Like most major streaming services, Philo is regionally restricted. Travelers who visit the site from outside of the US will need to use a VPN to get access to their usual shows and movies.

Anyone trying to watch Philo abroad will be stopped in their tracks by the following error: “Sorry, Philo is only available in the United States… for now”. The good news is, it’s actually fairly easy to regain access to your usual services while on vacation.

Philo determines your location by examining your IP address. However, when you connect to a VPN, this is replaced with the IP address of your chosen server. From Philo’s perspective, the user now appears to be wherever their server is. In short, if you use a server in the US, you’ll be able to securely access US-only services like Philo from anywhere in the world. What’s more, VPNs encrypt your traffic, which stops snoopers like your ISP from seeing what you do online.

How to stream Philo from anywhere using a VPN

New to VPNs and not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we’ll walk you through the process of unblocking Philo step-by-step. Just follow the instructions below and you’ll be watching your favorite shows in no time.

Here’s how to watch Philo online abroad (outside the US):

  • Begin by deciding which VPN you’d like to use (we recommend NordVPN)
  • Install the VPN app onto any device you stream with regularly. Usually, you’ll be allowed to connect five or so devices at once, but each VPN provider has a different limit
  • Next, open your VPN app and select a server in the US. If you’re struggling to find one that works with Philo, those in Los Angeles and New York are usually safe choices
  • Once connected, try logging into Philo and watching something. If you’re still seeing an error, clear your browser’s cookies and try again. Failing this, get in touch with your VPN’s customer support team to see if there’s a specific server you should be using

People who’ve never used a VPN before often get sidetracked trying to decide which service is objectively the best. The truth is that each VPN is configured differently, and, as a result, the one that’s the best at unblocking Philo might not be the most secure, and vice versa. Instead, we find it’s better to look at VPNs that can deal with day-to-day tasks reliably. That’s why all of the services we’re recommending today fit these criteria:

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

  • Can help you securely access Philo while traveling abroad
  • Provides high enough speeds for uninterrupted live streaming
  • Uses uncrackable encryption and a wealth of other security tools to keep you safe
  • Doesn’t log any information that could be used to identify you
  • Includes apps for a wide range of devices
  • Permits at least five simultaneous connections

Short on time? In that case, check out our quick guide to the best VPNs for Philo below. If any stand out to you, just scroll down to find out more about them.

Best VPNs for live streaming Philo

  • NordVPN: Our top recommendation for Philo. Not only is it one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, but it’s among the strongest on security and privacy too. All plans include a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: The best low-cost VPN for streaming Philo abroad. This VPN sits at the top of the table for speed and lets you connect every device you own. Also boasts a strong security toolkit.
  • ExpressVPN: A quick, reliable, and reputable provider that has no issues streaming Philo from abroad. Provides secure servers in 94 countries, plus 24/7 customer support.
  • CyberGhost: Works well with services like Philo. Steady speeds, streaming-optimized servers, and pre-configured security features make this a no-fuss option for novice users.
  • IPVanish: A zero-logs VPN with steady speeds and great everyday usage potential. Has no connection limit and reliably unblocks Philo from outside of the US.
  • PrivateVPN: A privacy-focused service with above-average speeds and exceptional streaming capabilities. Comes packed with security features and even works in China.
  • Hotspot Shield: With easy-to-use apps, dedicated streaming servers, and a solid set of security tools, Hotspot Shield takes the hassle out of watching TV as you travel.

The best VPNs for Philo

Now, let’s examine our recommended VPNs in more detail, starting with our top pick, NordVPN:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

works with PhiloTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our #1 choice for watching Philo. This VPN combines user-friendly apps with extremely high speeds to provide a service that’s as comfortable streaming live TV as it is torrenting. Not only that, but users can connect up to six of their devices at a time. There are no bandwidth limits to speak of, and NordVPN even works with platforms like Netflix and Hulu.

There are plenty of cutting-edge security features included too. To begin with, NordVPN has its own WireGuard-based protocol named NordLynx, which is faster and easier to audit than OpenVPN. Additionally, its apps offer 256-bit encryption, protection against IPv6, DNS, and WebRTC leaks, and a customizable kill switch. NordVPN doesn’t keep any logs and recently had an independent team of investigators verify this (something it does periodically). Support is available over email and live chat, 24/7.

NordVPN users can install apps for iOS, MacOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. It’s also possible to manually configure this VPN on some routers, which will let you secure every device on your home network.

BEST VPN FOR PHILO:NordVPN is our top choice. It’s speedy enough for flawless live streaming and doesn’t compromise on security or usability. Not only that, but it offers around-the-clock assistance over live chat, and a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free.

Pros:

  • No issues with Philo or similar services
  • A strong all-around performer
  • Has a great reputation where privacy and security are concerned
  • Offers 24/7 live chat

Cons:

  • Unlike most of its rivals, NordVPN doesn’t let you disconnect in one click

Our score:

Why not take a look at our full NordVPN review?

