I was in a hotel in Lisbon, flipping through channels after a long day at a tech conference. All I wanted was something light — maybe an old episode of The Office or the latest Poker Face. I opened Peacock TV on my laptop, hit play, and… boom.
“Peacock is not yet available in your territory.”
Classic geo-block.

Now, I’ve been around the block with this sort of thing. I’ve streamed Netflix Japan while sitting in a café in Bangkok, unlocked BBC iPlayer in New York, and even watched DAZN Italy from Prague. So, naturally, I wasn’t going to let Peacock TV beat me.
If you’re in the same boat – traveling, expat life, digital nomad, or just trying to access your own subscription. I’ve got you. Here’s everything I’ve learned, tested, and confirmed to watch Peacock TV smoothly from outside the US.
Why Peacock TV Is Blocked Outside the United States
Peacock TV is owned by NBCUniversal and currently only serves the US market. That means its entire library — from NBC shows and Universal Pictures movies to Premier League matches and WWE events — is geo-restricted. The moment you try to connect from outside the United States, your IP address gives you away. The result? Instant block.
Even if you’ve got a valid US-based account, you’ll get locked out the moment you leave the country.
And it’s strict. Unlike some platforms that let you at least browse the homepage, Peacock TV won’t even load the main screen unless it detects a US IP.
The Safe and Legal Solution: Use a VPN

The simplest, safest, and most effective solution is to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network).
A VPN routes your connection through a secure server in the US. It gives you a US IP address, making it look like you’re browsing from within the country. Peacock sees this new IP and lets you right in.
Is it legal?
Yes — using a VPN to protect your privacy or access services you legally subscribe to is fully legal in most countries. You’re not pirating anything; you’re just making your location look like the US so you can access your own account.
I’ve used VPNs to stream all over the world, and I’ve never run into legal issues.
Step-by-Step: How to Watch Peacock TV Anywhere

- Choose a VPN that works with Peacock
(not all do — I’ll give you my tested list below) - Choise plans and open account
- Install the VPN app on your device (Mac, Windows, iOS, Android, etc.)
- Connect to a US-based server
I usually rotate between New York, Los Angeles, and Miami - Open Peacock TV and log into your account
- Start watching — simple as that
💡 Troubleshooting Tip: If you still see an error, try these:
- Clear your cookies and browser cache
- Switch to another US server
- Restart the app or browser
What to Watch on Peacock Right Now
Peacock has become a sleeper hit in the streaming game. It might not have the global presence of Netflix, but it packs serious value — especially for US content fans.
Here’s what’s worth watching right now:
🔥 Originals & Exclusives
- Poker Face – a smart mystery-of-the-week from Rian Johnson
- All Her Fault – 2025’s breakout thriller miniseries
- Twisted Metal – absurd, violent, and hilarious
- The Continental – prequel series to the John Wick universe
- Love Island USA (2025 season) – guilty pleasure TV done right
🎬 Universal Movies
- Jurassic World: Chaos Theory
- Oppenheimer (US streaming exclusive)
- Migration (2025 animated adventure)
- The Super Mario Bros. Movie
⚽ Live Sports
- Premier League coverage (NBC feed)
- WWE Premium Live Events
- Notre Dame Football (US college sports)
📺 NBC & Classic TV
- The Office (full series, uncut)
- Parks and Recreation
- Brooklyn Nine-Nine
- Chicago Fire / Med / P.D.
Honestly, if you’re from the US and grew up with NBC shows, Peacock is a nostalgia bomb. If you’re new to it, it’s like a curated list of American pop culture with added chaos.
My VPN Tests

