How to Watch PBS in Australia Easily [Updated Feb 2024]

Wondering how to watch PBS in Australia. Though PBS is available in Australia through Freeview 84, Freesat 155, Virgin Media 187, Sky 174, Samsung TV Plus, and Amazon, its content is geo-restricted. So the only to watch PBS in Australia is using VPNs like ExpressVPN.

PBS (Public Broadcasting Service) is an American broadcaster. It is known for its high-quality educational programming. From thought-provoking documentaries and captivating dramas to entertaining children’s shows, PBS offers a wide range of content to inform and inspire audiences.

Some of the latest shows on offer from PBS include Professor T, Unforgotten, and Van Der Valk, which all are restricted due to licensing agreements. You can rely on a trusted VPN to access these top-notch programs and unlock PBS in Australia.

Follow this guide to learn which VPN provider is best for streaming and how to get PBS in Australia using a VPN.

Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch PBS America in Australia?

A VPN is essential for watching PBS in Australia due to restrictions. This is because, according to content distribution and licensing policies, PBS is only available in the US.

If you attempt to access and watch PBS in Australia or anywhere outside of the US, you will receive a message stating that it’s not accessible:

“We’re sorry, but this video is not available in your region due to rights restrictions.”

PBS can not be accessed in Australia due to geo-restrictions.

However, you can bypass these restrictions using a VPN like  ExpressVPN, which offers premium services. Switching to a US IP address through the VPN tricks the PBS streaming service into believing that your location is within America, granting you access to their entire library of content.

Moreover, with an excellent VPN provider at your disposal, unblock ABC iView and enjoy Sling TV in Australia, but also gain access to numerous other geo-restricted websites effortlessly!

Best VPNs to Watch PBS in Australia

Our team tested 20+ VPN services for server count, fast-speed servers, unblocking abilities, security features, bufferless streaming, and multi-logins. Only three VPNs performed well during the test. These three VPNs are the best to watch PBS in Australia.

1. ExpressVPN – Recommended VPN to Watch PBS in Australia

ExpressVPN is our top recommendation to watch PBS in Australia. Its lightning-fast speed and exceptional network performance ensure your streaming experience is uninterrupted and buffer-free.

With servers worldwide 3,000+ servers in 105 countries, including 20 plus US server locations, you can access global content effortlessly.

To unblock the content on PBS in Australia, we used the New York server and enjoyed every content without any buffering. Using the server, you can also watch Hulu and Discovery Plus in Australia.

When tested on a 100 Mbps internet connection speed, ExpressVPN has a download speed of 89.42 Mbps and an upload speed of 84.64 Mbps, making it the best VPN for PBS.

ExpressVPN offers an incredible speed on a 100 Mbps internet connection speed.

Regarding security, ExpressVPN uses 256-bit encryption, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure while streaming Retrocrush and Vudu in Australia.

Moreover, it offers MediaStreamer features compatible with Smart TVs or gaming consoles – making it easier to bypass geo-restrictions on YouTube TV channels or unblock HBO Max in Australia.

ExpressVPN is compatible with various operating systems and devices like Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Roku, Firestick, Xbox, and PlayStation. It also offers one-click connectivity.

You can enjoy simultaneous connections on up to five devices under one subscription account!

The pricing is competitive too, starting as AU$ 10.2 /mo (US$ 6.67 /mo ) - Save up to 49% with exclusive 1-year plans + 3 months free, and has a 30-day money-back guarantee as well. You can also use the 24/7 live chat support of this VPN for assistance.

Whether you want seamless access to PBS shows or unlock Greek TV and Showtime in Australia, ExpressVPN has covered you! So why wait? Try this VPN and enhance your online viewing experiences now.

2. Surfshark – Pocket-Friendly VPN to Access PBS in Australia

Surfshark is a wallet-friendly VPN solution that offers an excellent way to access PBS in Australia without breaking the bank. Its affordable pricing starting at just AU$ 3.81 /mo (US$ 2.49 /mo ) - Save up to 77% with exclusive 2-year plan + 30-day money-back guarantee, ensures everyone can enjoy seamless streaming on PBS.

It boasts a massive global network of 3200+ servers in 100+ countries. Additionally, for users wanting to access BFI Player and CBC in Australia, Surfshark provides 600 dedicated US servers.

Chicago server of Surfshark is fast to unblock PBS content.

