Foxtel Go and Foxtel Now are on-demand streaming services offered by the Australian broadcaster Foxtel. They are usually geographically restricted to Australia, which can be frustrating if you are abroad. This means your access will be denied if you attempt to watch these services outside of Australia.
Luckily, if you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN), you can bypass this geographical restriction. VPNs also protect users’ privacy online by routing their connections through secure third-party servers and assigning them a different IP address when connected to a VPN server.
In this guide, I have reviewed the best VPNs for Foxtel in detail below. However, first, let’s look at how to watch Foxtel with a VPN.
How to watch Foxtel overseas with a VPN
Ready to get started? If you want to watch Foxtel regardless of where you are in the world, follow these steps.
How to watch Foxtel outside Australia:
- Subscribe to a top-tier VPN service that is capable of unblocking Foxtel outside Australia. I recommend using NordVPN since it is fast and has servers in Australia and worldwide. Plus, it offers a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Download and install the VPN app onto the device(s) you want to watch Foxtel on.
- Search for and connect to an Australian VPN server. You should now have an Australian IP address and be able to unblock Foxtel.
- Head to the Foxtel website/app, and you should be able to stream Australian TV without encountering any issues.
If you run into any issues, clear your cache and cookies. If this still doesn’t work, try changing servers or contact your VPN’s customer support team for assistance.
If you’re not sure which VPN is the best for your needs, then fear not, as I have included in-depth reviews of each provider for Foxtel below. In a rush? Here’s a quick summary.
The best VPNs for Foxtel:
- NordVPN: My number one choice for Foxtel. It has a large global server network that includes 190+ servers in Australia. Fast and offers advanced security and privacy features. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
- Surfshark: The best budget option for Foxtel users. Although it’s affordable, it doesn’t skimp on quality. Fast, secure, and allows users unlimited connections.
- Total VPN: A great beginner-friendly provider. Offers decent streaming speeds, making it easy to bypass services like Disney+ and Foxtel.
- Proton VPN: Massive server network, including 295+ in Australia, which is the largest on this list. Excellent privacy-conscious features.
- ExpressVPN: An excellent streaming option, boasting fast speeds and the ability to unblock a wide variety of top-tier streaming services.
- IPVanish: Offers users an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. Fast speeds for streaming and strong security measures.
- CyberGhost VPN: Has a large global server network, with servers optimized for a number of different purposes, such as streaming, gaming, and torrenting.
- Private Internet Access: Lightweight and highly customizable. Has the largest server network on this list and is very secure.
- PureVPN: Easy to use and offers solid streaming speeds. It can unblock a wide variety of streaming services, including all your Australian favorites.
While looking for the best VPNs for watching Foxtel from abroad, I used a strict set of criteria to find the best possible options for this streaming service. Here are the most important factors that I considered:
- Servers in Australia
- Fast connection speeds
- Reliably unblocks Foxtel and other streaming services
- Strong security and privacy features
- Versatility
- Value for money
- Easy to use and beginner-friendly
For more information about the criteria I used, check out the testing methodology section later in this article.
Best VPNs for watching Foxtel abroad
Having considered all of the above, here are the best VPNs for watching Foxtel outside Australia:
1. NordVPN
NordVPN is my number one choice for watching Foxtel from anywhere. It has a network of 9,000+ servers across 127+ countries, including more than 190 in Australia. This makes it a great option for watching Foxtel while abroad, and other popular services such as Netflix, Stan, ABC, and 7plus. NordVPN also provides fast streaming speeds, allowing users to stream without lag or buffering.
Strong security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, automatic ad and tracker blocking, and a strict no-logs policy. In addition, the NordWhisper protocol helps users in heavily censored countries to browse safely.
Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and Linux. It can also be manually set up on some routers. NordVPN offers users 10 simultaneous connections and 24/7 customer support via the provided live chat.
Pros:
- Fast connection speeds
- 190+ Australian servers
- Strong security measures
- Great unblocking capability
- Excellent multi-platform support
Cons:
- Desktop app can be a bit slow
BEST VPN FOR FOXTEL:NordVPN has a vast global server network, including 190+ in Australia. A great option for watching Foxtel and other geo-restricted streaming services abroad. Strong security measures. Risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark is the best budget option available for watching Foxtel from abroad. Although it is affordable, it doesn’t skimp on quality, with fast streaming speeds, great unblocking ability, and a network of 4,500+ servers in 100+ countries. It can unblock services like Foxtel with ease and works well with Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, too.
