Are you excited about catching up on your favorite shows and movies on ZDF, but disappointed to learn it’s only accessible in Germany? Don’t worry! We’ve got you covered! With our guide on how to watch ZDF in the USA, you can unlock this fantastic channel’s content from anywhere. After thorough testing of various VPN services, we’ve handpicked the top 3 options to suit your streaming needs perfectly.
Stay tuned for our detailed breakdown of these VPNs! Please note that any purchases made through our recommendations may earn us a small affiliate commission, but rest assured, our suggestions are unbiased and solely aimed at enhancing your streaming experience.
Quick steps to watch ZDF in the USA with a VPN
- Get a premium VPN [Recommended: ExpressVPN ]
- Download the VPN app and sign in
- Connect to a server in Germany [Recommended: Frankfurt-1 server ]
- Visit ZDF and log in to your account
- Start streaming ZDF from Anywhere
ZDF Sign-Up Process
In which countries is ZDF available?
ZDF stands for Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen, which translates to “Second German Television” in English. It is a Germany-based television service and is only available there.
Is there any way to watch ZDF in the USA?
The ZDF streaming platform is only available within Germany constrained by geographic restrictions. Trying to access ZDF from the USA will result in being denied access and receiving an error message:
Error: “Diese Sendung kann Ihnen leider wegen rechtlicher Beschränkungen nicht angeboten werden.“
Translation: “Unfortunately, this program cannot be offered to you due to legal restrictions.”
You can be confident that we offer the perfect solution. By using a dependable and premium VPN service, you can maintain uninterrupted access to ZDF from the USA worry-free.
How will a VPN help me stream ZDF in the USA?
With a VPN, you can access ZDF’s online streaming platform from the USA by masking your IP address. It encrypts your internet connection, ensuring secure and private access to ZDF’s content. By connecting to a server in Germany, the VPN provides you with a German IP address, bypassing geo-restrictions. This allows you to stream ZDF’s programs and enjoy them as if you were in Germany.
How do I sign up to watch ZDF in the USA?
If you’re in the USA, you needn’t miss out on your beloved episodes; you can watch ZDF in the USA using the following instructions:
- Sign up for a VPN service (We suggest ExpressVPN).
- Install the ExpressVPN app on your streaming device.
- Log in to the ExpressVPN app on your device(s) using your email and password.
- Connect to a server located in Germany (the Frankfurt-1 server is a good choice).
- Access the ZDF website and begin streaming ZDF content in the USA.
Subscription Cost of ZDF
How much does ZDF cost?
The monthly broadcasting fee, commonly referred to as the “GEZ” fee, amounts to €18.36 per apartment in Germany, regardless of whether occupants utilize TV, radio, or internet services. This fee supports the programming of public broadcasters such as ZDF and Deutschlandradio.
Best VPNs to Watch ZDF in the USA
Our VPN Product analysts are determined to watch ZDF in the US, so they plunged into extensive research on VPNs. Following numerous hours of investigation, they pinpointed the top three contenders. Considering individual requirements, they prioritized unlocking ZDF streams, ensuring high-speed connections, and maintaining the security of personal information.
ExpressVPN
Eight connections
90.7 Mbps download speed
87.6 Mbps upload speed
49% off & 3 months extra free in 1 Year plan
$12.95 (1 Month package), $59.95 (1 Year Package), $99.95 (2 Year Package)
NordVPN
Six connections
88.1 Mbps download speed
83.7 Mbps upload speed
Save 83% on a two-year plan offered
$12.95 (1 Month package), $59.88(1 Year Package), $95.76 (12 Month Package)
SurfShark
Unlimited connections
84.5 Mbps download speed
79.4 Mbps upload speed
60% off on a two-year plan is offered
$15.54 (1 Month Package), $47.88 (1 Year Package), $59.76 (2 Year Package)
ExpressVPN – Our Recommended VPN to Watch ZDF in the USA
Streaming performance: ExpressVPN was fantastic for streaming! Our VPN experts were bummed ZDF was blocked in our area, but ExpressVPN blew right past those restrictions. And it wasn’t just ZDF – Get TV, Bounce TV, BBC iPlayer – everything worked like a charm. Even when they hit a snag (which barely happened), their customer support was amazing. They were super responsive and helpful, like a lifesaver! Plus, ExpressVPN has this nifty feature called MediaStreamer that bypasses any block on any device. Seriously handy!
