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

At a Glance

ZDF is a German TV channel that broadcasts films, TV episodes, kids’ shows, and sports. ZDF also streams over the internet, allowing viewers inside German borders to watch ZDF content.

However, you’re a German native who is traveling or living abroad, and when you tried to watch ZDF content, you received the following message:

“Aus rechtlichen Gründen kann dieser Beitrag nur in Deutschland gezeigt werden.”

This translates into English as:

“For legal reasons, you can only watch this contribution in Germany.”

Unfortunately, ZDF limits most of its streaming content to viewers inside German borders. This makes it a pain in the butt if you’re a German citizen traveling abroad or a German expat living in another country.

Can a VPN Help Me to Watch ZDF from Abroad?

Luckily for these viewers who are left out in the cold, they can subscribe to a Virtual Private Network (VPN), which can restore geo-blocked access to ZDF and numerous other streaming sites.

A VPN has this talent due to its ability to temporarily assign a fresh IP address to your connected device. If this IP address is located in another country, say Germany, it makes the rest of the internet believe that you and your device are located in that country.

This fools streaming services into opening their virtual doors to allow you to view their geo-controlled content.

When you’re considering which VPN you should use to access ZDF shows and events, you’ll want to make sure that the provider has servers based in Germany, offers fast download speeds, supports multiple device platforms, and provides proven access to ZDF.

Best ZDF VPNs

Following extensive testing, the following six VPNs worked best to access ZDF from outside of Germany.

The best VPNs for ZDF:

1. NordVPN: Top VPN for ZDF. With a large global server network that includes multiple high-speed servers inside German borders, this provider offers reliable access to ZDF and other streaming sites. The provider protects and enhances your online activities at a reasonable price. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best VPN for bargain hunters. This is the bargain-basement option on this list, providing fast downloads, a good selection of servers inside Germany, access to multiple video streaming services, and great online security and privacy, all for a low price.
3. ExpressVPN: Premium VPN for ZDF. This premium-priced provider offers top-of-the-line VPN protection and enhancement, as long as you’re willing to pay a bit more for those services. An impressive global server network, top-notch protections, fast download speeds, and comprehensive app support are all available.
4. CyberGhost: Best VPN option for rookies. Beginner VPN users will appreciate this provider’s easy-to-use apps and reliable access to geo-blocked content around the globe. The provider boasts a fast-growing global server network, with plenty of servers based in Germany.
5. Private Internet Access (PIA): Reliable access to ZDF. PIA offers reliable access to ZDF, as well as other go-fenced content around the world. Plus, it provides online protection that keeps its customers’ online travels incognito.
6. PrivateVPN: Small but powerful VPN network. PrivateVPN’s global server numbers are much lower than the others on this list. However, the provider offers well-protected access to geo-fenced content like ZDF.

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

• Does it have servers inside German borders?
• Does it reliably access ZDF?
• Does it provide fast download speeds?
• What devices does the VPN directly support?
• What are its digital security and privacy protections like?

Best VPNs for ZDF – 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 ZDF.

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

1. NordVPN

Jun 2025 unblocks ZDFTested
Jun 2025

NordVPN is the #1 pick for viewing ZDF shows and events from outside of German territory.

The provider’s above-average global server network includes 5,700+ servers, located in 60+ countries, with more than 240 of those servers based inside of Berlin and Frankfurt. The provider is adept at accessing geo-blocked video streaming content from nearly anywhere in the world.

No need to worry about being monitored while you’re online if you use NordVPN. The provider uses military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, automatic kill switch protection, and IP/DNS leak prevention to protect you.

The service’s new NordLynx protocol is designed to provide improved security and performance. Multi-factor authentication is now available to ensure that it’s really you logging into your NordVPN account.

As for privacy, NordVPN doesn’t keep any logs of their customers’ online activities and accepts cryptocurrency for added privacy. All NordVPN servers are run directly from RAM, meaning all data is securely wiped from the RAM drive whenever a server is restarted.

The provider’s owned and operated server model keeps third-party contractors away from NordVPN customers’ personal information.

NordVPN’s connection speeds are some of the best in the VPN industry. There’s plenty of speed for streaming, gaming, and other popular online activities. The provider never inflicts data caps or bandwidth throttling on its users’ connections.