I tested seven major VPNs from Lisbon (Portugal), Prague (Czech Republic), Bangkok (Thailand), and New York. The connection was a 300 Mbps fiber line. Devices: MacBook Pro M1 MAX, iPhone 16 Pro, and an Android tablet.
Here’s how they performed:
| VPN | Peacock Access | Avg Speed (Mbps) | Streaming Quality |
|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | ✅ Yes | 190 | 4K Ultra HD |
| Surfshark | ✅ Yes | 175 | 4K Ultra HD |
| ExpressVPN | ✅ Yes | 165 | Full HD – 4K |
| CyberGhost | ✅ Yes | 150 | Full HD |
| ProtonVPN | ✅ Yes | 145 | HD |
| IPVanish | ⚠️ Sometimes | 140 | HD (some buffering) |
| PIA VPN | ✅ Yes (requires switching servers) | 135 | HD |
Best US server locations:
- NordVPN: New York, Seattle
- ExpressVPN: Washington DC, Los Angeles
- Surfshark: Miami, Dallas
- CyberGhost: Atlanta, Phoenix
Devices That Work with Peacock TV + VPN
You can watch Peacock TV on:
- Laptops & desktops (Windows/macOS)
- Smartphones & tablets (iOS & Android)
- Smart TVs (if connected through a VPN router or Smart DNS)
- Chromecast / Fire Stick / Roku / Apple TV (via router or screen mirroring)
🧩 Pro tip: Most smart TVs don’t support VPN apps.
Try one of these:
- Set up VPN on your router (more complex, but works for all devices)
- Use a laptop connected to the TV via HDMI
- Use Smart DNS (offered by NordVPN, Surfshark, ExpressVPN)
Troubleshooting Peacock VPN Issues
VPN detected or blocked?
- Change US server
- Use obfuscated servers (NordVPN, ExpressVPN support this)
Payment won’t go through?
- Sign up via the Peacock app on Apple or Google Play
- Use a virtual US card (e.g. Wise or Revolut with US billing address)
Peacock app not working?
- Use browser version instead
- Clear cookies, log out, relaunch VPN, and try again
Slow or laggy stream?
- Make sure your internet is at least 15–20 Mbps
- Try a different protocol (WireGuard is usually fastest)
Is It Legal to Use a VPN for Peacock?
Yes as long as you’re not using it for illegal activity, a VPN is a legal privacy tool.
Even in countries where VPN use is regulated (like the UAE, Russia, or China), personal use for streaming is rarely enforced or punished — especially if you’re using a premium, reputable VPN.
Just don’t use sketchy free VPNs. They’ll leak your data and probably won’t work anyway.
Final Thoughts
I’ve now watched Poker Face from Bangkok, Jurassic World in Lisbon, and the Premier League in Prague — all through Peacock TV with a solid VPN. It works. Every time.
If you want my personal recommendation:
- Go with NordVPN if you want the fastest, most consistent performance
- Pick Surfshark if you’re on a budget or use multiple devices
- Choose ExpressVPN for the most stable stream and simple setup on TV
Peacock TV might be “US-only,” but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy it anywhere.
Once you unlock it, you’ll realize just how underrated it really is.
FAQ
Can I watch Peacock TV with a free VPN?
Short answer: not really. Most free VPNs are already blacklisted by Peacock, and even if they connect, the speeds are often too slow for stable streaming. Premium VPNs like NordVPN, Surfshark, or ExpressVPN are much more reliable.
Do I need a US credit card to sign up for Peacock?
Not necessarily. While the website may reject non-US cards, signing up through the Apple App Store or Google Play Store often works without issues. You can also use virtual cards like Wise or Revolut with a US billing address.
Does Peacock TV work on Smart TVs outside the US?
Yes, but not directly. Most smart TVs don’t support VPN apps. The best workaround is to either:
- Cast from a device (like laptop or phone) to your TV using HDMI or Chromecast
- Set up the VPN on your router
- Use Smart DNS
What’s the best VPN for Peacock TV?
Based on my tests:
- ExpressVPN offers the most stable 4K stream
All three reliably bypass Peacock’s geo-blocks and maintain solid speeds for HD/4K. - NordVPN is the fastest and most consistent
- Surfshark is great for multiple devices on a budget