SVT Play is a legal Swedish popular streaming platform that offers a vast library of shows, documentaries, and live broadcasts. While SVT Play’s Swedish library is free, due to international broadcasting rights, not all content is licensed for viewing outside Sweden.
Like many regional services and platforms, SVT Play is geo-restricted and is only available within Sweden. If you try to stream it from abroad, an error message blocking access will appear on your screen.
What’s the solution, we hear you ask. You need a Swedish IP address. A reliable VPN allows you to connect to a Swedish server, masking your real IP address and making it appear as if you’re streaming from Sweden. This way, you can enjoy SVT Play’s full catalog from anywhere.
This article explains how to unblock and access SVT Play from anywhere abroad with a VPN (the easiest and quickest way to do so).
Quick guide on watching SVT Play with a VPN anywhere
Whether you’re traveling, studying abroad, or simply want to catch your favorite Swedish shows securely and without interruptions, a VPN is all you need. Here are the steps you need to follow to help you stream the best TV shows and movies on SVT Play in no time:
- Choose a reputable VPN provider. NordVPN is the highly recommended option due to its strong security features and a vast network of servers.
- Download and install the VPN application. You can install on a few devices, given that most VPNs allow at least up to five simultaneous device connections.
- Log in to your VPN and then choose a server in Sweden. When you select a server in Sweden, it gives you a Swedish IP address, meaning any site you visit will see that you’re accessing it from Sweden and not from a different region.
- Once you connect, proceed to the SVT Play website (www.svtplay.se) and start streaming your favorite shows and movies.
Best VPNs to watch SVT Play – Quick List

There’s no denying that the VPN market is saturated, and not all VPNs can help you access SVT from anywhere. Therefore, it’s important to choose a suitable Sweden VPN that will get the job done. Fortunately, once you have the right VPN in place, it’s easier to watch SVT abroad than you might have imagined.
There are several good VPNs that you can select from, but our top three VPNs (based on extensive tests) that you can consider include:
- NordVPN: Best VPN service overall that can help you access SVT Play and other restricted online streaming services.
- Surfshark: A budget-friendly VPN offering unlimited device connections, strong security, and perfect for watching SVT anywhere in the world.
- ExpressVPN: It offers exceptional features and a sizable number of servers across several countries, which makes it the best option to watch SVT from abroad.
Why do you need a VPN to watch SVT Play?

You can access SVT Play on various devices like smartphones (Android, iOS), smart TVs, and computers. But not all of its content is available for users outside Sweden. If you live abroad or want to access it while traveling, you need a reputable VPN service.
Also, in the current digital era, it’s easy to say that your online privacy is paramount. The best way to stay ahead is to use a VPN; in fact, installing the best VPN service is a no-brainer.
Here are some of the reasons why you need a VPN for SVT Play:
- Unblocking geo-restrictions: One of the best characteristics of a good VPN is bypassing the restricted (geo-blocked) content from anywhere in the world. When it comes to most streaming platforms, they restrict content to certain regions due to broadcasting rights and copyright infringement. For instance, SVT Play only restricts content to users in Sweden. Therefore, you need a VPN to access its content from abroad. A VPN assigns you a different IP address of a server in Sweden to make you look like you’re accessing the platform from Sweden, and hence bypass the restrictions.
- Fast connections: Watching content online requires stable connections so that you don’t experience buffering. However, the thing with most VPNs is that they slow down the speed due to extra steps to your connection (encrypting your data and routing the internet traffic through a remote server). A reputable VPN like NordVPN has high-speed servers in most parts of the world, including Sweden, that ensure you have unlimited bandwidth for a smooth streaming experience.
- Stop ISP throttling: Sometimes (especially in the peak time of the day), while streaming, your Internet Service Provider (ISP) can deliberately slow down your connection as a way of managing the network traffic (due to network overload). The last thing you want when you’re streaming your favorite game is ISP throttling. Therefore, you need a VPN to stop ISP (Internet Service Provider) throttling. A VPN encryption ensures that your ISP is unable to see what you’re doing online and hence won’t be able to restrict you. Also, your ISP is always on the watch what you’re doing online, and to stop your ISP to keep track on you, a VPN is like a savior.
- Safety on public Wi-Fi: The internet is full of bad actors, and one wrong click might get you in trouble. Public Wi-Fi is considered a notorious hunting ground for hackers and other bad actors. A VPN protects you from scammers on public Wi-Fi by encrypting your data, making it inaccessible. Some other top features, like a kill switch and DNS leak protection, ensure your safety and privacy on public Wi-Fi.
Top VPN services to unblock SVT Play – Detailed list

