How to Watch NBC Outside the US in 2024

NBC is popular among users for its content-rich service, which satiates TV and radio users with exciting media. Unfortunately, the streaming service is typically available within the United States only, locking users out of their legitimate access to their favorite media whenever they travel abroad.

For all such NBC fans, using a robust VPN service is the ultimate workaround to unblock their preferred streaming service anywhere. In this article, we will guide you about watching NBC abroad.

Why can’t you access NBC outside the US?

NBC is an excellent media resource that satisfies television and radio customers’ content requirements.

Powered by NBCUniversal, a Comcast subsidiary, NBC offers various channels for its customers. In addition to TV and radio, users can also access NBC media online via NBC live streaming.

NBC doesn’t limit users to any specific device to stream their desired programs. Instead, you can watch it on your TV via a regular cable subscription. You can also visit its website or download the NBC app to watch NBC streaming. Currently, NBC offers support for various popular platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, Chromecast, and even Smart TVs and Roku.

However, these NBC benefits are typically limited to US residents only. Anyone existing outside this region cannot easily watch NBC abroad.

NBC employs strict content licensing and copyright policies like all other media services. While it allows occasional streaming of some shows in other countries via different sources, broadly speaking, NBC isn’t available outside the US.

If you’re abroad, you might occasionally watch a few NBC TV shows on channels affiliated with NBC. But, if you’re a die-hard fan of NBC media, you’re locked out of the fun unless you return to America. Unless you try, the workaround is explained below in this guide.

Is it possible to unblock NBC outside the US?

Before learning how to unblock NBC abroad, you should understand how blocking works.

Since NBC isn’t available outside America, it checks all incoming user requests for the user location. For this, the service detects the users’ IP addresses.

It’s because the IP address directly represents the users’ exact location.

So, when the service detects a request from someone outside the USA, it doesn’t allow access to the content. Anyone accessing the service from within the US can quickly go through.

If you wish to watch your favorite NBC USA anywhere, you must meddle with that. That is, you’ve to mask your IP address and get a US one.

How would I do that? I hear you ask.

For this, nothing else would serve you better than a VPN!

While you must know about it already, as a quick review, let us describe it.

A virtual private network, or VPN, is an excellent means of acquiring a virtual location without physically relocating. All you need to do is subscribe to a robust VPN service, install it, and voila! You have the whole world on your device. Simply connect to the server of your desired location, and all your online details will change to that region.

There’s a simple strategy for how this happens. The VPN takes control of your internet connection and reroutes all the data generated from your device through its own servers.

Since this rerouting happens right after data generation before you connect to the online world, you automatically get the IP address and location offered by your VPN.

In this way, you protect yourself against all sorts of tracking and snooping. Neither your ISP nor the service you’re trying to connect can track your IP address and location. So, that’s how a VPN lets you unblock any streaming platform like ESPN or even NBC outside the US.

(Yearning to know more about VPNs? Check our detailed guide to VPNs for beginners.)

Do I need to pay to watch NBC?

Not really. As far as you own a cable TV subscription, you can easily stream NBC free of cost. However, if you lack a cable subscription, you have no other option but to get premium access to it. Nonetheless, some of the content is still available for free streaming without requiring any sign-up.

Best VPNs to stream NBC outside the USA

So, it’s clear that one should necessarily have a VPN to watch NBC abroad; which should you choose? We hear you ask!

No need to panic.

Here we quickly describe the best VPNs that work great for unblocking restricted content anywhere. These VPNs also warrant utmost privacy, premium security, and superior anonymity to let you enjoy real freedom on the internet.

Yet, if you’re looking for more, feel free to go through our list of the best VPNs here.

1. NordVPN

Best VPN to protect your online privacy alongside having the freedom to enjoy NBC anywhere in the world.

