ORF TV, with various channels and radio broadcasts, is one of Austria’s largest free on-demand video networks. ORF Austria TV has it all, from teen-targeted programs to in-depth documentaries, criminal series, comedy, sports, and cultural programming.
Unfortunately, ORF is not available to stream outside of Austria due to copyright ownership and international licensing. If you attempt to stream ORF from geo-restricted regions without using a VPN, an error message will appear on your screen, saying:
“Dieses video darf aus rechtlichen gründen nur in Österreich wiedergegeben werden.” (Due to legal reasons, this video is only available in Austria.)
I was able to watch ORF in Ireland successfully by using a trusted VPN – ExpressVPN and connecting to the Austrian server. ExpressVPN and the other two best VPNs that I have mentioned in this guide worked best to stream ORF in Ireland.
Our Recommended VPN – ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is our recommended choice for streaming any geo-restricted services that are unavailable in Ireland OR it is used to stay anonymous over the internet for watching anything for free as it hides your streaming activity from the ISPs.
Subscribe to ExpressVPN today and enjoy 3 extra months for free. You also get a 30-day money-back guarantee.
How to Watch ORF in Ireland
ORF is only accessible to users in Austria. If you want to watch ORF in Austria you need to follow the steps below.
Step 1: Subscribe to a good VPN service (ExpressVPN is our #1 choice)
Step 2: Download and Install the VPN app on your selected device
Step 3: Open the VPN app and connect to the Austrian server
Step 4: Open the ORF website https://tvthek.orf.at/
Step 5: Choose the show or live channel you want to stream
Step 6: Enjoy streaming!
Best VPNs to Unblock ORF in Ireland
We put 35+ VPNs to the test to see if they could unblock ORF in Ireland. We discovered that the three best VPNs could bypass ORF geo-restrictions in just one attempt.
The best three VPNs to unblock ORF in Ireland are:
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers spread over 94 countries, including Austria. This service is ideal for streaming web platforms because it is fast enough to broadcast live 1080p content. It can unblock not just ORF, but also PlutoTV, CTV, and Global TV from any location in the world.
This VPN protects your online activity with 256-bit encryption, perfect forwards secrecy, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and a kill switch (in desktop apps) that stops all traffic if you lose connection unexpectedly.
With Express VPN, you can unblock other services as well apart from ORF. These are 7Plus, 6Play and Joyn.
No personally identifiable information is logged by ExpressVPN. You can enjoy all these services by ExpressVPN at €6.42/month but if you want to be even more anonymous, you can pay with Bitcoin. If you have any problems, you can contact customer service by live chat, which is available 24/7.
2. Surfshark
Surfshark provides reasonable speeds and access to 3,200 servers in more than 60 locations. You may easily access ORF in Ireland by connecting to their server in Vienna. Surfshark, unlike many other Agencies, does not have a connection restriction. As a result, it’s an excellent solution for families or those who have a lot of gadgets.
256-bit encryption, a kill switch, and protection against DNS and IPv6 leaks keep users safe. However, there is a strong zero-logs policy in place, as well as a function that automatically eliminates advertisements, trackers, and malware. Surfshark can even see whether your password has been leaked on the internet. If you require assistance, live chat and email assistance are available 24/7.
ORF can be streamed from anywhere in the world using the Surfshark desktop or mobile app, as well as browser extensions for a low monthly charge of $2.30, it also enables simultaneous use on a single account, as well as a 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. NordVPN
With over 5,400 servers in 59 countries, NordVPN has more options than many of its competitors (and over 30 in Austria alone). It can unblock famous streaming sites like ORF, and its high-speed connections ensure that you won’t be interrupted when watching your favorite shows. Additionally, NordVPN allows for up to six simultaneous connections, allowing you to cover the majority of your devices with only one account.
This service places a high priority on your safety. It has 256-bit encryption, a customized kill switch, automatic ad blocking, malware scanning, DNS, WebRTC, port forwarding, and IPv6 leak protection.
This service has also recently implemented NordLynx, a WireGuard-based protocol. NordVPN has a strong no-logs policy, which means that even if questioned, it would not provide details about your actions. Customer service is available 24/7 by live chat. It is competitively priced at $3.29 per month and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Why Do You Need a VPN to Watch ORF in Ireland?
