How to Watch SBS On Demand abroad (outside Australia) with a VPN

If you try to watch SBS On Demand online abroad, you’ll encounter the following message:

“SBS On Demand content is only available to stream within Australia due to publishing rights.”

Fortunately, you can unblock SBS On Demand outside Australia with the help of a Virtual Private Network (VPN).

By connecting to a VPN, your device’s internet traffic is routed through the VPN’s server rather than that of your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This data is sent through an encrypted tunnel which hides your IP address and thus your location. To unblock SBS On Demand, you’ll need to connect to a server in Australia as this will give you an Australian IP address. Once connected, you’ll be able to stream SBS On Demand from anywhere in the world.

How to watch SBS On Demand (outside Australia) with a VPN

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry! We’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of using a VPN to unblock SBS On Demand.

Here’s how to watch SBS On Demand online from anywhere:

1. Sign up with a VPN that unblocks SBS On Demand. We recommend ExpressVPN. However, CyberGhost and NordVPN are two reliable, value for money alternatives.
2. Download and install the VPN app or browser extension for your device (the device from which you want to watch SBS On Demand).
3. Open the VPN app or browser extension and connect to a server in Australia. This will provide you with an Australian IP address for watching SBS On Demand abroad.
4. Go to SBS On Demand and sign up for a free account if you don’t already have one. You’ll be asked to provide your name, email address, birth year, and gender.
5. You should now be able to play videos on SBS. If you’re still encountering restrictions, try clearing your browser’s cookies.

There are many different factors to consider when choosing a VPN. These include the speed of servers, the size of the network, and the level of security on offer. We selected the best VPNs for watching SBS On Demand based on the following criteria:

• Servers in Australia that unblock SBS On Demand
• Fast and reliable connections for uninterrupted streaming
• Security features that serve to protect your online privacy
• Customer support available via live chat and email
• Beginner-friendly apps for desktop and mobile platforms
• Option to connect multiple devices simultaneously

Don’t have time to read the full article? Here’s a quick summary of the best VPNs for streaming SBS On Demand outside Australia.

Best VPNs for SBS On Demand:

1. ExpressVPN: The best VPN for watching SBS On Demand. It’s fast, reliable, and also unblocks Netflix and Disney+. Offers beginner-friendly apps and strong security.
2. CyberGhost: Best budget VPN. A network of more than 5,700 servers. Fast speeds for streaming SBS On Demand. Highly secure with encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
3. NordVPN: 250 servers in Australia for unblocking SBS On Demand. Excellent 24/7 live chat support. Security includes a strict no-logs policy and Double VPN servers.
4. IPVanish: Good speeds for streaming SBS On Demand. Up to 10 simultaneous connections and offers 24/7 support. US-based VPN service with a no-logs policy.
5. PrivateVPN: High-speed VPN. Unblocks many streaming services including SBS On Demand and Netflix. Easy-to-use desktop and mobile apps. Good live chat support.
6. Surfshark: Servers in 5 Australian cities capable of unblocking SBS On Demand. Unlimited simultaneous connections. No-logs VPN with user-friendly apps and 24/7 support.
7. Hotspot: Use it to live stream SBS, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. Offers unlimited bandwidth, 24/7 live chat support, and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

Best VPNs for watching SBS On Demand abroad

Here’s our list of the best VPNs to watch SBS On Demand abroad, outside Australia:

ExpressVPN is your best bet for uninterrupted streaming of SBS online. This VPN has a network of over 3,000 servers which are spread across 94 countries. Additionally, ExpressVPN has long been one of the fastest VPNs on the market, offering unlimited bandwidth and allowing you to stream without lag or buffering. In fact, Aside from SBS On Demand, you’ll be able to unblock Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more.

You’re unlikely to have too many issues using ExpressVPN thanks to the user-friendly design of its apps and browser extensions. However, 24/7 live chat support is on-hand should you need it. Security-wise, this VPN offers all of the essentials including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, and a kill switch. Furthermore, ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users which means you can browse the web with complete peace of mind.

ExpressVPN offers apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. There’s also firmware for routers as well as browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

Pros:

• Very fast speeds for streaming SBS On Demand
• Server presence in 94 countries
• Unblocks many streaming services including Netflix and Disney+
• Beginner-friendly apps and browser extensions
• Fast and efficient customer support via live chat (available 24/7)
• Highly secure service thanks to its use of encryption

Cons:

• Pricier than the other VPNs on this list

BEST VPN FOR SBS ON DEMAND:ExpressVPN is our #1 recommendation Servers in 94 countries, including Australia. Very fast speeds for streaming SBS On Demand, Netflix, and Disney+. Offers 24/7 support and well-designed apps. Secure with encryption. The 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try ExpressVPN risk-free.

