If you try to watch SBS On Demand online abroad, you’ll encounter the following message: “SBS On Demand content is only available to stream within Australia due to publishing rights.” Fortunately, you can unblock SBS On Demand outside Australia with the help of a Virtual Private Network (VPN).
By connecting to a VPN, your device’s internet traffic is routed through the VPN’s server rather than that of your Internet Service Provider (ISP). This data is sent through an encrypted tunnel which hides your IP address and thus your location. To unblock SBS On Demand, you’ll need to connect to a server in Australia, as this will give you an Australian IP address. Once connected, you’ll be able to stream SBS On Demand from anywhere in the world.
Don’t have time to read the full article? Here’s a quick summary of the best VPNs for streaming SBS On Demand outside Australia.
- NordVPN: The best VPN for watching SBS On Demand. 250 servers in Australia for unblocking SBS On Demand. Excellent 24/7 live chat support. Security includes a strict no-logs policy and double VPN servers. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: Servers in 5 Australian cities capable of unblocking SBS On Demand. Unlimited simultaneous connections. No-logs VPN with user-friendly apps and 24/7 support.
- ExpressVPN: It’s fast, reliable, and also works with Netflix and Disney+. Offers beginner-friendly apps and strong security.
- CyberGhost: Vast network of more than 9,000 servers. Fast speeds for streaming SBS On Demand. Highly secure with encryption and a strict no-logs policy.
- IPVanish: Good speeds for streaming SBS On Demand. Allows any number of simultaneous connections and offers 24/7 support. US-based VPN service with a no-logs policy.
- PrivateVPN: High-speed VPN. Works with many streaming services, including SBS On Demand and Netflix. Easy-to-use desktop and mobile apps. Good live chat support.
- Atlas VPN: Fast servers in Australia. Unlimited connections per account. Extra security with MultiHop servers. No identifying logs and 24/7 live chat support.
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How to watch SBS On Demand (outside Australia) with a VPN
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry! We’ll guide you step-by-step through the process of using a VPN to unblock SBS On Demand.
Here’s how to watch SBS On Demand online from anywhere:
- Sign up with a VPN that unblocks SBS On Demand. We recommend NordVPN. However, Surfshark and ExpressVPN are two reliable and secure alternatives.
- Download and install the VPN app or browser extension for your device (the device from which you want to watch SBS On Demand).
- Open the VPN app or browser extension and connect to a server in Australia. This will provide you with an Australian IP address for watching SBS On Demand abroad.
- Go to SBS On Demand and sign up for a free account if you don’t already have one. You’ll be asked to provide your name, email address, birth year, and gender.
- You should now be able to play videos on SBS. If you’re still encountering restrictions, try clearing your browser’s cookies then reloading the page.
The best VPNs for SBS On Demand – 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 SBD On Demand.
No value | NordVPN | Surfshark | ExpressVPN | CyberGhost | IPVanish | PrivateVPN |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Website | NordVPN.com | Surfshark.com | ExpressVPN.com | Cyberghost.com | IPVanish.com | PrivateVPN.com | SBS reliability | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | Streaming reliability | Excellent | Excellent | Excellent | Good | Good | Good | Streaming services | SBS On Demand Netflix Amazon Prime Hulu YouTube | SBS On Demand Netflix Amazon Prime Hulu YouTube | SBS On Demand Netflix Amazon Prime Hulu YouTube | SBS On Demand Netflix Amazon Prime | SBS On Demand Netflix Amazon Prime | SBS On Demand Netflix | Devices Supported | Windows, MacOS, iOS, Android, Linux, Smart TVs, Routers | 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 | Avg Speed (Mbps) | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 100+ Mbps | 39 Mbps |
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 | $2.19 SAVE 82% on the 2 year plan + 2 months FREE | $2.96 SAVE 75% on the 2 year plan | $2.00 SAVE 85% on the three year plan |
Best VPNs for watching SBS On Demand abroad
There are many different factors to consider when choosing a VPN. These include the speed of servers, the size of the network, and the level of security on offer. We selected the best VPNs for watching SBS On Demand based on the following criteria:
- Servers in Australia that unblock SBS On Demand
- Fast and reliable connections for uninterrupted streaming
- Security features that serve to protect your online privacy
- Customer support available via live chat and email
- Beginner-friendly apps for desktop and mobile platforms
- Option to connect multiple devices simultaneously
Here’s our list of the best VPNs to watch SBS On Demand abroad, outside Australia:
1. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN is our top recommendation for SBS On Demand. It offers over 190 Australian servers, which are located across five cities. This means you’ll easily find a fast server for streaming SBS On Demand, lag, and buffer-free. You can also securely access Netflix, Hulu, HBO, and more, thanks to the many US servers offered. Overall, NordVPN has over 5,500 high-speed servers in around 60+ countries. It lets you connect up to six devices simultaneously.
