If you live in the USA, you may have grown used to accessing ABC and Freeform over the internet. So, it will be a shock to you when you travel abroad and discover the websites won’t let you watch any videos. You can’t even get to the live channel stream when you are outside the country. Don’t worry though, you can overcome the blocks on overseas access by using a VPN for ABG Go.

Not all VPNs work with these two channels. Media companies are obliged to block overseas access due to rights and licensing issues, and that includes blocking VPNs. However, some put in more effort than others. ABC is one of the hardest video sites to get into from abroad, so in this article, we’ll list the VPNs that are capable of facilitating streaming from Freeform and ABC.

We get into quite some detail on each of the VPNs that have made this list, however, if you’re short on time, here’s a quick summary.

The best VPNs for ABC Go and the Freeform App:

  • NordVPN: Our #1 VPN for ABC Go and the Freeform App! Veteran provider that pegs amazing speeds and makes no compromises on security. Thousands of servers make short work of popular streaming sites. 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark: Our top budget choice VPN. A great general-use VPN that boasts an impressive array of security features, decent speeds, and fantastic unblocking capabilities.
  • ExpressVPN: Excellent unblocking capabilities, speedy servers across the globe with secure and easy-to-use apps. Great for streaming ABC Go and the Freeform App.
  • CyberGhost: Low-cost provider that is easy to set up and use. We were impressed by their excellent streaming speeds during testing.
  • IPVanish: Unlimited connection limit, strong speeds, and security, servers in over 75 countries.
  • PrivateVPN: Good up-and-coming VPN that works well with ABC Go, Freeform, and plenty of other popular streaming services.

Best VPNs for ABC Go and the Freeform App – at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features for the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with NordVPN – our #1 choice for ABC Go and the Freeform App.

There are no hidden terms—just contact support within 30 days if you decide NordVPN isn’t right for you and you’ll get a full refund. Start your NordVPN trial here.

The best VPNs for ABC Go and the Freeform App

In order to pick the right service to use with ABC and Freeform, you need a VPN with the following attributes:

  • Good speeds
  • Can access ABC and Freeform as well as other popular streaming sites
  • Easy-to-use apps that can be used by anyone, not just computer experts
  • Has servers in the USA
  • Strong security protocols to protect your privacy

This is just a summary, but you can read more about how we test the VPNs we recommend in the methodology section below. For now, let’s take a closer look at the ones that made the list.

Here is a list of the best VPNs for ABC Go and Freeform:

1. NordVPN

                    Jan 2023

Unblocks ABC GO & Freeform GOTested Jan 2023

Apps Available:

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux
  • Background
  • FireTV

Website: www.NordVPN.com

Money-back guarantee: 30 DAYS

NordVPN is our #1 recommendation for an ABC VPN. It has no difficulties accessing videos at the ABC and Freeform websites as well as other popular online streaming services. The VPN provides the fastest speeds we’ve seen, so you shouldn’t experience lag or stuttering during playback. The company operates more than 5,200 servers in 60+ countries all over the world, so it has plenty of capacity. For ABC and Freeform, choose a server in the USA. Any of the NordVPN servers in the USA should get you into ABC and Freeform.

NordVPN provides apps for Windows, Linux, macOS, iOS, and Android devices. You can manually configure the VPN on some wifi routers. If you connect your router to one of the NordVPN servers in the USA, all of the devices in your home will appear to be located in the United States. That router connection will only use up one of the six concurrent connections allowed, no matter how many devices in your home use that single connection.

You can install a NordVPN browser extension on Chrome and Firefox browsers. This works very well, and it will get you past the proxy detection system of ABC and Freeform. When you use the browser extension instead of the app, only your browser is covered by the VPN. The NordVPN website includes a live chat window where you can ask quick questions from a help desk operative. The support team is very fast, and you could receive an answer in a couple of minutes.

BEST VPN FOR ABC GO:NordVPN is our top choice. A good all-rounder that pegs very fast speeds and works well with US streaming content. Excellent security and privacy features with no logs policy and DNS leak protection. Accommodates up to 6 devices. Includes a 30-day money-back guarantee for a risk-free deal.

Pros:

  • Over 1,900 high-speed servers in the US
  • Works with ABC Go, Netflix, and others
  • No compromises on security and privacy
  • Apps available for most major mobile and desktop platforms
  • Good for streaming, even at HD speeds
  • Offers 24/7 live chat

Cons:

  • Only able to select a location, not a specific server

Our score:

Read our full review of NordVPN.

2. Surfshark

Unblocks ABC GO & Freeform GOTested Jan 2023

  • PC
  • Mac
  • IOS
  • Android
  • Linux

Website: www.Surfshark.com

Surfshark is a low-cost provider that easily unblocks ABC Go and Freeform. In fact, with a network of 3,200+ servers in over 100 countries, there really isn’t much it can’t access. Better still, its speeds are high enough for you to watch without any noticeable lag or buffering. While many other services limit you to a few simultaneous connections, Surfshark lets you connect any number of devices at once.

