How to watch DStv outside South Africa in 2025

DStv is a direct broadcast satellite TV service based in South Africa, offering channels such as SuperSport, M-Net Movies, and the Disney Channel. Its online streaming platform allows users to watch the same channels as the satellite TV service, including the latest sports, movies, series, and reality shows.

However, if you’re outside one of the countries where DStv is offered, you’ll receive an error message if you try to access the streaming service. Luckily, with the help of a VPN, users can bypass geographical restrictions.

In this article, I’ll focus on accessing the service by connecting to a South African VPN server, but the service is also available in other Sub-Saharan countries such as Zimbabwe and Nigeria.

I have reviewed the top VPN providers for DStv in detail below. However, if you’re looking for a quick summary, check out this list.

The best VPNs for DStv:

1. NordVPN: My number one choice for DStv. It has over 7,200 servers worldwide, including some in South Africa. Strong connection speeds and excellent security measures. Try the service risk-free with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: The best budget option for DStv users. It offers strong streaming speeds and a good range of security and privacy features.
3. IPVanish: A good streaming option. It has servers in South Africa and supports unlimited connections.
4. ExpressVPN: Offers fast streaming speeds and strong security. Reliable VPN provider for accessing popular streaming platforms around the world.
5. CyberGhost VPN: Has a very large server network. It gives users lots of connection options (including South Africa) and offers servers optimized for streaming.
6. PrivateVPN: A privacy-focused option that is also good at unblocking services such as DStv with ease.
7. Private Internet Access: An easy-to-use provider with servers in South Africa. Takes user privacy seriously and boasts 35,000+ servers globally.
8. PureVPN: Has fast servers in South Africa and offers strong security measures, with a strict no-logs policy.
9. Proton VPN: Has a strong global server network with servers in South Africa. Offers great customer support as well.

How to watch DStv outside of South Africa with a VPN

If you want to watch your favorite sports and TV shows while abroad, simply follow these simple instructions on how to watch DStv outside of South Africa with a VPN:

1. Subscribe to a top-tier VPN with servers in South Africa that’s capable of unblocking DStv. I recommend using NordVPN since it has a strong server network and fast streaming speeds.
2. Download the VPN app onto the device you want to watch DStv on.
3. Connect to a South African VPN server.
4. You should now be able to access this streaming service without any issues.

If you still encounter problems, try clearing your cookies and cache. If this doesn’t work, contact your VPN’s customer support team for help.

Best VPNs for DStv in 2025

While putting together my reviews below for the best VPNs, I considered several different factors. Here are some of the criteria:

• Strong server network with servers in South Africa
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures
• Great customer support
• Ease of use
• Value for money

For more information about the criteria I used, take a look at the testing methodology section in this article.

So, without further ado, here are the best VPNs for watching DStv outside of South Africa:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN offers blazing-fast connection speeds with its large VPN network of over 7,200 servers in 118+ countries (including South Africa). This service’s fast connection speeds make it an excellent option for streaming and unblocking services such as DStv.

In addition, NordVPN has strong security measures in place. These include an app-specific kill switch, 256-bit AES encryption, an automatic ad-blocker, a malware scanner, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks. This service also doesn’t store any logs. Moreover, users have the option of paying with cryptocurrency, which doesn’t associate users’ names with payments.

Users can download NordVPN apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. It is also possible to install this service on supported routers and users can connect 10 devices simultaneously. In addition, the customer support team is available 24/7 to assist users with any technical queries.

Pros:

• Has a large server network
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures in place
• No logs are stored
• Apps are available for many different platforms

Cons:

• The desktop app tends to be slow at times

BEST VPN FOR WATCHING DSTV OUTSIDE SOUTH AFRICA:NordVPN is fast and has a widespread server network. It protects users’ anonymity and privacy with strong security measures and cryptocurrency payments. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is hard to beat when it comes to finding a VPN on a budget. This provider has over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries, including South Africa. It offers fast connection speeds and has no trouble unblocking streaming services such as DStv.

The provider’s security measures are strong too. These include 256-bit AES encryption, protection against IPv6, DNS, and Web RTC leaks, and there is also a kill switch in place. Plus, there is an option for traffic scrambling which hides the fact that a user is using a VPN. This is important in countries where VPNs may not be allowed.

