How to watch RTE Player from abroad in 2025

RTE Player is the live and on-demand service provided by RTE in Ireland. The RTE Player allows you to watch selected programmes live from RTE One, RTE 2, and RTE News Now, plus catch-up shows. However, if you’re overseas, you will not be able to access the service since it is geographically restricted to Ireland.

Luckily, if you use RTE Player with a VPN, you will be able to access the content regardless of your location in the world. Additionally, VPNs not only provide access to geographically restricted content but also protect users’ online anonymity and shield them from cyber threats.

Below, I have explained how to watch RTE Player abroad using a VPN, and also shared the best VPNs for the job.

How to use a VPN to access RTE Player from abroad

Accessing geo-restricted content is easy if you use a reliable, trusted VPN provider. Follow these steps to get started.

How to use a VPN to access RTE Player from abroad:

1. Subscribe to a top-tier VPN such as one of the options reviewed above. I recommend using NordVPN, as it is fast, has servers in Ireland and thousands globally, and can easily unblock streaming services like RTE Player.
2. Download the VPN app to the device you will be using to watch RTE Player. Some of the VPNs in this list have no limit on the number of devices you can connect at once.
3. Load the app and connect to a server in Ireland. This will give you an Irish IP address.
4. Head to the RTE Player website/app. You should be able to access all of your favorite shows, no matter your location.

If this doesn’t work, try clearing your cache/cookies. If you still encounter issues, contact your VPN’s customer support team.

Later in this article, I have reviewed the top VPNs for RTE Player in detail. However, if you’re in a rush, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs to watch RTE Player abroad:

1. NordVPN: My number one choice for accessing RTE Player from abroad. Has 50+ servers in Ireland and 8,000+ worldwide. It also provides fast streaming speeds and can unblock a wide variety of services without any issues. Gives users a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Surfshark: A great budget option for accessing RTE Player. Offers decent streaming speeds and good unblocking ability. It is very secure and accepts cryptocurrency payments. Unlimited simultaneous connections.
3. Total VPN: Allows users to unblock services like RTE without any hassle, thanks to its user-friendly design, with servers in Ireland and over 90 other countries.
4. ExpressVPN: A solid streaming option, with great unblocking ability. It is easy to use, has its own .onion website, and accepts crypto payments.
5. IPVanish: Servers in Ireland and 140+ other locations. Can unblock streaming services like RTE Player easily and offers unlimited simultaneous connections.
6. CyberGhost VPN: A vast number of servers, giving users the ability to unblock a wide variety of services. It has servers optimized for streaming.
7. PrivateVPN: Privacy-conscious option with servers in Ireland, giving users access to RTE Player with ease. Excellent security and privacy features. No-logs policy.

While reviewing the best VPNs for RTE Player, I considered many factors to find the best providers. This included:

• Servers in Ireland and good coverage around the world
• Fast speeds for streaming and other online activities, such as gaming and torrenting
• Able to reliably unblock major streaming platforms
• Excellent security and privacy measures
• Easy to use for both VPN beginners and experts
• Decent value for money, with a money-back guarantee

For more information about the criteria I used, check out the testing methodology section later in this article.

Best VPNs for watching RTE Player from abroad

With that being said, here are the best VPN providers for watching RTE Player from abroad:

1. NordVPN

NordVPN offers blazing-fast connection speeds with an extensive VPN network that consists of over 8,100 servers across 126+ countries, including 50+ in Ireland. This enables users to access RTE Player abroad without experiencing lag or buffering. Thanks to its unblocking ability, it has no problems unblocking RTE Player and other popular streaming services.

Security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, an automatic ad-blocker, a malware scanner, and protection against WebRTC, IPv6, and DNS leaks. This service also doesn’t store logs. Users have the option to pay with cryptocurrency, which enables them to pay for their subscriptions anonymously.

NordVPN provides apps for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Users can also install this service on supported routers. There are 10 simultaneous connections allowed. The customer support team is available 24/7, allowing users to have their technical queries answered whenever they need.

Pros:

• Servers in Ireland
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures
• No logs are stored
• Apps are available for many different platforms

Cons:

• The desktop app tends to be slow at times

BEST VPN FOR ACCESSING RTE PLAYER:NordVPN is a great choice for unblocking RTE Player from abroad, thanks to its fast speeds, great unblocking ability, and large server network. Comes with a risk-free 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. Surfshark

Surfshark is a great budget option that doesn’t compromise on quality. It has over 3,200 servers spread across more than 100 countries, including 64+ in Dublin. Fast connection speeds allow for streaming without lag or buffering. Can reliably unblock RTE Player, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.

It also provides users with strong security measures, including 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and traffic scrambling. Cryptocurrency payments allow users to hide their identity when signing up for a subscription. Surfshark maintains a strict no-logs policy, ensuring user privacy.

Apps are available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. It can also be installed on routers that support the service. A great bonus is that you can connect an unlimited number of devices at the same time, perfect for users with a lot of devices. The customer support team is available to assist with issues 24/7.

Pros:

• Can unblock many different services (including RTE Player)
• Fast connection speeds
• Strong security measures
• Supports an unlimited number of connections
• Accepts crypto payments

Cons:

• Some servers are a little slow

BEST BUDGET OPTION FOR RTE PLAYER:Surfshark is an affordable VPN that doesn’t skimp on quality. It has fast connection speeds and can unblock a wide variety of streaming services, including RTE Player. Offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Total VPN

Total VPN grants access to RTE Player and other popular streaming platforms from abroad, thanks to servers in Ireland and 90+ different countries. Connection speeds are fast enough to stream content without buffering, allowing you to sit comfortably and watch your favorite TV shows, movies, and live sports. Total VPN is also an excellent option for beginners since it is simple to set up and use.

