Disclosure: We research and test the best streaming options for viewers in Canada. If you purchase through our links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
German live TV channels have become increasingly popular among Canadian viewers due to their extended entertainment and cultural shows. With major networks like ARD, ZDF, and ProSieben offering standout content, the demand continues to grow.
From hit crime dramas and reality shows to Bundesliga highlights and political talk shows, German TV delivers a diverse viewing experience. You can watch these live TV networks through their official apps or supported streaming platforms, like Arte TV and Zattoo.
However, if you attempt to watch German Channels in Canada on such platforms, you will face geo-restrictions and blackouts. These platforms block access based on your IP address, making most live and on-demand content unavailable outside Germany.
To get around these restrictions, using a VPN becomes essential. A reliable VPN gives you a German IP address, allowing you to bypass geo-blocks and stream German Channels in Canada as if you were streaming directly from Germany.
Our Recommended VPN - Surfshark
⚠️ Warning! You Are Being Monitored
Yes, It’s True! Without Proper Encryption, your IP Address is Exposed, and your Online Activity is Being Tracked.
This can lead to:
- Failed Access to international streaming platforms.
- Exposure of your Personal data to hackers, ISPs, and even Canadian authorities
But There’s a Solution - ‘Surfshark VPN’
Save 87% + Get 3 Extra Months FREE with SurfShark VPN [Limited Time Offer]
This Includes:
✅ VPN for just CA$0.09/day!
✅ Access to unlimited geo-blocked content with 100+ server locations.
✅ Industry Standard Encryption (256-Encryption)
✅ Kill Switch Feature.
✅ Data Breach Alerts.
✅ Unlimited Device Connections.
✅ 30-day money-back guarantee.
✅ Verified No Logs Policy.
How to Watch German TV Channels in Canada for Free
There are several ways to watch German channels in Canada, including ARD Mediathek,
ZDF Mediathek, RTL+, Joyn, MagentaTV, ARTE, and Zattoo. Since all these platforms are only available within Germany, accessing them from Canada triggers geo-blocking.
Here, we have mentioned the steps for Joyn TV, one of the most popular platforms for streaming German live TV and on-demand content for free. To watch Joyn and stream German channels in Canada, you’ll need a reliable VPN. Here’s how:
Step 1: Sign up with a VPN service. Surfshark is our recommended choice
Step 2: Download and install the Surfshark VPN App on your device.
Step 3: Open the VPN and connect it to a German server.
Step 4: Go to Joyn TV‘s official website and go to the Live TV
Step 5: Select any German channel (e.g., ZDF) you want to watch live
Step 6: Start streaming the live broadcast for free
9 Ways to Watch German TV Channels in Canada
If you want to watch German TV channels in Canada, several reliable streaming options give access to live broadcasts and on-demand content. Below are the best and easiest ways to start watching your favourite German channels from Canada.
1. ARD Mediathek (15+ Ad-free Live Channels)
The ARD is Germany’s first and largest public broadcaster, offering programs from nearly all regional public TV networks in one place.
Its platform is known for offering high-quality German content, including news, documentaries, movies, and shows.
Viewers in Germany can stream ARD programs for free, without ads or minimal advertising, through the ARD Mediathek website and app.
However, the platform is geo-restricted outside Germany, so to watch ARD in Canada, you’ll need a VPN with German servers, such as Surfshark.
Read More: Watch ARD in Canada
2. ZDF (Ad-free Live Streaming)
ZDF (Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen) is Germany’s second national public-service broadcaster and one of the country’s most trusted sources for news, documentaries, films, and TV series.
Similar to ARD, ZDF allows viewers in Germany to stream most of its content for free through the ZDF Mediathek website and app. Users can watch live TV, catch up on missed episodes, and access a strong library of documentaries and cultural programs.
However, ZDF is geo-restricted outside Germany due to licensing rules. Viewers in Canada must connect to a German server of a reliable VPN to watch ZDF in Canada. We recommend Surfshark.
