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ARD is a free streaming service that offers video on demand and Live TV. It has a vast library of entertaining German shows and movies.
Unfortunately, ARD can only be accessed in Germany. The only way to watch ARD in Canada is with the help of a VPN and by connecting to the German server.
If you try to access ARD from Canada, the screen will display the following geo-error that translates to:
Unfortunately, this video cannot be played. Important: Content with geoblocking can only be accessed from Germany. We ask for your understanding.
I was able to unblock ARD in Canada with the help of using Surfshark VPN and the other best VPNs that I have discussed in this guide.
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How to Watch ARD in Canada
You can watch ARD for free without the hassle of registering or entering your payment details. All you need to do to watch ARD in Canada is to subscribe to a VPN and follow the steps below:
Step 1: Subscribe to a good VPN service (Surfshark is our #1 choice)
Step 2: Download and Install the Surfshark VPN App on your device
Step 3: Open the VPN app and connect to the German server
Step 4: Visit the ARD website and click on the content you want to watch e.g You shall not lie
Step 5: Click on the episode you want to watch
Step 6: Start streaming!
3 Best Recommended VPNs to Watch ARD in Canada
Only 3 of the more than 35 VPNs we tried worked reliably enough to allow us to watch ARD in Canada. The VPNs we recommend to watch ARD in Canada are:
1. Surfshark
To access ARD in Canada, you can use Surfshark, our recommended superb VPN service as you will not need to worry about slow connections because of its speed of 81 Mbps out of 100 Mbps.
It’s super fast, but that’s not all: 256-bit AES encryption, IPv6 leak prevention, and DNS data protection ensure that your personal information and online activities stay secure.
Fortunately, Surfshark provides users with not one but two server locations in Germany: Berlin and Frankfurt.
Surfshark comes at a price of $2.79/month, a 30-day money-back guarantee, and enables use on an infinite number of devices with a single user account.
2. NordVPN
When it comes to unblocking ARD in Canada, another VPN we recommend is NordVPN due to its extensive network of servers in Germany (about 240 servers). It has a top-notch and fast speed of 81 Mbps/100 Mbps.
This VPN service is great for those who want an extra layer of security since it comes with features like 256-bit AES encryption, IPv6, DNS, no-log policy, WebRTC leak prevention, and a programmed kill switch.
NordVPN’s service costs $3.29/month and includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and support for up to six simultaneous connections.
3. ExpressVPN
To access ARD and any other geo-restricted content this VPN is your best bet. This is due to its high speed of 89 Mbps out of 100 Mbps, which means it won’t ever let you down in speed.
This VPN has many useful features, such as AES-256 encryption, IP address protection, and DNS leak protection, ensuring an unprecedented level of safety.
You can always count on the VPN’s 24/7 customer support to fix any problems you’re having with the VPN. In addition to ARD, ExpressVPN will also help you view other german tv channels in Canada.
Since ExpressVPN has three German servers, you can switch between them if you experience technical difficulties. You can install them on your Android, macOS, iOS, and Linux devices, so there’s no need to worry about compatibility issues.
The VPN is available for a cost of $4.99/month and features a 30-day money-back guarantee. In addition, your subscription can be used simultaneously on five different devices.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Unblock ARD in Canada?
ARD is geo-restricted in Canada and not accessible outside of Germany. This implies that unless you are connected to a German server through a VPN, you will not be able to watch any content on ARD.
These restrictions are due to the licensing agreements and intellectual property rights that protect the content and restrict it to Germany. As a result, if you want to get around that restriction, your only option is to use a VPN.
When you use a VPN and connect to a German server, ARD will think that you are in Germany and grant you access because your device will be assigned a German IP address.
An additional perk of using a VPN is that it will protect your online activities and make them invisible to your ISP. Your true identity will remain concealed when connected to the VPN.
What Can You Watch on ARD?
You can watch interesting german shows, movies, and documentaries on ARD. Below is a list of some of the exciting content you can watch on ARD:
- Young Doctors
- The Freund
- Tagesschau
- Anne Will
- Monitor
- NDR talk show
- German TV
Other German Services to Watch in Canada
In addition to ARD, the following German TV services and channels are accessible in Canada with the help of a VPN:
- Watch Zattoo TV in Canada
- Watch TVNow in Canada
- Watch 7TV in Canada
- Watch 3sat in Canada
- Watch ProSieben in Canada
- Watch Arte TV in Canada
FAQs – ARD
What does ARD TV stand for?
It stands for “Association of Public Broadcasting Corporations in the Federal Republic of German.
What is the difference between ARD and ZDF?
Both ARD and ZDF are public service broadcasters in Germany, however, broadcast different content. ZDF airs popular programs like Wetten Dass and Fernsehgarten, whereas ARD airs the daily news program Tagesschau.
Conclusion
The geo-restrictions prevent Canadians and others from accessing ARD from outside of Germany. ARD is a free streaming service that is only available in the German region.
The only way to watch ARD in Canada is with the help of a VPN. You will get a geo-restriction error if you try to access ARD without a VPN.
Surfshark has our highest recommendation. You can also use any other VPN service that successfully bypasses geo-restrictions and improves your viewing experience in general.
