How to watch Dutch TV online abroad with a VPN

If you’re traveling outside the Netherlands, you’ll find that most Dutch streaming platforms are inaccessible due to copyright and licensing reasons. In this guide, we’ll show you how to bypass those restrictions and watch Dutch TV abroad with the help of a VPN.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) gives you privacy by concealing your IP address from the websites you visit. Instead, it gives you a different IP address in your country of choice — thus allowing you to spoof your location. For example, when you connect to a VPN server in the Netherlands, you get a Dutch IP address. This lets you stream Dutch TV from anywhere in the world. That said, there is one caveat. Not all VPNs can unblock popular Dutch TV and streaming platforms like NPO, RTL, Ketnet, Canvas, Eén, Nos, NLZiet, AT5, Videoland, and Ziggo GO. So you must pick a VPN carefully to avoid wasting your money.

In this guide, we list the best VPNs for Dutch TV and explain how to use them to unblock Dutch internet services and TV streams. Later, we’ll provide detailed reviews to help you pick between each service, but for anybody short on time, we have included a quick list below.

Best VPNs for Dutch TV:

1. NordVPN The best VPN for Dutch TV. Fast, reliable, and secure provider. More than 225 servers in the Netherlands to easily unblock Dutch services such as Eén. No-logs provider with 24/7 support and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Dutch TV.
2. Surfshark The best budget VPN. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections. Watch Dutch TV such as NPO and RTL abroad. Robust security with a strict no-logs policy. 24/7 live chat support.
3. IPVanish Use on all of your devices at once. Works with Dutch TV channels, Canvas, and Ketnet. Consistent speeds for lag-free streaming. Strong encryption to keep your data secure.
4. ExpressVPN Unblocks NPO and RTL channels. Fast and reliable connections. Highly secure with encryption. 24/7 support and user-friendly apps.
5. CyberGhost Over 10,000 servers worldwide and over 400 in the Netherlands. Unlimited bandwidth for watching NPO1. Strong security with a no-logs policy and encryption.
6. Private Internet Access Strong encryption, network kill switch, unlimited device connections, and RAM-only servers in 91+ countries.
7. PrivateVPN Works great for watching RTL 4 outside the Netherlands. Easy-to-use apps for desktop and mobile. A no-logs policy protects your privacy.

How to watch Dutch TV abroad with a VPN

Not sure how to go about using a VPN to watch Dutch TV overseas? Don’t worry! We’ll take you through the process step-by-step so you can get back to watching all your favorite content.

Here’s how to watch Dutch TV online from abroad with a VPN:

1. Start by signing up with a reputable VPN service that offers servers in the Netherlands. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download the appropriate VPN app for your device and complete the installation process.
3. Open the VPN app and connect to a server in the Netherlands. This is how you will obtain the Dutch IP address necessary for unblocking Dutch TV abroad.
4. Go to a Dutch TV platform or streaming service and select your preferred content. You should now be able to watch without any problems.
5. If you still can’t watch Dutch TV outside the Netherlands, clear your browser’s cache and cookies before refreshing the page or try a different Dutch server. Alternatively, contact your VPN’s customer service team for additional help.

How we selected the top VPNs for watching Dutch TV abroad

There are many VPNs with servers in the Netherlands, but that doesn’t mean they are all capable of consistently accessing popular Dutch streaming services. To help you out, we tested each provider for you. We were particularly interested in how they performed in the following areas:

• Network features: We started by checking that VPN providers had servers in the Netherlands capable of providing users with a Dutch IP address. We then checked which other countries they supported (the more the better). Finally, we tested them with a range of Dutch and international streaming services.
• Speed: To ensure that you can stream Dutch TV in the highest resolution possible, we prioritized those providers that did well across our three speed tests.
• Security and privacy: We evaluated each VPN against 16 unique criteria to find the ones most capable of keeping you safe online while watching Dutch TV.
• Ease of use: We don’t think VPN software should be difficult to use. With this in mind, we comprehensively assessed the overall user-friendliness of each provider using ten different metrics.
• Value for money: Evaluating each provider’s relative value requires more than just comparing subscription costs. We used eight metrics to check for everything from money-back guarantees to introductory offers.

You can read about our testing process in more detail in the methodology section below, but for now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made the grade.

The best VPNs for Dutch TV: 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 Dutch TV.

Best VPNs for Dutch TV

At Comparitech, we aim to bring you the best and most accurate VPN information on the Internet. The following reviews are based on our extensive first-hand experience.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for watching Dutch TV online from abroad:

1. NordVPN

Jun 2025

NordVPN is our number-one VPN for accessing Dutch TV from anywhere. It has over 225 servers in the Netherlands, making it a brilliant choice if you want to watch Dutch TV in the US or anywhere else abroad. In fact, with over 7,700 servers worldwide, you can also use this VPN to watch the likes of NPO2, Eén, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer.

