Maybe you’re a passionate Eredivisie fan craving the action, or you want to catch up on the latest season of your favorite reality show on RTL, KIJK, or NPO. Whatever the case, if you’ve tried to watch Dutch TV channels from abroad, chances are you ran into a roadblock: geo-restrictions.
Due to licensing agreements, these limitations prevent viewers outside of the Netherlands from accessing television content, even if they have active TV subscriptions. Well, unless they change their current IP address.
There are a few ways to do this, but using a VPN is the most reliable approach. It’s also pretty straightforward, and this article will show you how to access Dutch television from outside the Netherlands. And because VPNs are not all on the same level, we’ll provide you with the best options.
Why You Need a VPN to Watch Dutch TV outside the Netherlands
Dutch television channels have something for everyone, from the news to thought-provoking documentaries, nail-biting sports events, and the lighthearted entertainment of reality TV.
Pay a subscription fee when you’re in the country, and you have a wealth of options at your fingertips. For free-to-air channels, you don’t even need to do that.
So, what happens when you travel abroad? More often than not, you’ll find your access rescinded, leaving you frustrated and unable to enjoy your favorite Dutch content, even with an active subscription. You’re likely to see something like this:
This happens because of geo-blocks, which are region-based restrictions set in place due to copyright and licensing agreements between broadcasters and content producers.
But how do the TV sites and apps know when to block your access? When you try to access content online, websites and services use your IP address to determine your location. If it points to you being outside the Netherlands, the restrictions kick in, blocking you from accessing the content.
Good thing there’s a reliable way around this issue: a VPN.
When you connect to a VPN server in the Netherlands, the provider masks your IP address and assigns you a temporary Dutch IP address. This makes it appear like you’re physically there and tricks websites and services (including your favorite Dutch channel) into granting you access.
Watch Dutch Television Abroad With a VPN in 4 Easy Steps
You could be in a German town a few miles across the border or on the other side of the planet in New Zealand, and the steps below would connect you to live Dutch TV channels in no time. You only need a reliable VPN with Netherlands-based servers, and you’re set.
Let’s get down to it.
1. Choose a VPN Service
Selecting a capable, reputable VPN provider is critical to unlocking the world of Dutch television from abroad.
Your preferred provider must offer servers in the country (the more, the merrier) so you can get a Dutch IP address. But more than that, you want a VPN with impressive speeds so you’re not stuck with buffering and lags, and it must have excellent geo-unlocking capabilities. Moreover, it must protect your online traffic and identity from prying eyes.
We’ll provide a shortlist of the best options below, but NordVPN is our top choice for watching Dutch TV channels on your trips abroad.
2. Sign Up
Head to the VPN provider’s page to register a new account. On the pricing page, select a plan from the available options. Choose a payment method, provide the required information, and follow the instructions to complete the transaction.
Long-term plans usually provide the best value for money.
3. Download and Install
Download the appropriate VPN application for your device from the provider’s website or the official smartphone app stores. Most premium VPNs have apps for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android.
Double-click on the downloaded file and follow the instructions to set up the app on your device. If you need assistance, the set-up guides on the VPN’s website should come in handy.
4. Connect to a Dutch Server
You’re almost set. Launch the VPN application and sign in using your new account credentials.
Navigate to the list of available servers, select one in the Netherlands, and connect. The resulting process will replace your current IP address with a Dutch one, effectively masking your true location and making it appear like you’re accessing the internet from Holland.
The Best VPNs to Watch Dutch Television from Abroad
Now that you know how to enjoy the range of television content from the Netherlands with a VPN, here are three of the best providers to hop on.
Each VPN on this list has servers in the country, providing smooth streaming experiences while keeping your sensitive information safe.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN has more than 6,300 servers across 111 countries, including over 200 in the Netherlands. Consequently, you can get a Dutch IP address from anywhere to access television channels restricted to that region.
VPNs slow down your original connection speed due to the extra step they add to the process. With NordVPN, that performance drop is barely perceptible, thanks to next-gen 10 Gbps servers and its blazing-fast custom protocol, NordLynx. As a result, you can expect smooth, buffer-less streaming.
Local and international TV channels and streaming services offer no resistance to NordVPN. So, you can stream shows on NPO Start, NOS, SBS 6, AT5, and Netflix Netherlands or switch to American Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney Plus, or Amazon Prime Video.
While NordVPN excels at streaming, its core strength lies in safeguarding your data. It employs military-grade encryption to shield your traffic alongside modern protocol and features like an advanced kill switch, IP/DNS leak protection, and Onion over VPN. What’s more, backed by RAM-only servers and a strict no-logs policy, the VPN won’t leave any digital trails leading back to you.
It’s compatible with a wide range of platforms and devices and lets you connect up to ten devices simultaneously. You’re not potentially throwing money away — a 30-day money-back guarantee means you can claim a refund if your experience is underwhelming.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another excellent option for streaming Dutch television channels when you’re outside the Netherlands. It comes with 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, including dozens of options in the Netherlands.
