How to Stream RTL+ (TVNOW) Live Online With a VPN in 2026
RTL+ (TVNOW) offers great shows like Are You the One and Mein Leben & Ich. Sadly, you can watch RTL+ only in Germany because of the licensing agreements.
In theory, a VPN could give you a German IP address and enable access to RTL+ from abroad. However, this would breach the service’s terms and conditions and can constitute copyright infringement.
If you’re in Germany and want to watch RTL+ securely, my top recommendation is ExpressVPN. It has excellent speeds and top-tier security features. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee*, so you can try ExpressVPN risk-free. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at The How To Guide, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
Quick Guide: How to Watch RTL+ Live With a VPN in 3 Easy Steps
- Get a reliable VPN. ExpressVPN’s high speeds and military-grade encryption help you stream RTL+ (TVNOW) securely and without buffering. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free as it’s backed by a 30-day refund period.
- If you’re in Germany, connect to a German server. Closeby servers will offer you the best speeds for streaming.
- Start streaming securely. You’re ready to binge-watch your favorite shows with improved online privacy.
Best VPNs to Securely Watch RTL+ Online in 2026
1. ExpressVPN — Outstanding Speeds for Watching RTL+ Live Without Buffering
| Best Feature | The fastest VPN I tested with only a 17% average speed loss |
| Server Network | 3,000 servers in 105 countries, including locations like Frankfurt and Nuremberg |
| Speeds | Fast enough to stream RTL+ in UHD quality |
| Compatible With | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, and more |
ExpressVPN gave me the fastest speeds for streaming RTL+. I suggest using the Lightway protocol as it's designed to be lightweight and fast. While in Germany, I connected to a server in Frankfurt in a split second. I watched Die Trovatos - Detektive decken auf in picture-perfect clarity without buffering.
It also has a huge network of 3,000 servers in 105 countries, with multiple servers in Germany. While in Germany, I tested a couple of its servers in Frankfurt and Nuremberg. I watched RTL+ and German Netflix without interruptions and privacy concerns.
Installation is quick and painless, and the app can select the best local server automatically in your country. It’s also compatible with all major operating systems and devices.
It is slightly more expensive than the average VPN, with a long-term plan starting at $2.44/month. However, ExpressVPN regularly offers great deals and discounts. I got 81% off my 12-month offer which included 4 free months of subscription, so I recommend it. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at The How To Guide, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
Useful Features
- Robust security and privacy features. AES 256-bit encryption ensures your data can't be read while you stream RTL+. At the same time, IP/DNS leak protection and a kill switch stop accidental data leaks if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
- Router-friendly. If you have an older smart TV that doesn't work with VPNs, use ExpressVPN's custom router firmware so that you can stream RTL+ on any WiFi-connected device. It took me less than 5 minutes to set up on my Asus router.
- 30-day money-back guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied, you can take advantage of the money-back guarantee by requesting a refund via the 24/7 live chat. When I tested this for myself, I got my refund in just 3 days.
Watch RTL+ in HD With ExpressVPN >>
2. CyberGhost — Optimized Servers to Stream RTL+ Interruption-Free
| Best Feature | Many optimized servers for German streaming platforms, like TVNOW, ARD, and ZDF |
| Server Network | 11,690 servers in 100 countries |
| Speeds | Fast servers to stream RTL+ (TVNOW) without delays |
| Compatible With | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, and more |
CyberGhost's dedicated RTL+ server helps you reliably and securely watch RTL+ from Germany. To connect to the TVNOW streaming-optimized server, expand the app and select “For streaming” on the left-hand side. After that, type TVNOW into the search bar, click on the server, and start streaming — it’s as easy as that.
With its fast connections, you can watch RTL+ live in UHD. While in Germany, I got average download speeds of 45.09 Mbps using the Berlin and Frankfurt servers, which is more than enough for interruption-free streaming.
The only drawback I found was its pricey monthly subscription, which only has a 14-day money-back guarantee. However, its extended plans are very affordable at only $2.03/month and come with a 45-day refund period. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at The How To Guide, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as CyberGhost VPN. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
Useful Features
- Beginner-friendly apps. CyberGhost’s interface is uncluttered, making navigation easy. I found and connected to a local German server within two clicks. You just need to search for your preferred server and click the big power button.
- Helpful 24/7 support. I contacted customer support via the live chat and requested a refund. After providing a reason for canceling, the agent promptly actioned my request. I got my money paid to my credit card within 5 days.
Watch RTL+ in HD With CyberGhost >>
3. Private Internet Access — Balance Speed and Security When Streaming RTL+
| Best Feature | Customizable features to balance fast streaming with great security |
| Server Network | 29,650 servers in 90 countries |
| Speeds | Fast connections to watch RTL+ live sports uninterrupted |
| Compatible With | Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, routers, Apple TV, and more |
You can tailor PIA's security features to provide better speeds when watching fast-paced sports on RTL+. For example, choosing 128-bit encryption (instead of 256) is still secure, but because it uses fewer encryption layers, there's less chance of delays. Also, when I switched to the WireGuard protocol, my average download speed improved significantly.
It also has an extensive worldwide network, meaning there's less chance of congestion. If one German server isn’t working, you won't have a problem finding another one.
My concern with PIA is that all the customization options can be overwhelming for a VPN beginner. However, the apps come pre-configured to start streaming without changing settings. While in Germany, I installed the VPN on my Galaxy tab and connected to a German server in 3 minutes. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at The How To Guide, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as Private Internet Access. That said, our detailed reviews follow a strict methodology that examines all relevant performance factors to help you arrive at your own informed conclusion.
Useful Features
- Pocket-friendly. Plans are affordable, with the cheapest only $2.03/month. All subscriptions include the same features, but short-term options cost more. I opted for the 3-year option as it offers the best savings at 83% off.
- 30-day money-back guarantee. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can get a refund if it’s not for you.
Where Can I Watch RTL+ (TVNOW) Online?
RTL+ is geo-blocked outside Germany. When you try accessing the site, the platform scans your IP. If your IP is not local, you will get this error message:
Theoretically, you could use a VPN to obtain a German IP address while you are in another location. However, this may violate RTL+’s terms and conditions and could potentially be viewed as copyright infringement.
Securely Stream RTL+ in Minutes
Each VPN on my list has secure and high-speed servers in Germany, so you can stream RTL+ safely when in the country.
I recommend using ExpressVPN because of its superior speeds and reliable servers to watch RTL+ in Ultra HD quality from Germany. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN without risk.
