, allowing for greater control over your traffic.

Secure up to ten devices at the same time by using PrivateVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. However, manual setup is required if you’d like to use this VPN with your Wi-Fi router.

PERFECT FOR STREAMING:PrivateVPN offers fast servers in Switzerland and consistent unblocking of SRF, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. User-friendly apps and fast email support. Stay anonymous thanks to its strict no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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7. Hotspot Shield

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Hotspot Shield is particularly useful if you’d like to access content from multiple countries. Its server network is spread across 80 countries — far more than most of its rivals. By connecting to one of its servers in Switzerland, you’ll be able to stream SRF. Plus, you’ll also be able to watch Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu while traveling abroad. What’s more, you can do so without restriction, thanks to the fact that Hotspot Shield doesn’t throttle your bandwidth.

With a Hotspot Shield account, you can connect up to five devices at the same time. You’ll also have access to its 24/7 live chat and email support. Security is certainly another of this VPN’s strong suits. You can expect 256-bit AES encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch. More recently, Hotspot Shield has added features, including automatic wifi protection. Last but not least, this VPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users.

Hotspot Shield users have access to iOS, Android, Linux, MacOS, and Windows apps. This service can also be manually installed on supported routers.

WIFI PROTECTION:Hotspot Shield has servers in 80 countries and won’t throttle your bandwidth. Works with SRF as well as Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. Includes 24/7 support. Secure with encryption and auto wifi protection. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

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Our methodology: How we found the best VPNs for SRF

It can be frustrating to travel abroad and find that you can’t access your favorite websites and services. Unfortunately, this is a common issue due to copyright and licensing restrictions. As such, we understand that you need a VPN with strong unblocking ability. We test VPNs to ensure they meet this and the following important requirements:

• Servers in Switzerland: SRF is only available in Switzerland. For this reason, it’s essential for any VPN included in this post to offer servers in Switzerland. By connecting to this location, you can get a Swiss IP address and watch SRF from anywhere in the world.
• Speed: The ability to unblock a service is just the first step. It’s also essential that a VPN offers fast server speeds so you can stream SRF live and on-demand. Of course, it also helps if the VPN offers unlimited bandwidth. That way, you can stream SRF lag and buffer-free.
• Network size: You may find you need to access a website or service from another country entirely. If so, having access to a VPN that offers servers in dozens of countries worldwide is a big help! That’s why we only recommend VPNs with widespread server networks.
• Security: Security threats are everywhere, irrespective of location. However, you’re at particular risk when traveling abroad, particularly if you’re using public Wi-Fi networks. By using a quality VPN, you can have your data encrypted, making it inaccessible to hackers and snoopers alike.
• Privacy: Like security, privacy is another must when it comes to VPNs. You may find yourself browsing and streaming in a country with extensive online surveillance. We’ve analyzed the VPN logging policies of 140 VPNs so you can see which best lets you maintain your online anonymity.
• Ease of use: There’s a possibility that this is your very first time using a VPN. If so, you’ll want one that makes it easy to connect to a server or adjust your settings. All of the above-recommended VPNs have user-friendly apps and even offer live chat and email support should you need it.
• Value for money: You can find a lot of VPNs on the market, many of which are similarly priced. However, the features they offer can vary significantly. We’ve tested many different VPNs and found those we feel offer the best value for money. In fact, promo coupons are available, so you can save even more!

The above is just some of the criteria we look for in a VPN. Our VPN testing methodology involves extensive hands-on research. This allows us to provide the most accurate, up-to-date information available for each VPN service to help you make an informed decision.

Watching SRF abroad with a VPN: FAQs