In our speed tests for this article, NordVPN was the only provider to exceed 200 Mbps. It had an average speed of 200.64 Mbps and less than 5 Mbps of variance across the three tests. In practical terms, this makes it fast enough to stream 4K video on eight devices at the same time, at any time of day.

Another advantage of NordVPN is its comprehensive security. It follows a strict no-logs policy, and offers 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. You can also connect to different types of servers for extra security. Double VPN servers encrypt your internet traffic twice, while Tor over VPN servers route you through the Onion network and the VPN. If you have any questions, NordVPN offers 24/7 live chat support.

NordVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous device connections and has apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Android TV. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome and Firefox. This VPN can also be used with select routers, but this requires manual configuration.

BEST VPN FOR DUTCH TV:NordVPN is our number 1 VPN choice. It has over 225 servers in the Netherlands. Unlimited bandwidth for streaming. Fast servers and works with Canvas, Ketnet, RTL 4, and Netflix. No-logs service with Double VPN and obfuscation. Also offers 24/7 support. A 30-day money-back guarantee means you can try it risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review here, or watch our video review below.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark has approximately 3,200 servers spread across 100+ countries. This includes servers in the Netherlands for unblocking and watching Dutch TV abroad. It also works with international services such as Netflix, Disney Plus, and Amazon Prime Video.

Surfshark uses the lightweight WireGuard protocol by default. This helps it achieve consistently fast speeds suitable for streaming Dutch TV in the highest resolution available. In our tests for this article, it averaged an impressive 189.99 Mbps and showed just over 3 Mbps of variance across the day of testing.

All servers are P2P-friendly, and you can connect to a MultiHop (Double VPN) server should you want an extra layer of encryption. Plus, Surfshark is ideal for families as it lets you connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously.

This VPN is beginner-friendly, with easy-to-use apps and 24/7 live chat and email support. Additionally, it comes with a wealth of security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection from DNS leaks. Surfshark is headquartered in the British Virgin Islands, where it isn’t subject to mandatory data retention laws. It operates a strict no-logs policy and even blocks ads, trackers, and malware with its CleanWeb feature.

Signing up for Surfshark allows you access to its apps for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions are available for both Chrome and Firefox. Compatible routers require manual configuration.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark has a very attractive price point and unblocks NPO1 and NPO2 with ease. Reliable connections for lag-free streaming. Excellent, user-friendly apps and 24/7 live chat support. No-logs service with Double VPN servers and an ad blocker. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review here, or watch our video review below.

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3. IPVanish

IPVanish lets you connect as many devices as you like via a single account. This makes it a good choice for sharing with friends and family. It has around 2,400 servers across 100+ countries and offers around 126 servers in Amsterdam.

This VPN stands out for its high speeds, which make it ideal for streaming Dutch TV abroad. In our tests for this article, it averaged 172.69 Mbps. Though it showed a little more variance than we’d like, even its slowest speed was more than fast enough to watch NPO3 and Ketnet live without having to worry about being interrupted by buffering or lag.

When you connect to an IPVanish server, your data is secured with 256-bit AES encryption. You’re also protected from DNS leaks, while a kill switch ensures your internet traffic is cut should the VPN connection unexpectedly drop. As such, you’re protected from hackers and snoopers and can even use public Wi-Fi hotspots without concern. Last but not least, the IPVanish zero-logs policy allows you to stay anonymous while browsing the web.

IPVanish apps are available for desktop (Windows and macOS), mobile (Android and iOS), and Amazon Fire TV. Manual setup is required for use with Linux and routers.

CONSISTENT STREAMING:IPVanish is fast and has unlimited bandwidth for consistent, lag-free streaming of Dutch TV. Unblocks Canvas and Ketnet. No connection limits. Includes 24/7 support and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review here, or check out our video review below.

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4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has a network of over 3,000 servers, which are located across 105+ countries. This includes the Netherlands, where you’ll find servers in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, and The Hague.

In our tests, ExpressVPN averaged speeds of between 124.67 Mbps and 130.31 Mbps. These fast speeds, combined with unlimited bandwidth, make for stress-free streaming of Dutch TV.  

The provider works with Dutch channels, including NPO1 and RTL 4, as well as international streaming services, such as Netflix.

When you use ExpressVPN, you can secure up to eight devices at once. You’ll also have access to user-friendly apps and browser extensions, as well as 24/7 support over live chat and email.