There are several VPNs in the market. We ran several tests and did extensive research to narrow the choices down for you to top 3 options you can consider. These providers have a plethora of features that make them preferred choices. Let’s see what makes them the ideal streaming VPN services.
1. NordVPN

A top-of-the-line VPN service that offers stealth features like obscured servers, helping you unblock georestricted content from any platform worldwide.










Pros
- No data bandwidth
- Has a built-in anti-malware
- Long-term plans are very afforable
Cons
- Limited DDoS protection
NordVPN is arguably the best VPN to access SVT Play from anywhere. It has an array of security and privacy features that will make your streaming experience smooth and enjoyable. With its extensive server network, it has 140+ servers in Stockholm alone, which makes it the best choice to unblock SVT as there’s less chance of slowdowns or congestion.
Also, it provides lightning-fast connections, especially on the custom NordLynx protocol. Therefore, you can be assured of smooth and stable connections any time you want to watch your favorite shows.

Besides SVT Play, it also helps unblock several websites and other streaming platforms with ease, thanks to its large number of servers across the globe. That’s not all; NordVPN has robust encryption as it uses AES 256-bit. Moreover, with its kill switch and strict no-logs policy, your safety and privacy are in safe hands.
The VPN accepts crypto payments, and it’s available on various platforms and operating systems, including macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Windows. Besides, you can use multi-hop servers, scan for malware automatically, and use Tor over VPN if you happen to be a security-concious user on top of being a streaming nerd.
2. Surfshark

An ideal choice for budget-conscious users, which offers robust security and privacy features and smooth access to geo-restricted content.







Pros
- Extremely cheaply
- Has dedicated servers for streaming and gaming
- Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat
Cons
- Headquarters is in the Netherlands (a member of the Nine Eyes alliance)
If you’re on a budget and looking for an effective VPN to stream SVT from anywhere, then Surfshark is your best bet. The VPN is based in the Netherlands, which is a member of the Nine Eyes alliance, an intelligence-sharing group. That can be an alarm if you are too concerned about your internet activities beyond streaming SVT. But if that’s not the case, you will like that it has more than 3,200 servers spread across 100+ countries, including Sweden.
It has impressive speed connections that won’t let you down when you want to watch your favorite shows on SVT. In fact, your streams won’t be bogged down by buffering. Also, it has strong protection features with a string of protocols that include WireGuard, which enhances performance.

What’s more? It has a powerful leak protection feature that ensures you’re not exposed to WebRTC and DNS leaks. Besides, it provides exceptional blocking against ads, trackers, and malware via Clean Web.
Surfshark also supports a variety of operating systems and devices, meaning you can use it on almost any device. Interestingly, it doesn’t limit the number of simultaneous device connections with one subscription.
3. ExpressVPN

Another leading VPN service that provides all-around protection and safe access to SVT Play from anywhere.








Pros
- Impactful speed all across the locations
- A no-question-asked money-back guarantee
- No IP leaks
Cons
- Doesn’t have multi-hop feature
ExpressVPN is one of the fastest VPNs around, and when you use it to access SVT from anywhere, you can be assured of quality service. It has more than 3,000 servers spread across over 105 countries. These high-speed servers are excellent for streaming in high definition and without buffering.
Also, with several servers across the globe, it has exceptional unblocking capabilities. During our tests, the VPN successfully unblocked SVT Play, Kanal 5, Viaplay, and several other major streaming platforms like Netflix, Disney+, and BBC iPlayer from our UK, Poland, Pakistan, Singapore, and US locations (where we have our VPN testers).