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CyberGhost offers nearly 100 servers in Australia which are located in the cities of Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney. This is one of the larger VPNs around with a network consisting of more than 5,500 servers globally. As such, you can use it to unblock content around the world, including streaming services such as SBS On Demand and Netflix US. CyberGhost is very fast and doesn’t impose any limits on your bandwidth, making it ideal for streaming and torrenting.

With a single CyberGhost account, you can secure up to seven devices simultaneously. What’s more, there are several useful features such as an ad-blocker and the option to force websites to use HTTPS. This is a no-logs VPN service that safeguards your privacy using 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. CyberGhost also offers its own independently operated NoSpy servers for even greater online anonymity.

You can use CyberGhost via the apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire Stick. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Manual setup is required for use with Linux and routers.

Pros:

• 100 servers in Australia for unblocking SBS On Demand
• A huge network of more than 5,500 servers across 90 countries
• Very fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth for streaming
• Lets you secure up to seven devices at once
• Very strong security with a strict no-logs policy

Cons:

• Doesn’t work in China or the UAE

BEST BUDGET VPN:CyberGhost offers over 5,500 servers worldwide, 100 of which are in Australia. Very fast servers for streaming SBS On Demand and Netflix US. Lets you connect up to seven devices simultaneously. Highly secure VPN with a strict no-logs policy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

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NordVPN has more servers in Australia than most VPNs. It offers over 250 Australian servers which are located across five cities. This means you’ll easily find a fast server for streaming SBS On Demand, lag and buffer-free. You can also unblock Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and more, thanks to the many US servers offered. Overall, NordVPN has approximately 5,200 servers in 59 countries. It lets you connect up to six devices simultaneously.

This VPN offers particularly helpful customer support which you can contact 24/7 via live chat. Its apps are beginner-friendly and make it easy to connect to a server or adjust your various preferences. NordVPN is headquartered in Panama where there are no mandatory data retention laws. Aside from a strict no-logs policy, it offers 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. You can even use servers optimized for extra privacy such as Double VPN and Onion Over VPN.

If you choose NordVPN, you’ll have access to the apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Android TV. You’ll also find Chrome and Firefox browser extensions though Linux and routers require manual installation.

Pros:

• Over 250 servers in Australia for watching SBS On Demand abroad
• Excellent at unblocking – works with Netflix, Hulu, and more
• Very good customer support available 24/7 via live chat
• Variety of easy-to-use apps and browser extensions
• Security features include no-logs policy and Double VPN servers

Cons:

• Not as fast as some of its rivals (ExpressVPN, CyberGhost)

250 SERVERS IN AUSTRALIA:NordVPN makes it easy to unblock SBS On Demand with 250 Australian servers. It also works with Netflix and Hulu. Lots of security features including a no-logs policy and Double VPN servers for even greater privacy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

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IPVanish lets you have up to 10 simultaneous connections and offers servers in dozens of countries worldwide, Australia included. This VPN provides unlimited bandwidth and states that it will never throttle your connection. This is particularly welcome news for anyone looking to stream SBS On Demand, although you’ll also be able to use platforms like Netflix US.

Another reason to consider IPVanish is that it offers 24/7 live chat support, allowing you to solve issues quickly and easily. The security offering is also impressive; this is one of the few VPNs that owns its servers, rather than renting them, reducing the risk of third party interference and data becoming compromised. Furthermore, IPVanish offers 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and protection against DNS leaks.

IPVanish apps can be downloaded for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. While there are no apps for Linux or routers, these can be configured manually.

Pros:

• Good speeds and unlimited bandwidth for streaming
• Works with SBS On Demand and Netflix US
• Allows up to 10 simultaneous connections
• Owns its servers, reducing the risk of third party interference
• Protects your privacy through its no-logs policy

Cons:

• Doesn’t offer the option to pay in Bitcoin/cryptocurrency
• No browser extensions available

CONNECT 10 DEVICES SIMULTANEOUSLY:IPVanish works with SBS On Demand and Netflix US. Unlimited bandwidth for stress-free streaming and torrenting. 24/7 support and strong security features including a no-logs policy and encryption. 7-day money-back guarantee.

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PrivateVPN has high-speed servers which are perfect for streaming as well as torrenting. Its Australian servers are located in Melbourne and Sydney. A network of servers across 60 countries means you can unblock websites and services from all around the world. When it comes to streaming services, PrivateVPN works well with SBS On Demand, Netflix, and Disney+, all without the frustrations of buffering and lag.

