RTL+ (formerly TVNow) content is region-locked, a common theme among streaming services due to rights and licensing restrictions. This means that if you move abroad or travel outside Germany, you won’t be able to watch your favorite TV shows on RTL+. Fortunately, we’ve found a way around this. You can easily watch RTL+ outside Germany by using a VPN to gain a German IP address.

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a service that encrypts your device’s internet connection, protecting your privacy in the process. When you connect to a server in Germany, you’ll be able to unblock RTL+ as if you were actually in Germany. As a bonus, VPNs also prevent others – hackers, government agencies, or your ISP – from snooping on your online activities and keep you safe while using public wifi.

We’ll discuss the best VPNs for the job in more detail further on in this article, but n case you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary:

Best VPNs for watching RTL+ abroad from anywhere:

  • NordVPN: Our #1 Choice for RTL+. Over 240 servers in Germany for watching RTL+ abroad. Allows up to six connections. Beginner-friendly apps. 24/7 live support, a strict no-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Best budget VPN option. Unlimited simultaneous connections. Unblocks most sites, including RTL+. Beginner-friendly apps, 24/7 support, and packed with security features.
  • ExpressVPN: Works with RTL+, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer. Fast and very easy to use. Offers 24/7 support and is highly secure with encryption. Connect up to five devices.
  • CyberGhost: Over 1,500 servers in Germany. Works with RTL+ and Netflix US. Very fast speeds for streaming. Seven simultaneous connections. Strict no-logs policy.
  • IPVanish: Allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices. Dozens of servers in Frankfurt for watching RTL+ outside Germany. No-logs VPN service with live chat support.
  • PrivateVPN: High-speed servers for streaming RTL+ and Netflix. Beginner-friendly apps, live support, and no-logs policy. Connect up to ten devices.
  • AtlasVPN: A fast and reliable VPN. Servers in 40+ countries, including Germany. Kill-switch on mobile and desktop apps.

How to watch RTL+ outside Germany

You could be watching RTL+ wherever you are in a matter of minutes! All you need to do is the following:

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

How to use a VPN to watch RTL+ abroad

  • Sign up with a VPN with servers in Germany – we particularly recommend NordVPN.
  • Download the appropriate app for your operating system (you may also have the option of downloading a browser extension).
  • Open the VPN app or browser extension and connect to a server in Germany, this will give you the German IP address you need to bypass RTL+ restrictions.
  • Clear your browser’s cache and cookies to ensure RTL+ forgets your current IP address and location (and accepts the IP address of the VPN).
  • Go to the RTL+ website or to an RTL+ app and select your preferred content. It should now be unblocked, and you can watch your chosen content.

Best VPNs for watching RTL+ at a glance

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

The best VPNs to watch RTL+ outside Germany

Many VPNs have servers in Germany. However, in order to find the best VPNs for watching RTL+ abroad, we looked for those that met the following criteria:

  • Fast servers in Germany for streaming RTL+ abroad
  • Also works with popular streaming services, including Netflix and Skype
  • Strong security with encryption and a strict no-logs policy
  • Customer support via live chat and email
  • Desktop and mobile apps that are easy to use
  • Offers a risk-free money-back guarantee

To find out more about how we recommend VPNs for a given topic, check out our full testing methodology guide. For now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made the list.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for watching RTL+ abroad:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

unblocks RTL+Tested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top choice VPN for RTL+. It’s one of the largest VPNs on the market, with a global network of some 5,200+ servers. Over 240 of these servers are located in Germany at present, making it easy to watch RTL+ abroad. Speeds are fast enough for flawless browsing and streaming, plus you can also connect up to six devices simultaneously. This Panama-based VPN offers excellent live chat support 24/7.

NordVPN apps are available for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Android TV. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome and Firefox. Compatible routers can be configured manually.

