A virtual private network (VPN) with servers in the country is the easiest way to get a German IP address. That way, you can access geoblocked German content from anywhere. VPNs also encrypt your data and internet traffic, so you can securely use Deutsche Bank while traveling overseas. My team and I tested more than 50 VPNs. ExpressVPN is my top recommendation for accessing German content. It has super-fast speeds for smooth streaming and lag-free gaming. The VPN is also secure — using military-grade encryption to keep you safe from hackers and other privacy intruders. You can try ExpressVPN risk-free since it’s supported by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Get a German IP Now
Why You Need a VPN to Get a German IP Address
Many German websites and online services are blocked outside the country, primarily because of licensing and copyright restrictions. Unless you have a German IP address, shows like Großstadtrevier on ARD will be unavailable. You might even be locked out of your German bank account. A VPN with servers in Germany can give you access to German content. The VPN routes all your traffic through a German server before it reaches the websites you want to access. This means your actual IP address is replaced with a German one, so online services won’t block you. You’ll have unrestricted access to all your usual German accounts. VPNs also take care of your safety online by encrypting your data. So, no one can hack your connection or monitor what you do online, even when using unsecured WiFi hotspots. Try ExpressVPN Risk-Free Today
The Best VPNs to Get a German IP Address From Anywhere in 2023
All the VPNs on my list can give you a German IP address. They’re also fast for uninterrupted streaming and torrenting (I tested them myself). Plus, they provide sophisticated security features to protect your online privacy. These VPNs have easy-to-use apps for all popular devices and provide timely customer assistance. Moreover, they come with trustworthy money-back guarantees so you can try them out with confidence.
1. ExpressVPN — Super Fast Speeds to Stream German Content Uninterrupted
ExpressVPN has excellent speeds for streaming high-quality videos with your German IP address. You can watch your favorite shows on ZDF and RTL without buffering. I recorded an average download speed of 47 Mbps while testing ExpressVPN’s German servers. You only need 25 Mbps for UHD streaming. With such fast connections, you don’t have to worry about lag while online gaming and can download large files without restriction. AES 256-bit encryption provides the best protection against cyberattacks when it comes to security. This encryption scrambles your traffic, making it difficult for hackers to get their hands on your data. There are also various tunneling protocols for the safe transmission of online communications, like OpenVPN and Lightway. I prefer Lightway as it’s super-fast without compromising your security. An automatic kill switch (Network Lock) guards against data exposure by blocking internet access if the server connection accidentally drops. The VPN also follows a strict no-logs policy, which protects your privacy. Moreover, it’s based in the British Virgin Islands — a privacy-friendly country outside the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance. So, you can have peace of mind knowing third parties can’t track your actual IP address and internet searches. I tested ExpressVPN for leaks and detected none thanks to DNS/IPv6/WebRTC leak protection. I found the VPN’s intuitive design makes it easy to locate and connect to a German server. There’s even a language option for Deutsch. If you encounter problems, you can reach out to 24/7 live chat support and have your issue resolved. A minor con is that plans are expensive, starting at $6.67/month. However, ExpressVPN frequently offers generous discounts and giveaways. I got 49% off and 3 months for free with my 12-month subscription. There’s a 30-day money-back guarantee supporting ExpressVPN. If you change your mind after subscribing, getting a refund is easy. I simply asked a customer representative on live chat, and my refund was processed immediately (no questions asked). The money appeared on my credit card 2 days later. Try ExpressVPN Today
2. CyberGhost — Many Servers in Germany to Unblock Local Content Anywhere
It’s easy to get a German IP address as CyberGhost has nearly 1,000 servers in the country. Servers are spread across Berlin, Dusseldorf, and Frankfurt so that you can get an IP address in your preferred city. I tested dozens of CyberGhost’s German servers and successfully unblocked Norddeutscher Rundfunk every time. There are even streaming-optimized servers for quickly accessing ZDF, Zattoo, and Netflix Germany. The server network also spans 90 countries, which means your international accounts, like Disney+ or BBC iPlayer, are available when traveling overseas. With so many servers in Germany, you don’t have to worry about congestion — speeds are ideal for streaming without delays. My speeds ranged between 42 and 44 Mbps. The VPN also offers unlimited bandwidth and German P2P-optimized servers for torrenting as much as you want. Like ExpressVPN, CyberGhost safeguards your online activity with AES 