Take a trip outside Sweden, and you’re automatically restricted in terms of the Swedish TV channels you can enjoy. An error message will pop up each time you try, whether or not you own an active subscription to a TV channel while back in the country.
These restrictions result from licensing agreements, which dictate content availability across international borders. TV platforms like SVT Play, TV4, Tele2 Play, and Kanal 5 employ geo-blocks to limit content to their broadcast areas.
Luckily, a VPN offers a practical approach to bypassing those restrictions and enjoying Swedish TV on vacations or other trips abroad. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide to doing so.
How to Watch Swedish TV Outside Sweden (In-Depth Tutorial)
Following these five simple steps, you’ll be back to catching up on news, sports, and entertainment on your favorite Swedish TV channel, wherever you are abroad. We’ll demonstrate using NordVPN.
- Choose a reputable VPN: Opt for a reputable VPN service with strong security features, reliable performance, and a vast network infrastructure with servers in Sweden. We recommend NordVPN, but any of the best VPNs for Sweden will help you access and watch Swedish TV channels from abroad.
- Sign up for the VPN service: Visit the NordVPN website to select and purchase a subscription plan. Once you’ve created an account, download and install the app on your device.
- Select a Swedish server: Launch the installed app and select the server selection menu. Pick a Swedish server to get a Swedish IP address. It should connect in a few seconds.
- Visit the Swedish TV channel: Visit the TV channel’s website. Some may only require registering or logging in to an account, while others are paid. After following the instructions on the website, clear your browser’s cookies and refresh.
If you use a VPN with Swedish servers and good unblocking abilities, you should now be able to enjoy Swedish TV content from anywhere in the world.
Why You Need a VPN to Access Swedish TV from Abroad
When you’re home in Sweden, you only need a subscription to watch TV — and sometimes, not even that. If your subscription stays active, you can enjoy all the sports, news, shows, and programs available on SVT Play, Viaplay, Kanal 5, and other TV platforms.
But what happens when you travel away? Thanks to licensing agreements and the geo-blocks that enforce them, going abroad automatically blocks your access to Swedish TV channels.
If you go to a Swedish TV website and try to watch content while you’re not in Sweden, an error message will appear, as displayed in the screenshot below.
That’s where a VPN comes in. Websites and other online services can pinpoint your location based on your IP address, which is assigned by your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and acts like a digital address, revealing your approximate geographic location.
When you use a VPN, your internet traffic is routed through a remote server in the location of your choice, in this case, Sweden. The VPN server then assigns you a new IP address from its pool of Swedish addresses. As a result, websites and online services see the VPN server’s IP address instead of your real one.
This clever substitution effectively masks your actual location and appears as if you’re browsing from Sweden, even from thousands of miles away. This is the key to answering how to watch Swedish TV abroad.
The Best VPNs to Watch Swedish TV Online — Our 5 Picks
Sweden is a reasonably common VPN country, so the availability of options is not an issue when picking the right one. Several other factors make choosing the right provider a tedious task. It’s a good thing we’ve streamlined your options following extensive testing.
Here are the VPNs you can trust to unblock Swedish TV channels from anywhere.
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is a reputable provider with many privacy and security features. With 140+ servers in Stockholm, it’s also one of the best VPNs for watching Swedish TV. NordVPN’s network has over 8,000 servers in 125+ countries. Thanks to its glut of Swedish servers, there’s little chance of congestion or slowdowns.
NordVPN offers blazing-fast VPN connections, especially on its custom NordLynx protocol. You can stream live sports on Viaplay or TV shows on Tele2 Play, enjoying smooth, stable connections.
The VPN breezes past geo-blocks on Swedish TV channels and other websites and online services. SmartPlay, seamlessly implemented in all its apps, allows you to access geo-restricted content quickly and easily on local and international platforms.
NordVPN scrambles your online traffic with bank-level AES 256-bit encryption. It also offers a pretty advanced kill switch with system-wide and app-level configurations. NordVPN’s no-logs policy has undergone independent auditing to prove your online sessions don’t leave trails behind.
Thanks to its Threat Protection Pro, you’ll also avoid pesky ads while streaming. The feature also handles malware and trackers. Devices compatible with NordVPN cut across computers, smartphones, routers, gaming consoles, and more. A single subscription lets you use the VPN on up to ten devices at the same time.
While NordVPN offers detailed tutorials, you can get help directly through email or live chat.
Pros
- Fast Swedish servers
- Unlimited bandwidth
- Works on streaming devices
- Ad and tracker protection
- Affordable 24-month plans
Cons
- Threat Protection Pro isn’t in the Basic plan
- Expensive 1-month plans
2. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is steadily gaining a reputation for being the best provider on the market. Little wonder it’s one of the best VPNs for those looking to enjoy Swedish TV from abroad.
The VPN offers a sizeable collection of 3,000+ servers across 105 countries, including Sweden. These high-speed servers are ideal for watching content in high-definition and higher over the internet with no buffering. This is part of what makes ExpressVPN such a great streaming VPN.
That, and its excellent unblocking abilities. The VPN unblocks Viaplay, SVT Play, Kanal 5, and other TV platforms so you can follow along from anywhere. Besides Swedish TV, ExpressVPN bypasses geo-blocks on popular streaming platforms, including Netflix (US and Sweden), BBC iPlayer, Hulu, Disney+, and more.
Thanks to robust features like military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and leak protection, your data stays secure while you stream. ExpressVPN’s innovative TrustedServer technology means the provider cannot store identifying logs on its servers, even if it wants to. An independent audit of its logless policy confirms this.
ExpressVPN is compatible with various operating systems and devices, including computers, smartphones, routers, streaming sticks, and game consoles. We consider it the best VPN for smart TVs. A single subscription covers up to eight devices simultaneously.
