We used NordVPN, Proton VPN, and ExpressVPN on Seattle servers, and CBS, ABC, NBC, PBS, and Fox played on each. Hulu, Peacock, and YouTube TV loaded their sign-up pages. Part of US TV requires no VPN in the Philippines: HBO Max, Disney+, and Prime Video already stream in the country.
US Networks and Hulu From Manila: 2026 Walkthrough
- Install NordVPN after subscribing, on your phone, laptop, or streaming stick.
- Connect to Seattle or another West Coast city.
- Go to CBS News, ABC News Live, NBC, PBS, or Fox in a browser.
- Sign up for Hulu, Peacock, or YouTube TV with a US payment card.
How to Watch American TV in the Philippines
Connect to a Seattle server, then go to the channel’s website in a browser. Each checks for a US IP address first. We chose Seattle because it’s closer to Manila than New York or Los Angeles. CBS News 24/7 and ABC News Live stream free with no sign-in, while ABC’s main live channel requires a US TV provider login.
Paid services require a US payment card. Hulu, Peacock, and YouTube TV required one in our tests. YouTube TV also sets a home area from your location, and our YouTube TV VPN guide explains how that works. If a channel detects the VPN, try another US city before changing VPNs. Remove the site’s cookies after switching, and our guide to unblocking websites covers other fixes.
US Streaming Services Already in the Philippines
- HBO Max: replaced HBO Go on November 19, 2024, with local plans from about 149 pesos a month for the mobile-only tier.
- Disney+: available locally since 2022.
- Prime Video and Netflix: both have Philippine catalogs. The US Netflix catalog is visible only through a US IP address, and our guide to changing your Netflix region shows how.
- Paramount+: launched in 2024 as a branded section within Blast TV.
The broadcast networks Hulu, Peacock, and YouTube TV have no Philippine version, and each requires a US IP address.
When US Shows Air in the Philippines
The Philippines is 12 hours ahead of US Eastern time during US daylight saving time. From early November to mid-March, the difference is 13 hours. A show that airs at 8 p.m. in New York starts at 8 a.m. the next morning in Manila, and an 8 p.m. West Coast broadcast starts at 11 a.m. Live news and sports often fall in the Philippine morning or at midday. For prime-time series, on-demand viewing is the practical choice.
How the Three VPNs Compared in Seattle
Measured in September on each VPN’s Seattle server, from a Windows 11 PC in Europe with a 190.36 Mbps baseline.
| VPN | Seattle download | Free US networks | Paid sign-up pages | US locations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NordVPN | 167.17 Mbps | Unblocked | Loaded | 55 cities |
| Proton VPN | 140.02 Mbps | Unblocked | Loaded | 18 states and DC |
| ExpressVPN | 137.99 Mbps | Unblocked | Loaded | 63 locations, all 50 states |
Best VPNs for US Channels From the Philippines
- NordVPN: Best for Seattle Download Speed, with 55 US cities to switch between.
- Proton VPN: Best for Long-Term Cost, and quicker than ExpressVPN in Seattle.
- ExpressVPN: Best for a Whole-Home Router Setup, through its Aircove routers.
1. NordVPN: Best for Seattle Download Speed
Pros
- P2P on every server
- Fastest VPN in testing
- Scam call protection
- Dark web monitoring
Cons
- Extras only on Complete
- Monthly price increases later
At 167.17 Mbps, NordVPN was the quickest VPN on our Seattle tests. Its 55 US cities leave room to switch when one channel detects a server. A dedicated US IP address is also available in 12 US cities, and it keeps the same IP address between sessions. NordVPN’s two-year Basic plan comes to under $3.50 a month, with three extra months included.
2. Proton VPN: Best for Long-Term Cost
Pros
- Apple tvOS app
- Custom connection profiles
- Alternative routing option
Cons
- Hulu playback blocked
- Pluto TV blocked
Proton VPN‘s Seattle server came in at 140.02 Mbps, slightly quicker than ExpressVPN. Its US list is organized by state, with 18 states and Washington, DC. In our wider streaming tests, Hulu and Pluto TV blocked Proton VPN’s US servers, so Hulu subscribers should choose NordVPN. The VPN Plus plan averages less than $3 a month over two years, and each later year costs about $84. Our cheap VPN guide lists more VPNs at this price.
3. ExpressVPN: Best for a Whole-Home Router Setup
Pros
- Built-in speed test
- Travel eSIM on Advanced
- Dedicated IP add-on
Cons
- Blocker limits protocol choice
- Turbo disables split tunneling
ExpressVPN covers all 50 states across 63 US locations, and its Seattle server tested at 137.99 Mbps. It also sells Aircove routers with the VPN built in. A router puts a US IP address on every device at home, including Samsung and LG TVs. ExpressVPN’s Basic plan is under $3 a month on the 28-month term, and the Advanced plan, with full tracker blocking, is under $4.50.
Free VPNs With US Servers
Windscribe and PrivadoVPN Free played ABC and CBS on US servers. PrivadoVPN’s free account includes 10 GB a month, renewed manually, and drops to 1 Mbps speed at the limit. Windscribe allows 10 GB with a confirmed email address and 2 GB without, and it disconnects at the limit.
Summary
Before paying for a VPN, check the local catalogs: HBO Max, Disney+, and Prime Video sell Philippine plans. For the networks and US-only services, install NordVPN. Proton VPN keeps renewal costs lowest, and ExpressVPN’s Aircove router covers a whole household. Our streaming VPN rankings compare more VPNs for US services.
Questions and Answers
Can you subscribe to Disney+ in the Philippines?
Yes, Disney+ sells local subscriptions in the Philippines. The Philippine catalog differs from the US one, and Hulu, which Disney owns, still serves only viewers in the US.
Is HBO Max available in the Philippines?
Yes, HBO Max took over from HBO Go in the Philippines and sells local plans. The cheapest tier is mobile-only, at roughly 149 pesos monthly for one phone or tablet.
Does Hulu operate in the Philippines?
No, Hulu sells subscriptions only in the US. Streaming it from the Philippines requires a US IP address plus a US-issued card.
Does YouTube TV work in the Philippines?
No, YouTube TV operates only in the US. Sign-up requires a US IP address, a US payment card, and a home area set to a US location.
Is it legal to use a VPN in the Philippines?
Yes, no Philippine law restricts VPN use. US streaming services set their own rules, and they can block VPN connections they identify.