How to watch Portuguese TV online abroad (outside Portugal)

If you travel outside Portugal, you’ll find that some Portuguese TV channels, such as SIC, TVI, and RTP1, are unavailable. This is due to copyright and licensing restrictions. However, the good news is that by using a VPN, you can watch Portuguese TV channels from anywhere in the world.

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) reroutes your internet traffic to a server in the location of your choice; in this case, Portugal. While connected, you’re assigned a Portuguese IP address, which makes it look as if you’re browsing from within the country. As an added bonus, VPNs also encrypt your internet traffic, shielding your data from prying eyes and protecting your privacy.

I’ll explain how you can use a VPN to watch Portuguese TV networks from abroad, and list the best VPNs for the job. I’ll go into more detail about each provider further on, but in case you’re short on time, you’ll find a quick summary below.

The best VPNs for watching Portuguese TV from anywhere:

1. NordVPN The best VPN overall for Portuguese TV
   TIP In our testing we found that the cheapest NordVPN plan (Standard) works perfectly for Portuguese TV.
2. Surfshark Best for users on a budget
3. Total VPN Great choice for Portugal
4. Proton VPN Excellent choice for privacy-focused users
5. ExpressVPN Best for users who want a premium VPN
6. IPVanish Best for security and privacy
7. CyberGhost Great choice for beginners
8. PureVPN Good for users connecting from restrictive countries
9. PrivateVPN Great choice for ease of use

How to watch Portuguese TV shows abroad with a VPN

Don’t worry if this is your first time using a VPN. While they might sound complicated, VPNs are actually very quick and easy to use. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll be streaming your favorite Portuguese TV channels online from anywhere.

Here’s how you can use a VPN to watch Portuguese TV from abroad:

1. Sign up with a VPN service that offers servers in Portugal. I particularly recommend NordVPN.
2. Download one of the VPN’s apps, making sure you’re installing the correct version for your device.
3. Open the VPN app and connect to a server in Portugal. This will give you the Portuguese IP address that will spoof your location and allow you to watch Portuguese TV shows abroad.
4. Choose your preferred Portuguese TV channel or streaming service. All region-locked content should now be unblocked.
5. If you’re still finding geographic restrictions, try clearing your browser’s cookies before reloading the page. Alternatively, try connecting to a different Portuguese server, or contact your VPN’s customer support for further guidance.

My testing criteria for the best Portuguese TV VPNs

There are plenty of VPN service providers on the market, but they don’t all offer the same level of service. I compiled my list of the best VPNs for watching Portuguese TV abroad by looking for those that performed well in the following areas of testing:

• Network suitability: I started by checking that providers had servers in Portugal. I then scored them on the number of other countries they supported. More countries mean more streaming opportunities. Finally, I tested them with Portuguese TV channels as well as international streaming services like Netflix.
• Speed: To find the VPN providers most suitable for streaming Portuguese TV without lag or buffering, I carried out multiple speed tests while connected to their servers in Portugal.
• Security and privacy: To ensure that your data is secure while streaming Portuguese TV, I’ve only recommended VPNs that scored highly against my 16 security and privacy metrics.
• Ease of use: To get you access to Portuguese TV as quickly as possible, I found the most user-friendly VPNs available. I did this by scoring them against 10 different metrics.
• Value for money: I looked for providers that offered users a good deal. I evaluated this using eight different value-for-money metrics.

You can find out more about my VPN testing methodology further on in this article. For now, let’s take a look at the ones that impressed. 

Related: How to watch Brazilian TV abroad

Best VPNs for Portuguese TV: compared

I’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read my in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – my #1 choice for Portuguese TV.

The best VPNs for watching Portuguese TV from anywhere

I strive to bring you the most helpful and accurate VPN advice possible. In order to do that, I use each VPN myself and put them through a rigorous real-world testing process. The following reviews are based on my first-hand experiences.

