Published on: August 3, 2022 Updated 7 times since publishing
Only 3 Steps (Quick + Easy) to Watch ARD Mediathek From Anywhere in 2026:
- Download and install a VPN that works with ARD Mediathek. I recommend ExpressVPN because of its ultra-fast speeds and intuitive app interface.
- Connect to a VPN server. From the server menu, choose a server location and connect to it.
- Log into your account on ARD Mediathek and start watching. Now you can securely watch ARD Mediathek.
ARD Mediathek is one of the most popular streaming services in Germany, but unfortunately, most of the content in its digital library is controlled by various licensing agreements, meaning you have to be in Germany to watch it. ARD looks at your IP address to determine what shows and content you can watch.
A VPN changes your IP address to one from a new location anywhere in the world, like Germany. This means that the VPN can access ARD Mediathek from anywhere in the world.
There are some great options if you want to watch ARD Mediathek with a VPN — they have fast connection speeds and are easy to set up and use on a large variety of streaming devices. I researched and tested all the major VPNs on the market and found these to be the best for watching ARD in 2026, though ExpressVPN is my favorite.
WATCH ARD Mediathek With ExpressVPN
Editor’s Note: The VPNs listed below adhere to rigorous no-logging policies, ensuring they don’t monitor or record your online activities. As a result, it’s up to you to use a VPN responsibly. My team and I at SafetyDetectives strongly advise against copyright infringement.
Editor's Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
How to Watch ARD Mediathek Content on Any Device
1. Choose a VPN that always works with ARD Mediathek.
ExpressVPN is my top choice because it works with ARD Mediathek 100% of the time and has the fastest speeds.
2. Download and install the VPN app for your device.
Download the applicable VPN app from your device’s app store or the VPN’s website, then follow the installation wizard’s instructions.
3. Open the app, connect to a server, and browse ARD Mediathek’s library.
Now you can watch anything on ARD Mediathek securely.
Quick Summary of the Best VPNs for Watching ARD Mediathek Content in 2026
🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for Watching ARD Mediathek in 2026
Basic 12-Months plan: $3.99 / month
1-month plan: $12.99 / month
ExpressVPN is unbeatable when it comes to streaming ARD Mediathek. It’s our #1 VPN for streaming and can access ARD Mediathek 100% of the time. Plus, it has the fastest speeds in the industry, so your favorite ARD content will stream without any interruptions.
I really like how ExpressVPN has 3 server locations in Germany. There are 2 locations in Frankfurt and another one in Nuremberg, which gives you tons of server options in the country for the best connection.
ExpressVPN has an intuitive interface on all of its apps and clear setup guides in both written and video format on its website to help you get started. Because of this, getting everything up and running was a breeze and only took me a few minutes.
Read our full ExpressVPN review
🥈2. CyberGhost VPN — Optimized Servers for ARD + Beginner-Friendly Apps
6-month plan: $6.99 / month
1-month plan: $12.99 / month
CyberGhost VPN has dedicated servers for all major streaming services, including ARD. These servers are optimized to always access the ARD Mediathek.
I really like that CyberGhost provides servers in Berlin, Dusseldorf, and Frankfurt. The servers are a bit more spread out across the country compared to ExpressVPN, which only has servers in Frankfurt and Nuremberg (both cities are pretty close to each other). CyberGhost allows you to connect to a server in a city that is closer to your location for the best speeds.
Read our full CyberGhost VPN review
🥉3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Highly Customizable VPN for Streaming on ARD
6-month plan: $7.50 / month
1-month plan: $11.99 / month
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a fast, secure, and extremely flexible VPN for streaming on ARD. It has servers in Berlin and Frankfurt that can access ARD without any issues.
You can optimize your PIA experience by managing 20+ preferences. It’s one of the few VPNs that lets you choose to use 128-bit AES instead of 256-bit AES encryption. This delivers slightly better speeds while streaming on ARD because 128-bit AES uses less encryption (but it’s still very secure).
Read our full Private Internet Access review
Editor's Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
Quick Comparison Table
Editor's Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company
How to Choose the Best VPN for Watching ARD Mediathek in 2026
- Find a VPN that works with ARD Mediathek. The VPN you choose should have at least 1 server in Germany and work with ARD 100% of the time. All of the VPNs on this list can access ARD hassle-free.
- Ensure your VPN provider offers fast connection speeds. Any VPN will slow down your internet speeds a little due to the encryption process, so you’ll need a fast VPN to avoid video load times and buffering while streaming ARD content. ExpressVPN had the best speeds in our tests.
- Ensure that the VPN is easy to use. All of the VPNs above have clear setup guides for Android, iOS, Windows, macOS, smart TVs, routers, and more, plus intuitive app interfaces that make it easy to watch ARD Mediathek.
- Look for a VPN that has strong security and privacy. The VPNs I recommend all include essential security features such as 256-bit AES encryption (military-grade encryption that renders your data indecipherable to anyone without the key), a kill switch (cuts your internet if you’re unexpectedly disconnected from your VPN), and a strict zero-logs policy (they store no data on you). Plus, they all have full IP leak protection, which stops your IP address from leaking through your VPN.
- Determine whether the VPN offers good value. I recommend VPNs that are not only affordable but come with lots of extra features like split-tunneling, allow a minimum of 5 device connections, and back their plans and deals with a money-back guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best VPN for watching ARD Mediathek?
ExpressVPN is my top VPN for watching ARD Mediathek in 2026. It works really well for watching ARD, it has 3 server locations in Germany, and it maintains very fast speeds.
Can I stream ARD Mediathek with a free VPN?
Free VPNs aren’t great for streaming on ARD Mediathek. Many free VPNs don’t have German servers at all, which is required for watching ARD. Most also impose data and/or speed limits, which will seriously restrict the amount and quality of content that you can enjoy. And unscrupulous providers may even sell your personal information to third parties.
I recommend getting an affordable, paid VPN instead such as ExpressVPN. It’s a great VPN for streaming, it will protect your digital privacy, and it maintains super-fast speeds.
Can I watch ARD Mediathek while using a VPN?
Yes, you can securely watch ARD Mediathek using a VPN. A VPN helps you establish a secure and private connection.
Why can’t I watch ARD from outside of Germany?
ARD content is primarily licensed for distribution within Germany. When content is broadcasted or streamed, it often comes with licensing and copyright agreements that restrict its availability to specific regions or countries. These restrictions are in place to protect the rights of content creators, distributors, and local broadcasters who might have exclusive rights to certain shows or films in their respective territories.
That said, a VPN can access ARD content from anywhere if it has servers that can provide a German IP address. This allows watching ARD content securely.
Editor's Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.
