How to Watch Indian TV Channels in USA: Simple, Cheap, and Flexible Option that’s Best!

Last Updated on January 30, 2024

How to Watch Indian TV Channels in the USA: Ways, Cheap, and Best!

Like everything else the way we watch TV in 2024 has changed a lot. We’re no longer tied to watching on our TV sets at specific times. We can watch on all sorts of devices from our Smart Phones to Games consoles and loads more. Also thanks to the internet, we can also watch while travelling or far from home. Most large TV companies broadcast their programmes in a variety of ways but perhaps the most groundbreaking is the use of the internet and the advance of OTT (Over the Top) media sites and services.

OTT Media Services

OTT (Over The Top) media services have become increasingly popular for watching Indian TV channels in the USA.

In broadcasting, over-the-top content is the audio, video, and other media content delivered over the internet without the involvement of a multiple system operator (MSO) in the control or distribution of the content.

By subscribing to an OTT service like Hotstar (now available via Disney+ bundle), Sling TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Voot, Eros Now, Jadoo TV, Colors, Yupp TV, Zee5, Sonyliv, Mx Player, Jio TV, Star Sports, and SetMax, you can gain access to a wide range of Indian content, including TV shows, movies, sports, and news. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Sign up for a service that offers access to Indian TV channels.
  2. Check the list of available channels and decide which ones to subscribe to.
  3. If you’re located in the USA, you may need to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access some of the channels.
  4. Enjoy watching your favorite Indian TV channels in the USA.

By taking advantage of OTT services, you can easily watch Indian TV channels in the USA. With the wide range of options available, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste.

Importance of VPNs to Watch TV Websites

The only problem with watching TV stations over the internet is the increasing use of a technology called geo-location to restrict access. All the great TV channels available online are usually restricted to specific locations. This is largely due to licensing restrictions which limit access to domestic audiences.  Which is why you’ll find many Indian TV stations normally available free of charge in India are suddenly blocked if you’re somewhere outside the county like the US.

It’s not just Indian channels, virtually every large media company does exactly the same. Wonderful sites like BBC iPlayer are blocked outside the UK, just as US sites remove access when you leave the USA too. It’s confusing, frustrating and can get very annoying particularly if you travel a lot. Even paid subscriptions will suddenly disappear because you’re in the wrong country – a bizarre restriction indeed. There is a solution though, simply take control of what these sites see about you and your location.

Change your Country with a VPN

So the problem is that nearly every large media site restricts access to their domestic market. Even the ones that allow International access will alter content available based on your location too – like Netflix and Amazon Prime. So for example it’s difficult to get the Indian version of Netflix if you’re in the USA.

Here’s how you change your country and watch whatever you like irrespective of your actual location. This demonstrates using a VPN to pretend you’re in India –

NordVPN Discount Page


It works because the website or application only sees the IP address of the VPN server you’re connected to. So, as most decent VPN services have servers all over the world you simply pick the country you need.

For Indian TV and media sites pick an Indian server, for British sites pick a UK one and so on,

What’s the best Way to Watch Indian TV channels in the USA?

So armed with a suitable VPN then it doesn’t matter which country you’re actually located in. You just pick the country you need to be in!

The best way to watch Indian TV channels in the USA is to subscribe to one of the many OTT platforms available, such as Hotstar, Sling TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Voot, Eros Now, Jadoo TV, Colors, Yupp TV, Zee5, Sonyliv, Mx Player, Jio TV, Star Sports, and SetMax. You can also use a VPN to access Indian channels, however, this may not be the most cost-effective solution.

To watch Indian TV channels in the USA, follow the steps below:

  1. Choose an OTT platform that offers the Indian channels you are looking for.
  2. Select a subscription plan that suits your preferences.
  3. Create an account and start streaming.
  4. If you are using a VPN, make sure to configure it correctly before streaming.
  5. Enjoy your favorite Indian channels in the USA.

OTT Media Services

OTT (Over The Top) media services have become increasingly popular for watching Indian TV channels in the USA. By subscribing to an OTT service like Hotstar (now available via Disney+ bundle), Sling TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Voot, Eros Now, Jadoo TV, Colors, Yupp TV, Zee5, Sonyliv, Mx Player, Jio TV, Star Sports, and SetMax, you can gain access to a wide range of Indian content, including TV shows, movies, sports, and news. Here are the steps to follow:

  1. Sign up for an OTT service that offers access to Indian TV channels.
  2. Check the list of available channels and decide which ones to subscribe to.
  3. If you’re located in the USA, you may need to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access some of the channels.
  4. Enjoy watching your favorite Indian TV channels in the USA.