Here’s my list of the best VPNs for watching Portuguese TV online from abroad:

1. NordVPN

May 2026

NordVPN is my top recommended VPN for watching Portuguese TV from abroad. Not only does it offer servers in Lisbon, Portugual, it has a presence in over 200 locations worldwide. I had absolutely no trouble unblocking Portuguese services such as SIC and TVI. You’ll also be able to securely stream popular platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer abroad.

In my speed tests for this article, NordVPN averaged an impressive 198.57 Mbps. This was more than 62 Mbps faster than the combined average speeds of the other tested providers. As a rough guide, it’s fast enough for streaming in 4K on eight devices simultaneously.

Live chat support is included as part of your NordVPN subscription. This is available 24/7. You’ll also be able to secure 10 devices simultaneously. There’s no shortage of security features either, with 256-bit AES encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch.

NordVPN is headquartered in Panama, which doesn’t have mandatory data retention laws. Regardless, this VPN service operates a strict no-logs policy and has undergone multiple independent audits to prove it.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV. You also have the option of Chrome and Firefox browser extensions. However, manual setup is required for compatible routers.

BEST VPN FOR PORTUGUESE TV:NordVPN is my first choice VPN. It has incredible speeds and servers in 200+ locations, Portugal included. Lets you stream SIC, RTP1 and RTP2 as well as other Portuguese TV channels from the USA or anywhere. Unlimited bandwidth and 24/7 support. Security includes a strict no-logs policy and Double VPN servers. A 30-day money-back guarantee makes it risk-free.

Read our full NordVPN review.

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2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a low-cost VPN that offers a service on par with or better than many more expensive service providers. It boasts a network of roughly 4,500 servers in 100+ countries, including Portugal. Surfshark also offers unlimited bandwidth and strong unblocking ability. I found it worked with plenty of Portuguese TV channels, including SIC and TVI. You can also use it to stream Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and BBC iPlayer.

In my tests, Surfshark’s speeds ranged from 189.36 Mbps to 195.82 Mbps. As well as being consistent, these high speeds make Surfshark suitable for streaming Portuguese in high resolution, as well as other tasks such as video calling or gaming. 

With Surfshark, you can connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, which is great if you’re like me and have a lot of devices to secure. You’ll also have access to live chat and email support 24/7. The sheer number of security features ensures your privacy is protected when connected to Surfshark. Aside from a strict no-logs policy, it includes 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. Double VPN servers are available should you want an extra layer of encryption.

You can connect to a server in Portugal via Surfshark’s apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Browser extensions are offered for Chrome and Firefox. Manual setup is required for use with routers.

BEST VALUE VPN:Surfshark works with SIC and RTP1. Let’s you secure unlimited devices simultaneously. Includes 24/7 support via live chat. Very strong security thanks to a strict no-logs policy and Double VPN servers. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Surfshark review.

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3. Total VPN

Total VPN is a reputable provider offering access to servers in 90+ countries, including Portugal. This service excels at beating regional restrictions and works with major streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, so you’ll never be short of things to watch. You can connect up to five devices at the same time and can get in touch with customer support via live chat and email.

Nobody wants to use a VPN that’s too slow for day-to-day browsing. With this in mind, I tested Total VPN’s Portuguese servers at three different times of day on a 250 Mbps connection. It delivered an average speed of 171.65  Mbps, which, in my experience, is significantly quicker than is required for streaming, torrenting, or making video calls.

This service makes it nice and easy to stay protected online. By default, users are secured via DNS and IPv6 leak protection, a kill switch, and unbreakable AES-256 encryption. If you’d like a little more control over your connection, you can set up the split tunneling feature or activate the proprietary Hydra protocol to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN at all.

Total VPN provides simple, streamlined apps for iOS, macOS, Android, and Windows.

AVOID THROTTLING:Total VPN makes it easy to stream Portuguese TV in the highest quality possible, free from snooping or throttling. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on its one-year subscriptions.

Read our full Total VPN review.

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4. Proton VPN

Proton VPN is one of the best options for tech-savvy internet users in Portugal. It’s based in Switzerland, which is renowned for its strict privacy laws. If you value your privacy as much as I do, you’ll appreciate its no-logs policy and that it has undergone independent audits to ensure advertised security standards are met.