This VPN offered a download speed of 88.14 Mbps and an upload speed of 83.72 Mbps during speed tests on a 100 Mbps internet connection.

Surfshark offer optimal speed for streaming.

Surfshark’s state-of-the-art AES-256-GCM encryption protocols and perfect forward secrecy technology guarantee your online activities remain private while watching Oxygen TV and Pantaya in Australia connected to their servers.

Moreover, compatibility is not an issue with this user-focused VPN service! Whether you prefer Windows, MacBooks, smartphones, Android TVs, or iOS devices, rest assured, knowing there’s always a compatible option. You can even access RTE Player and NBC in Australia using Surfshark on compatible devices.

You can use the 24/7 live chat support of Surfshark for any kind of assistance. It also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. NordVPN – Fastest VPN to Unblock PBS in Australia

NordVPN is the fastest VPN for PBS streaming in Australia. It has a network of 6000+ ultra-fast servers in 105 countries. This VPN boasts 1970+ US servers in 15+ US locations.

We used the fastest US server, #8214, to unblock PBS in Australia, and enjoyed bufferless streaming. NordVPN can also help you unblock Rai TV and DStv in Australia.

Get connected to the fastest US server for PBS streaming.

This VPN offered a download speed of 85.48 Mbps and an upload speed of 48.42 Mbps when tested on a 100 Mbps internet connection.

NordVPN speed test results on a 100 Mbps connection indicate that it will not lower your internet speed.

It protects user traffic with a robust AES 256-bit encryption protocol and offers six multi-logins. NordVPN ensures no DNS or IP leaks and has a strict no-logs policy.

You can use NordVPN on Android, macOS, Windows, Linux, iOS, Roku, Firestick, Xbox, and PlayStation. It also offers 24/7 live chat support to its user.

NordVPN subscription costs AU$ 6.1 /mo (US$ 3.99 /mo ) - Save up to 63% with exclusive 2-year plan + 3 months free for a friend. It further offers a 30-day refund policy for testing the service out.

Can I Use a Free VPN to Watch PBS in Australia?

Yes, you can use a free VPN to stream PBS in Australia, but it is not recommended because free VPNs are unreliable and put your security at risk.

Free VPNs may not cost you any money, but they charge you worse by selling your information to third parties and making money from that. All in all, it is strongly suggested to never use free VPNs for accessing any streaming platforms.

You should always use a paid and reliable VPN like ExpressVPN to unblock PBS and other streaming services like Starz Play in Australia.

How Much Does PBS Cost Per Month in Australia?

The monthly subscription rate for the PBS channel on Amazon varies and ranges from AUD 4.62 to AUD 9.25 per month ($2.99 to $5.99 in USD).

To access any of the PBS channels, you must be subscribed to either Amazon Prime at AUD 183.79 ($119/yr) or Prime Video with a monthly fee of AUD 13.88 ($8.99) /month.

What are the different PBS subscriptions plans?

The different PBS subscription plans are as follows:

What is the difference between PBS Passport and PBS subscription?

PBS Passport is an extra perk reserved exclusively for those who donate to their local station. It gives them access to even more awesome videos on demand! Here’s the kicker: activating PBS Passport Australia is completely optional and your call.

On the other hand, if you opt for a PBS subscription, you get all the popular programs via its website or trusty app without having to shell out any cash upfront!

PBS Compatible Devices in Australia

The PBS app is compatible with the following devices:

How to Watch PBS in Australia on Devices

You can enjoy the content of PBS on various devices, but the process to download the app differ on each device. Below we have described how to get PBS in Australia on common devices:

How to Watch PBS in Australia Without Cable?

You can easily watch PBS in Australia without relying on cable services. The best option is to visit PBS.org or use the convenient PBS App to access all their video content.

It’s important to note that a device with internet and a reliable network connection would be necessary to stream videos online. Plus, you also need to connect to a US server of ExpressVPN to enjoy streaming PBS without cable for free.

Chris Mack

Meet Chris Mack, your go-to expert for the best of BBC iPlayer with a twist—he's also a cybersecurity enthusiast. Whether you're into British entertainment classics or searching for hidden gems, Chris has you covered, always with an eye for secure streaming practices. Beyond the screen, Chris blends his love for reading and exploring the outdoors with a passion for staying ahead in the world of cybersecurity, ensuring a safe viewing experience. If you're looking for top British TV picks or tips on keeping your digital viewing secure, Chris is your guide. Dive into the drama of British TV with Chris!