If you travel abroad (outside Portugal), you’ll quickly find that some Portuguese TV channels such as SIC, TVI, and RTP1 are unavailable. This is due to complex copyright and licensing restrictions. However, we have some good news: by connecting to a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can unblock and watch Portuguese TV abroad.

A VPN routes your internet traffic through an encrypted tunnel. This shields your data from prying eyes, protecting your privacy. Connecting to a server means you’re assigned a new IP address, making it look as if you’re browsing from another location. As such, you can use a VPN to browse the web anonymously. It also means you can unblock geo-restricted content. For example, once connected to a Portuguese server, you’ll be able to stream Portuguese TV shows abroad.

How to watch Portuguese TV shows abroad with a VPN

Is this your first time using a VPN? While they might sound complicated, VPNs are actually very quick and easy to use. We’ll take you through the process, step-by-step:

Here’s how you can watch Portuguese TV online from abroad:

  • Sign up with a VPN service that offers servers in Portugal. We particularly recommend NordVPN.
  • Download one of the VPN’s apps, making sure you’re installing the correct version for your device.
  • Open the VPN app and connect to a server in Portugal to get a Portuguese IP address. This allows you to spoof your location and watch Portuguese TV shows abroad.
  • Choose your preferred Portuguese TV channel or streaming service. All region-locked content should now be unblocked.
  • If you’re still finding geographic restrictions, try clearing your browser’s cookies. You could also try contacting your VPN’s customer support for further guidance.

Want to watch Portuguese TV now? Here’s a quick summary of the best VPNs for watching Portuguese TV abroad so you can get started.

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.

Best VPNs for watching Portuguese TV online from abroad

We compiled our list of the best VPNs for watching Portuguese TV abroad by looking for those that met the following key criteria:

  • High-speed servers in Portugal for streaming Portuguese TV
  • Reliable unblocking of Portuguese TV channels including SIC
  • Strong security with encryption that keeps your data secure
  • Privacy protection in the form of a strict no-logs policy
  • Desktop and mobile apps that are easy to use for beginners
  • Multiple simultaneous connections per account (at least 5)

You can find out more about our VPN testing methodology further in this article.

The best VPNs for Portuguese TV – 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 Portuguese TV.

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

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

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

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN tops our list. It has no fewer than 20 servers in Portugal and some 5,000 others worldwide. This means you shouldn’t have any trouble unblocking Portuguese services such as SIC and TVI although you can also use it to securely stream Netflix abroad. Speeds are among the fastest we’ve seen and unlimited bandwidth is available which means you can stream without having to worry about lag. It’s worth knowing that some of NordVPN’s Portuguese servers are optimized for P2P traffic.

Live chat support is included as part of your NordVPN subscription. This is available 24/7. You’ll also be able to secure six 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.

In order to access NordVPN’s Portuguese servers, you’ll need to access an app for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, iOS, or Android 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 our first choice. It has incredible speeds and over 5,500 servers, some two dozen of which are in Portugal. Lets you stream RTP1 and RTP2 as well as Netflix. Unlimited bandwidth and 24/7 support. Security includes strict no-logs policy and Double VPN servers. A 30-day money-back guarantee makes it risk-free.

Pros:

  • Outperforms most competitors in our speed tests
  • Two dozen servers in Portugal let you watch SIC, TVI, and more
  • Unlimited bandwidth for stress-free browsing and streaming
  • Specialty P2P and Double VPN servers available
  • Includes 24/7 support via live chat and email
  • Operates a strict no-logs policy so you can maintain online privacy

Cons:

  • Doesn’t have dedicated streaming servers

Our score:

Read our full NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a low-cost VPN that offers a network of roughly 3,000 servers in 100 countries at the time of writing. This network is growing rapidly and includes servers in Portugal. Unlimited bandwidth is available while you’ll also find that this newer VPN service has strong unblocking ability. It works with plenty of Portuguese TV channels including SIC and TVI. You can also use it to stream Netflix and BBC iPlayer.

With Surfshark, you’ll be able to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously. 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.

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

  • Consistently unblocks Portuguese TV including SIC and TVI

  • Unlimited simultaneous connections per account

  • Highly secure with a strict no-logs policy and Double VPN servers

  • Live chat support available 24/7

  • Beginner-friendly apps for a variety of operating systems

  • Doesn’t reliably connect to the fastest available server

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN has a truly global network of servers that spans 94 countries, including Portugal. As such, it’s an excellent choice for securely accessing region-locked websites and services around the world. You can use it to stream SIC and RTP1 as well as the likes of Netflix and Disney+. Servers are fast while there’s also unlimited bandwidth, allowing you to browse, stream, and torrent without restriction.