Visit NordVPN

5,500+ servers in 60 countries

Supports P2P

AES-256-bit encryption

Zero-logs policy

No data-logging policy

IP leak protection

Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections

24/7 live chat

30 days money-back guarantee

Pros

• Dedicates streaming servers
• Unblocks multiple streaming platforms
• Many servers within the US
• Unblocks different restricted websites

Cons

• Relatively slow desktop client

These guys have withstood all ups and downs and achieved a credible stance by sticking with trustworthy security measures.

NordVPN has also established a global existence with a widespread network of 5,500+ servers spanning 60 countries.

While you would not find the number of locations and countries of this VPN as large when you compare ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN, you get a more significant number of servers across all major regions. This even includes 1,970+ servers across 16 different cities within the United States.

This massive presence within the US empowers NordVPN to unblock various US streaming libraries across all major platforms, including NBC. So, if you subscribe to NordVPN to watch NBC outside the US, you could also unblock Netflix USA, Pandora, Vudu, Hulu, DirecTV, and many other platforms.

Moreover, by switching to other countries, you can unblock other streaming services like RaiTV, BBC iPlayer, Canal Plus, Channel 7, ViaPlay, Hotstar, and more.

As regards the subscription, you will surely find a pricing plan that best fits your budget. Moreover, you can easily assess the feasibility of the service by availing yourself of their no-risk 30-day trial. And if things work for you, you can even subscribe to their biannual plan, which is the cheapest.

You can also maintain your privacy while making payments to them by choosing cryptocurrency as your payment method.

Want to learn more? Go through our extensive NordVPN review to learn more about this provider.

2. Surfshark

A budget-friendly VPN recommended for those who want thorough online security and privacy while streaming NBC anywhere.

Visit Surfshark

3,200+ servers in 100 countries

AES-256-bit encryption

P2P sharing

MultiHop mode

IP leak protection

Kill switch

Strict no-logging policy

Camouflage-mode

24/7 customer support live chat

Allows unlimited simultaneous devices

30-day money-back guarantee

Pros

• Smoothly unblocks major streaming platforms
• Multiple servers within the US
• Cheapest subscription fees

Cons

• Slow speed on distant servers

While not as renowned as the two leading players listed above, Surfshark has managed to build up a reputable stance seamlessly. It’s because they offer premium security features that surpass all other leading VPNs today. And they also facilitate their customers by offering top privacy options for the cheapest pricing plans.

That’s why we definitely recommend this service to all privacy-savvy users.

With Surfshark, you get robust security with encryption and premium protection against all cyber threats and prying eyes.

This service provider also offers features such as Double VPN, Camouflage mode, NoBorders Mode, split-tunneling, malware protection, and more to keep your online journey safe.

You can trust these guys to succeed in unblocking NBC outside the US, thanks to their 600+ servers across 25 different US cities.

You can access all other streaming platforms simply by switching your Surfshark VPN server location.

They boast a vast network spanning 100 countries globally with over 3200 servers, so you can choose a location and access a blocked website. This vast network (together with other privacy features) also warrants evading all VPN blocking, providing you with an uninterrupted browsing experience.

Want to know what all the provider is capable of? Go through our in-depth Surfshark review to learn more about it.

3. ExpressVPN

An all-inclusive solution for online security, privacy, anonymity, VPN-detection evasion, and unlimited NBC streaming without location-based restrictions.

Visit ExpressVPN

3,000+ servers in 94 countries

AES-256-bit encryption

IP leak protection

P2P servers

Network-lock feature

Zero-logs policy

24/7 customer support

Allows up to 8 devices simultaneously

30-day money back guarantee

Pros

• Fast speed servers
• Seamlessly unblocks all major streaming platforms
• Unblocks different restricted websites
• Evades VPN bans

Cons

• Pricing plans relatively costly

Thanks to its robust security features, ExpressVPN enjoys tremendous credibility in the market and has a vast customer base. Spanning 94 countries globally, the VPN has set up a huge network of over 3,000 servers.

These also include numerous servers across 24 different locations in the United States.

That means you get plenty of options to select a US location and unblock NBC anywhere.

