How To Live Stream ORF Free Outside Austria With a VPN

How To Live Stream ORF Free Outside Austria With a VPN

ORF-TVthek, otherwise known as ORF, is Austria’s major public broadcasting service. It comprises radio and television channels such as ORF 1, ORF 2, ORF Sport +, Radio Wien, FM4, etc. ORF is only available in Austria, and if you try to access it from anywhere else, you will see an error indicating that. ORF’s website uses geo-restriction technology to detect your location when you access it to determine if you’re eligible to stream or not. 

You need to connect to a server that is physically or virtually in Austria to access the ORF website without it detecting you’re outside the country. This gives you access to a local IP address you can use to stream any channel on ORF. A VPN can provide you with the infrastructure you need to bypass geo-restriction technology by making it appear as if you are in Austria. In this article, we look at how you can use a VPN to stream ORF outside Austria.

How To Watch ORF With a VPN

A Virtual Private Network is an important tool that protects your internet privacy and keeps malicious entities from accessing your data as it moves through the internet. However, you can use it to bypass geo-restrictions to access geo-blocked content on ORF in this case. All you need to do is find a VPN service that can unblock ORF with ease and subscribe to it. Let’s look at the step-by-step process of using a VPN to watch ORF. 

  1. Find a VPN service that can unblock ORF and subscribe to it.
  2. Download and install the VPN application on your device or browser.
  3. Connect to a server located in Austria
  4. Head over to the Livestream section of ORF’s website and watch your favorite channels.

That is all you need to do to access ORF while you’re away from Austria. 

Recommended VPNs for Streaming ORF Outside Austria

Below, we take a look at premium VPN services you can use to stream ORF outside Austria. These VPN services are reliable and provide excellent services. While they have several related features, there are minor differences that make each of them unique. 

ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN devices

Features

  • Number of servers: More than 3,000
  • Speeds: Unlimited
  • Server locations: 160 in 105 countries
  • Maximum devices supported: 5
  • 24 live chat: Yes
  • 30-day money-back guarantee: Yes

Pros/Cons

  • Fastest VPN out there
  • Strict no logs policy
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • Few discounts
Visit ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has amassed a server network of over 3000 servers in 94 countries, including Austria. Its servers network in Austria is more than capable of allowing you to stream your favorite ORF channels. ExpressVPN stands at the top echelon of VPN services that can unblock geo-restricted content.

With support for Peer-to-Peer activities (P2P), ExpressVPN permits downloading torrent files if you decide to multitask while streaming ORF. Regarding performance, ExpressVPN is swift and reliable. You can stream programs on ORF with little or no buffering. It is the right choice if you’re looking to stream in the best video quality available.

Since ExpressVPN has its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands, you can watch ORF with the confidence that it will protect your privacy. Besides, its servers operate on only non-volatile memory, giving zero or no chance for data exposure as it follows a strict No-Log Policy.

ExpressVPN has top-tier security features like the AES-256 encryption, which protects your internet connection. It also supports using OpenVPN, IPSec, IKEv2, and a proprietary Lightway protocol as VPN protocols. Tor over VPN, a Kill Switch, Split Tunneling, perfect forward secrecy, and DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leak protection are other security features protecting your data.

ExpressVPN’s software works on several operating systems, including macOS, iOS, Windows, Android, and Linux. You can install it manually on operating systems that don’t have native applications. ExpressVPN has three subscription plans, a 30-day cash-back policy, and you can use it on six devices concurrently. ExpressVPN is probably the best VPNs to use for Austrian users.

  • Pros: Fastest VPN out there; Strict no logs policy; 256-bit AES encryption;
  • Lowest price: $6.67

NordVPN

NordVPN devices

Features

  • Cryptocurrency accepted? Yes
  • Simultaneous connections: 6
  • Dedicated IP-addresses? Yes
  • Servers: 5342 in 58 countries

Pros/Cons

  • Lots of pricing options
  • Netflix support kept up to date
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • Slow app
Visit NordVPN

NordVPN is another outstanding VPN service provider that will make streaming ORF a pleasurable experience. It has more than 5300 servers spread across 59 countries, including Austria. Its 33 server locations in Austria allow you to have options to choose from when you want to unblock ORF. NordVPN also efficiently unblocks several other streaming platforms.

