What Is Peacock TV & How to Watch It for Free Abroad (2023)
Peacock TV is only available in the US, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, and Italy. That’s why I was disappointed when I wouldn’t be able to watch Peacock while traveling outside the US for work, despite paying for an annual subscription.
You’ll need a reliable Virtual Private Network (VPN) to bypass geographic restrictions. A VPN is a tool you can download on almost any device, tunneling your internet connection through an intermediary server in the location of your choice.
I tested over 30 top VPNs to see which would get past geo-blocks and access Peacock TV. Out of every VPN I tried, ExpressVPN hit the mark and allowed me to bypass geo-restrictions in seconds while also providing a lagless streaming experience. You can try ExpressVPN completely risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied, you can get a full refund in less than 5 working days with no questions asked.
Watch Peacock risk-free with ExpressVPN
Quick Guide: 3 Easy Steps to Watch Peacock TV From Anywhere
- Get a VPN. After downloading ExpressVPN, I was able to access The Office instantly in ultra-HD even while outside the US. Download ExpressVPN risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee and access Peacock from anywhere.
- Connect to a server in the US. Once installed, choose from a variety of low latency servers including New York, Washington DC, and Miami that reduce overcrowding and ensure uninterrupted Peacock streaming.
- Start watching Peacock. Visit the Peacock TV website, log in to your existing Peacock account and start streaming The Blacklist from anywhere.
Watch Peacock abroad with ExpressVPN
What is Peacock TV?
Launched on July 15th 2020, Peacock TV is an American video streaming service that is currently owned by NBCUniversal. It’s a subsidiary of the multinational telecommunications conglomerate Comcast, which offers a range of iconic TV shows and movies for you to enjoy.
Peacock is an IPTV (Internet Protocol Television) that allows you to stream content usually found on your TV over the internet instead. For example, Peacock TV incorporates prime time channels including NBC, Bravo, SYFY, ABC, The CW, Fox, CBS, and CNBC into an easy-to-use interface. In addition to this, you’ll get access to Days of our Lives, Parks and Recreation, and Law & Order: Criminal Intent whenever you like. To find out more, check out this article on using an IPTV that provides a more detailed explanation.
One of the many benefits of having a Peacock TV account is the accessibility to over 670 movies and over 250 TV shows, completely free of charge. The free section of Peacock includes classics like Alien Vs. Predator, Heroes, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, 21 Jump Street, and even The Croods. The only thing you must do to access Peacock’s content is create a free account and watch short advertisements every 15 to 20 minutes. I found the ads very easy to watch and didn’t ruin my streaming experience.
Unfortunately, Peacock TV is only available to stream within the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, Italy, the US, and select US territories, including American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. This means that if you travel outside the US or its territories for occasional work, you’ll lose access to your Peacock account and will be unable to stream its premium content until you return.
Access Peacock TV with ExpressVPN
Why You Need a VPN to Watch NBC’s Peacock TV Outside the US
Peacock TV is still a reasonably new service with many opportunities to expand internationally. However, due to broadcasting restrictions and the lack of international licensing agreements, Peacock TV does not have the right to share its premium content with viewers outside the US or its territories, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, or Italy. This leaves those who have paid for a subscription without access while traveling abroad for work disadvantaged.
To get around this and access Peacock TV while traveling outside the US, you’ll need a VPN to change your IP address and virtual location. You can explore our beginners guide further to learn more about what a VPN is and how the best VPN providers can effectively bypass geo-restrictions while protecting your personal data.
A VPN will allow you to connect to a server within the correct location, masking your location from Peacock TV and ultimately enabling you to access Peacock despite being abroad for work. However, it is becoming more difficult for VPN providers to mask your IP address and location due to content providers like Peacock and Netflix consistently improving their VPN detecting technology. This is why you need a forward-thinking VPN that can reliably bypass geo-restrictions and protect you using military-grade security features, which not every VPN can provide.
Note: While using a VPN doesn’t violate the Terms of Use of many streaming platforms and services like Peacock TV, it may if you’re primarily viewing its content outside a country where Peacock is not available or if you’re in a geographic location like China where VPNs are banned.