You can watch ZDF on multiple popular device platforms, and NordVPN has most popular device platforms covered, with app support for Windows, macOS (with Apple silicon support), iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Linux, and Android TV devices. Browser extensions are available for the Chrome, Edge, and Firefox browsing platforms.

Router support for numerous makes and models is also available, automatically applying VPN protection and enhancement to any device that connects to your WiFi network. Up to six devices can simultaneously connect directly to the provider’s network.

Your streaming boxes, smart TVs, and game consoles can also benefit from NordVPN’s geo-unblocking abilities thanks to its SmartDNS service. Keep in mind, though, that SmartDNS does not encrypt your connection like a VPN can.

BEST VPN FOR ZDF ACCESS:NordVPN delivers fast, well-protected connections that deliver reliable access to ZDF, while also doing a top-notch job of protecting your online security and privacy, all for a reasonable price. A risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

unblocks ZDFTested
Jun 2025

Surfshark grabs second place in this lineup and is the budget-minded VPN choice thanks to its low-priced extended subscription options.

The budget provider has over 3,200 servers based in 100+ countries (including Germany). The network provides excellent access to numerous streaming sites.

The provider delivers fast connections, which can easily handle the HD and 4K streams that most streaming services offer. No data caps or bandwidth limitations to worry about here.

Your online activities are kept underground with military-level 256-bit AES encryption, IP/DNS leak prevention, an automatic kill switch, and ad and malware blocking protection.

Comprehensive privacy protections are the rule here, with a no-server-logs policy and a Bitcoin payment option.

Native app offerings include options for Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Amazon Fire, Linux, and Android TV device platforms. (Surfshark’s macOS app offers native M1/M2 Mac support.) Firefox, Edge, and Chrome browser extensions are also available.

Surfshark’s unlimited simultaneous device connection policy protects all of your connected devices all at once, if you’d like.

If you have devices that aren’t covered by the service’s app support, or if you’d like to automatically protect your devices every time they connect to your network, comprehensive router compatibility is available.

BEST BUDGET-MINDED VPN FOR ZDF:Surfshark’s reliable access to ZDF means that it’s ready for your favorite shows and movies. The provider’s unlimited simultaneous connections allowance makes it an attractive option for users. It does 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 ZDFTested
Jun 2025

ExpressVPN is the highest-priced option on this list, but its services will still prove extremely attractive to those who don’t mind paying a few extra bucks per month.

The provider has more than 3,000 servers spread among 94+ countries around the globe (including Germany). It is proven to offer reliable access to ZDF as well as Netflix, Hulu, and other streaming sites.

The provider’s blazingly fast connections are also quite copacetic with streaming, gaming, and other online pastimes. Never a data cap or bandwidth limitation to be found here.

ExpressVPN does a top-notch job of protecting your online activities from being monitored. Protections include banking-grade encryption, a kill switch feature, and IP/DNS leak prevention. The company’s in-house Lightway connection protocol is said to offer improved security, performance, and reliability.

No worries about a history of your online travels being exposed in the future when using ExpressVPN, as it doesn’t monitor or log your online activities while being connected to its network. A Bitcoin subscription payment option is also available.

Plus, the provider’s TrustedServer VPN server farms run all operations directly from RAM, never writing any data to a physical hard drive. This means all data is completely deleted when the server is rebooted.

ExpressVPN’s native app support roster includes offerings for macOS (M1/M2 Mac support), iOS, Android, Android TV, Windows, Linux, ChromeOS, and Amazon Fire device platforms. Brave, Chrome, Edge, Firefox, and Vivaldi browser extensions are also available.

A “MediaStreamer” smart DNS option allows owners of game consoles, smart TVs, and other streaming devices not on the provider’s app list to access ZDF and other streaming sites, although MediaStreamer lacks connection encryption.

Five simultaneous connections are allowed on monthly subscription accounts, while up to eight connections at once are allowed on longer-term subscription accounts. To get around that somewhat limiting allowance, users can make use of ExpressVPN’s extensive compatibility with routers. (ExpressVPN recently updated its router firmware, which now boasts an improved user interface, split tunneling for individual devices, and other new features.)

FLEXIBLE VPN FOR ZDF:ExpressVPN is the most expensive VPN provider on this list. That said, its level of service is one of the best around. The service has a large number of servers inside German borders, and its fast and well-protected connections are perfect for streaming HD video. 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 ZDFTested
Jun 2025

If you have little to no experience in using VPN apps, you’ll appreciate CyberGhost’s VPN offering.