ExpressVPN takes your security seriously and doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified or tracked. There’s 256-bit AES encryption to keep your data secure, plus a kill switch and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. You can also download custom firmware for routers and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.

STEADY SPEEDS:ExpressVPN is fast and reliable, plus it unblocks the likes of NPO1 and RTL 4. Use it on up to five devices at once. Includes 24/7 live chat support. Secure with high-end encryption and a kill switch. Has a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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5. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has approximately 10,000 servers in 100+ countries, some 400+ of which are in Amsterdam. It also maintains a list of streaming servers labeled with the platforms that they work best with — such as Netflix NL. Servers are also available for Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and more.

Its tested speeds averaged 131.82 Mbps, which is more than fast enough for you to stream Dutch TV, such as Canvas and RTL 5, lag-free from anywhere.

CyberGhost apps are easy to use and allow you to connect to a server with just one click. There’s also live chat and email support, which is available 24/7. One of the main reasons to choose CyberGhost is for the excellent privacy protection it provides. You will get 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. Furthermore, CyberGhost has a strict no-logs policy which means it doesn’t store data about what you’re doing online.

CyberGhost allows up to seven simultaneous device connections and has apps available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. You can also use browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Manual setup is required for use with Linux and compatible routers.

SPEED AND SECURITY:CyberGhost offers high-speed servers and unlimited bandwidth for watching Dutch TV such as NPO1 abroad. Highly secure thanks to high-end encryption and strict no-logs policy. Use on up to seven devices. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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6. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access includes servers in over 91 countries worldwide. That includes servers in the Netherlands, which are perfect for obtaining a Dutch IP address.

Better still, the provider has a dedicated streaming server for the Netherlands that you can use to access Dutch TV as well as international services such as Netflix and Disney Plus. Streaming servers are also available for several other countries, including the UK, US, Canada, and Japan.

While connected to one of PIA’s regular servers in the Netherlands, we measured speeds averaging 75.75 Mbps. This is fast enough for HD and 4K streaming, provided that your base connection speed is good (for reference, ours was 250 Mbps).

PIA doesn’t collect logs and is based in the United States. It lets you tailor your encryption settings, increasing or decreasing security as needed. It offers AES encryption, the military’s standard, to protect connections. It has a built-in network kill switch, ad blocking, malware blocking, plus split tunneling.

All plans include an unlimited device connection limit, desktop and mobile apps, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

UNLIMITED DEVICE CONNECTIONS:Private Internet Access has customizable encryption, 10,000+ servers, and 24/7 live chat support. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

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7. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has around 200 servers strategically located in 63 countries, including the Netherlands. It boasts excellent unblocking abilities, meaning you can watch all NPO and RTL channels abroad, as well as international streaming services such as Disney+.

In our tests for this article, PrivateVPN’s average download speed was 59.90 Mbps. Although it was the slowest provider in this list, it’s still fast enough to stream Dutch TV in 4K, though we’d recommend something quicker if you’re a keen gamer.

Aside from offering fast speed, PrivateVPN has strong security in the form of 256-bit AES encryption, which protects your data from hackers and snoopers. Further security features include DNS leak protection and a kill switch feature. With a no-logs policy, PrivateVPN can’t share any of your personal details with anyone because it simply doesn’t know what you’re doing online. Live chat support is available, as is remote help and installation.

User-friendly PrivateVPN apps are available for the following operating systems: Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. You can also use this VPN with Linux and select routers by following manual setup instructions.

USER-FRIENDLY:PrivateVPN is fast and unblocks many popular Dutch TV channels, including Eén and RTL 5. User-friendly apps and live chat support. Secure up to 10 devices at once. Security includes a no-logs policy and encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Methodology: Finding the best VPNs for the Netherlands

Every VPN is different, and while this means that there’s a service for every situation, it also makes it tricky for newcomers to decide which one to use. That’s where we come in: we carefully considered the most important things a VPN should offer for streaming Dutch TV and tested them accordingly:

Network suitability

Servers in the Netherlands are essential for gaining a Dutch IP address. We look for providers with lots of servers to choose from, preferably spread across several cities. This way, you won’t have to rely on ones that are far from your actual location. In addition, we look for providers with a wide global network of servers so that you can also access a variety of international content.

It’s no good having servers in the right places if your chosen VPN can’t unblock your preferred streaming service! We tested candidates with Dutch TV channels as well as popular international platforms, including NPO, Disney+, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime Video, to see just how well they fared against some of the toughest services to unblock.

The scores for the above tests were weighted and then combined to generate an overall score out of 10 for each provider.