Read More: Watch ZDF in Canada
3. RTL+ (18 German TV Channels)
RTL+ is the flagship streaming service of RTL Deutschland, offering a wide mix of German entertainment in one place. It combines 18 popular TV channels, including RTL and VOX, with on-demand movies, series, live sports events, music, and podcasts.
You can enjoy RTL+ content through flexible freemium plans. Paid subscriptions start at €5.99/mo, while a free tier offers limited, ad-supported access. To unlock premium shows, full features, and the complete channel lineup, you’ll need one of the paid plans.
Since RTL+ is officially available only in Germany (and some neighbouring countries: Austria, Switzerland, etc.), you can not access the platform in Canada. To watch German Channels on RTL+ in Canada, use a VPN like Surfshark VPN.
Read More: Watch RTL in Canada
4. Arte TV (Free)
Arte TV is a Franco-German public cultural channel known for its high-quality mix of films, documentaries, series, news, and performing-arts programming. The platform offers its content free of charge in multiple languages with subtitles for better accessibility.
Due to licensing and distribution rights, ARTE restricts its free live-streaming and on-demand content only to viewers in Germany and France. You will need a VPN to connect to a German or French server to access it. Surfshark is our #1 choice.
Read More: How to Watch Arte TV in Canada
5. ZattooTV (200+ Channels)
Zattoo is a popular live TV and streaming platform that lets users watch television channels and on-demand content. It is a freemium service, meaning it provides some features for free and others with a paid subscription.
The free version includes access to 250+ channels, with many available in HD. It carries numerous major German channels, including Das Erste, ZDF, ProSieben, Kabel Eins, Sport1, and Sixx, making it an excellent option for streaming German TV online.
However, Zattoo is officially available in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria. This means users in Canada will encounter geo-blocking when trying to access the platform. To watch Zattoo in Canada, you’ll need a VPN with German or Swiss servers like Surfshark.
Read More: How to Watch Zattoo TV in Canada
6. Joyn (60+ Live TV Channels)
Joyn or 7TV is a major German freemium streaming service owned by ProSiebenSat.1 Media, which combines live TV and on-demand content. The service currently offers 60+ channels, including public and private channels such as ZDF, Sat.1, DMAX, and more.
Since the platform uses a freemium model, it offers a free tier and a premium Joyn PLUS+ plan for €6.99/mo. Both tiers include live TV and on-demand content, while PLUS+ unlocks more channels, HD quality, and exclusive shows.
However, you must connect to a VPN, like Surfshark, before accessing Joyn in Canada, as it is geo-restricted outside Germany.
Read More: How to Watch 7TV in Canada
7. Magenta TV (180 Channels)
MagentaTV is Deutsche Telekom’s premium IPTV and streaming platform in Germany. The platform combines live TV, on-demand content, and partner streaming services all in one place. Subscription starts from €10/mo.
It provides access to 180+ TV channels, plus an extensive library of movies, series, and exclusive originals. MagentaTV also integrates major German TV channels such as Das Erste, ZDF, RTL, Sat.1, ProSieben, Kabel Eins, Sport1, and more.
Due to broadcasting rights and licensing rules, MagentaTV blocks access when users try to stream from outside Germany. Therefore, using a VPN while streaming on Magenta TV is a must. Surfshark is the best VPN.
8. Rapid Streamz (100+ Channels Free)
The RapidStreamz is a free mobile app that offers access to a wide range of German channels in Canada, making it easy to stream live TV and watch the latest episodes as they air. Once you choose a channel, you can start live streaming instantly.
Beyond German channels, RapidStreamz also provides access to content from Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, and several other regions.
To unlock international programming, simply connect to a server in the relevant country using Surfshark VPN.