BEST VPN FOR RTL+:NordVPN is our #1 choice it has over 240 servers in Germany and 5,200+ worldwide. It works with everything from RTL+ to Netflix. Lets you connect up to 6 devices and has 24/7 live chat support. No-logs VPN with encryption and specialty servers for extra security. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

  • Over 5,200 servers, 240 of which are in Germany for RTL+
  • Works with popular streaming services such as Netflix
  • Live chat support available 24/7
  • Specialized servers such as Double VPN for enhanced security
  • No-logs policy serves to protect your data and online privacy
  • 30-day money-back guarentee

Cons:

  • Server quality can vary in terms of speed offered

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

unblocks RTL+Tested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN provider that doesn’t compromise on quality. With around 3,200 servers in over 100 countries, Germany included, it’s well-equipped to access any content you require. The servers are fast and consistent and work well with the likes of RTL+, Netflix, and Hulu. However, arguably the best Surfshark feature is the unlimited simultaneous connections, allowing you to share this VPN with the whole family. It’s also worth mentioning that Surfshark has excellent 24/7 live chat support.

If you’re looking for an extra layer of security, Surfshark offers MultiHop functionality, effectively letting you use two VPN servers at once. There are plenty of other features, including split-tunneling, so you can choose which websites and apps can bypass the VPN. Surfshark’s security features include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. The strict no-logs policy means this VPN doesn’t collect connection or activity logs, allowing you near-total online anonymity.

  • Wide network of servers in around 100 countries

  • Works with RTL+, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections

  • Live chat and email support, 24/7

  • Strong security features, including an ad blocker and double VPN

  • Customer support could be refined

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN lets you unblock websites and services in 94 countries, including Germany. Aside from RTL+, you can use this VPN to watch anything from Netflix to BBC iPlayer. Its servers in Darmstadt, Frankfurt, and Nuremberg are fast and reliable, with ExpressVPN promising 99.9% uptime. The unlimited bandwidth offered makes you unlikely to encounter any buffering or lag when streaming your favorite TV series.

The wide range of user-friendly ExpressVPN apps makes it easy to secure your devices. You shouldn’t have trouble connecting to a server, even if you’re new to using a VPN. Indeed, browser extensions make everything even more straightforward. However, this service offers 24/7 live chat and email support just in case you have any questions. What’s more, it lets you connect up to five devices simultaneously.

When you use ExpressVPN, your data is secured with 256-bit AES encryption, while there’s also protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks. This VPN service is based in the British Virgin Islands and doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users. Further security features include a kill switch and the option of anonymous payment in Bitcoin (provided you use a Bitcoin mixing service beforehand).

You can use ExpressVPN via the apps which are available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and routers. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available.

GREAT ALL-ROUNDER:ExpressVPN is another good option Offers seamless streaming of RTL+ outside Germany with fast and reliable servers. Allows up to 5 simultaneous connections and offers 24/7 support. Secure with encryption and a kill switch. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free thanks to the 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works with RTL+, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer

  • Over 3,000 servers in 94 countries

  • Fast servers and unlimited bandwidth for streaming

  • Offers user-friendly apps and browser extensions

  • 24/7 live chat and email support

  • More expensive than the other VPNs on this list

  • Streaming servers aren’t labeled

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has more servers in Germany than most VPNs on the market. Over 1,500 of this VPN’s servers are in Germany, allowing you to access RTL+ with ease. Conveniently, this VPN also works with Netflix US and BBC iPlayer. Streaming with CyberGhost is stress-free thanks to the high speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Another advantage is that you can use this VPN service to have up to seven simultaneous connections.

You can try CyberGhost risk-free as it has a lengthy 45-day money-back guarantee. It’s straightforward to use, with a simple interface and quick, one-click connections. Just as important, this is a highly secure VPN with a strict no-logs policy. It’s headquartered in Romania, outside the jurisdiction of the 5 Eyes and 14 Eyes alliances. You can expect 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and an automatic kill switch.

