It’s easy to forget that some of the services we use every day aren’t available everywhere. For instance, many people only remember that they can’t keep watching South African TV shows abroad while attempting to access region-locked streaming services on vacation. The good news is that most geo-restricted platforms rely on the user’s IP address to find their location, and this kind of blocking is extremely simple to get around with a VPN

By connecting to a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can choose to send all of your internet traffic through servers in a different country. This makes it appear as though you’re actually wherever your chosen server is. In short, if you use a South African VPN server, you can make streaming platforms and websites think you’re still in South Africa. Additionally, your data will be encrypted, keeping your activities private from any snoopers who might be watching.

Short on time? You’ll find a brief overview of the best VPNs for South African TV below. Otherwise, stick around: we’ll review each service in greater detail a little later on.

Best VPNs for South African TV:

  • NordVPN: Our #1 pick for South African TV. This no-logs service has some of the strongest security around, as well as high-speed servers and great unblocking ability. Also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: A low-cost yet speedy VPN with no connection or bandwidth limits, impressive unblocking abilities, and a great set of security features built-in.
  • ExpressVPN: Promising fast, reliable speeds and a solid set of security features, there’s very little this VPN can’t do.
  • CyberGhost: Quick, reliable, and able to unblock several South African TV channels, this is a no-fuss VPN that just works. Also offers an impressive range of security and privacy features.
  • PrivateVPN: With blazing-fast speeds, advanced security features, and excellent unblocking potential, this VPN does it all. Keeps no logs and easily unblocks South African TV.
  • Hotspot Shield: A simple, straightforward VPN with high speeds, good unblocking ability, and plenty of security features built-in. Great for streaming, torrenting, or browsing safely.
  • Private Internet Access: Servers available in 80+ countries. Good speeds for streaming South African TV. Strong privacy protection and allows 10 devices.

How to watch South African TV abroad with a VPN

VPNs make it very easy to access region-locked streaming services abroad. In fact, you can get started in a matter of minutes.

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.

Here’s how to unblock South African TV channels anywhere:

  • First, create an account with one of the VPNs below (we recommend NordVPN).
  • Download and install the VPN app. Often, you’ll be allowed five or so connections at once, so you may as well install it on any device you want to stream on.
  • Log in and select a South African server to get a South African IP Address.
  • Visit a previously inaccessible TV channel and see if you can watch now. In most cases, your video will begin immediately but if not, clear your cookies and reload the page to fix the most common problems. Alternatively, ask your VPN’s support team for advice.

Best VPNs for South African 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 accessing South African TV from anywhere.

Best VPNs for watching South African TV shows abroad

We know how difficult it can be to decide which VPN to use, which is why we only recommend services that meet a strict set of criteria. The guidelines below ensure that regardless of which you choose, you’re guaranteed to get a highly versatile VPN. In other words, the services we recommend are not just great at unblocking South African TV, they can handle just about anything else you throw at them too.

  • Offers at least one server in South Africa
  • Provides speedy, reliable connections
  • Unblocks popular South African TV channels from abroad
  • Refuses to store any data that could identify you
  • Keeps you safe with advanced security features and effectively uncrackable encryption
  • Can be installed on a wide range of operating systems and devices

Take a look below for a more detailed look at each of our recommended VPNs:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Apps Available:

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

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our top choice for watching South African TV. It has more than 50 South African servers, so you’re all but guaranteed a high-speed connection, even at peak times. In fact, with over 5,400 servers in 60+ countries and impressive unblocking abilities, you’ll be able to use services like SuperSport, BBC iPlayer, and Prime Video from anywhere in the world. This VPN permits six simultaneous connections per account.

NordVPN values its users’ privacy. For a start, it doesn’t keep any logs. Additionally, it accepts three different cryptocurrencies and has certain servers specifically optimized for maximum protection against snoopers. 256-bit encryption is included, as are a kill switch, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a built-in ad-blocker/malware scanner. If you need assistance, you can reach NordVPN’s support team over live chat, day or night.

NordVPN apps are available for Linux, macOS, Windows, iOS, and Android. Further, select wireless routers are supported via manual configuration.

BEST VPN FOR SOUTH AFRICA:NordVPN is our #1 pick. It’s an inexpensive service that doesn’t compromise on security. Further, it offers high speeds, impressive unblocking ability, and a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. With a true no-logs policy, your privacy is all but guaranteed.

Pros:

  • 5,400+ global servers and 50+ in South African
  • Achieves consistently impressive speeds
  • Works with plenty of South African TV channels
  • Impeccable security credentials
  • Doesn’t keep any logs
  • Offers around-the-clock support

Cons:

  • Desktop apps take two clicks to disconnect

Our score:

Check out our comprehensive NordVPN review.