If you have a question or concern, 24/7 customer support provides prompt, helpful email or live chat support.
Pros
- High-speed 10 Gbps servers
- Independent third-party audits
- Beginner-friendly apps
- Industry-leading encryption
- 24/7 support
Cons
- It’s not the cheapest pick
- Not many advanced features
3. CyberGhost
CyberGhost offers 100 servers in Sweden. They’re part of its massive network comprising 12,000+ servers in 100 countries. Sweden aside, the provider has locations spread across the Nordic region.
The VPN offers streaming-optimized servers, but you don’t need those to watch live Swedish TV from abroad — simply getting a Swedish IP address will do. CyberGhost does a great job unblocking exclusive content on any TV channel you’re interested in when you’re abroad. That means you can easily follow your favorite TV3 shows while vacationing.
CyberGhost replicates its geo-restriction bypassing abilities on popular streaming platforms, like Netflix, BBC iPlayer, Amazon Prime Video, and more. Next-gen 10 Gbps servers and high-speed protocols like WireGuard mean you won’t have to endure annoying lags or buffering while streaming.
CyberGhost protects your data with AES 256-bit encryption, which is the industry standard and virtually uncrackable. A kill switch and IP/DNS leak protection mean you’ll avoid potentially disastrous data leaks. Moreover, the VPN has a strict no-logs policy that has undergone third-party scrutiny.
You can use CyberGhost apps across several platforms and devices, simultaneously protecting up to seven devices on one account. The VPN’s customer support is available around the clock, offering live chat and email support.
Pros
- Streaming servers
- WireGuard protocol
- Audited no-logs policy
- Ad blocking in all plans
Cons
- Seven simultaneous connections
- Confusing app design
4. Surfshark
Looking for a budget VPN to watch Swedish TV from abroad? Surfshark is the best option.
The Netherlands-based provider offers a growing network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries, Sweden included. It’s present in all Nordic countries, so you can also watch local content on Icelandic, Finnish, Danish, and Norwegian TV channels.
Surfshark offers impressive speeds, so your streams are not bogged down by buffering. Its array of protocols includes WireGuard, which is best for performance.
With a Surfshark-assigned Swedish IP address, you can follow the news, sports, and entertainment on Viaplay, SVT, and other channels. But Surfshark is just as impressive when unblocking exclusive libraries on international platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more.
It may be affordable, but Surfshark doesn’t skimp on keeping you safe and private. The provider offers AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. Powerful leak protection means you’re not exposed to DNS and WebRTC leaks. Plus, it offers effective blocking against malware, ads, and trackers through CleanWeb.
Surfshark supports a wide range of platforms and devices, which is great because it does not limit simultaneous device connections. That means one subscription caters to all your VPN needs. Email and live chat channels are available if you need direct contact with a representative.
Pros
- Unlimited simultaneous connections
- The best streaming abilities
- CleanWeb ad blocker
- Multi Hop
Cons
- It could be faster
- Non-discounted monthly plans
5. Private Internet Access VPN
Another budget-friendly VPN for unblocking Swedish TV anywhere is Private Internet Access. We have many great things to say about its security. It’s one of the safest VPNs to use, but its streaming prowess, while not the best, is ideal for unblocking foreign TV channels abroad.
PIA governs a vast server fleet comprising 30,000 servers in 91 countries. With Sweden on the list, this IP is within your hand’s reach. Since PIA offers apps for all devices, you can access Swedish TV channels and watch them live even on the fly. Its performance is great.
PIA uses 10 Gbps server ports paired with WireGuard and unlimited traffic. The trio ensures uninterrupted streaming, without lagging, buffering, and endless loading. While PIA lacks a Fire TV Stick app, it compensates with Smart TV, computer, laptop, tablet, and phone apps.
Like Surfshark, it offers unlimited simultaneous connections, which is excellent value for the price. Since we mentioned it, PIA VPN costs roughly two quids monthly. The biennial plan is more than 80% off, and depending on the current deal, you either get two or four free months.
If you’re interested, read our PIA VPN review for more information. It’s among the top-rated budget options overall, not just for endlessly streaming and consuming video, audio, and written content.
Pros
- Unrestricted traffic
- Cutting-edge security
- Cheap prices
Cons
- No native Fire Stick client
- Occasional speed drops
Conclusion
You shouldn’t have to wait until you’re back in Sweden to keep up with the local content you follow and love. A VPN bypasses geo-restrictions so you can watch Swedish TV channels like Viaplay and Kanal 5 — even when you’re on a trip abroad. Just follow the simple guide provided in this article.
Because not all VPNs are equal, we provided a shortlist of the best options. Our #1 recommendation is NordVPN, thanks to its excellent unblocking abilities, lightning-fast speeds, and strong privacy features.
FAQs
Can I use a free VPN to access Swedish TV channels?
You can use a free VPN if it has Swedish servers. However, it’s not the ideal choice to unblock and watch Swedish TV from abroad. Free VPNs come with performance limitations that can make using them frustrating. Even worse, they are often security and privacy risks.
If pricing is a concern, you may find cheap options with significantly better service.
Why can I not watch Swedish TV from abroad?
When you connect to the internet, your device is assigned a unique identifier called an IP address. It’s like an online address that websites track to determine your location.
If your IP address is not Swedish-based, you may be blocked from accessing content on sites like Teliaplay or SVT Play due to geo-restrictions.
What is the best VPN for watching Swedish TV outside Sweden?
NordVPN is the best VPN for watching Swedish TV channels (live and on-demand) from abroad. It offers excellent unblocking abilities and rapid connection speeds. What’s more, the VPN offers strong privacy and security features to protect your identity and data.
