The 6 Best VPNs for ARD So You Can Watch it Anywhere in 2025

At a Glance

ARD is a popular over-the-air television network that broadcasts films, TV shows, kids’ programming, and sports. ARD also streams over the internet, allowing its viewers to watch ARD content from anywhere in Germany.

Unfortunately, ARD’s streaming is limited to viewers inside German borders. This makes it a pain for German viewers to view their favorite shows while traveling or living abroad.

Can a VPN Help Me Watch ARD from Abroad

Luckily for those viewers, there is a way to access ARD from nearly anywhere around the globe. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) restores access to ARD streams.

A VPN can do this by making it appear as if you and your device are located inside Germany, thereby fooling ARD into serving up its content to you, even if you’re not actually in your home country.

When you’re weighing which VPN is best for restoring access to your favorite ARD content, consider whether the provider has servers based in Germany, how fast its connection speeds are, how many devices it supports, and whether it offers proven access to ARD and other streaming sites.

Best ARD VPNs

After testing numerous VPN providers, I found that the following six VPNs worked best to access ARD from outside of Germany.

The best VPNs for ARD:

1. NordVPN: Top ARD VPN. This top-ranked provider delivers fast, well-protected connections from its numerous German VPN servers, providing reliable access to ARD’s streaming service. It does all of this at a reasonable price and comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The low-price leader on this list. Surfshark provides fast connections, a selection of Germany-based servers, and top-notch online security and privacy protections, all at a bargain fee.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN protection. This provider offers premium VPN services for those willing to pay a premium price. ExpressVPN offers the fastest download speeds on this list, boasts an impressive global server network with plenty of servers stationed in Germany, and provides top-notch digital security and privacy.
4. CyberGhost: Best bet for first-time users. This VPN is an excellent choice for rookie VPN users who are looking for an easy way to protect and enhance their online activities. Access is provided for popular devices via a selection of easy-to-use apps. The provider has a massive global server network, with plenty of German servers.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable VPN protection for ARD. PIA not only provides access to ARD, but it also offers reliable online protection as it keeps its customers’ online activities incognito.
6. PrivateVPN: Small but mighty VPN provider. PrivateVPN’s servers are somewhat thinly spread around the globe. That said, the provider’s servers deliver well-protected access to IP addresses and geo-fenced content (like ARD) in the countries where it has servers.

I ranked the top six VPNs using the following points of comparison:

• Servers in Germany
• Reliably accesses the ARD streaming service
• Fast download speeds
• Excellent native app support
• Comprehensive security and privacy protections

Best VPNs for ARD – Summary table

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for ARD.

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Here is my list of the best VPNs for accessing ARD:

1. NordVPN

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Jul 2025

NordVPN provides the most reliable access to ARD, providing fast connections that can deliver access to the popular German streaming service.

The provider boasts an impressive global server network. The provider’s 5,700+ servers are located in 60+ countries, with more than 240+ of those servers stationed inside of Germany. The provider is working to move its network to a completely proprietary server model, which will keep third-party contractors away from NordVPN customers’ personal data.

NordVPN’s connection speeds are some of the fastest in the industry, providing more than enough bandwidth for streaming, gaming, and other popular online pastimes. No data caps or bandwidth throttling to be found here.

ARD is available on many popular streaming-capable devices, and NordVPN has most of those device platforms covered. The provider offers native app support for Windows, macOS (With native Apple silicon support), iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Linux, and Android TV devices. Browser extensions protect your Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsing and streaming sessions.

The provider also supports numerous brands of routers, allowing you to protect all of your connected devices via a single connection, if the provider’s six-device concurrent connection allowance isn’t sufficient for your needs.

For users with game consoles, streaming boxes, smart TVs, and other devices that aren’t compatible with NordVPN’s apps, the provider’s smart DNS service is available. Smart DNS provides access to geo-blocked content for these devices, but sans the encrypted connection protection that a VPN affords.

NordVPN protects your internet travels from prying eyes by its use of military-grade 256-bit AES encryption and automatic kill switch protection, as well as IP/DNS leak prevention.

The provider’s NordLynx protocol (based on WireGuard) is designed to offer both improved security and performance. NordVPN recently began offering multi-factor authentication to ensure that it’s really you logging into the NordVPN network.