Watch Peacock anywhere with ExpressVPN
The Best VPNs to Watch Peacock TV From Anywhere in 2023
1. ExpressVPN — Ultra-Fast and Low Latency US Servers for Uninterrupted HD Peacock Streaming
Key Features:
- 3,000+ servers in over 94 countries, including over 23 server locations within the US for seamless Peacock streaming with no overcrowding
- Ultra-fast speeds and minimal latency for watching Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Harry Potter without buffering or lag
- Connect up to 8 devices simultaneously and enjoy Peacock on any device.
- 24/7 live chat, customer support, and email helpdesk to help you whenever you need it
- 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it completely risk-free
ExpressVPN is the best VPN when it comes to speed and performance, allowing you to connect to a any server in a matter of seconds and access your favorite Peacock content from anywhere. When I tested ExpressVPN over 3 weeks, its latency was much lower than any other top VPN. My average latency was around 60ms, 40ms faster than the ‘acceptable’ 100ms latency often experienced on less premium VPNs. In addition to this, my average speed on its US servers was 75Mbps, meaning that you’ll be able to access Peacock and watch Brooklyn Nine-Nine in Ultra-HD or even 4K with zero interruptions.
However, ExpressVPN’s MediaStreamer feature optimizes your streaming even more by dropping the encryption. It does this by dropping its encryption from your connection, which means you’ll be able to access its US servers even faster than before. However, a problem with no encryption is that your data will be less protected from third parties and potential hackers. Furthermore, I struggled to find the MediaStreamer feature within the ExpressVPN app and messaged its live chat to get instructions. I discovered that the MediaStreamer feature is only available on its VPN app for routers, excluding most users. Despite this, the MediaStreamer feature is beneficial for slower internet speeds and provides a faster connection for HD streaming.
ExpressVPN is dedicated to protecting its user’s personal information, enforcing strict zero-logs policies, custom firmware, and 256-bit military-grade encryption. This means that you’ll be completely anonymous while using ExpressVPNs services, limiting the risk of data breaches and hackers. In addition to this, you’ll be happy to know that ExpressVPNs military-grade encryption is of the same standard used by the US Government to protect classified information, making it virtually impossible for third parties to penetrate and identify you or your location.
The only minor con I identified while testing ExpressVPN was its premium pricing compared to other top VPNs. However, I found a couple of great deals that make it much more valuable. For example, I could get 49% off when I purchase the annual 3-year plan, which will save you considerable amounts of money without sacrificing usability or protection.
Overall, I found that ExpressVPN was excellent in unblocking Peacock TV while outside the US. I streamed Peacock TV in Ultra-HD during my tests thanks to ExpressVPNs super-fast US servers, which reduced server overcrowding and ensured all content was buffer and lag-free. Once completed, I sent a message to its 24/7 live chat and requested a refund to see how quickly you can expect to get your money back. I received a response in less than 5 minutes, and my refund was processed instantly with no questions asked. Download ExpressVPN completely risk-free and if you aren’t satisfied, you can get your money back using its 30-day money-back guarantee.
ExpressVPN works with: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, routers, Chrome, Kindle, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Smart TVs.
ExpressVPN unblocks: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, YouTube TV, ESPN, and more.
Watch Peacock TV with ExpressVPN
2023 Update! ExpressVPN has dropped prices for a limited time to a crazy $6.67 per month for the 1-year plan (you can save up to 49%) + 3 months free! This is a limited offer so be sure to grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here.
2. CyberGhost — User-Friendly Interface for Seamlessly Unblocking Over 35 Streaming Platforms Including Peacock TV
Key Features:
- 9,600+ servers in over 91 countries, including dozens of server locations for optimal Peacock streaming
- Excellent speeds for watching The Office with limited interruptions
- Connect up to 7 devices simultaneously including Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS
- 24/7 live chat, customer support, and email helpdesk to answer any queries you have
- 45-day money-back guarantee so you can try it completely risk-free
CyberGhost has an aesthetically pleasing design and user-friendly interface, making it as easy as possible for you to access US servers and access Peacock. During the 3-week testing process of CyberGhost, I was very impressed with its interface’s overall look and usability. In addition to this, I found that CyberGhost could easily give me direct access to over 35 of the best streaming platforms, including Peacock TV, US Netflix, HBO Max, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney+.
