Since so many sites and services are geo-restricted these days, traveling abroad means you’ll find some of the websites you use back home to be inaccessible. This is particularly likely with TV platforms and streaming services. If you’re outside Austria, this means you may struggle to watch ORF 2 and ZDF. In order to watch Austrian TV abroad, you’ll need to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and connect to a server in Austria.

A VPN works by encrypting your internet traffic and sending it through a secure tunnel to one of its servers. You can choose the location of the server to which you connect. For example, by connecting to a server in Austria, you can get an Austrian IP address. You’ll then be able to stream Austrian TV from anywhere in the world, all without having to worry about geographic restrictions.

Don’t have time to read the full article just yet? To save you some time, we’ll provide a quick summary of the very best VPNs for watching Austrian TV abroad.

Best VPNs for Austrian TV:

  • NordVPN: The best VPN for Austrian TV. Two dozen servers in Austria. Unlimited bandwidth for streaming Austrian TV such as ORF 1 and ORF 2. No-logs service with 24/7 live chat support included.
  • Surfshark: Best value VPN. Strong unblocking ability — works with RTL, Puls 4, and more. Unlimited simultaneous connections. No-logs VPN with Double VPN servers and 24/7 support.
  • ExpressVPN: Very fast speeds for streaming ORF 2 and ZDF. Offers 24/7 support and user-friendly apps. Security includes use of high-end encryption.
  • CyberGhost: 60 servers in Austria. High-speed servers that unblock ZDF and RTL. Use it on seven devices at once. Very strong security including a strict no-logs policy.
  • IPVanish: Connect unlimited devices simultaneously. Works with ORF 1 and VOX. Offers encryption and a zero-logs policy. 24/7 support is also available.
  • PrivateVPN: Fast servers and unlimited bandwidth. Unblock ORF 2, ZDF, and ATV. Beginner-friendly apps and live chat support. Secures data with encryption.
  • Hotspot Shield: Good speeds for streaming Austrian TV. Offers 24/7 support via live chat. Can be used on five devices at once. Doesn’t keep identifying logs of users.

How to watch Austrian TV shows abroad with a VPN

Whether you’re connecting to a server in Austria or Australia, the process of using a VPN is the same. Setup is quick and easy, allowing you to start live streaming Austrian TV in minutes.

Here’s how to watch Austrian TV online from anywhere:

  • First, you’ll need to sign up with a VPN provider that offers servers in Austria. As you’ll see from our reviews, we particularly recommend NordVPN.
  • Next, download the appropriate VPN app for the device on which you’d like to watch Austrian TV. Browser extensions may also be available.
  • Log in to the VPN app (or browser extension) and connect to a server in Austria. You’ll then have an Austrian IP address for streaming Austrian TV abroad.
  • Open your browser and go to an Austrian TV platform (such as ORF or ZDF). Select your preferred content which should now be unblocked.
  • If the content is still geo-restricted, we advise you to clear your browser’s cookies before reloading your browser. Alternatively, try contacting your VPN’s customer support.

Choosing the best VPNs for watching Austrian TV abroad

How are you supposed to go about choosing a VPN when there are so many services (both free and paid) available? For starters, you’ll want to consider the speed and location of servers as well as online security standards. Here’s a full list of the key criteria that each VPN had to meet in order to be selected as one of the best VPNs for watching Austrian TV abroad:

There are no hidden terms—just let customer support know within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • Servers in Austria for streaming Austrian TV overseas
  • Fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth
  • High level of security with encryption
  • Privacy protection with a no-logs policy
  • Beginner-friendly apps for desktop and mobile
  • Knowledgeable 24/7 live chat and email support

To find out more about how we test and recommend VPNs, you can refer to our methodology article. For now, here are summaries that will help you pick between the best VPNs for Austrian TV.

Best VPNs for Austrian TV

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

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN provides a vast network of approximately 5,000 servers which are located in 59 countries, Austria included. Indeed, NordVPN has roughly two dozen servers in Austria, some of which are even optimized for P2P file-sharing. This VPN has unlimited bandwidth which means there are no restrictions on how much you can stream. When it comes to unblocking, NordVPN is very reliable and can be used with ORF 1 and ZDF.

When you use NordVPN, you can secure six of your devices simultaneously. You’ll also have access to excellent 24/7 live chat support. This VPN operates a strict no-logs policy and uses various security features to keep you safe online. These include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. For even greater protection, you have the choice of connecting to NordVPN’s Double VPN and Onion Over VPN servers.

