How to stream Peacock TV outside the US with a VPN

A VPN will allow the user to stream Peacock while traveling abroad with no hassle. Here’s a rundown of how to stream Peacock and the best VPNs for the job.

As with the majority of streaming platforms, Peacock blocks users if they try to access the service from outside of the US. If you try to stream Peacock from abroad, you’re likely to encounter the following error message:

“This service is unavailable in your region.”

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is ideal for bypassing any geo-restrictions, allowing the user to access Peacock content as though they were really in the US. VPNs work by encrypting all traffic that is sent to and from your device, assigning the user a temporary IP address in the process. If you connect to a US server, you’ll be assigned a US IP address that will allow the user to watch Peacock TV from anywhere in the world.

We’ll take you through the best VPNs for streaming Peacock from abroad, including a step-by-step guide to help you get started. If you don’t have time to read through everything, here’s a quick roundup of the best VPNs for the job. 

Here are the best VPNs for accessing Peacock TV abroad:

1. NordVPN: The best VPN for watching Peacock from abroad. High-speed US servers, various unique features like SmartPlay, strong security, and an audited no-logs policy. Offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee. 
2. Surfshark: Our top budget VPN for watching Peacock. No device limits and servers in 100+ countries, including lots of coverage in the US. Speedy lag-free streaming.
3. ExpressVPN: Capable provider with the ability to bypass the majority of geo-restrictions, whether it’s Peacock or another popular platform. Lightway protocol, Smart DNS, and reliable speeds. 
4. CyberGhost: Optimized and labeled servers for streaming found within the app. Fast speeds and affordable subscriptions. 
5. Proton VPN: Advanced features, free US servers, strong streaming support, and an audited no-logs policy.
6. IPVanish: Impressive server speeds, lots of coverage in the US, and works well with Peacock.
7. PrivateVPN: Secure provider with the ability to access multiple US streaming services. 

Summary Table

If you’re in need of a VPN for Peacock, it can be difficult to identify the best provider for the job. Some VPNs only work with a handful of US streaming services, and others won’t be able to access Peacock whatsoever.

We’ve narrowed the field with our inclusion criteria. Here are some of the non-negotiable characteristics we looked for when picking out the best providers for Peacock:

• Servers in the US are necessary for watching TV from the region while overseas, whether it’s via Peacock or another platform like Netflix. 
• Connection speeds will dictate how efficiently the user is able to perform any online task and are especially important for streaming content via Peacock.
• Boasting streaming access, as well as allowing the user to bypass Peacock restrictions, the provider should work with other US sites and services from abroad. 
• Privacy and security, including everything from notable features to available protocols.
• In order to qualify for one of the top three positions, the VPN must operate a 100% diskless server network and have its infrastructure audited by a reputable third party.

For more information about the specific criteria we used for picking the best VPNs for Peacock, check out the testing methodology section found later in this article.

How to use a VPN to watch Peacock TV online from anywhere

It doesn’t take long to get started if you want to set up a provider to work with US TV platforms like Peacock TV. We’ve put together a quick guide to take you through the necessary steps. 

Here’s how to set up a VPN to watch Peacock TV abroad:

1. Select a VPN that works with Peacock. We’ve listed several options below, with NordVPN being our top recommendation. 
2. Sign up with the provider, and make a note of your login details.
3. Download the relevant VPN app to your device.
4. Open the VPN app, and sign in. Connect to a server location in the US for Peacock TV. 
5. Head to the Peacock website, and sign in. 
6. You should now be able to watch any Peacock TV content that was previously unavailable. If you do run into any issues, clear your cookies and refresh the page.

Best VPNs for watching Peacock TV abroad

Here’s our list of the best VPNs for watching Peacock TV abroad:

NordVPN is a worthwhile solution if you’d like to stream Peacock from anywhere on the planet. Our top recommendation overall, it has almost 2,000 high-speed servers in 15+ US server locations. You’ll find 5,900+ servers in 60+ countries, with specialty servers offering dedicated US IP addresses, and Onion over VPN for improved privacy.