This dependable VPN service is one of the fastest VPN services, thanks to its NordLynx protocol. Many VPN users can testify to its performance. Streaming in 4k UHD is possible if you have a suitable device that supports it. It also allows unlimited bandwidth, and the chances of your connection lagging are slim.

NordVPN’s No-Log Policy prevents it from storing your internet history; it only stores account information in an encrypted format. Also, its headquarters in Panama is enough to avert spying governments from asking for customers’ connection logs. Like ExpressVPN, it also allows paying in cryptocurrency.

In ensuring bad actors do not have access to your data, NordVPN provides military-grade encryption (AES-256) combined with perfect forward secrecy. It also offers a malware/ads blocker, DNS/IPv6 leak protection, port forwarding, Double VPN, Tor over VPN, and a Kill Switch. You have the option to use OpenVPN, IKEv2, or NordLynx as your VPN protocol.

NordVPN has browser extensions and custom software applications as it supports several operating systems. Its subscription plans are economical, you get discounts on extended plans. It also has a 30-day money-back guarantee and allows only six concurrent connections per user account.

  • Pros: Lots of pricing options; Netflix support kept up to date; 256-bit AES encryption;
  • Lowest price: $3.71

Surfshark

Surfshark devices

Features

  • Free trial? Yes
  • Simultaneous connections: Unlimited
  • Ad blocking? Yes
  • Servers: 1000+ in 61 countries

Pros/Cons

  • No footprints
  • Allows torrenting
  • 256-bit AES encryption
  • Not the fastest
Try Surfshark

Surfshark has a diverse server network for a VPN that’s been around for about three years. Its over 3000 servers extend to 65 countries. Its servers in Vienna will help circumvent geo-restrictions that prevent you from accessing ORF when you’re outside Austria. With Surfshark, you can stream channels like ORF 1 and 3sat.

You can download torrent files or engage in any P2P activity as Surfshark allows P2P file-sharing on most of its servers. In terms of speed and performance, you can depend on Surfshark to deliver. Its servers are fast, and apart from the usual drop in speed due to encryption, they are reliable enough to stream in Ultra HD.

With several privacy features, Surfshark shows that its commitment to keeping users safe is not a joke. Abiding by a strict No-Log Policy, Surfshark ensures it does not store your connection history. Also, its headquarters in the British Virgin Islands gives it an enabling environment to stay true to keeping zero logs. Other privacy-friendly features include a warrant canary and a cryptocurrency payment option.

With VPN protocols such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, and IKEv2, you can rest assured your data is in safe hands. It also uses AES-256 in conjunction with perfect forward secrecy. Other security features include an adblocker, Double VPN, a Kill Switch, a Camouflage Mode, and a NoBorders Mode.

Surfshark has cheap subscription plans, no limit on simultaneous connections, and is cross-platform compatible. Its 30-day cash-back policy gives you a risk-free period you can use to determine if you want to commit to using it.

  • Pros: No footprints; Allows torrenting; 256-bit AES encryption;
  • Lowest Price: $2.49

ProtonVPN

ProtonVPN devices

Features

  • P2P support? Yes
  • 30-day money-back guarantee? Yes
  • Country of origin? Switzerland
  • Servers: 600+ in over 40 countries
  • Simultaneous devices: 5

Pros/Cons

  • Professional support
  • Modern interface and apps
  • AES-256 encryption
  • Lesser known provider
Try ProtonVPN

In terms of the number of servers it has, ProtonVPN doesn’t stand tall among premium VPNs. With over a thousand servers in 55 countries, it is the VPN service with the smallest server network on this list. However, ProtonVPN’s 20 servers in Vienna are capable enough to give you access to ORF if you’re outside the country.

ProtonVPN allows you to see the load percentage of its servers so that you can select the one you prefer based on the load. A server with a low load percentage is more likely to be faster than one with a high load percentage. However, your connection will not be swift if your ISP connection is not fast.

