How to watch American TV outside US in 2026 with a VPN
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If you’re wondering how to watch American TV from abroad, the answer is simple – you’ll need a trustworthy VPN to get past geo-blocks. By giving you a US IP address, a VPN unlocks access to the full range of American streaming content, from blockbuster shows to exclusive sports events.
From consistently brilliant HBO Max originals to ESPN’s unrivaled sports coverage and Netflix US’s massive library, American TV has something for everyone. However, due to licensing agreements, most of this content is restricted to viewers within the US, leaving international audiences locked out.
Luckily, with the right VPN, you can enjoy American TV anywhere. Read on to discover the best VPNs for streaming US shows in 2026, along with step-by-step guides on how to access your favorite channels abroad.
How to watch American TV outside the US with VPN
- Get a VPN that has plenty of servers in America. I recommend NordVPN, now 76% OFF
- Install and set up your VPN on your device
- Log in and connect to a US server
- Head to the American TV channel you want to watch, and start streaming
Why do you need a VPN to watch American TV online?
American TV channels are usually only available to watch in the US. You can visit most platforms from any country, but if you’re not in the States, the streaming app will detect your IP address and either restrict access or display a different library. That is why you need a VPN. VPNs allow you to connect to US servers to give you an American IP address. Then, you’ll immediately unblock websites you want.
The IP blocks occur because TV executives force strict licensing agreements that dictate when and where a TV show can be screened. So, if you’re not in an approved region, the channel will geo-block you, and all you’ll see is an error message.
Just make sure you’re using a reliable VPN that’s capable enough to unblock content. If you're not sure which one to pick, the following shortlist should help.
Best VPN to watch US shows 2026
- NordVPN – the ultimate VPN for streaming US TV
- Surfshark – best for watching US TV on all your devices
- Proton VPN – a top-quality all-rounder VPN to watch US shows
Not every VPN can reliably unlock American TV – especially if you’re trying to stream Netflix, HBO Max, or other popular platforms. To get smooth, secure access from US or anywhere else, you’ll need a VPN with the right mix of features. Look for fast US servers, strong security, solid value, and easy-to-use apps across all your devices.
I tested a wide range of services and narrowed it down to three top USA VPNs that work great for streaming content worldwide.
1. NordVPN – the ultimate VPN for streaming US TV
| Servers/countries: | 9,500+ servers in 149 countries |
| US servers: | 3390+ |
| Unblocks streaming services: | Yes |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV |
| Coupons: | NordVPN coupon 76% OFF |
NordVPN is the best VPN for watching American TV from abroad. HBO Max, ESPN, Netflix US, Hulu – NordVPN unblocks any American TV service you can think of.
NordVPN’s server fleet counts over 9,500 around the world, so not only can you use it to unlock US content, it works on all the major global sites too.
I was also impressed with NordVPN’s features. SmartPlay enables you to unblock US content even when using NordVPN on devices that don’t support VPNs, including smart TVs or gaming consoles. It’s also at the top of the league for security, with market-leading encryption and a swift kill switch keeping your data safe at all times.
And let's not forget about the NordLynx protocol that the VPN uses to deliver excellent speeds for streaming. With NordLynx, you can stream without lag or buffering. When I tested NordVPN myself, I tried unblocking Hulu from Europe – just picked a US server in the NordVPN app, and it worked right away without any issues.
I appreciate that NordVPN is budget-friendly as well. You can pay as little as $3.09 per month for subscriptions, so NordVPN is a real bargain. Additionally, the provider offers you a 3-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee if you still need some time to decide before committing. You can also use our discounts for NordVPN services to get an even better deal.
2. Surfshark – budget-friendly VPN for watching US TV on multiple devices
| Servers/countries: | 4,500+ servers in 100 countries |
| US servers: | 790+ |
| Unblocks streaming services: | Yes |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV |
| Coupons: | Surfshark coupon 87% OFF |
Surfshark is the top cheap VPN that consistently unblocks Netflix US, Disney+, Sling TV, Hulu, and more. Additionally, it lets you connect the VPN to as many devices as you need to at the same time. So your whole household can use it to unblock American TV – no more arguing about what to watch.
Surfshark’s features even rival NordVPN. There’s Smart DNS for effortless content unblocking, impenetrable data encryption, and privacy.
