What is the biggest downside for US residents while traveling abroad? Perhaps, you may answer, losing access to your favorite shows. But, of course, that also includes missing to watch NBC abroad, isn’t it?
NBC is one of those desirable media resources that aren’t available globally in the same manner. That’s why people temporarily moving or relocating to other places outside the United States experience difficulties in accessing their favorite content back.
Nonetheless, through this quick guide, we resolve this issue for you. Just keep reading and scrolling this page as you learn how to watch NBC outside the US within minutes.
Unblocking and streaming NBC from anywhere – The quick guide
- Sign-up for a dedicated VPN app. Preferably, you should subscribe to a VPN that seamlessly unblocks US streaming service anywhere. If you ask us, our top recommendation is NordVPN.
- Download and install the respective VPN client on your device. If you desire to watch your favorite media on multiple devices as and when convenient, then set it up across all your devices.
- Sign-in to the VPN app and connect to a US server offering fast speed.
- Head on to the NBC website or app to start streaming your favorite show.
Why can’t you access NBC outside the US?
NBC is an excellent media resource satisfying the content requirements of both television and radio customers alike.
Powered by NBCUniversal, a Comcast subsidiary, NBC offers many different channels for its customers through various means. In addition to TV and radio, users can also access NBC media online via NBC live streaming.
Thankfully, NBC doesn’t limit its users to any specific device to stream their desired programs. Instead, you can watch it on your TV via a regular cable subscription. Or, you can simply visit its website or download the NBC app to watch NBC streaming. Currently, NBC offers support for various popular platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, Chromecast, and even Smart TVs and Roku.
However, these NBC benefits are typically limited to US residents only. Anyone existing outside this region cannot easily watch NBC abroad.
That’s because, like all other media services, NBC also employs strict content licensing and copyright policies. While it allows occasional streaming of some shows in other countries via different sources, broadly speaking, NBC isn’t available outside the US.
It means that if you’re abroad, you might occasionally get to watch a few NBC TV shows on channels affiliated with NBC. But, if you’re a die-hard fan of NBC media, then you’re surely locked out of the fun unless you return to America. Or unless you try the workaround explained below in this guide.
Is it possible to unblock NBC outside the US?
Before moving on to learning how to unblock NBC abroad, you should first understand how blocking works.
Briefly, since NBC isn’t available outside America, it checks all incoming user requests for the user location. For this, the service detects the users’ IP addresses.
It’s because the IP address directly represents the users’ exact location.
So, when the service detects a request from someone outside the USA, it doesn’t allow access to the content. Whereas anyone trying to access the service from within the US can quickly go through.
That’s what you have to meddle with if you wish to watch your favorite NBC USA anywhere. That is, you’ve to mask your IP address and get a US one.
How would I do that? I hear you ask.
For this, nothing else would serve you better than a VPN!
While you must be knowing about it already, yet as a quick review, let us describe.
A virtual private network, or a VPN, is an excellent means of acquiring a virtual location without relocating physically. All you need to do is subscribe to a robust VPN service, install it, and voila! You get the whole world on your device. Simply connect to the server of your desired location, and all your online details change to that region.
Regarding how this happens, there’s a simple strategy in place. The VPN simply takes control of your internet connection and re-routes all the data generated from your device through its own servers.
Since this rerouting happens right after data generation before you connect to the online world, you automatically get the IP address and location offered by your VPN.
In this way, you protect yourself against all sorts of tracking and snooping. Neither your ISP nor the service you’re trying to connect can track your real IP address and location. So, that’s how a VPN also lets you unblock any streaming platform like ESPN, NFL, or even NBC outside the US.
(Yearning to know more about VPNs? Check our detailed guide to VPNs for beginners here.)
Do I need to pay to watch NBC?
Not really. As far as you own a cable TV subscription, you can easily stream NBC free of cost. However, if you lack a cable subscription, you have no other option to get premium access to it. Nonetheless, some of the content is still available for free streaming without requiring any sign-up.
Best VPNs to stream NBC outside the USA
So, it’s clear that one should necessarily have a VPN to watch NBC abroad; which one should you choose? We hear you ask!
No need to panic.
Here we quickly describe the three best VPNs that work great for unblocking restricted content anywhere. These VPNs also warrant utmost privacy, premium security, and superior anonymity to let you enjoy the real freedom of the internet.
Yet, if you’re looking for some more, feel free to go through our list of the overall best VPNs here.
1. NordVPN
Best VPN to protect your online privacy alongside having the freedom to enjoy NBC anywhere in the world.
