If you’re outside the US and have tried watching PBS or PBS Kids without a VPN, chances are you came across the following message:
“We’re sorry, but this video is not available in your region due to rights restrictions”.
This isn’t an uncommon issue when it comes to streaming content abroad. Unfortunately, the same issues can occur with popular streaming services such as Netflix, BBC iPlayer and Amazon Prime Video.
It’s actually very easy to bypass such restrictions with a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN allows you to connect to a server in another country (such as the US). In doing so, you will be assigned a different IP address, making it appear as though you’re browsing the web from another location. Your internet traffic is then encrypted and routed through the VPN server chosen, allowing you to unblock geo-restricted websites and services such as PBS.
Don’t yet have time to read the whole article? Don’t worry! Here’s a short summary of the best VPNs to watch PBS outside the US:
- ExpressVPN: Fast servers in the US and worldwide. Able to unblock PBS, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. 24/7 live chat support and strong security with encryption.
- NordVPN: Huge number of servers in the US (1,800+). Fast for streaming PBS, Netflix and more. Use on up to 6 devices. Live chat support and a no logs policy.
- CyberGhost: Plenty of US-based servers for unblocking PBS. Connect up to 7 devices. Easy-to-use apps and secure with encryption and a no logs policy.
- IPVanish: Hundreds of servers in the US. Unblock PBS, Amazon Prime Video and more. Up to 10 simultaneous connections and strong security
- PrivateVPN: Fast VPN service that unblocks PBS, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Connect up to 6 devices simultaneously. User-friendly and secure with encryption.
How to watch PBS outside the US with a VPN
If you’re keen to get started and watch PBS outside the US, here’s what you need to do in a few simple steps:
- Sign up with a VPN service with servers in the US – we particularly recommend ExpressVPN.
- Download the VPN software, making sure to choose the correct version for your device.
- Open the VPN app (or browser extension, if available) and select a server in the US.
- Hit the Connect button
- Choose a PBS or PBS Kids show, which should now be unblocked!
While we’ve successfully unblocked PBS with all of the VPNs listed, your experience may differ. If content is still restricted, try clearing your browser’s cookies or connect to another server. If all else fails, you may want to contact your VPN’s customer support.
As far as we can tell, PBS doesn’t use any anti-VPN firewalls, which means most VPNs with servers in the US should work with it. However, VPNs vary dramatically in quality. For this reason, we’ve narrowed down the list to just five VPNs that all meet the following criteria:
- High speed servers in the US
- Unblocks PBS and other geo-restricted content
- Easy to use with apps for desktop and mobile
- Secure with encryption and a kill switch feature
- A strict no logs policy that protects your privacy
- Customer support available via live chat (preferably 24/7)
Best VPNs for PBS
Here’s our list of the best VPNs to watch PBS abroad:
1. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is the most reliable VPN we’ve found. Not only does it unblock PBS outside the US, it also unblocks everything from Netflix to Amazon Prime Video. Just as important, it offers fast and consistent servers for stress-free streaming without buffering or lag. ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, making it one of the biggest VPNs on the market today. What’s more, it has servers in multiple US cities including New York and Washington.
What makes ExpressVPN such a popular choice is its accessibility. It offers user-friendly apps for a wide range of operating systems while the browser extensions add to the overall ease of use. It’s worth knowing that ExpressVPN provides excellent customer support, available 24/7 via live chat. If you have any doubts, you can rest assured that ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
Aside from offering high quality performance and excellent overall usability, ExpressVPN is secure. It uses 256-bit AES encryption to protect your data and also protects you from DNS leaks. Other key security features include split tunneling and a kill switch. Finally, ExpressVPN keeps no identifying logs, which means you can surf the web anonymously. Speaking of anonymity, ExpressVPN lets you pay for the service in Bitcoin.
ExpressVPN is available on desktop (Windows, Mac, Linux), mobile (Android, iOS) and routers. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome and Firefox.
Pros:
- Unblocks PBS, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video
- Fast for browsing and streaming
- Servers in 94 countries
- Fast and efficient 24/7 live chat support
- Strong security and privacy features
- Doesn’t keep any identifying logs
Cons:
- A little more expensive than most VPNs
BEST VPN FOR PBS:ExpressVPN is our top choice. It unblocks PBS as well as Netflix. Thousands of servers across 94 countries. User-friendly apps and strong security. Try it risk-free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
2. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN boasts an impressive 5,343 servers at the time of writing, 1,864 of which are in the United States. Having so many servers to choose from means less server load and better performance. We’ve found NordVPN to be fast, consistent and excellent at unblocking geo-restricted content. Aside from unblocking PBS Video outside the US, NordVPN can also unblock Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer.
