How to stream National Geographic online from abroad

When traveling overseas, even if just for a short vacation, some of your usual websites and services will get geo-blocked. This is particularly common with streaming platforms whose content is subject to copyright and licensing restrictions. National Geographic is no exception. If you want to be able to stream it online from abroad, then use a VPN service to bypass the geographic restrictions. We’ll explain how to do this below.

A VPN is a service that spoofs your device’s location. This is achieved by encrypting your internet connection and routing it through a VPN server before it reaches its destination (in this case, the National Geographic streaming platform). In doing so, it hides your original IP address and provides you with a new, temporary one. This makes it look as if you’re streaming from another location. As such, you can use a VPN to unblock and stream National Geographic from anywhere.

In this article, we’ll take a look at how to stream National Geographic from anywgere, and the best VPNs for the job. Don’t have time to read the reviews? Take advantage of our at-a-glance summaries of each VPN and its unique benefits:

1. NordVPN: Best VPN for National Geographic. Nearly 2,000 US servers. Also works with Netflix and Prime Video. Audited no-logs policy and Onion Over VPN servers.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN for National Geographic. Servers in 25 US cities. Stream National Geographic and 30+ Netflix libraries. Unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. ExpressVPN: Unlimited bandwidth for lag-free streaming of National Geographic. Connect 8 devices at once. Secure service which doesn’t keep any identifying logs.
4. CyberGhost: Vast network of 9,000+ servers (1,400+ in the USA). Good speeds for streaming National Geographic and Netflix US. Strict no-logs policy and 24/7 support.
5. IPVanish: One of the fastest VPNs around. Works with National Geographic and Netflix US. Roughly 1,400 USA servers. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections.
6. PrivateVPN: Unblock National Geographic, Disney+, and HBO Max. Good server speeds and strong privacy protection. User-friendly apps and free remote installation.

How to stream National Geographic from anywhere with a VPN

Even if this is your first time using a VPN, signup and setup couldn’t be easier. In fact, you could be watching National Geographic online from overseas in just a few minutes.

Here’s how you can use a VPN to watch National Geographic online from abroad:

1. To get started, you’ll need to sign up with one of the best VPNs for National Geographic as listed in this post. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install the VPN app that’s compatible with your device. All major VPNs have desktop (Windows and Mac) and mobile (Android and iOS) apps.
3. Open the VPN app and log in if prompted. You’ll now be able to connect to a server in the US. This is how you get a US IP address to stream National Geographic abroad.
4. Visit the National Geographic streaming platform or download one of its official apps. Select the content you want to watch. It should play without restriction.
5. If content is still blocked, clearing your cookies may well do the trick. Another option is switching servers. Failing this, try contacting your VPN’s support for further assistance.

How do we go about choosing the best VPNs for streaming National Geographic from abroad? We cover our methodology in greater detail further below, but here’s a brief overview of some of the key features we look for:

• Servers in the US for unblocking National Geographic
• Unlimited bandwidth for uninterrupted streaming
• Secure with military-grade encryption and leak protection
• Absolutely no identifying logs of users
• Live chat and email support around the clock
• Multiple simultaneous connections (at least six)

The best National Geographic VPNs

Here’s our list of the best National Geographic VPNs:

1. NordVPN

May 2024 works with National GeographicTested May 2024

NordVPN is your best bet for streaming National Geographic online from abroad. It stands out for having nearly 2,000 servers in the US alone. Not only can you use this VPN with National Geographic, you’ll also be able to securely access Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and more. Just as important as unblocking ability is speed, and NordVPN doesn’t let you down here either. You can expect very fast speeds coupled with unlimited bandwidth.

A NordVPN subscription includes access to 24-hour live chat support. You can also use it to connect to specialty servers including P2P, Double VPN, and Onion Over VPN. It allows up to six simultaneous connections at the same time. Security is made up of military-grade encryption, protection from DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a kill switch feature. NordVPN’s no-logs policy, its apps, and proprietary protocol (NordLynx) have all been independently audited.

You can find NordVPN apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. Manual configuration even allows you to use NordVPN with compatible wireless routers and secure all of your devices.

BEST VPN FOR NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC:NordVPN is our #1 pick. More than 2,000 servers located in the US. Works with National Geographic, Netflix, Disney+, and more. Very fast with no bandwidth throttling. Independently-audited no-logs policy. NordVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it out risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

works with National GeographicTested May 2024

Surfshark provides more than 3,000 servers across 100 countries. This of course includes the US where it has more than 600 servers in 25 cities such as New York and San Francisco. We were able to access and stream National Geographic with ease. Surfshark worked with more than 30 Netflix libraries in testing, Netflix US included. This VPN provider uses the WireGuard protocol which is known for being particularly fast — ideal for streaming.

When using the Surfshark app, your internet connection is routed through an encrypted tunnel and protected from DNS and IPv6 leaks. The kill switch prevents data from being sent unencrypted should your VPN connection drop out. You can even connect to MultiHop servers which provide two or more layers of encryption. The CleanWeb feature blocks ads, trackers, and malware. There’s no limit to the number of devices you can connect at once. It adheres to a strict no-logs policy.

Surfshark makes apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Fire TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Manual setup is required for compatible wifi routers.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark offers excellent value for money with its servers in 100 countries, including in 25 US cities. A high-speed VPN that lets you connect all of your devices simultaneously. MultiHop servers and a malware blocker included. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

works with National GeographicTested May 2024

ExpressVPN is a strong all-rounder with more than 3,000 servers in 94 countries. This makes it a particularly good option for traveling abroad, whether you want to stream National Geographic or the likes of BBC iPlayer and Stan. ExpressVPN’s proprietary protocol, Lightway, is known for being fast as well as reliable. With unlimited bandwidth, you’ll have no trouble streaming in 1080p HD or even 4K without lag or buffering.