NordVPN scored an impressive 9.8 out of 10. The provider had servers in more countries than the other VPNs, and also beat them in terms of access to streaming services. ExpressVPN and Surfshark are the best alternatives.

Speed

Streaming can be pretty data-intensive, especially if you want to watch in 4K. To find which providers were fastest, we carried out multiple speed tests while connected to their servers in the Netherlands. These took place in the morning, at noon, and in the afternoon. We took measurements using the desktop version of the Ookla speed-testing app (which is more accurate than the browser-based version). We rate-limited the base connection speed of our test machine to 250 Mbps to better emulate the experience of the average user in the US.

The results for each provider were averaged and converted to a score out of 10 relative to the other tested VPNs. This makes a meaningful side-by-side comparison possible.

NordVPN was the fastest VPN overall, and is your best bet for interruption-free streaming and general connection consistency. Surfshark — with a score of 9.3 out of 10 — is also a great choice for streaming, gaming, and torrenting.

Security and privacy

To be able to stream safely, you need a VPN with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a no-logs policy. Naturally, we prefer services with even more security tools built in. You can see which these are using the table below.

To make it easier to directly compare providers, we combined the scores for each of the above metrics into overall scores.

NordVPN and Surfshark were the top-scoring providers overall. Both VPNs use effectively uncrackable encryption, and have obfuscation that works in restrictive countries like China. They also have independently audited no-logs policies and networks comprised of RAM-only servers.

Ease of use

Digital privacy should be available to everyone. For this reason, we’ve prioritized VPNs that have beginner-friendly apps and knowledgeable customer service. Some — as you can see from the table below —  even have special servers designed for streaming.

Each of the above metrics was assigned a score based on its relative importance. These scores were combined to generate overall scores out of 10 for comparison.

NordVPN was the easiest to use provider overall. It scored an impressive 9.6 out of 10 thanks to its streamlined sign-up process, user-friendly apps, and task-specific servers. IPVanish and ExpressVPN also scored highly and are well-suited to those with no VPN experience.

Value for money

We’ll never recommend a service that charges more than its worth. Not only are the VPNs above fairly priced, but they all offer money-back guarantees to ensure you can try them before you commit. The table below shows which also come with introductory offers, discounts, and unlimited device connections.

We summarized the above by scoring each metric and then combining them into overall scores for each provider.

Surfshark provides excellent value for money, with unlimited device connections and an introductory offer that lasts for two years. IPVanish is the next best option. It, too, has no device connection limit, though its two-year plans are a little more expensive than Surfshark’s.

Watching Dutch TV with a free VPN

The online platforms of most Dutch TV channels aren’t particularly difficult to unblock outside the Netherlands. However, you will find that free VPNs struggle to securely access streaming services with strict anti-VPN measures, such as Netflix and DAZN. Furthermore, free VPNs typically have only a small network of servers, making it a challenge to stream geo-restricted content in many countries.

Aside from issues of unblocking content, free VPNs also have performance problems. This is particularly noticeable when streaming. Slow speeds and limited bandwidth means you’ll encounter a lot of lag and buffering. Security may also be problematic, particularly if the free VPN you use doesn’t secure your data with encryption. Indeed, you may even find that it logs your data (such as your browsing history) and sells it to third parties.

For these reasons, we don’t recommend using them and would suggest opting for a quality paid VPN instead. See our list of the best VPNs for Holland for some recommendations.

Privacy laws in the Netherlands

The Netherlands is generally known for upholding internet freedom and robust privacy regulations. Microsoft faced legal action from the Dutch Data Protection Authority (DPA) due to violating Dutch data protection laws through improper data processing. The country allows the use of VPNs, with numerous VPN services such as GOOSE VPN, proXPN, and Shade You being headquartered there.

Conversely, it’s part of the 14 Eyes alliance, an international surveillance coalition encompassing some European nations, the US, Canada, and Australia.

Plus, the Dutch Senate recently sanctioned a contentious data mining law that significantly enhances governmental access to information. This allegedly empowers intelligence agencies to infiltrate Wi-Fi hotspots and chat apps and even hack into your devices if someone you’re acquainted with is suspected of a crime.

The Netherlands adopted the EU Data Retention Directive through the Telecommunications Data Retention Act until its nullification in 2014. This legislation mandated ISPs to amass user traffic and location data, storing it for a year. Ongoing revisions to data retention laws are in progress and are likely to change further due to GDPR implementation.

Given these factors, the constant law changes and potential erosion of privacy in the Netherlands could serve as a compelling rationale for utilizing a VPN while visiting or residing in the country.

Streaming Dutch TV Online: FAQs