RTP, known as Radio and Television for Portugal, is the country’s most popular TV and Radio network. If you are a resident of Portugal, watching these channels wouldn’t pose a problem; you can also access their live streaming services without experiencing any hitch.
The problem, however, comes when you travel out of Portugal. If you are outside Portugal, you will notice you cannot access those shows you love so much.
If you get such messages, do not fret; there is a solution: VPN. With a VPN (Virtual Private Network), you won’t have to miss your favorite shows and programs wherever you are. In this article, we will share with you how to unblock RTP online using the best VPNs that are most suitable. Keep reading to learn all.
A quick guide to accessing RTP outside Portugal
- Select and subscribe to a VPN service of your choice. Our top recommended VPN is NordVPN.
- Download the VPN app on your device.
- Open the client, select Portugal from the list of available servers, and connect to it.
- Now, head over to the official RTP site https://www.rtp.pt/play/ and start streaming.
Top VPNs to watch RTP outside Portugal: Quick list
- NordVPN – Offers strong encryption features, various servers, and fast speeds at a monthly subscription of $3.59. In addition, it is compatible with multiple devices such as Windows, iOS, Android, macOS, routers, TVs, and Linux.
- Private Internet Access – Starting at $6.67 per month, you can enjoy PIA’s advanced security, high compatibility across various devices, fast speeds, and various servers. The service also offers a no-logs policy, encryption protocol, and a kill switch to protect your privacy.
- ExpressVPN – Available across various platforms, including macOS, iOS, Linux, and Android. It offers fast speeds, an extensive network of servers, and robust security features for only $6.67 per month.
Why do you need a VPN to stream RTP outside of Portugal
Are you wondering what a VPN is and how it will help stream RTP overseas? No problem. Let me explain. In summary, a VPN’s objective is to change a user’s location (the IP address) by enabling them to connect to other servers installed in different locations.
In this case, the VPN allows you to connect to a server in Portugal; your IP address appears as though you are in Portugal, and you can access RTP.
But is that all there is to a VPN? Not even close. Let’s even say you manage to bypass the geo-restriction on RTP shows; you may end up being stuck watching blips of videos and frozen frames because you chose a VPN with an unstable or slow connection. Thus, a VPN is needed for seamless RTP streaming.
Beyond unblocking geo-restrictions, a VPN offers top-notch security so that your internet traffic remains encrypted and does not get leaked to the wrong hands. It also enables you to conduct online activities anonymously, so your privacy is always protected. Below are some of the critical benefits of a VPN in a bit more detail:
1. Offers excellent security
Security is one of the top reasons you need a VPN today. With a reliable VPN, your privacy and safety are well-secured and far from the reach of mischievous persons.
But here again, not all VPNs are the same. If you end up signing up with a shady provider that doesn’t work as it claims, when the network drops, your device connects instantly. It reconnects to the internet using your internet service provider (ISP) without a VPN, exposing you to monitoring agents.
Thus, while VPN is meant to offer you security, not all out there stand tall to the claims. If you wish to keep your data secure and safe, use quality VPNs like the ones reviewed in this article.
2. Bypass ISP bandwidth throttling
ISPs may use bandwidth throttling tactics to disrupt your RTP streaming in the USA, UK, or elsewhere. Hence, you will need a tested VPN to bypass ISP bandwidth throttling barriers quickly.
3. Anonymous use
Providing the maximum possible anonymity is one of the most-loved features of VPNs. Since your IP address shows a different address than yours, any online activity you carry out can never be traced back to you.
This allows you to stream RTP content and do other things online without fear of being monitored or traced. However, this only works well like anything else if your VPN has strong encryption and multiple VPN protocol support.
Best RTP VPNs (tried and trusted)
Many VPN services are on the market, all claiming to be the best. However, not every provider can stand tall to their promises. We rigorously tested dozens of VPNs out there to come up with only the best ones that get RTP unblocked anywhere. The top three VPN services include:
1. NordVPN
Boasting over 20 fast-speed servers from Portugal, NordVPN is another fantastic option to watch RTP outside Portugal.
