India is renowned for its colorful festivals and exceptional train network to its large population. And of course, Bollywood movies and Indian drama serials are popular than ever today. Many people outside it want to watch Indian channels in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and other countries for all the good reasons.
One such is, one thing that’s often not mentioned is Indians’ obsession with culture. No matter where an Indian goes, he’ll always look for a connection with his roots and traditions. Perhaps, that’s why Indians living abroad are always looking for ways to keep up with their favorite Indian channels and shows.
Thankfully, there is an effective way to watch your favorite Indian shows overseas. Whether you are in the UK, Europe, Australia, U.S, or the Middle East, you can still access your favorite TV channels such as Star Sports, Voot, Hotstar, Sony Liv, or Ozee TV. That would be great, right?
Yes, there are multiple ways to avoid the geo-restrictions on these channels, so you can watch your favorite show. But using a VPN is the most reliable method that works out of the box for unblocking Indian content outside of it. Want to know all about it? Then come along as we discover how to watch Indian channels overseas.
Best way to stream Indian channels in USA or anywhere else
Typically, if for example, you try watching Voot from anywhere else in the world aside from India, here is what you will see:
Voot is not available in your country right now.
The inability to access such sites is owing to the licensing agreement by owners and content distributors that places geo-restrictions on contents played outside the host regions. Hence, streaming platforms are unable to broadcast content for free outside these areas.
For Indian networks, most of its contents are available for free in India but not outside the country. However, viewers outside India can still get to watch Indian shows and programs using a VPN. Let’s see how this can be done, shall we?
How to watch Indian channels abroad using VPN
With the four easy steps outlined below, you will be able to watch your favorite Indian shows from the U.S or anywhere else in the world:
- Select a VPN of your choice and create an account with it. We highly recommend ExpressVPN for unblocking Indian channels abroad because of its high-speeds and excellent security on offer.
- Open the VPN app and log in with your account details.
- Next, connect to an Indian server from the long list provided.
- Now proceed to your favorite Indian channel.
During our tests, we successfully unblocked Voot, as you could see in the screenshot provided below. We also succeeded in watching other channels and platforms like Hotstar with ease.
There you go, in the example provided above, you have succeeded in unblocking Voot outside India! It’s that simple and straightforward. To unblock other channels like Hotstar, Colors, Ozee TV, or Yupp TV (you name it), follow the same steps. Hotstar has an extensive list of Tamil, Punjabi, Malayalam, Hindi, Telugu, Gujarati, Kannada, and Bengali content, along with a hundred live channels.
Why is a VPN needed to watch Indian TV outside it?
As noted earlier, users typically cannot access Indian channels abroad; this is because they are geo-restricted. The websites and apps feature a tracking system that perceives the country and city where the user is at the moment. Hence, you won’t be able to catch up with your favorite shows and channels. However, with the aid of a VPN, this can be circumvented.
The Virtual Private Network (also known as VPN) changes your device’s IP address into an IP address of the country where the channel isn’t geo-restricted (India in this case). It fools the tracking system into thinking you are still in India, thereby granting you access to all the shows and channels in India while in other countries.
Besides, VPN conceals your activities online, a feature that prevents internet providers from regulating your internet speed. All in all, having a VPN is a smart move for everyone for numerous good reasons apart from its unblocking capabilities.
Best VPNs to watch Indian channels anywhere
There are lots of VPN services available, and because they are so many, making a choice can be quite tricky. Not anymore, though, as we have rounded up the best three VPNs that we tested extensively on strict criteria. They include:
1. ExpressVPN
Our top choice to watch Indian channels in the USA due to its blazing fast speed, reliable server network with multiple Indian servers, and stealth technology.
3,000+ servers in 160 locations globally
AES-256-bit encryption
DNS/IPv6 leak protection
P2P sharing
Network-lock feature
TrustedServer technology
24/7 live chat
Allows up to 5 devices simultaneously
30-day money back guarantee
Pros
- Extremely fast
- Keeps no logs
- Unblocks streaming sites
Cons
- Pricier than its competitors
ExpressVPN features 30000+ IP addresses with well over 3000+ servers in 160 locations, five simultaneous connections, and is available in 94+ countries. It is reputed for its fast speed, privacy, and ease of use.
Besides, it is backed by TrsutsedServer, a technology developed by ExpressVPN to ensure there is no log of users’ online actions. It features a setup guide as well as a detailed FAQ that answers all likely questions you may have.