The provider keeps no logs of their customers’ online activities, and it accepts cryptocurrency for added protection of your payment info. NordVPN servers run all operations directly from RAM, meaning all data is securely wiped whenever a server is rebooted. Plus, the provider’s Dark Web Monitor keeps an eye on the dark web for info linked to your email address.

NordVPN’s customer support offerings include 24/7 live chat, email support, and a searchable support library.

BEST VPN FOR ARD VIEWERS:NordVPN’s above-average global server network delivers fast, well-protected connections that deliver reliable access to ARD, all for a reasonable price. Digital security and privacy protections abound with NordVPN. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

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Jul 2025

Surfshark ranks in second place in this lineup thanks to its bargain-basement pricing, fast-expanding global server network, and more.

With over 3,200 servers based in 100+ countries (including Germany), the provider not only provides reliable access to ARD, but also offers excellent access to other streaming sites, such as HBO Max, Netflix, and others.

Surfshark’s connection speeds can easily handle the streams that ARD and other streaming services provide. No data caps or bandwidth limitations to worry about with this provider.

Military-level 256-bit AES encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, an automatic kill switch, and ad and malware blocking protection team up to protect your online activities.

Comprehensive privacy protections are firmly in place, with a no-server-logs policy and a Bitcoin payment option. The provider also now runs all of its servers 100% from RAM, with no data ever being written to a physical hard drive.

Native app support includes offerings for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Linux, and Android TV device platforms. (Surfshark recently began offering native M1 Mac support.) Firefox, Edge, and Chrome browser extensions are also available.

Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous device connections policy means you’ll never run out of protected connections.

However, if you have devices that aren’t covered by the service’s app support or want to automatically protect your devices every time they connect to your WiFi network, extensive router compatibility is available.

Around-the-clock live chat, email support, a “Contact Us” form, and an easy-to-search knowledge base are all available in your time of need.

BEST BUDGET-MINDED VPN FOR ARD:Surfshark provides reliable access to ARD, so it’s ready for all of your favorite streaming content. The provider offers excellent online protection and has an unlimited simultaneous connections allowance. It offers all of this at a bargain-minded price. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Surfshark.

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3. ExpressVPN

unblocks ARDTested
Jul 2025

Even though ExpressVPN is the most expensive VPN provider on this list, its premium services will prove attractive to those who can afford it.

With over 3,000 servers located in 94+ countries (with plenty of servers in Germany), the provider does a top-notch job of accessing geo-blocked content from services like ARD, Netflix, Hulu, and multiple other video streaming services.

The provider delivered impressive download speeds in my most recent tests. ExpressVPN’s blazing speeds are great for streaming, gaming, and any other online pastime. No data caps or bandwidth limitations to be found here.

All ExpressVPN connections are well-encrypted, offer an automatic kill switch feature, and provide IP/DNS leak prevention. A proprietary Lightway connection protocol is designed to offer improved security, performance, and reliability.

This provider doesn’t monitor or log your online travels while connected to its server network, and it accepts Bitcoin as a subscription payment. The provider runs all of its servers on its own TrustedServer technology, running all server operations directly from RAM, with no data saved to a hardware-based hard drive. All data is completely wiped whenever the server is rebooted.

No matter which popular device you use, there is a good chance that ExpressVPN has an app for it. Native app support includes offerings for macOS (with M1/M2 Mac support), iOS, Android, Android TV, Windows, Linux, and Amazon Fire device platforms. Brave, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Vivaldi browser extensions protect your in-browser activities.

The provider’s “MediaStreamer” smart DNS service allows game consoles, smart TVs, and other streaming devices not on ExpressVPN’s app list to access ARD streams. It should be noted that MediaStreamer does not encrypt a user’s connection.

A somewhat limited five simultaneous connections are allowed on a single account. To get around that limitation a bit, users can make use of ExpressVPN’s extensive compatibility with routers. (ExpressVPN recently updated its router firmware, offering an improved user interface, split tunneling for different devices, and other new and improved features.)

Customer support options include 24/7 live chat, email support, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support library.

FLEXIBLE ARD VPN:While ExpressVPN may be the most expensive VPN provider on this list, its level of service is some of the best. The service has multiple servers stationed inside Germany, and its blazingly-fast and well-protected connections are optimal for streaming from ARD and other streamers. A 30-day money-back guarantee makes it a no-brainer to give it a try.

Read my full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

unblocks ARDTested
Jul 2025

First-time VPN users will enjoy CyberGhost’s easy-to-use selection of apps that provide reliable access to blocked streams.