With its expansive server network in over 91 countries, CyberGhost is perfect for accessing Peacock TV and will enable you to bypass geo-restrictions in seconds. I found that CyberGhost’s New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Chicago servers are all explicitly optimized for streaming, meaning that you’ll be able to watch your favorite content without overcrowded servers or persistent error messages.
The risks of security threats are minimal with CyberGhost, with 256-bit encryption being used by the US military to protect sensitive material. Also equipped with an automatic kill switch and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, CyberGhost has some of the best protection money can buy. In addition to this, I found its Perfect Forward Secrecy feature and its 3 security protocols (OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard) particularly impressive compared to other top VPNs, making me feel much more secure and confident when accessing Peacock from outside the US.
The only minor con of CyberGhost was the lack of compatibility available with its split tunneling feature. This is because its split tunneling feature is only usable on Android and Windows applications. However, this feature does not take away from the added benefits of using CyberGhost to access Peacock TV. I hope it will provide added functionalities for iOS and macOS users who want to use their primary connection and their VPN.
CyberGhost was great at bypassing geo-restrictions and accessing Peacock TV, providing consistently fast speeds through its US servers in New York, Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Chicago. After thoroughly testing CyberGhost, I contacted its support team through the live chat feature to check its refund process and received a response in less than 5 minutes, accepting my refund request with no questions asked. If you want to watch Peacock TV from anywhere, download CyberGhost risk-free using its 45-day money-back guarantee. If it isn’t for you, you can get a refund just like me in less than 7 working days.
CyberGhost works with: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, routers, Chrome, Firefox, Safari, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Smart TVs.
CyberGhost also unblocks: Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, HBO Max, YouTube TV, ESPN, and more.
Watch Peacock TV with CyberGhost
2023 Update! You can subscribe to CyberGhost for as low as $2.11 per month + get extra 3 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 84%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here.
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Thousands of International Servers for Reliable Access to Exclusive Peacock Content
Key features:
- 35,000+ servers in over 84 countries, including multiple servers in the US, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, and Italy for unlimited access to Peacock TV
- Military-grade encryption to keep you completely anonymous
- Watch Peacock on up to unlimited devices simultaneously, the most of any top VPN
- 24/7 live chat and email helpdesk for quick responses at any time
- 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it risk-free
Private Internet Access (PIA) has the largest network of servers of any top VPN on this list, giving you the ability to connect to many more places than most providers. This means that no matter where you are, you’ll have the opportunity to watch Peacock without overcrowded servers or lag. In addition to this, I found that PIA has almost 4 times more servers per country than any other VPN on this list. I connected to over 14 servers within the US and watched 17 Again with limited interruptions that didn’t affect my streaming experience.
In addition to being 100% committed to its user’s safety, PIA leverages the latest WireGuard protocol, 128-bit military-grade encryption, a zero-logs policy, and an effective kill switch to protect its users from external threats. During the thorough testing process of PIA, I didn’t experience any leaks thanks to its MACE blocker, which is a handy feature that blocks potentially malicious ads and trackers to protect your anonymity further.
Surprisingly, PIA allows you to connect up to unlimited devices simultaneously, more than any other top VPN I tested. This means that no matter where you are or what device you have, you’ll be able to access Peacock TV. Additionally, you have the opportunity to watch your favorite Peacock shows and movies at the same time as your friends. This is an excellent feature that I appreciated when testing PIA, as I love being able to watch House and The Office with my friends even when I’m abroad for work.
The only minor con I identified throughout the testing process of PIA is that it’s headquartered in the US and is within the ‘five eyes’ jurisdiction. In Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, these countries have the authority to request any information they desire while monitoring your activities. This can potentially restrict the level of protection you receive. However, it’s important to note that the VPN’s robust encryption provides high-level security and anonymity against external entities, excluding government organizations.
PIA is excellent at unblocking Peacock TV, providing over 14 server locations within the US that you can seamlessly switch between to overcome geo-restrictions. After completing the tests of PIA, I requested a refund through its live chat feature, where a member of its customer service team processed my refund in minutes with no questions asked. If you’d like to access Peacock TV outside the US, download PIA completely risk-free using its 30-day money-back guarantee. If you aren’t satisfied afterward, you can get your money back quickly in less than 5 working days.