By taking advantage of OTT services, you can easily watch Indian TV channels in the USA. With the wide range of options available, you’re sure to find something that suits your taste.

What are the Indian television channels?

1. Zee TV

Zee TV is a popular Hindi channel that offers an array of exclusive content, music, live TV, and blockbuster movies. It provides content in 12 different languages and comes with a price of $8.48 (699 INR)/mo.

It is best known for its plethora of programming options. Some of the most popular shows include family dramas, mythological epics, Bollywood blockbusters, and more. Zee TV also offers news and cricket updates 24 hours a day. It also provides access to premium channels like Zee Cinema, Star Gold, Star Cricket, and Sony Entertainment. Additionally, there are other popular channels such as Colors TV, Sab TV, Set Max, and India TV.

For those looking to watch Indian TV channels from the US, there are several options available. Xfinity X1 offers a range of South Asian channels, while Dish TV provides access to the Hindi 2 Pack, Hindi Pack, and Hindi Plus Pack at varying prices. Willow HD is also available on Channel Number 3101 (HD) and 3285 (SD), while Zee TV HD is available on Channel Number 3103 (HD) and 3287 (SD).

2. Colors

Colors TV is a Hindi-language general entertainment channel owned by Viacom 18, a joint venture between Viacom Inc. and TV18. It was launched in 2008 and broadcasts an array of shows in genres such as comedy, drama, non-fiction, and reality. Colors TV is the flagship channel of the network and features a wide range of shows including Mythology, Family Drama, Comedy, Thriller, Romance, Crime, Horror, and more. It also broadcasts several international shows such as Bigg Boss, MasterChef India, KBC, and Fear Factor. Some of its popular shows include Balika Vadhu, Choti Bahu, Uttaran, Bani – Ishq Da Kalma, Beintehaa, and more.

3. Sony TV

Sony TV is a Hindi-language general entertainment channel based in India that was launched in October 1995, and is owned by Sony Pictures Networks India. It is one of India’s leading television channels, airing popular shows like Crime Patrol, Peshwa Bajirao, Indian Idol and Kaun Banega Crorepati.

The channel offers a wide range of Indian television channels including comedy, drama, sports, news, and lifestyle programming. Some of the most popular shows on the channel include Beyhadh, Yeh Un Dinon Ki Baat Hai, Super Dancer and CID.

Sony TV also offers a variety of other channels including Sony MAX, Sony SAB, Sony Mix and Sony Pal. The channel also offers a variety of sports, movie and lifestyle channels such as Sony ESPN, Sony Six, and Sony PIX.

In addition to the channels listed above, Sony TV also offers a wide range of other Indian television channels including Star Plus, Zee TV, Zee Cinema, Star Gold, Star Cricket, Sony Entertainment, Colors TV, Sab TV, Set Max, India TV, and more. These channels offer a variety of programming including comedy, drama, sports, news, and lifestyle content.

4. Star Plus

Star Plus is a popular Hindi TV channel owned by Star India Network. It is known for its family dramas, soap operas, and religious programming. It provides viewers with a mix of entertainment and general programming, including daily soaps, game shows, and reality shows. Star Plus offers a diverse range of content, from supernatural thrillers to light-hearted, romantic comedies. Its popular shows include Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai, Kullfi Kumarr Bajewala, Nazar, Divya Drishti, Kuch Rang Pyar Ke Aise Bhi, Suryaputra Karn, and Bade Bhaiyya Ki Dulhania. Features of Star Plus include:

  1. High-definition streaming of content
  2. Selection of dramas, soaps, reality shows, and more
  3. Live streaming of cricket and other sports
  4. Wide variety of content available in 8 Indian languages
  5. Access to Star Plus Originals
  6. Access to the latest movies
  7. Access to live news
  8. Subscription packages with special offers
  9. Watch on multiple platforms such as TV, mobile, and web.

5. Viacom18

Viacom18 is a leading Indian media conglomerate, with a large portfolio of television channels and content offerings. Its activities and programs span various genres, including news, entertainment, movies, sports, music, and lifestyle. Some of its popular TV channels include Colors, MTV, Nickelodeon, Sonic, VH1, Comedy Central, and Rishtey. Its offerings also include its movie channel, Colors Cineplex, and its streaming service, Voot. It also distributes content through its OTT platform, Voot Select. Viacom18’s programming also includes a variety of reality shows, game shows, and daily soaps. Additionally, Viacom18 also produces non-fiction shows, special event programming, and digital-first formats. It also owns a wide range of multimedia properties, including its Radio City network of radio stations, and mobile applications such as Colors Infinity, Colors Marathi, and Colors Tamil.