This VPN offers particularly helpful customer support, which you can contact 24/7 via live chat. Its apps are beginner-friendly and make it easy to connect to a server or adjust your various preferences. NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, where there are no mandatory data retention laws. Aside from a strict no-logs policy, it offers 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch. You can even use servers optimized for extra privacy, such as Double VPN and Onion Over VPN.
If you choose NordVPN, you’ll have access to the apps for Linux, Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Android TV. You’ll also find Chrome and Firefox browser extensions through routers require manual installation.
Pros:
- Over 190 servers in Australia for watching SBS On Demand abroad
- Works with Netflix, Hulu, and more
- Great speeds for seamless streaming
- Very good customer support available 24/7 via live chat
- Variety of easy-to-use apps and browser extensions
- Security features include no-logs policy and Double VPN servers
Cons:
- Can’t select a server directly, only a location
Our score:
BEST VPN FOR SBS ON DEMAND:NordVPN is our top choice to unblock SBS On Demand with almost 200 Australian servers. It also works with Netflix and Hulu. Lots of security features, including a no-logs policy and Double VPN servers for even greater privacy. Plans include a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full NordVPN review.
2. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark stands out from many of its rivals by letting you have an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. What’s more, it has servers in five Australian cities: Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. This VPN’s growing network consists of just over 3,200 servers in 100 countries. Server speeds are good for streaming, while Surfshark is also excellent for streaming. Aside from SBS On Demand, it also works with the likes of Netflix, Disney+, and Hulu.
This VPN is very easy for beginners to use. The apps have a simple layout with servers divided by region and country as well as whether they are physical, virtual, optimized for P2P, or “MultiHop” (Double VPN). 24/7 live chat support is included, and your security is taken seriously. This is evidenced by Surfshark’s strict no-logs policy and use of 256-bit AES encryption. There’s also protection from DNS leaks, a kill switch, and a “CleanWeb” feature that blocks ads, trackers, and malware.
Surfshark offers apps for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. There’s also an app for Amazon Fire TV and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Manual configuration is required for use with routers.
Pros:
- Connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously
- Stream SBS On Demand, Stan, Netflix, and more
- Extremely user-friendly apps and browser extensions
- Strong all-round security, including an ad and malware blocker
- No logs whatsoever
Cons:
- Customer support could be refined
Our score:
BUDGET-FRIENDLY VPN:Surfshark offers easy-to-use apps and browser extensions. Servers in five Australian cities for SBS On Demand. Lets you connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. Strict no-logs VPN with live chat support, 24/7. 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 another great option for uninterrupted streaming of SBS online. This VPN has a network of over 3,000 servers which are spread across 94 countries. Additionally, ExpressVPN has long been one of the fastest VPNs on the market, offering unlimited bandwidth and allowing you to stream without lag or buffering. In fact, Aside from SBS On Demand, you’ll be able to securely access Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and more.
You’re unlikely to have too many issues using ExpressVPN, thanks to the user-friendly design of its apps and browser extensions. However, 24/7 live chat support is on-hand should you need it. Security-wise, this VPN offers all of the essentials, including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection, and a kill switch. Furthermore, ExpressVPN doesn’t keep any identifying logs of its users, which means you can browse the web with complete peace of mind.
ExpressVPN offers apps for the following: Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Linux. There’s also firmware for routers as well as browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox.
Pros:
- Very fast speeds for streaming SBS On Demand
- Works with many streaming services, including Netflix and Disney+
- Beginner-friendly apps and browser extensions
- Fast and efficient customer support via live chat (available 24/7)
- Highly secure service thanks to its use of encryption
Cons:
- Pricier than the other VPNs on this list
- Streaming servers aren’t labeled
Our score:
GREAT FOR STREAMING:ExpressVPN has servers in 94 countries, including Australia. Very fast speeds for streaming SBS On Demand, Netflix, and Disney+. Offers 24/7 support and well-designed apps. Secure with encryption. Includes a 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 offers 150 servers in Australia which are located in the cities of Melbourne and Sydney. This is one of the larger VPNs around, with a network consisting of more than 9,000 servers globally. As such, you can use it to unblock content around the world, including streaming services such as SBS On Demand and Stan. CyberGhost is very fast and doesn’t impose any limits on your bandwidth, making it ideal for streaming and torrenting.