Furthermore, the VPN is compatible with almost all the major operating systems and devices, including smartphones, computers, streaming sticks, game consoles, and routers. Plus, you can connect up to eight devices at once in a single subscription, meaning you can secure most of your household devices with one account.
In case you have any questions or concerns, it has 24/7 customer support that offers prompt and helpful live chat and email support.
Pro tip: If you access the platform outside Sweden, you’ll see a message like ‘You do not have permissions to access “www.svtplay.se” on this server.’ If SVT Play still shows that block after connecting to a Swedish VPN, the site may have cached your real location. Clear your browser’s cache and cookies or try using an incognito/private browser window. This is a simple but critical step that can solve most access issues.
Methodology: How we selected the best VPNs for SVT Play

So, how do you know the best VPN for SVT Play?
Here are some of the things that you need to look for in a VPN for SVT Play:
- Number of servers: When you’re looking for the best VPN service, you need to consider the number of servers available. When it comes to watching SVT Play, you need a VPN with several servers in Sweden and different countries across the world. That way, you can be assured that you’ll be able to access the platform from anywhere.
- Speed: Obviously, when streaming online, no one wants slow speed connections or buffering. Therefore, a VPN should help you watch without interruptions. Our top recommendations, NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark, have stable and fast speed connections that you can rely on.
- Security and privacy: A reputable VPN offers the best security and privacy features. For instance, it should have strong encryption protocols and other excellent security tools like a kill switch, DNS leak protection, a strict no-logs policy, and several others.
- Compatibility: There are several operating systems and devices available, and a good VPN should be able to work with arguably all of them (or at least with all the major ones). Besides, you need a VPN that has excellent unblocking capabilities that work well with not only SVT Play, but also other similar platforms.
- Reliable apps: Sometimes it’s good to have a VPN that has dedicated apps for all the major operating systems. That way, it makes your work easier and seamless to stream your favorite movies and shows. All our recommendations have reliable apps for almost all major platforms like macOS, Android, Windows, and iOS.
- User interface: You definitely don’t want a VPN that has a complicated user interface. A VPN should have a user-friendly interface that you can easily navigate and be able to stream with merely a click.
- Customer support: Even a pro in VPNs at some point will have a question or a concern that requires clarity. Therefore, you need a VPN with exceptional customer support – preferably a live chat-based option that will help in case you want to inquire about something.
- Value for money: It’s not always that you need to break the bank to get a good VPN service. However, again, not all cheaper options are the best to use. Therefore, you need a VPN that offers excellent features worth its money. Sometimes, you can look for VPNs with money-back guarantees so that you can enjoy exceptional services without digging deep into your pockets.
Keeping all the above-discussed features, we curated our list of the top-notch VPN services that you can use to unblock SVT Play from anywhere.
Is it legal to use a VPN to watch SVT Play?

When we talk about using a VPN to stream SVT Play and whether it’s legal, perhaps it falls in a gray area. The legality of a VPN (or any other tool) depends on several things, like your country’s laws, copyright/licensing restrictions, SVT’s terms of service, and the manner in which you use the VPN.
For instance, SVT’s content is restricted to only Sweden, and it says that it doesn’t support VPNs; they state, “SVT Play doesn’t support VPN and we don’t guarantee that it works for all programs in our catalog.” Therefore, they know that individuals can try to use a VPN to access their content, but they don’t endorse it, and hence don’t guarantee service whenever they’re in use.
Moreover, when it comes to Sweden as a country, no law specifically prohibits one from using a VPN to access any streaming content. The copyright law falls in line with content and not the use of a VPN, and hence the use of a VPN to access SVT content abroad is basically a violation of SVT copyrights and not a criminal law violation.
Simply put, using a VPN to stream SVT Play is not crystal clear illegal, as long as you regularly use the service, which means you’re not infringing the copyright regulations by redistributing their content and other things. However, that might violate SVT’s terms and conditions, and they might deny you (or block your access) if they realize that you’re using a VPN.
Can I watch SVT Play using a free VPN?