7. NDTV

NDTV (New Delhi Television) is an Indian news media company that operates a variety of television channels. These channels include news, current affairs, lifestyle, entertainment, and sports. The channels are broadcasted in Hindi, English, and several other languages.

NDTV 24×7 is the flagship channel of the NDTV network. It broadcasts news, current affairs, and political debates. NDTV India is a Hindi language news and current affairs channel. NDTV Good Times is a lifestyle and entertainment channel that covers topics ranging from cuisine, travel, home decor, and more. NDTV Profit and Prime are business news channels that provide analysis of stock markets and coverage of business news. NDTV Prime is a lifestyle, entertainment and sports channel.

NDTV also operates several other channels such as NDTV Convergence, NDTV Hindu, NDTV MetroNation, NDTV Imagine, NDTV Spice, NDTV Lumiere, NDTV 24×7 (International), NDTV Profit (International), and NDTV Good Times (International).

8. ETV

ETV, or Electronic Television, is a type of digital terrestrial television broadcasting in India that transmits audio and video signals over the airwaves. It has been in operation since 2004 and is used by many major broadcasters to reach viewers in India.

ETV offers a variety of features that make it attractive to viewers. These include the ability to broadcast to multiple regions at the same time, improved picture and sound quality, and improved reception in rural areas. It also offers channels in multiple languages, including Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Urdu, and English. In addition, ETV also provides access to other services such as pay-per-view and interactive data services.

Overall, ETV provides viewers with an enhanced TV viewing experience. It also offers other features such as free channels, international channels, parental control, and more. There are also several plans available to suit the needs of each individual user. This allows viewers to access their favorite shows and movies from the comfort of their own homes.

9. Life OK

Life OK is an Indian Hindi-language television channel owned by Star India. It was launched on 18 December 2011, and is a part of the STAR India network. It features a wide range of programming, including family dramas, comedies, youth-oriented reality shows, shows on crime and television films. It is available in over ten countries, including India, the United States, Canada, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Life OK features content from various genres, including comedy, drama, reality shows, crime series, family dramas, youth-oriented shows, and television films. Some of its popular shows include Bhabhi Ji Ghar Par Hain, Dil Toh Happy Hai Ji, Ishqbaaz, Sumit Sambhal Lega, Baavle Utaavle, Bandhan, and many more. The channel also broadcasts shows like Mahakumbh, LIFE OK Screen Awards, and SuperCops vs Supervillians.

Life OK offers exclusive content, such as shows like Naagin, Kaal Bhairav Rahasya, and Pukaar. It also hosts events like LIFE OK Screen Awards, SuperCops vs Supervillians, and Mahakumbh. The channel also features content like short films, documentaries, and movies. Life OK is available in HD, as well as on air, and also offers an online streaming service, which allows users to watch their favorite shows on their mobile devices and PCs.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions about How to Watch Indian TV Channels in USA:

  1. How can I watch Indian channels in USA?

Answer: You can watch Indian channels in the USA by subscribing to a reliable and fast Virtual Private Network (VPN) service like ExpressVPN. This will allow you to access streaming services of Indian TV in the USA.

  1. What are some popular Indian TV channels in USA?

Answer: The most popular Indian channels in the USA include NDTV 24×7, CNN IBN, Aaj Tak, and other news channels.

  1. Are there any streaming services that offer Indian TV in USA?

Answer: Yes, there are several streaming services offering Indian TV in the USA. Some of these include Netflix, Hulu, Dish TV, and Sling TV.

  1. Are there any Indian channels available for free in USA?

Answer: Yes, some Indian channels like the news channels are available for free in the USA. However, the streaming services mentioned above offer premium services that provide access to more Indian channels.

Why a VPN is needed to Watch Indian Channels in USA?

The main reason for needing a VPN to watch Indian TV channels in the USA is due to the licensing agreements that most of these networks have. These networks have restrictions on who can view their content and where it can be viewed. For example, SonyLIV is a popular Indian streaming service and its content is only available in India, meaning it is not accessible in the USA without a VPN. By using a VPN, users can get an Indian IP address, which tricks the TV service into thinking that the user is actually in India and thus allows them to access the content. This is the main advantage of using a VPN to watch Indian TV channels in the USA.

Why are Indian channels restricted in the USA?

The reason for the restriction of Indian TV channels in the USA is due to licensing agreements that content distributors and owners have in place. The licensing agreements determine the geographic restrictions of their content, so streaming platforms limit the areas where they can broadcast shows. This means that Indian channels are only available to be watched within India, and if anyone tries to access them from the USA, they will land on an error page.

