Many Finns who have taken a trip outside their country have tried to jump on Yle Areena or other platforms for an undiluted taste of home. However, they soon discover that accessing these platforms isn’t as simple as hoped. You see, you can’t directly watch Finnish TV channels from abroad due to copyright and licensing agreements.
The geo-restrictions that enforce them limit access to captivating dramas, movies, shows, and documentaries to residents. The only way around this? Changing your IP address to reflect a Finnish location.
With a VPN service, it’s easier than you think. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of watching Finnish TV online, with simple steps to ensure you never miss your favorite programs, whether you’re traveling abroad or living abroad.
Why You Can’t Watch Finnish TV Channels From Abroad
In Finland, YLE TV1, YLE TV2, Ruutu, MTV3, and several other channels are always within your reach.
The best part? Sometimes, you don’t even need a TV subscription to enjoy the range of programming available.
However, accessing these channels becomes a different story once you step outside the country’s borders. Geo-restrictions kick in, stopping you in your tracks when you click “Play.”
Here’s why. The rights to broadcast specific programs may be sold on a territory-by-territory basis.
So, for instance, a platform may have the rights to show a show within Finland but not internationally. Those restrictions ensure compliance with these agreements. It sucks for travelers craving home-based content, but that’s the situation globally.
How do TV channels know that you’re abroad? Your device transmits a unique identifier called an IP address, which reveals your approximate location and triggers the restrictions.
How a VPN Steps In
Geo-restrictions might seem insurmountable, but a quality VPN provider will help you bypass them effortlessly.
When you connect to a VPN server located in Finland, your internet traffic is encrypted and routed through that server. With your newly assigned Finnish IP address, it appears you are browsing from there — even if you’re on the other side of the globe.
Consequently, Finnish TV channels are tricked into granting you access to the content you’re interested in.
How to Watch Finnish TV From Abroad With a VPN
Follow these four simple steps, and you’ll be back to catching up on news, sports, and entertainment on your favorite Finnish television channel from anywhere.
1. Choose a VPN Service
Finland isn’t exactly in hot demand for VPN services, but quite a handful offer Finnish servers, so that’s where to start looking.
But there’s more to consider for a seamless experience. For instance, your ideal provider should come with fast connection speeds so you’re not stuck with constant buffering. Plus, it must effectively bypass geo-restrictions on your preferred TV channels and streaming platforms.
You should consider other factors like ease of use, but most of all, your VPN must keep your online traffic shielded from your ISP and malicious actors.
We recommend NordVPN because it covers all the bases. However, we’ll discuss other excellent alternatives below.
2. Subscribe
Visit the VPN’s official website to create an account. Head to the pricing page and select a premium plan that suits your preferences and budget. Complete your payment using one of the available methods.
Long-term plans usually provide the best value for money. Check out our NordVPN pricing guide for more details.
3. Install the VPN App
Most VPNs, including NordVPN, have dedicated download pages where you’ll find the right client for your device. You may prefer downloading directly from the App Store or Google Play using an iOS or Android device.
Double-click the downloaded file and follow the instructions to install it on your device. You shouldn’t run into any problems, but most top VPN services have detailed installation guides to help if you do.
3. Connect to a Finnish Server
Launch the VPN app and sign in using your account credentials.
Once you’re in, head to the server selection menu. Navigate to a Finnish server and double-click it, or click the Connect button on the home screen to activate a connection. Wait a few moments until a prompt notifies you that it’s successful.
Congratulations. Return to the TV channel platform to enjoy unrestricted access to your regular Finnish programs while abroad.
The Best VPNs to Watch Finnish TV Channels Abroad
Now that you know how to use a VPN, it’s time to introduce you to the most effective services for unblocking Finnish TV channels when you’re outside Finland.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN claims it’s the best VPN for Finland. Considering it’s the top choice for people looking to watch Finnish TV channels outside Finland (and has an exceptional toolkit), we’re inclined to agree.
The provider comes with a massive network comprising 6,300 servers in 111 countries, with its Finland-based collection including 60 of those servers. They are high-speed servers, ideal for streaming content in high-definition or higher with minimal buffering. It’s part of what makes NordVPN such an excellent VPN for streaming.
That, and its outstanding unblocking abilities. NordVPN unblocks YLE TV1, Ruutu, MTV3, and other TV platforms hassle-free, so you can catch up on Finnish news and shows from anywhere. Those aside, NordVPN eases past geo-blocks on popular streaming platforms, including Netflix US and Finland, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc.
Thanks to top-of-the-line features like bank-level encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection, your data stays secure while you stream. In addition, NordVPN’s ad blocker effectively clears intrusive and malicious ads. The provider’s strict no-logs policy and RAM-based servers are assuring — it won’t store any personally identifiable details about your online sessions.
NordVPN is compatible with a wide range of operating systems and devices, including computers, smartphones, routers, streaming sticks, and smart TVs. A single subscription covers up to 10 devices simultaneously, making it ideal for large households.
The VPN has round-the-clock customer support to address any queries or issues you may encounter, regardless of your time zone.