If you’re interested in digital security, you’ll find a lot to like here. First of all, there’s 256-bit encryption, DNS and IPv6 leak protection, and an automatic kill switch. Also included are a CleanWeb option that blocks ads and malware automatically, plus a NoBorders mode that helps you get around especially strict geo-blocking. Crucially, Surfshark follows a no-logs policy, which means your activities can’t be traced back to you. Need help? Live chat is available 24/7.

Surfshark has iOS, Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows apps. If you’d like to secure your whole home network automatically, you can install this VPN manually on supported routers.

BEST BUDGET VPN:Surfshark provides both speed and security. This makes it an excellent choice for accessing ABC Go or really any major streaming service while traveling. Additionally, this zero-logs provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Works great with ABC, NBC, Netflix, and more

  • No-logs privacy policy with powerful security features

  • Fast and reliable connections

  • Connect every device you own simultaneously

  • Affordable price plans

  • Customer support could be improved

Read our full Surfshark review.

3. ExpressVPN

Website: www.ExpressVPN.com

ExpressVPN has over 3,000 servers in 94+ countries, so you can access regionally restricted content and video sites in a lot of other countries, too. It offers a suite of security features and doesn’t maintain any logs that could be used to identify you.

You can get the ExpressVPN app for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. It can be configured to some routers. The ExpressVPN help desk is very competent, and you can contact them at any time, day or night, every day of the year through a live chat facility on the service’s website.

FLAWLESS STREAMING:ExpressVPN is great for accessing popular US streaming and sports services. Total security and online privacy with a strict no-logs policy and DNS leak protection. Comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Servers in nearly 20 US cities can unblock geo-restricted content

  • Server speeds are great for HD streaming

  • Easy to use and set up with apps for all major platforms

  • Military-grade encryption makes for solid security

  • 24/7 live chat is available

  • More expensive than other options

  • Advanced configuration for power users is a little limited

Read our full review of ExpressVPN.

4. CyberGhost

Website: www.Cyberghost.com

Money-back guarantee: 45 DAYS

CyberGhost gets into ABC and Freeform effortlessly. The service has VPN locations in 90+ countries around the world, including over 1400 in the United States, that offer great speeds for video streaming.

The app is available for Windows, Mac OS X, macOS, Android, and iOS. You can manually set up the VPN on Linux computers and on routers. As with the other VPNs on this list, a router connection will cover all of the devices in your home but use up only one of your simultaneous connection allowance. You can connect up to seven devices at the same time.

The CyberGhost app’s activity screen adjusts the settings of the service according to what you want to do online. One of those options is Unblock Streaming, which lists several streaming channels to unblock, but ABC and Freeform are not on the list. So, you should select Anonymous Surfing instead and choose to connect to a server in the United States.

You can contact the Help Desk through a live chat window at the CyberGhost website during European business hours. You can also raise a support ticket in the user area of the website and or send the support team an email.

GREAT VALUE:CyberGhost is easy to use. A well-priced solid performer. Good at unblocking ABC Go & Freeform Go but can struggle with some other popular streaming sites. Comes with a 45-day money-back guarantee.

  • Over 1,400 servers in the US get around most geo-restrictions.

  • Testing revealed impressive speeds for streaming

  • Excellent security, and they don’t store user activity logs

  • Low-cost option with beginner-friendly apps

  • Generous 45-day money-back guarantee

  • Few advanced options for power users

  • Doesn’t work in China

Read our full CyberGhost review.

5. IPVanish

Website: www.IPVanish.com

IPVanish operates a network of over 2000 servers in 75+ countries worldwide, making it an excellent choice for ABC and other popular streaming platforms like Netflix. It takes user privacy seriously with a verified no-logs policy and uses military-grade encryption, as you’d expect.

IPVanish produced some of the fastest VPN speeds we’ve seen, and it offers apps for all popular operating systems and devices, though you have to install it manually on Linux. It also lets you connect on an unlimited number of devices simultaneously.

As for security, it offers split tunneling, a SOCKS5 proxy, an automatic kill switch, and DNS leak protection. Support is on-hand when you need it with live chat, and it also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

UNLIMITED CONNECTIONS:IPVanish boasts impressive connection speeds, a verified no-logs policy, and split tunneling. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • One of the fastest VPNs around

  • Drastically improved speeds

  • Perfect for secure streaming, browsing, and gaming

  • Reputable no-logs VPN

  • Can’t unblock as many streaming platforms as some others on this list

  • Has to be manually installed on Linux

Read our full IPVanish review.