The Panama-based provider has lots of features that make it an excellent option for streaming. For example, the proprietary NordLynx protocol helps to see improved speeds, while SmartPlay allows the user to access US streaming platforms on devices like smart TVs, games consoles, and more. Double VPN is NordVPN’s version of MultiHop, while there’s obfuscation, Meshnet, split tunneling, and sturdy AES-256 encryption.

Average speeds amount to roughly 200 Mbps worldwide, so you’ll never have to worry about buffering while catching up with your favorite content with Peacock. It can also access the likes of Netflix, Prime Video, HBO, ESPN, NBC, ABC, CBS, and Hulu from abroad. 

In the unlikely event that you run into any issues, support staff are available 24/7. 

You’ll find NordVPN apps for all devices, including support for routers and browsers. It allows for up to six simultaneous device connections per account. 

THE BEST VPN FOR PEACOCK: NordVPN is our top recommendation for accessing various US services like Peacock from abroad. Fast speeds, NordLynx, Meshnet, SmartPlay, an audited no-logs policy, and 24/7 live chat support. Comes with a simple risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of NordVPN.

Surfshark is our top pick if you’re looking for the best affordable VPN for Peacock. The provider has servers in 100+ countries, with US coverage found in 25+ major cities.

You’d be forgiven for expecting Surfshark to struggle with streaming given the low asking price. In fact, it had no issues with accessing Peacock during testing, and the same goes for services like US Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, YouTube TV, Sling TV, DirecTV, and ABC.

Average speeds amount to roughly 190 Mbps, so it’s another great option if you need a fast VPN for additional intensive tasks like torrenting or gaming. 

There’s further support for Smart DNS, alongside a kill switch, obfuscation, and AES encryption. You’ll also find split tunneling, MultiHop connections, and CleanWeb, which works to block ads, trackers, and malware.

Surfshark can be used with as many devices as you like at the same time, so you can share an account with friends and family if you’d prefer to do so. 

You’ll find iOS, Android, macOS, Windows, and Linux apps, as well as additional support for compatible routers, and browser extensions for Chrome, Firefox, and Edge. 

THE BEST BUDGET VPN FOR PEACOCK: Surfshark is an affordable alternative that can be used to stream Peacock from anywhere on the planet. Servers in 100+ countries, decent speeds, and a simple 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Surfshark.

ExpressVPN is another superb streaming solution for Peacock users. You’ll be able to connect via servers in 24+ US locations, while the service offers coverage in a total of 105+ countries. 

It works with various popular US services, including Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Crunchyroll, Disney+, Paramount+, and HBO Max. ExpressVPN can bypass blocks with 23+ Netflix catalogs, giving some indication as to how well it performs in terms of streaming access. As you might have guessed, the same is true for international platforms like BBC iPlayer and Hotstar. 

The proprietary Lightway protocol is another interesting addition, offering a lightweight alternative to the likes of OpenVPN. Average speeds work out to 253 Mbps via servers in New York, so there’s no chance of lag while connected to a US ExpressVPN server.  

Customer support is available 24/7 via live chat, while advanced features include obfuscation, Smart DNS support, and TrustedServer, which ensures that all servers are RAM-only. 

You’ll find apps for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux. ExpressVPN also offers custom router firmware, which comes with a kill switch, and is arguably a better solution than relying on third-party firmware such as DD-WRT or Tomato.

BEGINNER-FRIENDLY PEACOCK VPN: ExpressVPN is ideal for streaming and accessing a long list of services from the US no matter your current location. Apps for all devices, 24/7 live chat support, Smart DNS, and a Lightway protocol. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

CyberGhost has over 10,000 servers to pick from worldwide, with 1,500+ found in the United States alone. This includes streaming-optimized servers that are labeled within the app, so it only takes a few clicks to get started with a variety of popular VOD services. 

