You can stream HGTV and DIY Network online for free, as long as you’re in the US or Canada. If you try to access these services from outside of North America, you’ll see an error reading “We’re sorry. This site is not available in your region.” or “This content can only be viewed from within Canada” depending on whether you land on the US or Canadian version of the site. This happens because these networks only let you watch if your IP address is from North America.
Luckily, getting a North American IP address is easy: just connect to a VPN server in the US or Canada. The same principle applies to watching content from other countries, meaning there are very few limits to what you can watch abroad. Additionally, VPNs encrypt your traffic, preventing anyone (including your Internet Service Provider and employer) from seeing what you do online, and allowing you to stream safely.
Don’t have time to read our full post? Below, you’ll find a list of the best VPNs for HGTV and a brief description of each.
Best VPNs for HGTV (plus HGTV Canada and DIY Network):
- ExpressVPN: Our #1 choice for streaming HGTV! With fast speeds, over 3,000 servers in 94 countries, a strong focus on your privacy and security, and excellent unblocking ability, ExpressVPN is ideal for watching HGTV outside of the US.
- NordVPN: Best budget VPN. NordVPN has over 2,200 servers in North America alone, very strong security features, and a no-logs policy, plus it unblocks numerous popular services abroad including HGTV and DIY Network.
- CyberGhost: A fast, reliable VPN with pre-configured security features, 700+ US servers and solid unblocking potential, CyberGhost makes it easy to stream HGTV abroad.
- IPVanish: This VPN is fast and easy to use, and boasts access to over 700 American servers. It has a zero-logs policy, advanced security options, and the ability to unblock HGTV abroad.
- PrivateVPN: With exceptional unblocking ability, powerful security features, a zero-logging policy, and higher speeds than most, PrivateVPN is a strong choice for watching HGTV outside the US.
- Surfshark: Surfshark has high speeds and strong security, and lets you use platforms like DIY Network and HGTV from anywhere. Better yet, it has no connection limit and keeps no logs.
Choosing a VPN doesn’t have to be difficult. While some services excel at unblocking geo-restricted sites, we find that the best VPNs are usually the most versatile. That’s why, when researching the best VPNs for HGTV, we only considered those that met all of the criteria below:
- Is able to unblock HGTV, DIY Network, and HGTV Canada from abroad
- Provides consistently high speeds and reliable connections
- Offers numerous security features including effectively uncrackable encryption
- Has apps for the most popular operating systems and devices
- Does not log any personally identifiable information
Best VPNs to watch HGTV abroad
Without further ado, here are the best VPNs for streaming HGTV, HGTV Canada and the DIY Network abroad:
1. ExpressVPN
Apr 2024
unblocks HGTVTested Apr 2024
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.ExpressVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
ExpressVPN currently has more than 3,000 servers across 94 countries including the US and Canada. Its fast, reliable connections, unlimited bandwidth, and strong unblocking ability mean that you’re free to watch HGTV from anywhere, without any noticeable lag or buffering. Further, ExpressVPN allows up to five simultaneous connections meaning you can protect all of your most commonly-used devices with a single account.
This service keeps your activities private using 256-bit AES encryption, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a kill switch that stops all traffic whenever you lose your connection suddenly. If you’d like, you can sign up anonymously using Bitcoin and a disposable email address, but ExpressVPN doesn’t log any data that could identify you. Need help? You can contact customer support 24/7 via live chat.
ExpressVPN offers apps for Linux, MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. It has custom router firmware to make securing all of your devices at once as easy as possible.
Pros:
- High speeds for downloading and video streaming
- Unblocks many geo-restricted services including HGTV
- Solid privacy and security
- Pay anonymously with Bitcoin
Cons:
- Slightly more expensive than rivals
BEST VPN FOR HGTV:ExpressVPN is our #1 choice for watching HGTV abroad. It’s fast, includes several powerful security features, keeps no logs, and unblocks a variety of streaming services including HGTV and DIY Network. Further, it comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out the full ExpressVPN review.
2. NordVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
- FireTV
Website: www.NordVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
NordVPN boasts the largest network of any major provider, with over 5,000 in 60 countries, 1.800 of which are in the US. This service provides reliable, high-speed connections, and it unblocks stubborn platforms like Netflix US and Amazon Prime Video, so HGTV doesn’t pose much of a problem. Additionally, NordVPN permits up to six simultaneous connections, so you can stream on whichever device you prefer.
This VPN provides numerous advanced security features including 256-bit encryption, WebRTC, DNS, and IPV6 leak protection, a customizable kill switch, automatic malware-scanning, and ad-blocking. There are also specialized servers for those looking to use Tor over VPN or browse safely in countries with strict online censorship. NordVPN doesn’t keep any logs whatsoever. Customer support is on-hand 24/7 over live chat in case of any issues.
NordVPN has apps for Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. It can be manually installed on home routers.
Pros:
- One of the best for unblocking streaming sites like Netflix
- More than 2,000 high-speed US servers
- Allows for customized security setup
- No-logs policy
Cons:
- The desktop app isn’t super easy to use which may cause issues for novice users
BEST LOW-COST VPN:NordVPN offers consistent, high-speed connections, customizable security features, and a zero-logs policy at a very reasonable price. It easily unblocks platforms like Netflix US and HGTV abroad. A 30-day money-back guarantee is included.
Read our comprehensive NordVPN review.
3. CyberGhost
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Cyberghost.com
Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS
CyberGhost is perfect for those new to VPNs. It’s fast, has more than 3,500 servers in 60 countries (and 700 servers in the US alone), and unblocks services like HGTV and DIY Network abroad without any issues at all. Further, it allows up to seven simultaneous connections, meaning you can protect all of your devices at once.
This service keeps you safe at all times using 256-bit encryption, an always-on kill switch, automatic ad-blocking and malware-scanning, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Best of all, minimal setup is required since these features all come pre-configured. CyberGhost doesn’t log any personally identifiable information but you can pay with Bitcoin if you’d like another layer of anonymity. Live chat-based support is available 24/7.
CyberGhost apps are available for MacOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. It works on Linux systems and network routers but must be installed manually.
Pros:
- Testing revealed impressive speeds for streaming
- All security features enabled by default
- Happily unblocks a host of geo-restricted content
Cons:
- Not suitable for those that need control of advanced features
BEST VPN FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost is a user-friendly yet powerful service with pre-configured security features, good unblocking capabilities, and over 700 servers in the US. It also includes a 45-day money-back guarantee.
Take a look at our in-depth review of CyberGhost.
4. IPVanish
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.IPVanish.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
IPVanish provides access to 1,300+ servers in 60 countries, around 700 of which are in the US. Its speeds are high enough to stream HGTV live without any issues, but IPVanish also unblocks platforms like ITV Hub and ESPN from abroad. Further, this service permits up to ten connections at once, whereas many others allow six at most.
This VPN keeps you safe online with a combination of 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. There’s also the option to block LAN traffic or scramble OpenVPN traffic, hiding the fact that you’re using a VPN at all. IPVanish is a zero-logs provider, so details of your activities cannot be revealed, even if requested. Additionally, customer support is available over live chat, 24/7.
You can download IPVanish apps for Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS. Manual configuration is required for Linux platforms or internet routers.
Pros:
- Impressive speeds and reliable connections
- Strong on privacy and security
- Use up to ten devices simultaneously
Cons:
- Struggles to unblock larger streaming platforms
FLAWLESS STREAMING ANYWHERE:IPVanish provides access to 700+ US servers and is fast enough for live HD streaming. It boasts advanced security features, a no-logs policy, and a seven-day money-back guarantee.
Read the complete IPVanish review.
5. PrivateVPN
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.PrivateVPN.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
PrivateVPN might not have the largest network (with around 150 servers in 60 countries), but it does provide higher speeds than many of its rivals. Coupled with PrivateVPN’s exceptional unblocking ability, this means you’ll be able to watch HGTV abroad in the highest possible quality, as well as access services like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Hulu. Up to six simultaneous connections are permitted.
This service’s security features include 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (in the Windows app), and protection against DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6 leaks. Your activities can’t be traced back to you since PrivateVPN doesn’t keep any logs, but you can pay with Bitcoin if you’d like. You can talk to customer support over live chat between 3 PM – 1 PM PST every day, and if you’re really struggling, the staff can remotely configure the software for you.
