Watch ZDF (HD) live stream for free & legally online
As part of the digital broadcasting offerings of the public broadcasters, ZDF can be viewed live at any time and free of charge. In addition to the official stream, there are also more options with various advantages to watch the ZDF program over the Internet. Find out where and how you can see the station on your laptop, smartphone or tablet here on GIGA.
Languages:German
License:Freeware
The Second German Television (ZDF) has been broadcasting its program live since April 1, 1963. You can now watch news and programs like “heute-journal”, thrillers like “SOKO”, the current “Sportstudio” and more online via live stream. With the ZDF media library, on-demand programs, highlights and recommendations are also available to you.
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ZDF HD: Official Live Stream (Browser & App)
Apart from the broadcasting fees, the official live stream from ZDF is of course available free of charge. Please note that due to licensing reasons, certain programs may not be able to be transmitted. The official live stream of the station can be found here:
You can use the official ZDF app on your smartphone or tablet (Android, Apple). In addition to the live stream from ZDF, you will also find the content of ZDFinfo, ZDFneo, 3sat, Phoenix, arte and KIKA here.
Apple (iPhone, iPad)
Android
TV streaming services offered by ZDF HD (MagentaTV, Zattoo & Co.)
Public broadcasters often offer the various German TV streaming services in a free package. The big advantage over the official live stream and the app: You can “zap” through a multitude of channels as you would from television. Anyone who is willing to take out a paid subscription will also receive additional channels and additional features such as the recording of programs. We have summarized the costs and additional functions of the services that ZDF offers as a live stream, among others:
| providers | Package (price / month) | Channel | Functions |
| Joyn |
|
|
Public broadcasters in HD, no account required, on-demand content, only plus: exclusive series & films and private channels in HD |
| Magenta TV |
|
Bookable pay TV and sports channels, cloud recorders, Restart & Timeshift, Megathek, MagentaTV Originals & TV NOW Premium | |
| WaipuTV |
|
|
Only in the paid options: cloud recorder, pause & restart the program, pay TV channels can be booked (included in Perfect) |
| Zattoo |
|
|
Cloud recorder (only Ultimate), additional TV packages can be booked, restart and live pause, on-demand content |
If you don’t need a live stream at all, but a function to digitally record or download ZDF programs, you can find all the information in the following article: Download media library: Record ARD, ZDF, Arte & Co. (Windows & Mac).
How do you watch films & series?
Question 1 of 5
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