As you might have guessed, the provider is able to access a long list of platforms in the US and elsewhere, including Peacock. Average speeds amount to almost 300 Mbps, so it’s quick enough to watch multiple streams at the same time with no lag. 

In terms of notable features, CyberGhost includes Smart DNS, making good use of its streaming capabilities on devices without traditional VPN support. It also comes with a kill switch and automatic ad-blocking. Plus, it supports P2P, split tunneling, and it has dedicated IP addresses. 

CyberGhost has apps for Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux. It allows for up to seven simultaneous device connections, and it’s another user-friendly solution. If you just want a VPN for streaming Peacock, CyberGhost ticks all of the boxes.

STREAMING-OPTIMIZED SERVERS FOR PEACOCK: CyberGhost is an affordable provider with lots of streaming support for US platforms. Speedy servers, and user-friendly apps for all devices. Extended 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of CyberGhost.

Proton VPN has lots of features that help it stand out in comparison to many of the alternatives listed above. Proton VPN has support for Tor, along with torrenting, port forwarding, and obfuscation. 

There are over 1,000 servers in 14+ US cities, and it can be used to access Peacock, US Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, and Amazon Prime from abroad. It comes with an ad-blocker (NetShield), split tunneling, and a system-wide kill switch.

Secure Core is a notable feature, routing user data through privacy-friendly regions such as Iceland, Sweden, and Switzerland before reaching the United States. 

You’ll also find free locations in the US, the Netherlands, and Japan. Unfortunately, these free servers don’t offer streaming support, so you’ll have to use a premium plan to access Peacock from abroad. Paid users get access to the fastest speeds via the proprietary VPN Accelerator feature, and servers averaged 396 Mbps via New York.  

Security is top-notch, including an audited no-logs policy, while you’ll find apps and support for all major platforms. A single account can be used with up to 10 devices at the same time. 

ADVANCED PEACOCK VPN: Proton VPN works well with services like Peacock, and it’s packed with advanced features that aim to improve online privacy. Free server locations, Secure Core, blistering speeds, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of Proton VPN.

IPVanish is based in the US, so it has no trouble accessing multiple streaming services from the country while the user is abroad. Along with Peacock, it worked with HBO Max, Prime Video USA, Disney Plus, CBS, and NBC during testing, and that’s far from a complete list of compatible platforms.  

Features include a kill switch, split tunneling, and a SOCKS5 proxy. Obfuscation (Scramble) helps if you’re aiming to ensure that the VPN isn’t detected by your ISP while in use. 

The US HQ might be an issue for some users who would prefer to avoid a key Five Eyes member. On the other hand, it does make for a great US streaming solution, while average speeds in excess of 300 Mbps make it quick enough to avoid lag or buffering in the process. 

You’ll find IPVanish apps for all major platforms, and it allows the user to connect an unlimited number of simultaneous devices using a single account. 

SPEEDY PEACOCK VPN: IPVanish has speedy US servers for streaming, making it easy to watch Peacock in any country. Unlimited device connections, kill switch, and apps for all devices. 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of IPVanish.

PrivateVPN is the final provider to make the list. US server speeds averaged 50 Mbps during testing, so it’s quick enough to stream live content in high quality, even if it isn’t the most impressive result on this list. 

It also has fewer servers to choose from, but we had no issues with accessing content from abroad during testing. In that respect, it’s worth considering if you need a cheap VPN for streaming US content. As well as Peacock and Netflix, it worked with Hulu, HBO Max, CBS, and NBC.

Support for port forwarding makes it a great option for torrenting. PrivateVPN covers the basics with 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection, while you’ll be able to pick from dynamic, dedicated, and static shared IPs.

A selection of apps are available on Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, and Linux. A PrivateVPN account can be used with up to 10 devices at the same time. 