With the WireGuard VPN protocol supplied by Surfshark, you can also enjoy super-fast connection speeds, so your streams will never buffer. Similar to NordVPN, when I tried Surfshark, I only needed to choose a US server, and I was ready to stream American TV. I tested some of the most popular streaming services, like Netflix, and the streaming experience was really smooth.
I also need to shout out Surfshark’s unbeatable value. At just $1.99/month, it’s one of the most affordable VPNs on the market. Plus, you can get it even cheaper with Surfshark discount code: OFFCN, or check some of the Surfshark coupon codes for better deals. Don’t forget that the provider offers a 7-day free trial and a 30-day money-back guarantee to test it out without commitment.
3. Proton VPN – a top-quality all-rounder
| Servers/countries: | 20,300+ servers in 148 countries |
| US servers: | 3576+ |
| Unblocks streaming services: | Yes |
| Compatible with: | Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Linux |
| Coupons: | Proton VPN coupon 70% OFF |
Proton VPN can unblock major streaming platforms while keeping speeds steady for smooth viewing. With 3,576 servers in the US, Proton makes it easy to bypass geo-blocks and watch all the big American TV services from abroad.
Proton VPN delivers reliable and fast connections, powered by its massive fleet of 20,300+ servers across 148 countries – with some servers specifically optimized for streaming. In my Proton VPN tests, I easily unblocked Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and even Sling TV without issues. The only drawback is the lack of a Smart DNS feature for devices like smart TVs or consoles, though you can work around this by setting it up on your router.
Proton VPN also offers strong value. You can sign up for a free version, and there’s a 30-day money-back window if you cancel in time. Fortunately, Proton VPN is budget-friendly, starting at $2.99/month, and you can get it even cheaper with our Proton VPN coupon codes.
Top streaming services to watch American TV online
America has led the way for trailblazing TV for decades. Channels like HBO Max, AMC, and ABC have set new standards for TV entertainment with shows like The Sopranos, Breaking Bad, Euphoria, WandaVision, and many more, capturing viewers by the millions, glowing reviews from critics, and awards around the world.
Previously, you’d only be able to watch US TV shows in America – or wait till your country screened them. But now that the era of digital streaming has taken over, all the big TV channels have online platforms where you can catch up on their shows from both past and present.
Let’s take a look at the major US TV streaming sites, the top US TV shows they offer, and how much they cost.
| US TV streaming service | Programming highlights | Price per month |
| HBO Max | Euphoria, Succession, The Sopranos, Curb Your Enthusiasm | $9.99 |
| Hulu | Pam and Tommy, Fargo, The Dropout, Nine Perfect Strangers | $9.99 |
| Netflix US | Stranger Things, Ozark, Inventing Anna | $7.99 |
| AMC+ | The Walking Dead, Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, Mad Men | $6.99 |
| Disney+ | WandaVision, Hawkeye, The Mandalorian | $9.99 |
| ESPN+ | NFL, NHL, NBA, MLB | $11.99 |
As long as you have a VPN installed on your device, you’ll be able to access all this American TV – and more.
How to watch American TV with VPN on your devices
With a reputable VPN, you can watch all sorts of American TV services on all your different devices – PC, laptop, smartphone, and even different streaming devices. Get connected in minutes with our simple instructions.
How to watch American TV on your computer or smartphone
- Download a VPN that works well with your chosen device. NordVPN has easy-to-use apps for iOS, Windows, Android, and macOS
- Install your VPN and connect to a US server
- Now visit the American TV service you want to watch, sign in, and start streaming
How to stream American TV with VPN on streaming devices
Prefer to watch American TV on a streaming device like Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV Stick, or Kodi? No problem, you can use a VPN to bypass geo-blocks, but you’ll have to connect via your router as most streaming sticks don’t run VPN apps. These step-by-step instructions show you what to do:
- You’ll need a VPN that works on your router. My top suggestion is NordVPN
- Set up the VPN on your Wi-Fi router
- Scroll through the server list and connect to a US location
- Now you can unblock American TV, so visit HBO Max, Hulu, or Netflix, and watch your favorite US shows
Note: The setup will be different depending on the device you choose. With some devices, you will need to set up through a router.
For the full review, check out these extensive guides on the VPNs to use with different streaming devices:
- VPNs that work with Roku – these VPNs are ideal for use with Roku
- VPNs to use with Apple TV – see which VPNs work best with Apple TV
- Top VPNs for Firestick – how to use a VPN on Firestick to unblock American TV
- The best VPNs for Kodi – these VPNs will help you unblock US TV content on Kodi
Now that you know it all, you can start binge-watching American TV without any restrictions.
