How to Watch PBS Online With a VPN (Updated 2024)
Reading time: 9 min
Updated on November 30, 2023
PBS is an on-demand streaming service only available in the US and Canada. You can’t watch its shows and documentaries from any other country.
While a VPN can technically provide you with an IP address from the US or Canada to watch PBS, it’s against the platform’s ToS and could constitute copyright infringement. My team and I don’t encourage using a VPN to break the law. If you’re within the PBS broadcasting area, you can legally use a VPN to stay safe while streaming.
After testing 15+ VPNs, I recommend you watch PBS with ExpressVPN. It has the fastest speeds and best security features for safe and bufferless streaming in HD. Also, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a full refund if you’re unsatisfied. I tested this guarantee and got a refund in 3 days. Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Quick Guide: 3 Steps to Watch PBS Lag-Free With a VPN
- Get a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN for its fast speeds and reliable US servers. You can download and try ExpressVPN risk-free with its 30 money-back guarantee.
- Connect to a US server. Depending on where you are, connect to the nearest server in the US or Canada for the optimal speeds.
- Start watching PBS Online. Find and watch your favorite PBS shows by visiting PBS.org wherever you are.
Important! The VPNs recommended in this article have no-logs policies. They don’t monitor your online activities. It’s your responsibility to use the VPN lawfully and not break the Terms of Service of PBS.
The Best VPNs to Watch PBS in 2024
1. ExpressVPN — Fastest VPN Available For Streaming PBS Buffer-Free in HD
Key Features:
- Over 3,000 servers in 105 countries and hundreds in the US and Canada to watch PBS
- Lightning-fast speeds so you can effortlessly watch PBS in HD
- Connect to 8 streaming devices at a time
- 24/7 customer support via email or Live chat
- 30-day money-back guarantee
ExpressVPN lets you watch PBS lag-free with its high-speed connections in the US and Canada. I tested its server in New York and got speeds of around 330 Mbps, which was only around 9% slower than my base speeds. These speeds are fast enough to watch even UHD content with zero lag.
This split-tunneling feature will enable you to enjoy improved speeds for other internet activities like downloading files. You can enjoy the lightning-fast streaming speeds, zero lag, and no buffering when you use ExpressVPN to watch PBS online and stream other streaming platforms like Netflix risk-free.
You can try ExpressVPN to watch PBS completely risk-free. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This means if you’re not 100% happy, you can get a refund. I recently verified this policy. After requesting a refund through live chat, I got my money back in just 3 days.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
ExpressVPN works with: HBO Max, Kodi, Amazon Prime Video, SHOWTIME, Spotify, Netflix, Vudu, ESPN, and BBC iPlayer.
ExpressVPN works on: iOS, Windows, Android, macOS, Playstation, Xbox, Router, Chromecast, and Firefox.
Get ExpressVPN's Black Friday Deal! You can subscribe to ExpressVPN for as low as per month + get extra 4 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to %)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Streaming Servers for Seamless Connection to PBS
Key Features:
- Over 11,670 servers in 100+ countries, with several in the US to watch PBS
- Connect to 7 from a single account
- 24/7 customer support via live chat or email
- 45-days money-back guarantee policy
CyberGhost has a vast network of optimized servers that makes watching PBS online seamless. This means lightning-speed connection and fast streaming. My colleague in the US connected to a US streaming server within seconds and started browsing immediately. He didn’t experience any lag while watching PBS on his computer and smartphone.
One of the cool features of CyberGhost that makes streaming PBS enjoyable is its ad blocker feature that blocks ads from my browser, allowing me to enjoy uninterrupted streaming. You won’t experience any ad pop-ups while watching PBS.
Using CyberGhost to stream was effortless. The navigation was simple and I could find the best server locations with a click within the app. I used CyberGhost on my windows computer without any issues.
I recommend you try CyberGhost with its optimized servers for streaming PBS using its 45 days money-back guarantee. If you are still not satisfied with the service, you can request a refund. They have 24/7 live chat customer support to assist you with any questions about their service.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
CyberGhost works with: Youtube TV, Amazon Prime Video, ESPN, Roku, Twitch TV, Vudu, Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, HBO Max, DAZN, and BBC iPlayer.