PIA works with: Windows, Android, macOS, iOS, Linux, routers, Kindle, Chrome, Firefox, PlayStation, Xbox, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Smart TVs.
PIA also unblocks: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, HBO Max, YouTube TV, and more.
2023 Update! You can subscribe to PIA for as low as $2.11 per month + get extra 3 months free with the 2-year plan (save up to 82%)! This is a limited offer so grab it now before it’s gone. See more information on this offer here!
How to Watch Peacock TV on Different Devices
There are multiple ways to watch Law & Order: Criminal Intent on Peacock TV, as it is compatible with a variety of devices, including Android and iOS smartphones or tablets, Amazon Firesticks and Fire TV, Roku, Xfinity, most smart TV’s (including LG, Samsung, and Apple), Windows or Mac laptops and desktops, Vizio TV, Xfinity devices. Below are some quick and easy steps to accessing Peacock TV.
Smartphone or Tablet (Android 6.0+ and iOS 12+)
1. Get a VPN from the Apple or Google Play store. Although most VPNs have an app, I suggest you download ExpressVPN’s for the fastest speeds on the market.
2. Start the VPN and connect to a US, UK, Irish, German, Austrian, or Italian server.
3. Open the Peacock TV app, sign in to an existing account and enjoy from anywhere.
Desktop or Laptop (Windows and Mac)
1. Download a VPN compatible with Windows or Mac devices. Most VPNs are compatible with Windows and Mac devices, but I recommend you try ExpressVPN completely risk-free with its 30-day money-back guarantee.
2. Connect to any server within the US, UK, Irish, German, Austrian, or Italian server.
3. Visit the official Peacock website, sign in to your account and start streaming.
Amazon Firestick and Fire TV (Fire OS 5+)
1. Install a VPN from the Amazon Appstore. All three of the top VPNs have a dedicated Amazon app, but you should be using ExpressVPN’s dedicated app for Ultra-HD streaming.
2. Configure the VPN with your Amazon Firestick or Fire TV (guide here).
3. Connect to a US, UK, Irish, German, Austrian, or Italian server, download the Peacock App and enjoy The Office.
Roku 2 (4210X model only) and Up
1. Get a VPN compatible with your router. Some devices do not support VPNs, however, you can download ExpressVPN’s dedicated app for a variety of routers to access Peacock on Roku.
2. Set up your router with your chosen VPN and connect to a US, UK, Irish, German, Austrian, or Italian server.
3. Access Peacock on your Roku device and stream Peacock content from anywhere.
Router
1. Download a VPN that can be set up using your router. With a dedicated router app, you do not need to install a VPN on your device. I suggest you try ExpressVPN’s dedicated app for routers to access Peacock on any device.
2. Set up your router with your chosen VPN and connect to any server within the US, UK, Irish, German, Austrian, or Italian server.
3. Visit the official Peacock website, log into your account, and start streaming from abroad.
Smart TV (Android, Apple, and Samsung)
1. Install a VPN on your smart TV. Not all VPNs have a smart TV app, so I suggest you get ExpressVPN’s app for Samsung, Apple, and Android TV’s to stream Peacock TV.
2. Launch the VPN and connect to a US, UK, Irish, German, Austrian, or Italian server.
3. Open the Peacock TV app, log in to your account, and watch Law & Order.
Kodi
1. Get a reliable VPN. ExpressVPN is perfect for streaming Peacock TV on Kodi thanks to its fast speeds and ability to get around tight geo-blocks.
2. Connect to a US, UK, Irish, German, Austrian, or Italian server and download the Peacock TV app onto Kodi.
3. Login to the Peacock TV app. You’ll need to use your US zip code and you can start watching from anywhere.
Watch Peacock on any device with ExpressVPN
How to Sign up With Peacock TV in 2023
You have the option to register for Peacock TV by using a credit card, debit card, or a Paypal account. It’s essential to keep in mind that you should create your Peacock TV account before your travels since attempting to sign up while abroad or using a VPN could result in a violation of the service’s terms and conditions, potentially leading to legal consequences. Additionally, Peacock also accepts gift cards, but it’s worth noting that virtual gift cards suitable for sign-up might not be readily available, so you may need to rely on physical gift cards
Credit Card or Debit Card Method
- Get a VPN. Try ExpressVPN and connect to one of its ultra-fast US servers to get instant access to Peacock TV. Peacock is restricted outside the US and select territories.
