Best VPNs for SVT Play so you can watch it abroad

Streaming services often use geo-restriction measures to prevent you from watching when outside of their broadcast region. SVT Play is no exception; trying to stream live video from outside of Sweden results in the following error: “Programmet kan bara ses i Sverige” or “The program can only be seen in Sweden”. Obviously, this is a problem for travelers looking to stay up to date on their favorite shows while on vacation, but luckily, there’s an easy way around this, you just need to use on of the best VPNs for SVT Play.

VPNs (Virtual Private Networks) can spoof your location and help you bypass geographic restrictions. For example, by connecting to one of your VPN’s Swedish servers, you’ll make websites believe you’re actually located in Sweden. Additionally, as VPNs encrypt your traffic, they prevent internet service providers, network administrators, and malicious third parties from monitoring what you’re up to online.

In this article, we’ll list the best VPNs for accessing SVT Play from anywhere, explain how to use them, and answer some common VPN questions. But, in case you’re in a hurry, we’ll start with a quick summary.

Best VPNs for SVT Play:

1. NordVPN: Our #1 choice for streaming SVT Play. Security-focused, with a no-logs policy, very high speeds, and impressive accessing and unblocking abilities. Includes a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Streaming.
2. Surfshark: A fantastic low-cost provider that boasts powerful privacy features and great unblocking ability. Connect as many devices as you like simultaneously.
3. ExpressVPN: This VPN is extremely fast and excels at unblocking stubborn streaming services abroad, including SVT Play. 24/7 customer support.
4. CyberGhost: A strong choice for novices trying to access SVT Play. Provides very high speeds, one-click protection, and streaming-optimized servers.
5. IPVanish: Speedy, secure, and easy to use. Makes it easy to watch SVT abroad and allows you to connect an unlimited number of devices.
6. PrivateVPN: A zero-logs VPN boasting an impressive security toolkit and consistently high speeds. Allows 10 simultaneous connections.
7. Hotspot Shield: Great unblocking abilities, strong security features, and fast, reliable connections make this a great choice for streaming SVT Play abroad.

How we selected the top SVT Play VPNs

It’s important to choose the right VPN for a given task. There are a large number of providers out there, but they differ in terms of speed, security, customer service, and other important areas. To find the best VPNs for SVT Play, we looked for those that met the criteria below:

• Operates a large network with multiple Swedish servers
• Provides stable connections, fast enough for live streaming
• Capable of unblocking SVT Play and similar services
• Uses powerful encryption and offers additional security features
• Logs no personally identifiable information, or better, nothing at all

To know more about our VPN testing process check out the methodology section below. For now, let’s take a look at the providers that impressed us.

Best VPNs for SVT Play

At Comparitech, we strive to bring you the most helpful and accurate VPN advice possible. To do that, we put each VPN through a rigorous real-world testing process and the following reviews are based on those first hand experiences.

Below, we’ve listed the best VPNs for streaming SVT Play abroad:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024 Unblocks SVT PlayTested Apr 2024

NordVPN is our number-one VPN for accessing SVT Play from anywhere. It has one of the largest server networks around. There are more than 6,000 in total, spread over 60+ countries and over 140 in Sweden alone. Its speeds are consistently impressive, and users can access and stream content from platforms like SVT Play, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video. A maximum of six connections can be connected at once.

If you’re looking to create an advanced security setup, NordVPN would be an excellent choice. With 256-bit encryption, an application-specific kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks, you can stream safely at all times. You can also use multi-hop servers, access Tor over VPN, and scan for malware automatically. This VPN accepts cryptocurrency payments and doesn’t log any information that could identify you, meaning you can browse the internet as anonymously as possible.

NordVPN apps are available for MacOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Android. Select network routers are also supported but must be configured manually.

BEST VPN FOR SVT:NordVPN is our first choice. Blends security, speed, and unblocking ability to become a fantastic day-to-day service. Works great with SVT Play. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

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2. Surfshark

Unblocks SVT PlayTested Apr 2024

Surfshark is an extremely versatile service with more than 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, Sweden included. Unlike most of its rivals, this VPN has no connection limit, meaning you’re free to stream SVT on any device you like. Further, with steady, reliable speeds, you won’t even have to worry about lag or buffering.

It’s no slouch as far as security is concerned, either. There’s 256-bit AES encryption built-in, plus a kill switch, protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, and an automatic malware scanner. Users can also choose to enable the stealth mode to bypass especially strict online blocking. Surfshark follows a true no-logs policy and offers around-the-clock support via live chat.

