Streaming Austrian Tv: A Simple Guide To Accessing Content

If you're an expat living in Austria or just visiting, you might be interested in watching Austrian TV. The country has a relatively accessible terrestrial TV platform, but most homes access TV via satellite and cable connections, often bundled with other telecoms services. State-owned channels used to dominate, but there are now several commercial broadcasters. To watch Austrian TV outside of the country, you'll need a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to bypass geo-restrictions. Popular Austrian channels include ORF, Servus TV, Puls 4, ATV, and Krone TV.

Using a VPN to watch Austrian TV abroad

Watching Austrian TV from outside Austria is possible when you use a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN will give you an Austrian IP address no matter where you are located, allowing you to watch Austrian television channels.

A VPN works by encrypting your internet traffic and sending it through a secure tunnel to one of its servers. You can choose the location of the server to which you connect. For example, by connecting to a server in Austria, you can get an Austrian IP address. You can then stream Austrian TV from anywhere in the world without worrying about geographic restrictions.

However, not every VPN is up to the task. You need a VPN with servers in Austria and one that can access Austrian TV.

How to watch Austrian TV with a VPN

• Sign up with a VPN provider that offers servers in Austria.
• Download the appropriate VPN app for the device on which you want to watch Austrian TV.
• Log in to the VPN app and connect to a server in Austria. You will then have an Austrian IP address for streaming Austrian TV abroad.
• Open your browser and go to an Austrian TV platform. Select your preferred content, which should now be unblocked.

Recommended VPNs for watching Austrian TV

The following VPNs are recommended for watching Austrian TV:

• NordVPN: The best VPN for Austrian TV. It has two dozen servers in Austria and unlimited bandwidth. It also includes 24/7 live chat support.
• Surfshark: Best value VPN. It has strong unblocking ability and unlimited simultaneous connections. It also includes 24/7 support.
• ExpressVPN: Very fast speeds for streaming Austrian TV. Offers 24/7 support and user-friendly apps.
• CyberGhost: 60 servers in Austria with high-speed streaming. Use it on up to seven devices at once. It also includes 24/7 support.
• IPVanish: Connect unlimited devices simultaneously. Works with Austrian TV channels such as ORF 1 and VOX. Offers 24/7 support.
• PrivateVPN: Fast servers and unlimited bandwidth. Unblock Austrian TV channels such as ORF 2 and ZDF. Beginner-friendly apps and live chat support.
• Hotspot Shield: Good speeds for streaming Austrian TV. Offers 24/7 support via live chat. Can be used on up to five devices at once.

How to get a TV license in Austria

To watch TV in Austria, you'll need to pay a broadcasting fee, or TV license. This is a legal requirement and the government uses the money to fund the country's public broadcasters. The price of the license varies depending on usage and region, but it's typically around €25 per month for TV and radio, or around €7 per month for radio only.

The TV license is operated by GIS, a subsidiary of the Austrian public broadcaster, ORF. You'll need to register when moving into a new home and set up payments. Payment is typically collected every two months. Failure to pay will result in a visit from a GIS official and a fine.

From 01.01.2024 onwards, the ORF household fee has replaced the previous GIS fee. It amounts to €15.30 per month per household and is exempt from VAT and federal taxes. Depending on the federal state, the amount is collected, including the state levy—this is between €0 and €5 per month. Every household with a main residence registration is obliged to pay this fee.

If you receive one of the following grants, you are entitled to apply for a fee waiver:

• Childcare allowance
• Student/pupil allowance
• Apprenticeship allowance
• Care allowance
• Pension
• Unemployment benefit
• Minimum income
• Benefits from other public funds (social need)

Cable and satellite TV in Austria

Cable and satellite TV are the most popular ways to watch TV in Austria. Satellite connections offer more programming options, especially international channels and shows, and are a good option in rural or mountainous areas. However, installing satellite-receiving equipment can be expensive. Cable connections are more common, with many Austrians receiving their TV programs as part of their home telecoms package, bundled with landline phone and internet connections.

The biggest Austrian telecoms providers include:

• A1
• Magenta
• Sky
• Liwest
• UPC
• Hotwire

The price of your TV subscription will depend on the channel package and other aspects of your contract, like internet download speed. Most providers offer a basic package that includes the biggest Austrian channels, predominantly in German, with more expensive packages offering more foreign and English-speaking programming.

Austrian TV channels

Austria has a wide range of TV channels, which are typically categorized as either free-to-air or pay-TV programming. The majority of the most popular free-to-air channels are operated by just a handful of companies, including:

• ORF (Österreichischer Rundfunk): Austria's public broadcaster operates a number of national and regional TV channels, including the country's most-watched channel, ORF2.
• ZDF: The German public broadcaster has a handful of channels available in Austria.
• RTL: The Luxembourg-based commercial broadcaster has a range of free-to-air programming, including RTL and Vox, two of the country's most popular channels.
• ProSiebenSat1. Media: A German commercial broadcaster with channels including ProSieben, Kabel Eins, and the popular ATV channel.

In addition to these free-to-air channels, there are also several pay-TV channels available in Austria. These are available through cable and satellite platforms as part of TV subscription packages. The majority of these channels are run by broadcasters such as Disney, MTV, RTL, and Sky.

To watch Austrian TV outside of Austria, you will need to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) and connect to a server in Austria. This will allow you to bypass geographic restrictions and stream Austrian TV from anywhere in the world. Some recommended VPNs for watching Austrian TV include NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and CyberGhost.

Streaming services in Austria

Austria has a wide range of streaming services available, including the global giants that are accessible in most countries. Here is a list of some of the most popular streaming services in Austria:

• Netflix: The US streaming giant offers a large library of original and exclusive content, alongside popular shows from around the world.
• Disney+: With a huge back catalogue of content, including The Simpsons and Star Wars, Disney+ is available in a limited number of countries, including Austria.
• Amazon Prime Video: Available in over 200 countries, Amazon Prime offers a range of shows in English, with German subtitles available.
• YouTube: The most popular streaming service in Austria as of August 2024.
• ORF: The runner-up streaming service in Austria, as of August 2024. ORF is Austria's public broadcaster, operating a number of national and regional TV channels, including ORF2, the country's most-watched channel.
• TV Heute: One of the top 5 streaming services in Austria, as of August 2024.

Frequently asked questions