NBC is a very popular channel, but its online content can only be viewed from within the US. this can be frustrating when you go abroad and find you can’t keep up with your favorite shows and content. There is a workaround, however. If you’d like to watch from Australia, the UK, or anywhere else overseas (outside the US), a Virtual Private Network (VPN) will allow you to do so.

VPNs work by routing your network traffic through remote servers, allowing you to choose where sites believe you’re located. For example, using an American server with gain you a US IP address and help you regain access to US-based streaming platforms, including NBC, US Netflix, NBC Sports, and HBO as you travel. In contrast, attempting to watch NBC without using a VPN will return one of two errors: “Live stream unavailable in your area” or “This content is not available in your location.”

In this article, we’ll outline the best VPNs to help you access NBC from anywhere, plus how to use them. We give you more detailed reviews of each of them below, but if you only have time for a summary, below are our top picks.

Best VPNs for watching NBC abroad:

  • NordVPN: This is our top choice VPN for NBC. Has a multitude of high-speed servers for reliable connections and decent speeds. Accesses NBC and more, plus it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Our favorite budget choice VPN that’s great for NBC and similar platforms. Provides decent speeds, a no-logs policy, a wide range of security features, and unlimited device connections.
  • ExpressVPN: Hosts fast servers throughout the US that are great for streaming. Securely access NBC from anywhere, along with most other popular streaming shows.
  • CyberGhost: Great value provider with some of the fastest streaming servers we’ve tested. Easy-to-use apps are good for VPN novices.
  • IPVanish: Look no further if you are a Kodi user. Reliable connections for streaming. Unlimited simultaneous connections.
  • PrivateVPN: Newest provider on this list, with a growing network of servers. Good streaming speeds.
  • Private Internet Access: Servers in over 80 locations, great security credentials, and WireGuard support for superfast streaming.

How to watch NBC online abroad (without cable)

Setting up a VPN so you can stream NBC online from anywhere is a simple process. Follow the steps below, and you’ll be streaming NBC from abroad in a matter of minutes.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

Here’s how to watch NBC online from anywhere with a VPN:

  • Sign up for the VPN you’d like to use. We recommend NordVPN.
  • Download the VPN software, making sure to get the right version for your device’s operating system.
  • Connect to one of your VPN’s American servers, this will give you the US IP address you need to bypass NBC’s geographic restrictions.
  • Visit the NBC website to watch on-demand content, or log into one of your streaming services (outlined later in the article) to watch live programming.
  • Try playing a video. Any error messages should disappear, and the content should load almost immediately. If not, try clearing your cookies and reloading the page.
  • If you’re still having problems contact your VPN’s customer service team.

The Best VPNs for NBC – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for NBC.

The Best VPNs for NBC

The problem is that there are hundreds of VPN services available, and not all of them are suitable for streaming HD content. To find the best VPNs for watching NBC, we looked for services that met the following criteria:

  • Numerous servers in the US
  • Consistent connections and high speeds
  • Capable of securely accessing a wide range of streaming services, including NBC
  • Strong encryption and additional security features
  • Minimal logging, or preferably, no logging at all

This is just an overview, but you can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend further on in this article. For now, let’s take a closer look at the VPNs that made the list.

Here is our list of the best VPNs for watching NBC from abroad:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top VPN for watching NBC from anywhere outside the US. It’s a popular choice for streaming thanks to its extensive server network and high speeds. It beat out all other VPNs in our most recent speed tests, all of its servers are optimized for HD streaming, and it can securely access many popular services, including NBC, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and HBO.

This VPN doesn’t log any of your information and comes with an application-specific kill switch to keep you safe should your connection drop. It has DNS leak protection, anti-malware, and ad-blocking features built in. Plus, its 256-bit military-grade encryption is considered effectively uncrackable. Up to six connections are permitted per account so you can protect all of your devices at once, and a knowledgeable customer service team is available 24/7, should you require them.

This VPN offers Android, iOS, macOS, and Windows apps. Selected routers and Linux-based systems like the Raspberry Pi are also supported with manual installation required.

BEST VPN FOR NBC:NordVPN is our top choice. It boasts blazing speeds and is a great all-rounder that performs well with NBC while abroad. Strong security features and allows up to 6 devices to be used simultaneously from one account. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free deal.

Pros:

  • Over 1,900 servers in the US can access just about anything
  • Incredible speeds to stream HD content without interruptions
  • Works with most major streaming services
  • Default security settings and privacy considerations are above standard
  • Personal data is protected as it keeps no logs
  • 24/7 live customer support

Cons:

  • Can only choose to connect to a location, not a server

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

This service protects your privacy with cutting-edge security features. For instance, there’s IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leak protection, 256-bit AES encryption, and a kill switch (in all versions of the app). Users can also let certain apps bypass the VPN entirely or beat country-wide internet restrictions using the NoBorders feature. While you can pay in three different cryptocurrencies, this is optional as Surfshark doesn’t log any data that could identify you. This service is very user-friendly, but 24/7 support is available via live chat, just in case.