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another outstanding VPN choice for watching Finnish television abroad. It offers over 3,000 servers across 105 countries, including several options in Finland.
Few competitors can match up in terms of performance — based on our regular speed test results, it’s high up the fastest VPN rankings. That virtually guarantees buffer-less streaming even if you obtained your Finnish IP address from far away.
Plus, there are no bandwidth limits, so you needn’t worry about the VPN throttling your connection in the middle of a Bordertown streaming marathon.
Geo-restrictions pose no challenge to ExpressVPN. Regardless of your current location, you can tune in to Nelonen, Yle TV1, Yle TV2, MTV3, Sub, and other TV channels. It’s just as effective with international platforms as with local ones, so you can unblock American Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video from anywhere.
Security-wise, ExpressVPN is impeccable. It uses AES 256-bit encryption to protect your data so hackers and other malicious actors cannot steal it. ExpressVPN also offers a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and RAM-based servers. Its strict no-logs policy has undergone independent auditing, so you know your browsing sessions are confidential.
With ExpressVPN, you can watch Finnish TV channels abroad on a wide range of devices, including smart TVs — on up to eight of them simultaneously. Each subscription comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you have enough time to verify its quality.
3. CyberGhost
Finally, there’s CyberGhost, a provider with a user-friendly interface that makes it an excellent choice for VPN newbies.
It has the most massive network on this list by some distance, with over 11,600 servers across 100 countries. More than 40 servers in Helsinki means you’re spoiled for connection options, so there are minimal chances of encountering server congestion or sluggish performance.
CyberGhost is especially effective for watching online content, thanks to its streaming-optimized servers. Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more each have dedicated servers. But regular servers work well enough for Finnish content and provide instant, secure access to the programs you love without interruption, whether news, sports, or entertainment.
What’s more, CyberGhost ensures stable streaming thanks to its high-bandwidth server infrastructure and modern protocols like WireGuard. Consequently, your streaming experience is free from buffering or lag, even if you prefer high-definition content.
The VPN places a strong emphasis on privacy and security. So you’re not vulnerable to hackers, CyberGhost protects your online traffic with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. A kill switch keeps your data from leaking when there’s an interruption in your connection, and IP/DNS leak protection plugs loopholes. Plus, the provider has a strict no-logs policy.
You can use CyberGhost on Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android, and more. A single account protects up to seven devices simultaneously. If the provider’s 45-day money-back guarantee for plans six months and longer is anything to go by, it’s confident that you’ll commit.
Can You Use a Proxy Server Instead?
Proxy servers can sometimes unblock geo-restricted content. However, they may not be the ideal solution you’re looking for to watch Finnish TV outside Finland.
Both technologies reroute your online traffic, making it appear like you’re accessing a website or internet platform from somewhere else. However, proxies are not as effective as VPNs for bypassing tough geo-blocks, so you may encounter that frustrating error message often.
There are also security concerns to worry about, as proxy servers lack the encryption — and advanced privacy tools — a quality VPN service offers.
What about a free VPN to watch Finnish TV abroad?
Free VPNs are on a higher tier than proxy servers, but even this category falls short. To begin with, your chances of finding a free VPN with Finnish servers are minimal — they’re not even common on premium options, remember? But even if you discover one, you have several other limitations to consider.
For instance, many free providers have data caps and bandwidth limits, restrictions that can quickly become frustrating if you enjoy binge-watching your favorite Finnish TV shows or streaming sports events. And thanks to overcrowded servers and poorly optimized networks, they can be pretty slow, leading to frequent buffering and interruptions.
It gets worse. Free VPNs may have encryption, unlike proxies, but some have subpar privacy and security functionality. Plus, they may log your data extensively for profit.
All things considered, a premium provider is the way to go. If your budget is a major factor, options like NordVPN and CyberGhost are pocket-friendly without sacrificing reliability.
Conclusion
When you’re outside Finland, a quality VPN service with Finnish servers is your key to reliable access to television content from home. Simply purchase a subscription, connect to a server, and the restrictions disappear.
This article discusses a few excellent options, but NordVPN is our top choice for watching Finnish TV channels abroad.
The highly-rated provider easily bypasses the roadblocks your favorite television channels and streaming services put up. On top of that, you can count on speedy connections and robust security.
Stream Finnish TV With NordVPN
FAQs
What is the best VPN for accessing Finnish TV channels abroad?
NordVPN is the best VPN for streaming Finnish TV channels outside Finland. It comes with excellent unblocking abilities and lightning-fast connection speeds. Moreover, the provider offers strong privacy and security functionality to protect your identity and sensitive information.
How do I get an IP address from Finland?
The easiest (and most reliable) way to obtain a Finnish IP address is by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) service. Sign up for a premium subscription and connect to a server located there. Your IP address will appear as if you’re browsing from Finland, allowing you to access local content online.
Which Finnish TV channels can I watch for free?
With only a VPN and the Finnish IP address it provides, you can stream several local channels that don’t require a TV subscription. They include Yle TV1, Yle TV2, Nelonen, MTV3, and Ruutu.
