If you’ve already tried to watch 3sat abroad, you’ve probably seen the following message:

This translates as “This consignment is only available in Germany, Austria and Switzerland”.

Luckily, there is a solution. With a VPN for 3sat, you can easily stream your favorite shows while on vacation outside of Germany.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) routes your internet via a remote server in a location of your choosing. By connecting to a VPN server in Germany, you can get a German IP address, which instantly lets you watch 3sat outside of Germany.

Best VPNs for 3sat

In case you don’t have time to read through the best VPNs for 3sat, here’s a quick summary:

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.

Best VPNs to watch 3sat abroad

Not all VPNs are suitable for streaming 3sat on vacation. Some are slow and don’t have servers that work with 3sat. Others fail to provide basic privacy and security features that customers expect from a reliable VPN. To recommend VPNs for 3sat, our experts used the following criteria:

  • A fast global server network, including servers in Germany that work with 3sat.
  • Apps for all platforms with a wide choice of security and privacy features.
  • A trustworthy no logs policy that ensures what you do with the VPN remains private.
  • Plenty of guides and live chat support to help you when you need it.

For transparency, we will provide additional information about how our reviewers test and recommend VPNs for 3sat later in this article. For now, here’s our list of the best VPNs for 3sat:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

unblocks 3satTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

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

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN

stands out because of its extensive network of more than 5,200 servers in 59 countries – over 200 of which are in Germany. These servers are optimized for P2P file-sharing and bypassing internet restrictions in countries with strict online censorship.

Speeds are fast enough for uninterrupted streaming thanks to its NordLynx protocol, and it works to securely access many popular international services, including 3sat, Netflix, and HBO. Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat and email to help you if you have issues.

NordVPN apps are available for all popular platforms, and they have many advanced features you don’t get elsewhere (such as Double VPN and Tor over VPN). Plus, it permits up to 6 simultaneous connections, so you can protect all of your devices with a single subscription.

In terms of privacy, NordVPN is a no-logs provider headquartered in Panama. Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a customizable kill switch, and obfuscation.

BEST VPN FOR 3SAT:NordVPN is our #1 recommendation for watching 3sat outside Germany. Also works with Netflix. Very user-friendly VPN with excellent apps and browser extensions. 24/7 support and strict no-logs policy to protect your privacy. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

Cons:

  • Suffered a data breach in 2018

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

unblocks 3satTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is the fastest VPN we’ve tested and can be used to unblock 3sat and indeed many of the streaming services you’re likely to encounter. It works with Netflix, Hulu, HBO Go, and more. Better still, this VPN lets you connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously so if you’re planning on sharing your VPN with family, Surfshark is well worth considering. Overall, Surfshark has more than 3,200 servers in 65 countries, allowing you to unblock content worldwide.

This VPN works with a wide range of devices and offers apps that are easy for beginners to navigate. It also helps that the service comes with 24/7 live-chat support in case you run into any problems. Surfshark includes plenty of security features to protect your online privacy. These include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and no-logs policy. There’s even an ad-blocker and the option to use Double VPN servers for extra security.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark lets you connect an unlimited number of devices—great for families. Unblocks 3sat, Netflix, and more. Very easy to use apps and 24/7 live chat support. Highly secure with encryption and strict no-logs policy. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works with 3sat, Netflix, Hulu, and more

  • Fast speeds

  • Connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously

  • Offers 24/7 live chat support

  • Secures your data with encryption and a no-logs policy

  • Switching servers sometimes takes longer than it should

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN

has servers in Frankfurt and Nuremberg, making it easy for you to access 3sat from abroad. This is one of the best VPNs for watching 3sat outside Germany thanks to its high-speed servers, lightway protocol, and reliable connections.

ExpressVPN safeguards your privacy using 256-bit AES encryption, DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, and a kill switch. It also has obfuscation by default when you use the trusted OpenVPN protocol. This VPN is based in the British Virgin Islands and doesn’t store any identifying logs. You also have the option to sign up for the service semi-anonymously with a throwaway email address.

  • High-speed servers in two German cities for unblocking 3sat

  • Offers excellent live chat and email support, available 24/7

  • Very easy to use thanks to beginner-friendly apps

  • Strong security with encryption

  • Doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified

  • Slightly more expensive than other providers

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has more German servers than most of its rivals. In total, around 1030 of its 8,900+ servers are in Germany (spread throughout Berlin, Dusseldorf, and Frankfurt). It also has servers in 90 countries to help you unblock tons of international services.

This VPN is known for its high-speed connections which are ideal for streaming and torrenting. Aside from unblocking 3sat overseas, CyberGhost also works with Netflix US, Hulu, Prime Video, and more. Plus, you can use this VPN to connect up to 7 devices simultaneously.

This service offers several interesting features. There’s the option to compress data to save on mobile data or force the use of HTTPS websites, for instance. It also includes a 24/7 live chat customer support service.

A high level of security is offered in the form of a strict no-logs policy, 256-bit AES encryption, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. There’s also an automatic kill switch to protect you should the VPN connection drop. This makes it a good option for torrenting.

HIGH SPEED SERVERS:CyberGhost is fast for streaming 3sat. Also unblocks Netflix US. 1030+ servers in Germany and 8,900+ worldwide. Connect up to 7 devices at once. 24/7 live chat support and a strict no-logs policy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Approximately 1030 servers in Germany for watching 3sat

  • Unlimited bandwidth so you can stream without interruption

  • Up to seven simultaneous connections per account

  • 24/7 live chat and email support available

  • Strict no-logs policy protects your privacy online

  • Doesn’t work reliably in China

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is a US-based VPN with servers in dozens of countries worldwide, including Germany. It has over 50 servers in Frankfurt, Germany at the time of writing and over 1,900 in dozens of other countries. One of the best things about IPVanish is that you can connect all of your devices simultaneously, allowing you to share with family. What’s more, it’s able to unblock Netflix US—something that many VPNs struggle to do.