SECURE US STREAMING SERVERS: PrivateVPN works to access Peacock and many more US streaming services from abroad. Sturdy encryption, no-logs, port forwarding, support for torrenting, and a simple 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Methodology: How we chose the best VPNs for Peacock TV

Rather than picking out providers at random, we’ve compiled a comprehensive VPN testing methodology. We test and compare the best VPNs in the business. 

Only providers dedicated to digital privacy, with excellent usability and optimal performance, can make it onto our list. Below, you can see the criteria we used to pick the best VPNs for Peacock TV.

• Servers and streaming: Servers in the United States are necessary if you’d like to access streaming services like Peacock TV securely with a VPN. As well as US locations for streaming, we’ve factored in the strength of the entire network. This helps if you’d like to access platforms in other countries too.
• Speeds and performance: No matter what you plan to use a VPN for, connection speeds will have an impact on almost any online task. Of course, speeds are always important when streaming video content at high resolutions. 
• Privacy and security: How does the VPN perform in terms of security and privacy? We look at features, their implementation, and everything from leak protection to encryption and protocols. 
• Third-party audits: Trust is the foundation of the value that VPNs provide. You are essentially placing more faith in your VPN provider than you are in your ISP. Almost every provider says they are a ‘no logs' VPN. The only ways to test this claim are either through the courts or through audits. We will only consider providers for our top three positions if they have undergone infrastructure audits from a reputable third party. While this isn't foolproof, it's the closest the industry has to a verification process for logging policies.
• Diskless infrastructure: Again, this is a prerequisite to be considered for one of the top three positions on BleepingComputer. While the data stored on a VPN server should be minimal, it could, theoretically, be accessed if the servers were seized or hacked. Moving processes to RAM means that no information can be physically taken from servers and it is wiped on shutdown. It can also easily be wiped as a part of regular security procedures.

VPN for Peacock TV: FAQs

Can I use a free VPN to watch Peacock?

Free VPNs are often tempting, but it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to find a service that will be able to access Peacock with no issues. For example, many free providers might have server locations found in the US, but these tend to have already been blocked by the majority of popular streaming platforms. 

Free VPN servers are often overloaded, leading to slower speeds. Bandwidth tends to be capped with free servers, while many don’t offer streaming access whatsoever. 

Some free providers have been found to leak user data, while others prefer to sell your personal information to third parties in an attempt to monetize the service. We’d strongly recommend sticking with a premium provider that can be trusted to look after your data while offering streaming access from abroad.

Why is my Peacock account not working with my VPN?

Peacock does make an effort to block VPN users and has an obligation to do so because of the broadcasting agreements it has signed with various international services. For instance, if NBC has licensed Peacock content to a broadcaster in another country, it can’t offer access to users in the region via the Peacock app.

If you’re having trouble accessing streams with a provider, Peacock is likely to have banned or blocked the VPN IP address, so you might have to switch to an alternative server. It’s also a good idea to delete the cache and any cookies, so Peacock won’t remember your real location.

Can I stream Peacock in HD while using a VPN?

You’ll be able to stream in HD with any of the providers we’ve mentioned above. Peacock recommends a minimum speed of 3 Mbps for streaming, upped to at least 8 Mbps for “certain high-quality live events and ultra-high definition premium content”.

Is it legal to use a VPN to watch Peacock?

VPNs are legal in most countries worldwide, including the US itself, and vast swatches of Europe and Asia. However, providers are banned or blocked in a handful of countries, such as China and Russia. Make sure to find out about the local laws before you download a VPN to your device. 

Will Peacock block me for using a VPN?

It’s unlikely that Peacock will block you for using a VPN. Most streaming platforms prefer to focus on the VPN server instead, choosing to block the IP addresses offered by providers. However, it is possible that you could be banned if Peacock detects that a VPN is in use, as it does go against Peacock’s terms of service to access the platform from outside of the US.