Due to rights and licensing restrictions, many streaming services lock their content to specific regions. RTL+ (formerly TV Now) is another streaming service unavailable to users outside Germany. So usually, you won’t be able to access your favorite content if you move or travel outside the country.
You can bypass geographic restrictions with a virtual private network (VPN) and access geo-blocked content. This online tool will assign you a German IP address when you connect to a German server. As a result, you can access TVNow.de content outside Germany. Besides, the VPN will encrypt your traffic to keep you safe online.
We tested dozens of providers to shortlist the best ones that can bypass TVNOW’s detection from anywhere. Read on to learn how to stream TVNOW as if you were in Germany.
A quick guide to using a VPN to unblock TVNow.de
- Choose a reliable VPN service that boasts servers in Germany. ExpressVPN is our #1 recommended option in this case.
- Download and install the suitable app for your operating system.
- Launch the app and connect to a German server.
- Clear the cache and cookies of your browser.
- Head to the TVNow.de website or the app and enjoy your favorite content.
Best VPNs for streaming RTL+ (TV Now) – Quick list
Check out this summary of the top VPNs to watch TV Now abroad:
- ExpressVPN – Our top recommendation for unblocking TVNow.de from anywhere outside Germany. It has fast servers and boasts highly secure encryption.
- Private Internet Access (PIA) – Unblocks TVNow.de outside Germany and supports ten simultaneous connections per subscription.
- NordVPN – Multiple servers in Germany to stream TVNow from abroad. Its apps are beginner-friendly and have 24/7 live support.
- Surfshark – It offers unlimited simultaneous connections, bypass TVNow blocks, and has user-friendly apps.
- CyberGhost – It offers dozens of servers in Berlin, Dusseldorf, and Frankfurt, and does not collect identifiable data of users.
How will a VPN enable you to access TV Now outside Germany?
TVNow.de, rebranded as RTL+ in 2021, is a rich streaming service providing quality German entertainment to binge-watchers. However, as mentioned earlier, TV Now restricts its content to Germany because of copyright laws. So, the streaming service will deny you access to the website or app if you are outside Germany based on your IP address. You can change your IP address in various ways, but a virtual private network is the most effective method.
A VPN will route your connection through an encrypted server and assign you a new German IP address. As a result, TVNow will see that your traffic originates from Germany and won’t enforce geo-restrictions.
Sometimes your DNS request can leak accidentally, and your internet service provider (ISP) or TVNow blocks your connection. Fortunately, the VPN services in this article have multiple servers in Germany. So, you will only need to switch the servers with a click of a button if your connection is blocked.
TVNow.de does not encourage changing IP addresses and reviews its anti-VPN technology regularly. So this means that only premium VPNs can bypass the restrictions. For example, our number one recommendation here, ExpressVPN, enables us to unblock TVNow effortlessly and stream content in UltraHD without lags or buffering. Also, the company adds a new IP address to the database, so you won’t get blocked easily. Although its plans are slightly expensive, you can start with the risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
The best VPNs to stream TV Now abroad today – Detailed list
Many VPNs boast servers in Germany today. However, we finalized the five best providers for watching TVNow.de abroad based on strict criteria. Below you go with details about each.
1. ExpressVPN
Our #1 pick for TVNow. Unblocks Netflix, TVNow.de, BBC iPlayer, and many more. Extremely user-friendly and fast. Highly secure and offers 24/7 support with up to 5 simultaneous connections.
3,000 servers in more than 90 countries
Robust AES-256-bit encryption
DNS/IPv6 leak protection
P2P optimized servers
Network-lock feature
24/7 live chat support
Allows up to 5 simultaneous devices
30-day money back guarantee
Pros
- Bypasses TVNow.de restrictions
- Unlimited bandwidth for streaming
- High-level encryption
Cons
- Slightly expensive
ExpressVPN is our number one choice for streaming TV Now outside Germany. It has servers in Frankfurt, Nuremberg, and Darmstadt, which will assign you a German IP address to watch TVNow.de from abroad.
