How to watch PBS outside the US: Stream from anywhere (2023 update)

VPNs

PBS has hundreds of awesome shows for you to binge, but if you’re trying to watch PBS outside of the US, you’re going to hit a brick wall as the platform is geo-locked. But we’ve found a way to watch PBS shows from anywhere in the world – take a look at our recommended VPNs to watch PBS outside the US.

We’ve done the research so you don’t have to, picking out the best VPNs that are compatible with PBS. In other words, you can load up your VPN, connect to a US-based server and stream PBS shows even if you’re not currently based in America. It’s magic!

In this article:

At a glance: VPNs that work with PBS

PBS is only available in certain countries, including the US. Bad VPNs might not work with PBS because they fail to hide your location if you’re outside a supported country. But the VPNs we talk about below are recommended for those who want to use the service anywhere.

Note: all of the PBS VPNs below offer a 30-day, money-back guarantee. ✅

Can I watch PBS outside the UK?

If you try to stream PBS content through the website while you’re abroad, you’ll fail without a VPN. That’s because the website is geo-locked so that only US residents can tune in. Head to the PBS website, click ‘Live TV’ and all you’ll see is an annoying message that says: “Choose your local station to watch the PBS Livestream.”

But despite PBS being a US-based streaming service, you can still access it abroad if you have a trustworthy VPN.

Free VPNs for PBS

We strongly recommend you avoid free VPNs entirely. Although they’re a tempting offer if you don’t want to reach into your wallet, these services are more likely to sell your data to shady third parties. Paid-for VPNs are way more secure and do a far better job of replacing broken servers quickly and efficiently.

The best VPNs for PBS

ExpressVPN

Best VPNs for PBS - ExpressVPN
Above: Watch Downton Abbey outside the US using ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN won’t let you down. This is one of the best VPNs to trust your hard-earned money with if you plan on watching PBS outside the US. With just one ExpressVPN account, you can conquer geo-restricted websites (including PBS) and enjoy your favourite shows regardless of where you are in the world.

We love ExpressVPN because it’s easy to set up for the first time, easy to use on a regular basis and keeps our IP address hidden at all times. In other words, your ISP won’t be able to spy on you while you’re protected by ExpressVPN. Members get instant access to speedy servers in over 90 countries around the world. None of your personal data is kept on file by ExpressVPN, so that’s one less thing to worry about.

ExpressVPN works on loads of different devices including PC, Mac, Android and iOS smartphones.

  • Make sure your personal information is private and secure
  • Compatible with loads of different gadgets on PC and mobile
  • Built for speed

Try ExpressVPN with our unique discount code (30-day money-back guarantee)

Ivacy

    Best VPNs for PBS - Ivacy
    Above: Watch Call the Midwife outside the US using Ivacy

    Although it’s one of the most affordable VPNs you can grab, Ivacy is still fantastically secure and a pleasure to use. It’s one of the most popular VPNs around for streaming PBS outside the US, backed by over 1,000 servers around the world. It only takes a couple of clicks for you to connect to an American server and stream PBS content without fuss.

    This tried and test VPN works very well with PBS but also a host of other popular streaming go-tos including BBC iPlayer, Netflix and Hulu. By signing up for a single account, you can try this affordable VPN on 10 different devices simultaneously.

    Ivacy has various safety features built-in to keep you safe, including secure WiFi that means you can connect to public hotspots safely, without your personal data being exposed. There’s also an internet kill switch that keeps your identify hidden from prying eyes even if your VPN goes down without warning. Ivacy works with lots of gadgets – the full list includes PCs, Macs, games consoles and tablets

    • Keep yourself safe with Ivacy’s built-in malware protection tool
    • Take advantage of unlimited bandwidth
    • Nippy Ivacy servers that offer high-speed downloads and streaming

    Try Ivacy with our unique discount code (30-day money-back guarantee)

    For more on Ivacy, you can read our full Ivacy review.

    NordVPN

    Best VPNs for PBS - NordVPN
    Above: Watch Sherlock outside the US using NordVPN

    Here’s another VPN you need to take a look at if you plan on watching PBS outside the US. NordVPN is another one of our favourites, blessed with reliable VPN servers dotted across the globe. Each one of those VPN servers is protected by military-grade encryption, leaving you to use the service however you like without your ISP watching your every move.

    As well as offering speedy servers, a subscription to NordVPN also gives you access to the oh-so-very-handy 24/7 live chat service. If you have any questions on how to configure the VPN or just want tips on improving your experience, you can chat with NordVPN experts at any time of the day.

    • Keep yourself and your loved ones secure without buying multiple accounts
    • Easy-to-use app lets you pick a server and connect instantly
    • Secured with leading-edge encryption

    Try NordVPN with our unique discount code (30-day money-back guarantee)

    Atlas VPN

    Above: Watch Sherlock outside the US using Atlas VPN

    Atlas VPN will act as a shield against online threats while at the same time unlocking geo-restricted content for you. It’s a good pick for buyers on a budget and comes with a built-in tracker blocker that stops ads, suspicious websites and phishing links in their tracks. It’s a solid choice if you want to watch PBS anywhere in the world.

    Other handy Atlas VPN features include a shielded connection that leaves ‘no room for unsecured data exchanges’, plus a data breach monitor that lets you know if your personal details have been exposed online. This awesome service also has a no-logs policy (your activities aren’t tracked) and a network kill switch that halts the service if your connection becomes unstable.

    Atlas VPN currently offers access to over 750 servers around the world. Clicking the ‘Connect’ button will automatically pick the ideal server for you according to your distance, download speed and latency. Then, you can start watching PBS wherever you are in the world. It’s also worth noting that Atlas VPN supports unlimited devices and works on both desktop and mobile.

    As an added benefit, Atlas VPN members get access to a 24-hour live support service. That means that, if you encounter a technical problem or have any questions, you can reach out to a real person and get the situation sorted. Give Atlas VPN a try and watch PBS without encountering region-based error messages.

    Try Atlas VPN today with our exclusive code (30-day money-back guarantee)

    PureVPN

    Best VPNs for PBS - PureVPN
    Above: Watch Doctor Who outside the US using PureVPN

    Take a closer look at PureVPN if you want to watch PBS in the UK. It’s a real treat yo use and easy to make sense of even if you’re completely new to the world of VPNs. PureVPN, aside from unlocking popular PBS shows like Doctor Who, can also work with Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. If you’re impressed by what you’ve heard so far, you might want to take advantage of the 7-day trial deal.

    PureVPN offers around 2,000 secure servers in over 130 countries, which is rather impressive. Give PureVPN a try if you’re travelling abroad or living overseas permanently. It works great with PBS.

    • Access your favourite shows without restrictions
    • Stay anonymous at all times thanks to military-grade encryption
    • A global network of VPN servers at your fingertips

    Try PureVPN with our unique discount code (31-day money-back guarantee)

    Prices listed above correct at time of publication