Proton VPN’s apps come with robust security features such as AES encryption, a kill switch, multiple protocols, obfuscation, multi-hop connections, and Tor over VPN. These make it one of the most sophisticated VPN solutions for Portuguese users.

The provider has nearly 80 servers in Portugal, and nearly 20,000 more in a further 144 countries.

In my tests, Proton VPN’s speeds ranged from 141.64 Mbps to 158.54 Mbps. These results were a little more variable than with the other VPNs, but not drastically so. The important thing is that, even at its slowest speed, Proton VPN was still easily fast enough for streaming Portuguese TV without interruption.

Proton VPN works to watch Portuguese streaming services like RTP Play, SIC Online, TVI Player, NOS Play, Meo Go, Opto SIC, and Globo Play Portugal. I also had success accessing international platforms like Netflix US and Hulu. Proton VPN features split tunneling and port forwarding, which makes it ideal for torrenting.

Although Proton VPN may come at a higher price point, its comprehensive features and amazing performance make it great value. Live chat support is available, and you can try it risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee.

FULLY FEATURED:Proton VPN is perfect for tech-savvy users who want to be able to get an IP address in Portugal. Servers are available in 145 countries. Great for watching Portuguese TV from abroad. 24/7 live chat support is available on its website. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Proton VPN review.

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5. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has a truly global network of servers that spans 105+ countries, including Portugal. In my experience, it’s an excellent choice for securely accessing region-locked websites and services around the world. You can use it to stream national channels like SIC and RTP1, as well as access international content such as Netflix and Disney+.

Speed-wise, ExpressVPN is consistently quick. In my tests, the slowest and fastest results only varied by 3.53 Mbps. Its overall average of 126.39 Mbps makes it ideal for streaming, gaming, or torrenting.

With ExpressVPN, you can connect 10 of your devices simultaneously on the basic plan. It offers very easy-to-use apps for a variety of platforms, as well as 24/7 live chat and email support, which I found usually provides quick, high-quality replies.

The provider protects your privacy with 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch feature, and protection from DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. You’ll be able to browse the web anonymously because this VPN service doesn’t keep any identifying logs.

ExpressVPN had long been known for its higher price tags. To make things more budget-friendly, they’ve adopted a tier system that allows users to select how many features and how much protection they want. The plans are now Basic ($3.49/month), Advanced ($4.49/month), and Pro ($7.49/month). Although these rates remain above those of many competitors, it’s definitely an improvement and increases the simultaneous device allowance to between 10 and 14. 

You can use ExpressVPN by downloading an app for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, Fire TV, or Apple TV. Alternatively, you’ll find Chrome and Firefox browser extensions as well as custom firmware for routers.

EXCELLENT UNBLOCKER:ExpressVPN unblocks Portuguese TV channels abroad, including SIC and TVI. Also works with Netflix. User-friendly apps, as well as 24/7 support via live chat. Keeps your data secure with encryption. You can try ExpressVPN with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

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6. IPVanish

IPVanish is perfect if you have lots of devices to secure. That’s because it has no connection limit whatsoever — a far cry from most of its rivals, which tend to allow a maximum of 10.

Approximately 14 of its 3,200+ servers are located in Lisbon, Portugal. These allow you to stream TV from Portugal, including ARtv and RTP Memória. In my testing, the provider also worked with Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video.

In my speed tests, IPVanish averaged 146.72 Mbps. This is more than fast enough for streaming Portuguese TV. As IPVanish comes with unlimited bandwidth, you won’t have to worry about lag or buffering.  

Using IPVanish means you’re able to stay safe online, regardless of who might be watching. As such, you can maintain your online anonymity. Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. You’ll be pleased to learn that IPVanish has a zero-logs policy. What’s more, should you have any trouble when using this VPN, live chat support is at hand, 24/7.

