RTVE is one of Spain’s most popular streaming services, but unfortunately, it isn’t available in any other countries. It’s far from the only platform to use this kind of geo-blocking feature, too, with Netflix’s library changing drastically from one place to another. Fortunately, it’s easy to change your Netflix region and watch RTVE outside of Spain, you just need the help of a quality VPN (Virtual Private Network).
The best VPNs offer a number of advantages but primarily encrypt your traffic and route it through an intermediary server, hiding your true IP address and location. Not only does this let you browse the web safely and privately, but it can also unblock RTVE abroad.
If you don’t have time to read the full reviews just yet, here’s a quick summary of the best VPNs to watch RTVE abroad:
The best VPNs for watching RTVE abroad:
- NordVPN: The best VPN for RTVE. Large server network and fast speeds. Unblocks most content, including RTVE. 24/7 support and specialty P2P servers. No-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Best value VPN. Lets you connect an unlimited number of devices. It Unblocks RTVE as well as other streaming services. No-logs VPN with encryption and 24/7 live chat support.
- ExpressVPN: Offers speed and reliability, perfect for streaming RTVE. Also works with Netflix. 24/7 support and offers a high level of security with encryption.
- CyberGhost: Fast VPN with a strict no-logs policy. Works with RVTE and Netflix US. Secure up to 7 devices. Offers 24/7 support and user-friendly apps.
- IPVanish: Connect all of your devices. Good servers in Spain for watching RTVE. Live chat support and strong security with encryption and no logs.
- PrivateVPN: High-speed servers for lag and buffer-free streaming. Great for RTVE and Netflix. Easy-to-use apps and the option to connect up to 6 devices.
- AtlasVPN: US-based VPN is fantastic for streaming. Servers in 44+ countries, including Spain. Works with Atres, RTVE, Movistar+, and more.
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The best VPNs for RTVE – At a glance
We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for RTVE.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | IPVanish | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | IPVanish.com | PrivateVPN.com | Ranking for RTVE: | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 39 Mbps | Server countries | 60 | 100 | 94 | 91 | 53 | 63 | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | Windows, MacOS, Linux (command line), iOS, Android, Smart TVs Routers | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, Routers | Activity logs | None | None | No identifying data | No identifying data | No logs stored |
Best deal (per month) | $3.29 SAVE up to 63% + 3 months FREE | $2.30 Get 2 Months FREE with a 2-year plan | $6.67 SAVE: 49% on the annual plan | $2.11 SAVE 84% on the 2 year plan + 3 months FREE | $3.33 SAVE 72% on the 2 year plan | $2.00 SAVE 85% on the three year plan |
Best VPNs for RTVE
Not all VPNs are capable of unblocking RTVE while keeping you safe online. In order to find the best VPN for RTVE, we’ve looked for those that offer the following:
- Fast servers in Spain for streaming RTVE
- Quick and efficient customer support
- Security features such as encryption and a kill switch
- No-logs policy to protect your privacy
- Beginner-friendly apps for desktop and mobile platforms
- A money-back guarantee so you can try risk-free
Here’s our list of the best VPNs for RTVE:
1. NordVPN
Jun 2023
unblocks RTVETested Jun 2023
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN stands out for its high number of servers. At the time of writing, there are over 5,500 servers in total, some 60 of which are located in Spain. For this reason, you’ll find watching RTVE abroad very easy. Indeed, you’ll also be able to use NordVPN to watch content on Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer, among many other options. The streaming of RTVE was extremely smooth, with minimal buffering and zero lag. It’s also worth noting that you can use NordVPN to connect up to 6 devices.
You may also appreciate the option of specialty Double VPN servers for added security and a dedicated IP for navigating sites that blacklist shared IP addresses. You’ll also find many security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. The latter protects you and your data should the connection drop even for a second. NordVPN operates a no-logs policy, protecting your online privacy.
NordVPN can be used on Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Compatible routers can be configured manually.
Pros:
- Dozens of servers in Spain for watching RTVE abroad
- Fast speeds and no bandwidth throttling
- Ideal for streaming Spanish TV
- Connect up to six devices via a single account
- Provides 24/7 support via live chat and email
- Specialty servers, including P2P and Double VPN
Cons:
- Suffered a data breach in 2018
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR RTVE:NordVPN is our #1 choice. 5,500 servers worldwide. Works with RTVE, Netflix, and more. Excellent 24/7 support. Secure no-logs policy, easy-to-use apps, and 6 simultaneous connections. With the 30-day money-back guarantee, you’ll be able to try it out risk-free.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark has servers in Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia, allowing you to stream RTVE abroad with ease. This is one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, which means you’re unlikely to experience any performance issues, such as buffering or lag. This VPN also works with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video and has servers in dozens of countries worldwide. However, Surfshark really stands out for allowing you to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously.