Surfshark apps can be downloaded for macOS, Linux, Windows, Android, and iOS. Some routers can also have this VPN manually installed on them. Users are allowed an unlimited number of connections and the customer service team is available 24/7 via the provided live chat. This makes it easy for customers from all time zones to get any technical help they may need.

Pros:

• Can unblock many different services
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures
• Supports an unlimited number of connections
• Cryptocurrency payments for increased anonymity

Cons:

• Some servers are a little slow at times

BEST BUDGET VPN FOR DSTV:Surfshark is very competitive in terms of its pricing. On top of this, it can unblock many different services such as DStv without hassle and allows users to connect to an unlimited number of devices at once. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. IPVanish

IPVanish is a secure provider with over 2,400 servers in 140+ locations. Connection speeds are fast, which has proven to be a big hit among the Kodi streaming community. This level of speed will allow users to access streaming services such as DStv no matter where they’re located in the world.

Solid security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks. A traffic scrambling option is also available and no logs are stored by this provider.

IPVanish has apps available for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, Amazon Fire Stick, and Amazon Fire TV. It can also be manually set up on some routers and Linux. It supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections and live chat support is available 24/7.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Unlimited number of connections
• No logs are stored
• Great option for torrenters and Kodi users

Cons:

• Some servers don’t work with Netflix
• Apps don’t work in China

UNLIMITED NUMBER OF CONNECTIONS:IPVanish offers fast speeds and supports an unlimited number of simultaneous connections. This is suitable for those who want to stream from abroad and own a lot of devices. IPVanish offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN has a network of over 3,000 servers across 105+ countries, including South Africa. Its server network is one of the fastest out there and is great for streaming platforms such as DStv. ExpressVPN can unblock many different services.

This provider also ensures the safety of its users with several different security measures. These include 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. In addition to the regular website, there is also a .onion site which must be accessed via the anonymous TOR network. This lets users protect their anonymity since the TOR network is heavily encrypted. No logs are stored by this service.

ExpressVPN has apps available for a number of different operating systems. These include Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. In addition, this service can be installed on some supported routers. Eight simultaneous connections are allowed and the customer support team is available 24/7.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Can unblock many different services
• .onion site available
• Accepts cryptocurrency payments

Cons:

• A little more expensive than some other options
• Limited to eight simultaneous connections

GREAT STREAMING VPN:ExpressVPN is one of the faster VPN options available. It has strong security measures in place and can unblock many different services. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN has the second-largest number of servers on this list, with 11,500+ located in 100+ countries (including South Africa). It can unblock several different services and its connection speeds are fast. Has servers optimized for streaming, which makes it a great pick for users who want to access their favorite streaming platforms abroad.

There are strong security measures in place with this provider too. These include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy. This provider accepts cryptocurrency payments as well for added anonymity.

CyberGhost apps can be downloaded for macOS, Windows, Linux, Android, and iOS. Some routers can also be manually configured to work with this service and the customer support team is available 24/7. Seven simultaneous connections are supported.

Pros:

• Clients are easy to use
• 24/7 live chat service
• Huge server network
• Strong security and privacy measures

Cons:

• Blocked in the UAE and China
• Torrenting and P2P may not work on all servers

LARGE SERVER NETWORK:CyberGhost has a network consisting of over 11,500 servers. This gives users many different choices for getting a different IP address. Strong security measures are in place and users get a 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN has over 200 servers in 63+ countries. It can unblock many different services and offers fast streaming speeds to support watching top-tier streaming services such as DStv. It also has servers in South Africa.

The provider has several security measures in place, including 256-bit AES encryption and protection against leaks (DNS, WebRTC, and IPv6). No logs are stored and it accepts cryptocurrency payments, allowing for greater anonymity.

PrivateVPN apps can be downloaded for several platforms, including Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Some routers and Linux devices can be manually configured to work with this service. The customer service agents are only available during regular Swedish business hours, but the quality of customer service is excellent. 10 devices can be connected simultaneously.