2. Surfshark

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a low-cost VPN that has more than 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, not just South Africa. It’s fast too, and offers unlimited bandwidth, meaning users won’t have to worry about lag or buffering keeping them from streaming their favorite shows. In fact, in addition to channels like SuperSport, Surfshark works with well-known services like Netflix USA and Hulu. Best of all, there’s no connection limit.

This VPN features a wide range of security features, such as 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, automatic ad-blocking and malware scanning, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. It also boasts a NoBorders mode capable of getting around country-wide internet censorship. Crucially, Surfshark doesn’t keep any logs. Should you run into any problems, you can reach customer support 24/7 over live chat.

Surfshark offers iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux apps. To use it with supported routers, you’ll have to install it manually.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark is fast, able to securely access several major streaming platforms, and comes packed with advanced security features. If that still doesn’t convince you, perhaps its lack of a connection limit or its 30-day money-back guarantee will.

  • Servers in 100+ countries

  • Excellent speeds and good streaming potential

  • Strong commitment to your security

  • No limit on the number of devices connected

  • Zero-logs provider

  • Settings could be better organized

Read our comprehensive Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN is an excellent choice for streaming South African channels or, really, TV from just about anywhere. This is because it offers unlimited bandwidth and access to more than 3,000 high-speed servers in 94 countries. As such, you should be able to watch eTV and SuperSport without any noticeable lag or buffering. Further, users can secure up to five devices at once.

Once connected, your online activities are hidden thanks to ExpressVPN’s 256-bit encryption and kill switch, as well as its DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leak protection. Further, this service doesn’t log any data that could be traced back to you. If you’d like, you can sign up with a disposable email address and Bitcoin. There’s a 24/7 live chat-based help desk in case you have any issues.

ExpressVPN provides apps for Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, and Linux. Additionally, it has custom firmware for routers that can help you more easily protect your home network.

GREAT FOR STREAMING:ExpressVPN is a solid alternative. This service boasts speedy connections, powerful security and privacy features, and the ability to unblock a wide range of South African TV channels. It includes a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Solid speeds and unlimited bandwidth

  • Strong unblocking capabilities

  • Plenty of advanced security and privacy features

  • Pay anonymously with Bitcoin

  • 24/7 live chat support

  • Slightly more expensive than some other options

  • Streaming servers aren’t labeled

Why not take a look at the full ExpressVPN review?

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost has a truly huge network, with 9,000+ servers in 90+ countries including around 30 in South Africa. This alone would make it a strong choice for anyone looking to stream, but when you factor in its consistently high speeds and fantastic unblocking capabilities, its real value becomes clear. Further, with up to seven simultaneous connections permitted, you’ll be able to securely stream eTV, Netflix US, or SuperSport wherever you go.

This VPN makes staying safe online as simple as possible. There’s no configuration required as connections are secured with IPv6 and DNS leak protection, 256-bit encryption, and a kill switch by default. There’s also a malware-scanner and ad-blocker, giving you even greater protection. Additionally, CyberGhost doesn’t log any personally identifiable data, so you can rest assured that your privacy is in good hands. Support staff are on-hand 24/7 over email and live chat.

CyberGhost offers easy-to-use apps for macOS, iOS, Linux, Windows, and Android, This service also works with Linux systems and select routers via manual installation.

USER-FRIENDLY:CyberGhost is a high-speed, VPN that’s great for streaming. What’s more, with solid unblocking capabilities, pre-configured security features, and a generous 45-day money-back guarantee, it’s ideal for anyone looking for their first VPN.

  • Plenty of fast South African servers and over 9,000 worldwide

  • Very easy to use

  • Excellent unblocking ability

  • Solid privacy and security features enabled by default

  • 45-day money-back guarantee

  • Lack of configuration options could frustrate power users

  • Doesn’t work in China

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

5. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN doesn’t have as large a network as some of its competitors, but its 200 servers cover 60+ countries and offer exceptionally high speeds. What’s more, they’re capable of securely accessing services like Netflix, SuperSport, and more, so you shouldn’t have any problems streaming South African TV channels abroad. With a ten-connection limit, you won’t have to worry about leaving any devices unprotected.

This service comes packed with powerful security features, including 256-bit AES encryption, a customizable kill switch, and a stealth mode that helps you hide the fact that you’re even using a VPN in the first place. There’s also built-in protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. PrivateVPN follows a strict zero-logs policy and provides live chat-based support almost (but not quite) around the clock.

PrivateVPN has apps for a wide range of platforms (iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, and Linux). Further, it can be manually configured for use with supported internet routers.