6. PrivateVPN

Website: www.PrivateVPN.com

PrivateVPN offers great speeds and can access ABC Go from abroad. It’s a smaller provider than others on this list, with only 200 servers. However, they are spread over 60+ countries and boast impressive speeds ideal for streaming. . The company offers apps for Windows, macOS, Mac OS X, Android, and iOS operating systems. You can also set up the VPN on Linux computers and routers.

Just like the other premium VPN services on this list, PrivateVPN counts a router connection as one of your allowed ten simultaneous connections, even though all of the devices in your house can connect to a VPN server through it.

PrivateVPN provides the very best customer support. You can contact the technical support group through a live chat window on the website. If you feel overwhelmed by your problem, a support technician can take control of your computer remotely, find the problem, and fix it with your permission. The support team can also be contacted via email or through a support ticket web form in the user area of the PrivateVPN website.

The app for the VPN works very well, and if you select the right server, you probably won’t even need to contact the support team. A 30-day refund guarantee shows PrivateVPN is confident in its service and will return your cash if left unsatisfied.

GREAT SPEED:PrivateVPN is a good family choice. Unblocks many popular US shows and allows up to 6 devices on the same account. Small network of servers but fast connection speeds. 30-day money-back guarantee.

  • Servers in 9 US cities achieve good streaming speeds

  • Provides a secure, encrypted fast connection

  • Private information is secure

  • Needs manual tweaking to work in China

  • Live chat is not around the clock

Read our full review of PrivateVPN.

Finding the best VPNs for ABC Go and Freeform: Our methodology

You can find hundreds of VPNs on the market, many of which claim to be the fastest or the most secure. However, they don’t all provide the same level of service. Our methodology involves looking for each VPN to meet specific key criteria, such as the following:

  • Servers in the US: ABC Go and Freeform are available in the US. We’ve found VPNs that offer servers in plenty of US cities. As such, you’ll be able to stream and find a server close to your location for faster speeds. We also look for the VPNs we recommend to have a network of global servers for even more flexibility.
  • Speed: One of the most important features for a VPN to have is speed. Without it, you’ll struggle to stream in high resolution. Some VPNs cap your bandwidth, which leads to performance issues such as buffering and lag. We found the fastest VPNs thanks to speed tests on each VPN’s servers.
  • Unblocking: Not all VPNs are capable of unblocking ABC Go and Freeform. It can therefore be something of a lottery as to whether a VPN works or not. You can save time (and money!) by sticking with the VPNs as listed in this post, all of which have been proven to work with ABC Go and Freeform as well as popular streaming platforms such as Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+.
  • Security: While some security features are nice to have (such as Double VPN servers or an ad blocker), there are some which are simply essential. In order for us to recommend a VPN, it must include 256-bit AES encryption, protection from DNS leaks, and a kill switch.
  • Privacy: Without a VPN, your ISP can see what you’re doing online. A VPN encrypts your data so that even it can’t see your browsing activity. However, it’s also important that a VPN doesn’t keep identifying logs. We’ve studied 140 VPN logging policies to find those that allow for online anonymity.
  • Ease of use: Not every VPN makes signup and setup as easy as it should be. We’ve found VPNs with beginner-friendly apps by trying them out for ourselves. In all cases, you can connect to a server in just a click or two. Live chat and email support are also offered should you need any help.

You can find out more about how we test VPNs at Comparitech by reading up on our VPN testing methodology.

How to unblock ABC Go and the Freeform App from abroad

Unfortunately, if you live outside of the US, it’s pretty difficult to stream Freeform. That’s because you’ll usually need a US cable subscription to sign into the website. However, there are ways to watch Freeform abroad, even without cable.

Here’s how to watch Freeform from abroad:

  • Begin by signing up for one of the VPNs above (we recommend NordVPN).
  • Download and install the app onto whichever device you plan on streaming with.
  • Sign up for one of the many streaming services that let you watch Freeform online. These include Hulu, YouTube TV, and Sling TV. Note that Hulu even lets you pay in gift cards, which removes the need for a US credit card.
  • Connect to one of your VPN’s American servers.
  • Visit Freeform, sign in with your new streaming service, and play a video. Hopefully, it should play flawlessly but if not, contact your VPN’s support team for more help.

ABC Go is a lot easier to access than the Freeform App; you just have to use a VPN that can get around the website’s VPN-detection systems. Below is a quick guide on how to unblock and stream ABC Go from outside of the US.

ABC Go access restrictions

A VPN is a type of “proxy.” In law, a proxy is someone who stands in for someone else and signs a contract or attends a meeting on that other person’s behalf. In network technology, the concept is pretty similar. An internet proxy receives the requests that your computer sends out to web servers. It then presents those requests itself on behalf of your computer.

