How to watch NPO Start online from anywhere (with a VPN)

Like most Dutch streaming services, NPO Start is region-locked. This means that you can’t normally access it from outside of the Netherlands. If you try, you’ll simply see an error that roughly translates to:

“Due to broadcast rights, it is not possible to watch this broadcast outside the Netherlands”.

The good news is that by connecting to a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can stream NPO Start from anywhere in the world. These encrypt your traffic and send it through a server in another location, changing your IP address and providing secure access to all manner of streaming platforms.

Looking for a quick rundown of the best VPNs for NPO Start? Take a look below or scroll down for a more detailed review of each.

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for NPO Start. Hundreds of Dutch servers, very high connection speeds, and a wide range of privacy features built-in. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for NPO Start.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN. Works with a ton of streaming platforms including NPO Zapp and Netflix. No connection limit and a strict no-logs policy.
3. ExpressVPN: Reliable servers in 94 countries. Fast enough for online activities like streaming, torrenting, and gaming. Exceptional customer service team.
4. CyberGhost: One of the best VPNs for streaming Dutch networks abroad. High level of security, impressive performance, and 90+ server locations.
5. IPVanish: A lightning-fast no-logs VPN that can protect every device you own. No issues with most Dutch content, but provides 24/7 live chat just in case.
6. PrivateVPN: Doesn’t have the largest server network but unblocks a wide variety of content. Puts your privacy first and delivers steady speeds.
7. Hotspot Shield: A great choice for any online activity including watching NPO abroad. Quick servers in 80 countries and around-the-clock support.

How to watch NPO Start from anywhere

While there are thousands of VPNs on the market, the process of registering and getting set up is usually very similar. All you need to do is follow the step-by-step instructions provided below.

Here’s how to stream NPO Start from abroad using a VPN:

1. Start by signing up with a VPN service. As you will see from our reviews, we particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download and install one of the VPN’s apps. You should find that it offers apps for desktop and mobile at a minimum.
3. Open the VPN app and connect to a server in the Netherlands. This is how you get a Dutch IP address for unblocking NPO Start.
4. Go to NPO Start and select your preferred content. It should now play without restriction!
5. Still blocked? Try clearing your browser’s cookies before refreshing your browser. Alternatively, get in touch with your VPN’s customer support.

You may be wondering how we came up with our list of the best VPNs for NPO Start. After all, there are so many to choose from! Unfortunately, many VPNs aren’t of particularly good quality. We made sure that all of the VPNs recommended in this post meet the following criteria:

• Reliable Dutch servers
• Fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth
• Strong security tools including uncrackable encryption
• Operates a no-logs policy to protect your privacy
• User-friendly apps for desktop and mobile platforms
• Minimum of five simultaneous connections allowed

Best VPNs for NPO Start

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for NPO Start:

1. NordVPN

Apr 2024 unblocks NPO StartTested Apr 2024

NordVPN is our first choice. It operates over 5,000 servers in 60 countries including the Netherlands, and delivers faster speeds than many of its competitors. That’s not all: it’s capable of unblocking just about every streaming platform we’ve tested, from NPO Start to Amazon Prime Video and everything in-between. Should you need any help, 24/7 support is available. You can even use NordVPN’s apps to secure up to six devices at the same time.

This VPN keeps you safe using 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. It also has its own protocol, NordLynx, and a Meshnet feature that can securely connect your devices across different networks. Most importantly, NordVPN follows a no-logs policy and has proven this with multiple independent audits.

NordVPN has apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. If you prefer, you can even manually install it on compatible routers.

BEST VPN FOR NPO START:NordVPN is our top pick for watching NPO Start. Very fast server speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Over 200 servers in the Netherlands. Specialty P2P and Double VPN servers as well as 24/7 live chat support. With the 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

unblocks NPO StartTested Apr 2024

Surfshark is the best budget VPN for NPO Start. It has roughly 100 server locations (including the Netherlands) and is one of the few providers that lets you connect as many devices as you like. Better still, it delivers first-class speeds, so you can expect seamless streaming, even on stubborn platforms like Netflix. Every Surfshark subscription includes access to 24/7 live chat and email support.

There’s also a comprehensive security offering. This starts with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. The strict no-logs policy means all of your personal information remains private. Should you desire an extra layer of security, you can have your IP address change periodically, activate the stealth mode, or connect to one of Surfshark’s MultiHop servers which encrypt your data twice.

You can find Surfshark apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available to download. Use with compatible routers requires manual setup.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is the best low-cost option. Fast, security-conscious, able to protect all of your devices simultaneously. Works effortlessly with NPO Start. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. ExpressVPN

unblocks NPO StartTested Apr 2024

ExpressVPN is an excellent option for beginners. Its large network and impressive server speeds make it ideal for accessing Dutch content abroad, and in our experience, it works just as well with larger services like Disney+ and Hulu. To sweeten the deal even further, this provider recently increased its connection limit and can now secure eight devices at a time (or 10, if you choose a longer plan).

Once connected, your activities are hidden using a blend of 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. There’s also a threat protection tool that blocks shady sites in the background, and automatic obfuscation that kicks in whenever you’re in a country with strict digital censorship. ExpressVPN doesn’t log any data that could identify you, something that’s been confirmed multiple times by third-party auditors.

ExpressVPN has apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Customer router firmware and a new interactive router setup guide make this VPN ideal for use with wifi routers.