This VPN provides excellent customer support, which is available via live chat 24/7. However, you should find Surfshark to be very easy to use since it offers well-designed apps and browser extensions. Your online security is important, and Surfshark takes this seriously, using 256-bit AES encryption to secure your data. There’s also DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy.
Surfshark apps are available for the following platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV/Fire Stick. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions can also be downloaded. Manual configuration is required for use with routers.
Pros:
- Large network of servers in 100+ countries
- Fastest VPN we’ve tested for lag-free streaming
- Works with RTVE and 30+ Netflix libraries
- Connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously
- Provides 24/7 support via live chat and email
Cons:
- Can be slow to disconnect or switch servers
Our score:
BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark lets you secure as many devices as you want which is perfect for large families. Real streaming potential. 24/7 support, easy-to-use apps and browser extensions. No-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Surfshark review.
3. ExpressVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN is a great VPN for RTVE. With high-speed servers in Barcelona and Madrid, you’ll be able to watch RTVE outside Spain with ease. Indeed, you’ll have your choice of over 3,000 VPN servers around the world. This means you’ll also be able to access content from countries including the USA, UK, and Japan. Our experience with ExpressVPN on RTVE was positive, thanks to the high-speed servers and stable connection.
Choosing ExpressVPN to stream RTVE outside Spain is a safe choice when you consider the security on offer. Hacking and surveillance are prevented through 256-bit AES encryption, DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, and a kill switch. Just as important, ExpressVPN does not keep identifying logs of users which means that you’re free to browse with your privacy intact. If you do have any questions about ExpressVPN, you can always use the 24/7 live chat support.
You can use ExpressVPN via the apps for Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available, as is a custom firmware for use with routers.
Pros:
- Servers in 94 countries, including Spain, for unblocking RTVE
- High-speed connections and unlimited bandwidth
- Easy-to-use apps and strong security
- Offers 24/7 support via live chat and email
- Keeps no logs
Cons:
- Not the cheapest VPN on the market
- May take some trial and error to find a server suitable for streaming
Our score:
STRONG ALL-ROUNDER:ExpressVPN has fast servers in Spain for RTVE. Also suitable for Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Very easy to use and includes 24/7 support. Uses encryption to keep your data secure. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full ExpressVPN review.
4. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is a VPN that has a huge network of more than 9,000 servers worldwide. This is one of the best VPNs for watching RTVE abroad, as it has over 150 servers in Spain. You have the choice of a specific server, or you can let CyberGhost do the work for you, assigning the fastest server available. This VPN is also known for offering fast speeds and reliable connections and worked well with RTVE as well as Netflix, and Disney+.
We found setting up and using CyberGhost to be super simple. Upon opening the app, you’ll encounter a few features which you can activate at the click of a button, including Ad-Blocker, Force HTTPS, and ad-blocking. You may have questions about some of the features on offer, in which case you can contact CyberGhost’s 24/7 live chat support. Aside from 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch, CyberGhost also has a strict no-logs policy.
CyberGhost apps can be downloaded for Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux Amazon Fire Stick/Fire TV, and Android TV. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also offered. Manual setup is required for wireless routers.
Pros:
- A rapidly growing network of servers with 150+ in Spain
- No bandwidth throttling, so you can stream lag-free
- The strict no-logs policy ensures your data stays private
- Live chat and email support, available 24/7
- 45-day money-back guarantee
Cons:
- Doesn’t work in China
- No option to allow local networking
Our score:
9,000+ SERVERS:CyberGhost has over 150 servers in Spain. Watch RTVE, Netflix, and more. Strong security with encryption and no-logs policy. Beginner-friendly apps and browser extensions. 24/7 support. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full CyberGhost review.
5. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish proved to be a fast VPN in our tests. Streaming was smooth and uninterrupted, thanks to the unlimited bandwidth on offer. Of the nearly 2,000 servers, over 30 are located in Spain (Madrid and Valencia). Aside from working very well with RTVE, IPVanish has a reputation for being easy to use with Kodi and Amazon Fire TV Sticks. You can use this VPN on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously – far more than most other VPNs on the market.
What’s particularly noticeable about IPVanish’s apps is that they’re very simple to use. Switching servers is quick and easy, which makes this VPN ideal for beginners. Strong security is on offer with 256-bit AES encryption as well as DNS and lPv6 leak protection and a kill switch. Finally, a zero-logs policy should enable you to surf the web with peace of mind.
