How to watch ABC outside the US in 2026
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As of January 2026, NordVPN still stands as the best ABC VPN. With over 3100 servers in 31 US cities, ease of use, compatibility with most devices, and blazing-fast speeds with the proprietary NordLynx protocol, NordVPN is your best bet for easily accessing ABC and watching content lag-free.
ABC is only available in the United States due to licensing restrictions, which means the channel is blocked if you travel or live abroad. Fortunately, you can still watch ABC outside the US by using a reliable VPN that connects you to a US server.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to watch ABC outside the US live and on demand 2026, which VPNs currently work best, how to stream ABC on different devices, and what to do if ABC blocks your VPN connection.
How to watch ABC outside the US with a VPN – detailed guide
If you want to watch ABC, but you're not located in the US, there's an easy way you can access it. Simply connect to a VPN server in the US. Here's what you have to do:
- Select a VPN with plenty of US servers – I recommend NordVPN, now 75% OFF
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Download and install the VPN app
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Connect to a server in the US
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Create an account for ABC if you don’t already have one
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Watch your favorite content on ABC from anywhere
Best VPNs to watch ABC online – detailed list
To find the best VPNs for unblocking ABC outside of the US, I evaluated 41 VPNs based on the number of servers in the US and user reports online and handpicked the top 3. Then, using a hands-on approach, I tested each VPN to check if they can consistently unblock ABC outside the US. Finally, I ranked the selected streaming VPNs based on their speed, servers in the US, and compatibility with different devices.
1. NordVPN – best VPN for watching ABC outside the US
| Rating: | |
| Average speed retention rate: | 88% |
| Servers in the US: | 3100+ |
| Servers/countries: | 9,500+ servers in 149 countries |
| Streaming services: | ABC, Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and more |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get 75% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free |
NordVPN is the #1 choice for watching ABC outside the US, with more than 3100 servers in 31 US cities. My tests showed you can effortlessly unblock ABC connected to any of them on the first try.
NordVPN also excels with exceptional speeds thanks to its proprietary NordLynx protocol. On average, it retains around 88% of initial download speeds, ensuring no buffering while you enjoy your favorite shows on ABC.
As mentioned in our NordVPN review, the VPN is also compatible with smart TVs and has a Smart DNS feature, letting you unblock ABC even on devices that aren’t compatible with built-in VPNs, like LG TVs or Samsung TVs. You can also set up the VPN on your router for quick coverage over all the devices in your household. If you prefer watching ABC on the go, you can also download iOS and Android mobile apps.
NordVPN’s subscriptions start at $3.49/month. You can try the service out using a free NordVPN 3-day trial. NordVPN also allows 10 simultaneous connections, meaning you can share your account with family and friends for easy access to ABC.
2. Surfshark – great-value solution for watching ABC from anywhere
| Rating: | |
| Average speed retention rate: | 84% |
| Servers in the US: | 700+ |
| Servers/countries: | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries |
| Streaming services: | ABC, Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Get 85% OFF + 3 months FREE |
Surfshark is an excellent pick if you want to keep costs down but don’t want to compromise on quality while streaming ABC. What I really like is that you can reduce the price even more with the Surfshark promo code: OFFCN. Surfshark has 700+ servers in the US, and according to my tests, it can unblock ABC without any issues, no matter where you live.
Surfshark also offers fast speeds. It employs WireGuard, an industry-leading protocol, retaining an average of 84% of initial connection speeds. Also, as disclosed in our Surfshark review, the VPN has a high-quality server network.
You also get the Smart DNS feature, which lets you bypass geo-restrictions on devices such as your smart TV that don’t support VPNs. With unlimited simultaneous connections, you can use as many devices as you wish to unblock ABC and even share the account with others.
Surfshark’s prices start at just $2.49/month, and you can use Surfshark's free 7-day trial on macOS, Android, and iOS devices.
3. IPVanish – ideal provider for streaming region-restricted content
| Rating: | |
| Average speed retention rate: | 64% |
| Servers in the US: | 1100+ |
| Servers/countries: | 3,400+ servers in 112 countries |
| Streaming services: | ABC, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, Hulu, and more |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS |
| Current deal: | Save 83% OFF today! |
IPVanish is a popular VPN choice for unblocking ABC outside the US. It has more than 1100 servers in 20 locations in the US. While testing IPVanish’s capabilities to unblock ABC, I encountered no issues.
