How to Watch ZDF in the USA in September 2024

ZDF, Germany’s beloved public broadcaster Channel, is home to iconic shows like Heute and Wetten, dass…?. With hits like The Chelsea Detective and Another Monday capturing audiences, it’s no wonder fans worldwide crave access. Unfortunately, ZDF’s content is geo-restricted. But don’t worry! A VPN can be your ticket to watch ZDF in the USA, bypassing those pesky geographic limitations. We’ll also recommend top-tier VPNs to help you bypass those pesky geo-blocks and access ZDF’s fantastic content.

We may receive a small commission if you decide to use one of our recommended VPNs. But trust us, our top picks are based solely on their ability to unlock ZDF and provide a great streaming experience. Enjoy your favorite ZDF shows in the USA!

Quick Steps: How to watch ZDF in the USA with a VPN

• Get a premium VPN [Recommended: ExpressVPN ]
• Download the VPN app and sign in
• Connect to a server in Germany [Recommended: Frankfurt-1 server ]
• Visit ZDF and log in to your account
• Start streaming ZDF from USA

ZDF Complete Sign-Up Process

In Which Countries Is ZDF Available?

ZDF, or Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen, is Germany’s second public television channel and is primarily accessible within the country’s borders. To enjoy ZDF content while abroad, such as in the USA, using a VPN to mask your location as a German IP address is necessary to bypass the geo-restrictions.

Can I watch ZDF in the USA?

ZDF’s content is geo-fenced, meaning it’s exclusively available to viewers located within Germany. Any attempt to access ZDF from outside the country will be met with restrictions and an error message.

Error: “Diese Sendung kann Ihnen leider wegen rechtlicher Beschränkungen nicht angeboten werden.“

Translation: “Unfortunately, this program cannot be offered to you due to legal restrictions.”

How will a VPN Help to watch ZDF in the USA?

A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, acts as a digital bridge, allowing you to bypass geographical restrictions. When you connect to a VPN server located in Germany, it masks your actual location, making it appear as if you’re browsing the internet from within Germany.

This clever trick fools ZDF into thinking you’re accessing its content from within the country, granting you unrestricted access to its programs. It’s like having a virtual ticket to Germany, allowing you to enjoy ZDF’s content from the comfort of your home in the USA.

How do I Sign Up to watch ZDF in the USA After connecting to a VPN?

• Visit the ZDF website or app.
• Select the “Login” or “Sign Up” option.
• Register with your email or a social media account.
• Start streaming after confirming your account.

ZDF Cost

What is the cost of watching ZDF in the USA?

The monthly broadcasting fee, known as the “GEZ” fee, is €18.36 per household in Germany, regardless of whether residents use TV, radio, or internet services. This fee funds public broadcasters like ZDF and Deutschlandradio.

What are the Best VPNs to Watch ZDF in the USA?

After careful testing, our VPN experts have handpicked the best options for streaming ZDF from anywhere in the world. These top-tier VPNs offer blazing-fast speeds, robust security, and reliable connections, ensuring an uninterrupted ZDF viewing experience.

ExpressVPN- Our Recommended VPN

Our VPN testers found ExpressVPN to be particularly fast for streaming ZDF from the USA. Downloading and uploading are smooth, making it the fastest VPN we’ve tested. You won’t experience delays while binge-watching shows or playing games.

ExpressVPN is ideal for streaming services like ZDF, Blaze TV, and Croatian TV. With its high-speed performance, you can watch HD content on any device, whether it’s a phone or a Firestick, even in the USA.

ExpressVPN also prioritizes security, featuring the highly recommended Lightway protocol. This ensures your data remains secure while streaming ZDF in the US, allowing you to relax and enjoy your favorite content worry-free.

Additional Information

• Extensive server network with over 3,200 servers in 100 countries for worldwide coverage.
• Focus on the US with more than 600 servers for fast local connections.
• Allows unlimited simultaneous device connections.
• Adheres to a strict no-logs policy, ensuring your browsing history remains private.
• Offers flexible subscription plans, including monthly, yearly, and 2-year options with savings.

NordVPN- The Biggest Network

Want to watch ZDF without interruptions? Our VPN experts suggest NordVPN for its impressive speed, particularly with NordLynx technology. Mac users might notice a slight slowdown (around 25%), but it’s barely noticeable. While uploads on Macs may take a bit longer, download speeds remain fast enough for smooth ZDF streaming.