Surfshark has apps for MacOS, iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. Manual installation is required for supported routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is a low-cost provider with plenty to offer. Fast speeds, excellent unblocking ability, and an impressive security toolkit. Still not convinced? There’s even a 30-day money-back guarantee included.

Read the full Surfshark review for more info.

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3. ExpressVPN

Unblocks SVT PlayTested Apr 2024

ExpressVPN has more than 3,000 servers across the globe, and is fast enough to stream live HD video with no noticeable buffering. Further, in addition to letting you watch SVT Play, it can access several services many other VPNs can’t, like Netflix and Hulu. With eight simultaneous connections permitted, ExpressVPN allows you to stream safely at home or on the go.

This VPN protects your privacy using a combination of 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (in the desktop apps), perfect forward secrecy, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Further, as this service doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, your activities can’t be traced back to you. If you need help, you can contact support via live chat, 24/7.

ExpressVPN offers intuitive, easy-to-use apps for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android devices. It must be manually installed on wireless routers, although with its custom router firmware, this only takes a few minutes.

GREAT FOR STREAMING:ExpressVPN is the fastest service around. Offers unlimited bandwidth, a no-logs policy, and the ability to access SVT and Netflix from anywhere in the world. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

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4. CyberGhost

Unblocks SVT PlayTested Apr 2024

CyberGhost is a great service for beginners, in part because it makes it so easy to get started. It has 10,000 servers worldwide (around 100 of which are in Sweden), and some are even designed with faster streaming in mind. With the ability to access SVT Play, Netflix, and more, CyberGhost lets you access whatever you want, whenever you want.

256-bit encryption is enabled by default, and this VPN automatically protects against DNS and IPv6 leaks. There’s also an always-on kill switch that stops data transferal if your connection drops. CyberGhost doesn’t log any session or activity data, and as such, can’t share details of your browsing habits even if asked to. If you’re having problems, you can reach customer support 24/7 via live chat.

This service has apps for Windows, Linux, Android, MacOS, and iOS. CyberGhost requires manual configuration in order to work on supported routers.

QUICK AND RELIABLE:CyberGhost is ideal for beginners. Find a fast Swedish server in seconds. Protects your privacy and lets you stream SVT Play while traveling. This VPN offers a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

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5. IPVanish

Unblocks SVT PlayTested Apr 2024

IPVanish offers very high speeds and access to more than 2,000 servers worldwide, around 30 of which are in Sweden. While many of its rivals allow just a handful of simultaneous connections, IPVanish has no connection limits whatsoever. Better yet, it boasts lightweight apps and excellent multi-platform support, so you can stream SVT Play safely from any one of your devices.

As well as a kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection, this service offers a few more advanced security features. These include LAN traffic blocking and the ability to obfuscate OpenVPN traffic. Further, as this VPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable information, your browsing habits and personal information remain protected at all times. Live chat-based support is available 24/7.

IPVanish comes with apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. You can also manually configure it for use with Linux systems and internet routers.

NO CONNECTION LIMIT:IPVanish lets you stream SVT across all of your devices. Boasts high-speed Swedish servers, a great security toolkit, and 24/7 support. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

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6. PrivateVPN

Unblocks SVT PlayTested Apr 2024

PrivateVPN may not have as many servers as its rivals (roughly 200 worldwide, and three in Sweden), but it does offer very high speeds. In fact, it’s more than fast enough to stream SVT Play live with no interruptions. Best of all, this VPN can bypass even the most stubborn geo-restrictions, allowing you to access services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer from abroad.

This service uses its strict no-logs policy, 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks to keep you safe online. Just as important, it refuses to keep any logs that could identify you. PrivateVPN accepts Bitcoin payments and provides customer support over live chat for 22 hours per day.

This VPN has Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android apps. PrivateVPN even works with select routers via manual installation.

NO-LOGS VPN:PrivateVPN is a zero-logs provider, meaning it lets you stream and browse securely, wherever you go. What’s more, it offers extremely high speeds, great unblocking abilities, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

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7. Hotspot Shield

Unblocks SVT PlayTested Apr 2024

Hotspot Shield offers access to 1,800 servers in 80+ countries, including Sweden. This provider excels at accessing stubborn streaming services and even works with platforms like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Better still, thanks to its consistently high speeds, you’ll be able to watch free from interruptions. Up to five devices can be connected at any one time.