IPVanish apps can be downloaded for Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV/Fire Stick. Linux and router support are available through manual setup.
Pros:
- Good speeds for watching RTVE outside Spain
- Lets you connect all of your devices at the same time
- Compatible with Kodi and Amazon Fire Stick
- Provides online privacy with encryption and a no-logs policy
Cons:
- Headquartered in the US, which is a member of Five Eyes
- Doesn’t offer an option to pay in Bitcoin/cryptocurrency
Our score:
UNLIMITED DEVICES:IPVanish allows for quick and easy streaming of RTVE. It lets you have an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. Works well with Kodi and Amazon Fire Stick and is secure with encryption and a no-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full IPVanish review.
6. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN is a smaller VPN provider based in Sweden. It has a growing number of servers (around 200) in 63 countries, including Spain. Our test of the servers provided positive results. PrivateVPN works very well for streaming RTVE abroad. We experienced seamless streaming without buffering. It’s well worth mentioning that PrivateVPN also works with Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer, to name a few.
Connecting to and switching servers is very responsive, and the app itself is simple with an easy-to-follow interface. You can use PrivateVPN on up to 10 devices at once, which means you and your family or friends can secure both computers and mobile devices alike. The security offering is strong with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. PrivateVPN also states that it has a strict no-logging policy.
You can use PrivateVPN on Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire TV. It works with manual setup on Linux and certain routers.
Pros:
- Fast for streaming RTVE, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer
- Use on up to 10 devices
- Secure with encryption and a no-logs policy
Cons:
- Only has around 200 servers in total
- Live chat support isn’t available 24/7
Our score:
HIGH-SPEED SERVERS:PrivateVPN is a fast VPN for streaming RTVE, as well as torrenting. Beginner-friendly apps and excellent live chat support. Highly secure with encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
7. AtlasVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.atlasvpn.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
AtlasVPN has only been around since 2019, but it has quickly risen to be a consumer-favorite VPN. Not only is it fast for streaming thanks to its WireGuard protocol, but it is also incredible value for money.
The VPN has apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Those apps come with a kill switch, split tunneling, DNS leak protection, and a no-logging policy. You can install those apps on an unlimited number of devices, which means you can share your account with friends and family.
Servers are available in 44 countries, including in Spain, to watch RTVE and other Spanish streaming services. It also works to change your Netflix region and access iPlayer, DIsney+, TV platforms in Latin America, and much more.
Live chat support is available on its website. However, it is for members only. It is also worth mentioning that the kill switches for Windows and Mac leak for a moment during reconnection, so there is still room for improvement with this newer VPN. However, it is highly impressive considering the cost.
Pros:
- Servers covering 44+ countries, including Spain
- No bandwidth throttling so you can stream RTVE lag-free
- Includes 24/7 support via live chat and email
Cons:
- Kill-switch leaks during reconnection
- Smaller server network than others on this list
Our score:
SERVERS IN 44 COUNTRIES:AtlasVPN is fast, thanks to its Wireguard protocol. Works to access tons of international streaming services, including RTVE. 24/7 support. No apps for routers or Linux. Great for mobile users on Android and iOS. 45-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full AtlasVPN review
How to watch RTVE abroad with a VPN
The best VPNs allow you to watch RTVE outside Spain as well as other services, including Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video. Below, you’ll find step-by-step instructions which explain how you can do this.
Here’s how to stream RTVE online from abroad (outside Spain):
- Sign up with one of the best VPNs for RTVE. We recommend NordVPN.
- Follow the instructions for downloading and installing the VPN software on your streaming device.
- Open the VPN and connect to a server in Spain for a Spanish IP address (this is the only country with full access to RTVE content).
- Try the content that was initially unavailable to you. It should now be unblocked (if not, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies for the changes to take effect).
- Enjoy the unrestricted content on RTVE! Still having trouble? You can always get in touch with your VPN’s customer support.
Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for RTVE
There are so many VPNs on the market that choosing one can prove something of a challenge. This is particularly the case if you’re looking to unblock a streaming platform such as RTVE and you’re not sure which one will work. We had this in mind (and a lot more!) as we searched for the best VPNs for RTVE, for which our methodology is outlined below.
- Servers in Spain: RTVE is only available in Spain, which means we could only select VPNs with servers in the country. This allows you to get a Spanish IP address for unblocking RTVE and watching other Spanish TV content from abroad. We tested each VPN to make sure its servers worked with the streaming platform.