5,400+ servers in 59 countries
Supports P2P
AES-256-bit encryption
Zero-logs policy
No data-logging policy
IP leak protection
Allows up to 6 simultaneous connections
24/7 live chat
30 days money-back guarantee
Pros
- Dedicates streaming servers
- Unblocks multiple streaming platforms
- Many servers within the US
- Unblocks different restricted websites
Cons
- Relatively slow desktop client
These guys have withstood all ups and downs throughout the years of their existence and have managed to achieve a credible stance by sticking with true security measures.
NordVPN has also established a global existence with a widespread network of 5400+ servers spanning across 59 countries.
While you would not find the number of locations countries of this VPN as large when you compare ExpressVPN vs. NordVPN, you get a more significant number of servers across all major regions, though. This even includes 1970+ servers across 15 different cities within the United States.
This huge presence within the US empowers NordVPN to unblock various US streaming libraries across all major platforms, including NBC. So, if you subscribe to NordVPN to unblock NBC outside the US, you could also unblock Netflix USA, Pandora, Vudu, Hulu, DirecTV, NFL, and many other platforms alike.
Moreover, by switching to other countries, you can also unblock other streaming services like RaiTV, BBC iPlayer, Canal Plus, Channel 7, ViaPlay, Hotstar, and more.
As regards the subscription, you will surely find a pricing plan that best fits your budget. Moreover, you can easily assess the service for feasibility by availing yourself of their no-risk 30-day trial. And if things work for you, you can even subscribe to their biannual plan, which is the cheapest of all.
You can also maintain your privacy while making payments to them by choosing cryptocurrency as your payment method.
Want to learn more? Go through our extensive NordVPN review to know about this provider in detail.
2. Surfshark
A budget-friendly VPN recommended for those who want thorough online security and privacy while streaming NBC anywhere.
3,200+ servers in 65 countries
AES-256-bit encryption
P2P sharing
MultiHop mode
IP leak protection
Kill switch
Strict no-logging policy
Camouflage-mode
24/7 customer support live chat
Allows unlimited simultaneous devices
30-day money-back guarantee
Pros
- Smoothly unblocks major streaming platforms
- Multiple servers within the US
- Cheapest subscription fees
Cons
- Slow speed on distant servers
While not as renowned as the two leading players listed above, Surfshark has managed to build up a reputable stance seamlessly well. It’s because they offer premium security features that even surpass all other leading VPNs of today. And they also facilitate their customers by offering top privacy options for the cheapest pricing plans.
That’s the reason why we defiantly recommend this service to all privacy-savvy users.
With Surfshark, what you get is robust security with encryption and premium protection against all cyber threats and prying eyes.
This service provider also offers various features such as Double VPN, Camouflage mode, NoBorders Mode, split-tunneling, malware protection, and more to keep your online journey safe.
Regarding unblocking NBC outside the US, you can trust these guys to succeed well, thanks to their 500+ servers across 20+ different US cities.
Whereas you can also access all other streaming platforms as well simply by switching your Surfshark VPN server location.
As they boast a huge network spanning 63 different countries globally with over 3200 servers, you get lots of options to choose a location and access a blocked website. This huge network (together with other privacy features) also warrants evading all VPN blocking, thereby providing you an uninterrupted browsing experience.
Want to know what all the provider is capable of? Go through our in-depth Surfshark review to learn more about it.
3. ExpressVPN
An all-inclusive solution for online security, privacy, anonymity, VPN-detection evasion, and unlimited NBC streaming without location-based restrictions.
3,000+ servers in 94 countries
AES-256-bit encryption
IP leak protection
P2P servers
Network-lock feature
Zero-logs policy
24/7 customer support
Allows up to 5 devices simultaneously
30-day money back guarantee
Pros
- Fast speed servers
- Seamlessly unblocks all major streaming platforms
- Unblocks different restricted websites
- Evades VPN bans
Cons
- Pricing plans relatively costly
ExpressVPN enjoys tremendous credibility in the market with a vast customer base – thanks to its robust security features. Spanning 94 different countries globally, ExpressVPN has set up a huge network of over 3000 servers.
These also include numerous servers across 23 different locations in the United States.
That means you get plenty of options to select a US location and unblock NBC anywhere.
And it’s not all about unblocking content. ExpressVPN also takes care of your privacy by offering military-grade AES-256-bit encryption. This applies to all the data generated from your device to keep you safe from all prying eyes, web trackers, and cyber threats.
Subscribing to the service is also very easy. You can easily pay the subscription fee to them by availing of the different payment options they support.
And, if you’re concerned about privacy, you can even pay to them via cryptocurrency. This diversified support for payment options makes this VPN a preferred choice for customers globally.