Pros:

• Can unblock many services
• Fast connection speeds
• Works in China
• No logs are stored

Cons:

• Small server network
• Customer support is not available 24/7

PRIVACY-FOCUSED VPN:PrivateVPN is a security-focused provider with strong encryption in place and no logs stored. Many services can be unblocked with PrivateVPN and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

7. Private Internet Access

Private Internet Access (PIA) is a lightweight option. It has several customization options and allows users to change the app’s interface to their liking. This service also uses the fast and efficient WireGuard VPN protocol and can unblock many different services, including DStv.

Strong security is offered by this VPN. The security features included are 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and split tunneling. Plus, no logs are stored by this service. PIA boasts the largest server network on this list, with 35,000+ servers in 91+ countries around the world.

Apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android. PIA has customer service that is available via the 24/7 live chat and an unlimited number of connections are allowed.

Pros:

• Strong security measures
• Massive server network for global coverage
• WireGuardVPN protocol supported
• Several customization options

Cons:

• Doesn’t work reliably in China
• App design can be lacking in some ways

LIGHTWEIGHT AND EFFECTIVE:PIA is a lightweight option that is fast and efficient. It supports an unlimited number of connections and several customization options. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

8. PureVPN

PureVPN has 6,000+ servers in more than 70 countries, including 36+ servers spread across Johannesburg and Gauteng. It allows you to bypass blocks on a variety of South African streaming services, such as DStv.

PureVPN has several strong security measures in place. These include AES 256-bit encryption with the L2TP/IPSec protocol, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. PureVPN only stores a timestamp and the total amount of bandwidth used when connected to a server – it logs no personally identifying information.

This VPN provider has apps available for Windows, macOS, and Linux. You can also encrypt your phone with apps for Android and iOS. PureVPN allows 10 simultaneous connections, so you can connect plenty of your favorite devices at the same time.

Pros:

• Easy to use
• Strong encryption protocol
• Allows torrenting
• Server locations in South Africa

Cons:

• Somewhat unpredictable speeds
• Can’t unblock Netflix

EASY TO USE:PureVPN is easy to use and set up, keeps your data secure, and offers a solid server network. It also unblocks DStv reliably and comes with a 31-day money-back guarantee.

9. Proton VPN

Proton VPN has a server network of over 9,100 servers in 112+ countries (including South Africa). Users can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously and it also comes with a CLI app that is open-source. In general, it is a great Linux option.

The provider is a secure option for VPN users, with 256-bit AES encryption, a strict no-logs policy, leak protection, and a kill switch.

Proton VPN is available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Unfortunately, it doesn’t offer live chat support, but it does come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Pros:

• Strong security
• Accesses DStv
• Works for torrenting

Cons:

• No live chat support available
• Could be more user-friendly
• Doesn’t offer unlimited connections

GREAT LINUX OPTION:Proton VPN can unblock many different services, has strong security, and is a great choice for Linux users. It offers a CLI app and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology: How I chose the best VPNs for watching DStv outside South Africa

Before writing this article, I researched the best VPN options for DStv while considering numerous different factors. This was necessary as not all VPNs are created equally.

Some providers may not even have servers in South Africa or may be incapable of bypassing geographical restrictions. Here are some of the factors I considered:

• Strong server network: A VPN needs to have a strong server network with many servers available globally. In the case of the VPNs in this article, it was necessary for them to have servers in South Africa to allow access to DStv from anywhere in the world.
• Ability to unblock services: Not all VPNs are capable of unblocking streaming services (or other types of services). This is because some platforms have VPN blocks in place. However, the VPNs reviewed here are capable of bypassing such blocks.
• Strong security: A VPN service must have strong security measures. This protects users’ privacy online and on open WiFi networks.
• Speed: While all VPNs slow down your internet connection a little, this shouldn’t be very noticeable. The VPNs reviewed here allow users to browse HD content without buffering.
• User-friendly apps: VPNs must be easy for beginners to use. This means having intuitive apps for all major platforms and good customer support services. We also prioritize VPNs that offer decent simultaneous connection limits, so you can connect as many of your devices as possible.
• Value for money: We don’t recommend VPNs that charge more than they should. The providers in this list offer deals, discounts, money-back guarantees, and free trials.

Read my VPN testing process guide for more information.

How to watch DStv FAQs