The provider boasts one of the biggest global server networks in the VPN business, with over 9,600 servers stationed in 90+ countries. (More than 1,700 of those servers are based in Germany.) The provider has numerous streaming- and downloading-optimized servers around the globe.

CyberGhost provides super-fast download speeds, with more than enough horsepower for HD and 4K video streaming. Unlimited bandwidth and data come with the subscription.

The provider’s comprehensive connection protection includes military-grade 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, ad blocking, tracker blocking and malware blocking. Recently, they added improved antivirus protection, a password manager, and other privacy tools.

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

An easy-to-use app lineup includes options for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Linux, Windows, and Amazon Fire devices. Free Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available.

Comprehensive router compatibility protects all of your connected devices, and you can simultaneously have up to six devices connected at once.

A Smart DNS service ensures that users of streaming boxes, game consoles, and other streaming-capable devices can access geo-blocked content around the globe. It should be mentioned that the Smart DNS service does not apply protective encryption.

BEST FOR FIRST-TIME VPN USERS:CyberGhost’s easy-to-use VPN service will prove to be attractive to rookie VPN or device users. While the apps are easy to use, they also provide powerful unblocking and protection features. An extended 45-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of CyberGhost.

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5. Private Internet Access

unblocks ZDFTested
Jun 2025

Private Internet Access (PIA) has one of the larger global server networks on this list, with 3,300+ servers located in Germany and 83+ other countries. The server network provides reliable access to IP addresses and geo-fenced content in most areas of the world.

All of PIA’s connections are protected by banking-grade encryption, a kill switch, and IP/DNS leak protection. PIA can also block ads, trackers, malware, and dangerous websites.

Its servers are run user log-free, meaning your online activities can’t be examined at a later date. A Bitcoin subscription payment option protects your payment information privacy. All of PIA’s servers are also run 100% from RAM, ensuring that all server data is always wiped when it is rebooted or powered down.

The provider’s native support includes offerings for Android, Android TV, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux device platforms. Chrome, Opera, and Firefox browser extensions are available to keep your browser activity incognito, and the provider is also compatible with several routers.

There is no limit on the number of devices that can be connected at once to PIA’s servers.

The provider’s connection speeds are some of the slowest speeds on this list of six. However, they are fast enough to easily handle all of your favorite online activities. The provider never ruins a good time with data caps or bandwidth throttling.

Support options include live agent chat, a trouble ticket tracking system, and a searchable support library.

RELIABLE VPN FOR WATCHING ZDF:Private Internet Access boasts a good-sized global server network, providing reliable access to IP addresses and content around most of the globe. The provider offers unlimited connections to its servers, allowing PIA customers to protect all of their 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

unblocks ZDFTested
Jun 2025

PrivateVPN’s global server numbers (200+ servers) are the lowest on this list and they are spread a bit thin (in 63+ countries, including Germany). That said, those servers provide reliable access to geo-controlled content in the countries where they are located.

The provider also takes the last-place spot in the download speeds race. However, its connections are more than fast enough to handle your favorite online activities. Plus, there are never any worries about data caps or bandwidth throttling.

PrivateVPN offers comprehensive online security, thanks to its use of banking-grade encryption, IP/DNS leak protection, and more. Customers can also use the provider’s “Stealth VPN” feature to hide their VPN usage by disguising it as normal browser traffic.

The provider’s strict no-server logs policy ensures that there are no records saved of your online antics. Plus, a cryptocurrency payment option helps keep your payment privacy in place.

PrivateVPN’s app support is limited to Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows device platforms. While Linux devices and select routers can be manually configured to work with the provider, browser extensions are not available.

Up to 10 devices can be simultaneously connected to PrivateVPN’s server network.

PrivateVPN’s support includes live agent chat, a support request form, and a Frequently Asked Questions page.

STEALTHY VPN PROTECTION:PrivateVPN’s global server count is a bit low. However, the provider has spread them efficiently, if rather thinly, around the globe. The provider’s “Stealth VPN” feature hides your VPN usage by disguising it as browser traffic. A 30-day money-back guarantee is available.

Read my full review of PrivateVPN.

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Methodology for Assessing VPNs for ZDF

You’ll quickly find that not all VPNs reliably access geo-blocked content like that offered by ZDF and other popular video streaming services.