You can get an Austrian IP address via NordVPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Android TV. Browser extensions are available for Chrome and Firefox. You can also manually configure NordVPN for supported routers.

BEST VPN FOR AUSTRIAN TV:NordVPN has two dozen servers in Austria and some 5,000 worldwide. Unlimited bandwidth for lag-free streaming of RTL, Vox, and more. Very secure with a strict no-logs policy and Double VPN servers. 24/7 support included. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Offers two dozen servers in Austria for easy unblocking of Austrian TV
  • Works with ORF 1 and ZDF as well as the likes of Netflix
  • Includes 24/7 live chat support
  • Can be used on six devices simultaneously
  • Operates a strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy

Cons:

  • Not the fastest server speeds

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark allows you to secure an unlimited number of devices at once. As such, it’s well worth considering if you’d like to share your VPN with family. Overall, it offers more than 1,700 servers around the world, all of which are P2P-friendly. There’s unlimited bandwidth so you can stream as much as you like with absolutely no throttling. Aside from Austrian TV channels such as ZDF and Sat. 1, Surfshark successfully unblocks Netflix.

Another advantage of Surfshark is that it has an impressive number of security features designed to keep you safe from hackers and snoopers. For starters, there’s a strict no-logs policy and you have the option of connecting to Double VPN servers for an extra layer of encryption. You can also expect 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. It’s worth mentioning that Surfshark has fast and friendly live chat support, available 24/7.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:Surfshark lets you connect as many devices as you want. A reliable choice for unblocking and streaming Austrian TV. Also unblocks Netflix. Lots of security features including a strict no-logs policy. 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections per account

  • Can be used to watch ZDF and Sat. 1 outside Austria

  • 24/7 live chat and email support

  • Double VPN servers offer an extra layer of encryption

  • Smaller network of servers

  • Doesn’t always accurately connect to fastest available server

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN provides plenty of choice when it comes to server locations. It has more than 3,000 servers worldwide, located across 94 countries. This includes servers in Austria that are ideal for watching Austrian TV overseas. Combine this with ExpressVPN’s impressive speed and unlimited bandwidth, and you’ve got the perfect VPN for streaming. You’ll be able to watch the likes of ORF 1 and ORF 2 lag-free while this VPN also works well with Netflix.

With ExpressVPN’s user-friendly apps, you can get connected to a server in seconds. Further, users can connect up to five devices at once. It offers 24/7 live chat and email support should you need any help. This is one of the more secure VPN services available, with a great track record on privacy. Your data is secured with 256-bit AES encryption while there’s also a kill switch and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. Furthermore, ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users.

Watch Austrian TV abroad thanks to ExpressVPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. Custom firmware is available for routers while you also have the option of downloading Chrome and Firefox browser extensions.

STRONG ALL-ROUNDER:ExpressVPN is a great option for streaming Austrian TV thanks to its fast speeds and strong unblocking ability. Works with ORF 2 as well as Netflix. Excellent user-friendly apps and 24/7 support. Uses encryption and doesn’t keep identifying logs. Try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Network of more than 3,000 servers across 94 countries

  • Unblock Austrian TV including ORF 1 and ORF 2

  • Easy-to-use apps and browser extensions

  • Live chat and email support available 24/7

  • Strong security with encryption and kill switch feature

  • Doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified

  • More expensive than most rival VPNs

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has 60 servers in Austria which is far more than any other VPN on this list. Needless to say, you’ll be able to watch Austrian TV channels including RTL and VOX. In total, CyberGhost’s network consists of well over 6,000 servers in 90 countries. Its high-speed servers and unlimited bandwidth mean it’s a strong choice for anyone looking to stream without lag or buffering. Indeed, it can also be used with Netflix US among other popular services.

This is a VPN that stands out for letting you connect as many as seven devices simultaneously. CyberGhost has very strong security thanks to its strict no-logs policy and use of 256-bit AES encryption. You’re further safeguarded with an automatic ad-blocker, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. Independently operated NoSpy servers are also available. If you have any questions, 24/7 support is at hand via live chat.