This service uses 256-bit encryption to keep your activities hidden at all times. It also protects against IPv6 and DNS leaks and offers a kill switch to make sure you never accidentally browse unprotected. Hotspot Shield doesn’t store any data that could be used to identify you and offers around-the-clock support over email and live chat.

Hotspot Shield apps are available for Linux, MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. Additionally, it has guides on how to manually configure the service for supported routers.

STRONG ALL-ROUNDER:Hotspot Shield is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to browse safely or watch SVT Play on vacation. It’s fast, security-conscious, and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Hotspot Shield review.

How we found the best VPNs for SVT Play: our methodology

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’ve carefully considered the most important things a VPN should offer for watching SVT Play and used these criteria to filter out unsuitable services until only the best were left:

• Server network: You will not be able to access SVT Play unless you have access to a Swedish server, so they are an absolute must. The more servers, the better the chance of finding one that works with the service. In addition, we like providers to offer a wide global server network so that you can gain access to internationally geo-restricted services.
• Speed: High speeds are essential for an enjoyable streaming experience. We regularly speed-check all the VPNs we recommend to ensure each recommendation is suitable for data-intensive tasks like streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
• Unblocking ability: You want your VPN to access SVT, but a good provider will also give you access to other popular streaming platforms such as TV4 Play, NBC, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, or anything else. We regularly check to ensure the providers we recommend are capable of this.
• Security: We test VPNs for DNS leaks to ensure that the VPN is providing the privacy levels it claims. We check to ensure the encryption is secure enough to provide robust data security. We also like advanced features such as obfuscation, a kill switch, split tunneling, malware protection, ad blocking, and other useful features such as Smart DNS.
• Reliable apps: Our recommendations have apps for all popular platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. In addition, the VPNs in our list allow you to use their apps on multiple devices and platforms simultaneously.
• Customer service: Our recommended VPNs for SVT Play have email and live chat support. This allows you to ask questions and get help with setting up and using the VPN.

Want to know more? Check out our detailed VPN testing methodology article.

How to stream SVT Play while traveling abroad

New to VPNs? It’s actually pretty easy to unblock geo-locked sites and services; just follow the steps below, and you’ll be able to stream SVT Play from anywhere in the world.

Here’s how to watch SVT Play online from anywhere:

1. Register with one of the VPNs listed above (we recommend NordVPN).
2. Install the VPN software. There will be a few different versions, so be sure to get the right one for your operating system.
3. Connect to one of your VPN’s Swedish servers. If you’d like to unblock a service based in a different country, use a server in the appropriate location instead. For instance, you’d use a Swedish server to unblock SVT Play or a British server to unblock ITV Hub.
4. There’s no signup required for this service, so you can simply try loading a video on SVT Play. You should find that it loads straight away, however, you may have to refresh the page before you see any changes.

If there’s a specific show you’d like to watch live, we recommend running through the steps above before it actually begins. Doing this in advance ensures that you’ll have time to contact your VPN’s customer support team if you encounter any issues.

Watching SVT Play with a free VPN: the risks

Free VPNs can be an attractive prospect, but we advise against using one for several reasons. Firstly, they’re usually pretty terrible for streaming; free VPNs have colossal user bases and often too few servers to provide decent speeds to everyone. In practice, this means you’ll encounter long loading times and choppy video: two major disadvantages for anyone looking to watch live TV online. You might even find yourself disconnected from the VPN and accidentally browsing the internet unprotected.

Like any business, free VPNs exist to make money. However, as they don’t charge their users upfront, they have to use other methods to generate income. You might find that your free VPN inserts ads into the pages you visit, but some go even further. By storing tracking cookies on your device, they can build a highly-detailed consumer profile that can be sold to the highest bidder without your knowledge. We use VPNs to protect our privacy, but with these shady money-making tactics, free VPN services go against the entire principle of the technology.

With VPN usage on the rise, hackers are taking advantage of people’s desire to stay safe online. In fact, one 2016 study showed that more than 38% of surveyed “free VPN” apps contained some form of malware. Of those that didn’t, 18% didn’t actually encrypt any user traffic. Your safety isn’t guaranteed with a well-known service, either, as we’ve seen one sell its users’ idle bandwidth to be used in a botnet. You can’t be too careful when it comes to online security: that’s why we recommend using a reputable VPN service with a customer-first privacy policy.

Watching SVT Play with a VPN: FAQs