9. FilmON (100+ Free Channels)
FilmON is a free streaming platform that requires no sign-up and offers access to 15 German TV channels, including KiKA, ZDF, ZDFinfo, Eurosport, Euronews, and more. It’s a convenient option for viewers to stream a variety of German programs in HD.
However, streaming international channels on FilmON can sometimes be restricted based on your location. To avoid ISP blocks and access content from different countries, simply connect to a German server using Surfshark VPN.
Best VPNs to Watch German Channels Without Cable in Canada
I have tried 35+ VPNs to shortlist the best ones for you. These top 3 VPNs will help you access German Channels content in Canada:
1. Surfshark – Most Affordable VPN for Watching German Channels in Canada
| Features | Details |
| Global Reach | 4500+ servers in over 100+ countries |
| German Channels Unblocking in Canada | Servers in 2 major German cities, i.e., Berlin and Frankfurt am Main |
| Exclusive deal | $2.79/month (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Multi-Device Compatibility | Unlimited devices – Windows, Android, Mac, iOS and more |
| Fast Streaming | Uninterrupted streaming experience with Higher bandwidth per user, and numerous servers. |
| Excellent Privacy | Secure the connection with Camouflage Mode, IPv6 leak protection, AES-256-GCM Encryption, Kill Switch, DNS data protection, and No-Logs Policy. |
Surfshark is an excellent option for unblocking German Channels in Canada, offering affordability and advanced features that make it a top contender.
With Surfshark, you can connect unlimited devices on a single account, enabling you to stream your favorite shows across multiple screens simultaneously.
It’s No Borders mode ensures access to the service even in restricted regions, while Camouflage mode prevents your ISP from tracking your online activity.
Moreover, Surfshark also unlocks access to a wide range of other geo-restricted channels and services in Canada, including 9Now, 10Play, TVNZ+, etc.
2. NordVPN – Biggest Server Pool to Watch German Channels in Canada
| Features | Details |
| Global Reach | 8,700+ servers in 60 countries |
| German Channels Unblocking in Canada | 240+ servers in 3 locations in Germany |
| Exclusive deal | $4.69/month (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Multi-Device Compatibility | Up to 10 devices at once – Windows, iOS, Android, Mac, and more |
| Fast Streaming | Faster streaming with a Wider server range & NordLynx Protocol. |
| Excellent Privacy | Protect your connection with Military-grade encryption, Threat Protection, Double VPN, CyberSec, and No logs policy |
NordVPN is another excellent option for accessing German Channels in Canada, renowned for its vast server network and seamless, buffer-free streaming experience.
With Double VPN, your IP address is concealed twice for enhanced protection, while the CyberSec feature automatically blocks malicious content. Additionally, a single NordVPN account supports up to six devices simultaneously.
Beyond German Channels, NordVPN also provides access to a variety of other geo-restricted channels and services in Canada, including UK Channels, Max, Hulu, Fubo, Sling etc.
3. ExpressVPN – Another VPN for Unblocking German Channels in Canada
| Features | Details |
| Global Reach | 3200 servers in over 100+ countries |
| German Channels Unblocking in Canada | Servers in two cities in Germany. |
| Exclusive deal | $4.99/month (30-day money-back guarantee) |
| Multi-Device Compatibility | Log in to 10-12 different devices simultaneously – Windows, Android, iOS, Mac, and more |
| Enhanced Streaming | Fast streaming with Smart DNS/IPv6 leak protection, Split Tunneling, and Lightway Protocol. |
| Top-notch Privacy | Digital privacy with 256-bit Encryption, Kill Switch, and No Log policy. |
To overcome geographic restrictions and stream German Channels in Canada, ExpressVPN is another VPN known for its high-speed servers.
Speed Test: While connected to an ExpressVPN server in New York, I conducted a speed test and was impressed with the results, achieving 43 Mbps out of 50 Mbps.
Additional Benefits: It also unlocks access to numerous other geo-restricted channels and services in Canada, including Frndly TV, Prende TV, Paramount Network, etc.
