How To Watch PBS Outside USA [Updated February 2024]

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PBS is geo-restricted outside USA, but, fortunately, you can now watch PBS or PBS Kids while traveling abroad with the help of a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN. A VPN can bypass PBS anywhere outside USA with a single click. Therefore, we are providing you with quick steps to watch PBS outside USA using the best VPN.

PBS stands for “The Public Broadcasting Service,” which is an American public broadcaster as well as a television program distributor. PBS offers multiple sections, including PBS Kids, PBS Parent, PBS Food, PBS Art, and especially PBS Digital Studio where you can explore unlimited thought-provoking shows.

However, all the shows from these sections are exclusive to American viewers only. The reason behind this is the geographical ban that America has imposed on its streaming services and channels due to content copyrights and licensing issues.

But you can still get access to PBS’s full content library with the help of a premium VPN. Don’t know how to use a VPN, let us help you with that:

How to Watch PBS Outside USA via VPN [Quick Steps]

PBS is accessible for free through member station websites, member station broadcast services, pbs.org/video, and the PBS Video app. Follow these quick steps and watch PBS outside USA instantly:

  1. Subscribe to ExpressVPN; our top recommendation!
  2. Download and install the VPN application.
  3. Sign in using your credentials.
  4. Connect to a US server (ideally New York) from the list.
  5. Head to the PBS website and watch your favorite shows on PBS!

Note: Before you can start watching PBS, you need to first sign up for PBS which is very easy!

Watch PBS with ExpressVPN Our Top Recommendation

Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch PBS Outside USA?

A VPN is must for unblocking PBS outside USA, because the geo-restrictions imposed by PBS providers will not allow you to access PBS streaming abroad. For this purpose, you’ll surely need a VPN connection and its US virtual server.

A VPN has the ability to mask your original IP addresses and create a new one from their catalog depending on the server location you have selected.

But why is PBS blocked outside USA? As mentioned above, it is due to the content distribution and licensing policies! So If you try streaming PBS outside USA, the following error message will appear on your screen:

“We’re sorry, but this video is not available in your region due to rights restrictions.”

pbs-geo-restriction-error-outside-US

Whenever you try to access PBS without a VPN outside USA, it blocks your access!

Your internet connection has your local IP address. So, when you try to access PBS, the service tracks your local IP address and immediately imposes geo-restrictions, and allows you pretty limited content to watch.

How can I watch PBS online? By switching to US IP address, it will trick the PBS streaming service that you are residing somewhere in US and allows you to access the full library. Besides PBS, with the help of a VPN, you can also unblock MLB.tv outside USA and a number of other geo-restricted websites too!


How Do I Sign Up for PBS Streaming?

The method for this is extremely simple. Just follow the guide and get a PBS streaming subscription:

  1. After connecting to a US server on ExpressVPN, head over to the PBS website.
    go-to-the-official-pbs-website-outside-US

    Start your subscription process by clicking on Sign in!

  2. Use one of the services below and create an account!
    create-anaccount-on-pbs-outside-us

    You can create an account with Google, Facebook, or Apple!

  3. You can also create an account using your email address!
    create-an-account-through-your-email-address-outside-us

    Fill in your details and click on Create account!

  4. You will be given a choice as to which account you would like to use. Select one of your choices.
  5. The next step will be verifying your account, and you’re good to go! Watch PBS Online now!

Note: You can also know how to cancel a PBS subscription by following some simple steps!

Watch PBS with ExpressVPN Our Top Recommendation

What are the Best VPNs to Watch PBS Outside USA in 2024? [In-Depth Analysis]

When it comes to VPN, there are many services available in the market. To get the best streaming experience, we have researched and found these 3 best VPNs to unblock PBS outside USA:

1. ExpressVPN: Best VPN to Watch PBS Outside USA

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for PBS because of its streaming-optimized servers. It offered an 89.42 Mbps download speed and an 84.64 upload speed.

It offers 3,000+ servers in 105 countries. With 25 US server locations, you can easily unblock American geo-restricted streaming services, including HBO Max and Tubi TV outside USA.