- Visit the official Peacock TV website. You can choose between three plans with a 7-day free trial, Peacock Free, Peacock Premium, and Peacock Premium Plus. To avoid ads I recommend Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Plus.
- Create an account and set up your billing information. Adhere to Peacock’s comprehensive instructions to establish your account. Utilize your US debit or credit card information to finalize the registration process. Alternatively, you have the option to create a no-cost account through Peacock Free, eliminating the need to share any billing details.
- Start watching Peacock TV content.
Paypal Method
- Install a VPN. Download ExpressVPN to protect your personal data with 256-bit military-grade encryption and connect to a server within the US. This will bypass Peacock TV’s geo-restrictions that limit its availability within the US.
- Visit the official Peacock TV website. You have the option to choose between three plans and will be able to get a 7-day free trial if you select Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Plus.
- Create an account and set up your billing information. Follow the in-depth instructions to create your account and select Paypal as your desired payment method. You will then be redirected to Paypal to authorize the purchase and access Peacock TV.
- Start streaming 21 Jump Street.
Stream Peacock content with ExpressVPN
FAQs on Watching Peacock TV
Is Peacock TV free to watch?
Yes, but you will have to watch ads while accessing the free version. It’s easy to sign up to Peacock TV, and you will get instant access to hundreds of TV shows and movies completely free of charge. Although the free plan still requires an email to sign up and you won’t get access to Peacock TV’s entire catalog unless you get a paid account.
Peacock’s free and cheaper paid plans both require ads, but there is a plan that has no ads at all. Ads only take up to about 5 minutes for every hour of content watched. If you’re an Xfinity user, you can get the full Peacock library for no extra cost. If you don’t and you’re interested in a plan, it starts out at $4.99 for a month and $49.99 for a year.
What’s the difference between the free and paid versions of Peacock?
What shows and movies are on Peacock Premium?
With Peacock Premium you get access to classic collections including Fast and Furious, Back to the Future, Harry Potter, and many more. Using one of the top VPNs, you will be able to bypass geo-restrictions and access Peacock TV’s premium content even when traveling outside the US for work.
Here is a list of the many TV shows and movies you’ll gain access to if you purchase a Peacock Premium or Peacock Premium Plus subscription:
- Despicable Me
- E.T The Extra-Terrestrial
- Ray Donovan
- Vikings
- Lucy
- Runaway Bride
- You’ve Got Mail
- The Curious Case of Benjamin Button
- Trainwreck
- Neighbors
- Two and a Half Men
- The Affair
- Safe Harbour
- The Toolbox Killer
- George Lopez
Can I stream Peacock on Playstation, Xbox, or Chromecast?
What more can a VPN do than unblock streaming sites?
Why is Peacock TV not working with my VPN?
Sometimes websites collect cookies and data about you to amplify your user experience. However, this often makes it difficult for the top VPNs to truly hide your identity and overcome geo-restrictions. To overcome this, you have two options.
- Connect to a different server within the US, the UK, Ireland, Germany, Austria, or Italy and refresh Peacock.
- Clear your cache and access Peacock using an incognito window (browser).
Can I use a free VPN to stream Peacock TV?
Watch Peacock from anywhere with ExpressVPN
Start Streaming NBC’s Peacock TV From Anywhere Today
To gain uninterrupted access to Peacock TV when traveling outside countries where the service is accessible, you require a VPN with advanced capabilities to overcome geo-restrictions and facilitate high-speed streaming. However, not all VPNs are capable of providing these features at an affordable rate.
Although all of our top VPNs here will help, I always preferred watching Peacock with ExpressVPN due to its lightning-fast speeds and top-notch security features. Albeit you should check out Peacock TV’s ToS before using a VPN, you can download ExpressVPN in confidence with its 30-day money-back guarantee and access your paid account from anywhere. If you’re not satisfied, you’ll have the option to get a full refund with no question asked.