IPVanish also employs the famous WireGuard protocol, so you can expect exceptional speeds while streaming content on ABC, whether you’re in the UK or elsewhere. My tests showed that IPVanish retained around 64% of initial connection speeds while connected to the US.
As our IPVanish review with expert insights showed, IPVanish, just like Surfshark, offers unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can stream geo-blocked content on as many devices as you want.
With prices starting from just $2.19/month, IPVanish is a budget-friendly ABC VPN. However, IPVanish is the only provider on the list that doesn’t offer a free trial, but you can still try accessing ABC outside the US risk-free since there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Is it legal to watch ABC with a VPN?
In most countries, using a VPN is completely legal, including in the US, the UK, and across the EU. This means that watching ABC with a VPN is not illegal in itself. VPNs are widely used for privacy, security, and protecting personal data on public networks.
That said, accessing ABC outside the US with a VPN may violate ABC’s Terms of Service. ABC restricts its content to the US because of licensing and broadcasting agreements, and using a VPN to bypass these geo-restrictions goes against the platform’s rules. However, this is a terms-of-service issue, not a criminal offense.
In practice, ABC does not penalize users for using a VPN. The most common consequence is that the platform may block access if it detects VPN usage. Switching to a different US server or using a VPN known to work with streaming services usually resolves the issue.
It’s also important to note that VPN legality depends on your location. While VPNs are legal in most countries, some regions (such as China, Iran, and a few others) heavily restrict or ban VPN usage. If you’re traveling, always check local regulations before using a VPN.
Why do you need a VPN to watch ABC online?
ABC is only available for citizens in the US, so if you’re outside the country, you won’t be able to access the platform. The reason for the regional blocks is that ABC must comply with strict licensing agreements, copyright laws, and exclusive broadcasting rights. If you try to watch ABC outside the US, you’ll find the content on ABC is blocked by the following error message.
However, you can watch ABC content outside the US with the help of a powerful VPN. By connecting to a US server, your IP address changes, making it appear like you’re in the States. That said, pick a reliable and trusted ABC VPN that can consistently access ABC from overseas. My recommendation is NordVPN as it's the most reliable VPN I've tested for bypassing geo-restrictions.
Using a VPN to access ABC is straightforward and easy. Without overspending, you can invest in a trusted VPN and watch ABC content outside the US without any issues.
How to watch ABC live without cable
US viewers can get ABC via cable subscription. However, with many going cable-free, you may wonder how to watch ABC. Luckily, you can access ABC live TV through streaming platforms. Here, I rounded up some US streaming services that show ABC live and included a price list to help you make your decision.
| US streaming service | Cost per month |
| DirecTV (MySports subscription) | From $69.99 |
| FuboTV | From $45.99 |
| Hulu + Live TV | From $89.99 |
| YouTube TV | From $82.99 |
Provided you have a capable VPN for streaming installed on your device, you can access any of these streaming services to watch ABC Live. These streaming services also offer loads of other great US channels, no matter where you are.
How to watch ABC with a VPN on any device
You can use a VPN to watch ABC from outside the US on pretty much any connected device, including desktop, mobile, and Smart TVs. You may also set up the VPN on a router for more expanded coverage. That said, the process is slightly different, depending on which device you’re using.