Every computer connected to the internet has to have a unique address. This is called an IP address, and yours is probably provided by your internet service provider. IP addresses are doled out according to location. ABC Go’s server checks the IP address on a request for a video to find out where the request originated. If that location is outside of the USA, the media server will return an error instead of the video stream

If you try to access a video on ABC.go.com from outside of the USA, you will be presented with the message:

“Error – 405-18 An error has occurred. Please try again later or contact us for further assistance.”

Any of the best VPNs for ABC Go we recommend above should get around that problem. If you connect to a server in the USA, the VPN client software on your computer will divert all of your incoming and outgoing internet traffic to that server first. All communications between the VPN client and the VPN server are encrypted. This creates a tunnel that prevents anyone from snooping on your internet activity or seeing your real IP address. Even the header information on your traffic is encoded, so no one can see which websites and services you are communicating with.

The kind of organizations that regularly watch your internet traffic are your internet service provider and the government of the country that you are in. The ISP may log the addresses of all the websites that you visit. It can also block access to certain sites and slow down your connection for particular activities if it chooses to. A number of ISPs have been known to slow down video streaming traffic to save costs. The VPN tunnel blocks all analysis of your traffic. If your ISP can’t spot the websites that you visit, it can’t block access, slow down your connection, or log your activities.

So, VPNs have two benefits when you want to access ABC Go. They fool the media server of the website into detecting your location as the United States. The VPN will also protect you from government and ISP attempts to control or monitor your access to sites such as ABC Go. In some countries in the world, the government doesn’t want its people to access overseas entertainment and news sites. A VPN can bypass online censorship.

ABC Go proxy detection systems

VPN screening systems are known as “proxy detection systems.” ABC Go has a very competent proxy detector, and it is able to spot most of the VPNs on the market. If your VPN can’t fool the ABC website when you try to watch a video, you instead will see this message:

“Error – 403-1: 1028 There appears to be a problem with your network location settings. Please contact your Internet Service Provider for assistance.”

Here is a screenshot of this message, which appeared while trying to watch an episode of Modern Family.

You will also get this message when trying to watch The Bachelorette, General Hospital, Take Two, or any other popular ABC show without a VPN.

ABC uses the same technology on its Freeform site, so even after you have jumped through hoops to prove you have a valid subscription to the channel at home, you will still be blocked from watching if you are outside of the United States. So you will be unable to watch Melissa and Joey, Baby Daddy, or Young and Hungry on the channel.

This shows that you can’t just pick any VPN; you can only really rely on the best VPNs to unblock ABC Go and Freeform Go.

A VPN for ABC Go and the Freeform App

We compiled this list of VPNs for ABC Go and Freeform Go because it is difficult to know which VPNs unblock which video services before you sign up. If you discover that your VPN cannot unblock Freeform or ABC after you pay for it, then you will have wasted your money.

Each of these VPNs offers money-back guarantees. That means you are not trapped in the service. You can cancel and get all of your money back.

We have tested the VPNs on this list, and all bypass the ABC proxy detection system. This enabled us to watch ABC programs from outside of the United States. You will save yourself a lot of time and trouble by limiting your VPN search to the services recommended in this guide.

These VPNs will get you into a lot of video sites, not just ABC and Freeform. As you can see from the description of how VPNs work, these services aren’t just for getting around the regional restrictions on websites. They also protect your privacy and enhance your security. As governments and corporations around the world impose more and more restrictions on internet access, you will find it increasingly difficult to get to the websites and services that you want to use. If you travel abroad, you will face even more obstacles to internet freedom, as well as having to use public wifi networks that are not as secure as they should be. You will soon find that your VPN is worth every penny.

Then there’s the security aspect to think about. Paid VPNs live and die by their reputations, which means they have a vested interest in protecting your privacy. Free VPNs, on the other hand, often fail to use encryption and lack basic features like kill switches. This makes them effectively useless for privacy. Of course, there’s no guarantee you’ll even choose a “safe” service. In fact, research has shown that a huge number of free VPN apps come packed with malware. To avoid this and stay as safe as possible online, we recommend using a reputable, no-logs VPN instead of just using a service because it’s free.

“You appear to be outside the United States or its territories. Due to international rights agreements, we only offer this video to viewers located within the United States and its territories.”

This is why it’s important to use not just any VPN but one with a proven ability to bypass ABC’s restrictions. 

The distance between you and your chosen server also plays a large part. Simply, the further away the server is, the more steps your data has to take to reach you. This can cause high latency and is why we usually recommend connecting to a nearby server if possible. 

Finally, every encryption protocol is different. Most services use OpenVPN protocols by default since these offer a balance between speed and security. However, there are other protocols that prioritize one of these over the other, and you can usually find configuration instructions on your provider’s websites.

Simply, if you usually have access to ABC and are using a VPN to access it while abroad on vacation, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll face any consequences. In fact, given that you can stream many shows without even signing in, there’s no way ABC could even tell who was watching. If you’re worried, consult your country’s relevant legislation before streaming.