This VPN offers live chat support should you encounter any problems. However, the apps are simple enough to use and you can connect to a server in a single click. IPVanish puts your privacy first; it includes 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch feature, and no-logs policy, all of which serve to keep your activities private.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish has dozens of fast servers in Germany for watching 3sat overseas. Also unblocks Netflix US. Includes live chat support and allows unlimited connections. Includes a zero-logs policy. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Dozens of servers in Germany for watching 3sat abroad

  • Connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously

  • Offers 24/7 support via live chat

  • No-logs VPN that uses encryption to secure your data

  • Operates out of the US which is a Five Eyes member

  • No browser extensions available

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

What’s particularly noticeable is that this VPN offers a more personalized service. The live chat support involves talking with the developers directly. There’s also the option of free remote help and installation should you need it although the desktop and mobile apps are extremely user-friendly. Your data is secured through PrivateVPN’s use of 256-bit AES encryption. There’s also DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and no-logs policy.

PrivateVPN apps are available for the following platforms: Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. However, Linux and routers require manual setup.

EXCELS AT UNBLOCKING:PrivateVPN works with everything from 3sat to Netflix. Fast servers in dozens of countries worldwide. Apps are user-friendly and the service includes live chat support. Connect up to six devices. No-logs policy. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • A relatively small network of servers
  • Live chat support isn’t available 24/7

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

                    Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

With a Hotspot Shield subscription, you’ll have access to a whole host of extra features, many of which are security-related. These include a password manager and spam call blocker. Of course, there’s also 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Further, you’ll be able to stream anonymously because Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified as a user. 24/7 support is also included.

  • Servers in 80 countries including Germany for unblocking 3sat

  • Includes live chat and email support, available 24 hours a day

  • Plenty of security features such as encryption and a kill switch

  • Doesn’t accept cryptocurrency payments

  • Based in the US and keeps connection logs

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

Finding the best VPNs for 3sat: our methodology

It’s frustrating to travel abroad and then encounter geographic restrictions on your favorite websites and services such as 3sat. You may also find that your connection is throttled, resulting in issues such as lag and buffering. Fortunately, you won’t have such issues with the best VPNs for 3sat. Here’s our methodology for finding them:

  • Servers in Germany: First off, it’s essential for a VPN to have servers in Germany. Otherwise, you won’t be able to stream its content in your location due to the fact that the content is geo-blocked. By connecting to a server in Germany, you’ll have a German IP address which should fix the problem.
  • Speed: It’s not uncommon to experience bandwidth throttling from your ISP. Indeed, public wifi is often too slow for streaming. The best VPNs for 3sat offer high-speed connections as well unlimited bandwidth. In more extreme cases, you may even experience faster speeds as a result.
  • Unblocking: While a VPN may be able to unblock 3sat, that doesn’t mean it works well with another streaming platform such as Netflix or BBC iPlayer. Indeed some are more stubborn to unblock than others, which is why you need a VPN with strong unblocking ability and plenty of IP addresses for you to try.
  • Security: If you often browse and stream, you probably know all about some of the security risks such as adware or phishing attempts. It’s therefore important that a VPN encrypts your data and protects it from leaks. As an added bonus, some VPNs even offer Double VPN servers for an extra layer of encryption.
  • Privacy: Some VPNs (particularly free VPNs) cannot be trusted, particularly those that log your data and sell it to third parties. If you don’t want strangers knowing what you’re doing online, a strict no-logs policy can help. To find the best, we’ve analyzed more than 140 VPN logging policies.
  • Ease of use: Whether this is your first time using a VPN or you’re already an expert, there’s no need for the service you’re using to overcomplicate things. You should expect apps that are responsive as well as easy to navigate. If you need help, 24-hour live chat and email support should be available.
  • Value for money: Not sure how much you should be paying for a VPN? Well, some VPNs are definitely overpriced! We’ve attempted to find VPNs that offer great value for money without compromising on quality. Better still, you can save off the price of a subscription with our VPN discount coupons.

Of course, looking for VPNs that offer the above features is just the start. We don’t just take these services at their word. Instead, we test them out for ourselves which is all part of our VPN testing methodology.

How to watch 3sat abroad with a VPN

Using a VPN to watch 3sat outside Germany isn’t difficult. Simply follow the steps below to get your 3sat VPN up and running:

  • Choose one of the best VPNs for 3sat – we particularly recommend NordVPN for watching 3sat outside Germany, Austria or Switzerland.
  • Sign up with the VPN and download the relevant app for your operating system. All the best VPNs for 3sat offer desktop and mobile apps at least.
  • Install and launch the VPN app. Login using your credentials and choose a server in Germany. As soon as it connects you’ll have a German IP address for unblocking 3sat.
  • Go to the 3sat website and open your preferred content. It should now be unblocked!

Having issues? Try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies to prevent 3sat from still detecting your real location. Alternatively, try another server or contact customer support to ask which German server is optimized for streaming.

Free VPNs are generally pretty bad at unblocking content. Some are able to unblock the likes of 3sat but most free VPNs can’t get past the anti-VPN measures of Netflix, for example. Free VPNs are known to have limited features. This means you probably won’t be able to have multiple simultaneous connections or contact customer support if you have any issues.

Last but certainly not least, free VPNs rarely protect your privacy online. Some don’t use AES encryption to secure your data while others may not even have a kill switch feature. What’s worse, free VPNs are free because they have other means to make money. This may mean bombarding you with spam ads or logging your activity and selling the data to third parties.

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