ExpressVPN recently expanded its simultaneous connection allowance from five to eight. This should be more than enough for most people. If not, you can always use a VPN router to connect more devices. ExpressVPN boasts good customer support available 24/7 via live chat and email. 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection make up its security. It doesn’t keep identifying logs of users.

ExpressVPN apps can be downloaded for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and Amazon Fire TV. You can find custom firmware for quick and easy setup with routers. Last but not least, ExpressVPN has Chrome, Firefox, and Edge browser extensions.

STRONG ALL-ROUNDER:ExpressVPN servers cover 94 countries. Absolutely no bandwidth throttling. Works with National Geographic, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and more. Secure 8 devices at the same time. Doesn’t keep identifying logs of users. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

works with National GeographicTested May 2024

CyberGhost has more servers than any other VPN provider on this list. You can choose from over 9,000 servers in over 90 countries. When it comes to US-based servers for streaming National Geographic, CyberGhost provides some 1,400 in close to a dozen cities. We’ve found it also works well with Netflix US and many others. CyberGhost provides not only high-speed connections, but unlimited bandwidth.

This highly secure VPN service uses high-end encryption and protects you from DNS leaks. An automatic kill switch cuts your internet traffic should the VPN connection drop. This prevents data from being exposed to hackers and snoopers. CyberGhost operates a strict no-logs policy, ensuring you can stay anonymous online. If you need any help, you can contact CyberGhost via live chat and email. Support is available around the clock.

Secure up to seven devices at once with CyberGhost’s apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Using it with home wifi routers requires manual configuration.

1,400+ US SERVERS:CyberGhost has far more US servers than most VPNs. This makes it easy to access National Geographic or even Netflix US. Unlimited bandwidth for lag-free streaming. Up to seven simultaneous connections and a no-logs policy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

works with National GeographicTested May 2024

IPVanish is one of the fastest VPNs for streaming. The WireGuard protocol and unlimited bandwidth allow you to stream National Geographic as well as Netflix US without lag. You’ll get some 2,000 servers to choose from. Better still, over 1,400 of these servers are located in the US across approximately 20 cities such as Dallas, Los Angeles, and Miami. There’s no shortage of options.

With just one IPVanish account, you can secure all of your devices simultaneously. IPV adheres to a zero-logs policy and provides encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch to keep you safe online. IPVanish is unique in that it owns and operates all of its servers, reducing the risk of any third-party interference. It’s quick and easy to set up IPVanish and connect to a server, but live chat support is available 24/7 should you require assistance.

To connect to an IPVanish server, you’ll need to download and install an app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, or Fire TV. You can use IPVanish with Linux and compatible wireless routers, but they require manual setup.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish is particularly fast and works with both National Geographic and Netflix US. 1,400+ US servers in 20 US cities. Zero-logs VPN service with 24-hour support and unlimited connections allowed. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

works with National GeographicTested May 2024

PrivateVPN has a smaller network of about 200 servers scattered across more than 60 countries. You can find servers in a dozen US cities suitable for streaming National Geographic. It’s a very strong unblocker of streaming services and works with everything from Disney+ to HBO Max. You won’t encounter any bandwidth throttling.

PrivateVPN makes very beginner-friendly apps. You get access to live chat and email support, as well as free remote help and installation. PrivateVPN’s email support is far faster than many other VPNs we’ve tested. It protects your privacy with its strict no-logs policy. It accepts payment in bitcoin. Security consists of strong encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.

PrivateVPN apps are available for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Fire TV. The website posts manual setup instructions for Linux and routers.

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY:PrivateVPN offers servers in a dozen US cities. It works with many popular streaming platforms, National Geographic included. Very easy to use desktop and mobile apps. No-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for streaming National Geographic abroad

The ability to unblock National Geographic isn’t the only feature we looked for in a VPN. There are many more VPNs not included in this post that tick this particular box. It’s also very important to consider speed, security, and so on. Below, we further explain our methodology for finding the best VPNs for streaming National Geographic:

• Servers in the US: Most VPNs offer servers in the US and this is of course essential in order to unblock National Geographic. We found those VPNs with servers across many different US cities. Another commonality is that each VPN has servers in dozens of countries worldwide for accessing even more geo-restricted content.
• Speed: Some VPNs offer very few servers and may even engage in bandwidth throttling. We found the fastest VPNs by testing them on the fastest available protocols such as WireGuard. This ensures streams don’t stop to buffer.
• Security: Browsing the web does come with some security risks, particularly if you connect to public wifi networks when traveling abroad. A VPN should, at a minimum, offer encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch. Many of the VPNs listed above offer extras, such as Double VPN servers or a malware blocker.
• Privacy: Some VPNs keep logs that are shared or sold to third parties. We’ve studied over 140 VPN logging policies to separate those VPNs that take your privacy seriously from those that don’t. Many of those included in this post accept payment in bitcoin which, if used with a mixing service, allows for anonymous payment.
• Ease of use: A VPN should be quick and easy to download and install. Once logged in, you’ll likely be able to connect to the best (fastest) available server in just one click. We also look for VPNs that provide 24-hour support via live chat and email. All of the VPNs we’ve recommended provide extras including setup and troubleshooting guides.
• Value for money: Last but not least, a VPN needn’t break the bank. We listed discount coupons in this post and all of the VPNs come with risk-free money-back guarantees of at least 30 days.

Our VPN testing methodology post goes into even greater detail on how we analyze VPNs.

Stream National Geographic abroad: FAQs