6,800+ servers across 113 countries
Supports P2P sharing
AES-256-bit encryption
Zero-logs policy
Automatic kill switch
DNS/IPv6 leak protection
Allows up to 10 simultaneous devices
30 days money-back guarantee
Pros
- Offers seven days free trial
- Has a dedicated IP address
- Able to unblock major streaming sites
- Excellent privacy and security
Cons
- Some servers are slow
- Desktop app has a dull interface
NordVPN has its base in Panama, a privacy-friendly location as it evades online censorship and surveillance from the Portuguese government.
Besides, this VPN service offers super-fast speed and HD streaming. It allows for up to ten simultaneous connections. During our tests, we found it an excellent choice for users who wish to watch RTP shows, RTP International, RTP N, TVI, and SIC from outside Portugal.
Also, the VPN features military-grade security and safety. It boasts the 2048-bit HD key, AES-256-bit-CBC, and SHA-384 authentication, offering Perfect Forward Secrecy support. The provider has set OpenVPN as its default protocol, one of the most secure protocols ever. It also has IPsec/IKEv2, which is a less secure but high-speed protocol.
With NordVPN, you never have to fret about your safety and security as it ensures your DNS, IP address, and other user-identifying information do not leak. Moreover, it features an auto kill switch; this ensures your data does not leak from its source, even if the VPN connection drops.
This VPN has a site filter blocking malicious websites and an ad blocker (these extra security features are not common in the market). There is also a double VPN, which enables users to jump across several servers for added encryption.
Furthermore, the service supports P2P file sharing and boasts unlimited data and bandwidth. With this, you can torrent large files without worrying about a data limit. NordVPN’s strict no-log policy guarantees online safety, while its 30-day money-back warranty enables a risk-free trial.
2. Private Internet Access (PIA)
Most affordable VPN. A large number of servers in Portugal, makes it reliable option to watch RTP in or outside Portugal.
35,000 servers in 91 countries
AES-128-bit encryption
P2P sharing
DNS/IPv6 leak protection
Zero-logs policy
Allows unlimited simultaneous devices
30-day of money-back guarantee
Pros
- Provides 24/7 customer support
- Ideal for torrenting
- It has an impressive speed and split tunneling tool
Cons
- It can only unblock limited Netflix libraries such as Canada, UK, and the US
- Live chat support isn’t available 24/7
Another VPN that has impressed me significantly is Private Internet Access. You will never be slowed down by traffic but will always have many options for fast, smooth, and uninterrupted enjoyment of RTP.
The VPN also boasts a strong commitment to online safety and security. It offers IP cloaking, an advanced firewall, and a strict no-logging policy. It features state-of-the-art encryption with three protocol options, each offering a different blend of speed and security.
PIA also has other attractive privacy features, such as port forwarding, which shields you from government surveillance and privacy violations. In addition, it comes with IPv6 leak protection, DNS, and WebRTC for maximum online security and privacy.
The VPN has several other valuable features. Those include split tunneling, which enables you to route only certain services (such as RTP) through your VPN while leaving other services outside the tunnel. Also, it has an inbuilt ad blocker and offers protection against trackers, malware, and adware.
It is compatible with most devices, including Windows, Android, Apple TV, Fire Stick TV, PlayStation, and lots more. Apart from RTP, PIA unblocks Disney+, HBO Max, BBC iPlayer, Vudu, Hulu, and lots more.
3. ExpressVPN
A VPN service that lives up to its reputation of speed and safety. Plus, its stable Portugal servers further make streaming RTP a seamless experience anywhere abroad.
3,000+ in more than 107 countries
AES-256-bit encryption
DNS leak protection
P2P servers
Network-lock feature
TrustedServer technology
Zero-logs policy
Allows up to 8 devices simultaneously
30-day money back guarantee
Pros
- It offers browser extensions
- Supports all the latest protocols, including the Wireguard
- Unblocks RTP, with Hulu, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, HBO Max, and more
- Has strong security features
- Easy to use and has user-friendly apps
Cons
- A bit pricey compared to the market average
- Supports only five simultaneous connection
We begin our list with ExpressVPN. The provider has expanded its servers to over 3,000 in more than 107 countries and has a strong presence in Portugal. It is based in the British Virgin Islands, a jurisdiction free from the 14-Eyes and other anti-piracy laws.
The VPN is super-fast, meaning you will not experience interruptions, freezing, or buffering while streaming RTP shows. Its blazing speed makes it the perfect choice for streaming, gaming, and other online activities. With ExpressVPN, we can stream Portuguese channels from anywhere worldwide, including RTP, SIC, and TVI.