This VPN service has a wealth of privacy and security features. Firstly, it has its headquarters in Switzerland, which is usually the benchmark for privacy-friendly countries. Secondly, it operates by the standard No-Log Policy preventing the storage of users’ connection history. Lastly, a third-party company has verified that its applications are safe to use and free from vulnerabilities.

ProtonVPN also uses an ad/malware blocker called NetShield to prevent you from accessing malware-infested sites. It also uses military-grade encryption, perfect forward secrecy, in-built leak protection, Secure Core (Double VPN), Tor over VPN, and a Kill Switch. With this VPN, bad actors will stay away from you.

All ProtonVPN’s native applications are open-source, and SEC consult has audited them. It has a free plan and three paid ones. The more money you spend, the more features available to use.

  • Pros: Professional support; Modern interface and apps; AES-256 encryption;
  • Lowest price: €4

CyberGhost

CyberGhost devices

Features

  • Connected devices at once: 7
  • Automatic kill switch? Yes
  • One click connect: Yes
  • Servers: 5900 worldwide

Pros/Cons

  • No logs policy
  • 24/7 live chat
  • Apps for mobile devices and routers
  • No free option
Try CyberGhost

CyberGhost’s massive server network is one of the reasons it’s among the best premium VPN services. It has over 7000 servers reaching 91 countries, including Austria. In fact, it has over 200 servers in Austria that cater to the needs of users looking to bypass geo-restrictions on ORF.

You can trust CyberGhost to give you a reliable connection. With it, streaming channels on ORF will not be a terrible experience. Instead, you can stream with a high-quality video resolution and not experience any lags caused by buffering. CyberGhost offers unlimited bandwidth to enable you to achieve all the above.

Like every premium VPN service, CyberGhost runs on a watertight No-Log Policy. It can do this without trepidation because its headquarters is in privacy-friendly Romania. So it is far from the influence of governments that require VPN companies to retain customers’ connection logs. It also provides a periodic transparency report informing users if there have been any requests to release their data.

The impenetrable AES-256, in conjunction with perfect forward secrecy, keeps away bad actors from attempting to steal your data. You can use the Tor browser with CyberGhost as it supports Tor over VPN. It also provides an app protection feature. Other security features include VPN protocols (WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2), in-built leak protection, and a well functioning split tunneling feature.

You can use CyberGhost on several operating systems, including iOS, macOS, Android, Windows, and Linux. It is also one of the cheapest VPN services. Plus, it offers a 45-day cash-back guarantee, and you can use it on seven devices simultaneously.

  • Pros: No logs policy; 24/7 live chat; Apps for mobile devices and routers;
  • Lowest price: €2

What To Consider Before Choosing a VPN for ORF

Choosing a VPN depends on your preference, as all the VPNs above can unblock ORF with little or no problem. Below, we look at things you should consider before selecting a VPN for ORF.

1. Server Location

The most important thing to consider is the server location. A VPN must have a server presence in Austria before you can use it to unblock. This is because you need a local IP address, or else the ORF’s geo-restriction technology will block access to the site. 

2. Speed

To enjoy any streaming activity, you need a fast connection to prevent frequent stops due to buffering. The speed of the server you connect to will determine if you have a pleasurable experience or a terrible one. Also, in most cases, the more servers in a country, the less likely your speed is affected. A single server is more likely to be congested than ten servers, and congestions result in a speed reduction. 

3. Security and Privacy

While your main goal is to bypass geo-restrictions on ORF, security and privacy are important as well. A VPN service that doesn’t protect your data will leave you at the risk of data exposure. Your data needs to be in safe hands while you’re streaming your cherished shows on ORF. You should check that the VPN you select has the standard privacy and security features necessary to keep you safe.

4. Pricing and Money-Back Guarantee

Pricing is also important, as it determines if you will commit to a VPN service. If you cannot afford to use an expensive VPN, there are excellent budget-friendly alternatives. Also, choosing a VPN with a money-back guarantee allows you to test its services during the period specified by the VPN. You can always ask for a refund if you don’t intend to commit. 

Conclusion

Watching ORF outside Austria should not be a stressful activity. Using any of the VPN services above will give you little or no issues. All you need to do is choose one of them, pay the subscription, and connect to a server in Austria. We hope that this article helps you if you’re having trouble watching ORF outside Austria.