Watch ABC on your computer or smartphone
VPNs work well on pretty much all smartphones and computers. Here’s how to use one to watch ABC on your device:
- Switch your device location and App Store to the US
- Download and install a VPN on your computer or smartphone – I recommend NordVPN, now 75% OFF
- If you have an Apple ID or Google account, create a new one and select the US as your country
- Go to the ABC website or download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store
- Sign in or create an account and enjoy streaming your favorite shows
How to stream ABC on streaming devices
Most popular streaming sticks like Roku, LG TV, and Kodi don’t support VPN apps. However, you can still use a VPN to access ABC on your streaming device by installing the VPN on your router instead. Here’s what you need to do:
- Choose a VPN with plenty of US servers – I recommend NordVPN, now 75% OFF
- Download and install the software and connect it to your Wi-Fi router
- Connect to a server in the US
- Insert your streaming stick into your smart TV using the HDMI port
- Turn on your TV and select ABC on your streaming stick’s home screen
- Sign in or create an account
- Watch ABC on your TV device
On the other hand, the Amazon Fire TV Stick supports VPN apps, so you can download a VPN app directly onto your streaming stick instead. To find out which VPNs to use on your streaming stick, take a look at these dedicated guides:
- The best Kodi VPNs – use Kodi VPNs to access content without any restrictions
- VPNs that work with Apple TVs – enjoy watching ABC on your Apple TV from anywhere
- VPNs you can use with your Roku stick – tried-and-tested VPNs for Roku
- Our recommended VPNs for Fire TV Stick – providers with the best apps for Amazon
How to watch ABC from the UK
If you live in the UK or are traveling and want to watch your favorite shows from abroad, you’ll find that ABC is blocked outside the US. However, you can use a reliable VPN to get around the channel’s location restrictions. So, regardless where you are located, all you need to do is follow these instructions:
- Download and install a VPN that offers a wide selection of US servers – I recommend NordVPN, now 75% OFF
- Sign up and create an account
- Connect to a server in the US
- Go to the ABC website or app and sign in or create an account
- Find your favorite shows and start watching ABC content in the UK
ABC is not working with a VPN
Although it’s easy to use a VPN to access ABC from outside the US, there are times when you may get an ABC error message. If you’ve found that ABC is still blocked for you, make sure you check out these quick troubleshooting solutions:
- Make sure you’re connected to a server specifically in the US. If so, try reconnecting to another US server
- Ensure that you have IP leak protection enabled, as your actual IP address could be showing
- Clear your cache and cookies, as they might be giving away your real location
- Try using a different browser
- Get in touch with your VPN’s customer support team
If you’ve tried all these things and you still can’t bypass ABC’s geo-restrictions, your VPN may no longer be able to unblock ABC. Therefore, it could be time to upgrade to a more privacy-focused VPN.
What you can watch on ABC
Given that ABC is one of the most established TV channels in the US, it’s no surprise that it has an impressive offering of live and on-demand content. I’ve pulled together a list of what I believe are some of the best shows on ABC that you won’t want to miss.
| Title | Genre |
| Abbott Elementary (2021-present) | Sitcom |
| 9-1-1 (2018-present) | TV drama |
| Dancing with the Stars (2005-present) | Reality TV show |
| Good Morning America (1975-present) | Morning TV news and entertainment show |
| Grey’s Anatomy (2005-present) | TV drama |
| Jamie Oliver’s Food Revolution (2010-2011) | Cookery show |
| Jimmy Kimmel Live (2003-present) | Chat show |
| The Kardashians: An ABC News Special (2022) | Reality TV show |
| The NBA Finals | Yearly sports event |
| Truth & Lies: Monica and Bill (2019) | Documentary |
| Ugly Betty (2006-2010) | Sitcom |
ABC is constantly adding new shows to its library. To stay up to date with all its latest content, keep an eye on ABC’s Twitter and Facebook pages.
Final thoughts
The best way to watch ABC outside the US is to use a premium VPN and connect to a server in the US. By doing so, you change your IP address to one in the US and hide your actual location. This allows you to bypass any restrictions imposed by ABC, giving you easy access to all your favorite content that's available only in the US.
My testing showed that NordVPN is the best VPN for unblocking ABC. With over 3100 servers in 31 US cities and lightning-fast speeds, a buffering-free streaming experience is guaranteed. Aside from regional block bypassing on ABC, NordVPN ensures data encryption, enhanced privacy, and improved security while online.
FAQ
How can I watch ABC in the UK with a VPN?
To watch ABC in the UK or anywhere else in the world, all you need to do is sign up for a reliable VPN, such as NordVPN. Once you’ve done that, use it to connect to a server in the US, and then head over to the ABC website or app, log in, and enjoy the content.
What’s the best VPN for watching ABC online?
NordVPN is the best VPN for watching ABC online. It offers unbeatable security, blazing-fast speeds, and over 3100 US servers that can help you unblock ABC with ease.
What’s the best way to watch ABC live online?
If you’re outside the US, the best way to watch ABC live online is to use a reputable ABC VPN, such as NordVPN, to connect to a server in the US. You can then bypass ABC’s region restrictions and watch its live and on-demand content from anywhere.
