How to Watch German TV Channels in USA in Sep 2026

German TV channels offer a wide range of programming, from popular dramas and comedies to insightful documentaries and world-class sports coverage. Channels like ARD, ZDF, and RTL are home to some of the best entertainment and news, keeping audiences engaged with content that reflects German culture and global events.

If you’re a fan of German television or simply want to catch up on the latest shows, news, and sports from Germany, you may have found that many popular German TV channels are geo-restricted outside the country.

For viewers trying to watch German TV channels in USA, accessing them can be a challenge due to geo-blocking. Licensing agreements and copyright restrictions prevent most German TV channels from being available outside of Germany, leading to frustrating error messages when you try to stream them.

Fortunately, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) provides a simple solution. By masking your IP address and routing your internet traffic through a server in Germany, a VPN makes it appear as though you’re browsing from within the country. This allows you to access geo-restricted German TV channels and enjoy seamless streaming from the US.

In this guide, we’ll explain how to use a VPN to watch German TV channels in the USA, and unlock a world of German content with just a few easy steps.

5 Easy Steps to Watch German TV Channels in USA

Here are the steps to unblock and watch German TV channels in the US by using a VPN:

1. Sign up for a trusted VPN service, such as Surfshark, which offers several servers in Germany.
2. Install the VPN application on your device.
3. Open the app, log into your account, and connect to a server located in Germany.
4. Go to the German TV channel website you wish to watch, like Now TV.
5. Start streaming your favorite German content online while in the US.

Why Do You Need a VPN to Access German TV Channels in USA?

Germany is home to some of the most popular TV shows and channels, but unfortunately, most of this content is geo-restricted to Germany. This means that viewers in the US cannot access it due to licensing agreements, copyright laws, and broadcasting rights that TV providers must adhere to.

If you attempt to watch geo-blocked content, such as ServusTV in the US or any other location outside Germany, you’ll likely encounter an error message similar to this one:

The good news is that there’s a simple way to bypass these regional restrictions and access German TV from anywhere in the world. By using a premium VPN and connecting to a server in Germany, you can mask your real location. This allows you to unlock all German content and stream it without any limitations in the US.

To help you choose the right VPN for streaming German TV channels in the USA, we’ve compiled a list of the best options available. Keep reading to find the perfect VPN for your needs.

Quick Overview of the Best VPNs for German TV Channels in USA

Best Overall VPN

^$ 2.49

• 85+ Mbps /100 Mbps
• 3200 servers (100 countries)
• 5.0/5.0 stars
• Unlimited multi-logins
• 85% Discount
• 3 Months FREE

Get Surfshark

Massive VPN Servers

^$ 3.49

• 75+ Mbps /100 Mbps
• 8,353 servers (127 countries)
• 4.8/5.0 stars
• 10 multi-logins
• 69% Discount
• 3 Months FREE

Get NordVPN

Fastest VPN

^$ 2.49

• 80+ Mbps /100 Mbps
• 105 countries
• 4.5/5.0 stars
• 10 multi-logins
• 84% Discount
• 4 Months Free

Get ExpressVPN

3 Best VPNs to Watch Germany TV Channels in USA

1. Surfshark – Overall Best VPN for Watching German TV Channels in USA

Servers — 3200 servers in 100 countries.

Unblocks — Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more.

Torrenting — Offers P2P optimized servers for Torrenting.

Simultaneous connections — Offers unlimited simultaneous connections.

Logs — Strict no-log policy

Money-back guarantee — 30-day refund policy.

Visit Surfshark

Surfshark is the top VPN for streaming German TV channels in the USA, offering excellent value while effortlessly bypassing geo-restrictions on popular streaming platforms.

With a vast network of 3,200 servers across 100 countries, Surfshark boasts multiple servers in Germany, across Berlin and Frankfurt am Main, providing you with a genuine German IP address for smooth streaming.

During our tests, Surfshark delivered an impressive performance with the German TV services. Starting with a base speed of 30 Mbps, we saw an average download speed of 25.81 Mbps when connected to a German server, ensuring uninterrupted HD streaming of top German shows and sports online.

In addition to German TV, Surfshark effectively unblocks other major streaming platforms such as Disney Plus, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video, with an intuitive interface for easy access to geo-blocked content.

It supports a wide variety of devices, including iOS, Windows, Android, and Mac, and allows unlimited simultaneous connections, making it ideal for households with multiple devices.

Priced at just $2.49/mo (Save 85% and get 3 extra months FREE with 24-month plan), Surfshark provides an affordable way to watch German TV in the US, and it also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for added peace of mind, along with a free trial.

For more information on its features, check out our comprehensive Surfshark review.

2. ExpressVPN – Fastest VPN for Streaming German TV Channels In USA

Servers — VPN Servers in 105 Countries.

Unblocks — Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more.

Torrenting — Offers Network Lock for secure Torrenting.

