How To Watch German Netflix Abroad

Netflix Germany is a rich source of entertainment for German residents. It has some globally popular movies and TV shows like Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, etc. In addition, you will find German-exclusive content and classics such as Honey Boy, Athlete A, Scheherazade, and the likes. However, due to Netflix’s policy, these exclusive movies and shows are unavailable in other regions.

As you may know, you lose access to Netflix Germany once you leave the country. This severely affects those traveling for a short while or simply moving for work or business. They automatically cannot keep up with their favorite movies, shows, and other Netflix content.

However, there are proven ways of overcoming this challenge. In this review, we show you how to watch German Netflix abroad. Along the way, you also pick up some other benefits.

How To Watch German Netflix Abroad

The first question is why you cannot watch content on German Netflix outside the country. Well, Netflix, and a host of other streaming platforms, offer content based on regions. Thus, exclusive content in one region is unavailable in another location. This is usually to maximize profit. Additionally, it is because of agreements between the platforms and the content owners.

How does Netflix fish out defaulters? First, Netflix discovers non-German residents who try to access the site using their (users) IP addresses. The platform employs technology that filters IP addresses. It finds those outside Germany and blocks them. This means that if you can acquire a German IP address, you’ll be able to unblock German Netflix regardless of your location.

There are various ways of obtaining a German IP address outside the country. However, we recommend using a VPN to achieve this purpose. A VPN (short for Virtual Private Network) primarily works to secure your internet traffic. However, it can also afford you a new IP address, in this instance, a German one. With that, you’ll be able to watch German Netflix regardless of your location. Here are the step-by-step directions on how that works:

• Settle for any VPN provider that has German servers. (We have a list below)
• Pay for a plan, then download and install an app for your device.
• Set up the app and run it.
• Connect to a German server.
• Confirm that your IP address has changed.
• Head over to your Netflix app or the web version.
• Start streaming!

Top Recommended VPN Services for Watching German Netflix Abroad

Here is a strong list of our top recommendations:

Overall Best in Our Tests

ExpressVPN

Overall score: 9.8

• Super-fast servers
• AES 256-bit encryption
• Supports private protocol, Lightway
• Money-back guarantee

Try ExpressVPN

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

ExpressVPN is a VPN service that is compatible with Netflix and has servers in Germany. Thus, it fulfills the two most important criteria you need to watch German Netflix abroad. However, this is not the reason this provider makes it to the top of our list. ExpressVPN is simply the industry leader in terms of the provision of VPN services. Therefore, we are positive you will have no negative experience using it to watch German Netflix abroad.

This provider has more than 3000 servers in 94 countries and counting. Several of those servers are in the German cities of Frankfurt and Nuremberg. You simply need to connect to any of these servers to get a German-Netflix-compatible IP address. ExpressVPN servers are famous for their speed. Thus, while streaming or downloading videos on Netflix, lags will be the least of your concern.

Security is also one area in which this provider thrives. This provider uses the standard AES 256-bit encryption model. In addition, it has its proprietary security protocol known as Lightway. In fact, Lightway even helps improve your browsing and streaming speed while watching German shows on German Netflix. In addition, you will find a Network kill switch, Private DNS options, and Trusted Server Technology on the platform.

ExpressVPN is compatible with various operating systems. It allows you to download and install the service on 5 devices simultaneously. You can watch German Netflix and carry out other tasks on your other devices at the same time.

Cheapest Option

NordVPN

Overall score: 9.6

• Incredibly fast servers
• Great security features
• Verified no-logs policy
• Unblocks streaming platforms

Try NordVPN

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

The next provider we bring you is the renowned NordVPN. It comes a close second to ExpressVPN, providing impeccable VPN services all around. We are confident that you will have a hassle-free experience while using NordVPN to watch German Netflix from any location.

This provider has about 5500 servers, with over 200 in Berlin and Frankfurt. Once you connect to any of the servers in these two locations, you will be able to unlock Netflix Germany. Thus, you can keep up with shows such as Tribes of Europa, Dogs of Berlin, Isi & Ossi, amongst others.

One other thing NordVPN gives you is impeccable speed. So whether you choose to download or watch the video content on Netflix directly, you will not get to suffer speed lags. In addition, there will be no interference with third-party elements. Finally, the provider’s strong encryption technology makes sure that you don’t get to struggle with elements looking to breach your privacy and steal your data.

NordVPN allows you to download and install an account on six devices simultaneously. Apart from German Netflix, you can access German-exclusive content on Hulu, Vudu, Zatto, ZDF, and YouTube. You will not experience any discrepancy in service on any of your connected devices. In any case, if you run into challenges, you can always reach out to the VPN’s customer care system to have it sorted.

Best for connecting multiple devices

Surfshark

Overall score: 9.5

• Allows unlimited simultaneous connections
• Integrates Stealth mode
• Multihop feature available
• 3,000+ servers

Visit Surfshark

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

Surfshark is another excellent VPN service provider for Germany and German Netflix. It combines affordability with excellent service delivery. At the moment, its 24-month plan goes for as low as $2.49. This saves you 81% in cost while giving you top-tier service at the same time.

This provider is relatively new. Thus, you would expect that it wouldn’t have the quality of features the other VPN services come with. That is not so. At the moment, Surfshark has over 3000 servers, with a number of them in Germany. You get a seamless connection process when you use the service.

In addition, Surfshark gives you cutting-edge speed. Streaming or downloading content will not be interrupted by lags. In addition, this provider does not have data or bandwidth limits. So you can watch Dogs of Berlin, How To Be Really Bad, and other German Netflix shows without interruptions. In addition, Surshark places no limits on the number of devices you can connect with just one plan. This is way ahead of what other VPN providers allow.