Its MediaStreamer feature won us over, as we could stream the best PBS series 2023 on VPN-incompatible devices while staying protected. Safe to say, it was extremely hassle-free.

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We opted for the New York server and unblocked PBS instantly!

Recommended Servers: New York, Dallas, Seattle

We could instantly catch up on Van Der Valk upon connecting to USA – New York (highly recommended). The fast speed servers also makes the streaming experience of Criterion Channel outside USA very smooth and buffer free.

In our speed tests, we received an 89.42 Mbps download speed and an 84.64 upload speed.

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ExpressVPN Speed Test Result!

Considering its connection speeds, ExpressVPN is rightly classified as the best VPN for streaming. We also tested other ExpressVPN servers and found out that the Chicago server is the slowest and must be avoided!

Moreover, ExpressVPN is highly commendable for its solid encryption policies and 24/7 live chat support.

It allows five simultaneous connections on multiple devices, such as Android and iOS smartphones/tablets, Smart TV, Roku, Fire Stick, Apple TV, Xbox One, PS4, and others. This also make it easy to access Freeform outside USA on any of these devices.

ExpressVPN comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, you can use ExpressVPN to get PBS kids unblocked outside USA. The best price for its subscription is US$6.67/mo - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free. It even offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch PBS with ExpressVPN Our Top Recommendation

2. Surfshark: Pocket-Friendly VPN to Stream PBS Outside USA

Surfshark is the most pocket-friendly VPN for PBS abroad as it comes at a price of US$2.49/mo - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee.

It also offers 3200+ servers in 100+ countries, among which 500+ servers are located in 20+ American cities, which come in handy for unblocking other channels like Telemundo or TLC outside USA.

pbs-unblocked-via-surfshark-outside-USA

We connected to the New York server and unblocked PBS immediately!

Recommended Servers: New York, Atlanta, Seattle

The best part of all: streamers enjoy unlimited simultaneous connections on a single subscription and have access to dedicated apps for Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Chrome, and Firefox, you name it!

We connected to the United States – New York (highly recommended) to watch PBS cooking shows 2023.

We also tested Surfshark’s other servers and found out that the Latham server does not work well and should be avoided! In our speed tests, we saw an 88.14 Mbps download speed and 83.72 Mbps upload speed over a 100 Mbps connection.

surfshark-speed-test-outside-usa

Surfshark Speed Test result!

Surfshark also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. Users can even get a 7-day free trial on iOS and Android. So, if you’re looking for risk-free access to VPNs, Surfshark can get the job done!

Watch PBS with Surfshark Budget-Friendly VPN

3. NordVPN: Largest Server Network to Watch PBS Outside USA

NordVPN has the largest server network of 6000+ ultra-fast servers in 61 countries to watch PBS abroad.

With NordVPN’s exceptional unblocking capabilities, we could easily access Peacock TV, unblock Funimation outside USA, and also get 14+ Netflix Libraries. NordVPN is compatible with almost all operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux.

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We connected to the New York Server and unblocked PBS instantly!

Recommended Servers: New York, Salt Lake City, Denver

Not just this, NordVPN allows six simultaneous connections and is compatible with many devices, including Roku, Firestick, Apple TV, Smart TV, Xbox One, PS4, and more.

Out of all NordVPN servers, we connected to US New York server, which quickly unblocked PBS and let us watch Great British Bake Off.

NordVPN’s Atlanta server should be avoided because it is the slowest. We tested NordVPN over our 100 Mbps connection and observed a download speed of 86.39 Mbps and an upload speed of 82.86 Mbps.

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NordVPN Speed Test Result!

NordVPN comes at a price of US$3.99/mo - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend, it all comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee as well.

Why is PBS not working 2023? Try NordVPN and start watching British cooking shows 2023 on PBS right away!


How to Choose the Best VPN for PBS?

