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How to Watch SBS On Demand outside Australia? [2023 Updated]

Last updated: September 28, 2023

Ashley Page

Seeking to access your cherished Australian TV shows? Encountering challenges in watching SBS On Demand? Delve into this comprehensive guide to effectively unblock access, even from locations outside Australia.

Can I watch SBS On Demand outside Australia? Although the Aussie streaming service isn’t officially available in other countries, you can use a reliable VPN service like ExpressVPN to watch SBS On Demand outside Australia and continue binging on your favorite content.

SBS On Demand is an Australian OTT streaming service that provides free streaming of on-demand TV shows, movies, binge-able box sets, and Live TV. Some of the popular titles available on SBS Demand include Wolf, We Need to Talk About Cosby, The X-Files, Rogue Heroes, Fargo, and more.

Geo-restrictions have become a common phenomenon, and SBS On Demand is no alien to this concept. The streaming service has to confine its access within Down Under due to licensing policies and copyright laws. However, with the help of our recommended VPNs, you can bypass these geo-restrictions by getting an Australian IP address.

Keep reading this guide to explore our easy method of unblocking SBS On Demand regardless of your current location outside Australia.

Why do you need a VPN to watch SBS On Demand outside Australia?

SBS On Demand is exclusively authorized to air its content within Australia. The copyright policies and licensing contracts signed between SBS and content producers dictate that SBS’s content availability is limited to the Australian territory.

In an effort to enforce this, SBS employs restrictions that block access to its content from outside Australia. These imposed restrictions are why you need a VPN to watch SBS On Demand outside Australia.

Although you can access SBS On Demand website outside Australia, the following geo-restriction error appears when you try to play any title or Live TV:

“Content may be unavailable in your location.

Due to publishing rights, most of our content is only available to stream within Australia.”

The only way to get rid of this error outside Australia is to connect to a VPN server.

When you open the SBS On Demand website or the smart app, the streaming platform examines your IP address to determine your geographical position. If it detects that you are situated beyond Australia, it will restrict your access.

To outmaneuver these geo-restrictions imposed by SBS On Demand outside Australia, it’s necessary to deceive the system into assuming you are engaging with the service from an Australian location. This can be achieved by altering your IP address to one originating from Australia.

VPNs offer a reliable and trusted solution by making your internet connection anonymous and enabling access to an extensive array of Australian servers. This, in turn, grants you an Australian IP address, which is required to access SBS On Demand outside Australia.

Best VPNs to watch SBS On Demand outside Australia

Not all VPNs can unblock the geo-blocks of SBS On Demand. Therefore, you will need to get the right VPN service, which is rather tricky. For your ease, we have shortlisted a list of the 3 best VPNs to watch SBS On Demand outside Australia.

1. ExpressVPN – Best VPN to watch SBS On Demand outside Australia

ExpressVPN is the best VPN to watch SBS On Demand outside Australia, offering exceptional capabilities in unblocking both local and global content while also supporting torrenting activities. The VPN’s automatic selection of the fastest server within your chosen location guarantees an unparalleled speed experience.

With an extensive network of over 3000 servers spanning 94 countries, ExpressVPN includes five server locations within Australia, ensuring comprehensive coverage for SBS On Demand access outside Australia. This broad server network not only ensures a reliable and buffer-free streaming encounter but also extends its prowess to unblocking other prominent Australian streaming platforms like Stan, Foxtel, Kayo Sports, and TenPlay outside Australia.

Our trials with ExpressVPN’s Melbourne server demonstrated exceptional streaming performance. The speeds were consistently lightning-fast, enabling uninterrupted binge-watching of the popular shows on SBS On Demand outside Australia. Such seamless streaming capabilities underscore ExpressVPN’s ability to provide an optimal viewing experience for Australian content.

We could quickly access SBS on Demand outside Australia using ExpressVPN’s Australian server.

Its speeds were reaffirmed through the ExpressVPN speed test in Australia, showcasing above-average results, with download speeds reaching 89.42 Mbps and upload speeds hitting 84.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

ExpressVPN delivered consistently fast speed on a 100 Mbps connection.

Compatibility spans various operating systems, encompassing Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS. The provision of browser extensions for Mozilla Firefox and Google Chrome, along with support for Amazon Fire TV devices, like FireStick. ExpressVPN’s Media Streamer functionality shines as a tool to unblock restricted content on devices lacking inherent VPN support. Wanting to enjoy SBS on a larger screen outside Australia? Installing ExpressVPN on Apple TV facilitates unrestricted content streaming.