NO LAG WHATSOEVER:PrivateVPN provides very fast, consistent connections and unblocks plenty of South African streaming services. What’s more, it has an excellent security offering, a zero-logs policy, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Servers in 60+ countries including South Africa

  • One of the fastest VPNs around

  • Capable of unblocking all but the most stubborn services abroad

  • Keeps no logs and offers a wide range of security features

  • Relatively few servers to choose from

  • Customer service is not 24/7

Take a look at our in-depth PrivateVPN review.

6. Hotspot Shield

Website: www.Hotspotshield.com

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

Hotspot Shield has more than 1,800 servers in over 80 countries including South Africa. As such, it allows users to easily stream TV from all over the world. Further, with high speeds, no bandwidth limits, and fantastic unblocking ability, you’ll be able to watch almost anything, almost anywhere, without any noticeable lag or buffering. Hotspot Shield imposes a five-connection limit.

This VPN comes with an impressive array of security features. For instance, there’s 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch that stops sending data the moment your connection drops. Also included are split tunneling functionality and automatic wifi protection. Hotspot Shield deletes all identifiable data once your session ends, which means it can’t reveal what you get up to online under any circumstances. This service operates a 24/7 live chat help desk.

Hotspot Shield has Android, iOS, Windows, and MacOS apps. If you’d like to use it on a Linux system or network router, you can follow a manual setup guide.

HIGHLY VERSATILE:Hotspot Shield isn’t just great for streaming South African TV abroad; its steady speeds, powerful security, and large network make it a strong choice for almost any task. Still not convinced? This service also comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Steady speeds and unlimited bandwidth

  • Unblocks some of the most popular streaming services from abroad

  • Good range of security settings

  • Some past privacy concerns

  • Doesn’t support any anonymous payment options

Find out more in our Hotspot Shield review.

7. Private Internet Access

 

Website: www.PrivateInternetAccess.com

Private Internet Access stands out for offering servers in more than 80 countries. The good news is that this includes South Africa, allowing you to watch South African TV from abroad. It averaged 94 Mbps in our tests, so can easily stream in HD without lag or buffering. We’ve successfully tested PIA with Netflix USA and BBC iPlayer as well as South African TV channels such as SABC 1 and SABC 2.

You can use PIA to connect up to 10 devices at the same time. The service includes live chat and email support which is available 24 hours a day. Security-wise, you’re very much protected thanks to the use of 256-bit AES encryption. There’s also DNS leak protection and a kill switch, while PIA operates a true no-logs policy. Indeed, it doesn’t even keep the connection logs that many other VPNs retain.

SERVERS WORLDWIDE:Private Internet Access works with South African TV from anywhere. It also works with Netflix US. Good, consistent connections and up to 10 simultaneous connections are permitted. No-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Servers in over 80 countries, South Africa included

  • Works well with Netflix as well as South African TV

  • Can be used on up to 10 devices simultaneously

  • Unable to bypass VPN restrictions in China

  • Slightly cluttered app design

Read our full Private Internet Access review.

Streaming South African TV with a free VPN

You might be able to watch TV from South Africa using a free VPN, but you’re far more likely to have a poor experience doing so. These services often only have a handful of servers, despite having far more users than their paid rivals. This leads to an overloaded network, which manifests as extremely slow speeds and videos that buffer endlessly. What’s more, as there’s so much traffic coming from so few IP addresses, free VPNs are usually the first to be blacklisted by popular streaming services. 

You should also be aware of the security issues that free VPNs pose. Many seemingly legitimate services fail to encrypt your data, which means they offer no protection whatsoever from snoopers. To make matters worse, a large percentage of free VPN apps contain malware, so you’re gambling with your system security every time you install one. We’d recommend you use a well-respected, no-logs VPN provider instead of relying on potentially unsafe free services.  

Methodology: How we found the best VPNs for South African TV

Nobody wants to spend their vacation struggling to access their usual streaming services. That’s why we’ve done the research for you and identified the VPNs that work best with platforms like SABC and SuperSport. To do this, we considered the most important aspects of a streaming VPN and then created a list of minimum requirements that was then used to eliminate candidates until only the best remained. You’ll find this list below:

This might seem like a pretty exhaustive list, but it’s actually only the first stage of our testing. To find out more, check out our full VPN testing methodology post.

Although we’ve researched this topic thoroughly, this should not be considered legal advice. If there’s any doubt, we advise reading up on your country’s laws before attempting to stream with a VPN. 

South Africa has relatively free internet, which means that your VPN’s South African servers will allow you to bypass online censorship in nearby countries like Kenya and Angola. Of course, as well as changing your IP address, VPNs encrypt your traffic, preventing it from being read by hackers or the government. This is useful whether you’re a journalist reporting from oppressive regimes or just a holidaymaker who wants to stay safe on public wifi networks. 

  • SABC
  • eTV
  • Soweto TV
  • SuperSport
  • M-Net
  • Mzansi Magic