The provider boasts one of the largest global server networks in the VPN business, with more than 9,600 servers, stationed in over 90 countries. (Plenty of those servers are based in Germany.) Streaming- and downloading-optimized servers are available around the globe.

CyberGhost provides fast download speeds, with more than enough horsepower for HD and 4K video streaming. Never a bandwidth limitation or a data cap to be found.

Military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, ad blocking, tracker blocking, and malware blocking, all team up to protect your online antics from being monitored. Recently added features include improved antivirus protection, a password manager, and a tool that controls how much personal information Microsoft has access to.

A strict no-server-logs policy and a cryptocurrency payment option combine to protect your personal privacy.

CyberGhost’s easy-to-use apps will prove attractive for users of Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows, and Amazon Fire devices. Free Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available.

Excellent router compatibility provides protection for all of your connected devices, and you can simultaneously have up to seven individual devices connected at once.

A smart DNS service allows streaming boxes, game consoles, and other streaming-capable devices to access geo-blocked content. Keep in mind that no VPN-like encryption is available with the smart DNS service.

CyberGhost’s customer support options include always-available live chat, a trouble ticket submission system, and an easy-to-search support library.

BEST FOR ROOKIE VPN USERS:CyberGhost’s easy-to-use, yet powerful and secure VPN service will prove to be attractive to first-time VPN users. Fast connections are provided for up to seven devices at a time. An extended 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

unblocks ARDTested
Jul 2025

Private Internet Access (PIA) has 3,300+ servers stationed in Germany and 84+ other countries. The above-average-sized server network provides reliable access to ARD and other geo-fenced content around much of the globe.

PIA-provided connections are protected with banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak prevention. Ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous websites can also be blocked by the service.

Its servers are run free of user logs, so your online activities won’t be exposed at a later date. Bitcoin can be used to pay for subscriptions, keeping your payment information private. PIA runs all of its servers 100% from RAM, so all data is securely and completely wiped from the server if it is rebooted or shut down.

Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux device users can take advantage of the provider’s good app support. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are available to protect your browsing, and the provider is also compatible with select routers.

PIA users can make as many simultaneous connections as they’d like to PIA’s servers.

While PIA’s connection speeds are some of the slowest on this list, the provider’s connections can easily handle your favorite online pastimes. PIA never slaps daily or monthly data caps or bandwidth throttling on its customers’ VPN usage.

Live agent chat, a trouble ticket system, and a searchable support library are all available when you need it.

RELIABLE VPN FOR ARD ACCESS:Private Internet Access has an impressive global server network, providing access to geo-controlled content in Germany and many other areas of the globe. Its unlimited protected connections policy allows customers to protect all of their connected devices at once. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of Private Internet Access.

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6. PrivateVPN

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Jul 2025

PrivateVPN’s global server count of just 200+ servers is the lowest on this list. It is also stretched a bit thin (in 63+ countries, including Germany). However, the servers the provider does have deliver access to geo-fenced content in the countries where they are located.

The provider also brings up the rear in the download speeds race, yet it can easily handle your favorite online pastimes, including streaming and online gaming. PrivateVPN never spoils the fun with data caps or bandwidth throttling.

All of PrivateVPN’s connections are protected by banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and more. Its “Stealth VPN” feature hides customers’ VPN usage by disguising it as normal browser traffic.

A strict no-server logs policy means there is no evidence to be had connected to your online travels. Plus, a cryptocurrency payment option helps to protect your payment privacy.

PrivateVPN’s app support is also somewhat limited, as it supports only Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows device platforms. Linux devices and select routers can be manually set up to work with the provider. Browser extensions are also not available.

Users can simultaneously connect up to 10 of their devices to PrivateVPN’s servers.

PrivateVPN’s support options include live chat, a support request form, and an FAQ support section.

VPN MIGHTY MITE:PrivateVPN’s global server network is a bit small and is spread thin. However, it provides reliable access to geo-controlled content in the countries that it serves. A handy “Stealth VPN” feature keeps your VPN usage hidden. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for ARD

Not all VPNs work well to reliably access ARD and other geo-blocked content, so it’s not a good idea to simply subscribe to the first VPN you encounter.