This provider’s apps are built with customer satisfaction in mind. Thus, you can download and install a Surfshark app within minutes. More so, there is a customer response system if you experience any challenges while integrating Sufshark’s service with your Netflix Germany use. Awesome security and privacy features wrap up the incredible offerings you get from this service.

Best VPN with a Free Version

ProtonVPN

Overall score: 9.0

• Free version available
• Strong security features
• Reliable no-logs policy
• Allows Perfect Forward Secrecy

Visit ProtonVPN

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

This is the only VPN service on this list that offers a totally free service. While the free plan is relatively good, it isn’t a good option for streaming. Particularly, you cannot depend on it to get around the blocks on German Netflix. Instead, subscribe to any of its affordable paid options to enjoy an uninterrupted experience on Netflix Germany.

ProtonVPN is a mid-tier VPN provider. It does not boast of the firepower the other VPN services on this list have. However, the essentials that it has work just fine. Thus, you get access to 1600 servers in 60+ locations on this service. Thankfully, Germany is one such location. The provider is no stranger to unblocking restricted content. It even states on its website that it can unblock content on Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, etc. You can rest assured that you will get your money’s worth.

One other thing to know: ProtonVPN takes the security of its users seriously. It uses the standard AES 256-bit encryption technology and the OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard protocols. In addition, it has a kill switch that is always on and DNS leak prevention mechanisms.

ProtonVPN is easy to set up and use. As we mentioned earlier, its pricing options are affordable – cheaper than what most providers offer. You can download, install and run an account on 10 devices at the same time. You can test out the free version to get a sense of the provider. You will, however, be unable to access Netflix Germany.

Offers the best money-back guarantee

CyberGhost

Overall score: 8.8

• 45-day money-back guarantee
• 7,000+ reliable servers
• Strict no-log policy
• Tough security features

Visit CyberGhost

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

The last VPN service we recommend using for watching German Netflix abroad is CyberGhost. This provider is an oldie that many users love. It has a simple interface but contains all of the essential features you need to bypass geo-restrictions on platforms like Netflix.

CyberGhost’s unblocking capabilities are legendary. This is, no doubt, helped by its server strength. This provider has over 6800 servers, with several in Germany. You just need to connect to any of them to get a German IP address. Coupled with the available encryption technology, Netflix will be unaware of your true location. In addition, the provider supports peer-to-peer file sharing and has no data or bandwidth cap. These are important if you are looking to stream Into the Boat or Dogs of Berlin on Netflix Germany.

The provider also fends off attacks while you use its service. CyberGhost uses the standard AES 256-bit encryption to secure its users. It supports excellent VPN protocols, including OpenVPN. The provider also maintains a solid no-log policy. It runs periodic transparency checks and reveals its findings to users. The results show that it does not retain or share users’ data.

Do not worry; you will be able to try out this service for free before paying for a plan. CyberGhost gives you a 7-day totally free trial period. When that expires, you can decide to use its money-back guarantee window to maximize your experience.

Factors to Consider While Choosing a VPN to Watch German Netflix Abroad

VPNs are a dime a dozen in the market. However, some are more suited for certain functions. Here are the factors to consider when choosing a VPN for watching German Netflix anywhere.

Available German Servers

You need a functional German IP address to be able to access German Netflix abroad. For that, you need a VPN provider that has German servers. This is the most important factor to consider. Regardless of how great a VPN provider is, if it doesn’t have German servers, then you will have to give it a pass.

Speed

This is tied to the first factor. This is because the number of German servers a provider has could affect its speed. So, always go for providers with many German servers.

Also, bear in mind that VPNs generally reduce your internet speed. However, the exceptional VPN services keep the speed interference to the minimum. Thus, you can stream your German Netflix shows even in HD with little interference. The providers we suggested above are all premium providers. You will hardly run into speed problems with them.

Unblocking Ability

Also, check out the provider’s unblocking ability. The provider should be able to get around the blocks on German Netflix. Netflix has some of the toughest restrictions. So, be sure your chosen provider actually can get past it.

Security and Privacy

Security provision is the primary job of every VPN service. Do well to ensure that your chosen provider fares well on this end too. Look out for features like the AES 256-bit encryption features, excellent security protocols, a kill switch, obfuscated servers, etc. You want to be thoroughly secure while streaming content on German Netflix.

Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch German Netflix Abroad?

In theory, yes. But the downsides far outweigh the benefits of using a free VPN to watch German Netflix abroad. Firstly, it might not even be possible to get a German IP address that works. Free VPN providers are notorious for their subpar services and features. Most have limited servers and will most likely not have servers in Germany.

In addition, Netflix has tough geo-blocks. Free providers will find it difficult to get around the restrictions. Hence, you will most likely get error messages when you try to access German Netflix from your remote location. Furthermore, the limited bandwidth capacity and data offers could also take away the fun from your streaming experience.

Finally, you could run into security challenges when you use free services. Most free providers are not transparent about their data logging policies. Thus, some could retain and sell your data to third parties. You could even introduce malware to your device by using these free services.

We strongly recommend that you use any of the premium providers discussed in this article. You can take advantage of the providers’ money-back offer to test them out before committing.

Conclusion

Netflix Germany has a collection of unique TV shows, movies, anime, documentaries, and much more. Unfortunately, all of those will be out of your reach if you are outside Germany. This review lets you in on the secret of how to watch German Netflix even if you are outside the country. Follow the steps to begin watching your favorite shows without hindrances.