ExpressVPN’s reputation for robust security measures is well-earned, incorporating elements such as split tunneling, 256-bit AES encryption, and a kill switch. The inclusion of the Lightway protocol ensures both speed and security, while the TrustedServer feature guarantees that no data remains stored on server hard disks, adding an additional layer of protection.

For user convenience, ExpressVPN boasts 24/7 live chat support, ensuring timely resolutions to inquiries. A 7-day ExpressVPN free trial in Australia is available for mobile devices, bolstered by a 1-month money-back guarantee that permits risk-free exploration of the VPN’s capabilities. Priced at AU$ 10.43 /mo (US$ 6.67 /mo ) (Get 49% Off + 3 Months FREE on its 12-Month Plan), users have the flexibility to cancel their subscription at any time.

To have a better idea about its services, delve into our comprehensive ExpressVPN review Australia.

2. Surfshark – Budget-friendly to watch SBS On Demand outside Australia

Surfshark is the best budget-friendly VPN service to watch SBS On Demand outside Australia. It offers features like multi-factor authentication, private DNS, 24/7 customer support, a strict no-data leaks policy, and uninterrupted streaming. You can get Surfshark for as low as AU$ 3.89 /mo (US$ 2.49 /mo ) (Get 84% + 2 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan) with a 30-day money-back offer.

It provides access to 3200+ servers in 65 countries, including 20 in Australian cities. This ensures reliable and fast connections for streaming. Beyond SBS, Surfshark smoothly unlocks other Australian platforms such as Kayo Sports, Foxtel, 10 Play, and SBS World News outside Australia. Moreover, it effortlessly works with Netflix, Hulu, and sports streaming services like Sky Sports.

Surfshark only took 3 seconds to unblock SBS outside Australia using its Brisbane server.

According to Surfshark’s speed test in Australia results, it achieved a download speed of 81.32 Mbps and an upload speed of 76.12 Mbps on a 100 Mbps connection.

Surfshark displayed considerably fast speeds on a 100 Mbps connection.

With unlimited simultaneous connections, Surfshark is perfect for multi-device households, spanning smart TVs, smartphones, tablets, laptops, and more. It’s compatible with major operating systems, including macOS, iOS, Windows, Linux, and Android.

we did not face any issues while streaming Australian Channels like SBS on Demand not working with VPN, Kayo Sports not working with VPN outside Australia.

Through its SmartDNS feature, users can stream geo-restricted content outside Australia on devices without native VPN support. It’s simple to set up Surfshark on Gaming Consoles like PS4 using this feature.

Despite being budget-friendly, Surfshark prioritizes security, including split tunneling, HTTPS encryption, a Kill switch, an ad-blocker, and a strict no-logs policy. Its unique “Camouflage Mode” guarantees privacy in restrictive internet environments.

Surfshark relies on industry-standard 256-bit AES encryption and WireGuard technology, offering robust defense for user data. These advanced protocols significantly hinder unauthorized access to online activities.

Round-the-clock live chat support addresses user queries and issues. The 30-day refund policy, coupled with a Surfshark free trial in Australia, lets users explore the VPN’s capabilities with confidence.

For deeper insights, our comprehensive Surfshark review Australia awaits your perusal.

3. NordVPN – Security-focused VPN for SBS On Demand outside Australia

NordVPN stands out as the ultimate security-focused VPN for SBS On Demand outside Australia, providing an array of advanced features like private DNS, multi-factor authentication, no data leaks, and uninterrupted streaming. Its extensive network spans 5600+ servers in 59 countries, including 190+ servers in major Australian cities – Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth.

Beyond SBS, NordVPN impressively unlocks a range of Australian streaming services outside Australia, excelling not only with SBS World News but also Stan, Kayo Sports, and Foxtel. Through its Sydney server, we easily bypassed geo-restrictions for seamless streaming.

We had no issues unblocking SBS OnDemand outside Australia with NordVPN.

Leveraging NordLynx, its proprietary tunneling protocol, NordVPN ensures top-quality streaming without compromising on security. Notably, NordVPN’s speed test in Australia results showcased a download speed of 83.82 Mbps and an upload speed of 44.64 Mbps on a 100 Mbps base connection.

Nord VPN offers exceptional speeds on 100 Mbps connection.