2. Surfshark

works with philoTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is our top choice for anyone on a budget. This provider has no problems unblocking services like Philo, Sling TV, and YouTube TV outside of the US—and with unlimited bandwidth, you’re free to stream as much as you like. Surfshark is one of the very few providers that allows subscribers to connect all of their devices at once. Additionally, it performed extremely well in our latest speed tests, averaging over 200 Mbps on a 1 Gbps connection.

It’s clear that this VPN values your privacy. After all, it keeps no logs and just recently revamped its privacy policy to make it much simpler to understand; the obscure legal language is gone and it breaks down all of the information Surfshark stores in plain English. Additionally, Surfshark’s apps include 256-bit encryption, leak protection, and a kill switch, plus a NoBorders mode for safe browsing in countries with strict online censorship. If you need help, just contact customer support over email or live chat—both are available 24/7.

Surfshark has its own Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux apps. If you’d prefer, you can manually install it on supported wireless routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is our top budget option. It’s quick, reliable, and able to access all manner of streaming platforms, not just Philo. Better still, this VPN has no connection limit and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Capable of delivering very fast speeds

  • Works reliably with Philo, Netflix, and more

  • Excellent security and privacy toolkit

  • User-friendly, with no limit on the number of devices you can connect

  • Settings menu is a little difficult to navigate

Find out more in our complete Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN has no problems streaming Philo. In fact, with more than 3,000 servers to choose from in 94 countries, it provides secure access to a huge range of platforms including Netflix and HBO Max. In addition, this VPN regularly delivers high speeds during testing, making it ideal for watching live TV, using P2P networks, or just browsing the web safely. Up to five devices can be connected at once, which should be more than enough for most users.

This service’s security toolkit includes a kill switch, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and 256-bit AES encryption. Additionally, it lets you block access to local devices, or allow certain apps to pass through the VPN entirely. ExpressVPN doesn’t log any personally identifiable data but you can always use a throwaway email address and pay in Bitcoin for another layer of privacy. Support staff are on-hand 24/7 just in case you have any problems.

ExpressVPN apps are available for Linux, Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. What’s more, this service has its own router firmware. This recently saw a major upgrade that made it quicker, more reliable, and easier to use than ever before.

NO FUSS STREAMING:ExpressVPN is a strong choice for watching Philo abroad. It boasts top-tier speeds, a solid set of security tools, and a network that spans more than 90 countries. And if that’s not enough, it also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Extremely fast thanks to its proprietary Lightway protocol

  • Works well with most popular streaming services

  • Great set of security features

  • Accepts Bitcoin payments

  • Costs slightly more than others in this list

Interested? Check out the full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has around 1,200 servers in the US, which is more than some other VPNs have globally. Some of these are even optimized for streaming, which takes the stress out of trying to watch your favorite shows abroad. Thanks to this VPN’s fast connections and unlimited bandwidth, there are very few things you won’t be able to do. CyberGhost has a higher than average connection limit and allows up to seven devices at once.

There’s no tinkering required with this VPN, since its security tools are all enabled out of the box. This includes an always-on kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and leak protection. Newer versions of the apps also include WireGuard protocol support and the ability to connect via a random port. CyberGhost recently released its own password manager and security suite software too, so it’s clear that this provider isn’t content to rest on its laurels. A 24/7 live chat service is available to help with any issues you might have.

CyberGhost provides apps for MacOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux systems. You can also follow manual setup instructions to get this VPN running on supported routers.

GREAT FOR BEGINNERS:CyberGhost has more than 1,200 speedy US servers, which makes streaming Philo very simple. It’s an extremely user-friendly VPN that takes care of the security side of things for you and comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • High speeds and unlimited bandwidth

  • No need to configure security tools

  • Very easy to get help with any issues

  • Settings may be too basic for experienced users

For more details, read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish has hundreds of servers in the US, and around 1,900 globally. This lightweight service delivers solid speeds and works with a decent selection of American streaming services, including Philo, Netflix, and Sling TV. What really sets this VPN apart is that it doesn’t limit the number of devices you can connect. Needless to say, this makes it an ideal choice for sharing with family.

This service’s apps recently introduced support for WireGuard connections, but that’s not all they have to offer. There’s also DNS and IPv6 leak protection, 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch, as well as the option to scramble your OpenVPN traffic. You can even tell it to try reconnecting automatically should your connection drop. IPVanish follows a strict no-logging policy and provides 24/7 support over email and live chat.

IPVanish has its own apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS. Linux systems and select routers are supported too, though you’ll have to configure the VPN manually for these.

WATCH TV ANYWHERE:IPVanish is fast, secure, and reliable, making it the perfect choice for anyone hoping to stream TV from back home as they travel. Better still, it can protect all of your devices at once. Annual subscriptions come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Has no connection or bandwidth limits

  • Works reliably with Philo, Sling TV, and Netflix US

  • Very impressive security and privacy offering

  • Has difficulty with some larger streaming services

Read our comprehensive review of IPVanish.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN users have access to around 200 servers in 63 countries, with around a dozen in the US. This service has no problems accessing platforms like Philo, fuboTV, and YouTube TV, and it’s one of the fastest we’ve tested. In other words, it’s perfectly suited to streaming as you travel abroad. Six simultaneous connections are permitted and there are no restrictions on the amount of bandwidth you can use.