The recently introduced Advanced Plan bundles an unlimited VPN with a huge 1 TB of cloud storage and a remote cloud browser for roughly $1 more a month, which makes it a fantastic value for money.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Fire TV, and Apple TV. Manual configuration is necessary to use IPVanish with Linux or compatible routers.

UNLIMITED BANDWIDTH:IPVanish is ideal for streaming thanks to its fast speeds and unlimited bandwidth. Works with SIC and TVI as well as Netflix US. Live chat support is available 24/7. Use on all of your devices simultaneously. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full IPVanish review.

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7. CyberGhost

CyberGhost has a large server network spanning 100 countries. It has 50+ servers in Portugal that are ideal for watching Portuguese TV overseas. Aside from interational platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Netflix, you can expect CyberGhost to work with channels including ARtv and SIC.

While connected to CyberGhost’s servers in Portugal, I measured speeds averaging 132.73 Mbps. This makes for interruption-free streaming — even when using the highest resolution available.

If you’re looking for a VPN that offers a high level of security, CyberGhost ticks every box. For starters, it has a strict no-logs policy and secures data with 256-bit AES encryption. Further security features include a kill switch and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. You’ll be able to secure seven devices with a single CyberGhost account. A subscription also includes access to 24/7 support via live chat and email.

CyberGhost offers apps for the following operating systems: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. There are also apps for Amazon Fire TV and Android TV, and browser extensions for Chrome and Firefox. Use with routers requires manual configuration.

STRONG PRIVACY PROTECTION:CyberGhost is fast and offers unlimited bandwidth. Use it to watch SIC overseas. 24/7 support and allows up to seven simultaneous connections. Huge network of servers in 100 countries. 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full CyberGhost review.

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8. PureVPN

PureVPN is a low-cost option for people in need of a Portuguese IP address from abroad. In my time testing it, I was able to access RTP Play, SIC Online, TVI Player, NOS Play, and Meo Go without fault. I’ve also found it to be a good call for international platforms like Netflix US, Hulu, and Max.

PureVPN’s tested speeds were great. While I was connected to its servers in Portugal, I recorded an average speed of 134.39 Mbps. That’s fast enough for 4K streaming, gaming, torrenting, and smooth video calls.

PureVPN has a verified no-logging policy and is compatible with Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and Linux. Apps include a kill switch, AES encryption, and DNS leak prevention. If you want to torrent, port forwarding is available for a small additional cost.

Although the response time of PureVPN’s live chat support can be slow, the overall value and effectiveness of the service make it a good choice for those on a budget. You can test it to get a Portuguese IP address using its 31-day money-back guarantee.

GREAT VALUE:PureVPN offers one of the cheaper ways to get a Portuguese IP address. It’s easy to use and comes with all the features needed to get watertight online privacy. Includes AES encryption and a kill switch. Torrenting is permitted throughout its network. 31-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PureVPN review.

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9. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is able to access Portuguese TV national channels as well as international content such as Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.

The provider has servers in 63 countries, including Portugal, and offers unlimited bandwidth. Speeds were slower than the other VPNs I tested, averaging 54.43 Mbps. While this is fast enough for streaming Portuguese TV without lag or buffering on a fast connection (mine was 250 Mbps), you might want to opt for one of the other VPNs in this list if yours is much slower. 

In my experience, this is one of the easier VPNs to use, thanks to easy-to-navigate apps that have a simple and advanced version of the interface.

Live chat support is offered should you need help, though it’s worth mentioning that this isn’t available 24/7. However, you’ll speak directly to developers rather than third-party support reps which I think is a big plus. There’s also a strong selection of security features, including a no-logs policy as well as 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and DNS leak protection.

Apps are available for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. When you have a PrivateVPN account, you can connect up to 10 of your devices at once. It’s also possible to use this VPN with routers, though this does require manual installation.

RELIABLE UNBLOCKING:PrivateVPN works with Portuguese TV as well as US streaming services such as Netflix and HBO. Low-cost subscriptions and easy-to-use apps. Can be used on 10 devices at once. Offers a no-logs policy and encryption. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

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Streaming Portuguese TV abroad: FAQs