Why Do I Need a VPN to Watch German Channels in Canada?
Most German TV platforms block access outside Germany due to strict licensing agreements. When you try to watch German channels in Canada, these services check your IP address and restrict content that isn’t licensed internationally.
This results in geo-error messages, blacked-out streams, or limited content libraries on platforms like ARD, ZDF, RTL+, Joyn, and MagentaTV. Even free services that work inside Germany won’t load properly without a German-based connection.
A VPN solves this by giving you a German IP address, allowing you to appear as if you’re streaming from within Germany. With a VPN, like Surfshark, you can bypass geo-restrictions and safely watch German channels in Canada without interruptions.
Popular German Channels to Watch in Canada
Here are some of the most popular German Channels that you can stream on the mentioned platforms:
| German Channels | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Das Erste (ARD) | Sat.1 | DMAX | Comedy Central |
| ZDF | ProSieben | Tele 5 | TLC Germany |
| ARTE | kabel eins | Sport1 | HGTV Germany |
| 3sat | Super RTL | RTL Crime | Nickelodeon Germany |
| Phoenix | RTL Up | RTL Passion | MTV Germany |
| KiKA | ProSieben Maxx | TNT Serie | n-tv |
| ZDFneo | Sixx | ZDFinfo | Welt |
| ZDFkultur | Sat.1 Gold | Tagesschau 24 | Kabel Eins Doku |
| RTL | RTL II | BR Fernsehen | MDR Fernsehen |
| VOX | N-TV | WDR Fernsehen | SWR Fernsehen |
How to Watch German TV Channels on Android/Smart TV
German TV channels can be watched on your Android and Smart TV by sideloading the RapidStreamz apk. It has over 700 Live TV channels, including country-specific channels such as Germany.
Here are the steps to watch German TV Channels on an Android device:
Step 1: Subscribe to Surfshark VPN App and then connect to the US server
Step 2: Download the RapidStreamz APK on your device.
Step 3: Click Install to install the app.
Step 4: Once installed, click Open.
Step 5: Click “Accept (Ad Free)”.
Step 6: Click on “Get Started”
Step 7: Select Germany TV
Step 8: Select Kika TV from the list
Step 9: Click on MX Player
Step 10: Start streaming!
Other Country-Specific Channels to Watch in Canada
Below is the list of alternative services to watch instead of German TV channels with the help of a VPN in Canada:
- Watch US TV Channels in Canada
- Watch UK TV Channels in Canada
- Watch Australian Channels in Canada
- Watch French TV Channels in Canada
FAQs – German TV Channels
1. How can I watch German TV channels?
You can watch German TV channel websites such as ARD, ZDF, ProSieben, Joyn, Magenta TV, Arte TV, Sat 1, and FilmON. However, these websites only work in Germany, and you will need a VPN to access them outside of Germany.
2. How can I get free TV channels in Germany?
You can watch free TV channels on the websites and apps of ARD, ZDF, Joyn, RapidStreamz, and FilmON.
3. Do I need a German account or payment method?
Free platforms typically don’t require one, but paid services like RTL+ or MagentaTV may need a German payment method.
4. Which German channels are the most popular?
Top German channels include ARD, ZDF, RTL, ProSieben, Sat.1, VOX, Kabel Eins, Sport1, KiKA, and DW.
5. Can I watch German sports channels in Canada?
Yes, channels like Sport1 or Sky Sports Germany require a VPN, while some sports coverage is available on international platforms.
Conclusion
German TV channels are diverse and packed with unique, engaging content. Popular options like ARD, ZDF, Joyn, Magenta TV, RTL+, and FilmON let you stream everything from news and documentaries to comedy, reality shows, and classic German series.
However, most of these platforms are geo-restricted and cannot be accessed directly from Canada. To watch German TV channels in Canada, you must use a VPN such as Surfshark VPN to bypass regional blocks.