One major selling point of NordVPN is that you can use it on up to six devices simultaneously. Furthermore, NordVPN’s apps are extremely responsive and easy to use. This is a VPN service that offers fast and efficient customer support, 24/7. We’ve tested this out for ourselves and found the customer care agents to be very knowledgeable. As for security, NordVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. This plus a no logs policy and the option to pay in cryptocurrencies makes NordVPN one of the safest VPNs.
You can use NordVPN on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available.
Pros:
- Over 1,800 servers in the US alone
- Servers are fast for high quality streaming
- Unblocks PBS as well as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video
- Use it on up to 6 devices simultaneously
- Excellent 24/7 live chat support
Cons:
- Desktop app is a little cumbersome
EXCELLENT VALUE OPTION:NordVPN has a huge network of servers in the US and worldwide. It’s fast and unblocks PBS and Netflix. Live chat support and a no logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review.
3. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost offers a combination of strong performance and security. It has a network of 3,555 servers, 678 of which are in the US. Aside from being able to unblock PBS, CyberGhost works well with US Netflix and Amazon Prime Video among others. Servers were fast in our testing with no noticeable dips in quality. This VPN service offers unlimited bandwidth and traffic and even lets you connect up to seven devices at a time.
We’ve tried out the various CyberGhost apps and found them to be easy to use. Various settings can be toggled on and off, including an ad-blocker and data compression. Looking to CyberGhost’s security offering, it uses 256-bit AES encryption and provides protection from DNS and IP leaks. There’s also a handy kill switch feature and a strict no logs policy to protect your privacy.
In terms of apps, CyberGhost is available on Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire Stick and Android TV. You can also download browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. However, manual configuration is required with Linux and routers.
Pros:
- Large network of servers, particularly in the US
- Unblock geo-restricted content including PBS
- Simultaneous connections on up to 7 devices
- Apps are easy for beginners to navigate
- Protects your privacy with a no logs policy
Cons:
- Has trouble unblocking some streaming sites
STRONG SECURITY:CyberGhost has a large network of servers and works with PBS. Use it on up to 7 devices. Secure with encryption and no logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
4. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish is a United States-based VPN service and is therefore well-placed to unlock PBS. It has approximately 1,200 servers, around half of which are located in the USA. These US-based servers are spread across nearly 20 different cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, and New York. We’ve found IPVanish to be a fast and reliable service that successfully unblocks streaming services such as BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video and HBO Go.
A standout feature of IPVanish is the availability of up to 10 simultaneous connections. This is far more than most VPN providers allow and makes IPVanish a great option for families. Aside from easy-to-use apps, 24/7 live chat, and email support, IPVanish has all of the key security features expected of a quality VPN. That includes 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and zero-logs policy.
IPVanish apps are available for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS and Fire TV. Manual setup is needed for Linux and routers.
Pros:
- Hundreds of servers in the US
- Unblocks PBS, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, etc
- Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections
- Strong encryption and a no-logs policy
Cons:
- Servers in fewer countries than some rival VPNs
- US-based (the US is a member of the Five Eyes intelligence alliance)
IDEAL FOR FAMILIES:IPVanish has plenty of servers in the US. Watch PBS and connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. Secured with encryption. 7-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full IPVanish review.
5. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN is a VPN service that unblocks most geo-restricted content you’re likely to come across, including PBS. Although it has a smaller network of around 100 servers, these are in 59 countries, including the US. PrivateVPN has servers in 9 US cities and we’ve found them to be very fast for browsing and streaming. Aside from PBS, PrivateVPN unblocks Netflix and Amazon Prime Video and we didn’t encounter any performance issues such as buffering or lag.
You can have up to 6 simultaneous connections via a single PrivateVPN account, allowing you to secure all of your devices. The PrivateVPN apps are really simple to use, though customer support is available should you need it. PrivateVPN states it doesn’t use freelance support reps — only the PrivateVPN developers themselves. We’ve found it to be a secure VPN service with a no logs policy, 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection and a kill switch.