DOZENS OF SERVERS IN AUSTRIA:CyberGhost has 60 servers in Austria and over 6,000 globally. Unblock the likes of ORF 2 and ProSieben. Use it on up to seven devices at once. Highly secure service with a strict no-logs policy that protects your privacy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • 60 servers in Austria and more than 6,000 worldwide

  • High-speed servers for lag-free streaming of Austrian TV

  • Lets you secure up to seven devices simultaneously

  • Comprehensive security offering includes a strict no-logs policy

  • Offers live chat support which is available 24/7

  • Doesn’t work in China

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is another good choice for streaming Austrian TV shows. That’s because it provides fast servers in Vienna as well as unlimited bandwidth. When it comes to unblocking Austrian TV channels, IPVanish works with ORF 1, ATV, and Puls 4. There are also US servers for watching the likes of Netflix US. If you have a lot of devices, IPVanish is worth considering because it allows unlimited simultaneous connections per account.

The IPVanish apps allow you to connect to the fastest available server. This ease of use makes this VPN particularly beginner-friendly. Regardless, support is available via 24/7 live chat should you need it. You can stay anonymous online with IPVanish because it offers a zero-logs policy. There’s also 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection from DNS leaks, ensuring your activities can’t be read at any time.

UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish can be used on multiple devices at once. It has unlimited bandwidth and works with ZDF and ATV. Offers easy-to-use apps as well as 24/7 support. Secures your data with encryption and a zero-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Good speeds for streaming ATV and Puls 4

  • Connect unlimited devices at once via the same account

  • Apps are easy to use for beginners

  • Live chat support is available 24/7

  • Zero-logs policy safeguards your privacy

  • No option to pay in cryptocurrency

  • Headquartered in the US which is a Five Eyes member

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN has a smaller network of only 150 servers but these are spread across 60 countries, including Austria. As such, you can unblock geo-restricted websites and services worldwide. This VPN is very reliable at unblocking and works with ORF 1 as well as Netflix and BBC iPlayer. However, its main selling point is that it’s extremely fast. You can use PrivateVPN to stream high-definition video without having to worry about performance issues.

This is one of the easier VPNs to use. The layout of the apps is simple, making it quick and easy to connect to a server. Live chat support is offered 22 hours per day should you need it. With PrivateVPN’s apps, you can have up to six simultaneous connections. Various security features ensure your online safety. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Last but not least, PrivateVPN also offers a no-logs policy.

Connect to PrivateVPN servers in Austria via apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. To use this VPN with compatible routers, you’ll need to follow manual setup instructions.

FAST SPEEDS:PrivateVPN is fast for browsing and streaming. Strong unblocking and works with ORF 2, ZDF, and Sat.1. Beginner-friendly apps as well as live chat support. Secure with encryption and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Very fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth for streaming ORF 1

  • Also unblocks streaming services such as Netflix and HBO

  • Beginner-friendly desktop and mobile apps

  • Secure with encryption and a no-logs policy

  • Small network of only 100 servers

  • Limited selection of apps and no browser extensions

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

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

If you choose Hotspot Shield, you’ll have access to its 24/7 support via live chat. You can also use this VPN to connect five of your devices simultaneously. Your data is secured with 256-bit AES encryption while there’s also DNS leak protection. If the VPN connection drops, a kill switch cuts your internet traffic, preventing data from being compromised. As Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep identifying logs of its users, you’ll be able to enjoy near-complete online anonymity.

Hotspot Shield provides apps for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. There’s also a browser extension for Chrome. Manual setup is required for use with Linux as well as routers.

CONSISTENT UNBLOCKING:Hotspot Shield works with many Austrian TV channels including ORF 1 and RTL. Consistent connections and easy-to-use apps. Includes 24/7 live chat support. Your data is secured with encryption. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to privacy
  • No browser extension for Firefox

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

Another area of concern when it comes to free VPNs is security. The average free VPN doesn’t do enough to protect your privacy. For starters, some free VPNs keep logs of your online activity and sell the data to third parties. Others might not encrypt your data, leaving it exposed to hackers and snoopers. It’s for these reasons that we recommend the above paid VPNs for streaming Austrian TV, rather than a free VPN service.

  • ORF 1

  • ORF 2

  • ZDF

  • RTL

  • VOX

  • ATV

  • ProSieben

  • Puls 4

  • Sat.1

  • Tatort

  • Vier Frauen und ein Todesfall

  • SOKO Donau

  • Kaisermühlen Blues

  • Die Alpensaga

  • Echt Fett

  • Musikantenstadl

  • Die liebe Familie

  • Die Millionenshow

  • Vorstadtweiber