Speed: Buckle up, because this is crazy – ZDF streamed at unreal speeds! They use this Lightway thing, and let me tell you, it’s magic. We averaged 300 Mbps no matter where we were connected! Sure, maybe it’s not the absolute fastest VPN out there, but any lag was so minor it didn’t exist. Seriously, everything streamed perfectly smoothly.
Privacy: ExpressVPN is a total game-changer for privacy too. They take it seriously, using top-notch encryption and their private DNS to keep data hidden. Plus, independent audits back them up, so you know they’re not messing around. This is perfect for watching shows on ZDF – finally, I can stream worry-free, knowing my info is secure.
Additional Information
- More than 3000 servers exist across 94 regions.
- Using the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) guarantees strong data security.
- Servers uphold high-speed performance.
- In tests conducted in 2024, only a 10% reduction in speed was noted, rendering it the favored choice for streaming.
- Users can simultaneously connect multiple devices with just one subscription.
Pros
- Effectively removes restrictions and enables smooth streaming.
- Extensive server network globally.
- High-quality security and privacy protocols are in place.
Cons
- Higher pricing when compared to competitors.
- Restricted number of concurrent connections.
NordVPN – Biggest Server Network to Watch ZDF in the USA
Streaming Performance: We weren’t sure if we could find ZDF shows before, but NordVPN became our secret weapon! Our VPN analysts switched servers and locations like a pro and boom – there was ZDF content, ready to stream. No matter the platform, NordVPN bypassed restrictions. Amazon Prime, Disney+, BBC iPlayer – everything worked perfectly, even in HD. The best part? It worked on all our devices, phones, laptops, tablets, you name it.
It wasn’t perfect though. A few servers were slow, and we couldn’t connect as many devices at once as with some other VPNs. But for pure streaming power, NordVPN is amazing!
Speed: Mind-blowing! Their new NordLynx protocol is crazy fast, we got speeds over 950 Mbps! Even regular OpenVPN was impressive. Streaming ZDF shows while browsing in Ultra HD? Easy! Everything stayed smooth at 110 Mbps, and the speed barely dropped even when multitasking. As streamers, we need speed, security, and access to ZDF – NordVPN delivered on all fronts. It’s a total game-changer!
Privacy Test Result: Security is important, especially for ZDF. We tested NordVPN, and it did not disappoint. They have these awesome kill switches. One cuts everything off if the connection drops, which is great. But there’s another you can set for specific apps, like ZDF in any case. This lets us control what happens if things get wonky. Plus, NordVPN made sure none of our data or ZDF info ever leaked. Our privacy was secure.
Additional Information
- Utilizing CyberSec functionalities, it offers ad blocking, protection against malware, and improved online security measures.
- Strictly adhering to a robust no-logs policy, it prioritizes user privacy and confidentiality.
- Boasting an expansive server network comprising approximately 5,310 servers across 59 regions.
- Our assessment in 2024 indicated an 11% decrease in speed.
- Considering limitations on simultaneous connections and a subpar graphical interface for Linux users, we recommend exploring alternative VPN services instead of ExpressVPN.
Pros
- The broad server network guarantees robust speeds and supports torrenting with dependable assistance.
- Streaming functionalities excel and seamlessly operate on various devices.
- It prides itself on excellent speed performance, ensuring adequate data transmission.
Cons
- The Linux client lacks a graphical interface.
- There’s a restriction on having only six simultaneous connections.
- The free plan has limited availability.
Surfshark- Affordable VPN For Long-Term Packages to Watch ZDF in the USA
Streaming Test Results: Surfshark was a game-changer for unlocking ZDF and all our other favorite streaming services! Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and Amazon Prime – all wide open from different regions, thanks to Surfshark’s magic touch. But there was a bit of a snag with the iPhone and iPad apps – getting those to work with streaming services wasn’t always smooth sailing.
Speed Test Results: Let’s just say Surfshark is a speed demon, especially for streaming ZDF. With our super-fast internet and Surfshark’s WireGuard protocol, it maxed out our connection completely. We wouldn’t be surprised if it could handle even crazier speeds. Even with OpenVPN, which is usually slower, Surfshark was still the fastest we’ve seen at 640 Mbps. And here’s the kicker: all this blazing speed only slowed down our internet by about 16%. Streaming ZDF with Surfshark felt like using a virtual rocket ship!
Privacy Test Results: Now, for the privacy side of things. Surfshark’s Whitelister feature was a lifesaver for streaming ZDF. It’s super handy because you can choose which apps and websites stay outside the VPN encryption, which is super convenient. The built-in ad blocker wasn’t the best, but it did a decent job of keeping things ad-free while I streamed.
