Regional television is the best way to keep up with News, trends, and shows from Germany, and Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen (ZDF) is the go-to channel. Unfortunately, geo-restrictions mean ZDF is unavailable for those outside of Germany.

How to Access ZDF outside of Germany

ZDF is well known across the country for its range of content from TV shows like Wetten, das..?, movies, sports and more. ZDF offers a streaming service for most major platforms to enjoy at home or on the go. For German expats and travelers, ZDF is the top source of German content, and although ZDF is exclusive to Germany, it can be accessed elsewhere. You can stream ZDF anywhere in the world using a VPN. With a VPN you can connect to one of your providers’ dedicated servers in Germany assuming their IP address, so the ZDF player perceives you as in Germany. In addition, a VPN also provides you with a high level of encryption. Typically, premium VPN services offer a military grade AES 256-bit encryption. Streaming ZDF with a VPN is a simple process.

1ExpressVPN

Dedicated German server High speeds and performance Expensive

ExpressVPN is a globally popular VPN. With dedicated servers in Germany, you can easily overcome geo-restrictions. Furthermore, ExpressVPN offers impressive connection speeds and a no throttling policy, meaning you won’t be continually dealing with interruptions. ExpressVPN allows a small device limit. With a total of 5 simultaneous device connections, you need to choose which devices you want to watch content. ExpressVPN isn’t rather expensive compared to other VPNs. Paying a monthly subscription will cost you more, whereas a 12-month plan will save you money.

2NordVPN

German servers Smart Play Technology Expensive

NordVPN makes our list is due to its Smart Play Technology. With their servers optimized for streaming, you avoid interruptions when watching your favorite TV shows and movies on ZDF. With Smart Play Technology, speeds over long and short distances are fantastic, and the video quality is good. NordVPN also offers a large server count, with over 5,000 servers spanning 62 countries, meaning you can not only access your favorite ZDF TV shows and movies but content from all around the world. Also, you can do this while maintaining a safe browsing experience with their AES 256-bit encryption used by both the U.S. military and the NSA

3IPVanish

Strong connection 5 simultaneous devices No free trial

IPVanish VPN is popular because there is no limit on bandwidth and data for high definition video streaming with no interruptions. Additionally, you do not need to change settings or allow outside sources to access your device. IPVanish allows you to connect five devices at any given time, meaning that you can maintain a safe browsing experience on your other devices while streaming. Before choosing IPVanish, ensure it’s the right VPN for you as there is no free trial. They do offer a 7-day money back guarantee if you feel unsatisfied with their service.

Find the Best VPN for Bypassing Geo Blocks

Every VPN on this list will ensure you overcome geo-restrictions and stream safe and securely. There are differences between each of these VPNs, so it is essential to do your research before you select a paid service. Allow the above list to serve as a guide in your decision-making process.