ORF is only available to streams in Austria. If you are in a different country, such as Ireland, then you will need the help of a reliable VPN to watch ORF. This is because ORF is geo-restricted in countries other than Austria.
The reason for the set geo-restriction is the licensing and copyright issues that prevent ORF from streaming its content in Ireland. The only way to stream ORF in Ireland is by using a good VPN that can overcome geo-restrictions.
This is because when you link to an Austrian server while being in Ireland, your temporary IP address makes it seem as if you’re browsing from Austria. By masking your actual IP address with the help of a VPN, you can successfully stream ORF in Ireland.
A good VPN does a lot more than changing your IP address. It protects your privacy by keeping your online activity anonymous. It also protects you from viruses and other internet malware.
Can You Use Free VPN to Watch ORF in Ireland?
While various free VPNs provide servers in Austria, many of them have a bad reputation for unblocking ORF. You might be tempted to use a free VPN to watch ORF online, but we strongly advise against it for various reasons. For starters, ORF-TVthek employs robust geo-blocking methods that few premium VPNs can overcome.
Free VPNs typically have fewer resources to devote to issues like these, especially if the provider in question isn’t well-known worldwide. Free VPNs are popular, but they only have a limited number of servers and IP addresses. As a result, IP addresses are quickly blacklisted, and bandwidth throttling results in slow speeds.
Some free VPN providers, for example, log your data and sell it to the highest bidder. Any reputable VPN should adhere to a rigorous no-logs policy and encrypt your data to protect it from hackers and snoopers. For these reasons, free VPNs simply aren’t worth it. You should only stick to the VPNs recommended above to stream ORF in Ireland.
What Channels Are Available on ORF?
ORF is considered as number one platform for watching on-demand content in Austria. However, it also offers many live channels and radio that broadcasts a variety of shows including sports.
The list of all available channels and radio shows on ORF online is as follows.
- ORF (1, 2, 3)
- ORF Sports Plus
- O1
- O3
- FM4
What to Watch on ORF?
ORF is one of the biggest networks in Austria and accordingly, offers something for everyone. Its streaming service, ORF-TVthek, allows you to stream live and on-demand content from four channels.
Below, we’ve listed some of the shows this platform lets you watch free online:
- Guten Morgen Österreich
- Formula 1 (all Grand Prix events)
- Euro 2020
- Aus der Haut
- Euromillionen
- Kabarett im Turm
- Menschen & Mächte
- Pflanzerei
- Schmatzo
- Silvia kocht
What Devices are Compatible with Stream ORF?
If you want to stream ORF in locations other than Austria, you first need to download our recommended VPN i.e. ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN app is available to download on Android, IOS, MAC, Windows, Linux, Chromebook, and Kindle Fire.
After downloading ExpressVPN on your preferred device, you are free to play ORF in Ireland on the following compatible devices:
- Amazon Fire Stick
- Apple TV
- Samsung TV
- Android
- IOS
- Xbox One
- Smart TV
How to Watch ORF on Mobile Devices?
If you want to watch ORF on your mobile app from areas other than Austria. you will need to download a VPN. This is because ORF is restricted in other countries.
Here is how you can stream shows on the ORF app from your mobile phone.
Step 1: Install ExpressVPN from the Playstore.
Step 2: Choose Austrian Server in the “location” setting and press “Connect“
Step 3: Download the “ORF” app from the Playstore or apk.
Step 4: Open the ORF app
Step 5: Choose your favorite Live or on-demand show and press Play
Step 6: Enjoy Streaming
Here are some alternatives to ORF that you can watch in Ireland as well
FAQs- ORF
Can You Watch ORF Live Online in the UK?
Unfortunately, ORF Live is blocked everywhere except Austria. But, you can use a reliable VPN to unblock ORF TV and watch shows without any trouble.
Is ORF free?
Yes, ORF is a completely free-to-stream platform. However, you have to pay your Internet service provider.
Conclusion
ORF is a free video-on-demand and live streaming platform that is geo-restricted to only stream in Austria. If you want to watch ORF in Ireland, you need to use a reliable VPN.
A good VPN, such as ExpressVPN changes your IP address virtually and deceives ORF of your location. VPN also protects your identity by keeping your browsing data protected.
