How to watch Turkish TV online abroad (outside Turkey)

Turkish channels like Puhu TV, Channel 1, and Kanal D are region-locked, meaning you can’t normally use them while traveling outside of Turkey. However, by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can regain access to all of your favorite Turkish content from anywhere in the world.

VPNs have several other benefits, too. For instance, they can hide your real IP address, hide your online activities from snoopers, and help you sidestep country-wide censorship. These services can even prevent ISP throttling, improving your streaming experience by keeping your connection speeds as high as possible.

Don’t have time to read the full article? Here’s a quick summary of the best VPNs for watching Turkish TV abroad. 

1. NordVPN: Our first choice for watching Turkish TV. Over 5,500 high-speed servers worldwide. Works with ATV, TRT 1, and Netflix. No-logs service with 24/7 support. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly.
2. Surfshark: Best budget VPN. Fast Turkish servers and connection limit. Security-conscious provider with 24/7 live chat support.
3. IPVanish: Has nine speedy servers in Istanbul and obfuscation available for avoiding any VPN blocks. Great for streaming and allows unlimited simultaneous device connections.
4. ExpressVPN: Beginner-friendly apps and strong security. Works with most geo-restricted platforms, including Disney+, Channel 1, and Netflix.
5. CyberGhost: Over two dozen servers in Turkey for streaming Kanal D and TV8. Very fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Strong security and encryption.
6. PrivateVPN: Access almost any streaming platform you can think of. Decent speeds, powerful security features, and easy-to-use apps.
7. Private Internet Access: A great way to use Channel 1, TV8, or most other Turkish channels abroad. Keeps no logs and offers 24/7 support via live chat.

How we found the top VPNs for Turkish TV

With so many VPNs available, it can be a challenge to find the right one for your needs. We were able to find the best VPNs for watching Turkish TV abroad by only selecting those that meet the following requirements:

• Supports many server locations, including Turkey
• Provides high connection speeds and unlimited bandwidth
• Strong security with encryption and no identifying logs of users
• Beginner-friendly apps for desktop and mobile platforms
• Live chat and email support, ideally available 24/7
• Money-back guarantee so you can try the VPN risk-free

You can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in our methodology section below.

Best VPNs for watching Turkish TV online from abroad: 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 Turkish TV.

Best VPNs for Turkish TV

At Comparitech, we thoroughly test each VPN ourselves before making any recommendations. These reviews are based on our first-hand experiences. Let’s take a look at the ones that impressed us. 

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

1. NordVPN

Dec 2024

NordVPN is our top choice for watching Turkish content. It has over a dozen Turkish servers and even works in countries with strict online blocking so it’s ideal for anyone trying to access geo-restricted platforms like Kanal D on vacation. With some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen, you can even use it to torrent or play games with no need to worry about lag or random disconnections. This VPN permits up to 10 simultaneous connections and provides free support over live chat.

Very few providers can compete with NordVPN on security. It offers uncrackable encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch, plus its own protocol (named NordLynx) that addresses some of the concerns people have about the underlying WireGuard protocol. NordVPN has been audited to prove that it doesn’t log any identifiable data, and it offers obfuscated servers so that you can access the wider internet in countries with extreme censorship.

NordVPN has apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. Alternatively, you can manually install it on routers, allowing you to encrypt data from your gaming console or Smart TV.

NordVPN speed test data

BEST VPN FOR TURKISH TV:NordVPN is our #1 pick. It has incredible speeds and makes watching Turkish content very simple. No-logs service that can be used on 10 devices at once. 24/7 live chat support. Try it risk-free thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is the best low-cost option for Turkish streaming platforms. It has no problems with Chanel 1, Kanal D, or Puhu TV and allows an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. Users can choose from more than 100 server locations, and thanks to this VPN’s exceptional speeds, you’ll be able to watch Turkish content without a noticeable drop in performance. You’ll also have access to 24/7 support via live chat.

One of the main advantages of using Surfshark is that it offers an impressive number of security features. For starters, there’s 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch, plus automatic tracker-blocking and the option to swap your IP address periodically. Surfshark follows a true no-logs policy and has proven this with multiple independent audits.