This is a smaller VPN service that offers live chat support through which you can speak with the developers directly. The desktop and mobile apps keep things simple. As such, you can connect to a server or adjust your settings in seconds. It’s possible to secure all of your devices thanks to the fact that PrivateVPN allows up to six simultaneous connections per account. In terms of protecting your privacy, PrivateVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch. You’re also protected from DNS leaks while a no-logs policy ensures your data stays private.

Unblock SBS On Demand outside Australia via PrivateVPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Manual installation is required for use with Linux and routers.

Pros:

• High-speed servers ideal for streaming and torrenting
• Unblocks SBS On Demand, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video
• Simple desktop and mobile apps
• Connect up to six devices simultaneously
• Protects you with encryption and a no-logs policy

Cons:

• Only offers around 100 servers
• Live chat support isn’t available 24/7

EXCELLENT AT UNBLOCKING:PrivateVPN unblocks many streaming services including SBS On Demand, Netflix, Disney+, and HBO. Very fast speeds mean no buffering or lag. Beginner-friendly apps and encryption that protects your privacy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Surfshark stands out from many of its rivals by letting you have an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. What’s more, it has servers in five Australian cities: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. This VPN’s growing network consists of just over 1,000 servers in 61 countries. Server speeds are good for streaming while Surfshark is also excellent at unblocking. Aside from SBS On Demand, it also works with the likes of Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.

This VPN is very easy for beginners to use. The apps have a simple layout with servers divided by region and country as well as whether they are physical, virtual, optimized for P2P, or “MultiHop” (Double VPN). 24/7 live chat support is included, and your security is taken seriously. This is evidenced by Surfshark’s strict no-logs policy and use of 256-bit AES encryption. There’s also protection from DNS leaks, a kill switch, and a “CleanWeb” feature which blocks ads, trackers, and malware.

Surfshark offers apps for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. There’s also an app for Amazon Fire TV and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Manual configuration is required for use with routers.

Pros:

• Connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously
• Unblock SBS On Demand, Stan, Netflix, and more
• Extremely user-friendly apps and browser extensions
• Strong all-round security including an ad and malware blocker

Cons:

• Not the largest of server networks
• Some servers can be a little slow

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY VPN:Surfshark offers easy-to-use apps and browser extensions. Servers in five Australian cities for SBS On Demand. Lets you connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. Strict no-logs VPN with live chat support, 24/7. 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Hotspot Shield allows you to watch SBS On Demand from anywhere thanks to its servers in Australia. Better still, the network of more than 3,000 servers across 70 countries means you can unblock content from all around the world. This includes popular streaming services such as Amazon Prime Video and BBC iPlayer. Indeed, Hotspot Shield is particularly suitable for streaming as well as torrenting with the service offering unlimited bandwidth.

With Hotspot Shield, you can connect to a server in just one click. This ease of use combined with the 24/7 live chat support makes it a beginner-friendly VPN. A 45-day money-back guarantee provides plenty of time to try the service out for yourself, risk-free. You can do so without fear of your data becoming compromised, thanks to the 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and kill switch security features.

You can secure your devices via the Hotspot Shield apps for desktop (Windows and Mac), mobile (Android and iOS), and the browser extension for Chrome. No support is offered for Linux or routers.

Pros:

• Works with SBS On Demand, Amazon Prime, and BBC iPlayer
• Quick and easy to use – connect to a server with one click
• Very generous 45-day money-back guarantee
• Keeps your data secure with encryption

Cons:

• No support for Linux or routers
• Privacy policy could be clearer

UNLIMITED BANDWIDTH:Hotspot Shield is a great choice for streaming SBS On Demand thanks to its offer of unlimited bandwidth. Quick and easy to connect to a server via user-friendly apps. Uses encryption and provides 24/7 support via live chat. 45-day money-back guarantee.

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Can I use a free VPN to watch SBS On Demand?

There are a couple of problems with using free VPNs for streaming. The first is that the average free VPN has only a small network of servers. This may make it difficult to find a server in the location required to unblock particular websites or services. Second, free VPNs attract a lot of users which makes for heavy server load. Free VPNs often throttle your bandwidth in an attempt to manage this, resulting in lag and buffering when streaming the likes of SBS On Demand, Netflix, and Disney+.

Aside from performance issues, free VPNs tend to be very light on features. You often won’t be able to connect multiple devices simultaneously while live chat support is also very rare. However, more critical omissions are in the area of security. Some free VPNs don’t encrypt your data or use a kill switch to protect you from data leaks. It’s also important to consider how a free VPN makes its money. You may find yourself bombarded with spam or, even worse, have your data logged and sold to third parties.

What can I watch on SBS On Demand?

SBS On Demand offers a variety of TV shows and movies as well as live streams of its various channels including SBS, Viceland, and SBS World Movies. You can also find coverage of select NBA games.