- Speed: We also had to test that each VPN provides fast speeds so you can stream RTVE in the highest quality. All of the fastest VPNs also offer unlimited bandwidth. The benefit is that you can then stream as much as you like without having to worry about performance issues such as lag or buffering.
- Network size: The larger the server network, the more content you can unblock. In the case of the VPNs listed in this post, their networks span dozens of countries, including the US and UK. As such, they’re great options for accessing international streaming services such as Netflix.
- Security: Browsing and streaming on the web come with some level of risk such as DDoS attacks and phishing. A VPN encrypts your data, providing a vital layer of protection. Some of the VPNs we’ve covered even offer extra features, be it Double VPN servers or access to a password manager.
- Privacy: Some VPNs don’t protect your privacy and may even make money by selling your data to third parties. If you’d like to browse and stream anonymously, you’ll need a VPN with a strict no-logs policy like those listed here. We’ve looked at over 140 VPN logging policies and found the very best.
- Ease of use: Not all VPNs make it easy to connect to a server, adjust your preferences, or speak to a human when you need help! Fortunately, we only recommend VPNs that offer beginner-friendly apps and that include 24/7 support via live chat as well as email.
- Value for money: You’ll find VPNs at all different price points. The best VPNs for RTVE offer all of the above features while the remaining good value for money. Indeed, we even provide VPN discount coupons so you can get a subscription with your preferred provider at an even better rate
Want to know more about how we test VPNs? Our VPN testing methodology provides even greater insight into how we analyze each area of a VPN and ultimately find those that are best for use with RTVE.
Using a free VPN to watch RTVE
Some free VPNs will work in unblocking geo-restricted content on RTVE, yes. However, there are a number of reasons why we don’t recommend free VPNs:
- A VPN encrypts your network’s traffic which takes resources, an area where free VPNs are lacking. For this reason, the majority of free VPNs have slow speeds. A small number of servers and limits on data and bandwidth mean your experience will likely be a frustrating one.
- Running a VPN is expensive, and that means that any free VPN has to make money somehow. So how are they doing it? Often, it’s through the use of ads or upgrade sales. However, some free VPNs put your privacy at risk by keeping a log of your activities and selling the data to third parties.
- Some websites are now implementing VPN blockers to prevent VPN users from gaining access. Many free VPNs struggle to get past anti-VPN software. In contrast, the best paid-for VPNs on the market have consistently found ways around VPN blockers, allowing you to access the likes of RTVE and Netflix.
- Many free VPNs lack important security features such as a kill switch. A kill switch feature disconnects you from the internet so that if the connection is cut, your real IP address isn’t exposed. Since lots of people use free VPNs and such services can be unreliable, you may find your connection dropping, so a kill switch is especially important.
- Aside from having limited security features, free VPNs can contain malware. This can result in the theft of your data, which is ironic, considering a VPN is supposed to protect you.
Simply put, a free VPN is just not worth the risk.
Watching RTVE online: FAQs
Is it legal to watch RTVE online abroad with a VPN?
Yes, it is legal to watch RTVE online abroad with a VPN. However, you will need to be located in Spain to watch RTVE content since the website blocks access for users located outside of the country. A VPN can help you spoof your location and bypass these geo-restrictions.
How can I watch RTVE in the US?
There are a few ways to watch RTVE in the US. You can use a VPN to change your IP address and watch from Spain, or you can buy a subscription from Sling TV or YouTube TV to watch RTVE in the US.
Will a VPN help me stream Spanish TV outside of Spain?
Yes. Spanish streaming services like RTVE, Atres Player, and Telecinco rely on your IP address to determine your location. If you connect to a Spanish VPN server, you'll get a Spanish IP address, and will appear to be browsing the web from Spain. As such, you should be able to access your favorite channels regardless of where you actually are in the world.
What can I watch on RTVE?
There’s no shortage of options when it comes to what you can watch on RTVE. It’s possible to watch live TV and listen to live radio as well as watch a variety of TV shows, series, and children’s shows on demand. Some of the options include:
- Live TV: La 1, La 2, Teledeporte (tdp), Canal 24 horas (24h), Clan
- Live radio: Radio Nacional (rne), Radio Clásica (radio C), Radio 3, Radio 4, Radio 5, Radio Exterior (radio e)
- TV shows and series: El Continental, Estoy Vivo, MasterChef Celebrity, Centro Médico, La Mañana
- Children’s shows: Peppa Pig, Trolls, The Garfield Show, The Looney Tunes Show, Teletubbies, Thomas & Friends