PrivateVPN offers user-friendly apps for Windows, Android, Mac and iOS. Some manual setup is needed for both Linux and routers.
Pros:
- Fast servers for streaming PBS, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video etc
- Use on up to 6 devices at one time
- Apps are very user-friendly
- No logs policy to protect your data
Cons:
- Fewer servers than many paid VPNs
- Live chat support isn’t available 24/7
FAST SERVERS:PrivateVPN has very fast servers for streaming PBS and Netflix. It’s user-friendly and secure with encryption, kill switch, and no logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
Methodology: How we select the best VPNs for PBS
Finding the best VPN to access the PBS and PBS Kids from outside the United States might appear simple at first, but due to the geo-restrictions set by the broadcaster, it means not every VPN is capable of unblocking the live TV channel from abroad. To ensure the VPNs on our list are up to the task at hand, we run through a series of tests which you can find below.
- Server coverage: PBS and PBS Kids are channels available to residents of the US. If you want to access the channels from abroad, the VPN you’re using must have a decent number of servers, with servers located in the US. Having locations in various US cities acts as a failsafe. For example, if a server in Chicago doesn’t work with PBS, you could try a New York server instead.
- Unblocking ability: Even if a VPN has servers in the US, that doesn’t mean it’ll automatically unblock PBS. We test VPNs to see if they can evade geo-restrictions set by the broadcaster, trying multiple servers to ensure you’re not tied down to relying on a single server which could be blocked in the future.
- Privacy and security: To ensure you’re not followed around the web and tracked by your ISP, it’s vital that a VPN uses AES 256-bit encryption, and if they have extra privacy tools like DNS leak protection, even better!
- Device support: PBS is available on various devices, like iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS. Selecting a provider that offers apps on all major platforms is beneficial to enjoy the protection of a VPN on these devices.
- Logging policy: Chances are you’ll use your shiny new VPN for more than just accessing PBS. Without a VPN, activities like torrenting are logged by ISPs which could land you into trouble, so we only select VPNs that use a no-logs policy, meaning they don’t keep a record of your online browsing, downloads, or streaming activities.
- Customer support: Everyone runs into problems with software at some point, so it’s advantageous to select a provider with many support options. We choose VPNs that offer 24/7 support like live chat or a ticketing system to give you help when you need it.
- Value: Nobody wants to pay over the top for mediocre service, including VPNs. While providers vary in features, they offer excellent value with a reputable VPN service. The VPNs on our list each include a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try the service for a month, and request a refund if you’re not 100% satisfied.
To learn more about how we select the best VPN providers, check out our full VPN testing process.
FAQs about watching PBS with a VPN
Can I use a free VPN to watch PBS outside the US?
While you can probably use a free VPN to watch PBS outside the US, we strongly advise against it. One of the main reasons is that most free VPNs are too slow for streaming. The high number of users and limited number of servers means you’ll encounter a lot of buffering and lag. Although a free VPN might unblock PBS and PBS Kids, it likely won’t work with other streaming services that use anti-VPN measures such as Netflix.
Free VPNs are often very limited in terms of features. This is particularly critical when it comes to security. After all, a VPN should not only unblock geo-restricted content, but protect your online privacy. Many free VPNs don’t use encryption or offer a kill switch. What’s more, many free VPNs log your data and activity and sell it to the highest bidder. As we’re finding out with the likes of Facebook and Google, free is rarely ever free, particularly when it comes to our online privacy.
What can I watch on PBS?
PBS is known for its high quality content, ranging from period dramas to educational TV shows which are available via its website and via the PBS Video app. Here’s a short list of some of the content you can watch on PBS:
- Downton Abbey
- Frontline
- Victoria
- Finding Your Roots
- Antiques Roadshow
- Nova
- The Great British Baking Show
- American Experience
- Independent Lens
- Nature
What is PBS Kids?
PBS Kids is the children’s network. It offers games and activities as well as children’s TV programmes including the following:
- Sesame Street
- Arthur
- The Cat in the Hat
- Clifford the Big Red Dog
- Caillou
- Dinosaur Train
- Sid the Science Kid
- Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood
- Curious George
- SciGirls
Is it illegal to unblock PBS outside of the US?
It's not illegal to watch PBS outside of the US, though it may go against the terms and conditions set by the broadcaster. VPNs are legal in most countries, so you're unlikely to get into trouble using one - though its worth checking the rules in your current region.
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