NordVPN is ideal for online streaming, giving you access to ZDF and other platforms in countries like the US, UK, Canada, Japan, and Australia. You won’t have to worry about blocked websites anymore—NordVPN helps you unblock them all.

Security is a top priority with NordVPN. It safeguards your online activity with an automatic kill switch that cuts off your internet if the connection drops. Additionally, their servers use technology that wipes all data after each restart. Although there were security concerns in 2018, NordVPN has significantly improved since then.

Additional Information

• Massive server network with over 5,300 servers in 59 regions, providing excellent global coverage.
• Speedy and secure, though there was a slight slowdown this year (around 12%); still fast enough for streaming and downloads with top-notch security.
• Great for streaming and torrenting, easily bypassing geo-restrictions and supporting safe P2P use.
• Not ideal for multiple devices or Linux, as it allows limited simultaneous connections and has a less user-friendly Linux interface.
• Not recommended over ExpressVPN due to fewer simultaneous device connections and a less satisfactory Linux experience.

SurfShark- An Affordable VPN

Our VPN experts highly recommend Surfshark for watching ZDF no matter where you are. It’s user-friendly and allows you to stream from any location while keeping your personal information secure, especially on unprotected Wi-Fi networks like those in airports. Although it might be slightly slower on Linux and iPhones, the ability to access any content at any time makes it worthwhile.

Surfshark offers impressive speeds, especially with their new WireGuard technology—we experienced ZDF streaming at an incredible 950 Mbps! Even with their standard OpenVPN, you can enjoy smooth streaming at 640 Mbps.

Security is crucial, particularly when traveling and using potentially restricted networks. Surfshark includes features that conceal your VPN usage, helping you bypass censorship (though be mindful that using a VPN can be risky in some regions). With Surfshark, you can browse the internet confidently, knowing your information is safe and protected.

Additional Information

• Extensive server network with over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, providing global coverage.
• Focuses on the US with over 600 servers for fast local connections.
• Allows unlimited simultaneous connections for all your devices.
• Maintains a strict no-logs policy to ensure your browsing history remains private.
• Offers flexible plans, including monthly, yearly, and 2-year options with discounts.

ZDF Device Compatibility

You can watch ZDF in the USA with a reliable VPN and a compatible device. ZDF works on a bunch of different devices:

• Windows
• Android devices
• iOS devices
• Smart TV
• Apple TV
• Amazon Firestick
• Google Chromecast

Using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN, you can watch ZDF in the USA on all devices. Here’s how:

How do you fix streaming issues on ZDF?

• Check your internet connection: Ensure you have a stable and fast connection.
• Clear cache and cookies: Clear your browser’s cache and cookies or app data.
• Update the app or browser: Ensure you are using the latest version of the ZDF app or browser.
• Restart the device: Reboot your device to refresh the connection.
• Switch servers: Try connecting to a different VPN server if using one.
• Disable VPN or proxy: Temporarily turn off the VPN or proxy to test if it’s causing the issue.
• Check for outages: Verify if ZDF is experiencing any service outages or maintenance.

ZDF History

ZDF (Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen) was established in 1961 as Germany’s second public television channel, designed to complement ARD, the first public channel. It began broadcasting in 1963, offering a diverse range of programming from news to entertainment. In 1984, ZDF embraced digital broadcasting, expanding its service offerings. The channel launched its website in 1997, marking its entry into the digital era. Throughout the 2000s, ZDF expanded its digital presence with additional channels and on-demand content. In the 2010s, it introduced HD broadcasts and continued to enhance its digital services, solidifying its role as a major player in German television.

What to watch on ZDF

Best Movies on ZDF

• Heart of Winter – Death on a cold night
• Theodosia
• Postcard Killings
• Deadly Infidelity
• Universal Soldier – The Return
• Salvation
• 2012
• Forecast Murder
• Hanni and Nanni
• The Witch Princess

Best Shows on ZDF

• Survivors
• Alex Rider
• Like a Loser
• Killing Eve
• Huss
• Mood
• Riding in Darkness
• Suspect
• It’s a Sin
• Country Queen

FAQs

Wrapping Up

That concludes our guide on how to watch ZDF in the USA! If you have any questions or need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us at the provided email address. Our team of VPN experts is ready to help. Stay tuned for more useful guides like this one in the future. Enjoy your ZDF streaming and happy watching!