Stream Turkish TV series overseas with Surfshark’s apps for desktop (Windows, Mac, and Linux) or mobile (Android and iOS). There are also browser extensions (Chrome and Firefox) and an app for Amazon Fire TV. Routers require manual setup.

Surfshark speed test data

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark lets you secure as many devices as you like. Works well with Turkish TV channels including Fox and Star TV. Very strong security thanks to a strict no-logs policy, encryption, and Double VPN servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. IPVanish

IPVanish is a well-established provider that owns the majority of its server network. It has nine fast and reliable servers available in Turkey’s capital, Istanbul. Users can check the relative load and ping time of each before connecting. Those who need to bypass VPN blocks can switch protocols – from WireGuard to OpenVPN – and enable the Scramble feature to obfuscate their traffic.

The provider works seamlessly with national Turkish TV channels, though you may need to toggle Threat Protection to off as the majority of these channels are ad-supported and won’t work with an ad-blocker running. IPVanish is also able to access international streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer.

IPVanish apps are straightforward to use and available for Windows, Android, iOS, macOS, and Amazon Fire Stick/ FireTV. Features include a kill switch, split tunneling, and an auto-connect feature for untrusted networks. Subscribers also get access to a SOCKS5 proxy.

IPVanish has an independently audited no-logs policy, so you can be sure that your online activity isn’t being stored on a server somewhere. The software didn’t reveal our IP address when we carried out IP, DNS and WebRTC leak tests.

AVOID VPN BLOCKS:IPVanish has nine servers in Turkey and notably fast connection speeds. It can obfuscate user traffic and allows unlimited device connections. Plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has servers in 100+ countries, Turkey included. This novice-friendly VPN can bypass just about any kind of online blocking, so geo-restricted platforms like Kanal D, Channel 1, and Disney+ don’t pose any problems at all. Users can enjoy an uninterrupted streaming experience thanks to around-the-clock support and particularly high speeds (nearly 200 Mbps in our latest testing).

This VPN conceals your real IP address and offers a solid security toolkit. For example, it has 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection, plus obfuscation that kicks in automatically if you’re somewhere with strict online censorship. ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any logs and is regularly audited by independent experts, which should provide some much-needed peace of mind.

ExpressVPN has apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. There’s also custom firmware for routers so that you can more easily unblock Turkish content on your Smart TV or other devices that don’t have full VPN support.

ExpressVPN speed test data

STRONG SECURITY:ExpressVPN is a secure, reliable choice. It’s fast, intuitive, and works with many Turkish streaming platforms like ATV. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has over 10,000 servers globally, with roughly two dozen in Turkey. Users can quickly see which ones are best for accessing geo-restricted platforms, torrenting, or gaming, and there are even some designed to provide the highest level of privacy possible. This VPN boasts far higher speeds than most of its competitors, averaging almost 300 Mbps in our latest round of tests. With 24/7 support via live chat, you’re never more than a few minutes away from getting help.

This service secures your traffic using uncrackable encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Additionally, there’s a smart rules tab that lets you customize exactly when the VPN should turn itself on, and whether any apps should launch when you do. CyberGhost follows a no-logging policy, meaning even it can’t tell what you get up to online.

CyberGhost offers apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. You can also use browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Manual installation is required for use with compatible routers.

CyberGhost speed test data

SPEED AND SECURITY:CyberGhost works with Turskish streaming platforms and delivers top-tier speeds. Highly secure with a strict no-logs policy. There’s a 45-day guarantee for anything longer.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is worth considering if you’re looking for a service with consistently high speeds and excellent unblocking ability. Although it only offers around 200 servers, these are located in 63 different countries, including Turkey. This VPN allows you to stream uninterrupted on geo-restricted platforms like ATV, Star TV, or TV8. In fact, it also works with Netflix, Disney Plus, and BBC iPlayer, among other popular streaming services.

The PrivateVPN apps make it quick and easy to connect, plus you can secure up to 10 devices at once. This service boasts 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch, plus a stealth mode designed to beat the world’s strictest digital censorship. PrivateVPN follows a strict no-logs policy (though we’d like to see it prove this with an audit). Live chat is available most hours of the day, but not quite 24/7, unfortunately.