These are the features of VPNs that I focused on to determine which services work best for accessing ARD:

• Speed: If you’re looking to have an enjoyable HD or 4K streaming session, you need fast download speeds, with no data caps of any kind. ARD and other streaming sites require fast speeds and eat up data quickly.
• Server network: ARD availability is limited to viewers inside German borders. So, when you’re considering a VPN for ARD, you’ll want to make sure the provider has multiple German servers. More German servers is a plus, as it means there shouldn’t be a heavy load put on a single server, slowing your connection.
• Value: Considering a VPN’s value means you need to find a balance between a VPN’s features versus its monthly or annual cost. If the provider’s asking price is out of whack with the features it offers, I don’t recommend the VPN.
• Ease of use: Not all of you are IT workers, and many of you are discovering the world of VPNs for the first time. This makes it important that a VPN provider’s apps be easy to use and available for a large number of popular devices.
• Security and privacy: In addition to accessing geo-blocked content, many users take advantage of a VPN’s ability to hide their online activities from prying eyes. Always look for banking-grade encryption, kill switch protections, and IP/DNS leak prevention. I award bonus points for VPNs that also offer ad and malware blocking. A no-logs policy is also important, as this means no server logs are available to expose your online travels.
• Streaming: Last, but certainly not least, it’s important that the VPN you’re considering works to reliably access geo-blocked video streaming services, like ARD, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and others.

The features listed above make up just a bit of the features I research as part of my VPN testing methodology. My data-driven approach to research provides a better understanding of each VPN provider, allowing me to recommend only the VPNs that best fit my readers’ needs.

How To Watch ARD Using a VPN

When you’re looking to watch your favorite content on ARD, you’ll be glad to know that you can access the streaming service by following a few easy steps.

1. Subscribe to a VPN (I recommend NordVPN).
2. Download the correct app for your device.
3. Log in.
4. Select a VPN server located in Germany.
5. Connect to the ARD website or use the ARD app to view your favorite shows.

You may need to get an account with ARD to view all content. You’ll also need to download the correct app for your favorite viewing device.

Users who are using their computer or mobile device’s browser to view ARD may need to clear their browser’s cache and cookies, and then refresh the ARD site.

If access to the streaming service still hasn’t been restored, disconnect from the VPN provider and select another server in the same country. If you still can’t connect, contact your VPN’s customer support folks for help.

Can I Use a Free VPN to View ARD Shows?

I will not tell you that you won’t find a “free” VPN that will work to access ARD. However, I assure you that you will not be happy with the free VPN experience.

Free VPN services often have a severely limited number of servers that you are allowed to connect to. This means that even if they have a server in the country in question, those few servers will likely be hit hard, and with so many users, will slow down terribly.

Once you do connect, you’ll likely find that your connection speeds have slowed way down. Many free VPNs want to preserve their bandwidth for their paying users. This means they throttle free users’ connection speeds and impose daily or monthly data caps.

Since a “free” VPN doesn’t charge its users, they have to make money somewhere else. Many do this by monitoring free users’ online travels, logging it, and then selling this valuable info to advertisers and other Nosy Nellies. Some free VPNs have been caught injecting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into their free users’ browsing sessions.

Sure, “free” is tempting. But please take my advice and pay a few bucks for a quality VPN service. You’ll be much happier in the long run.

What Else Can I Do With A VPN?

Providing access to geo-blocked services like ARD and other streamers is just one of the advantages that a Virtual Private Network (VPN) offers.

A VPN is a handy tool to keep your online activities undercover. This means hackers, the government, and your own Internet Service Provider (ISP) cannot monitor your online travels.

A VPN also prevents ISPs from throttling or blocking your connection simply because you’re streaming from an “unapproved” source or because you’re sharing files.

An encrypted connection also does a top-notch job of protecting you when you’re forced to use an unencrypted public WiFi hotspot. Hotspots are a favorite target of hackers, who monitor other hotspot users’ online travels, attempting to steal those users’ login and passwords, banking, and credit card information.

Conclusion

ARD offers an excellent variety of entertainment options, and if you’re a German citizen, there is no reason to miss any of your favorite films, shows, or football matches.

A quality VPN, like NordVPN, is the best way to access ARD shows from anywhere in the world. NordVPN provides fast, well-protected connections to most areas of the globe, while supporting most popular device platforms. These factors all make NordVPN an excellent way to access ARD and many other popular online streaming sites.

For more information or to purchase a subscription, visit the NordVPN website.

ARD VPN FAQs