With ExpressVPN, you can connect five of your devices simultaneously. It offers very easy-to-use apps for a variety of platforms while there’s also 24/7 live chat and email support. Security-wise, ExpressVPN 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.

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

STEADY UNBLOCKER:ExpressVPN unblocks Portuguese TV channels including SIC and TVI. Also works with Netflix. Excellent 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.

  • Fast servers for streaming Portuguese TV such as SIC

  • Some 3,000 servers in 94 countries

  • Works with Netflix and BBC iPlayer

  • Live chat and email support is available 24/7

  • Multiple security features that offer you online anonymity

  • One of the more expensive VPNs on the market

Read our full ExpressVPN review.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has the largest server network in this list with around 9,000 servers in 90 countries. Overall, there are 50 servers in Portugal that are ideal for watching Portuguese TV overseas. Aside from Netflix US, you can expect CyberGhost to work with channels including ARtv and SIC. This is a VPN service that’s known for offering high-speed servers and unlimited bandwidth.

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.

STRONG PRIVACY PROTECTION:CyberGhost is very fast and offers unlimited bandwidth. Use it to watch SIC overseas. 24/7 support and allows up to seven simultaneous connections. No-logs service that protects your privacy. 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • 9,000 servers in 90 countries, including 50 in Portugal

  • Very fast speeds for streaming ARtv and SIC as well as Netflix US

  • Lets you secure as many as seven devices at once

  • Highly secure with a strict no-logs policy and high-end encryption

  • 24/7 live chat and email support

  • Doesn’t work in China or the UAE

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish is worth considering 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 just five or six. A handful of its approximately 2,000 servers are located in Lisbon, Portugal. This allows you to stream TV from Portugal including ARtv and RTP Memória. What’s more, with strong speeds and 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.

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

  • Several servers in Lisbon, Portugal so you can watch Portuguese TV

  • Unlimited bandwidth means you can stream without lag

  • Can be used on any number of devices at the same time

  • Includes live chat support which is available 24/7

  • Smaller server network than the likes of ExpressVPN and NordVPN

  • Headquartered in the US — a member of Five Eyes alliance

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

This is one of the easier VPNs you can use, thanks to the presence of apps that are very simple to navigate. Live chat support is offered should you need help though it’s worth mentioning that this is not available 24/7. However, you’ll speak directly to developers rather than third-party support reps. 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.

To watch Portuguese TV abroad, connect to a server via the apps for Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS. 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. Very fast speeds 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.

  • Fast servers for streaming Portuguese TV abroad

  • Works with RTP3, Netflix, and more

  • Secure up to 10 devices at once

  • Uses encryption to ensure your data stays safe

  • Only offers approximately 200 servers

  • Live chat support isn’t available 24/7

Read our full PrivateVPN review.

7. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

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

If you’d like to stay anonymous online, Hotspot Shield can certainly help. That’s because it doesn’t keep any logs by which you can be identified. Furthermore, it has 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch feature, and DNS leak protection. If you require any assistance, knowledgeable 24/7 live chat support is at hand. You can even secure as many as five of your devices at once via a single account.

Hotspot Shield apps are available to download for desktop (Windows, Linux, and Mac) and mobile (Android and iOS). There’s a browser extension for Chrome while you can also use Hotspot Shield with routers after manual configuration.

  • Doesn’t work well with Netflix
  • Privacy policy lacks transparency

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

Finding the best VPNs for watching Portuguese TV: Our methodology

Having tested dozens of VPNs with an even greater number of streaming platforms, we know what makes a good streaming VPN. Below, we outline our methodology which helped us identify the best VPNs for watching Portuguese TV.

Our VPN testing methodology post further explains our process of analyzing VPNs. This involves tests in areas such as speed, security, and unblocking.

It’s also worth considering that most free VPNs are slow and may throttle your bandwidth. This results in excessive lag and buffering when streaming. Security may also be an issue. Indeed, some free VPNs don’t encrypt your data. It’s possible that this data is even logged and sold to third parties. It’s for these reasons that we recommend the paid VPNs listed above.

  • SIC

  • RTP1

  • RTP2

  • TVI

  • RTP3

  • RTP Memória

  • ARtv

  • Terra Brava

  • Último a Sair

  • The Voice Portugal

  • Aqui Não Há Quem Viva

  • Inspector Max

  • Visita Guiada

  • Conta-me Como Foi

  • Odisseia

  • Morangos com Açúcar

  • Portugueses pelo Mundo

This changes your IP address, making it seem like you’re browsing the web from Portugal. What’s more, VPNs encrypt your data, shielding your activities from hotspot owners, employers, and hackers, while also reducing the chance of ISP throttling.