How to Watch Handball in Germany Without a Subscription is a common question among handball fans who want to enjoy German leagues and international competitions legally and for free, without paying for expensive streaming subscriptions.
Quick Answer
You can watch handball in Germany without a subscription by using free German public broadcasters such as ARD and ZDF. If you are outside Germany, accessing these free streams with a legal VPN allows you to watch matches safely, legally, and in HD quality.
Introduction
Handball is one of the fastest and most exciting sports in the world, and Germany is the global center of professional handball. The German Handball Bundesliga, national team matches, and European competitions attract millions of fans every season.
Despite its popularity, many viewers — especially from the United States, United Kingdom, and Canada — struggle to find ways to watch German handball without paying for expensive subscriptions or using unsafe streaming websites.
The good news is simple:
👉 Watching handball in Germany without a subscription is possible, legal, and safe.
This guide explains how to watch handball in Germany without a subscription, step by step, using only official and trusted platforms.
Why Is Handball Streaming Restricted in Germany?
Broadcasting Rights and Geo-Restrictions
Handball broadcasting rights are sold on a regional basis. German broadcasters pay for exclusive rights, which leads to:
Free streams are limited to Germany
Paid platforms are controlling premium matches
Geo-blocking for international viewers
This means some matches are free, but only accessible from inside Germany.
Is It Legal to Watch Handball Without a Subscription?
Yes — as long as you use official broadcasters and legal platforms.
Legal Ways to Watch Handball:
Public broadcasters such as ARD and ZDF
Official sports streaming platforms
Ad-supported free streams
Using a VPN to access free public content
Methods to Avoid:
Pirated streaming websites
Unofficial mirrors
Unknown download sources
This guide focuses only on legal and safe methods.
Free German Broadcasters That Stream Handball
ARD and ZDF (Public Broadcasters)
Germany’s public broadcasters regularly show:
Selected German Handball Bundesliga matches
German national team games
European and World Championships
Advantages:
Free to watch
HD streaming quality
Professional commentary
Limitation:
Streams are geo-restricted outside Germany.
Sportschau and ZDF Mediathek
These platforms offer:
Live handball matches
Full match replays
Highlights and expert analysis
No subscription, no registration, and no payment required.
How to Watch Handball in Germany From Outside the Country
Using a VPN (Legal & Safe Method)
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to connect to a German server, making it appear as if you are browsing from Germany.
This method works perfectly for viewers in:
United States
United Kingdom
Canada
Why Using a VPN Is Legal
VPNs are legal in Germany and most countries
You access free public broadcasts
No copyright laws are violated
Step-by-Step: Watch Handball in Germany Without a Subscription
Choose a trusted VPN with servers in Germany
Connect to a German server
Visit ARD, ZDF, or Sportschau website
Select a live handball match or replay
Enjoy the game in HD quality for free
Comparison Table: Free vs Paid Handball Streaming
| Feature | Free Legal Streaming | Paid Subscription |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Monthly fee |
| Video Quality | HD / Full HD | HD / Full HD |
| Registration | Not required | Required |
| Legal Risk | None | None |
| Coverage | Selected matches | Full season |
Free International Platforms Showing Handball
YouTube (Official Channels)
Several official handball organizations upload:
Match highlights
Full replays (delayed)
Friendly and youth matches
Always verify that the channel is official and verified.
European Handball Federation (EHF)
The EHF provides:
Selected live matches
Tournament replays
Highlights and analysis
Some content is available worldwide without a subscription.
Devices You Can Use to Watch Handball for Free
You can watch handball without a subscription on:
Desktop and laptop computers
iOS and Android smartphones
Smart TVs
Amazon Fire Stick
Android TV devices
Streaming Quality: Legal vs Illegal Platforms
| Feature | Legal Free Streams | Illegal Streams |
|---|---|---|
| Video Quality | HD and stable | Low and unstable |
| Safety | Secure | High malware risk |
| Ads | Minimal | Aggressive pop-ups |
| Legal Issues | None | Possible penalties |
Handball Competitions You Can Watch Without a Subscription
Depending on the season, free broadcasts may include:
German Handball Bundesliga (selected matches)
DHB-Pokal
European Handball Championship
World Championship
National team friendly matches
Best Handball Streaming Services (Top 5 Options in 2025)
While free German broadcasters are the best way to watch handball in Germany without subscription, some fans prefer international streaming platforms for wider coverage, replays, or specific tournaments.