Surfshark doesn’t skimp on security either. It has many strong security and privacy features in place, including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against WebRTC, DNS, and IPv6 leaks. In addition, there is built-in ad and malware protection, and it doesn’t store logs.
Users can connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, which is great for large families and users with lots of gadgets. Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. It can also be set up on supported routers. If you run into issues, there is 24/7 live chat support available to provide assistance.
Pros:
- Unlimited connections available
- Great unblocking ability
- Solid streaming speeds
- Strong security measures
Cons:
- Some servers can be a bit slow
BEST BUDGET OPTION:Surfshark is affordable and has a wide range of features that help keep users safe online. It also offers unlimited simultaneous connections and can unblock geo-restricted services like Foxtel with ease. 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. Total VPN
Total VPN is a budget-friendly, easy-to-use option. It has around 1,800 servers in over 90 countries, including Australia. In fact, it has servers in Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. Unblocks Disney+, Netflix, and Foxtel Go with ease, offering decent streaming speeds so that users can enjoy content without lag or buffering.
Strong security and privacy measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. The Hydra obfuscated protocol also provides obfuscation, and enabling split tunneling lets some websites through the VPN tunnel unencrypted.
Total VPN secures five devices at a time and has apps available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Assistance is available 24/7 to provide help in case you run into difficulties.
Pros:
- Decent connection speeds
- Great unblocking ability
- Decent price point
- Easy-to-use option
Cons:
- Only five simultaneous connections
BEGINNER-FRIENDLY:Total VPN is easy to use and set up, with great privacy features in place. Shorter-term plans come with a 14-day money-back guarantee, while longer plans get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
4. Proton VPN
Proton VPN offers users a huge network of 17,800+ servers in more than 129 countries, including over295 in Australia. It boasts decent speeds and can unblock many different streaming services, such as Stan and, of course, Foxtel Go.
Security features include unbreakable encryption, a kill switch, split tunneling, and Secure Core servers. There is also a strict no-logs policy in place and the provider accepts Bitcoin, which is a more anonymous form of payment than traditional credit cards.
Although ProtonVPN is relatively easy-to-use, there’s always the possibility of running into issues. In cases like this, the ProtonVPN customer support team is available to provide assistance 24/7 through the provided live chat. Users get 10 simultaneous connections, and apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. ProtonVPN can also be installed manually on some routers.
Pros:
- Very large server network
- Great unblocking ability
- Strong security measures
- Accepts cryptocurrency payments
Cons:
- A bit on the expensive side
LARGE SERVER NETWORK:Proton VPN has strong security measures in place and can unblock many different services, thanks to its very large server network globally and in Australia. 30-day money-back guarantee.
5. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN offers very fast streaming speeds and is a solid choice for watching TV shows, movies, and live sports. It has 3,000+ servers in 105+ countries too, giving users lots of options for unblocking geo-restricted content. ExpressVPN now offers up to 14 simultaneous device connections, depending on the subscription tier.
Strong security measures ensure users can protect themselves in the online environment, with features such as 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. No logs are stored either.
ExpressVPN is also easy to use, making it a great option for beginners. It’s available on a wide range of platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. In addition, ExpressVPN can also be installed on some routers, and even has its own line of Aircove routers.
Pros:
- Great unblocking ability
- Fast streaming speeds
- Strong security measures in place
- Supported on many platforms
Cons:
- A bit on the expensive side
GREAT STREAMING VPN:ExpressVPN offers very fast streaming speeds and can unblock many different streaming services with ease. This includes Foxtel in Australia. It also offers strong security features and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
6. IPVanish
IPVanish is another great streaming VPN. For this reason, it has long been a respected VPN in the Kodi community. It also offers great unblocking ability and can access Foxtel with ease, thanks to its Australian servers. In total, IPVanish offers 3,200+ servers in 150+ global locations.
When it comes to security, IPVanish is also very strong. It offers features such as DNS and IPv6 leak protection, automatic tracker blocking, a kill switch, and military-grade, 256-bit AES encryption. It also offers MultiHop servers, which add another layer of protection, and split tunneling capability lets some apps pass through the VPN tunnel.
IPVanish offers good customer support, with 24/7 live chat support. There are apps available for Windows, macOS, and Android. Linux devices and routers can be manually set up to work with the service. Subscribers also get unlimited simultaneous connections.