However, this doesn’t mean that viewers outside of India can’t watch Indian channels – they just need to use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to disguise their IP address and appear to be located in India. This will allow them to bypass all restrictions on Indian channels and access all the content with ease.  So you can watch Hindi channels in USA and in any country you like.

In addition, viewers in the USA can also subscribe to OTT platforms such as Hotstar, Sling TV, Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Voot, Eros Now, Jadoo TV, Colors, Yupp TV, Zee5, Sonyliv, Mx Player, Jio TV, Star Sports, and SetMax to watch Indian channels in the USA.

These OTT platforms are the best and most effective way to watch Indian channels in the US, and are often the cheapest way to do so.

Overall, the reason for the restriction of Indian TV channels in the USA is due to licensing agreements that content distributors have in place, but viewers can use a VPN or subscribe to OTT platforms to watch Indian channels in the USA.

Best Indian TV channels to Watch

When it comes to watching Indian TV channels in the U.S., there are lots of options to choose from. Many of these local South Indian TV channels and cable channels are free to watch in India, but can only be accessed in the U.S. with a VPN. Popular streaming services such as Voot, YuppTV, Jadoo TV, Sling TV packages, Dish TV packages, Hotstar USA packages, Star Channels/Star Sports Package, Colors TV Channels, My Indian TV packages, News Channels Aaj Tak etc, Vijay TV, Dishworld IPTV, Willow TV, Jio TV, Sun TV, Zee5 TV, SonyLiv, Netflix India packages, and YouTube are all great options for watching Indian TV in the U.S.

For Hindi channels, Jadoo Tv, Sling TV, YouTube, Hotstar, Amazon Prime Video India, Netflix India, and Alt Balaji are all great choices. Smart TVs, Firesticks, Roku, and Kodi are all good devices on which to watch Indian channels. Streaming services such as Zee5 TV, Voot, Amazon Prime Video India, Netflix India, Hotstar, Alt Balaji, and Sonyliv are all great platforms for watching Indian TV channels in the U.S. YuppTV, Guru IPTV, and Sling TV are all great options for accessing Indian channels in the U.S.

The top 10 Indian TV channels to watch in the U.S. are Star Plus, Zee TV, Zee Cinema, Star Gold, Star Cricket, Sony Entertainment, Colors TV, Sab TV, Set Max, and India TV. Popular streaming services such as YuppTV, Guru IPTV, Sling TV, Disney+ Hotstar, Eros Now, Jadoo TV, Voot, MX Player, Sony Liv, Ozee TV, Yupp TV, Star Plus, Jio TV, Star Sports, Alt Balaji, Netflix India, and Zee TV all provide great content from India and broadcast major sports events such as the IPL (Indian Premier League) in different languages.

Overall, there are plenty of great options for watching Indian TV channels in the U.S. With the right streaming service, VPN, and device, you can watch all the top Indian TV channels and sports events in the comfort of your own home.

Best Indian TV Shows to Watch in USA

What are the best Indian TV shows to watch in the USA?

With a huge Indian-origin population in the United States, it’s no surprise that there is a huge demand for watching Indian programming in the US. Fortunately, there are a number of ways to watch Indian TV in the US, ranging from OTT (over-the-top) platforms to installing a VPN on your device.

Some of the best Indian TV shows to watch in the USA include Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Big Boss, Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata hai, among other shows. To watch these shows, you can access various OTT platforms such as Hotstar (available via Disney+ bundle), Sling TV, Netflix (Indian content), Amazon Prime Video (Indian content), Voot, Eros Now, Jadoo TV, Colors, Yupp TV, Zee5, Sonyliv, Mx Player, Jio TV, Star Sports and SetMax.

In addition, if you want to watch local South Indian TV channels and cable channels, you can download a VPN and subscribe to the below services – Dish TV packages, My Indian TV packages, News Channels Aaj Tak etc, Vijay TV, Dishworld IPTV, Willow TV and Sun TV.

With a variety of options to choose from, you can certainly stay up-to-date with all the latest Bollywood movies and Indian TV shows in the USA.

Can I Get Star Channels in USA?

The easiest way is to use a VPN, switch your location and get an Indian subscription to Star (which is cheaper). Alternatively there are a few streaming services in the US which contain Star channels like Sling and Hotstar.

So to Summarize – How to Watch Indian Channels in USA?

You just need to change the nationality of your IP address from the US to India.  The easiest method is to use a VPN or proxy to hide your real location.  You’ll need a service which has Indian servers, simply connect and disconnect as required.

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