The provider offers apps for iOS, Android, Windows, and Linux devices. It also works on Chromebook, routers, Kindle Fire, Chrome, Firefox, Nook, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Apple TV, Smart TVs, and Fire Stick and TV,
Want to read more about it? Explore our detailed ExpressVPN review to know all about this provider.
Is it useful for me to subscribe to a VPN to watch NBC only?
Definitely, having a VPN isn’t only a workaround to unblock NBC or other blocked media anywhere. Rather it’s a wonderful privacy tool with a lot more benefits. Apart from accessing your desired media, you also reward yourself with online privacy, anonymity, and security against online tracking, hacking, and many other threats. Check out our guide to the pros and cons of using a VPN to learn more.
Is it legal to use VPN to unblock NBC and other restricted content?
Although, using a VPN or any other workaround may violate NBC’s terms of service. Yet, the worst you’re likely to face for such a violation is a block from NBC (that you can easily evade by changing your IP address).
As far as using VPNs is legal in your country, it’s not a big deal to use this tool to unblock restricted content. (Though, make sure you do not access any dangerous or malicious websites or media using VPNs. Otherwise, you’ll be in trouble.)
How to watch NBC outside the US with a VPN – A step-by-step guide
So, you now know about the workaround to let you enjoy NBC Sports again; what else should you know?
Perhaps, the exact steps to apply the workaround, right?
Let’s get to it here.
1. Create your account with a VPN service
If you don’t have a VPN already, then subscribe to a secure VPN service. Then, you can easily choose any of the VPNs we recommended above. Or, you can go through our guide to choosing the right VPNs to decide better.
Briefly, to unblock NBC USA, you should look up a VPN offering many US servers. Also, the VPN should explicitly support streaming, offer thorough IP leak protection (to avoid user blocking), and should be able to evade VPN bans – all of this without blowing your budget.
However, make sure that you do not fall for free VPNs as they seldom succeed in unblocking strict services like NBC. (Check out this comparison of free vs. paid VPNs to know when and why paid VPNs are a better choice.)
Once you choose the VPN, simply register yourself with the service by entering your information, selecting a subscription plan, and paying the subscription fee.
2. Set up the VPN on your device
After completing the registration process, download the VPN app on your device and install it.
If you plan to watch NBC on multiple devices, then you should download the respective VPN client on all of them beforehand. Alternatively, you can also set up the VPN on your router to effectively secure all devices on your network.
3. Connect to a US server
Once you’re done with the installation, connect to a US server offering fast-speed connectivity. You can also lookup for any dedicated streaming servers from the US to enjoy a smooth streaming experience. Ensure that your VPN doesn’t leak your IP address.
4. Stream NBC
Simple as that. After you get a secure US location online, head on to the NBC or app with full confidence as you’re now well-equipped to watch it in the same manner as you would do in the US.
Now you can not only unblock NBC but many other streaming services outside US (anywhere worldwide), such as:
Is there an NBC channel on Sky?
If you wonder, “is NBC on Sky?” you’re not alone. During the past few months, many people have searched for it. That’s because a much-hyped international ‘NBC Sky News World’ was planned to launch in 2020. However, in August 2020, the idea was abandoned following back-to-back blows caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and the departure of NBC News Chairman Andy Lack in May 2020.
Conclusion
We now wrap up our guide to unblock NBC outside the US regardless of where you are.
As you must have observed, it’s trivial to watch your favorite shows anywhere as far as you know the workarounds. In three steps, you can get back access to NBC no matter where you travel to or stay.
Just make sure that you always choose a highly secure and credible VPN service, like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, whenever you wish to bypass content geo-restrictions. Besides, check that using VPNs is not illegal in the territory you live in.
Happy streaming!
FAQs
To unblock NBC USA in the UK, simply follow our guide above to connect to a US server on your VPN. Then you can use your cable TV credentials to sign in to NBC and stream whatever you want.
Fortunately, users in Canada may not face any problems while accessing NBC, as numerous NBC programs are available via local cable services. Nonetheless, if you wish to access NBC USA without hassle, you better go for the online version using a VPN.
If you ask about the direct access, then the answer is ‘no’ because NBC needs your cable subscription credentials to let you sign in. However, thankfully, NBC is also available with other services like Hulu, YouTubeTV, Sling TV, and Fubo TV. So, if you have subscribed to any of these services, you can still watch NBC anywhere.
Since NBC applies robust content geo-restrictions, they also actively detect and block proxies and VPN connections. So, if your VPN connection fails with NBC, try switching to another server within the US. If none of the US servers succeed in unblocking NBC for you, perhaps, you may need to switch your VPN. To avoid this hassle, you should consider subscribing to a robust VPN in the first place.