How to watch American TV from anywhere in the world with a VPN
America’s top shows are loved all over the world, and there’s no reason for you to wait until your country finally picks up the rights to the shows you want to watch.
With a VPN installed on your device, it doesn’t matter if you’re in the UK, Germany, Italy, Spain Canada, Australia, Ireland, France, Japan, or anywhere else, you can say goodbye to geo-blocks and hello to American TV.
Step 1: pick a reliable VPN
When picking a VPN, reliability should be your top priority – and NordVPN is an excellent choice, now available at 76% off.
Its two-year subscription costs only $3.09 per month and covers up to 10 devices at once. With a network of more than 9,500 servers worldwide and extra tools like Threat Protection Pro, NordVPN is a strong option for secure, private, and fast browsing.
After creating an account and logging in, install the VPN app on your device, open it, and choose a server located in the US. Once you connect, your internet traffic will appear as if it’s coming from the US, giving you access to American websites and streaming services.
Step 3: unblock American TV
Now, head over to the US streaming service you want – whether it’s Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, or another platform – and log in as usual. Since your connection is routed through a US server, the site will recognize you as being in the States and unlock its full American library.
From there, you can start streaming your favorite shows and movies without restrictions.
American TV not working even when you use a VPN?
If you find that you’ve connected to a VPN but still can’t access American TV shows, don’t get too frustrated, as there’s likely a quick fix. Problems that arise can include:
- Browser settings have leaked your actual IP address
- You’re not in the correct server location
- The server you’ve chosen has been identified and blocked by content providers
- Your VPN isn’t suitable for bypassing geo-blocks
- Your device settings need to be updated
You can easily fix these issues, so try these simple solutions:
- Update your browser, clear all cookies, and cache
- Try a different server and make sure it’s in a US location
- Update your device’s operating system
- Ask your VPN’s support team for help
- Pick a better VPN
The VPN you use is vital here, as only the best VPNs consistently bypass the geo-blocks of the big American streaming channels. As long as you’re using a solid VPN to watch US shows, you should always be able to watch the shows you want.
Wrapping up
With the right VPN on your device, you’ll never have to skip your favorite American TV shows again. Geo-blocks from platforms like HBO Max, AMC, Hulu, ESPN, and Netflix US won’t stand in your way – you can stream them all as if you were watching from the States.
Just remember, you’ll need to opt for a premium VPN – the weaker products simply don’t cut it. But, just because a product is premium doesn’t mean it will cost a fortune. Top-rated options, like NordVPN, cost as little as a cup of coffee a month, and for that minor expense, you’ll get a lot more than just US TV. You’ll also enjoy anonymous browsing, data encryption, and protection from hackers and snoops.
Let us know which American TV shows you're looking forward to watching in the comments section below.
FAQ
Is American TV free to watch?
American TV streaming services like Hulu and AMC offer free trials so you can watch plenty of content before making a financial commitment. But you still need a VPN to bypass content blocks, so I recommend installing a premium option, like NordVPN, before you attempt to stream US TV.
How to watch US TV in the UK?
Watching American TV in the UK is easy with a VPN. Just use a reliable VPN to connect to a US server. Then, any US site you visit will see a US IP address and instantly give you full access to all that excellent American TV.
Is it legal to watch US TV shows with VPN?
Yes, using a VPN to unblock US TV content is legal in most countries, including the UK, Canada, Australia, and most of Europe. Some countries – like Russia, North Korea, and China – don't allow VPNs. You can find more in-depth info in our guide on VPN legality. Also, don't forget to check the Terms of Service agreement of the streaming service you want to unblock with a VPN.
How to watch American TV in Germany?
To watch American TV in Germany, simply connect to a VPN server in the US. This will make it seem like you’re connecting from the US, thus allowing you to watch US TV without any geo-restrictions.
How to watch American TV in Italy?
You can watch American TV in Italy by using a VPN, like NordVPN. Just install the VPN app, connect to a US server, and then access streaming services like Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, or ESPN as if you were in the United States.
How to watch American TV in Spain?
To watch American TV in Spain, use a VPN service. My top recommendations are NordVPN, Surfshark, and Proton VPN for this. After installing it, choose a US server and connect. This makes streaming platforms like Netflix US, Hulu, HBO Max, and ESPN available as if you were watching from the US.