Surfshark apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. This service can also be manually configured for use with your network router.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark allows you to protect all of your devices at once, plus it boasts strong security features and excellent streaming potential. As such, you’re free to stream NBC wherever you are without worrying about your privacy. A 30-day money-back guarantee is also included.

  • Fast enough for lag-free streaming

  • Connect as many devices as you like simultaneously

  • Strong security and privacy protections

  • Great for streaming

  • 24/7 customer support

  • Some servers are slower than others

Read our full review of Surfshark here.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

This service uses 256-bit encryption with perfect forward secrecy and provides DNS leak protection to ensure your browsing history remains secure. If your connection to the VPN is lost, ExpressVPN’s kill switch will activate, preventing you from browsing without protection. As this service keeps no logs, accepts bitcoin payments, and has a second, Tor-accessible site, it’s ideal for those who put privacy first.

ExpressVPN has apps for macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. Some wireless routers are also supported for manual configuration.

  • Limited advanced features in apps for power-users
  • Slightly more expensive than other providers on this list

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost is a beginner-friendly provider that makes staying safe online as simple as possible. While you can choose a specific server, you can also choose one suited to a specific task like torrenting safely, unblocking specific sites, or staying anonymous online. With a whopping 9000+ servers, including more than 1450 in the US, and a dedicated option for accessing NBC, CyberGhost is an obvious choice.

While this service is easy for novices to use, it also comes with several options for advanced users. These include a kill switch, forced HTTPS, an ad-blocker, and anti-malware features. With 256-bit encryption, no logs of your activities, and protection against port forwarding, IPv6, and DNS leaks, CyberGhost keeps your browsing habits private at all times.

This provider has dedicated apps for macOS, Windows, Android, and iOS. Manual configuration is needed for Linux-based systems and supported network routers.

VAST SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost has over 1450 US servers. It’s beginner friendly, easy to use, and performs well. Good for streaming NBC as well as other popular streaming sites. huge but can struggle with other services. Comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Operates over 1450 servers in various cities within the US

  • Some of the fastest streaming servers we’ve tested

  • Strong security, encryption, and privacy protocols

  • Apps are easy to install and use

  • Comes with a generous 45-day money-back guarantee

  • Doesn’t work in China or the UAE

  • Is more suited to beginners than power users

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish has a vast, self-owned network of 2000+ servers spread across the world. There are more than 1300 servers in North America, and as IPVanish provides fast speeds, you’ll be able to watch NBC’s content without any lag or noticeable buffering. IPVanish can also access numerous other streaming services, including CW TV, HBO, and PBS.

IPVanish doesn’t keep logs of your activities and comes with several additional security features like LAN traffic blocking, a kill switch, OpenVPN obfuscation, and periodic IP address switching. Given that unlimited connections are allowed, this service is great for protecting all the most commonly used devices in your family.

NO DEVICE LIMIT:IPVanish has a large network of servers and handles multiple internet connections well. Easy to use and preferred by users who need high standards of privacy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Has around 1300 North American servers

  • Impressive speeds and reliable connections

  • Works well with Kodi add-ons for remote control users

  • Top-notch security and privacy considerations

  • Look elsewhere if you need to use apps in China

  • No true live chat support

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN has a smaller network of servers with only ten US servers, however, it provides internet connections that are fast enough to stream HD video without any issues. It can securely access popular services like Netflix, NBC, Hulu, and of course, NBC. With up to ten connections allowed at once, you can watch from whichever device you prefer.

This service keeps no logs and protects your traffic with 256-bit encryption. There’s protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, as well as an optional kill switch. PrivateVPN offers 24/7 live customer support, and its staff can remotely connect to your device to help fix any issues.

PrivateVPN offers dedicated Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS apps. It can be manually installed on Linux systems and a selection of wireless routers.

GREAT FOR SPEED:PrivateVPN is consistently reliable. Good for unblocking NBC and using as a general streaming VPN. Speeds were surprisingly good at this end of the market. Could do with having more servers and 24/7 support. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Servers in 9 US cities achieve good streaming speeds

  • Strong streaming abilities

  • Swedish-based provider with a strict no-logs policy

  • A small number of servers to choose from

  • Support staff are good, but only operate during European business hours

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Private Internet Access

Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access and NBC are an ideal match for each other. PIA’s vast server network includes servers in over 80 locations. Its 50 servers in 50 states initiative, which covers the entires US region, provides users with plenty of options to find a fast and reliable connection. In addition, it is one of the few providers that can access the geo-restricted content on Netflix US as well as NBC.

