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.
If you try to access SBS On Demand outside Australia, SBS blocks you due to regional licensing agreements.
The fix is simple: get an Australian IP address using a VPN. SBS On Demand sees an Australian IP, assumes you’re in Australia, and grants full access from anywhere in the world.
Unblock SBS ON DEMAND in Canada IN JUST 3 Quick Steps
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Connect to an Australian server on your VPN — Surfshark is our #1 choice has dedicated ones. |
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Sign up for a free SBS On Demand account, no Australian address needed. |
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Open sbs.com.au/ondemand and start streaming immediately. |
SBS On Demand is a versatile streaming service offering both live streaming and video-on-demand from its extensive library, including SBS radio. To access your favourite shows or movies, you’ll need to sign up for a free account.
Quick answer
SBS On Demand works in Australia only. The moment you try to stream a show, live sport, or news from Canada, you hit a geo-restriction error:
“Content may be unavailable in your location.”
It comes down to licensing restrictions. SBS doesn’t own all the content it broadcasts; it signs contracts with international studios and sports leagues that legally limit streaming to Australian territory only.
SBS also tracks your IP address; if it’s flagged as outside Australia, content is instantly blocked. The fix is a reliable VPN that has Australian servers and can swap your IP for an Australian one.
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How to Watch SBS On Demand in Canada
SBS On Demand is a free streaming service but it requires you to create a free account to start streaming.
Also, the only way to watch SBS On Demand in Canada is with the help of a VPN because the service is geo-restricted outside of Australia.
Here are the steps you need to follow:
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 an Australian server.
Step 4: Open the SBS On Demand and click on Create Account
Step 5: Enter your details and then click Create Account
Step 6: Now check your email address for the verification link
Step 7: Once you verify, it will notify you with a “Your email was successfully verified” message
Step 8: Now go back to the SBS website and enter your email/password and select Sign In
Step 9: Now simply choose a title for streaming e.g. Mohammad Ali
Step 10: Click Play
Step 11: Now enjoy streaming!
3 Best VPNs to Unblock SBS On Demand in Canada
I tested about 35+ VPNs to see how well they perform in unblocking SBS On Demand in Canada. Only three VPNs were able to bypass SBS On Demand restrictions in just one attempt.
Here’s a look at our 3 recommended VPNs to watch SBS On Demand in Canada:
1. Surfshark- Affordable VPN for Unblocking SBS on Demand
1. Surfshark
Surfshark is our top choice for unblocking SBS on Demand in Canada. SurfShark’s affordability and cutting-edge features earn it a spot on our recommended list.
It offers an unlimited number of connections on a single account. It is compatible with several devices to watch your favourite content on multiple devices at the same time.
SurfShark also provides access to other geo-restricted channels and services in Canada, including 9Now, 10Play, TVNZ+ etc.
2. NordVPN – Biggest Server Pool to Unblock SBS on Demand
NordVPN rounds out our recommendations for accessing SBS on Demand in Canada. It stands out for its large selection of servers and uninterrupted streaming.
The VPN has strong security features such as Double VPN, Mult-Factor authentication and Split-tunneling to protect your online identity.
In addition to SBS on Demand, NordVPN also facilitates access to other geo-restricted channels and services in Canada, such as Max, Hulu, Fubo, Sling etc.
3. ExpressVPN – Another VPN for Unblocking SBS on Demand
To bypass geographic restrictions and access SBS on Demand in Canada, ExpressVPN is another option, offering a vast network of high-speed servers.
Speed Test: After connecting to an ExpressVPN server in Melbourne and running a speed test, the performance was outstanding, clocking in at 43 Mbps from a possible 50 Mbps.
Thanks to these swift speeds, I gained immediate access to SBS on Demand and enjoyed a seamless streaming experience. Its AES-256-bit encryption ensures security with a kill-switch feature.
Beyond SBS on Demand: ExpressVPN is your gateway to accessing a variety of geo-restricted channels and services in Canada, including USA Network, PBS, Frndly TV, Prende TV, Paramount Network, etc.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Access SBS on Demand in Canada?
SBS on Demand is a free-to-air and VOD streaming service from Australia that is geo-restricted and not accessible outside Australia.
To stream SBS on Demand in Canada, you’ll need a VPN. A VPN allows you to connect to a server in another country, replacing your real IP address with a virtual one from the server’s location.
By using a VPN to connect to a server in Australia, your location will appear as Australia, enabling SBS on Demand to authenticate your access as legitimate and allow you to watch its content. Surfshark is our #1 choice.