CyberGhost works on: Linux, Android TV, Router, Chromebook, Windows, iOS, macOS, Android, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and Router.
2024 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as per month + get an extra 2 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to %)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it's gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access — Huge Roster of Servers in the US That Never Get Crowded Streaming PBS
Key Features:
- 35,000 servers located in 91 around the world for easy connection to PBS
- Fast streaming speed with military-grade security to stream securely
- Connect up to unlimited at the same time to a single account
- 24/7 live support service to answer your questions
- 30 days money-back guarantee policy
PIA has over 35,000 servers in 91 countries, which means you won’t have to endure crowded servers with slow speeds. Colleagues in the US reported that its New York, Denver, and Chicago servers worked seamlessly with PBS.
You can connect unlimited devices simultaneously and watch your favorite shows. I linked 10 devices with a single account, allowing me to watch different shows with my friends.
PIA allows users to improve the speed of streaming by switching between its security protocols. It also has a split-tunneling feature that will enable you to choose which website to encrypt, increasing speed and conserving bandwidth use.
PIA has 24/7 customer support via live chat to help you stream in HD. You can try PIA with its vast roster of servers and 30-day money-back guarantee. You can ask for a refund if you are not satisfied with its service.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
PIA works with: HBO Max, Kodi, Amazon Prime Video, SHOWTIME, Spotify, Netflix, Vudu, ESPN, and BBC iPlayer.
PIA works on: iOS, Windows, Android, macOS, Playstation, Xbox, Router, Chromecast, and Firefox.
2024 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as per month + get an extra 2 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to %)! This is a limited offer, so grab it now before it's gone! See more information on this offer here!
FAQs on Watching PBS With a VPN
Can I use a free VPN to watch PBS?
You can watch PBS lag-free with any of our recommended VPNs on the PBS website or partner streaming platforms like YouTube TV and Prime Video. However, free VPNs have limited features, and may not work with PBS like a premium VPN does.
Free VPNs have low bandwidths and slow speeds, leading to slow connections, lags, and buffering. Many free VPNs also leak your IP address, exposing your identity. Premium VPNs like CyberGhost are a better alternative for safely watching PBS. CyberGhost comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee, so you can basically try it for free.
Can I watch PBS for free?
Yes, you can watch PBS for free with a VPN on the PBS website and the PBS Video app from anywhere. PBS being a non-profit, allows you to stream its content for free.
You can also watch PBS for free on its partner streaming platforms like Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, and Apple TV when you combine the free trial options with the money-back guarantee provided by the VPNs on this list. To do this, you can use ExpressVPN with its 30-day money-back guarantee to watch PBS for free.
Do I need cable to watch PBS online?
No. You can watch PBS online, without cable on the PBS website, the PBS Video app, or streaming services like YouTube TV and Amazon Prime Video using a reliable VPN.
You can also watch PBS on compatible devices such as Samsung TV, Apple TV, Android TV, Roku, and Xbox.
Can I watch PBS on my Roku, Phone, Apple TV, Smart TV, and more?
Yes, you can watch PBS on your Roku, phone, Apple TV, Smart TV, and more. If you’re considering using a VPN to watch PBS, ensure the VPN is compatible with these devices. All of our recommended VPNs allow you to watch PBS on these platforms.
Can I watch PBS shows through Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, or other streaming sites?
While you cannot watch PBS on Netflix and Hulu, you can watch all your favorite PBS shows on Amazon Prime Video and YouTube TV. However, if you’re in the US, you just need to log in to your Amazon or YouTube TV account to watch PBS.
Editor’s Note: Transparency is one of our core values at WizCase, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
Start Watching PBS With a VPN
Using a VPN to watch PBS enhances your viewing experience while prioritizing security. By connecting through a VPN, you ensure that your online activities, especially streaming, remain secure and private.
In my tests, ExpressVPN provided superior speeds to watch HD content on PBS without any lag. Even better, it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. To test this guarantee, I asked for a refund on the live chat and got approved in minutes. Also, I received my money 3 days later.
Summary — These Are the Best VPNs to Watch PBS Online in 2024
Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: ExpressVPN, Cyberghost, Private Internet Access, and Intego. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.
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