Simultaneous connections — Offers 12 simultaneous connections.

Logs — Strict no-log policy

Money-back guarantee — 30-day refund policy.

Visit ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is widely considered the fastest VPN for accessing German TV channels, offering a seamless streaming experience. Renowned for its speed and reliability, ExpressVPN is a top choice for unblocking a variety of streaming services.

With an extensive network of 3,000+ across 105 countries, ExpressVPN has several servers in Germany, making it ideal for streaming German TV in the USA. Its German servers are located in Berlin, Frankfurt, Munich, and Hamburg.

During our tests, ExpressVPN delivered outstanding performance. Starting with a base speed of 30 Mbps, we achieved a download speed of 28.71 Mbps when connected to a German server, allowing us to stream German programs like Tagesschau and ARD Mediathek without any buffering.

ExpressVPN is compatible with a wide array of devices, including iOS, Android, Windows, Mac, Amazon Firestick, Nvidia Shield, and Smart TVs. Additionally, its MediaStreamer Smart DNS feature allows VPN use on devices that do not natively support VPN connections.

Priced at $2.49/mo, ExpressVPN offers excellent value for its high-speed performance and robust features, along with a 30-day money-back guarantee for added reassurance.

To learn more about the provider, visit our full ExpressVPN review.

3. NordVPN – Large Server Network to Unblock German TV in USA

Servers — 8,353 servers in 127 countries.

Unblocks — Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and more.

Torrenting — Offer obfuscated and P2P optimized servers.

Simultaneous connections — Offers 10 simultaneous connections.

Logs — Strict no-log policy

Money-back guarantee — 30-day refund policy.

Visit NordVPN

NordVPN is another excellent choice for streaming German TV channels, offering robust security features and one of the largest server networks in the VPN industry. With over 300 servers in Germany, NordVPN provides reliable access to local German TV content from the USA.

In total, NordVPN operates 6,343 servers across 111 countries, offering a wide range of IP options for users.

During our tests, NordVPN performed admirably, providing access to popular German channels like ZDF, RTL, and ARD without buffering. Although it doesn’t match ExpressVPN’s speeds, NordVPN still delivers smooth streaming, with a download speed of 24.85 Mbps on a 30 Mbps base connection.

NordVPN features SmartPlay technology, which automatically bypasses geo-restrictions on a variety of streaming services, including BBC iPlayer, Netflix, Hulu, and German TV channels.

It supports a wide range of devices and allows up to 10 simultaneous connections, making it perfect for larger households. There are easy-to-use NordVPN apps for Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Roku, Firestick, and other devices.

NordVPN is priced competitively at $3.49/mo (Save 69% with 24-month plan and get 3 extra months) and also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

For more details about its features, pricing, and performance, please read our full NordVPN review.

How We Evaluated the Best VPNs for Watching German TV in USA

When choosing the top VPNs for accessing German TV content, we based our selection on several key criteria to ensure a seamless and secure streaming experience. Here’s a breakdown of the factors we considered:

1. Ability to Unblock German TV Channels: The primary test for each VPN was its ability to reliably unblock a variety of German TV stations and streaming platforms. We focused on ensuring that each service could consistently bypass geographical restrictions on German TV channels.
2. Unblocking Global Content: In addition to unblocking German TV, we also assessed how well each VPN could unlock content from other regions. A top-tier VPN should be capable of accessing geo-blocked platforms worldwide.
3. Server Network and Performance: A robust server network is crucial for both speed and security. We examined the number of servers each VPN offers, their distribution across multiple countries, and the reliability of those servers in terms of connection stability and security.
4. Streaming Speed and Performance: Smooth streaming is non-negotiable. Buffering, lag, and low-quality streams can quickly ruin your viewing experience. We tested each VPN for its speed and performance, specifically looking for high-speed connections capable of handling HD streaming.
5. Security Features: A secure VPN is one that protects your privacy and keeps your data safe. We evaluated the security protocols of each VPN, ensuring they offer strong encryption, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy to safeguard user privacy.
6. Value for Money: Price is an important consideration when choosing a VPN, especially for long-term subscriptions. We took into account the overall cost of each service relative to the features and performance it provides so that you can find the best deal for your needs.

How to Subscribe to German TV Channels in the US

While some German TV channels and streaming services are available for free, many require a subscription to access their content. To show you the process, we’ll guide you through signing up for Now TV, one of the most popular German TV services in the US. Simply follow these steps:

1. Start by subscribing to a premium VPN service, with Surfshark as our top recommendation.
2. Download and install the VPN app on your device of choice.
3. Open the VPN application and log in with your credentials.
4. Connect to a server located in Germany, ideally Frankfurt-1.
5. Visit the TV Now website and click on the “TRY IT NOW” option, found in the top right corner.
6. Then, under TV Now Free Trial, select “JOIN NOW.”
7. Provide your password, date of birth, and email address. Click “FURTHER” to proceed.
8. Check your email inbox for a verification link. Sometimes, the email may be in your spam folder.
9. Click the “Book PREMIUM” icon to purchase a subscription plan.
10. Choose a subscription plan and opt for PayPal as your preferred payment method.
11. Complete the checkout process by entering your payment details. You’ve successfully signed up for a premium TV Now subscription in the USA.