The provider has strong security measures in place, too. This includes 256-bit AES encryption, ad-blocking, a kill switch, and DNS and IPv6 leak protection. A no-logs policy is also in place.

Total VPN apps are available on Windows, iOS, Android, and macOS. It allows five simultaneous connections, and it offers those who sign up a 30-day money-back guarantee to try the service.

Pros:

• Fast streaming speeds
• Easy to use
• Good cross-platform support
• Strong security measures

Cons:

• Low number of simultaneous connections
• Obfuscation features are not very advanced

STRAIGHTFORWARD SETUP AND STREAMING:Total VPN is easy to get up and running. It’s fast and is a reliable pick for streaming. Offers users several security features and a strict zero-logs policy. 30-day money-back guarantee.

4. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is a top choice for those looking to stream a lot, reliably unblocking most major Irish and international streaming platforms, including RTE Player, Now TV, Netflix, and TNT Sports. It offers 3,000+ fast servers in 105+ countries, including in Ireland. It is a good option for beginners, too.

The provider has strong security measures in place, which include 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, a kill switch, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. In addition to the regular ExpressVPN site, there is also a .onion site, which can only be accessed via the anonymous TOR network. ExpressVPN also accepts cryptocurrency payments, ensuring users’ identities are protected even during the research and sign-up process.

ExpressVPN apps are available for Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. Additionally, some routers can have this service pre-installed. The customer service team can be reached 24/7 via the live chat provided. Eight simultaneous connections are allowed.

Pros:

• Fast connection speeds
• Can unblock streaming services like RTE Player with ease
• .onion site and cryptocurrency acceptance
• Strong security measures

Cons:

• More expensive than some other options
• Cap on simultaneous connections

GREAT STREAMING VPN:ExpressVPN offers fast streaming speeds, unblocks many geo-restricted services, and provides strong security and privacy features. It is also easy to use, making it a solid option for beginners. 30-day money-back guarantee.

5. IPVanish

IPVanish has been recognized as a reliable streaming option for a long time and is popular among the Kodi streaming community. It features a fast network comprising more than 2,400 servers across 140+ locations. This includes servers in Ireland, enabling users to access RTE Player from anywhere in the world.

Security measures include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks, and a traffic scrambling option. There is also a strict no-logs policy in place. Plus, it owns and operates all the servers in its network.

IPVanish offers apps for various platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Manual installation is needed for Linux systems and supported routers. Additionally, an unlimited number of simultaneous connections is permitted, and live chat support is available 24/7.

Pros:

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

Cons:.

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

UNLIMITED SIMULTANEOUS CONNECTIONS:IPVanish offers users an unlimited number of connections at once. It is fast and secure, and can unblock streaming services such as RTE Player with ease. Offers users a 30-day money-back guarantee.

6. CyberGhost VPN

CyberGhost VPN has the largest number of servers of all the other providers on this list. In total, it has over 11,500 servers in 100+ countries, including Ireland. It can unblock many different geo-restricted services without hassle, making it a top choice for streaming and gaming.

The provider has implemented several security measures, including 256-bit AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. This service also doesn’t store any logs and accepts cryptocurrency payments, offering complete anonymity.

CyberGhost apps are available for Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. In addition, some routers can be manually configured to work with this provider. The customer support team is available 24/7. Seven simultaneous connections are allowed.

Pros:

• Apps are easy to use
• 24/7 customer support provided
• Huge 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 vast server network, including in Ireland and the UK. Users can unblock RTE Player and other streaming platforms with ease. Excellent security features, and users get a generous 45-day money-back guarantee.

7. PrivateVPN

PrivateVPN is a privacy-conscious provider with a server network of 200+ servers in 63+ countries. The server count is small, but many countries are covered, including Ireland. It can bypass RTE Player and other streaming services with ease.

Security features include 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch, and protection against IPv6, WebRTC, and DNS leaks. This provider also doesn’t store any logs and accepts cryptocurrency payments.

PrivateVPN apps are available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Users also have the option of configuring routers manually for this service. It is worth noting that PrivateVPN’s customer service agents are only available during regular Swedish business hours. 10 simultaneous connections are allowed.

Pros:

• Can unblock many different services
• No logs are stored
• Works in China

Cons:

• Small server network
• The customer support team isn’t available 24/7

PRIVACY-FOCUSED VPN:PrivateVPN is one of the most privacy-focused providers out there. It has strong security features in place and can unblock streaming services like RTE Player with ease. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Testing methodology: How I chose the best VPNs for RTE Player

While looking for the best VPNs for watching RTE Player and other Irish streaming platforms from abroad, I considered the following criteria:

• Strong server network with fast speeds: A vast, speedy server network enables users to stream content without lag/buffering. All of these VPNs offer servers in Ireland, so you can obtain an Irish IP address when abroad. Additionally, they provide a decent global server network.
• Unblocking capability: Some streaming services block VPNs. However, top-tier VPNs, such as the providers reviewed above, can circumvent these blocks and provide easy access to geo-restricted services. This means you’ll have no issue watching RTE Player, Sky Go, Now TV, TNT Sports, BBC iPlayer, Netflix, and so much more.
• Security and privacy features: Top-tier VPNs protect users’ identities and security in the online environment. This is thanks to features such as strong encryption, leak protection, a kill switch, split tunneling, and a strict no-logs policy.
• Ease of use: Anyone should be able to unblock a streaming service without having to jump through hoops. All of these VPNs are suitable for beginners.
• Value for money: I ensure that virtually anyone can afford the VPNs I recommend, allowing them to access their favorite services even when abroad.

For more information about the criteria I used, refer to my comprehensive VPN testing guide.

How to watch RTE Player from abroad FAQs