Pros:
- Great unblocking ability
- Split tunneling capability
- Fast streaming speeds
- Strong security measures
Cons:
- Doesn’t work well in countries with high levels of censorship
- Streaming optimized servers aren’t labelled
UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish offers fast streaming speeds and strong security. It is also a great option for users with many devices, thanks to unlimited simultaneous connections. Users can try before they buy with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
7. CyberGhost VPN
CyberGhost VPN offers a very large server network, with 11,500+ servers across 100+ countries. These servers are optimized for different purposes to enhance your experience and performance, including streaming, gaming, and torrenting. Speeds are also very fast, and it reliably unblocks major streaming platforms abroad.
CyberGhost is no slouch when it comes to security, either. It offers 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. In addition, it comes with automatic ad/tracker blocking. If you ever need assistance, 24/7 live chat support is available.
It is relatively easy to use, too. CyberGhost has apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux, and it can be manually set up on supported routers. Subscribers are allowed to connect seven devices simultaneously.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly
- Great unblocking ability
- Strong security measures
- Servers optimized for gaming, streaming, and torrenting
Cons:
- Doesn’t work well in China
- Doesn’t offer advanced customization options
OPTIMIZED STREAMING SERVERS:CyberGhost is a great beginner option, and has servers that are optimized for purposes such as streaming, gaming, and torrenting. It can unblock many different services. Get a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.
8. Private Internet Access
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a lightweight, highly customizable provider. It boasts the largest server network on this list, with 35,000+ in 91+ countries, including Australia. It offers decent streaming speeds and unblocking capabilities, too.
Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and malware filtering that steers your browsing away from dangerous websites. There’s also a no-logs policy in place. Subscribers receive an unlimited number of connections allowance.
PIA apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. You’ll have to manually configure routers to work with this service. 24/7 support is available over live chat.
Pros:
- Great unblocking capability
- Strong security measures
- Massive server network
Cons:
- Doesn’t work reliably with every streaming platform
- No support for smart TVs or gaming consoles
LIGHTWEIGHT OPTION WITH UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:PIA is lightweight, secure, and works well with Foxtel. It also gives subscribers unlimited simultaneous connections and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
9. PureVPN
PureVPN is a beginner-friendly option with a network that consists of 6,000+ servers in 65+ countries, including Australia. This makes it easy for users to watch Australian streaming services like Foxtel regardless of where they are in the world. PureVPN can also unblock other streaming services like Optus Sport, Netflix, and Amazon Prime Video.
PureVPN ensures that users are secure online, thanks to a wide array of security and privacy measures, which include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. Personally identifiable information is not logged either.
Users are allowed 10 simultaneous connections and can download apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. You can manually set up this service on routers as well. If you need assistance, the customer support team is available 24/7.
Pros:
- Beginner-friendly
- Allows torrenting
- Strong security and privacy features
Cons:
- Lacks advanced customization options
- Speeds can be unpredictable at times
STREAM AUSTRALIAN SHOWS:PureVPN offers good privacy features and can unblock Foxtel and other Australian streaming platforms without any issues. Beginner-friendly apps across many platforms. Subscribers get a 31-day money-back guarantee.
Testing methodology: How I chose the best VPNs for Foxtel
While looking for the best VPNs for watching Foxtel outside Australia, I reviewed and tested many VPNs to ensure I found the best options. This was necessary since not all VPNs are created equally.
I needed to filter out VPNs that didn’t offer the features required to watch Foxtel outside Australia. Here are the most important factors I considered:
- Fast connection speeds: When it comes to streaming, it is necessary for users to have fast connection speeds. This ensures they can stream without lag or buffering, which is essential when watching your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports abroad.
- Versatility: When looking for the best VPN for Foxtel outside of Australia, I considered how varied and beneficial a VPN’s functionality was for users. I looked at things such as the number of simultaneous connections offered, network size, and unblocking ability when making my decision. This includes being able to bypass age verification measures on social media.
- Security and privacy features: In addition to providing reliable access to Foxtel, the VPN services I chose also protect users’ information and security in the online environment with features such as no-logs policies, military-grade encryption, and kill switches.
- Value for money: I chose options that offered advanced functionality, but didn’t break the bank. Having affordable options ensures users don’t have a barrier to getting up and running with a VPN, so they can watch Foxtel regardless of where they are in the world.
- Beginner friendliness: Many users are phased by software products that are difficult to use. Making a product easy-to-use and still effective is a key ingredient to user success. This was certainly the case with the VPN options reviewed here. They also offer customer support in case users run into any difficulty.
For more in-depth information about my VPN testing process, check out this extensive methodology guide.
How to bypass Foxtel errors
While the VPNs above let you get past geographical restrictions on Foxtel, there are still errors that may pop up while you use the service. Below, I will walk you through how to deal with these errors.