Best Shows on SBS On Demand
You can have a great time watching some of the most iconic shows on SBS on Demand. Here is a list of recommendations.
Originals
- Four Years Later
- True Colors
- Alone Australia
Crime
- Rebus
- Alter Ego
- The Old Man
Reality Shows
- The Big Fat Quiz of Telly
- Taskmaster
- Great Australian Walks
Dark Comedy
- Dumbsday
- Faithless
- The Stroke
Best Movies on SBS on Demand
Discover the best films on SBS On Demand! From gripping dramas to insightful documentaries, SBS offers an eclectic mix perfect for movie lovers.
Action
- American Insurrection
- Geared Up
- Hacker
Animated
- Arthur
- Flee
- Bilal
Comedy
- 20th Century Women
- A Hard Day’s Night
- All Roads Lead to Rome
Crime & Mystery
- A Most Violent Year
- Bandit
- Birds of a Passage
Sports on SBS on Demand
Catch thrilling sports on SBS On Demand. Tune in for live action and highlights!
| Sport | 2026 Events |
|---|---|
| Cycling | Tour de France, Tour de France Femmes, Giro d’Italia, La Vuelta Femenina, Tour de Hongrie, Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes |
| Football | FIFA World Cup 2026™ full match replays & highlights, UEFA Champions League 2026-27, A-League Men (returns 16 October) |
| Gymnastics | World Gymnastics Artistic & Rhythmic World Challenge Cups, gymnastics at the Commonwealth Games (Glasgow) |
| Track Cycling | Track cycling at the Commonwealth Games (Glasgow, 30 July – 2 August) |
| Motorsport | World Rally-Raid Championship |
| Rugby | Koori Knockout |
| Table Tennis | WTT: China Smash, WTT Champions Macao |
Channels on SBS on Demand
Here’s a list of channels being broadcast on SBS On Demand:
- SBS VICELAND HD NSW
- SBS Food NSW
- SBS World Movies NSW
- NITV NSW
- SBS WorldWatch
- SBS Chill
- SBS South Asian
Check the TV Guide here.
How to Watch SBS On Demand Outside Australia on Mobile
Follow the steps to stream the content on SBS on Demand outside Australia.
Step 1: Subscribe to Surfshark VPN App and connect to the Australian server.
Step 2: Now download SBS on Demand APK from this link
Step 3: Once installed, click Open and go to SBS on Demand
Step 4: Enjoy watching your favorite shows on SBS on Demand!
Devices Compatible with SBS on Demand
| Category | Supported Devices |
|---|---|
| Web Browsers | Google Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Microsoft Edge |
| Mobile Devices | Android, iOS |
| Streaming Devices | Chromecast, Android TV, Fire TV Stick, Apple TV |
| Smart TVs | Hisense, Samsung, LG, HbbTV-enabled TVs & devices |
| Set-Top Boxes | Fetch, Apple TV, Foxtel iQ, Android, Hubbl Devices |
Other Streaming Services to Watch in Canada
You can watch so many other streaming services in Canada with the help of a VPN. Here are a few of these services:
- Watch Quest TV in Canada
- Watch Joyn in Canada
- Watch 7Plus in Canada
- Watch Arte TV in Canada
- Watch BBC iPlayer in Canada
- Watch ITVX in Canada
FAQs – SBS On Demand
How does SBS On Demand determine the country of origin for TV shows and movies?
SBS On Demand classifies the country of origin based on the production details provided by the content creators or distributors.
How long are programs available on SBS On Demand?
The availability of programs can vary, typically ranging from a few weeks to several months, depending on licensing agreements.
Why can’t I find a certain program on SBS On Demand?
Some programs may be unavailable due to licensing restrictions or because they have been removed after the expiration of the licensing period.
I have a fast internet connection. Why am I still having trouble streaming?
Streaming issues might still occur due to several factors such as browser cache, outdated apps, or network settings. If problems persist, try switching to a different VPN server location, clearing your browser cache, or performing a speed test directly from your device.
Can I watch SBS On Demand outside Australia?
No, SBS On Demand is geo-restricted to viewers within Australia due to content licensing agreements. You can watch it by using a VPN like Surfshark.
Conclusion
SBS On Demand is available to users within Australia for free, offering a rich selection of shows and movies that reflect Australia’s diverse cultural landscape.
However, if want to watch SBS On Demand in Canada or other countries outside Australia, you will encounter geo-restrictions.
To bypass these restrictions and enjoy SBS On Demand’s extensive library, you can use a VPN like Surfshark.