256-bit encryption. There are also various tunneling protocols, including OpenVPN and fast WireGuard. Additionally, an automatic kill switch and leak protection prevent your real IP address and DNS requests from getting exposed. Plus, the VPN follows a no-logs policy and is based in Romania (outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance), so your sensitive information is never collected or shared with anyone. There’s even automatic WiFi protection that launches the VPN when you connect to a new public network, so you’re protected wherever you go. On top of that, dangerous websites, trackers, and malware get blocked with CyberGhost’s ad blocker tool. The apps are easy to use (they work the same way on all devices) and are available in German. It took me less than 3 minutes to install and connect to a German server. If you need assistance, live chat is available 24/7. Monthly plans are a bit pricey and only have a 14-day money-back guarantee. However, you can get a long-term CyberGhost plan for just $2.11/month, and an extended refund period. I recommend the 3-year option for the best savings, as all subscriptions come with the same features. Using its money-back guarantee, you can try CyberGhost’s German servers free for 45 days. It’s very straightforward to get refunded. I simply filled out the “Contact Us” form on the VPN’s Support page. It took just 3 days to receive the money in my PayPal account. Try CyberGhost Today
3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — High-End Security Features for Safe Browsing with Your German IP Address
PIA provides robust security and privacy while browsing German websites. You can choose from 2 levels of encryption — 128-bit and 256-bit. If you want high-end security, 256-bit is the best, but I found using AES 128-bit gave me slightly faster speeds while testing PIA. Meaning you can customize the VPN to prioritize privacy or speed, depending on your needs. You can also choose your preferred security protocol (including OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard). There’s an automatic kill switch, malware/ad blocker, and a verified no-logs policy for additional protection. There are servers in Berlin and Frankfurt, allowing you to get IP addresses in different German locations. You can watch Geschichte Mitteldeutschlands on MDR or access titles on your Netflix Germany account from anywhere. The VPN also has servers in 84 countries, so unblocking content on your international subscriptions like Hulu and Disney+ isn’t a problem. Speeds are fast enough for UHD streaming. My connections remained well above 30 Mbps, allowing me to stream, game, and torrent without delays. Due to the many customization options available, I found PIA less beginner-friendly. However, it comes pre-configured to use it right away without any settings changes. I connected to a German server immediately after installation. But customer support is on standby 24/7 via live chat if you need any help. You can get PIA’s protection for as low as $2.03/month. There is a significant price difference between the 3-year and 1-month plan, despite shorter plans not having any additional benefits. Thus, I recommend going for the long-term option. This service is covered by a reliable 30-day money-back guarantee. If the VPN isn’t the right option for you, claiming a refund is hassle-free. I canceled by logging a support ticket via email. Within 4 days, my credit card had been refunded. Try Private Internet Access Today
4. IPVanish — User-Friendly Apps to Easily Get a German IP Address
The streamlined design of IPVanish’s apps makes getting a German IP address simple. Using the “Quick Connect” screen, you can select the country you want to access content from, like Germany, and even pick the city. I installed the VPN and got a Frankfurt IP address in under 5 minutes. You can even save your favorite servers for easy connection — just click the star symbol on the right. When I tested IPVanish, I found the Mac and Windows settings menu easy to navigate, even though they are organized slightly differently. I also tried its 24/7 live chat, and I got a response within minutes. IPVanish is serious about keeping your data private. AES 256-bit encryption, OpenVPN protocol, and an automatic kill switch are some of the tools providing you with safety online. The VPN also runs a zero-logs policy and owns its entire server network. This means there’s no chance of third-party interference. I was a bit disappointed that you can’t pay using cryptocurrency. However, this isn’t really an issue as all other popular payment methods, including PayPal and various credit cards, are supported. A long-term IPVanish subscription is available at only $2.49/month, much cheaper than the monthly options. You can confidently test IPVanish’s German IPs since there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee. I checked its refund policy, and it holds up. I canceled my account via the dashboard on the website by clicking on “I wish to cancel my subscription.” The money showed in my bank account that same week. Try IPVanish Today
5. PrivateVPN — P2P Friendly German Servers for Fast and Reliable Torrenting