Additional Information
- Utilizes CleanWeb functionalities to remove advertisements efficiently.
- Ensures strong protection for online privacy.
- In our evaluation for 2024, we observed a decrease in speed by 16%.
- Delivers rapid performance while supporting simultaneous connections to multiple devices seamlessly.
- Grants access to a vast network encompassing over 3200 servers across 100 countries worldwide.
Pros
- Economical long-term subscription options
- Incorporates NoBorders and Camouflage functionalities
- Significant focus on ensuring security and privacy
Cons
- Customer service exhibits sluggish responsiveness.
- The lack of split tunneling functionality on iOS negatively impacts overall compatibility.
ZDF Device Compatibility
What’s excellent about ZDF? It’s accessible on numerous devices. We could use ZDF across a variety of devices, such as:
- Windows
- Mac
- Android
- iOS
- Samsung Smart TV
- Apple TV
- Amazon Fire TV
- Google Chromecast
- Xbox One
How do you watch ZDF in the USA on Amazon Firestick?
- Subscribe to a VPN service (e.g., ExpressVPN).
- Install the ExpressVPN app on your Amazon Firestick.
- Launch the ExpressVPN app and log in using your credentials.
- Connect to a server located in Germany.
- Navigate to the ZDF website using the Firestick’s web browser.
- Start streaming ZDF content from the USA securely through the VPN.
How do you watch ZDF in the USA on Android devices?
- Subscribe to a VPN service like ExpressVPN.
- Download and install the ExpressVPN app from the Google Play Store.
- Launch the ExpressVPN app and log in with your credentials.
- Connect to a server located in Germany.
- Open your web browser or the ZDF app.
- Access the ZDF website or app and start streaming.
How do you watch ZDF in the USA on Apple TV?
- Subscribe to a VPN service like ExpressVPN.
- Configure the VPN on your router to cover Apple TV.
- Connect your Apple TV to the VPN-configured router.
- Launch the ZDF app or visit the ZDF website on your Apple TV.
- Enjoy streaming ZDF content from the USA securely and privately.
How to Fix Streaming Issues on ZDF?
If you encounter issues using a ZDF VPN, there are several solutions available:
- Get in touch with the support team at ZDF. Seek help from ZDF’s support team to resolve the issue.
- Delete the browser’s cache and cookies. Remove the cache and cookies in your browser, as outdated data might create conflicts with VPNs.
- Test an alternative browser. Try using another browser, as different browsers may interact differently with VPNs.
- Change your VPN service. Explore switching VPN providers, as not all VPNs perform equally in circumventing streaming restrictions. Choose a VPN recognized for its effectiveness with streaming services.
What is ZDF?
ZDF stands for Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen, which translates to “Second German Television” in English. It is one of the largest public-service television broadcasters in Germany. ZDF offers a wide range of programming, including news, documentaries, entertainment, and cultural content. It is known for its high-quality productions and is funded by a license fee paid by German households.
What to watch on ZDF?
Popular Shows on ZDF
- Mood
- Alex Rider
- Survivors
- It’s a Sin
- Killing Eve
- Suspect
- Huss
- Like a Loser
- Country Queen
- Riding in Darkness
Popular Movies on ZDF
- Hanni and Nanni
- Universal Soldier – The Return
- Salvation
- 2012
- Forecast Murder
- Postcard Killings
- Heart of Winter – Death on a cold night
- Deadly Infidelity
- The Witch Princess
- Theodosia
FAQs
Can I watch ZDF from outside Germany?
Yes, with a VPN, you can access ZDF from anywhere in the world.
Which VPN is best for streaming ZDF?
ExpressVPN is recommended for its reliability and speed.
Do I need a German IP address to watch ZDF?
Yes, a VPN can provide you with a German IP address to access ZDF.
Do I need technical skills to set up a VPN for ZDF?
Setting up a VPN for ZDF is straightforward, and many VPN providers offer user-friendly apps.
Will ZDF block my access if I use a VPN?
ZDF generally doesn’t block VPN traffic, but it’s essential to use a reliable VPN to avoid issues.
Wrapping Up
And that’s it for our guide on watching ZDF in the USA! If you have any questions or need more help, feel free to reach out to us via the email address provided. Our team of VPN experts is here to help you out. Keep an eye out for more helpful guides like this in the future. Enjoy streaming ZDF content and happy watching!