Moreover, it has lots of servers in India and is known to unblock Indian channels in the USA seamlessly. It works well with major streaming websites, including Netflix, Hotstar, Amazon Prime, and lots more. ExpressVPN is super-fast; hence, users can stream in HD without any lags or annoying buffering.
It secures traffic with its 256-bit encryption and has a leak-proof connection that protects your privacy. Also, the provider offers an internet kill switch and DNS leak protection. The best part is that users can pay using Bitcoin. Besides, it allows for signup using burner (disposable, temporary) email addresses for those who are big on their privacy.
Furthermore, it can be used on iOS, Windows, Android, macOS, and Linux. One account enables up to five simultaneous connections. Hence, you can share it with family and friends. It has 24/7 excellent customer support that ensures your questions, complaints, and inquiries are attended to promptly. The provider offers an attractive 30-day money-back guarantee, meaning you can try it risk-free.
2. Surfshark
Affordable VPN that is reputed for its unblocking prowess and security features. Although it’s newer than some other VPNs, it doesn’t lag behind in offering Indian servers for streaming Indian content.
3,200+ servers in 65 countries
AES-256-bit encryption
P2P optimized servers
MultiHop mode
DNS leak protection
Automatic kill switch
Camouflage-mode
Unlimited simultaneous devices
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- No logging
- 24/7 live chat support
- Effective ad blocker
Cons
- Fewer countries offered as compared to ExpressVPN server pool
One of the fascinating features of Surfshark is its unlimited device support. It enables users to use VPN on as many devices as they want with only one subscription; hence you need not count the number of devices connected. This VPN operates 3200 servers in 65 countries, including India, and during our tests, it decreased our speed by less than 13% on average.
Also, it is capable of barring geo-restrictions placed by Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Netflix. With it, if you wish to stream Indian shows in the USA or anywhere else in the world, you are free to. It secures all traffic with its 256-bit AES encryption along with IPv6 leak protection, perfect forward secrecy, DNS, and WebRTC protection. There’s also a kill switch, all of which makes it a very secure VPN.
Besides, Surfshark has a wide range of app support, including Windows, iOS, Android, routers, Mac, and Fire TV. It allows for other devices such as game consoles to be configured to it using DNS settings.
For users who wish to conceal their online activities or get around geo-restriction, Surfshark offers three special modes. The first is Camouflage Mode; this hides your VPN footsteps while NoBorders Mode enables you to use Surfshark in geo-restricted areas. Finally, Multihop Mode hops your connection through various countries to conceal your trail. It also has round-the-clock customer support.
3. NordVPN
Known for its speed, reliability, and anonymity features, NordVPN is another fine choice suitable for watching Indian TV shows and channels abroad.
5,000+ servers across 60 countries
Supports P2P sharing
AES-256-bit encryption
Automatic kill switch
Double VPN
DNS/IPv6 leak protection
Allows up to 6 simultaneous connections
30 days money-back guarantee
Pros
- Unblocks many streaming platforms
- Fast and reliable speeds
- Round the clock customer support
Cons
- Desktop apps may be hard to use for some users
In India alone, NordVPN has over 30 servers, with an overall server network of 5000+ distributed across 60 countries. It is a fast VPN that can unblock various media platforms, including BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, AMC, and Netflix. It enables a specific selection of HD streaming servers; hence there’s no chance of buffering or lags.
Besides, it maintains tight security with an internet kill switch, DNS leak protection, and 256-bit AES encryption. Plus, there’s an anti-malware defense and an ad-blocker too. Also, NordVPN accepts payments made with cryptocurrencies and stores no log.
NordVPN can be used on Linux, iOS, Androids, Windows, and macOS. It allows for up to six simultaneous connections while also featuring 24/7 excellent customer support. Furthermore, it is reliable and has an unmatched speed with no service interruptions or dips to be experienced. That all means you can enjoy your favorite Indian channels in the USA or anywhere else you’re without buffering or other streaming issues.
Best Indian TV channels to watch abroad
Here is a list of all the top Indian channels to stay tuned to even while abroad:
- Star Plus
- Jio TV
- Star Sports
- Zee5 TV
- SetMax
- Voot
- Jadoo TV
- Colors
- Yupp TV
- Ditto TV
- Hotstar
- MX Player
- Eros Now
- Alt Balaji
- Sony Liv
- Viral Fever
- Zenga TV
- Sling TV
- Netflix India
- Indian Amazon Prime Video
Most of these channels offer free-to-watch content in India alone but can also be accessed using a VPN from anywhere else in the world.
Can I stream Indian TV using a free VPN?