Besides Germany, the company runs a massive server network in more than 94 countries. This will enable you to access blocked content worldwide on streaming services such as Netflix, Hotstar, BBC iPlayer, etc. In addition, it has unlimited bandwidth, so you are unlikely to suffer buffering or lags.
The VPN works well with all the major operating systems for all-inclusive protection, with apps for Windows, macOS, Android, Linux, and iOS. Thankfully, all the apps are effortless to use, regardless of your device. Also, you can connect up to five devices simultaneously on a single account.
ExpressVPN will secure your data and traffic with AES 256 encryption. This means that TVNow won’t see that you are spoofing your IP address with a VPN. Also, your ISP and other third parties cannot monitor or steal your data.
Furthermore, the company employs additional security features to keep completely safe online. For example, it has an automatic kill switch that will maintain your privacy even when the VPN connection is disrupted. Also, it follows a strict zero-logs policy and has DNS and IPv6 leak protection.
2. Private Internet Access (PIA)
High-speed VPN servers for streaming Netflix and TVNow.de. User-friendly apps, live chat support, and a no-logs policy. Connect up to ten devices simultaneously with a single subscription.
Over 34,500 servers in more than 80 countries
AES 128-bit/256-bit encryption
P2P-friendly servers
DNS/IP leak protection
MACE ad-blocker
Up to 10 simultaneous connections per account
30-day of money-back guarantee
Pros
- Unblocks TVNow effortlessly
- Fast and stable speeds
- Robust encryption
Cons
- Some servers has reluctant speeds
Private Internet Access (PIA) has perhaps the biggest server network in the industry. With multiple servers in Berlin and Frankfurt, it always helps you unblock TV Now and other local content outside Germany. Moreover, with numerous servers, you can always switch to the fastest one.
Apart from bypassing geo-restrictions, PIA is also a secure VPN service. Depending on your connection, it allows you to use AES 128 or 256-bit encryption. The former will give you better speed, but the latter is more secure. Other security features include an automatic kill switch, double-hop, DNS/IP leak protection, and split tunneling.
The VPN has apps for all devices, including macOS, Windows, Android, Linux, and iOS. This means you can enjoy your TVNow.de content on your laptop, smartphone, or any other device, as it supports ten simultaneous devices.
TVNow free plan comes with free ads, which can be annoying when watching a movie. Fortunately, PIA has an integrated ad blocker known as MACE. Besides preventing ads, it will also stop background trackers from slowing your speed.
3. NordVPN
More than 200 VPN servers in Germany for unblocking TVNow.de abroad. Has beginner-friendly applications. Allows up to six connections per account. Has a strict no-logs policy and 24/7 live support.
Over 5,480 servers in 60 countries worldwide
Supports P2P sharing and downloads
AES-256-bit encryption
Automatic kill switch
Double VPN (multi-hop) feature
Quick-connect feature
Allows up to 6 simultaneous devices
DNS/IPv6 leak protection
30 days money-back assurance
Pros
- Multiple servers in Germany
- Specialized servers for streaming
- Does not keep identifiable logs
Cons
- Outdated-looking desktop UI
NordVPN is another reliable service to stream TVNow.de from anywhere. It has over 240 servers in Berlin and Frankfurt, becoming one of the best VPNs for Germany. Furthermore, those many German servers will make it effortless to unblock TV Now or other blocked content because you can always switch if your connection is slow or blocked.
The VPN will also enable you to stream content on other popular websites like Netflix, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, etc. What’s more, it has specialized streaming servers. That specialty gives you a fascinating watching experience while unblocking TV Now or other services such as Joyn (7TV) outside Germany.
NordVPN is a highly-secure service with multiple security features. First, the AES 256-bit encryption will prevent TVNow from seeing that your traffic originates from a VPN. Also, it has a kill switch to stop your traffic from leaking if the VPN connection drops. Moreover, the company is headquartered in Panama, a privacy-friendly jurisdiction, and does not collect identifiable data.