SPEEDY VPN:ExpressVPN is faster than many other services and has a larger network as well. Highly-versatile, with strong encryption, real streaming ability, and 24/7 support. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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4. CyberGhost

unblocks NPO StartTested Apr 2024

CyberGhost has a huge network of well over 9,000 servers. These are located in more than 90 countries including the Netherlands where you’ll find some 200+ servers in total. As such, you have plenty of choices when it comes to unblocking geo-restricted content. There’s no need to worry about slow speeds, either, as CyberGhost was one of the top performers in our latest speed tests.

This VPN allows you to connect up to seven devices at once. It also provides you with live chat and email support around the clock. Aside from being easy to use, the apps offer a high level of security with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. It operates a strict no-logs policy, making it a great choice if you value your online privacy. Additionally, CyberGhost has a smart rules feature that lets you decide when it should connect automatically.

CyberGhost offers apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. You’ll also find apps for Amazon Fire TV and Android TV as well as browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Manual setup is required for use with select routers.

200+ NETHERLANDS SERVERS:CyberGhost has over 9,000 servers, many of which are designed for streaming. Doesn’t compromise on privacy and offers 24/7 support. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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5. IPVanish

unblocks NPO StartTested Apr 2024

IPVanish used to struggle with a lot of streaming services but thankfully, that’s no longer the case. Now, users are free to watch NPO Start, Netflix, and Prime Video, to name but a few. With very high speeds, beginner-friendly design, and a total lack of connection limits, this VPN is perfect for large families. Of course, there’s 24/7 live chat in the unlikely event that anything goes wrong.

This service secures your internet connection with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection. There’s also OpenVPN obfuscation and an automatic reconnection feature that’ll keep you safe after an outage. Crucially, IPVanish has a zero-logs policy and plenty of audits in its history.

IPVanish has apps for desktop (Mac and Windows) and mobile devices (Android, iOS, and Amazon Firestick). If you’d like to use it with Linux or routers, you’ll need to follow manual setup instructions.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish provides strong security, consistent speeds, and real versatility. Annual plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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6. PrivateVPN

unblocks NPO StartTested Apr 2024

PrivateVPN has a smaller network but still manages to cover 63 countries including the Netherlands. We’ve found it to be a great option for streaming too, thanks to its steady speeds and ability to get around even the toughest online blocking. Whether you’re looking to stream NPO abroad or browse safely in places like China, PrivateVPN can help. It permits up to 10 simultaneous connections and offers live chat most (but not all) hours of the day.

This VPN doesn’t store any of your data, as evidenced by its strict no-logs policy. It keeps you safe using 256-bit encryption, a customizable kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, as well as its powerful stealth mode. It’s worth knowing that, unlike many VPNs, PrivateVPN owns its servers and network equipment. As such, it has greater control over who accesses them. If you use a burner email account and pay in Bitcoin, it’s even possible to sign up anonymously.

PrivateVPN offers apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. This VPN is also compatible with Linux and select routers although these require manual installation.

STRONG UNBLOCKING:PrivateVPN works with NPO Start,BBC iPlayer, and more. Very fast speeds combined with unlimited bandwidth. Secure 10 devices at once. Includes live chat and email support and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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7. Hotspot Shield

unblocks NPO StartTested Apr 2024

Editor’s note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

Hotspot Shield has approximately 1,800 servers in 80 countries. This includes servers in the Netherlands so you can watch Dutch TV like NPO Start while traveling abroad. With a particularly strong presence in the US, this VPN easily unblocks the likes of Amazon Prime Video and Hulu. You can expect good, consistent speeds and unlimited bandwidth, making Hotspot Shield a solid choice whether you’re browsing, streaming, or torrenting.

With Hotspot Shield, you don’t need to worry about hackers or snoopers because it provides 256-bit AES encryption and doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users. Furthermore, you’ll find DNS leak protection, a kill switch, and automatic wifi protection. With its user-friendly apps, you can connect up to 10 devices at the same time. Live chat and email support are also available 24 hours a day should you have any questions.

If you choose Hotspot Shield, you’ll have access to apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. A Chrome browser extension is also available. This VPN can be manually configured to work with select routers.

24/7 SUPPORT:Hotspot Shield provides faster speeds than the competition and has servers in 80 countries. Works with NPO Start, Amazon Prime, and Hulu. 24/7 support via live chat and email. Secures data with encryption and doesn’t keep identifying logs. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

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Our methodology: Finding the best VPNs for watching NPO Start

Not every VPN is suitable for NPO Start; in fact, some can’t even properly secure your internet connection! Our experts looked for services that not only worked well with NPO, but that also met the criteria below:

• Dutch servers: To unblock NPO Start, you’ll need servers in the Netherlands. We look at how many there are, their distribution, and whether they’re virtual, as this changes which country’s laws apply to your data.
• Speed: Streaming is fairly data-intensive, so a slow connection is no good. We perform regular speed tests to ensure that only the fastest VPNs make the cut.
• Versatility: Your VPN has to be able to handle anything, whether it’s watching NPO or accessing your online bank. We simulate everyday usage by torrenting, playing games, and streaming to get a better idea of each VPN’s capabilities.
• Security: Hiding your real IP address is just the beginning. We also look for unbeatable encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch, as well as a no-logs policy.
• Ease of use: What good is a VPN if it’s too complicated to use? All of the best VPNs for NPO Start offer beginner-friendly apps for all platforms. It also helps that they offer 24/7 live chat and email support, and generous connection limits.
• Value for money: Some VPNs are similarly priced yet vary drastically when it comes to areas such as speed and security. We’ve found VPNs that are competitively priced and that also offer money-back guarantees. You can even use our VPN coupons to save if you decide to keep using the service.

Our full VPN testing methodology involves in-depth, hands-on testing of each VPN. It’s only by doing this ourselves that we can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date VPN reviews available.

Streaming NPO abroad: Frequently Asked Questions