Best VPNs to watch RTVE online abroad (outside Spain)

RTVE is one of Spain’s most popular streaming services, but unfortunately, it isn’t available in any other country. This can be frustrating for Spanish citizens or fans of the platform, who can’t access their favorite content when traveling abroad. Fortunately, it’s easy to bypass these geographic restrictions, you just need the help of a quality VPN.

The best Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) offer a number of advantages, but primarily, they 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, outside Spain.

In this article, we’ll explain how to use a VPN to watch RTVE from anywhere and list the best VPNs for the job. We’ll go into more detail on each of the providers later on, but in case you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for watching RTVE abroad:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for RTVE. Large server network with over 60 in Spain for accessing Spanish content. Fast speeds, excellent unblocking, 24/7 support, and specialty P2P servers. No-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: Best value VPN. Allows unlimited simultaneous connections. It Unblocks RTVE as well as other Spanish channels and international streaming services. No-logs VPN with encryption and 24/7 live chat support.
3. ExpressVPN: Offers speed and reliability, perfect for streaming RTVE. Also works with Netflix. 24/7 support and a high level of security with encryption.
4. CyberGhost: Fast VPN with a strict no-logs policy. Almost 200 Spanish servers to unblock RVTE. Secure up to 7 devices. Offers 24/7 support and user-friendly apps.
5. IPVanish: Connect all of your devices. Good servers in Spain for watching RTVE. Live chat support and strong security with encryption and no logs.
6. 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.
7. AtlasVPN: US-based VPN, fantastic for streaming. Servers in 44+ countries, including Spain. Works with Atres, RTVE, Movistar+, and more.
   

The best VPNs for RTVE: 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 RTVE.

Best VPNs for watching RTVE abroad

Not all VPNs are capable of unblocking RTVE while keeping your online activities secure and private. In order to find the best VPN for RTVE, we’ve looked for those that met the following criteria:

• Fast servers in Spain for gaining a Spanish IP address and 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

You can read more about how we test and rank the VPNs we recommend in our methodology section below. For now, let’s take a look at the ones that made the cut.

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for RTVE:

1. NordVPN

Oct 2023 unblocks RTVETested Oct 2023

NordVPN Is our top choice VPN for accessing RTVE from anywhere. It stands out for its high number of servers. At the time of writing, there are over 5,500 servers in total, with 60+ Spanish server options. 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. NordVPN boasts some of the fastest speeds we’ve seen, so our 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 contributing to a secure connection, including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. The latter protects you, your online activities, 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.

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

unblocks RTVETested Oct 2023

Surfshark has servers in Barcelona, Madrid, and Valencia, allowing you to connect to your choice of Spanish server and 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 100+ countries worldwide. However, Surfshark really stands out for allowing you to have unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can secure all your devices at once.

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.

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

unblocks RTVETested Oct 2023

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 secure 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.

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

unblocks RTVETested Oct 2023

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 almost 200 servers in Spain. You can choose a specific Spanish 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 other Spanish channels and international platforms such 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.

9,000+ SERVERS:CyberGhost has almost 200 Spanish servers. 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

unblocks RTVETested Oct 2023

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) making it easy to gain a Spanish IP address and access Spanish content. 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.

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. Strong encryption and a no-logs policy provide a private, secure connection. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

---

6. PrivateVPN

unblocks RTVETested Oct 2023

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.

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

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.

SERVERS IN 44 COUNTRIES:AtlasVPN is fast, thanks to its Wireguard protocol. Works to access tons of Spanish content and international streaming services, including RTVE and Netflix. 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

Don’t worry if you’ve never used a VPN before, you’ll find the process quite simple. Just follow our step-by-step instructions, and you’ll be streaming your favorite Spanish content in no time.

Here’s how to stream RTVE online from abroad (outside Spain):

1. Sign up with one of the best VPNs for RTVE. We recommend NordVPN.
2. Follow the instructions for downloading and installing the VPN software on your streaming device.
3. Open the VPN and connect to a Spanish server to gain a Spanish IP address (this is the only country with full access to RTVE content).
4. Try the content that was initially unavailable to you. It should now be unblocked (if not, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies and reloading the page for the changes to take effect).
5. Enjoy the unrestricted content on RTVE! Still, having trouble? Get in touch with your VPN’s customer support for further advice.

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 access a streaming platform such as RTVE and you’re not sure which one will work. We take the guesswork out of it for you with our scientific testing methodology. When we searched for the best VPNs for RTVE, we looked for the following features:

• Servers in Spain: RTVE is only available in Spain, which means we could only select VPNs with at least one Spanish server – although, ideally a lot more. 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 the 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 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:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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 abroad: FAQs