STRONG SECURITY:CyberGhost is fast and has some 1,500 servers in Germany. Works well with RTL+ and Netflix. Very strong security in the form of a strict no-logs policy and encryption. Up to 7 simultaneous connections and 24/7 live chat support. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Over 1,500, servers in Germany for unblocking RTL+

  • Fast speeds for lag and buffer-free streaming

  • Also works with Netflix US and BBC iPlayer

  • Connect up to 7 devices via a single account

  • Strong security with encryption and a strict no-logs policy

  • Can’t access all Netflix libraries

  • Doesn’t work from China

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

Setting up and using IPVanish is very simple. You can search for servers by country as well as by latency. Alternatively, there’s a quick connect option for connecting to the best available server. This VPN offers 24/7 live chat support and has a strict no-logs policy. IPVanish is headquartered in the US and uses 256-bit AES encryption to keep your data secure. There’s also protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks and an automatic kill switch.

GOOD FOR FAMILIES:IPVanish allows unlimited simultaneous connections which is ideal for sharing with family. Dozens of servers in Germany for watching RTL+ abroad. Live chat support and secure with a no-logs policy and encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Headquartered in the US, which is a member of Five Eyes
  • Doesn’t offer browser extensions or an app for Linux

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN is a particularly good VPN for streaming RTL+ overseas because of its fast connections. It states that it offers unlimited bandwidth and speed, which makes for uninterrupted browsing, streaming, and torrenting. This VPN has servers in 60 countries, including Germany (in Frankfurt and Nuremberg). Furthermore, it works with most geo-blocked websites and services, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and HBO Go.

You can use PrivateVPN to connect up to six devices simultaneously. The desktop and mobile apps are extremely easy to use — even for beginners. Regardless, this VPN offers live chat support and remote assistance should you need it. PrivateVPN is headquartered in Sweden and has a no-logs policy. Your data is secured with 256-bit AES encryption while there’s also a kill switch and DNS and IPv6 leak protection.

PrivateVPN apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Linux and routers require you to follow manual setup instructions.

HIGH SPEED SERVERS:PrivateVPN is a very fast VPN for streaming and torrenting. Works with RTL+, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. Desktop and mobile apps are easy to use for beginners. Connect up to ten devices. No-logs VPN with live chat support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Very fast speeds for streaming RTL+ outside Germany

  • Works with Netflix, Hulu, and HBO Go

  • Desktop and mobile apps are very easy to use for beginners

  • A small network of only 200 servers

  • No option of browser extensions

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. AtlasVPN

Unblocks RTL+Tested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.atlasvpn.com

AtlasVPN is a popular VPN for RTL+ and other streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu. It has servers spanning 40+ countries, including servers in Germany that are fast and reliable. Due to its use of WireGuard, you can expect some of the fastest speeds available while streaming and gaming.

AtlasVPN supports desktop and mobile use with apps on Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Unfortunately, there’s no Linux or router support yet. However, it does offer an unlimited device limit, so you can use it on as many devices as you need.

It uses 256-bit encryption and doesn’t collect logs. It includes split tunneling, Multi-hop servers, a kill switch, and blocks malware. Support is available 24/7, and you can try it risk-free for 30 days.

MULTI-HOP SERVERS:AtlasVPN includes an endless device limit split tunneling, and servers in 40+ locations. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works with Netflix, Disney Plus, and Prime Video

  • Unlimited connection limit

  • Streaming speeds are fantastic

  • Users must email support to cancel

  • It can’t be installed on Linux or routers

Read our full AtlasVPN review.

  • RTL
  • Nitro
  • RTL II
  • Vox
  • Super RTL
  • RTL Crime
  • N-TV
  • RTL Passion
  • RTLplus
  • Toggo Plus
  • Now!
  • RTL Living
  • Geo Television

Apart from live TV, RTL+ offers a wide range of TV shows (and movies to a lesser extent) on-demand. Here are some of the titles you can access:

  • Line of Duty
  • American Housewife
  • Freakish
  • The Handmaid’s Tale
  • CSI: NY
  • The ABC Murders
  • Grey’s Anatomy
  • Shin chan
  • Mr. Bean
  • The Killing

RTL+ must restrict its service to ensure it does not break the agreements it has entered into with content producers and copyright holders. However, anybody can use a VPN to change their IP address to a German one. This will easily allow you to regain access to your RTL+.de account while on vacation.

This is why it is essential to stick to one of our recommended RTL+ VPNs. Our services have been tested and are known to have fast German servers that are ideal for streaming RTL+ and other German TV channels.