The NordVPN app is compatible with popular operating systems, including Android, Windows, Linux, iOS, and macOS. It also has browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome. In addition, you can manually configure some routers. The apps are easy to use, and you can connect up to six simultaneous devices on one account.
Its live chat feature is always available whenever you need assistance. There is also a Help center and email option. So, for example, you can contact customer support if you lose your connection or check for solutions at the help center.
4. Surfshark
Best budget option for TVNow. Unblocks virtually all region-locked sites, including TVNow.de. Unlimited simultaneous connections per subscription. Packed with extra privacy and security features.
Over 3,200 servers in 65 countries
AES-256-bit encryption
P2P support
MultiHop (double VPN) mode
DNS/IPv6 leak protection
Automatic kill switch
24/7 live chat customer support
Camouflage-mode
Allows unlimited simultaneous connections with one account
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Servers in major Germany cities
- It does not limit the number of connections
- Solid security features
Cons
- Slow speed on some servers
Surfshark is a trustworthy VPN to bypass the TVNow.de location block with servers in Berlin and Frankfurt. This will enable you to access movies and TV shows on TV Now and other locally blocked content.
Also, it has servers in other parts of Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, letting you evade geo-restrictions worldwide. As a result, you can access other streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, Hulu, etc.
The VPN has the best value for money with unlimited simultaneous connections. That means you can connect every device in your household with a single subscription. Also, it is compatible with all major devices, including macOS, Windows, Android, Linux, and iOS.
In terms of security, Surfshark will safeguard your data with military-grade AES 256-bit encryption. Also, it has a no-logs policy, kill switch, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, and Multihop. The combination of these features will keep your online activities secure and anonymous.
5. CyberGhost
Nearly 800 German VPN servers. Unblocks TVNow.de and many other geo-restricted streaming platforms. Breakneck speeds on the majority of the nodes. Seven simultaneous connections per account.
Over 8,000 servers spread in more than 90 countries
AES-256-bit encryption
P2P allowed
Automatic kill switch
Split tunneling functionality
Up to 7 simultaneous connections per subscription
45-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Accountable number of servers in Germany
- Lengthy money-back guarantee
- Strong security
Cons
- We observed some servers to be slow
CyberGhost is our last top VPN for unblocking TVNow.de abroad. It operates over 1000 servers in Berlin, Dusseldorf, and Frankfurt. These servers will give you a German IP address to access locally blocked websites if you travel outside the country.
The VPN has more than 8000 servers distributed in over 91 countries worldwide. This will enable you to get IP addresses of other regions to bypass geo-blocks of streaming services like Peacock TV, Pluto TV, YouTube TV, etc.
It has apps for iOS, Android, macOS, and Windows and browser extensions for Firefox and Chrome. There are also apps for routers and Linux, but they require manual configuration. The VPN allows you to connect up to seven simultaneous devices.
CyberGhost will protect your traffic and data with multiple security features. First, it has AES 256-bit encryption that will secure your connections. Second, the automatic kill switch and DNS/IPv6 leak protection will prevent accidental data leaks.
How to choose the best VPNs to bypass TVNow.de block?
Selecting the best TV Now Germany VPN is challenging due to the many available options. That is why you should only choose the services that meet the following criteria.
1. Servers in Germany
Perhaps the first thing you need to consider is the availability of servers in Germany. There is no way you will get a German IP address if the VPN server is not available in the country. Thankfully, the services on this list have several servers in Germany, which will come in handy if your connection is blocked.
2. Fast speed
Usually, connecting to a VPN may reduce your internet speed significantly. This is because of your traffic’s encryption process and routing through an intermediary server. Therefore, you should choose a VPN with high-quality servers that won’t affect your speed so you can stream content in high definition.
3. Trustworthy encryption
Besides bypassing geo-restrictions, a VPN is an essential security tool to protect your online activities from snooping third parties. So, choose a VPN with reliable encryption like AES 256-bit to secure your data on the internet. In addition, strong encryption will enable you to evade VPN-blocking technology on streaming services like TVNow German.