You know this provider is serious about privacy, because it recently became its own ISP in order to guarantee no other company has access to user traffic. Naturally, it follows a true zero-logs policy, plus its apps use 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection to keep your browsing activities hidden. There’s also a stealth mode designed to help you browse safely in countries with oppressive online censorship. Live chat is available most, but not all, hours of the day.

PrivateVPN has apps for iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows. It’s possible to manually configure the VPN for use with Linux devices and select network routers too.

SPEEDY NO-LOGS VPN:PrivateVPN is an exceptionally strong service for anyone who likes to watch TV. It’s among the fastest we’ve seen, works with all kinds of streaming platforms, and puts your privacy above all else. All plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Our tests revealed impressive speeds

  • Can securely access all manner of streaming services

  • Strong commitment to privacy

  • Customer support is unavailable for a few hours each day

  • Comparatively small network

Take a look at the complete PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

                    Editor’s Note: Hotspot Shield is owned by Pango, Comparitech’s parent company.

This VPN boasts automatic wi-fi protection, a kill switch, 256-bit encryption, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. There’s even a proprietary protocol named Catapult Hydra (although the most recent version also has IKEv2 support). Hotspot Shield doesn’t keep any personal info once your session is over. Users can contact the 24/7 live chat help desk in the unlikely event that they experience any problems.

Hotspot Shield has its own Android, iOS, Windows, MacOS, and Linux apps. If you’d like to bypass the connection limit, you can manually install it on a supported router.

QUICK AND RELIABLE:Hotspot Shield has servers designed to help you securely access your favorite US streaming services while traveling abroad. Not only that, it boasts an impressive security toolkit, multi-platform support, and a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Offers fast servers specifically designed for streaming

  • Strong set of security features

  • Apps are well-organized and easy to use

  • Doesn’t support any anonymous payment options

  • Has had privacy issues in the past

Why not read our in-depth Hotspot Shield review?

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Philo

If you’re looking for a VPN that can help you watch Philo abroad, there are a few key things to think about. Is it fast enough? Will it be secure enough to let you stream safely? Does it support all of your devices? To ensure that we only recommend the best of the best, here’s a list of things that we consider non-negotiable:

  • American servers: An outright necessity. Without these, there’s no getting around Philo’s geo-restriction measures. The more to choose from, the better
  • High speeds: Every VPN slows your connection down somewhat, but we prioritize those that have as small an impact as possible. All of the services above can stream live HD video, provided your base connection is fast enough
  • Streaming potential: There may well be other services from back home you’d like to use. That’s why our top picks also work with platforms like Hulu, Sling TV, and fuboTV
  • Security and privacy tools: You should never have to compromise on security just to watch TV abroad. We won’t recommend a service without, at a minimum, a kill switch, a no-logs policy, leak protection, and 256-bit encryption. We prefer VPNs that offer even more advanced tools, though
  • Fair pricing: Overpriced VPNs have no place in our list. We compare candidates against similarly-priced rivals to ensure that they’re really worth what they charge
  • User-friendly apps: We like clean, well-organized apps that are easy enough for anyone to use. If a service lowers the barrier to entry further, say by removing connection limits, that’s even better

Interested in finding out more about how we put services through their paces? We’ve outlined the full process in our guide to Comparitech’s VPN testing methodology.

Can I unblock Philo with a free VPN?

It’s unlikely that you’ll be able to watch Philo abroad using a free VPN. These services often only have very small networks, yet huge numbers of users. As such, you’ll almost certainly experience reliability issues, and may not even get a connection that’s fast enough for streaming at all. Additionally, because there’s so much traffic coming from a small set of IP addresses, it’s laughably simple for platforms like Philo to identify and blacklist free VPN servers. In other words, even if you find a free service that works now, it might not in the future.

Unfortunately, performance issues are just the tip of the iceberg. We’ve seen multiple instances where a free VPN provider has made false statements about how secure they are. UFO VPN, for example, claimed to keep no logs until Comparitech found proof that this wasn’t the case. Rather than take providers at their word, we encourage you to research them, their privacy policies, and their reputations before deciding whether to use them. In other words, price should be just one of many things you consider, rather than the deciding factor.

  • AMC
  • BET
  • Comedy Central
  • Discovery
  • Food Network
  • HGTV
  • MTV
  • Nickelodeon
  • Paramount Network
  • TLC
  • Vice

Now, streaming while connected to a VPN might well be against the terms of service of whichever platform you’re using. Still, in most cases, you’ll simply be prevented from watching anything until you disconnect. This is assuming your chosen streaming service even realizes you’re using a VPN, which isn’t a sure thing.