With a single CyberGhost account, you can secure up to seven devices simultaneously. What’s more, there are several useful features, such as an ad-blocker and the option to force websites to use HTTPS. This is a no-logs VPN service that safeguards your privacy using 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. CyberGhost also offers its own independently operated NoSpy servers for even greater online anonymity.
You can use CyberGhost via the apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Android TV, and Amazon Fire Stick. Chrome and Firefox browser extensions are also available. Manual setup is required for use with routers.
Pros:
- 150 servers in Australia for unblocking SBS On Demand
- A huge network of more than 9,000 servers across 91 countries
- Very fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth for streaming
- Lets you secure up to seven devices at once
- Very strong security with a strict no-logs policy
Cons:
- Doesn’t work in China or the UAE
- Not option for local networking
Our score:
BEST BUDGET VPN:CyberGhost offers over 9,000 servers worldwide, 150 of which are in Australia. Very fast servers for streaming SBS On Demand. Lets you connect up to seven devices simultaneously. Highly secure VPN with a strict no-logs policy. 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 lets you have as many simultaneous connections as you like and offers servers in dozens of countries worldwide, Australia included. This VPN provides unlimited bandwidth and states that it will never throttle your connection. This is particularly welcome news for anyone looking to stream SBS On Demand, although you’ll also be able to use platforms like Netflix US.
Another reason to consider IPVanish is that it offers 24/7 live chat support, allowing you to solve issues quickly and easily. The security offering is also impressive; this is one of the few VPNs that owns its servers rather than renting them, reducing the risk of third-party interference and data becoming compromised. Furthermore, IPVanish offers 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic kill switch, and protection against DNS leaks.
IPVanish apps can be downloaded for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, and Amazon Fire TV. While there are no apps for Linux or routers, these can be configured manually.
Pros:
- Good speeds and unlimited bandwidth for streaming
- Works with SBS On Demand and Netflix US
- No connection limit
- Protects your privacy through its no-logs policy
Cons:
- Doesn’t offer the option to pay in Bitcoin/cryptocurrency
- No browser extensions available
Our score:
NO CONNECTION LIMIT:IPVanish works with SBS On Demand and Netflix US. Unlimited bandwidth for stress-free streaming and torrenting. 24/7 support and strong security features, including a no-logs policy and encryption. 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 has high-speed servers which are perfect for streaming as well as torrenting. Its Australian servers are located in Melbourne and Sydney. A network of servers across 63 countries means you can unblock websites and services from all around the world. When it comes to streaming services, PrivateVPN works well with SBS On Demand, HBO Max, and Disney+, all without the frustrations of buffering and lag.
This is a smaller VPN service that offers live chat support through which you can speak with the developers directly. The desktop and mobile apps keep things simple. As such, you can connect to a server or adjust your settings in seconds. It’s possible to secure all of your devices thanks to the fact that PrivateVPN allows up to 10 simultaneous connections per account. In terms of protecting your privacy, PrivateVPN uses 256-bit AES encryption and a kill switch. You’re also protected from DNS leaks, while a no-logs policy ensures your data stays private.
Unblock SBS On Demand outside Australia via PrivateVPN’s apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS. Manual installation is required for use with Linux and routers.
Pros:
- High-speed servers ideal for streaming SBS On Demand, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video and more
- Connect up to 10 devices simultaneously
- Protects you with encryption and a no-logs policy
Cons:
- Only offers around 200 servers
- Live chat support isn’t available 24/7
Our score:
EXCELLENT AT UNBLOCKING:PrivateVPN unblocks many streaming services including SBS On Demand, Disney+, and HBO. Very fast speeds mean no buffering or lag. Beginner-friendly apps and encryption that protects your privacy. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full PrivateVPN review.