There’s no denying that free VPNs are an attractive prospect, and you might be tempted to go for a free VPN to unblock SVT. However, they’re not the best option if you want to enjoy privacy and security online. Therefore, we don’t advise using a free VPN for several reasons.
First, when you use a free VPN, you can be assured of a terrible streaming experience. Ideally, free VPNs have several users, and they usually have a few servers that can offer exceptional speeds to every user. Therefore, when you’re streaming, you can be sure of long loading times as well as choppy video quality. In fact, sometimes you might find that you’re suddenly disconnected from the VPN and you’re browsing unprotected.
Secondly, given that free VPNs don’t charge upfront, and they need to make money (like any other business), they use other methods to generate revenue. For instance, they will bombard you with a lot of ads and pop-ups that can redirect you to other sites or apps.
Also, free VPNs can go further and store tracking cookies that they can use to build a detailed consumer profile, which they sell to third parties without your knowledge. Therefore, with such shady tactics, you can entirely say that free VPNs align well with the principle of VPNs offering privacy online.
Nevertheless, you can’t be too careful when we talk about online security; however, you need to choose a reputable VPN service like NordVPN that offers dependable security and privacy features. If at all you need a free VPN service, then we advise that you go for a reputable VPN like Proton VPN that has a free version.
How to watch SVT Play on various devices

The best thing about SVT Play is that it’s compatible with various operating systems and devices. Therefore, you can watch it easily on various devices at home. Here’s how you can watch SVT Play on some major devices:
Stream SVT Play on iOS (iPad, iPhone, or iPod)
Follow these steps to watch SVT Play on iOS:
- You need to subscribe to a reputable VPN service, NordVPN.
- Download the VPN and sign up.
- From the VPN’s list of servers, you should select Sweden.
- Open your SVT Play app and start streaming!
That’s it. You’re already streaming SVT Play with a VPN.
Watch SVT Play on Android
It’s very easy to stream SVT Play on your Android device. Here are the steps to follow:
- Subscribe to NordVPN.
- Download the NordVPN app from your App Store and then sign up.
- Select a server in Sweden.
- Open your SVT Play app and start enjoying your favorite shows and movies.
Stream SVT Play on Smart TV
With your Smart TV, follow these steps:
- Choose the best VPN service: NordVPN.
- Download the VPN and sign up.
- Select a server in Sweden.
- Connect the Smart TV to a Wi-Fi network.
- Open your SVT Play app and start streaming on your big screen!
Perhaps, there are several other devices you can use to watch SVT Play, but the entire process is seamless, and you don’t need to worry. Besides, it’s very easy to use NordVPN as your best VPN service.
What can I watch on SVT Play?
SVT Play is one of the best platforms in Sweden that offers a variety of content to its users. For instance, it offers access to series, live streams of popular shows, news, documentaries, dramas, lifestyle and reality, movies, sports, children’s programming, comedies, and much more.
Here’s a list of the most popular shows that you can watch on SVT Play using a VPN:
Jordskott | Coachen |
Mannan under trappan | Fejk |
I anneli | Greta Gris |
Svenska nyheter | Atlantic Crossing |
Sanditon | Vinterstudion |
Klassen |
The variety of what you can watch on SVT Play is unlimited; you just need the best VPN, and you’re ready to enjoy a wide range of content from anywhere.
FAQs
The content on SVT Play is only available to Swedish users. Therefore, when you connect from abroad, your IP address will be restricted as it’s not in Sweden. Perhaps you need a VPN to connect to a Sweden server and be able to access SVT Play from anywhere in the world.
Yes, it’s a free streaming service worldwide that’s supported by advertisements. However, most on-demand shows and live TV are unavailable abroad.
You can watch live ice hockey tournaments, cycling, equestrian sports, endurance, football, basketball, and swimming, among others. Moreover, you can catch up on winter sports like curling, skiing, and biathlon.
Yes, SVT Play is 100% legal, as it is the official streaming platform of Sveriges Television AB, a Swedish public service broadcaster.