Despite the fact that they may all make fantastic claims, VPNs are not all created equal. Numerous streaming providers are capable of occasionally blocking VPNs, and many VPNs are unable to get over these restrictions.

Always search for the following qualities in a good PBS VPN:

  • It needs to be able to unblock numerous websites.
  • In terms of connectivity and streaming speed, a VPN must be quick.
  • It must have a variety of servers spread out all around the world.
  • Given that it has an intuitive design and all of these features, ExpressVPN is our top pick.
  • Last but not the least, a VPN must have an active customer support team to solve issues on the go.

How to Watch PBS Without Cable?

How to watch PBS live online without cable? PBS streaming can easily accessible without cable via PBS official website – no account required. Simply visit PBS.org. and stream directly on any of your streaming device. Viewers can also stream PBS shows on YouTube TV or using an antenna to catch PBS streaming.

1. PBS Video Streaming app/website:

On your TV, phone, or tablet, PBS offers content on demand with the Video Digital PBS streaming app. PBS streaming service also supports Chrome browser, Safari, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge browsers. It will allow you to watch some on-demand content for free, but you can obtain more content by upgrading to the PBS premium tier.

2. YouTube TV

If your question is, what streaming service has PBS? Then the answer is YouTube TV. PBS is also available to stream on YouTube TV only at $64.99/mo. with other 85+ live TV channels. There are YouTube TV apps for many different platforms, and the service offers a free trial if you want to try it before spending any money. However, you’ll also require a VPN subscription to get YouTube TV outside USA.

3. Free TV Over the Air

A free over-the-air antenna might be your best bet if you want to watch PBS. There are several TV antenna solutions available if you wish to receive PBS and other broadcast channels over the air.

Simply consider how far your residence is from the PBS transmitter in your area, its direction, and any potential barriers that might stand in the way.


What is PBS Passport?

PBS passport is an additional PBS benefit for those who donates to any of PBS stations. Donors can get access extended on-demand PBS media library.

How much is PBS Passport?

PBS has introduced a PBS passport for members who donates $60 or more yearly, or $5 or more monthly to PBS stations. They can have a rich PBS media library after opting for PBS passport.

Can I watch PBS Passport on Amazon Prime?

Unfortunately, you cannot watch PBS Passport videos on Amazon Prime or any other channels. To watch with PBS Passport, visit PBS.org. or get a PBS app download on your device.

However, if you’re thinking, is PBS free with Amazon Prime? The answer is No. PBS is not free with Amazon Prime. You can get PBS Kids for $4.99/mo. PBS Documentaries for $3.99/mo. PBS Masterpiece for $5.99/mo. and PBS living for $2.99/ mo. via Amazon Prime.


What to Watch on PBS US in 2024?

You can watch the best PBS shows on different stations, one of the most highest-rated PBS Station is WMVS-TV (Channel 10), PBS North Carolina, and KLRN. Viewers can simply select their favorite station to start streaming PBS content.

What Movies are on PBS Channel in 2024?

You can watch different movies on PBS. Here’s a list of the best movies on PBS in 2024:

  • Pulled Apart
  • Something to Hide
  • Raven
  • A Murder of Crows
  • Brian Wilson: Long Promised Road
  • Brooklyn Bridge
  • Big Bend: The Wild Frontier of Texas
  • We Remember: Songs of Survivors

What Shows are on PBS Channel in 2024?

Here’s a list of the exclusive PBS shows in 2023 online:

  • Sanditon Season 3
  • All Creatures Great and Small
  • Tom Jones
  • Endeavour Season 9
  • Grantchester Season 8
  • Unforgotten Season 5
  • Van Der Valk Season 3
  • World on Fire Season 2
  • Annika Season 2
  • Moonflower Murders
  • Nolly
  • ‘Call The Midwife’ Seasons 10-11

What’s New to Watch on PBS in February 2024?