I focused on the following features of VPNs to determine which services work best for accessing ZDF:

• Speed: Enjoyable HD or 4K streaming requires fast connection speeds that are never restricted by data caps or bandwidth throttling.
• Server network: ZDF and most other streaming services restrict access to viewers inside of their designated viewing areas. So if you’re considering a VPN to access ZDF, you’ll want a provider with plenty of German-based servers. The more servers, the better, as this helps prevent a heavy load from being placed on a specific server.
• Value: A VPN’s value is determined by comparing its features to its monthly or annual cost. If a VPN provider seems to be asking for more money than it’s worth, I don’t include it on my list.
• Ease of use: Not everyone has an IT degree or certificate, and many of my readers are venturing into the world of VPNs for the first time. This means that an important consideration for many users is that the VPN offers easy-to-use apps for a large number of device platforms.
• Security and privacy: Another popular reason to use a VPN is to protect your online activities from being monitored or recorded. Any VPN worth its salt will offer banking-level encryption, a kill switch, and numerous other online security protections. Malware and ad blocking are also welcome features. The provider should never save logs of your activities.
• Streaming: Your VPN should work to reliably access geo-blocked services like ZDF, Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and others. I only included VPNs that could access numerous video streaming services on my list.

These are not all of the features that I investigate as part of my comprehensive VPN testing methodology. My data-driven approach allows both myself and my readers a better understanding of these VPNs and their services. This information helps my readers to subscribe to a VPN that is a good fit for my readers’ needs.

How To Watch ZDF Using a VPN

When you’re looking to watch your favorite series, movie, or sporting event on ZDF, you’ll be happy to find out that access to the service is just a few short steps away.

1. Subscribe to the VPN of your choice. (My top recommendation is NordVPN.)
2. Download and install the correct app for your device.
3. Log in.
4. Select a VPN server located in Germany.
5. Connect to the ZDF website or access your favorite shows via the ZDF app.

You aren’t required to get an account with ZDF, but an account does allow you to set favorites and such. You’ll also need to download the correct app for your favorite viewing device, if you’re not going to use a browser.

If you’re using a computer or your mobile device’s browser to view ZDF, you may need to clear its browser’s cache and cookies, then refresh the ZDF site to successfully connect to the streamer’s content.

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

Can I Use a Free VPN to View ZDF Content?

While you can most likely find a free VPN that will allow you to access ZDF, don’t expect it to be a completely enjoyable or safe experience.

You’ll find that your access to services is greatly limited when using a free VPN. Most free VPN server networks are quite small, and there may not be a server available in the country you’re targeting. Or, there are so few servers in that country that the few available are hit hard, with too many users slowing down your connection.

Speaking of slow connections, many free VPNs will throttle their free users’ connection speeds and/or put daily or monthly data caps on free usage.

As for privacy, many free VPN service providers do not do a good job of preserving your privacy, as they make money by monitoring and recording their users’ online antics, and then selling that information to advertisers or other nosy parties. You might even find your free VPN is injecting unwanted ads and tracking cookies into your browsing sessions.

Sure, I understand how tempting “free” can be. But do yourself a favor: pay a few bucks a month for a reliable VPN provider. You’ll be glad you did.

What Else Can I Do With A VPN?

Sure, this article concentrates on unblocking geo-blocked content from ZDF. But, that’s just one of the important advantages that a quality Virtual Private Network (VPN) offers.

A VPN is an excellent way to keep your online activities incognito. A VPN encrypts your connection, blocking your ISP, the government, and hackers from monitoring your online travels.

Plus, a VPN can prevent your ISP from throttling or blocking your connection simply because you’re sharing files or streaming video from “unapproved” sources. Since a VPN’s encryption hides your online activities from view, the ISP can’t throttle your speeds based on what you’re doing.

A VPN also comes in handy if you use unencrypted public WiFi hotspots, which are favorite targets of hackers. These bad guys love to sip a cup of coffee and monitor other hotspot users’ online activities, which allows them to steal login info, banking and credit info, and more. But with your VPN-encrypted connection, no hacker can steal your personal information.

ZDF VPN FAQs

Conclusion

ZDF offers a plethora of viewing options. Whether it’s sporting events, films, or TV series, it’s all there for you.

NordVPN provides the most reliable access to ZDF from anywhere around the globe. The provider delivers fast, well-protected connections for most popular device platforms. NordVPN is my #1 VPN service provider for reliable access to ZDF and many other popular video streaming sites.

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