Fixing the PE1001 error
The PE10001 error can happen if you are using a Samsung Smart TV with Foxtel Go. Rebooting your TV and relaunching the Foxtel Go app is an effective solution.
The PE8000 error: How to fix it
If you encounter the PE8000 error while using a Sony Smart TV or Blu-Ray Player, moving to the Foxtel Go home screen or changing the channel are solutions that have been shown to work in the past. If this doesn’t work, try another Australian server.
General tips for troubleshooting
Here are some general tips that you can follow if you’re having issues while trying to watch Foxtel with a VPN:
- Clear cache/cookies or try a different browser.
- Try a different server in Australia. The one you’re using may have been blacklisted or is encountering a temporary issue.
- Use Foxtel on a desktop device instead of a mobile device. This ensures that you aren’t geographically located due to your mobile device’s GPS.
- Try fully updating your device.
- Ensure that your VPN software is updated to the latest version.
How to watch Foxtel FAQs
Why use a VPN in Australia?
In addition to letting users bypass geographical restrictions on Australian services, such as Foxtel, when abroad, VPNs protect user information from the prying eyes of the government. Plus, ISPs in Australia track and store user data for up to two years!
VPNs also protect users from some cyber threats. This is especially true when abroad and using open WiFi networks. In addition, VPNs allow users in Australia to torrent, which is normally banned.
NB: I don’t recommend or condone downloading illegal content. You should only torrent files that you are legally allowed to.
What’s on Foxtel in Australia?
There’s a wide range of content available on Foxtel. This ranges from sports, such as the NBA, cricket, soccer, and rugby, to movies and TV dramas.
Is it legal to stream Foxtel Now with a VPN from overseas?
Yes, it is legal to stream Foxtel Now with a VPN from overseas in most countries worldwide. Foxtel stipulates on its terms and conditions page that users must have an Australian billing address and have one internet-connected primary device in Australia. This means that, in theory, there’s nothing stopping Australian residents from using Foxtel now while abroad.
What’s the difference between Foxtel Go and Foxtel Now?
Foxtel Go is included with all Foxtel TV subscriptions. This option lets users watch their favorite channels on the internet.
Foxtel Now is the option for users who don’t already have a Foxtel TV subscription. It lets users get access to Foxtel channels and content for a monthly fee.
Can you watch Foxtel Go on a smart TV?
Foxtel Go doesn’t have a smart TV app. However, it is available on Android and iOS devices, and via your browser. You can watch Foxtel Go on your smart TV by casting from a device or using an HDMI port.
If you have a Firestick, you could also consider sideloading the Foxtel Go app onto it and watching it on your smart TV that way.
Can I watch Foxtel Go on Apple TV?
Yes, you can watch Foxtel Go on Apple TV. You can use AirPlay to wirelessly stream content from your iPhone, iPad, or Mac device to your Apple TV.
Go to the Control Center on your iOS device, or System Preferences if you’re using a Mac device, and select AirPlay if you want to get set up to watch Foxtel on Apple TV.
Afterwards, choose the output type (such as Apple TV). This should mirror the content from your device or a specific app like Foxtel Go.
Can I just use a free VPN?
No, I don’t recommend using a free VPN. Free VPNs lack the same infrastructure as paid VPN options. This can mean slower speeds and buffering. Free VPNs may not even be able to unblock Foxtel Go/Foxtel Now content.
In addition, free VPNs often lack the security and privacy measures of paid options. They may sell user data for a profit or run ads to generate income. Lack of security can compromise user data/security, which is undesirable.
I recommend sticking to top-tier paid VPNs, as they are fast, safe, and can easily unblock services like Foxtel. If you must use a free service, I recommend Proton VPN or EventVPN, a free offering from ExpressVPN.
Note that although these VPNs are from reputable companies, they will not provide the same streaming speeds as their paid counterparts.
Contents [hide]
- How to watch Foxtel overseas with a VPN
- Best VPNs for watching Foxtel abroad
- Testing methodology: How I chose the best VPNs for Foxtel
- How to bypass Foxtel errors
- How to watch Foxtel FAQs
- Why use a VPN in Australia?
- What’s on Foxtel in Australia?
- Is it legal to stream Foxtel Now with a VPN from overseas?
- What’s the difference between Foxtel Go and Foxtel Now?
- Can you watch Foxtel Go on a smart TV?
- Can I watch Foxtel Go on Apple TV?
- Can I just use a free VPN?