ExpressVPN is one of the fastest providers around, with 10 Gbps servers and modern speed-optimized protocols like its proprietary Lightway. Even if you’re connected from a distant location, you can expect stable streaming with little to no buffering.
Another reason why ExpressVPN is a brilliant choice for streaming is how easily it navigates geo-restrictions. Once connected to a Dutch server, you can easily watch local channels from overseas. And because it works just as effectively with streaming services, you can tune in to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and other services.
What’s more, it comes with loads of privacy and security features, from standard to advanced. They include bank-level AES 256-bit encryption to keep hackers and other cyber criminals befuddled. ExpressVPN also has a kill switch and leak protection to prevent exposure to prying eyes. It stores no logs on its servers, which is a claim independent auditors have verified.
ExpressVPN is compatible with most major operating systems, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android, and allows up to seven device connections at the same time. You can test-run the VPN before committing, thanks to its 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. CyberGhost
CyberGhost’s massive network means you’ll never run out of connection options. Overall, it offers upwards of 11,600 servers across 100 countries, with 428 in the Netherlands. That’s more than many competitors have in their entire collections.
Some of those servers are specially optimized for streaming, which means faster speeds and easier access to exclusive libraries. They come in handy for unlocking popular services like Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, and more. That said, its regular servers can break past the restrictions on local platforms, so you can watch Dutch TV channels from abroad.
It’s not as fast as the other providers on this list, but CyberGhost is far from slow, especially when you use WireGuard. You can stream news, sports, and current events from home in the highest quality video without pesky buffering ruining the experience.
CyberGhost is packed with top-notch tools to keep your ISP and bad online actors hands off your online traffic. Like most of the best VPN providers on the market, it uses AES 256-bit encryption and offers an automatic kill switch and protection from IP and DNS leaks. The VPN operates a strict zero-logs policy, which guarantees nobody else has details of your online sessions.
Signing up for CyberGhost allows you to access its clients on popular devices and platforms. It has a seven-device simultaneous connection limit. For plans six months and longer, the VPN offers an extended 45-day money-back guarantee, the longest in the industry.’
How we selected the best VPNs for watching Dutch television abroad
We considered various essential metrics before arriving at the list above. Let’s briefly run you through them:
- Server Coverage: More servers is [almost] always better. We selected VPNs with wide networks of thousands of servers in scores of countries. They also need to have Dutch servers for the gateway IP address.
- Speed: Buffering live TV is frustrating, so we prioritized providers with blazing-fast connection speeds. In fact, each selected option falls among the fastest VPNs in the industry.
- Geo-unblocking: The VPNs we picked easily bypass geo-restrictions on TV platforms (and streaming services), so you can enjoy their programming from anywhere.
- Privacy and Security: Your VPN should safeguard your identity and data while you stream. We looked out for standard and advanced features, like military-grade encryption, a kill switch, leak protection, and a logless policy.
- Compatibility: Whether you prefer to watch Dutch TV channels on a computer, smartphone, streaming device, or smart TV, these VPN services allow you to do so.
- User-friendliness: Even VPN newbies can easily figure out how to use the selected VPNs because they are intuitive and user-friendly. Plus, they have robust tutorials and customer support available around the clock.
- Money-Back Guarantee: Each provider has a risk-free window period, so you can see what they offer for yourself risk-free.
Can You Use a Free VPN Instead?
Using a free VPN may seem like an appealing avenue to watch Dutch TV channels while you’re abroad, but it’s a road plagued with issues.
For instance, free VPNs are usually slow, thanks to small networks, subpar server optimization, and the lack of speed-friendly tunneling protocols. Consequently, you’ll likely face buffering and interruptions, resulting in frustrating streaming experiences.
Even worse, they may have privacy and security loopholes. Some free VPNs will log your online sessions extensively and sell your data to third parties for profit. Some others have obsolete protocols, meaning they are vulnerable to leaks and the activities of malicious online actors.
While we approve of a handful of free Dutch VPNs, we generally recommend using them for casual browsing or as a last resort — and they are the best of the bunch.
Conclusion
Following the steps provided in this article will equip you to bypass geo-restrictions and enjoy the full spectrum of Dutch television.
That said, VPNs are not all on the same level. Consequently, we provided a shortlist of the best options to unlock your favorite channels. Our top choice to watch Dutch TV abroad is NordVPN, thanks to its excellent unblocking abilities, lightning-fast speeds, and robust privacy and security features.
FAQs
What Dutch TV channels can I stream abroad with a VPN?
A VPN can help you unblock any Dutch television channel that is available to stream online. You’ll need a TV subscription for some channels, but many are open to all visitors with a Dutch IP address. The channels include NPO, KIJK, Ketnet, and RTL.
What is the best VPN for streaming Dutch TV outside the Netherlands?
NordVPN is the best VPN for watching television content from the Netherlands. It’s safe, speedy, and can bypass geo-restrictions on any TV website.
How can I get a Dutch IP address from anywhere?
A VPN service is the most reliable way to get a Dutch IP address. Simply connect to a server located there, and your IP address will appear as if you’re browsing from the Netherlands. That way, you’ll be able to access local content online.