PrivateVPN provides Windows, Android, MacOS, and Android apps. This service can be manually installed on Linux-based systems and wireless routers.
Pros:
- Very fast speeds
- Gaining a reputation for their growing list of sites they unblock
- Strong security and privacy protection features
Cons:
- Doesn’t have 24/7 live chat
- Fewer servers to choose from than other providers higher on this list
VERY HIGH SPEEDS:PrivateVPN provides higher speeds than most, has a strong focus on security and privacy, and unblocks several stubborn platforms including HGTV, Netflix US, and DIY Network. What’s more, this VPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
For more information, read our full PrivateVPN review.
6. Surfshark
Apps Available:
- PC
- Mac
- IOS
- Android
- Linux
Website: www.Surfshark.com
Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS
Surfshark has over 800 servers spread across 50 countries including the US and Canada. It provides unlimited bandwidth and high speeds, so it’s ideal for watching HGTV outside of America. Of course, Surfshark also unblocks services like Netflix and Amazon Prime Video. Further, since there’s no connection limit, you can watch whatever you want on any device you like.
This VPN secures your traffic using 256-bit encryption, protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks, and a kill switch (in every version of the app). It also accepts Bitcoin, meaning you can sign up almost completely anonymously. You’ll be safe either way, though, since Surfshark doesn’t log any personally identifiable information. If you’re having trouble, you can reach customer support 24/7 over live chat.
Surfshark has apps for Windows, iOS, Android, and MacOS. Linux platforms and network routers are supported, although these require manual configuration.
Pros:
- No limit on the number of devices connected
- Steady, reliable speeds
- Keeps no logs whatsoever
Cons:
- Relatively small server network
- Occasional slow server
SECURE EVERY DEVICE:Surfshark boasts high speeds, a strong focus on your privacy and security, and excellent unblocking ability. Best of all, there’s no connection limit and this service includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Check out the full review of Surfshark.
How to watch HGTV abroad with a VPN
With the right VPN, accessing region-locked platforms like HGTV is easy. Just follow the steps below:
Here’s how to watch HGTV online from anywhere (outside US and Canada):
- First of all, sign up for one of the VPNs above, We particularly recommend ExpressVPN.
- Download the appropriate version of the app for your device and log in.
- Next, connect to one of your VPN’s American servers (if you’re trying to access HGTV Canada, use a Canadian server instead).
- Visit the HGTV (or DIY Network) website. You can watch a wide range of content on-demand without having to log in, but if you want to watch live, you need to sign in with your cable provider details or a supported over-the-top service (such as DirecTV Now, fuboTV, Hulu, PlayStation Vue, or YouTube TV).
- Finally, try playing a video. It should start almost immediately, but if not, clear your browser’s cache and cookies, then try again. If the problem persists, contact your VPN’s customer support team for further assistance.
Can I stream HGTV abroad with a free VPN?
Free VPNs can be tempting but we advise against using them. For a start, they’re often the first to be blocked by streaming services, so you might not be able to watch HGTV at all. Even if you can, though, it’ll likely be a frustrating experience as free VPNs tend to have more users than their servers can handle. This leads to very slow speeds which causes choppy playback and frequent buffering when streaming.
To make matters worse, it’s particularly difficult to tell if your free VPN is safe or not. Research found that nearly 40% of tested free VPN apps contained malware, and worse still, almost one in five used no encryption, meaning they offered no protection at all. Further, it’s not just small companies that use shady practices; in 2015, Hola, a major free VPN provider, was caught selling idle user bandwidth to help run a botnet.
Reputable VPN services with clearly-defined, user-first privacy policies are the best way to protect yourself online.
What shows can I watch on HGTV?
HGTV offers a wide range of DIY, property, and home improvement-related content, and you can watch it all online, both live and on-demand. Below, we’ve listed a few of this service’s most popular shows:
- Property Brothers
- House Hunters
- Flip or Flop
- Good Bones
- Love It or List It
- Fixer Upper
- Home Town
- Hidden Potential
- Bargain Mansions
- Restored by the Fords