Below are the 5 best handball streaming services in 2025, explained briefly to help you choose the right option.
1. EHFTV (Best Free Official Platform)
EHFTV is the official streaming platform of the European Handball Federation (EHF). It covers top European club and national team competitions, including the EHF Champions League, European League, and European Cup.
Key Features:
Free to use (account required)
Live matches, replays, and highlights
Official and reliable source
Limitations:
Some live matches are geo-blocked in countries like Germany, France, and Spain due to TV rights
No dedicated mobile app (browser-based)
Best For:
Fans looking for free and official European handball coverage.
2. DAZN (Best Global Sports Platform)
DAZN is a popular global sports streaming service available in over 200 countries. Handball coverage varies by region, depending on broadcasting rights.
Key Features:
Available in the US, UK, Canada, and Europe
Covers selected IHF and domestic league matches
Works on Smart TVs, mobile apps, and consoles
Limitations:
Subscription required
Handball content depends on your country
Best For:
Viewers who already use DAZN for multiple sports.
3. HBL TV (Best for German Handball Bundesliga)
HBL TV is the official streaming service of the German Handball-Bundesliga (1st & 2nd divisions). It provides live matches, replays, and highlights.
Key Features:
Full Bundesliga coverage
High-quality streams
Chromecast & AirPlay support
Limitations:
Paid subscription required
Not available in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland
No mobile app
Best For:
Fans who want complete Bundesliga coverage outside Germany.
4. ESPN+ (Best for US Viewers)
ESPN+ is a subscription-based service available only in the United States. It streams selected handball competitions through partnerships with the IHF and sometimes the EHF.
Key Features:
Reliable US-based streaming
Covers World Championships and youth tournaments
Mobile and Smart TV support
Limitations:
US-only access
Limited European club coverage
Best For:
American viewers are looking for official handball streams.
5. Viaplay (Best for Nordic & European Fans)
Viaplay is a premium streaming service popular in Nordic countries and parts of Europe. It holds exclusive rights to many handball competitions.
Key Features:
Extensive EHF, IHF, and domestic league coverage
High-quality apps for mobile and TV
Sports-only subscription option
Limitations:
Subscription required
Limited availability outside supported regions
Best For:
Viewers in Sweden, Norway, Denmark, and select European countries.
Quick Comparison Table
| Service | Free | Live Matches | Best For | Geo-Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EHFTV | ✅ | ✅ | Official free content | Yes |
| DAZN | ❌ | ✅ | Multi-sport fans | Yes |
| HBL TV | ❌ | ✅ | Bundesliga fans | Yes |
| ESPN+ | ❌ | ✅ | US viewers | US only |
| Viaplay | ❌ | ✅ | Nordic & EU fans | Yes |
Which Handball Streaming Service Is Best?
If your goal is to watch Handball in Germany without a Subscription, free German public broadcasters (ARD & ZDF) remain the best choice.
However:
Choose EHFTV for free European coverage
Choose DAZN or ESPN+ for regional convenience
Choose HBL TV for full Bundesliga access
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I watch handball in Germany for free?
Yes. Public broadcasters like ARD and ZDF offer free handball streams for selected matches.
Is it legal to use a VPN to watch German handball?
Yes. Using a VPN to access free public broadcasts is legal in Germany, the US, the UK, and Canada.
Do I need a subscription to watch handball in Germany?
No. Many matches are available without a subscription through public broadcasters and official platforms.
Can I watch handball on my phone or Smart TV?
Yes. Free handball streams work on smartphones, laptops, and Smart TVs.
Is free handball streaming safe?
Yes, as long as you use official broadcasters and avoid illegal streaming websites.
Final Verdict
If you are searching for how to watch handball in Germany without a subscription, there is no need for illegal streams or expensive sports packages.
By using free German public broadcasters and a legal VPN, fans from around the world can enjoy high-quality handball matches safely and legally.
German handball is world-class — and now, you can watch it for free.