PrivateVPN offers apps for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. If you’d like to use it with Linux systems or routers, you’ll need to configure this manually.

PrivateVPN speed test data

HIGH-SPEED SERVERS:PrivateVPN has fast servers and works with ATV, Kanal D, and Netflix. Easy-to-use apps and live chat support. Uses high-end encryption and offers a no-logs policy for your security. 10 simultaneous connections. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) gets a notable mention among providers that can access Turkish TV. PIA is not just a gateway to secure browsing but also a passport to global entertainment. It works effortlessly with Netflix and BBC iPlayer, bringing a vast array of shows and movies right at your fingertips, no matter where you are. With servers spread across 91+ countries and around 30,000 servers, PIA offers a blend of speed and security, ensuring a smooth streaming experience.

On the security front, PIA packs a punch with robust features. Its built-in ad and malware blocker provides a clean browsing slate, while the 256-bit encryption is a formidable guard for your data. The built-in kill switch is a vigilant feature, ready to cut off your connection if a security lapse is detected, ensuring your personal data remains uncompromised.

Extending its versatility, PIA offers dedicated apps for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and router installations, catering to various users regardless of their device preference. The unlimited device allowance is a standout feature, handy for larger families or tech aficionados with multiple gadgets.

Support is a cornerstone of PIA’s offering, with 24/7 live chat support ready to assist, making troubleshooting a less daunting task. A 30-day money-back guarantee backs your choice, making a trial run with PIA a risk-free venture.

Private Internet Access speed test data

ROBUST SECURITY:Private Internet Access includes unlimited connections for anyone trying to watch Turkish TV on multiple devices. Comes with military-grade encryption, apps for most devices, and a 30-day money-back guarantee

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

How to watch Turkish TV channels abroad with a VPN

Using a VPN to watch Turkish TV overseas is easier than you might think. In fact, we’ve provided a simple step-by-step guide to take you through the process.

Here’s how you can live stream Turkish TV online from abroad:

1. The first step is to sign up with a VPN that offers servers in Turkey. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Next, you’ll need to download one of the VPN’s apps. Make sure you’re installing the correct version for your device!
3. Open the VPN app and connect to a server in Turkey. This is how you get a Turkish IP address for watching Turkish TV abroad.
4. Go to whichever Turkish TV platform or streaming service you’d like to watch. The content should now be unblocked.
5. Is content still blocked? We’ve always found clearing your browser’s cookies and reloading the page to be the quickest way to fix any issues. If this doesn’t work, it’s worth contacting your VPN’s customer support for targeted help.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for streaming Turkish TV

It’s harder than you might think to unblock Turkish TV while traveling abroad. After all, many VPNs don’t have Turkish servers, and lots of them simply can’t provide the speeds needed for uninterrupted streaming. Below, you’ll find the most important things we looked for and a quick explanation of why each is so important:

• Turkish servers: To even access most of your usual services, you’ll need a Turkish IP address. To get this, your VPN must have servers in Turkey. Ideally, there’d be lots of them since this helps spread user load and ensure a more consistent experience.
• Streaming ability: It’s important that you’re able to access most of your regular content abroad. That’s why we extensively test VPNs against services like Star TV, Kanal 7, and TV8, plus internationally available platforms like Peacock, Disney Plus, and Paramount+.
• Speed: When it comes to live streaming, the faster your connection is, the better. Luckily, we perform regular speed tests, meaning we can let you know which VPNs are currently the fastest. They still have to excel in all of the other areas listed, though!
• Privacy protections: We look for VPNs with proven no-logs policies, plus effectively uncrackable encryption, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a kill switch. This is only the minimum, though, and we prefer services that include more advanced security tools.
• Price: We’ll never recommend a VPN that charges more than it’s worth. We determine this by comparing it to similarly-priced competitors and weighing up the functionality and versatility on each side. Additionally, we’ll always include information about any deals, free trials, money-back guarantees, and discounts that are available.

Wondering what other tests we run on potential recommendations? Check out our detailed post that explains exactly how we test VPNs at Comparitech.

Streaming Turkish TV abroad: FAQs