And it’s not all about unblocking content. ExpressVPN also takes care of your privacy by offering military-grade AES-256-bit encryption. This applies to all the data your device generates to keep you safe from all prying eyes, web trackers, and cyber threats.

Subscribing to the service is also very easy. You can easily pay the subscription fee to them by availing of the different payment options they support.

And, if you’re concerned about privacy, you can even pay them via cryptocurrency. This diversified support for payment options makes this VPN a preferred choice for customers globally.

The provider offers iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux apps. It also works on Chromebooks, routers, Kindle Fire, Chrome, Firefox, Nook, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Apple TV, Smart TVs, and Fire Stick and TV.

Want to read more about it? Explore our detailed ExpressVPN review to learn more about this provider.

Is it useful to subscribe to a VPN to watch NBC only?

Definitely, having a VPN isn’t only a workaround to unblock NBC or other blocked media anywhere. Instead, it’s a wonderful privacy tool with a lot more benefits. Apart from accessing your desired media, you also reward yourself with online privacy, anonymity, and security against online tracking, hacking, and other threats. Check out our guide to the pros and cons of using a VPN to learn more.

Is it legal to use a VPN to watch NBC and other restricted content?

Using a VPN or any other workaround may violate NBC’s terms of service. Yet, the worst you’re likely to face for such a violation is a block from NBC (that you can easily evade by changing your IP address).

As far as using VPNs is legal in your country, it’s not a big deal to use this tool to unblock restricted content. (However, ensure you do not access any dangerous or malicious websites or media using VPNs. Otherwise, you’ll be in trouble.)

How to watch NBC outside the US with a VPN – A step-by-step guide

So, you know about the workaround to let you enjoy NBC Sports again; what else should you know?

Perhaps, the exact steps to apply the workaround, right?

Let’s get to it here.

1. Create your account with a VPN service

If you don’t have a VPN, subscribe to a secure VPN service. Then, you can easily choose any of the VPNs we recommended above. You can also go through our guide to choose the correct VPNs to make a better decision.

To watch NBC USA, you should look up a VPN offering many US servers. Also, the VPN should explicitly support streaming, offer thorough IP leak protection (to avoid user blocking), and be able to evade VPN bans – all of this without blowing your budget.

However, make sure that you do not fall for free VPNs, as they seldom succeed in unblocking strict services like NBC. (Check out this comparison of free vs. paid VPNs to know when and why paid VPNs are a better choice.)

Once you choose the VPN, register with the service by entering your information, selecting a subscription plan, and paying the subscription fee.

2. Set up the VPN on your device

After completing the registration process, install the VPN app on your device.

If you plan to watch NBC on multiple devices, you should download the respective VPN client on all of them beforehand. Alternatively, you can also set up the VPN on your router to effectively secure all devices on your network.

3. Connect to a US server

Once you’re done with the installation, connect to a US server offering fast-speed connectivity. You can also lookup for any dedicated streaming servers from the US to enjoy a smooth streaming experience. Ensure that your VPN doesn’t leak your IP address.

4. Stream NBC

Simple as that. After you get a secure US location online, head on to the NBC or app with full confidence, as you’re now well-equipped to watch it like you would in the US.

Is there an NBC channel on Sky?

If you wonder, “Is NBC on Sky?” you’re not alone. During the past few months, many people have searched for it. That’s because a much-hyped international ‘NBC Sky News World’ was planned to launch in 2020. However, in August 2020, the idea was abandoned following back-to-back blows caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the departure of NBC News Chairman Andy Lack in May 2020.

Best TV series on NBC

If you’re keen to start browsing NBC, here are some of the best shows you can watch. 

1. The Office
2. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
3. Columbo
4. House
5. Psych
6. Saturday Night Live
7. Timeless
8. Medium
9. The Voice
10. New Amsterdam

Best movies on NBC

Following are some of the best movies to stream on NBC.

1. Barbarian
2. Weird
3. Terrifier
4. Nope
5. Top Gun Maverick
6. Bullet Train
7. Peral
8. Smile
9. Halloween ends
10. Transplant

FAQs