PrivateVPN’s servers are P2P-friendly with unlimited bandwidth so that you can download large files without restrictions. Port forwarding and SOCKS5 proxy are also available on specific servers for an additional speed boost while torrenting. During my PrivateVPN tests, I downloaded a 1GB file in under 5 minutes. The VPN is also compatible with popular torrenting clients like BitTorrent and uTorrent. There are servers in Germany (Berlin and Frankfurt) and 63 other countries worldwide. This means you can successfully access German and international content without a problem. Plus, its Stealth mode hides that you’re using a VPN, allowing you to fly under the radar and bypass even the toughest firewalls, like that of Netflix. I easily unblocked my German Netflix account from abroad and securely paid for items online on Otto using my mobile wallet. Thanks to AES 256-bit encryption and a kill switch, the VPN’s security is solid. DNS/IP leak protection further ensures your data is safe from hackers and snoops — I didn’t detect any leaks during my tests. On the downside, PrivateVPN is based in Sweden (a member of the 14 Eyes Alliance). However, a zero-logs policy protects your privacy. No sensitive information is stored, so there’s nothing for the VPN to hand over, even if a government asks. PrivateVPN’s plans start from as low as $2/month. For even more pocket-friendly prices, I recommend its 3-year subscription. All plans offer the same benefits, but short-term options cost slightly more. A 30-day money-back guarantee backs PrivateVPN. It’s easy to get a refund if the service doesn’t meet your expectations. I canceled and requested a refund by completing the Contact Us form. Simply sign in to your account and click on the Support option on the home page. The money was reflected on my credit card 5 days later. Try PrivateVPN Today
Tips on Choosing the Best VPN for a German IP Address
Here are the criteria I used to shortlist reliable VPNs for getting a German IP address (all my VPNs have these features). Feel free to use this checklist if you want to conduct your own tests:
German servers — The VPN must have servers within Germany for you to get a local IP address and access German content abroad. Fast speeds — This enables you to smoothly stream high-quality videos, torrent files, and game online without lag. Robust security features — Choose a VPN with military-grade (AES 256-bit) encryption, a kill switch, and secure protocols to stay safe online. Privacy policy — A no-logs policy is a must to ensure your data won’t get collected or shared with third parties. Ease to use — Look for a VPN that has an intuitive interface so you can connect to a German server right away. Trustworthy money-back guarantee — Make sure the VPN will give you a refund (within the guarantee period) if you’re not 100% happy.
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Is getting an IP address for Germany legal?
VPNs are legal in most countries, including Germany. To get a local IP address, simply launch your VPN and connect to a German server. You can then access Germany-restricted content anywhere. That being said, countries like China and Russia outright ban VPNs. So, to avoid accidentally breaking any laws, make sure you’re up-to-date with the rules and regulations of your location.
Can I use a free VPN to get a German IP address?
Most likely not, as free VPNs tend to limit server locations. So, finding a free VPN with servers in Germany will be difficult. A premium VPN with servers in Germany and a money-back-guarantee is a better alternative. Free VPNs also often restrict other essential features, like speed, bandwidth, and security. Hence, you can’t reliably use them for streaming or protecting yourself online. Some free VPNs even sell your private data to third parties for a profit.
What other methods are there to obtain a German IP address?
A proxy or Tor Browser can give you a German IP address, but they have flaws. To securely browse German websites from anywhere, using a VPN with servers in Germany is a more reliable option. A proxy service does not encrypt your data, leaving it vulnerable to cyber threats. A Tor browser provides encryption, but it’s too slow for high-speed activities like UHD streaming.
How will I know my IP address has been changed to Germany?
You can use a location scanning tool to check your IP address. First, connect to a server in Germany. Then, go to an IP lookup website, like vpnMentor’s IP checker. If your location shows Germany, you have successfully obtained a German IP address. Get a German IP with ExpressVPN
Get a German IP Address Today
The quickest way to access German content is with a VPN that has servers in the country. You can then conveniently unblock your German streaming subscriptions, like ZDF and RTL+, when abroad. A VPN also protects your online privacy thanks to high-end security features. I recommend ExpressVPN for getting a German IP address. Its servers in Germany are super-fast, allowing you to stream UHD videos without buffering. Robust encryption and secure protocols also provide you with the best safety against hackers. You can try ExpressVPN’s German IP addresses risk-free since there’s a 30-day money-back guarantee.
To summarize, the best VPNs to get a German IP address are…
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