7. Atlas VPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.atlasvpn.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Atlas VPN provides approximately 750 servers in nearly 50 locations. This includes servers in Australia, allowing you to access SBS On Demand from overseas. With locations also including the US and UK, you can also unblock and stream Netflix and BBC iPlayer, among other streaming services. Atlas VPN consistently makes our list of the fastest VPNs. You can use it to stream in 1080p without the annoyance of lag.
With just one Atlas VPN account, you can secure all of your devices (there’s an unlimited simultaneous connection allowance). This VPN offers 24-hour live chat and email support to its subscribers. Your streaming will be secured through Atlas VPN’s use of 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and its kill switch feature. There are plenty of extras too, such as its MultiHop servers. It operates a no-logs policy.
Connect to Atlas VPN servers via apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV. Unfortunately, there are no browser extensions, and it doesn’t support routers.
Pros:
- Compatible with SBS on Demand, Netflix, and more
- Very good speeds resulting in lag and buffer-free streaming
- Extra security features such as MultiHop servers
Cons:
- No support for routers
- Smaller network of just 750 servers
Our score:
PACKED WITH FEATURES:Atlas VPN lets you stream SBS On Demand from anywhere. It also works well with Netflix. Servers in dozens of locations. Good speeds and security, including MultiHop servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.
Read our full Atlas VPN review.
Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for streaming SBS On Demand
Every VPN is different, which means that there are some that aren’t up to the task of streaming SBS abroad. In fact, there are plenty out there that can barely access any geo-blocked services. To make sure we only recommend the best VPNs for SBS, we looked for providers meeting all of the following criteria:
- Australian servers: You’ll need an Australian IP address to unblock SBS, and the easiest way to get one is to use a server in Australia. We’d like there to be quite a few to choose from since this improves reliability and lets you keep streaming even when some go down for maintenance.
- High speeds: Connection speed has a huge impact on your streaming experience. We’ve performed hundreds of speed tests, allowing us to highlight only the fastest VPNs on the market right now.
- Great streaming potential: Eventually, you might want to watch something different. That’s why we’ve prioritized VPNs that work with a variety of Australian services like Netflix, Stan, Kayo Sports, Disney+ and Foxtel Go.
- Strong security: It’s important that you’re able to stream and browse without wondering if someone is monitoring your activities. That’s why all of our top VPNs include 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, IPv6 and DNS leak protection, and a no-logs policy.
- Easy to use: We looked for providers that make their services as user-friendly as possible. Valuable features include 24/7 live chat, apps for all major operating systems, and servers that are specially optimized for streaming.
Interested in learning more? We have a detailed post that explains every step of our VPN testing process.
Watch SBS On Demand outside Australia: FAQs
Can I use a free VPN to watch SBS On Demand?
There are a couple of problems with using free VPNs for streaming. The first is that the average free VPN has only a small network of servers. This may make it difficult to find a server in the location required to access particular websites or services. Second, free VPNs attract a lot of users which makes for heavy server load. Free VPNs often throttle your bandwidth in an attempt to manage this, resulting in lag and buffering when streaming the likes of SBS On Demand, Netflix, and Disney+.
Aside from performance issues, free VPNs tend to be very light on features. You often won’t be able to connect multiple devices simultaneously while live chat support is also very rare. However, more critical omissions are in the area of security. Some free VPNs don’t encrypt your data or use a kill switch to protect you from data leaks. It’s also important to consider how a free VPN makes its money. You may find yourself bombarded with spam or, even worse, have your data logged and sold to third parties.
What can I watch on SBS On Demand?
SBS On Demand offers a variety of TV shows and movies as well as live streams of its various channels including SBS, Viceland, and SBS World Movies. You can also find coverage of select NBA games. Here’s a list of some of the TV shows you can watch on SBS On Demand:
- Sorry For Your Loss
- Dark Woods
- Narcos
- The X-Files
- Letterkenny
- Broadchurch
- Taskmaster
- Halt And Catch Fire
- Borgen
- Wellington Paranormal
Can I get SBS On Demand on my Firestick?
Yes, you can. SBS On Demand is available as an app for the Amazon Fire TV stick. Just search for "SBS On Demand" in the Amazon App Store and install it. Once it's installed, open the app and log in with your SBS account details. That's it - you're ready to start streaming!
Is watching SBS with a VPN legal?
It is legal to watch SBS with a VPN, but it's recommended to read the provider's terms as there may be a condition regarding VPNs. While VPNs aren't prohibited in most countries, check the laws in your country to check before connecting.