4. 24/7 customer support
A glitch or disruption can happen anytime, so customer support should be available 24/7 to assist. Also, you may need an expert to help you find the fastest server to watch TV Now outside Germany.
Can a free VPN bypass TV Now region lock?
Some VPN services claim to offer completely free services, and you might be tempted to use them if you are on a budget. However, we highly recommend against the idea because of several reasons.
First, many of them cannot reliably bypass the geo-blocks of streaming services. As a result, you won’t be able to access your favorite content on TVNow.de outside Germany.
Second, free VPNs have poor encryption. As a result, TV Now will see that you are using a VPN and block your connection. Also, your ISP can monitor your activities and even enforce bandwidth throttling if you exceed data usage.
Third, we couldn’t find a free VPN with servers in Germany. That means you cannot get a German IP address to access locally blocked content from abroad.
Another problem with free VPNs is that they use fraudulent means to get revenue since they don’t make money from subscription fees. One common way is to sell user data to cybercriminals, advertisers, and government agencies. Also, some of them install malware on your devices to continue collecting data in the background.
Finally, free VPNs are extremely slow, and sometimes you cannot even stream anything. This is because they have a low number of servers that become overcrowded quickly, causing major buffering and a drop in video quality.
Instead of the free services, you can opt for freemium VPNs like TunnelBear and ProtonVPN. These are premium VPNs that also offer a free plan. Although some features are limited on the free plan, you will get the utmost security and privacy.
TV Now subscription packages
The streaming platform has three main packages; one is free, and the other two are priced at €4.99 and €7.99 per month, respectively.
Channels and shows to enjoy on RTL+ (TV Now)
Popular channels on TV Now
- Vox
- RTL
- Super RTL
- Now!
- RTL Zwei
- Toggo Plus
- Nitro
- RTL Crime
- RTL Passion
- RTL Living
- Vox Up
- Geo Television
- RTL Plus
Best sports channel on TV Now
- Formula 1
- Motorsport (Dakar Rally)
- Ninja Warrior Germany
- Fussball
- UEFA Europa League
Best TV shows on TV Now
- World on Fire
- The Defeated
- Berlin Station
- Inspector Falke
- Babylon Berlin
- 4 Blocks
- Dogs in Berlin
Conclusion
Although TVNow.de is only available in Germany, you can bypass the geographic restrictions with a VPN effortlessly. All you will need to do is connect to a Germany-based server, which will assign you a German-specific IP address to unblock TV Now anywhere outside the region.
Using a VPN to stream RTL+ lets you watch your favorite local shows like Die Bachelorette, Next Generation, etc. After extensive research and testing, ExpressVPN emerged as the best VPN for unblocking TV Now outside Germany. The VPN service provider has multiple high-quality servers, employs robust encryption, and observes a no-logs policy.
FAQs
Yes, TVNow.de offers a free plan, although it has ads and hosts less popular German shows. However, you can opt for Premium and Premium+ packages to unblock original shows and live channels in high quality. Fortunately, the platform allows you to try out both plans for free in the first 30 days after subscribing.
The reason why you cannot access TVNow outside Germany is because of geo-blocks. Many streaming services use this technique to limit their content to specific regions. The most effective way to evade these restrictions is by using a VPN. It will assign you a German IP address when you connect to a German server.
TVNow.de updates its VPN-detection technology frequently, so sometimes you can get a “funktioniert nicht” (not working) error even with the best VPN. The simplest solution to fix this issue is by connecting to another server. You will get a new IP address enabling you to bypass the error. Also, try to clear your browser’s cache and cookies to see if the error message will disappear.
No, it is perfectly legal. Currently, there isn’t a law prohibiting VPN usage in Germany. So, you can use one to access TVNow.de and other blocked content without worrying about legal repercussions. However, a VPN’s anonymity does not mean conducting illegal activities.