New shows and movies on PBS in February 2024 are:

  • A People’s History of Native America
  • Secrets of the Dead ‘Death in Britannia
  • The Future of Forests
  • Can A Billion Oysters Save New York City?
  • Soil: The Dirt on Dirt!
  • Message in a Bottle
  • Annika Season 2
  • Three Chaplains
  • Price Discrimination
  • Inside China’s Tech Boom
  • Antibiotic Resistance

What Devices Support the PBS App?

Here’s a list of the devices that support PBS:

  • iOS
  • Android
  • Samsung Smart TVs
  • Apple TV
  • Amazon Fire TV
  • Roku
  • Google Chromecast
  • Android TV
  • Vizio SmartCast TV
  • Google browsers

How to Get PBS Streaming App Outside USA

Here’s how to watch PBS online on Android devices:

How to Get PBS in US on my Android?

Is PBS only in America? Yes, but you can also watch it outside USA via a premium VPN. Here’s how to stream PBS online on your Android outside USA:

  1. Get ExpressVPN on your Android device.
  2. Sign in using your credentials.
  3. Connect to a server from the US (ideally New York).
  4. Visit the Google Play Store and search for the free PBS app.
  5. Download the application and sign in.
  6. That’s it! You can now stream your favorite shows on PBS.
Watch PBS with ExpressVPN Our Top Recommendation

How to Get PBS in US for free on my iPhone?

Here’s how can you live stream PBS on iOS devices:

  1. Start by changing the ‘Country & Region’ of your Apple ID via Settings.
  2. Now, get ExpressVPN and connect to a US server (preferably New York).
  3. Visit the App Store and typePBS in the search bar.
  4. Download the app and create an account.
  5. Voila! It’s done, now watch PBS shows as much as you want.
Watch PBS with ExpressVPN Our Top Recommendation

What Other Streaming Services to Watch Outside USA in 2024?

Here are the other streaming services you can watch outside USA in 2024:

FAQs

PBS subscribers can stream their content for free via its member stations or member sites. You can also access PBS on your device by downloading its official app, which is available on iOS, Android Roku, Amazon FireTV/Firestick, Smart TV, Apple TV, and more.

With an Amazon Prime or Prime Video membership, PBS streaming costs $2.99 per month for subscription. PBS LIVING may also be subscribed to for US$2.99 per month with no additional yearly costs on Apple TV Channels via the Apple TV app. Every purchase supports universal access to public television.

No, you cannot watch PBS outside USA with a free VPN due to its poor streaming qualities and incapable unblocking servers.

Moreover, 18% of free VPNs use no encryption protocols, almost 40% contain malicious malware, and 84% are vulnerable to IPv6 leaks. We recommend only using premium VPN like ExpressVPN.

No, PBS is not available internationally. It is only restricted to the US and to watch it outside USA, you must use a VPN.

Yes, PBS works with a VPN outside USA. So, now you can continue watching your PBS shows from anywhere you want.

Yes, PBS exclusively shares its content to the US viewers. But, if you’re traveling abroad, use ExpressVPN and unblock the PBS media library within a few minutes.

Yes, it is. You can get free PBS app on your Android or iOS devices. However, to stream its premium media library, you must buy one of its available subscription plan; Starts with $2.99/month.

Yes, you can stream PBS on its dedicated app outside USA and enjoy hundreds of unlimited shows and movies.

The only PBS live streaming free option that allows you to view your local PBS station live right now is YouTube TV. More than 100 PBS member stations in the US are live-broadcast on YouTube TV. By entering your zip code in the channel finder on YouTube TV, you may view the channels that are available in your neighborhood.

Wrapping it Up!

With one of the VPNs mentioned above and the steps, now you can easily watch PBS outside USA.

While all the listed VPN providers are fully capable of granting you access to PBS, if we had to pick the most reliable, optimized, fast, and efficient VPN for the job, it would be ExpressVPN.

Ellison Shirley

Dive into the world of TV, sports, and cinema with Ellison Shirley, your guide to the latest in entertainment. From gripping sports matches to blockbuster movies, Ellison's insights illuminate the screen, making your favorite shows and events come alive. Discover the thrill of the small screen and the big game through her expert eyes.

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