Although free VPNs are a tempting option to consider as they offer an easy signup process without the need for payment, they are not worth it as they put you in a compromising situation with your ISP.
Many streaming services, including Hotstar, Netflix, and so on, have invested a lot into blocking VPN usage. Hence it only means that only the best VPNs can overcome these restrictions, and free VPNs don’t make it to the list.
Our research findings also show that free VPNs do not offer servers in India. Therefore, while you will need an Indian IP address to watch channels and shows online, a free VPN does not provide a stable service.
Also, free VPNs are reputed for shortchanging users. Ever wondered how they make money despite being free? Well, they depend on invasive tactics to bring in income.
For example, they either bombard users with adverts, compile idle user bandwidths for use on botnets, input tracking cookies that are used to investigate your browsing history, or completely fail to unblock geo-restricted channels. Hence, we strongly advise against it.
Top Indian TV shows you won’t want to miss out on
If you must watch Indian TV abroad, then it has to be the best. Some of the shows you don’t want to miss out on include:
- Nazar
- Ye Risha Kia Kehlata hai
- Divya Dristi
- Bade Bhaiyya Ki Dulhania
- Kumkum Bhagya
- Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala
- Tujhse Hai Raabta
- Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi
- Guddan Tumse Na Ho Payega
- Suryaputra Karn
- Dil Ki Baatein Dil Hi Jaane Dil Ki Baatein Dil Hi Jaane
With these shows, you will never feel like you left India!
OTT platforms’ rise
With the covid-19 pandemic, live events have dwindled, and OTT has risen. The emergence of Over-The-Top (OTT) has completely disrupted the entertainment industry. It is more convenient, affordable, and accessible. With just a mobile device and data, you can watch any movie or show you want.
Consumers can now binge-watch movies and TV shows; at least that’s what we hear from Indian OTT subscribers. A recent report shows that the average time spent by an Indian subscriber has increased from 20 minutes to about 50 minutes and is expected to even rise to an hour. And with over 40 OTTs to select from, Indian consumers can stream their favorite movies and shows right on their phones just as long as they have an internet connection.
New OTT trends
With OTT gaining more ground, here are the trends rapidly emerging:
- More demand for high-quality content
- OTTs are finding more ways to make advertising profitable since movie watching is now cheaper and more readily available for anyone with a subscription
- Production houses are placing their content online (such as YouTube). However, this is likely to be extended to rising OTT platforms, especially Indian platforms such as Hoichoi, Eros Now, Sun NXT, Sony Live, and Hotstar.
- Theatres are becoming a luxury or, at best exclusive, as consumers can now watch classic and newly released movies on both DTH and OTT from the comfort of their homes and at a more affordable rate.
- More movies will be shown on popular OTT platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and Eros after the initial release in theatres
Conclusion
Living outside it or traveling away from India doesn’t have to be filled with trepidations and anxiety anymore. Not when you can still tune in to your favorite channels and watch your favorite shows.
So, whether you just want to watch Indian shows or set up desi channels on Amazon Firestick (or any other streaming device) in the USA or anywhere else, all you need to do is get yourself the most reliable VPN for India and watch Indian channels worldwide. As you’ve made it this far, congratulations, you don’t have to suffer from homesickness anymore. Should you encounter any issues, just let us know using the comment section available below.
FAQs
Sure, you can! However, you will need to connect to an Indian server first. This will have to be done using a VPN service.
To stream Hindi channels on Roku, you will need to subscribe to YuppTV. There are various packages available, with the least pegged at $6.99 per month. It also features a 14-day free trial. However, note that Roku does not work outside the United States, but you can access using a VPN.
Yes, most times there are. These restrictions are based on the channel’s licensing agreement and geo-restrictions. However, with a VPN, you can unblock these restrictions.
Yes, you can watch Indian channels on Amazon firestick. To do so, download the channels’ apps (e.g., Jio TV app or ZEE5 app), signup, and begin to watch. However, depending on the channel’s availability, you may need to use a VPN to download the channel app.
The Indian government controls OTT platforms under the Federal Ministry of Electronics and Information domain.
Netflix has the highest number of Hollywood movies. Others include Disney+, Hotstar Premium, and Amazon Prime videos (in that order).
The platform with the highest number of Hindi movies is Netflix. Amazon Prime and Zee5 have a large number as well.
Zee5 is the cheapest OTT platform, this is followed closely by Sony Liv, and the next is Disney+ Hotstar VIP.
You can access OTT platforms via the website or by using an app. It works well on any mobile device. Just as long as there’s an internet connection, you can stream content from any of these platforms.