This provider doesn’t keep logs and offers high levels of security and privacy, with features like DNS leak protection and an automatic kill switch. You can use PIA on up to ten devices simultaneously, and each plan includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Private Internet Access offers apps for all popular platforms, such as Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS, as well as detailed manual setup instructions for Linux, routers, and more.

WIREGUARD SUPPORT:Private Internet Access offers robust security, customizable encryption, and supports up to ten devices simultaneously. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free trial.

  • Doesn’t collect logs

  • Apps include a kill switch and adjustable encryption setting

  • 10 simultaneous device limit

  • Struggles with some streaming services

  • Based in a Five Eyes country

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

NBC VPN testing methodology

A quick search online reveals that there are a multitude of VPN services to pick from. Unfortunately, many VPNs provide inferior services with slow servers and poor privacy and security protections, so it can be tricky to choose a service that performs to standard.

At Comparitech, we make it our mission to test as many market-leading VPN services as possible using a scientific VPN testing methodology. Our process allows us to distinguish between VPNs to recommend providers suitable for specific purposes and take the guess work out of the choice for you.

Below, we have included some of the features we looked for when recommending VPNs for NBC:

Can I use a free VPN to watch NBC?

Free VPNs can be an appealing prospect, but we recommend avoiding them for several reasons. First and foremost, free VPNs often lack the network infrastructure required to deal with high numbers of users. This means you’re more likely to experience random disconnections or stuttering, low-resolution video, especially around peak times.

You might ask yourself how free VPNs can afford to stay in business. Because they can’t charge you directly, they’ve had to find other ways to generate income. These methods range from injecting ads into the sites you visit, tracking your activities after disconnection, and selling the details to third parties without your knowledge.

In some cases, free VPNs actually make your system less secure. Some install malware, some don’t encrypt your data at all, and we’ve even seen free VPNs sell their users’ bandwidth to be used with botnets. To keep your data safe, we recommend using a reputable VPN service with a track record of protecting users’ privacy.

How to watch NBC live without cable

You might have noticed that while your VPN allows you to watch on-demand content, the NBC live stream is still unavailable in your area. This is because NBC requires users to sign in with their US cable provider’s details before granting access to live-streamed content. Is there a way to bypass this?

The answer is yes and no. A cable subscription is mandatory on the NBC website for live streams, so you can’t watch the stream there. However, there are several streaming services that include NBC and cost less than a regular cable subscription. Many of these services offer free trial periods too, so if you only want to watch NBC live occasionally, you don’t have to pay a cent.

  • Sling TV – $25 per month; offers a seven-day trial.
  • Hulu – $39.99 per month; offers a seven-day trial.
  • YouTube TV – $40 per month; offers a seven-day trial. On-demand only in certain areas.
  • Fubo TV – $19.99 for the first month, $44.99 thereafter; offers a seven-day trial.

It should be noted that while DIRECTV is commonly recommended, its channel list says that “To get a local or regional sports network, your billing address must match a local market, and your device must be in that location.” This effectively rules it out as an option for viewers overseas.

A VPN changes your IP address when you connect, though, which tricks NBC into thinking you’re wherever your chosen server is. In other words, by connecting to an American server, you can stream NBC from anywhere in the world. As an added bonus, your traffic will be encrypted, which means that it’s safe from snoopers like your ISP, employer, or government.

It could be that NBC has stored a cookie on your device that’s pointing to your true location. For this reason, it’s a good idea to clear your browser’s cookies and try again. Failing this, ask your VPN’s support team whether there’s a specific server you should be using. If not, unfortunately, your only other option might be to try a different VPN. 

Want to watch NBC without cable? Don’t panic: you can also log in with a Sling TV, fuboTV, YouTube TV, or Hulu with a Live TV account. All of these services include a free trial, so you can try them all out and see which is best for you before committing. 

As a result, paying for a standalone Smart DNS service is not a good idea in 2022. It will only provide limited unblocking capabilities without giving you the privacy and data security features you get with a VPN subscription.

Just remember that few VPNs work to access US streaming platforms like NBC. That is why you must opt for a recommended VPN to avoid disappointment. 

If you do not have a valid US payment method for some reason, it is possible to pay using a virtual US card. Various services that provide a virtual US payment method are available online. However, we have not tested any of these ourselves. 

  • Law and Order: Special Victims Unit
  • Chicago Fire
  • The Voice
  • Dateline
  • The Tonight Show
  • Good Girls