Compatible with major operating systems like Linux, Android, macOS, iOS, and Windows, NordVPN is easily set up on various devices including tablets, smartphones, Android TV,  Firestick, Smart TVs, and Apple TV.

NordVPN’s no-logs policy is stringent, and its commitment to streaming is evident in the SmartPlay feature, enabling access to geo-restricted content on VPN-incompatible devices. Installing NordVPN on Roku, for example, facilitates viewing SBS on larger screens outside Australia.

NordVPN prioritizes security, offering obfuscated servers, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch for enhanced protection. Features like Onion over VPN and Double VPN combine VPN servers with Tor for heightened online communication encryption.

NordVPN offers 24/7 technical support, ensuring timely issue resolution. At AU$ 6.24 /mo (US$ 3.99 /mo ) (Get 57% Off + 3 Months FREE on 2-Year Plan), it comes with a NordVPN free trial in Australia and a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing thorough evaluation before committing.

For deeper insights, our comprehensive NordVPN review Australia offers a wealth of information.

How to subscribe to SBS On Demand outside Australia?

Is SBS On Demand free? Yes, SBS On Demand functions as a no-cost streaming platform, however, you will need to register an account to access its content. Even if you are located outside Australia, you can subscribe to SBS On Demand outside Australia using these outlined steps:

How much does SBS On Demand Cost?

SBS On Demand presents an entirely cost-free video streaming service accessible exclusively within Australia. And if you are still wondering, do you have to pay for SBS on demand, the answer is No!

Indulge in a diverse range of content spanning more than 11,000 hours, encompassing stories from across the world. With SBS On Demand, you’ll find a thoughtfully curated assortment of dramas, documentaries, comedies, movies, sports, news, and live TV. These offerings are at your fingertips for streaming at your convenience, no matter the time or location.

List of Compatible Devices to Watch SBS On Demand outside Australia

SBS On Demand content is accessible across different devices through the SBS On Demand app, web portal, or compatible Live TV streaming services. Here is a compilation of devices compatible with the SBS On Demand outside Australia:

• Smartphones
• Android TVs
• Panasonic Hisense TVs
• Sony TVs, Samsung TVs
• Roku
• iOS
• Desktops
• Amazon FireStick
• Selective models of LG TVs
• Gaming consoles(PS3 and PS4

What to Watch on SBS On Demand outside Australia in 2023?

SBS Australia offers a plethora of streaming choices, spanning from movies and TV shows to live sports and food channels. Here’s a list of a selection of sought-after shows and best movies on SBS On Demand 2023 available all of which can be streamed on SBS Australia without charge from any location restriction:

How many SBS On Demand Channels are there?

There are many channels on SBS, 6 TV channels, and Seven radio network channels to be precise. Here is the name list of the  SBS On Demand Channels:

1. Arabic24
2. NITV
3. PopAsia
4. PopDesi
5. SBS (Live Stream 24/7)
6. SBS Chill
7. SBS Food
8. SBS Radios 1, 2 and 3
9. SBS Viceland
10. SBS WorldWatch
11. World Movies

Why is SBS On Demand Not Working outside Australia? Tips to Fix

The functionality of the SBS On Demand application outside Australia might be compromised due to device-related or internet connectivity issues. Common concerns that users encounter include:

• Black Screen: If the screen displays as black, restarting your Android device could potentially resolve this issue.
• Loading Problems: In instances of loading problems, it’s advisable to verify the status of your Wi-Fi or mobile data connection.
• Login Difficulties: If you’re encountering challenges with logging in, consider attempting to log in to your SBS account after waiting for a few minutes.
• Installation Challenges: To address installation problems, ensure that your Wi-Fi or internet connectivity is stable and functional.
• Notifications: If notifications from SBS are not reaching you, navigate to your device’s Apps section, locate SBS On Demand, and access Notifications. Confirm whether notifications are enabled or disabled.

FAQ – SBS On Demand outside Australia

Conclusion

Delve into the captivating collection of entertainment from across the world with SBS On Demand, all at no cost. Explore a thoughtfully chosen lineup of TV series, films, news, sports, and Live TV accessible for streaming online. However, if you are traveling abroad, you will need a VPN to watch SBS On Demand outside Australia.

Rest assured, by using a premium VPN such as ExpressVPN, you can effortlessly enjoy SBS On Demand from anywhere in the world. Get your ExpressVPN subscription now as it’s currently offering a limited-time discount offer with a 30-day money-back guarantee.