How to Access German TV Channels in USA on Different Devices?

Many German TV channels provide apps for popular platforms like Android, iOS, Smart TVs, and more. Below are step-by-step instructions on how to stream German content on various devices.

How to Watch German Channels in the USA on Android Devices

1. Subscribe to a reliable VPN like Surfshark and install it on your Android device.
2. Launch the VPN app and connect to a server in Germany.
3. Go to the Google Play Store on your device, tap your profile icon, then navigate to Settings > General > Account. 
4. Go to Device Preferences > Country and Profiles. Select “Germany” from the list of available countries.
5. Follow the on-screen instructions to add a German payment method if necessary.
6. Return to the Google Play Store, search for the German TV channel app you want to use, and download it.
7. Open the app and start enjoying your favorite content online.

How to Get German TV Channels in the USA on iOS Devices

1. Install and sign up for Surfshark on your iOS device.
2. Launch the Surfshark app and connect to a server located in Germany.
3. Open the Settings on your iOS device, tap your name, and select Media & Purchases. Then, tap View Account and sign in if necessary.
4. Tap Country/Region, then choose Change Country or Region, and select Germany as your new location.
5. Tap Agree at the top-right corner, then confirm by tapping Agree again.
6. Choose a payment method, provide your German billing information, and tap Next.
7. Once your region is updated, open the Apple App Store, search for the German TV app you wish to use, and download it.
8. Launch the app and begin streaming.

How to Stream German TV Channels on a Smart TV in the USA

1. Subscribe to a VPN service, such as Surfshark, that works with Smart TVs.
2. Access your router settings by entering the router’s IP address into your web browser, and configure the VPN to connect to a server in Germany.
3. Install the German TV app you want to use on your Smart TV.
4. Log in or create a new account, then start streaming German content on your Smart TV.

How to Watch Germany TV Channels on Firestick in the USA

1. Sign up for Surfshark and install the app on your Firestick.
2. Launch the Surfshark app and connect to a server located in Germany.
3. On the Firestick home screen, go to Find > Search, and enter the name of the German TV channel app (e.g., ZDF, ARD).
4. Choose the app from the Apps & Games section, then select Get or Download.
5. Open the app and start streaming German content.

How to Access German Channels on Roku in the USA

1. Subscribe to Surfshark and configure it on your router.
2. Use the VPN to connect your router to a server in Germany.
3. Connect your Roku device to the router with the VPN enabled.
4. Install the German TV channel app of your choice on your Roku.
5. Launch the app and begin streaming your favorite German content.

List of German TV Channels to Watch in USA

• Servus TV
• Magenta TV in USA
• ZDF
• Das Erste in USA
• RTL+in USA
• Joyn in USA
• NOW TV
• ARD
• ZDFmediathek
• VOX
• ProSieben
• 3sat
• KiKa
• NDR
• Eurosport
• Deutsche Welle
• Kabel Eins
• AXN Black

Best German Shows to Watch in the USA in 2024

• Maxton Hall
• Babylon Berlin
• The Signal
• Dogs of Berlin
• Der Pass
• Pagan Peak
• Dark
• Deutschland 83
• Sleeping Dog
• Crooks
• 1899
• Freud
• Das Boot
• Criminal
• You Are Wanted
• The Island
• Biohackers
• Skylines
• Berlin Station
• A Perfect Crime

Best German Movies to Watch in the USA in 2024

• Isi & Ossi
• Four Minutes
• Oh Boy!
• Before the Fall
• Hut in the Woods
• Barbara
• Breathing
• Chiko
• Combat Girls
• Lessons of a Dream
• Downfall
• Emmas Gluck
• Free Rainer
• Funny Games
• Grave Decisions
• Head-On
• Hell
• Berlin Blues
• North Face
• Slumming
• Tage die bleiben
• The Edge of Heaven

Other Channels to Watch in the USA

• British TV channels in USA
• Australian TV channels
• Indian TV channels in the US
• Canadian TV channels
• Irish TV channels in the US
• South African TV channels in USA
• French TV channels in USA

Conclusion

Accessing German TV channels in USA is simple and hassle-free with the right VPN. By using a reliable VPN service, such as Surfshark, you can easily bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy popular German content from anywhere.

A VPN is the best solution for unlocking German TV channels and enjoying your favorite German content in the US without any limitations. So, download a VPN and stream ZDF, RTL, ARD, or other popular German TV channels in the US.