While it’s super-fast, the service also offers watertight security and privacy. It comes with an auto kill switch, AES 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, static and shared IP, and many other security features that guarantee stealthy protection online.
Its ease of use is another thing I love about this VPN. The VPN has apps for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux devices, and even routers. That’s not all; you can also set it up on PlayStation, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV, and other devices.
Furthermore, users can connect up to eight devices simultaneously. The VPN boasts excellent customer service, available 24/7 to meet your needs. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Best RTP VPN selection criteria
Consider the following factors before selecting a VPN for RTP in the USA, UK, or anywhere else you are:
Servers in Portugal
It’s impossible to access Portuguese content without a Portugese IP address. This IP address enables you to appear like you are in Portugal, even if you are somewhere in the UK or US, allowing you to watch RTP live online for free.
Therefore, the role of a VPN service that offers a Portuguese IP address is more significant than anything else here. You can only watch RTP TV shows from anywhere by selecting a VPN with a server in Portugal.
No logging policy
A trustworthy VPN will not log its users’ data. This guarantees your privacy and anonymity while using the Portugalian RTP app. With a no-logs VPN, your data is safe and shields you from the prying eyes of the government, including the DCMA and other legal implications.
Compatibility
An ideal VPN should also offer boast wide compatibility. While selecting a VPN, you must ensure it works with various devices, including Linux, Mac, Android, iOS, Smart TVs, Routers, and others.
Cost
Purchasing an excellent VPN shouldn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. While choosing a VPN, ensure you opt for one that fits your budget. Fortunately, many top options wouldn’t cost you much.
Going for annual plans rather than monthly plans will help you save more money. That is because most VPNs offer discounts on their yearly plan, which you can use. You can also take advantage of the VPNs with free trials.
Speed
It is also essential to select only a VPN capable of offering the fastest speed possible. Generally, connecting to a VPN server slows your internet connection because of the added encryption for extra security.
However, if you go with providers that do not rent or outsource servers but rather maintain their own, you could get better speeds. If speed is your top priority, ExpressVPN is your best bet. NordVPN is also another good option you can consider here.
Which Portuguese TV shows can I watch with a VPN?
If you have a Portuguese IP address, you can unblock many TV shows and platforms to enjoy the content you like. Some of them include the following:
- The Voice Portugal
- Terra Brava
- Aqui Nǎo Há Quen Viva
- Visita Guida
- Inspector Max
- Portuguese pelo Mundo
- Morangos com Açứcar
- Odisseia
- Conta-me Como Foi
FAQs
Yes, you can. However, we advise against it due to several reasons. First, free VPNs are less effective at bypassing geo-restrictions than premium ones. And even if one unblocks the limitation, they tend to slow your connection speed dramatically, meaning you will most likely encounter buffering all the time. Moreover, free VPNs have weaker security features; there is a tendency for your data to get leaked and your privacy to be compromised. Also, to make money, free VPNs can sell your data to ad companies and third-party agents who may use it for mischievous purposes.
Indeed, you can watch many other shows and movies with a VPN outside Portugal, not only RTP. All the VPN options reviewed in this article can unblock Netflix Portugal. Also, most will allow you to watch ARTV, SIC, TVI, and more.
VPN isn’t illegal in Portugal; you can use VPNs freely. However, there are laws against the distribution of copyrighted content, as is the case in other countries. If you wish to watch RTP from anywhere globally, aside from Portugal, some countries deliberately prevent you from doing so. These countries include Belarus, Iran, Iraq, China, Russia, Oman, Uganda, Turkey, Venezuela, and the UAE. However, quality VPNs (the ones we covered in the piece) allow you to bypass these geo-restrictions without sweating.
If you get a Portuguese IP using a VPN service, you can watch many Portuguese TV channels without spending a dime. Those include SIC, SIC, RTP1, RTP2, RTP3, ARtv, RTP Memória.
Yes, you can. All top VPNs today have mobile apps for iOS and Android devices. Most are available in Portuguese and English as well. The apps are straightforward and secure, enabling connecting to a Portuguese server in seconds. After connecting to a VPN, when you download and open the RTP Play app on your device, a VPN should automatically unblock it.
